Ribs other questions

[CT Bits]

This is my first post, and my up-coming first trip to the dragon. I have to be in New Orleans June 26th, so will be taking the slab down, but also taking 2 weeks to get back to CT. Any tips would be appreciated regarding anyghint about the ride. On another related noite, I have been serarching for great ribs in every part of the country I get to. So far, surprisingly enough, the best I have found so far are in NH and NJ (of all places) and Chicago. OH, PA MI were disappointing. I'm sure there must be some great rib joints in the south - but with only a couple of weeks to try some, recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

[748L052]

Tuscaloosa - Dreamland
Birmingham - Dreamland & Full Moon
Memphis - Kozy Korner & Rendezvous

All others - North, South, dark side of the moon - are blowing smoke - not smoking ribs....

[CT Bits]

thanks for the info. I've found that to be the case in a lot of places. Roadside smokehouse - all smoke - lousy ribs. I plan on going through Memphis especially cause I heard that style rib is great.

[Deerhead]

The Rendezvous in Memphis for dry ribs then Beale street. Suggested route from New Orleans to the Gap. From NO take 61 north. In Vicksburg stop and see the National Battlefield, well worth the visit. Just north of Vicksburg stop at Onward MS, not a town just a wide spot in the road. In Onward stop at Teddy Bears--where Teddy Roosevelt hunted bear and where the Teddy Bear name originated. Eat the Tamales!! Continue up 61 and take in the sights, in Tunica MS, either stop at the Blue and White Restaurant or eat at one the 9 Casinos there. Short ride to Memphis/Rendezvous for dinner and a night on the town/Beale Street. Next day head East toward the Gap. Take 64 across the bottom of Tennessee, stopping in Chattanooga to see the aquarium. Continue on 64 to Ducktown and take 68 to Telico Plains and the Cherahala Skyway, eat at the Bristo, west side of the Cherahala. Ride to Robbinsville and eat at Lynn's and spend the night and do the Gap east to west in the morning, and then take the Foothills Parkway north to the Park. Go through the Park and pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Skyline Drive, many great places to eat off the Parkway/Drive but it will end in Front Royal, Va. And from there you're on your own.
Like I said many great places to eat along the Parkway/Drive just ask around.
Be Safe and ride like you're invisible.:) :)
Ps if you're going to spend time around the Gap, eat the ribs in Cashiers, NC can't remember the name but ask around, eat at Trolls in Helen, GA and The Dillard House in Suches, GA. and there are many other places with all the great riding around the Gap area.

[tuono06413]

Hey CT Bits,

Where do you live in CT. I'm in Clinton & try to ride the Gap every year. The routes laid out from New Orleans (61 etc.) to Front Royal are all good. 64 through TENN has its 4-lane sections, but it has some good stuff too. If you have time to spend a few days near the Gap, I recommend the Rosewood Inn in Bryson City (tell Pat the CT guys sent you). The ride from Bryson City up to the Gap (74/19 to NC 28 north) is great. NC 28 also turns south off of 74/19 and goes down to Highlands (also a great ride). Other roads in the area that are highly recommended are Wayah Bald Road (the original "Thunder Road"), Wolf Pen Gap Road in north GA (it ends at Two Wheels Only MC Resort), and War Woman Road (also in N. GA). But the Cherohala Skyway is my favorite.

I don't know anywhere else that has such a high concentration of great riding roads.

Finally a word to the wise, ride The Dragon on a weekday & avoid the crowds.

[Deerhead]

I 100% agree if you're spending time in the Gap area do the rides recommended, Highlands is a great ride. There are also some alternative routes heading north paralleling the Blue Ridge Parkway. Regardless, plan your time, also look up and see if there are any festivals, etc going on in the small towns along your route, they tend to be a lot of fun.

[CT Bits]

I've got my maps all laid out and ready to go! They're getting quite congested from all the possibilities and help I've received. The last time I was in that area (1981 for the MOA rally in TN) I hadn't heard about the gap- my loss :( but a bit of time on the blue ridge and skyline gave mne the desire to return. Finally the stars are in the proper alignment and here I go.

Thanks.

[CT Bits]

WOW THANKS!!! I really appreciate the detail (I love to eat) and the route suggestions are wonderful. I'm really looking forward to returning to the area. If you happen to see a blue RT with CT plates the end of June/first week in JUly, looke me up. I'll be the greybeard with an awestruck look!

[CT Bits]

Norwich. I'm probably doing the slab south leaving 0-dark-30 on 6/23. First stop in Raleigh, then Atlanta and finally NOLA. I'm not a big fan of the slab, but I need to get there. The 2 week ride home will be MUCH more enjoyable!

thanks for the tips. I need to print your info out for the notebook I'm compiling.

[ZZR-TIM]

I agree with everyone about the riding all the great trails while your in the area of the Dragon... As for Ribs, stop in at Herb's BBQ in Murphy, NC. Real close to the Dragon off of HWY 64 about 5-6 miles from the TN/NC boarder... Best Ribs in the area bar none... Most of all be safe and have fun...