I love to take some time off and drive to North Carolina. It’s not only the destination that I enjoy, but it’s also the journey. Here are the places I always visit along the way.

I know there are lots of Floridians who also visit North Carolina. If you want to take the drive and following in my footsteps, or rather, my tire tracks, here’s what you can experience along the way.

• First Stop: Valdosta, Georgia

  The first stop on our way to the N.C. mountains is up I-75 at Valdosta, Georgia, exit 16. Just west of the interstate is a great gas station called Sun Stop. Great convenience store with a Moe’s attached to it plus around back is an official Tesla charging station for the electric vehicle.

• Second Stop: Warner Robins, Georgia

  Next stop up I-75 is around Warner Robins, Georgia. It’s the Buc-ee’s travel center and it is worth a stop and look even if you don’t need fuel, which they have plenty of pumps to serve gas, diesel, and more electric vehicle charging stations. No semi-trucks are allowed, it’s for cars and R.V’s. Once inside it’s amazing, part grocery store, restaurant, and part Bass Pro Shop. You just have to see it to believe it.

• Third Stop: Tallulah Falls

  Now, we get thru Atlanta, head out on I-85 to 985 and up to Gainesville, Georgia. Once past Gainesville, 985 becomes Highway 23, soon to be joined by highway 441. Here is where the fun begins. Once past Hollywood, Georgia, you can see the mountains in the distance. Soon it’s Tallulah Falls. Take the time to stop and see Tallulah Gorge on the Tallulah River, where the movie Deliverance was filmed. Suuuuuu-eeeeee!!! If you hear banjo music…RUN!!! Further north is the little town of Dillard. If you are hungry you must eat at the Dillard House. The restaurant is world famous for great southern food.

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• Fourth Stop: Dillsborou, North Carolina

  Back on the road north to a town with a similar name… Dillsboro. Here you can ride the open air Smokey Mountain Railroad. It takes you to Bryson City and back, and check this: as you leave out of Dillsboro on the train you will see a wrecked train and wrecked prison bus. The movie The Fugitive was filmed here and they left the crash scene there for the tourists.

  The train and bus from the movie "The Fugitive". #fugitivetrain #dillsboro #thefugitive pic.twitter.com/ieHDpPecyq

  — 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻 (@BrianFox46) October 23, 2016

• Almost there!

  From Dillsboro, you head northeast on 23-74 to Waynesville, North Carolina. This will be my final destination, and if you are hungry, take the first Waynesville exit by the Best Buy and Walmart and find Clyde’s restaurant. Locals and tourists flock here for a great lunch or dinner. Great food southern style, and inexpensive as well. You are now on Main Street. follow it into town and you must stop at the Mast General Store. In the tradition of an old country store, you’ll find clothes and many other things. Go downstairs to the candy store, where you relive the great candies you ate as a kid.

  

  (Photo by Mason Dixon)

  
  
  

  

  (Photo by Mason Dixon)

  If you are like me and plan to stay around Waynesville, you have to eat the the Sweet Onion, Blue Rooster and breakfast at Beach Mountain or the Buttered Biscuit. Funny names but incredible food. Enjoy your stay and thanks for traveling with me.

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