Drives 6
May 16th - 19th, 2022
Drives 6 will be one of the greatest experiences ever hosted by Rally North America. The Drive is a perfect culmination of Historic Hotels, epic roads, and the best Road Courses the East Coast has to offer. We will kick off the event at Kentucky Dragway and stay the night in beautiful Hemlock Lodge.
Day 1 will consist of visiting the historic Kentucky Mist Moonshine Distillery. Next, we will venture through the 226 turns 20-mile thriller known as the Dragon Slayer! Continuing on to Tazewell Virginia, to the Back of the Dragon navigating the hair raising 438 curves spanning 32 miles before wrapping up at General Francis Marion Hotel in historic Marion Virginia.
The adventure continues on day two with a drive through Backbone rock and meandering through the back roads of Virginia and Tennessee, hitting the Snake, the highly challenging 37 mile stretch of US 421 containing 489 curves and over 1900 feet in elevation. After we catch our breath, a nice stop at Elk Banner Winery & Villa is planned. The next challenge will be driving into Little Switzerland and conquering the Diamondback Route 226A. We will wind down at the Famous 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa for the evening!
Day 3 will kick off at Chimney Rock and continue to Henderson County Heritage Museum found within the Henderson County Courthouse. Next, a few nature stops are on the route, Stumphouse tunnel and Issaquena Falls, winding our way down to one of the best Road Courses in America, Road Atlanta for some hot laps! After the Hot laps, we will meet up for our last dinner of the event!
Day 1 will consist of visiting the historic Kentucky Mist Moonshine Distillery. Next, we will venture through the 226 turns 20-mile thriller known as the Dragon Slayer! Continuing on to Tazewell Virginia, to the Back of the Dragon navigating the hair raising 438 curves spanning 32 miles before wrapping up at General Francis Marion Hotel in historic Marion Virginia.
The adventure continues on day two with a drive through Backbone rock and meandering through the back roads of Virginia and Tennessee, hitting the Snake, the highly challenging 37 mile stretch of US 421 containing 489 curves and over 1900 feet in elevation. After we catch our breath, a nice stop at Elk Banner Winery & Villa is planned. The next challenge will be driving into Little Switzerland and conquering the Diamondback Route 226A. We will wind down at the Famous 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa for the evening!
Day 3 will kick off at Chimney Rock and continue to Henderson County Heritage Museum found within the Henderson County Courthouse. Next, a few nature stops are on the route, Stumphouse tunnel and Issaquena Falls, winding our way down to one of the best Road Courses in America, Road Atlanta for some hot laps! After the Hot laps, we will meet up for our last dinner of the event!
Drives 6 Full Itinerary
Pre-Drives
Kentucky Dragway
Located southeast of Lexington, Kentucky Dragway was built and is owned by the Kennon Family. Originally known as Mountain Park Dragway, the eighth mile track opened in 1963 under NHRA Sanctioning. In 2001 Kentucky Dragway underwent a complete overhaul which included new grandstands, bathrooms and concrete barriers. Most recently, improvements to track lighting and concessions have taken place.
Hemlock Lodge
Hemlock Lodge is part of the State Park Lodges network in Kentucky (one of 17 other state lodges). Hemlock Lodge is also sometimes confusingly referred to as Natural Bridge State Resort Park, when in fact that name actually refers to the entire Park complex. Hemlock Lodge is a popular place to stay in the Red River Gorge area since it hosts the trailhead to Natural Bridge.
Hemlock Lodge is known for its classic state lodge room style. The rooms feature a great collection of mid-mod furniture and decor. The Hemlock also has the on-site Sandstone Arches Restaurant that is popular for its breakfast buffet (not included in room rental) and lunch buffet.
Hemlock Lodge is known for its classic state lodge room style. The rooms feature a great collection of mid-mod furniture and decor. The Hemlock also has the on-site Sandstone Arches Restaurant that is popular for its breakfast buffet (not included in room rental) and lunch buffet.
