the Dragon is fun, however it really is in the middle of nowhere. In September we stayed in Maggie's Valley and then drove the 2-3 hours to get to the dragon. It is something you want to get to early in the AM before it fills up with zoom splats. The drive to the dragon has LOTS of twists and turns as well. There is a cool motorcycle museum. I have not stayed at the Peaks of Otter. I know Bedford has the D-Day museum. Currently the parkway is closed for repairs right around the Roanoke area. We could certainly scope out things near there this spring.
Up near Skyland there is a cool single malt distillery in Sperryville and a very nice Winery near Huntly.
I am planning on being retired late April, BUT I imagine I will expected at the residents graduation which will be either around June 12 or 19.
https://youtu.be/k9R4C7sRZ-g
