We have put together several driving routes for you this year. These routes are all self-guided and please note that dates are listed for the BMW CCA Foundation visit on Friday and journey to Hot Springs on Saturday. The drives listed for “Any day” can be driven whatever day you like. Please see below for descriptions. Included in each description is a link to turn by turn text directions in PDF format as well as downloadable (.GPX) files for your GPS.
A quick word for GPS or Smart-phone guided users: At the start of the route, if your unit gives you a choice for the next destination screen, select the second point on the route which is usually the default. If you select the first one it may announce that point when you reach it. Just ignore it if you do and continue on. In the mountains there are many very sharp turns. When these turns approach or exceed 90 degrees the GPS program may see this as a turn and alert you to a turn. Likewise if a dirt road or even large drive way occurs in regular turns it may alert you to a turn as well. Keep this in mind and don’t let it confuse you.
The Vintage Tour 2019 – Any day
Drive time is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes with the idea for you to spend as much time as you wish to enjoy the area. This is a leisurely drive passing by Chimney Rock Park, two local vineyards, and the Tryon International Equestrian Center, which upon its completion will be the largest horse park in the U.S. and the famous Saluda Grade. As well as the towns of Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Landrum, Tryon, and Saluda, you will pass by Chimney Rock Park, site of the Chimney Rock Hill Climb but now a state park which, if you have never visited, you should take some time to look around. (Chimney Rock was the site that much of the movie Last of the Mohicans was filmed.) Lake Lure just further is one of the most scenic towns in Western North Carolina and the site of filming Dirty Dancing, the original one.
Recommended Restaurants include The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant as you come into Chimney Rock, NC on the left. In Lake Lure. NC across from the beach on the hill is La Strada’s overlooking the lake. A little further on is Larkin’s on the Lake which has its outdoor dining area right on the water. Further on at the Tryon Equestrian Center are several great places including Roger’s Diner, Legends Grille, and Campagna Italian are just a few there. The Equestrian center is a fantasy land for horse lovers. It is highly recommended that you take some time and look around this amazing place. In Landrum, SC is the Hare and Hound and just beyond the “Saluda Grade” in Saluda, NC the Purple Onion.
Click here to download the PDF directions
Click here to download the .GPX directions (right click and save to computer)
The Hwy 215/178 Run – Any day
The Hwy 215/178 drive is meant for the driver that likes quick, sharp curves that the western North Carolina Mountains are famous for. A little patience is required getting there because of the distance involved but this set of roads, once you’ve driven them, are some the best around. These roads are one of our favorite drives for the beauty and, especially, the curves. It is not recommended for people who are prone to motion sickness. It’s right up there with the Tail of the Dragon on the fun scale. This run will take you about 3 ½ hours but plenty of stops are available to take a break.
Click here to download the PDF directions
Click here to download the .GPX direction (right click and save to computer)
To The Foundation Quick Run – Friday, May 17th
This run is a semi-direct route from the Clarion host hotel to the BMW CCA Foundation in Greer is only ten minutes longer than going the expressway the entire way. While the first portion is I-26 we peel off and do back roads and
let you appreciate the “Saluda Grade” on the way.
Click here to download the PDF directions
Click here to download the .GPX directions (right click and save to computer)
Foundation Return Run – Friday, May 17th
This run back from the Foundation visit will take you back up to the Clarion, similar to last years with a few changes. Caesars Head/276/BRP. A lot less traffic and a couple of more fun roads. About 2 ½ hours.
Click here to download the PDF directions
Click here to download the .GPX directions (right click and save to computer)
Hot Springs Quick Run – Saturday, May 18th
Again this run is only about ten minutes longer (1 hour) than the direct route up I-26 to 25 to Hot Springs. We peel off after a ways and follow the French Broad River to make it more interesting. Then back over to 25 to finish the run.
Click here to download the PDF directions
Click here to download the .GPX directions (right click and save to computer)
The Hot Springs Run – Saturday, May 18th
This run will take you up to Hot Springs the morning of the event. It will take about an hour and forty five minutes but there is no better way to get there and get the juices flowing for the day’s festivities. Up along the French Broad River then across country to 63 and 209. Be aware that restroom facilities are few and far between until you get to Hot Springs.
Click here to download the PDF directions
Click here to download the .GPX directions (right click and save to computer)