PostedDecember 31, 2024

AuthorJames Gerdes

This route is a run little route taking you in to downtown Gatlinburg and Roaring Fork Motor Trail before making your way Hot Springs. Once in Hot Springs, you will head south back towards Maggie view on Rt 209 which is also know as The Rattler. The Rattler has over 234 twists, turns and curves from Hot Springs to Lake Junaluska. After successfully concurring The Rattler you will stop in Waynesville at Bogart's Restaurant & Tavern for a bit to eat before heading back to Maggie Valley. Total mileage for this route is 157 miles or 4hrs of moving time.

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PostedMarch 15, 2018

AuthorGary Carter

This route could have you asking are we done yet! Leaving in the morning from Maggie Valley you will head north with a nice ryde up the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 2hrs and 30mins or approximately 109 miles to Little Switzerland. At around 11:30am the route has you breaking for lunch at Mountain View Restaurant before taking a complete spin around 226A (otherwise known as the Diamondback). After making the loop, you will start your route back heading south down the Parkway to top of the Devil's Whip. Just when you think you are complete you will encounter The Sidewinder bring you back in towards Chimney Rock and Hendersonville, NC. This route is action packed with great scenic views and plenty of the twists. Total mileage will be 260 miles or 6hrs and 39mins of moving time.

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PostedMarch 15, 2018

AuthorGary Carter

Departing from Maggie Valley, this route will have you on two of the areas well known motorcycle roads. Before traveling north on the Tail of the Dragon, stop in at Deal's Gap for a token and visit the Tree of Shame. Before departing be sure to get the URL information of the photographers that will be long the road, so you can check out your photos later. Once departed from the Dragon, you will head south on 360 to Tellico for lunch at Tellicafe before heading back to Maggie Valley via the Cherohala Skyway. This route is also know on the maps as the Brown Loop, total mileage will be 239 miles or 5hrs and 56mins of moving time.

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PostedMarch 14, 2018

AuthorGary Carter

Departing from Maggie Valley Travel to Caesar's Head, South Carolina to take in the breathtaking views. After viewing the mountains tops head, head to Easley for lunch at Mutt's BBQ. After lunch, fuel up and head for Wayah Road. You will stop in Sylva, NC to top off the take and maybe a DQ Ice Cream before ending back to Maggie Valley. This route will be fun filled with plenty of Mountain Views and Twisty curves. The total mileage of the route is 281 miles or 7hrs and 44mins of moving time.

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PostedMarch 14, 2018

AuthorGary Carter

This route will take you via secondary roads up to Commerce, GA where you have the option to stop for the night. (Hotel: Best Western Commerce) . The route then continues on from Commerce and heads toward to Maggie Valley via the Moonshiner 28 and Blue Ridge Parkway. This route has planned rest and fuel stops along with a lunch stop in Lyons, GA. While on your way to Maggie Valley there are also rest stops at Dry Falls and Cut Off Ridge. Total trip mileage is 606 miles or 12hrs and 25mins of moving time.

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PostedMarch 14, 2018

AuthorGary Carter

Overview

105 miles (one way) - Back in the 1980s, when Washington set up a road block and check-point on US 1, the only road leading from the Keys to the mainland, islanders fought back and... formed their own nation. Renamed the "Conch Republic" the Keys' new designation became a source of local pride - and a major source of promoting tourism. At one point, "souvenir" passports were even issued to citizens and diplomats. Every year on April 23, the Keys celebrates its own Independence Day, a week-long series of festivals. Even if the passports are no longer being issued, the same freethinking spirit remains. The road south is breathtaking and life is laid back. You'll pass mangrove swamps and wildlife rehabilitation centers, witness spectacular sunsets, and have your pick of more than 200 restaurants. Once you hit Key West, consider hopping the ferry to Dry Tortugas, a picturesque national park home to Fort Jefferson, built after the War of 1812 to defend the country's souther coastline.

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Points Of Interest

Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center (92080 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL)
Dolphin Research Center (58901 Overseas Hwy Grassy Key, FL)
Ernest Hemingway House & Museum (907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL)
Dry Tortugas National Park (www.drytortugas.com)

Lunch Stops

Mrs. Mac's Kithen (99336 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL)
Latitudes (245 Front St, Key West, FL)
Conch Republic Seafood Company (631 Greene St, Key West, FL)

PostedMarch 30, 2016

AuthorJames Gerdes

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Overview

252 miles - Only two routes cross the Everglades: Alligator Alley (I-75) and the Tamiami Trail (US 41). This ride is best experienced between October and May, and riders should come prepared: Carry water, hydrate at very stop, and bring sunscreen. There will be lots of wildlife to see crossing the Everglades, including deer and a variety of birds, and interesting places to stop. Don't pull over when you see the first alligator - there's an abundance of these reptiles along the route! But make sure to put your stand down eventually: The heart of the Everglades is best experienced on foot. Check out a boardwalk trail, the tram through Shark Valley, or hop on an airboat. Well-maintained for both the two-lane and four-lane portions of tarmac. Use caution when riding Snake Road, as roadkill is common.

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Points Of Interest

Shark Valley Visitor Center (36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL)
Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center (www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/oasis-visitor-center.htm)
Ochopee Post Office (38000 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL)
Billie Swamp Safari (30000 Gator Tail Trl, Clewiston, FL)
Everglades Holiday Park (www.evergladesholidaypark.com)

Lunch Stops

Joanie's Blue Crab Cafe (39395 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL)
Coopertown Restaurant (22700 SW 8th St, Miami, FL)

PostedMarch 30, 2016

AuthorJames Gerdes

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Overview

286 miles - SR A1A is an enchanting north-south route spanning just south of Georgia on Amelia Island down toward Key West. This stretch of mostly two-lane roads navigates the stunning beauty, history, and quiet serenity of some of the state's largest and smallest towns. You'll pass museums, state parks, national monuments, trails, piers, estuaries, and preserves, with your pick of hundreds of places to fuel up on food. Shopping, art, and outdoor markets abound, and history buffs and veterans will stand in admiration at the Kennedy Space Center and National SEAL Museum. Whether you start early and stop often or cruise the whole way south, you'll find each passing sight to be a delight.