Day 1
Stop 1 - Kentucky Mist Moonshine
The founding of Kentucky Mist dates back to the days of American Prohibition or as Kentucky Misters call it, the dark ages! Distilling corn liquor and bootlegging in the Appalachian Mountains in Whitesburg, Kentucky was the family business for Henry Holbrook. The history of Mr. Holbrook's Kentucky Mist has a few twists and turns and even includes the notorious, Al Capone.
It's not all about the moonshine, but also their award-winning vodka! In fact, their 1902 Whitesburg Vodka is the only barrel vodka in the United States, winning a gold medal at the 2017 Sip Awards! Talk about a prestigious pour!
Now when it comes to the variety of moonshine, the sweet fruity sky is the limit as flavors include Apple Pie, Caramel Apple, and infusions featuring blackberry, cherry, cranberry, grape, peach and lemonade.
It's not all about the moonshine, but also their award-winning vodka! In fact, their 1902 Whitesburg Vodka is the only barrel vodka in the United States, winning a gold medal at the 2017 Sip Awards! Talk about a prestigious pour!
Now when it comes to the variety of moonshine, the sweet fruity sky is the limit as flavors include Apple Pie, Caramel Apple, and infusions featuring blackberry, cherry, cranberry, grape, peach and lemonade.
Stop 2 - Kingdom Come State Park
We will be entering the Park along Little Shepherd Trail (all paved) which will provide a drive along the top of the mountain and lead to several overlooks along the way.
Stop 3 - Kentucky Coal Mining Museum
The Kentucky Coal Museum represents one of Kentucky’s most valuable assets in educating the public about coal mining. Located in the picturesque mining community of Benham and near the U.S. Steel coal camp of Lynch, both of which are unique reservoirs of coal mining history, the museum is fast becoming one of the state s must-see destinations.
In addition to national magazines like Journals and Southern Living, newspapers from around the country Ohio to California have run feature stories on the museum and its exhibits. When visitors leave, they often say they intend to come back and to tell others about this jewel in the mountains.
In addition to national magazines like Journals and Southern Living, newspapers from around the country Ohio to California have run feature stories on the museum and its exhibits. When visitors leave, they often say they intend to come back and to tell others about this jewel in the mountains.
Stop 4 - Dragon Slayer Gift Shop & Hwy 160
Between Kentucky and Virginia snakes the Dragon Slayer Hwy 160, a 20 mile destination ride with more than 226 significant curves, breathtaking views and the highest point in Kentucky atop Black Mountain.
Stop 5 - Curklin's
Located in the Historic Mutual Pharmacy building in Big Stone Gap, VA, Curklin's is proudly owned by Wayne and Tracey Jordan.
At Curklin's, Wayne and Tracey have created a family-friendly atmosphere with modern industrial decorating style and a full bar with your choice of craft beers. With a broad menu serving a wide variety of classics and favorites, Wayne and Tracey hope to fill a gap in the community by providing casual sit-down dining with your family as well as a place to relax, enjoy a few drinks, and watch the game.
At Curklin's, Wayne and Tracey have created a family-friendly atmosphere with modern industrial decorating style and a full bar with your choice of craft beers. With a broad menu serving a wide variety of classics and favorites, Wayne and Tracey hope to fill a gap in the community by providing casual sit-down dining with your family as well as a place to relax, enjoy a few drinks, and watch the game.
Stop 6 - Southwest Virginia Museum
A National Historic Landmark, the Southwest Virginia Museum is in an 1890s Victorian stone mansion with original oak interior. The museum's collection includes more than 25,000 pieces and state of the art exhibits telling the story of the exploration and development of Southwest Virginia from the pioneer era of the 1700s to the mining "boom and bust" era of the late 1800s. The museum also offers many interpretive and special events. The gift shop features unique items representative of the area's history and crafts made by regional artisans.
Stop 7 - Back of The Dragon Gift Shop
They have come a long way in a short period of time. The shop started with 400 square foot double-trailer gift shop, but the new 5,000 square foot Back of the Dragon store opened in May 2020 with a brewery, specialty coffee, yogurt, food trucks, merchandise, open seating, and a patio.
