Stone Mountain, GA to Nantahala; best route and place to stay
Jun 9th, 2005, 08:48 AM
#21
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 17,226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I PROMISE I just posted the coupon book thread before I read your latest reply.
I'd go with NOC or Wildwater rather than try to save a few bucks - even though the difference is $40. I'd rather go with a top notch outfitter - although I know nothing (good or bad) about the other. I like the location (and route) better as well.
If you check their websites, they may have discounts or special prices for mid-week.
I'd go with NOC or Wildwater rather than try to save a few bucks - even though the difference is $40. I'd rather go with a top notch outfitter - although I know nothing (good or bad) about the other. I like the location (and route) better as well.
If you check their websites, they may have discounts or special prices for mid-week.
Jun 9th, 2005, 10:32 AM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 735
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pisgah Inn - yes, indeed, rightly reknown for the view, and inexpensive. Every room is a mountain view room and they all have balconies. the rooms are very, very basic...no TV as I recall. It's a pleasant place to chill out after a long day of doing other stuff. The restaurant there is not good, but the view is so fantastic we eat there about once a year anyway.
Sounds like quite a trip you have planned!
Sounds like quite a trip you have planned!
Jun 11th, 2005, 02:40 PM
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just in case you're hanging out on the board today Starr, I thought I'd ask you if you can recommend lodging in Clayton. The cabins are out unless we want to just take a chance on a walk in. There is actually a 7 day minimum in June. As I said, we had rooms at the Quality Inn. Should I just stick with those or do you have any ideas?
Jun 11th, 2005, 08:40 PM
#24
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 17,226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I thought I'd be up there this weekend and I planned to check out the Quality Inn for you anyway. I'm pretty sure I know which one it is and it is fine. In fact, it rated pretty high within the chain. It is probably the best of the motel type choices up there.
But, it's raining and I need to move furniture so once again there's no moving going on this weekend!
But, it's raining and I need to move furniture so once again there's no moving going on this weekend!
Jun 12th, 2005, 08:31 AM
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Okay, this should be my last request. It is regarding the second leg of my route from Clayton to Bryson City. The NOC's website's driving directions recommend staying on the 441 until you get to 74 past Dillsboro, then heading west. The map sites take you up the 28 to the 74, which looks shorter but you are on a smaller road, I presume. What do you suggest? About how long do you think it will take?
Jun 12th, 2005, 11:52 AM
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Actually, I do have another request. What is the name of the Italian restaurant you mentioned in Stone Mountain? We will be getting there just about dinner time. We will probably eat in town and pick up some groceries before we go into the park.
Jun 12th, 2005, 02:27 PM
#27
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 17,226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Valleykat, I think I'd call the NOC's toll free # to ask your question about route. I would guess that the route on their website would be the best choice but the other one you are pulling up with a map program may be shorter but on windy roads. I'd probably choose the windy road option myself though . I would think a bit over an hour drive time, but would allow "wiggle room" so I didn't miss my rafting trip. Again, call the NOC's toll free # to ask.
The family owned Italian restaurant is Mama Mia's. It right at the main intersection of the little village of Stone Mountain. I think the address is 911 Main Street. Check out www.realpages.com for address and phone number.
Have a great time on your trip and be sure to let us know how things go!
If you want to eat Italian twice, the restaurant in Clayton is across the street from where I think you are staying - Mama G's. You'll pass by Julia's and Oinkers on the way into town. Grapes and Beans, Buckhead Tavern and Ingers are within a block of the main downtown light in Clayton (intersection of 76 and old 441)
. I would think a bit over an hour drive time, but would allow "wiggle room" so I didn't miss my rafting trip. Again, call the NOC's toll free # to ask.The family owned Italian restaurant is Mama Mia's. It right at the main intersection of the little village of Stone Mountain. I think the address is 911 Main Street. Check out www.realpages.com for address and phone number.
Have a great time on your trip and be sure to let us know how things go!
If you want to eat Italian twice, the restaurant in Clayton is across the street from where I think you are staying - Mama G's. You'll pass by Julia's and Oinkers on the way into town. Grapes and Beans, Buckhead Tavern and Ingers are within a block of the main downtown light in Clayton (intersection of 76 and old 441)
Jun 12th, 2005, 09:04 PM
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much. I did talk to someone at the rafting place today and they said that 28 was pretty windy and some people have gotten very held up on that route, so they really recommended the bigger highways. I think we will stick to the major roads.
