Review: Historic Tapoco Lodge—Robbinsville, NC
The Tail of the Dragon, with its 318 curves in 11 miles, might be the main draw to this last corner of North Carolina before crossing into Tennessee. If you’re looking for a scenic place to eat and hit the hay for the night, the Historic Tapoco Lodge delivers in spades.
Western North Carolina is dotted with some truly unique accommodations, and you’ll find a fine example in what used to be a town called Tapoco. Sitting on roughly 120 acres, the property was named for the 1913 town that housed workers for the nearby hydroelectric dams.
The lodge opened in 1930 and has welcomed travelers since. The large structure blends history with modern amenities, providing you with everything you need.
If you’re riding away from Deals Gap and crack open the throttle as the last few super tight corners end, you might miss the entrance to the Tapoco. However, you’ll certainly notice the lodge’s striking location along the Cheoah River. Don’t worry, there’s a side road where you can easily turn around.
I recently stayed here, again, with my family in tow. Needing a little extra room, we always book one of the cabins behind the main lodge. Each has a parking spot, making it easy to get luggage in and out. The spacious cabins are nicely built with a large bathroom, a deck with a small hot tub, and heavenly beds.
The lodge also has a variety of rooms in addition to the cabins. You’ll have plenty of options depending on your needs.
If I have a complaint, it’s about the in-room entertainment. The rooms and cabins have TVs, but you’ll have to log in to your streaming services. It’s lame how hotels don’t give you basic cable anymore. Where else can I watch HGTV and the History Channel?
You don’t have to go far for food. The lodge’s upstairs dining room is used for breakfast and private events. The Tapoco Tavern restaurant downstairs serves lunch and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating.
Breakfast is difficult to screw up, but it’s also equally difficult to get it really right. Every morning we were delighted with a top notch breakfast and friendly service. It’s a great way to kick off the day.
Activities focus on the outdoors. Of course, there are plenty of roads to explore on your motorcycle, like the Cherohala Skyway and the Dragon, as well as lesser known roads with far fewer motorists on them.
A hiking connector can bring you to the Appalachian Trail. Lake Santeelah is just a few minutes toward Robbinsville, offering a beautiful place to spend a day swimming and relaxing. We always stop for a dip when we’re in the area.
At the end of the day you can dine overlooking the Cheoah River on a menu offering pizza, burgers, trout, and more.
The Historic Tapoco Lodge has embraced motorcycle and car enthusiasts. The parking lot features a large wooden shed, allowing you to park your motorcycle in the shade. They even added hooks on the wall, so you can hang up your gear.
Facts & Info
Amenities
- Restaurants and bar
- Motorcycle washing station with cleaning rags
- Free coffee
- Hot tubs in cabins
- Covered parking
Nearby Attractions
- Deals Gap
- Lake Santeelah
- Cherohala Skyway
- Fontana Dam
- Appalachian Trail
Nearby Roads
The Tapoco Lodge is surrounded by some of the most famous and beautiful motorcycle roads in the country. I already mentioned the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway, but don’t miss Yellow Creek Rd, Moonshiner 28, Cades Cove, and more. Check out 8 great loops based out of nearby Fontana.
Food & Dining
Breakfast is great, but lunch and dinner are of average quality. The pizza is the safest option, but we’ve heard good things about their trout. If you’re looking for a more quality dining experience, check out Hazel’s at the Fontana Resort. There’s free coffee in the Tapoco Lodge all day.
Price
Starting at $200/night.
Location
Find it at 14981 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC, (828) 498-2800