Back of the Dragon is a 32-mile road that features over three hundred curves making it one of the premier driving roads in the nation! The speed limit is 55 MPH but sports cars or motorcycles are hard-pressed to exceed that limit. Crossing three mountains on its path from Marion, to Tazewell, Virginia the Back of the Dragon offers curves, switchbacks, limited access, low traffic, and elevation changes that few other routes can offer.
Back of the Dragon is a 32-mile road that features over three hundred curves making it one of the premier driving roads in the nation! The speed limit is 55 MPH but sports cars or motorcycles are hard-pressed to exceed that limit. Crossing three mountains on its path from Marion, to Tazewell, Virginia the Back of the Dragon offers curves, switchbacks, limited access, low traffic, and elevation changes that few other routes can offer.
Finish - The General Francis Marion Hotel
The General Francis Marion Hotel, once said to be the most elegant lodging establishment in Southwestern Virginia, reopened in February 2006. After almost two years of renovation and restoration, the grand old hotel was reborn with the comfort, convenience and amenities of a modern hotel while retaining the ambiance of the 1920's. National Geographic's Top 150 Hotels in North America.
Dinner will be at Hungry Brothers BBQ across the street from the hotel.
Dinner will be at Hungry Brothers BBQ across the street from the hotel.
Day 2
Stop 1 - Sur 81 - Breakfast stop
Stop 2 - Backbone Rock
Backbone Rock gets its name from a spur ridge on Holston Mountain that abruptly ends at a bend in Beaverdam Creek. A tunnel was drilled through the rock in 1901 to allow railroad access between Shady Valley and Damascus, VA. Motorists pass through what is known as "The Shortest Tunnel in the World" as they travel along TN 133.
Stop 3 - Shady Valley Country Store
Our entrance onto “The Snake” begins here. Souvenirs, drinks, and a bathroom stop.
Motorcyclist from all over have been traveling to Johnson County Tennessee to ride “The Snake”. Packed with incredible mountain scenery, “The Snake” motorcycle trip is said to have 489 curves, 3 mountains, 1 valley packed into 33 miles! Our group is traveling the western half this morning.
Motorcyclist from all over have been traveling to Johnson County Tennessee to ride “The Snake”. Packed with incredible mountain scenery, “The Snake” motorcycle trip is said to have 489 curves, 3 mountains, 1 valley packed into 33 miles! Our group is traveling the western half this morning.
Stop 4 - Johnson County Welcome Center
Bathroom break and a small Museum with exhibits that present the history of Johnston County.
Stop 5 - Willie Brooks BBQ
Live music, rustic farmhouse décor, and barbecue sandwiches give Boone’s newest barbecue restaurant a homelike atmosphere. Willie Brooks BBQ does not add sauce to any of its dishes, which allows guests to personalize their barbecue. Guests can choose from a Carolina mustard sauce, Carolina vinegar-based sauce, sweet and spicy sauce, hot and spicy sauce, and Alabama white sauce.
Stop 6 - Elk Banner Winery & Villa
Banner Elk Winery & Villa is the jewel of the High Country, in an idyllic setting with luxurious accommodations for discerning travelers. Nestled in the awe inspiring majestic Blue Ridge Mountains stands North Carolina High Country’s original winery. Come for a tasting.
In 2005, the age-old tradition of winemaking made its debut in the region with the establishment of Banner Elk Winery. The first commercial winery built in Avery and Watauga counties. Banner Elk wines pay tribute to the rugged mountain landscape and capture the delicate nuance and subtle flavors of the fruit. Our vintners produce excellent wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In 2005, the age-old tradition of winemaking made its debut in the region with the establishment of Banner Elk Winery. The first commercial winery built in Avery and Watauga counties. Banner Elk wines pay tribute to the rugged mountain landscape and capture the delicate nuance and subtle flavors of the fruit. Our vintners produce excellent wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Stop 7 - Switzerland Café
For over 30 years specializing in fresh, homemade sandwiches, soups and quiches. We have one of the largest wood fired smokehouses in the state, and our Applewood smoked trout and Hickory smoked Pork BBQ have earned us a place on the North Carolina Barbeque Trail. Our General Store offers picnic items, wine, beer and cheese as well as T-Shirts and souvenirs.