We will play it by ear as to when we eat on Tuesday when we arrive in Atlanta. Given the fact that we may have eaten little all day with the airline's new no meals policy, we may eat before we even leave the airport; especially since we will arrive during rush hour. It might be a good idea to delay leaving the airport. Our flight is scheduled to arrive at 4:30 pm. If we do make it out to Stone Mountain before we're starving, we'll try Mama Mia's. I have copied and pasted your suggestions for Clayton dining and put in my folder. Thanks again, and I will post a trip report or at least a reply to this post when I return in July to let you know how things went. I really appreciate your help.
We will play it by ear as to when we eat on Tuesday when we arrive in Atlanta. Given the fact that we may have eaten little all day with the airline's new no meals policy, we may eat before we even leave the airport; especially since we will arrive during rush hour. It might be a good idea to delay leaving the airport. Our flight is scheduled to arrive at 4:30 pm. If we do make it out to Stone Mountain before we're starving, we'll try Mama Mia's. I have copied and pasted your suggestions for Clayton dining and put in my folder. Thanks again, and I will post a trip report or at least a reply to this post when I return in July to let you know how things went. I really appreciate your help.
Jun 13th, 2005, 03:32 AM
#29
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 17,226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Valleykat,
That's probably a very good idea to eat at the airport rather than jumping right into Atlanta traffic. Here are some of my favorites -
Paschal's - for old fashioned good Southern cooking soul food style - There's one in Concourse A's food court and the Atrium food court. The food court option will allow your kids to have burgers, Chinese, etc. if they are so inclined. (By the way, if you don't have Chik-Fil-A's in your neck of the woods, be sure to try one while you are in the area. Truman Cathey invented the chicken sandwich not too many miles from the airport area!)
Chili's - Concourse A - take the escalator up a level from the Concourse A food court - Limited Chili's menu, but I just love those Presidente Margaritas.
Houston's (or is it Houlihan's?) - Full service restaurant in the Atrium - sometimes there's someone playing on the grand piano in the lobby. The upstairs dining is quieter
Atlanta Bread Company - GREAT sandwiches and soups including paninis
The Atrium is outside of security - the common area between the two ticketing/ baggage claim areas and rental car desks.
Now, having said all that, the route you take is one of the least busy areas of Atlanta. I'm the first to warn against Atlanta traffic, but the airport to Stone Mountain is never that backed up. That's why I chose to live there for so long in the days I flew every week. In over a decade of traveling to and from the airport I only got caught in traffic once.
As you leave the airport, take 85 South to 285 east to Hwy 78E to the park. I would be shocked if you even had to slow down on the route. Just to be safe you may want to eat at the airport, especially since you will be hungry, but traffic for your route should not be a problem at all.
That's probably a very good idea to eat at the airport rather than jumping right into Atlanta traffic. Here are some of my favorites -
Paschal's - for old fashioned good Southern cooking soul food style - There's one in Concourse A's food court and the Atrium food court. The food court option will allow your kids to have burgers, Chinese, etc. if they are so inclined. (By the way, if you don't have Chik-Fil-A's in your neck of the woods, be sure to try one while you are in the area. Truman Cathey invented the chicken sandwich not too many miles from the airport area!)
Chili's - Concourse A - take the escalator up a level from the Concourse A food court - Limited Chili's menu, but I just love those Presidente Margaritas.
Houston's (or is it Houlihan's?) - Full service restaurant in the Atrium - sometimes there's someone playing on the grand piano in the lobby. The upstairs dining is quieter
Atlanta Bread Company - GREAT sandwiches and soups including paninis
The Atrium is outside of security - the common area between the two ticketing/ baggage claim areas and rental car desks.
Now, having said all that, the route you take is one of the least busy areas of Atlanta. I'm the first to warn against Atlanta traffic, but the airport to Stone Mountain is never that backed up. That's why I chose to live there for so long in the days I flew every week. In over a decade of traveling to and from the airport I only got caught in traffic once.
As you leave the airport, take 85 South to 285 east to Hwy 78E to the park. I would be shocked if you even had to slow down on the route. Just to be safe you may want to eat at the airport, especially since you will be hungry, but traffic for your route should not be a problem at all.
