by bluewaters | Sep 1, 2016 | Uncategorized
What sounds like a mad cap 60’s movie is actually a recent phenomenon occurring in Robbinsville, North Carolina. Graham County has become an international destination for visitors from over twenty seven countries and six continents in just the last six weeks.
Through the internet, the 318 curves in 11 miles on Highway 129 has become renowned to motorcyclists and sports car drivers as the Tail of the Dragon worldwide. Tourists from countries as far as China, Japan, Malaysia, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Columbia, Italy, France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Germany, Russia, South Africa and Tanzania as well as Canada and Mexico have all made a pilgrimage to the small town.
Mike Stewart, owner of Blue Waters Mountain Lodge, stated “we have been excited to host so many visitors from all over the world this summer and the overwhelming draw is the roadways of Graham County. Dragonslayers arrive speaking many different languages and each has the same reaction at the mere mention of US 129 – childlike enthusiasm”. In addition to the “Dragon”, the scenic Cherohala Skyway, Hellbender and the Devil’s Triangle offer enthusiasts a great ride with plenty of breathtaking views.
Others are drawn by the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Many international guests say that they were taught in school about the ancient Smoky Mountains, part of the oldest mountain range in North America. Guests find themselves captivated by the majestic vistas, interested to discover the history of the Cherokee and impressed by the commitment to conservation the parks and forests exemplify.
Global conflicts and lackluster economic indicators aside, each visitor to Graham County appreciates the beauty with which local residents live each day. This can be summed up by a comment made by Andy Mills of England as he floated an afternoon away on Lake Santeetlah, “if I’m dreaming, don’t pinch me!
Please see our website, www.BlueWatersMtnL.com for more details.
by bluewaters | Aug 24, 2016 | Uncategorized
Of all the seasons, summer deserves a proper goodbye. And, thankfully, our great nation has given us a mandatory long weekend to enjoy the dwindling summer activities before autumn and its busy schedule drop kicks us back to working reality.
Escape from your hectic routine to the shores of Lake Santeetlah. Take the time you deserve to relax and be together. Choose your own adventure, whether it’s a hike through Joyce Kilmer Forest, canoeing on the lake or an exciting and challenging drive or ride on the Tail of the Dragon or the Cherohala Skyway.
Please see our website, www.BlueWatersMtnL.com for more details.
by bluewaters | Aug 5, 2016 | Uncategorized
The distance between Robbinsville and Hollywood is 2,250 miles but for a couple of days this week, local passersby of Blue Waters Mountain Lodge might have argued it was a little closer. Speed TV, in partnership with Suzuki Cycles came to Robbinsville on August 4, 2009 to shoot scenes for the series “Suzuki Summer Cruise”.
Speed, a subsidiary of Fox Entertainment, is the exclusive U.S. cable home for many of the top motor sports series in the world. Its weekly programming schedule on Speed brings car enthusiast television to prime time Monday through Thursday. Available in 78 million homes in North American, Speed is among the fastest growing sports cable networks as well as home to NASCAR TV.
On air personalities Molly Culver and Neale Bayly discovered that Graham County was truly a gem in the Smokies. Molly, an actress and model, is best known for portraying the role of Tasha Dexter on the syndicated television series, “V.I.P.” and Neale, who is no stranger to the television camera, in front of or behind the lens, currently hosts “Trippin’ on Two Wheels” on Speed. Both are accomplished riders and spent their days in Robbinsville being filmed riding the Tail of the Dragon (U.S. 129), Hellbender (N.C. 28) and N.C. 143 through Stecoah Gap.
Mark Mitchell, Executive Director of Speed stated that this was the network’s first project designed solely for its internet channel. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Mark has ridden the back roads of Western North Carolina for years and stated “the roads were ideal for Speed’s productions”. Collectively, cast and crew were impressed with the quality and condition of the roads as well as the beautiful vistas in Graham County.
The production was organized by Bill Kneigge of Blue Strada Tours. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Blue Strada provides bikes, all inclusive lodging and guided tours of western North Carolina to worldwide clientele.
