Friends of ours get together in western NC every July for Blue Ridge Gathering. This event 5 years ago was actually the first trip that Zach and I took together and we have not been able to make it back since. So it was great to get back and reminisce.
Where We Stayed
Our trip this year was a bit last minute, but we were able to find an RV spot at the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge & Resort. While we stayed in our trailer, there are multiple options there for lodging; tent sites, rv sites, cabins, covered wagons and more. They have a small store onsite, offer breakfast and dinner options, a game room and nice bathrooms. Not going to lie, nice bathrooms are always a huge hit for me. I can rough it when needed, but it is always a relief when I don’t have to.
Where Our Friends Stayed
The actual Blue Ridge Gathering event takes place at Fontana Village Resort, so that is where our friends stayed. It is another great option if you are looking to visit Western North Carolina. They have a lodge, cabins, pool, general store and more onsite.
Activities
Motorcycle Rides
Zach loves visiting Western North Carolina because there are some great roads to ride his motorcycle on. One of the most popular is Tail of the Dragon; 318 curves in 11 miles. Some other roads nearby are Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner 28 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Paddleboarding
Since riding on the motorcycle isn’t really my thing, I decided to take my paddleboard out on Fontana Lake. I launched at Lemmons Branch Boat Launch in Almond, NC. One thing that I didn’t know about Fontana Lake until I got out on the water was that there are a lot of houseboats tied up around the lake. It was a fun adventure to paddle around all these small floating shacks on the water.
This was Ganni’s second time out on the paddleboard and he did great. He took in all the sights and would either sit or lay down between my feet.
Places to Stop
Graham Coffee Co
This is a coffee food truck on the side of the road just outside of downtown Robbinsville. Super friendly staff, delicious coffee and all their drinks have motorcycle themed names.
Tapoco Lodge
I will be forcing Zach to take me here next time we are in the area. He was able to make a trip there this time, but I was still out on the water. The views overlooking the Cheoah River look amazing. Like a great place to sit, relax and take time to disconnect.
Can’t wait to get back!
For a look at other travel adventures, click here.
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