Stop 8 - The Diamond Back 226A
This 38-mile diamond shaped loop on NC 226A. This is one thrilling loop for motorcycles and sportscars. Today we will be doing the western section of 226A. Participants may continue and complete the loop should they choose to do so. The main group will be heading to 1927 Inn Lake Lure our hotel for the evening.
Final - 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa
Our hotel and dinner location for Day 2. The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & SPA became famous for its notable list of guests, ranging from F. Scott Fitzgerald to presidents Calvin Coolidge and Franklin Roosevelt and if anyone is a fan of the 1987 Film “Dirty Dancing” take notice that not only did the actors, producers, and other staff stay at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn while filming in 1986, but some of the restaurant scenes were filmed in the Inn’s Veranda Restaurant and the mirrored practice room is now Roosevelt Hall.
Day 3
Stop 1 - Chimney Rock State Park
Drives teams will experience both 404-foot waterfall, Hickory Nut Falls and a 315-foot granite monolith named Chimney Rock, which is accessible by elevator and provides views of the park and surrounding countryside.
One of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, Hickory Nut was a filming location for the movie The Last of the Mohicans. The falls are accessible via a gentle three-quarter mile walk on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail.
One of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, Hickory Nut was a filming location for the movie The Last of the Mohicans. The falls are accessible via a gentle three-quarter mile walk on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail.
Stop 2 - Henderson County Heritage Museum
This museum, found within the Henderson County Historic Courthouse, seeks to preserve history and a sense of place. Consisting of six rooms, approximately 2000 square feet, the Museum spaces a designed for flexibility, capability, and versatility.
Stop 3 - Connestee Falls
Connestee Falls is an 85-foot waterfall near Brevard. It's easy viewed from the top with a ADA-accessible 50-yard boardwalk to the overlook with the crest of the waterfall just to your left. You'll also see Batson Creek Falls cascading across the ravine, meeting Connestee to form "The Silver Slip".
Stop 4 - Stumphouse Tunnel & Issaqueena Falls
Construction on Stumphouse tunnel began in 1856. By 1859, the State of South Carolina had spent over a million dollars on the tunnel and refused to spend any more on the project, therefore the tunnel work was abandoned. The tunnel had been excavated to a length of 1,617 feet of the planned 5,863 total feet. Today, where the tunnel was meant to end on the other side of the mountain, there remains a mound of earth (intended for the railway tracks) submerged during the summer months under Crystal Lake, located just west of Highway 28.
15-minute hike to Issaqueena Falls is an easy excursion for even the beginning hiker, and it’s rich in lore and history. That’s why it is no stretch to lump this 100-foot cascade among the most popular in Oconee County, and among the most beautiful.
15-minute hike to Issaqueena Falls is an easy excursion for even the beginning hiker, and it’s rich in lore and history. That’s why it is no stretch to lump this 100-foot cascade among the most popular in Oconee County, and among the most beautiful.
Stop 5 - Mickey Piggs BBQ
Home of the finest genuine hickory smoked barbecue since 1994. The very best in Georgia BBQ.
Stop 6 - Road Atlanta
Opened in 1970 this track was instantly recognized as one the world’s best road courses. Car & Driver Magazine states that Road Atlanta “This undulating ribbon is still one of the most exciting places to drive a car, any car. And it's insanely quick. The only truly slow corners are the chicane and Turn Seven, which leads onto the back straight. We love the blind approach to Turn 12 and how you have to carry the precise amount of speed up the front straightaway into Turn One. The stretch out of that corner into Turn Five is like running through a huge soup ladle with curves in it.”
Final - Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
This recently built property is approximately 15 minutes from Road Atlanta which will allow us the ability to check in and clear our vehicles of luggage and any loose items prior to making our way to the track.
