April 29-May 2 - Registration opens soon!
Welcome back to the FIAT on the Dragon! This will be our 17th organized FIAT on the Dragon event since 2013. This year, we are getting back to our roots. We will be simplifying the event and focusing more on the drives and social times. No sponsors, no drama, just driving fun.
One thing we are doing to improve the event is offering dedicated drives for the classic FIAT community. If you own a classic FIAT and want to join the fun, we encourage you to come on out. We will have organized drives that are shorter and better suited to the classic cars.
One thing that is not going to change is the focus on amazing roads and fun. The folks who want to drive the more challenging and longer drives will be given routes that have been proven to be fun and challenging as well as providing the best scenic views around. This event is all about driving and meeting new enthusiasts. We are local and know these roads better than anyone.
Our FIAT family weekend will feature organized driving with maps, t shirts, name badges, meals, bonfires, drive-in movie and social times at Talley Ho’s big field and parking lot! All of this is included for the registration fee.
April 29 - Thursday Arrival
Check‐In + Meet & Greet at the Talley Ho Inn, Townsend, TN.
Check into your hotel first, then come say hi to Tom & Donna for event registration at Talley Ho’s “Big House”. Park in the lot or in the grassy field at the Talley Ho Inn and say hi to old and new friends.
5:00–9:00pm - Pick up registration packets at the Talley Ho Inn at The Big House
At 6:30pm, anyone who wants to join us will meet at the Abbey for casual dinner and drinks. If you are not able to join us, there are several great restaurant options in Townsend.
April 30 - Friday Activities
Organized Drives: Choose a drive for each day from the options and have fun.
Details to come for what drives will be featured.
6:00am - New Foothills Loop Short Sunrise Drive - Led by Brett Melancon
Arise bright and early to do this sunrise drive. This drive will cover the new Foothills Parkway extension for great scenic opportunities. Our sunrise group will be led to the top of the mountain overlooking the Townsend valley for sunrise. This is a short drive and is a great option for classic cars and very scenic!
8-8:45am - Pick up registration at the Talley Ho Inn at The Big House
Pick up registration and optional picnic lunch if purchased at the drivers meeting.
8:45am - Mandatory Drivers Meeting - Safety first folks
Meet in the grass at the Talley Ho Inn for drive instructions. We focus on safely having fun and have an impeccable record of responsible behavior.
The first organized group will leave starting at 9:15am sharp. Optional shorter drives will be available on-your-own with maps provided in your registration packet. Read over maps prior to drivers meeting. Cell service is limited on most drives. Use coordinates and GPS for directions; these maps are for reference only. We will use radios to communicate during the drives, bring yours if you have one.
9:15am - Tail of the Dragon Drive Fontana & Dragon loop
The traditional Tail of the Dragon run will leave the Talley Ho and head to Deal’s Gap. From there, you can choose to do lunch at Tapoco Lodge or picnic style at Fontana Dam. Spend the rest of the day exploring the area and driving the Dragon as much as you wish.
9:30am - Devil’s Triangle - Prison Food for Lunch!
The Devil’s Triangle…famous for many things and one of the most challenging, twisty roads around. Weather permitting, this drive will leave the Talley Ho and head to the beginning of the Devil’s Triangle. We meet at Brushy Mountain Prison for lunch. The return trip will be optional group that goes to the Tail of the Dragon for the return trip.
10am - New Foothills Short loop
Sleep in late if you wish and choose a shorter drive. This on-your-own drive is closer to Townsend and offers great scenic opportunities. Great option for classic cars too and is very scenic!
5:30pm - Friday FIAT Family Social Time
Time to socialize and visit friends from all over back at the Talley Ho. Park in the grassy area and enjoy looking at everyone’s cars. Dinner is on-your-own; there are lots of good options available locally. This year, we will offer a drive-in movie to accompany our bonfire time (weather permitting). Bring lawn chairs and enjoy the movie and fire under the stars.
May 1 - Saturday Activities
8-8:45am - Pick up registration at the Talley Ho Inn at The Big House
Pick up registration and optional picnic lunch if purchased at the drivers meeting.
8:45am - Mandatory Drivers Meeting - Safety first folks
Meet in the grass at the Talley Ho Inn for drive instructions. We focus on safely having fun and have an impeccable record of responsible behavior.
The first organized group will leave starting at 9:15am sharp. Optional shorter drives will be available on-your-own with maps provided in your registration packet. Read over maps prior to drivers meeting. Cell service is limited on most drives. Use coordinates and GPS for directions; these maps are for reference only. We will use radios to communicate during the drives, bring yours if you have one.
9:15am - Tail of the Dragon Drive Fontana & Cherohala Skyway
The traditional Tail of the Dragon run will leave the Talley Ho and head to Deal’s Gap. From there, you can choose to do lunch at the Tapoco Lodge or do lunch picnic style at Fontana Dam. You may opt to continue the drive to the Cherohala Skyway or play more on the Tail of the Dragon.
5:30pm - Saturday Evening FIAT Family Social time at the Talley Ho with Food Truck Feast!
Time to socialize back at the Talley Ho. Park in the grassy area and enjoy looking at everyone’s cars. Saturday’s dinner is on-site at the Talley Ho Inn from the menu provided by the food truck. Enjoy a casual outdoor dinner with FIAT and Alfa friends and family. We will have our traditional bonfire (weather permitting) on the hotel grounds for those wishing to gather for social time and relaxation. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy the fire under the stars. Possible night drives for those who want to go.
May 1 - Sunday Activities
On-your-own, Sleep in late, prepare for the trip home or do more drives. Sunday is a great day for driving as the traffic is light on the roads we love.
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Originally Posted by smark
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