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Points Of Interest

Daytona Moto Dealerships (1637 North US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach, FL)
Daytona International Speedway (1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL)
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (4931 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL)
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (SR 405, Florida)
National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum (3300 N Hwy A1A, Fort Perce, FL)
Blowing Rocks Preserve (574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL)
Key Biscayne (www.keybiscayne.fl.gov)

Lunch Stops

Chill-E-Dogs (613 N Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater, FL)
Kim's Donut & Deli's (1800 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL)
Too Cool Cafe (2051 South Patrick Dr, Indian Harbour Beach, FL)
Yellow Green Farmers market (1940 N 30th Rd, Hollywood, FL)
Las Olas Cafe (644 6th St, Miami Beach, FL)

PostedMarch 30, 2016

AuthorJames Gerdes

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Overview

568 miles - You'll find that the area around Tampa has it all. The state's warm climate has always attracted settlers from afar; head south toward the intriguing Koreshan State Historic site - once grounds of a new religion, Koreshanity - and see for yourself. As you glide along the coast, turn off route toward Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs, a peaceful stretch of land perfect for soaking up the sun. Tracing the edge of the Everglades, you'll head northeast, passing small barbecue spots, cafes, and diners along the way, perfect for a midday feast. Those in need of a dose of nature will be happy to find themselves rounding Lake Okeechobee. Later, veer off at Mosaic Peace River Park in Fort Meade before heading back toward Tampa.

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Points Of Interest

The Dali Museum (1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL)
John & Mable Ringling Museum Of Art (5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL)
Sarasota National Cemetery (9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL)
Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park (505 Barefoot Beach Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL)
Ybor City (www.yborcityonline.com)
Manatee Viewing Center (6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL)
Tampa Bay Sailing Tours (518 N Tampa St #300, Tampa, FL)

Lunch Stops

Uncle Andy's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor (3400 Gulf Ave, St. Pete Beach, FL)
Log Cabin BBQ (480 W Hickpochee Ave, LaBelle, FL)
Nutmeg's Cafe (515 SW Park St, Okeechobee, FL)
Palm Diner (2710 Kenilworth Blvd, Sebring, FL)
Maxwell Groves (607 E Circle St, Avon Park, FL)

PostedMarch 30, 2016

AuthorJames Gerdes

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Overview

549 miles - In the midst of summer, Florida's Panhandle bustles with activity. Ride along the Gulf - better known as the Emerald Coast - and you'll find pristine sugar-sand beaches, turquoise waters, an array of marine life, open-air shopping spots, fresh seafood, hidden coves and beaches, and some peaceful and quiet surf side towns, too. Turn inland and you'll hit lush, mossy forests, salt springs, historic settlements, and some hidden restaurant gems. Main roads along the coast are flat and straight, but, particularly near Apalachicola, the pace will slow as you pass quaint rural bridges and vistas. Inland, SR 12 will take you through several scenic spots that are unlikely to show up on a travel brochure. Enjoy cozy Main Street rides and towering pines. This route is accessible to all types of riders and motorcycles, and best done outside of summer when temperatures are cooler and roads are less crowded.

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Points Of Interest

Apalachicola (www.historicapalachicola.com)
St. Marks Lighthouse (1255 Lighthouse Rd, St. Marks, FL)
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement (Sam Atkins park, Blountstown, FL)
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park (2860 State Park Rd, Ponce de Leon Springs, FL)
Seacrest Wolf Preserve (3449 Bonnett Pond Rd, Chipley, FL)
West Florida Railroad Museum (5003 Henry St, Milton, FL)
Air Force Armament Museum (100 Museum Dr, Elgin Air Force Base, FL)

Lunch Stops

Rutabaga Cafe (23 Jackson St, Chattahoochee, FL)
Little Big Store (35 S 8th St, Defuniak Springs, FL)
Baker County Kitchen (5490 Hwy 4, Baker, FL)
Chanticleer Eatery (55 Clayton Ln, Santa Roas Beach, FL)

PostedMarch 30, 2016

AuthorJames Gerdes

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Overview

445 miles - This route is a feast for the eyes and the soul. Heading north on A1A, you'll hit a portion of the infamous Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail (OSLT), a 30+ mile double loop of roadways that traverse some of the most unique, beautiful, and diverse natural settings in all of northeast Florida. Palms, pines, and low-hanging trees guide you way north to sparkling, historic St. Augustine. Heading west and need a break? Turn slightly off route on I-95 toward Yulee and check out Florida Welcome Center, said to be one of the best in the country. While major highways will take you through Gainesville, you'll have ample opportunity to veer off and experience natural preserves, gardens, and salt springs. Don't miss the equestrian farms around Ocala or the dozens of larger-than-life murals painted across downtown Palatka.

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Points Of Interest

Marineland (9600 N Oceanshore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL)
St. Augustine (www.oldcity.com)
Amelia Island (www.ameliaisland.com)
Florida Welcome Center (milepost 378 I-95 S, Yulee FL)
Harn Museum Of Art (3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL)
Florida Museum Of Natural History's Butterfly Rainforest (3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL)
Paynes Prarie Preserve State Park (100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, FL)
City Of Murals (www.palatkadowntown.com)

Lunch Stops