Tail of the Dragon - Deals Gap, NC - MINIs on the Dragon!

I've been in love with Mini Coopers (Classic) since I was in high-school back on the East coast. Then a couple of years ago was as finally able to buy one of the new MINIs It's just a tad too small to haul all the stuff that we're taking down to the cabin this trip so . . .once again! . . .the MINI has to stay home.

The other bit of bad news is that our Spring Wildflower trip to Gatlinburg is the week BEFORE the 4th Annual Tail of the Dragon MINI rendezvous. Still we're going to try to head over next week just for the drive. It should be gorgeous!

MINIs on the Dragon (MOTD for short) is a gathering of MINI (and Mini!) Cooper enthusiasts in Deals Gap, North Carolina, where the Tail of the Dragon is located. For directions - click here.

This spectacular 11-mile section of Route 129 has an astonishing 318 curves -- with no cross streets or driveways. Last year, there were over 400 enthusiasts with more than 300 MINIs/Minis in attendance, and they expect an even greater number this year!

The Tail of the Dragon is one of the best, if not THE best sports car and motorcycle road in the country, and has become a “magnet” of sorts for driving enthusiasts. The road is amazingly twisty and fun, with a good quality surface and spectacular views.

The area surrounding Deals Gap includes many scenic drives through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. Forests, gorges, lakes, rivers, and dams make for many beautiful roads worthy of motoring in your MINI.

MOTD is more than motoring, though. It’s a chance to hang out with many like-minded MINI owners who are as obsessed with MINIs as you are! Socializing is an equally large part of the gathering as motoring, and most folks have trouble deciding which is their favorite part. The Fontana Village Resort is the location of, or gathering point for, the majority of events and where most participants will stay. The Fontana has inn rooms, cabins, and camping facilities. Information on other lodging in the area, as well as maps, history and great background information is available on http://www.tailofthedragon.com/.

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