Mike Stewart, proprietor of Blue Waters Mountain Lodge stated “we really enjoyed the cast and crew’s stay and are excited to see this talented group’s results.”
The series is slated to premiere on www.SpeedTV.com in mid-September, 2009.
Please see our website, www.BlueWatersMtnL.com for more details.
by bluewaters | Jul 27, 2016 | Uncategorized
The lazy days of summer are here. Farm stands throughout the area are filled with baskets of fruit and vegetables warmed by the summer sun. The breeze carries the hum of cicadas by day and the chirp of katydids at night. The roadsides are blooming with the lacy cups of Queen Anne’s lace, the bright blue of bachelor’s buttons, and the yellow orange petals of the black-eyed Susans. A summer sunrise is a lovely thing to watch, and the evening breeze cools us as we see the sky grow orange and pink with sunset.
Summer on Lake Santeetlah is warm and cozy, without being hot and humid. The gentle breeze from the lake provides just the right amount of cool during the day when water sports are at their most exciting and sunbathing is at its most relaxing. Swimming, water skiing, boating, and more are taking place for those all that can make full use of this beautiful secluded pristine lake.
We encourage you to join us to enjoy these lazy summer days on Lake Santeetlah, where the livin’ is easy, fish are jumpin’…..
Please see our website, www.BlueWatersMtnL.com for more details.
by bluewaters | Jul 20, 2016 | Uncategorized
Sometimes you have to suspect that a romantic snuck into a job with the Department of Public Works. How else to explain the 318 turns in 11 miles that bless US 129, an otherwise sleepy route through the Smoky Mountains? Given a mountain pass through which they could quite reasonably have blasted a straight line; there are hairpins, cambered esses and right-over-crest-into-off-camber-sweepers that drop into tree-lined straights.
The road is used by locals to shuttle between the small towns of Robbinsville, North Carolina, and Maryville, Tennessee, but for every vehicle that traverses the mountains to bring Grandma to her doctor’s appointment, there are 10 for whom the road is the destination. Like any object of affection, the 11-mile stretch of the US 129 has pet names, including Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon or, simply, The Dragon.
This week, Robbinsville will be invaded by Mazda Miatas from all over the country. They are like pilgrims travelling to this Mecca of twisted tarmac. Everyone will be here for the same reason: acceleration, be it lateral or longitudinal and, for an unfortunate few, vertical. We look forward to seeing are old friends and meeting a few new ones at Blue Waters Mountain Lodge as they all embrace the challenge of slaying the Dragon!
Please see our website, www.BlueWatersMtnL.com for more details.
by bluewaters | Jul 15, 2016 | Uncategorized
The summer is here and if you are looking to spend a vacation this season with your family or friends at a place that will satisfy your appetite for serenity and viewing Earth’s magnificent landscaping, Blue Waters Mountain Lodge is nestled along the Appalachian Mountains on the North Carolina border that is just the spot for you.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest in the U.S. This gigantic area full of nature’s beauty will be a perfect place to go to spend a day together either riding through the winding roads or walking the trails that slice through the mountains. Stop and snap shots at points that are above 4,500 feet in elevation or read the numerous markers that are full of facts and figures about the park. The majestic valleys dip deep showing for miles trees blanketing the mountainside. On your journey, witness waterfalls small and big and little waterways giving you a sense of calm that you long for on any particular day.
You’ll be treated to a history lesson as the Appalachian Mountains were a major beacon to the Northeast when there were no roads. The legendary Appalachian Trail can be intersected here, and if you have days or weeks to spare, you can walk it all the way to Maine.
Hiking and biking are all things that can be experienced here. So if you are looking for a family affair with a chance to look back on times of yesteryear and learn about one of America’s greatest treasures, or if you want to take friends and ride or walk through the hundreds of thousands of acres nature’s gift, stop by and prepare yourself for another wonderful memory.
Please see our website, www.BlueWatersMtnL.com for more details.
