Tank up on Fun ~ Not Gas!

Last week, GuestLine began your private tour thru’ the gorgeous mountains of Ocoee to some “hidden treasures”.  As promised, this week, we’ll explore more of this history-rich area.  We were just pulling out of the Ducktown Basin Museum.  Instead of heading north on 68 and winding thru’ the pretty mountains to Coker Creek and Tellico (which we will guide you through in 2 weeks)  today we’ll go back down the mountain on Highway 64 past the Ocoee Whitewater Center, and again enjoy the views of the Ocoee River as we steer toward the Hiwassee.

For starters, let me introduce you to a Father’s Day suggestion that can be cashed in any season of the year – or on the big-guy’s real day.  With Parksville, or Lake Ocoee, on your left, turn right on Highway 30 and in about 10 minutes you’ll land at the historic stone bridge which crosses the scenic Hiwassee River.  You are now in Reliance, home base to Southeastern Anglers, a guided fishing company that draws folks from all-over to fish with some of the best guides – on some of the best waters - in the country.  Owner Dane Law offers a fleet of professional boats and guides that know every turn in the beautiful mountain rivers of Copperhill, Hiwassee and Tellico.  I found him a few seasons ago while trying to give one of my favorite brothers-in-law the perfect gift – and let me say – George swears we succeeded.  A gift certificate let he and his buddy custom create a fishing adventure that he has already re-booked on his own…  SA offers float or wade trips, “back country” ‘s to wild trout streams, overnite cabin packages, even llama treks on the Bald River near Tellico.  (1-866-55-TROUT 87688 or 770-655-9210)  And – he customizes family packages.

There are 2 routes to get to our next 3 fun-filled destinations.  The first is about a 10-15 minute drive and follows the river.  It is Highway 30 from Reliance to Highway 411 – a shady scenic lane that hugs the banks of the Hiwassee River.  The other is probably more like 30.  Spring Creek Road is a left turn not far from the stone bridge after it crosses over  the Hiwassee.  Both are very pretty and worth exploring.  The three treasures you find once on 411 are Savannah Oaks Winery, the Scenic Hiwassee River State Park Visitor Center, and Chilhowee Gliderport.  Each has it own  welcoming personality that stay with you like a new-made friend.

A stones throw from the river across 411 is Savannah Oaks Winery, a family owned and run operation that is located in the scenic Hiwassee Valley – with gorgeous views of the Star and Chilhowee Mountains.  Their wines are winning awards on the California Circuit.   Their gift shop and wine tasting rooms are great fun – as is their rocking chair porch with some-kind-of-view!  They offer spacious party facilities for private events and funfilled affairs for everyone throughout the year, like grape stomps and Valentines Day dances.  They recently added a new concert pavilion and packed the house for a dinner concert with country-music great, Ronnie McDowell.  Next month is a more casual (but no less exciting) picnic concert featuring Billy Joe Royal  … log on to GuestLineTN.com to get your tickets before they sell out.

Almost directly across Highway 411 from the winery is the Hiwasee Scenic River State Park Visitor Center, whose unique treasures are its friendly local employees and engaging local lore and history.  They will feel like family by the time you leave, in fact you may want to plan a camping trip there in their newly renovated  campground.  But even a short visit through the visitor center exploring the history of the area is lots of fun and well worth the time. 

Call ahead for a once in a lifetime Gliderplane ride with Chilhowee Gliderport.  They are located a few short miles from the winery on the same side of 411, you can’t miss the signs or the pretty gliders.  Riding tandem in a glider, you will experience the thrill of motorless flight over this lush Tennessee River Valley by the gorgeous mountain ranges.  Some days you can fly the ridge line at awesome speeds, other times you can take hold of the controls with your pilot and feel what it is like to fly through various air currents sustaining free flight.  This is the experience of soaring at Chilhowee Gliderport.  Drive ups are welcome but reservations are recommended.  423-338-2000, or 423-506-9015. 

Next week we’ll pick up in the Hiwassee Valley and head toward Tellico and some fabulous mountain views, history and dining.  For more details of our Day Trippin’ guide, as well as upcoming festivals and events, log on to GuestLineTN.com.  This week’s treasures are there, in lots more detail – with a map that you can print and take with you.  Or pick up your free GuestLine Tennessee Guide at the Museum Center at Five Points, the Chamber of Commerce, Pathway Bookstore, or the Bradley News office.  GuestLine guides have maps and goodies for Cleveland, Chattanooga, AND the complete Day Trippin’ guide of Ocoee, Hwassee and Tellico.