JEFFTATE
06-13-2011, 04:48 PM
I decide to take an unplanned , day-trip through the Tennessee Overhill Country a couple of Saturdays ago.
I must say , this was one of the best low-pressure , enjoyable days I've had in a long time .
That is what we made our old cars into " touring" cars for ? Right ?
The Tennessee Overhill Country( http://www.tennesseeoverhill.com/ )is the area in the southeast corner of Tennessee that is bordered by Hwy 75 on the west , the Tennessee / Georgia state line on the south , extending up to the town of Vonore on the north and as far east as the mountain ridges . The area is pretty much a hilly plateau , and was inhabited by the Cherokee Indians after they were driven over (and out of ) the North Carolina and Tennesee mountains by settlers from the coastal areas. ( Hence the name " Overhill" )
The way to see the beauty of the Overhill Country is to get off the main roads . ( like I -75 and Hwy 411 ) and hit the side roads.
I did my cruise on some old , off-the-beaten-path side roads and highways that run parallel to and east of Hwy 411.
I started in Ocoee , then north up Hwy 30 , through Reliance TN.
While driving up Hwy 30 on the way to Reliance , I saw all these great , colorful signs about a restaurant ahead.
So , I had to stop at the place .
It was called :
The Creekside Restaurant
131 Kimsey Mtn Hwy
Reliance,TN.37369
423-338-2233
This place was like stepping back to Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show . It was owned and run by a retired couple . They were very friendly and the food was great . And the atmosphere was relaxing .
Here's a pic
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here's a pic of the " matre'd "
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Then we went up Hwy 315 to Hwy 310 and across into Tellico Plains . Then north on Hwy 360 to Vonore , where we visited Ft. Loudon ( a French and Indian War Fort ) , and we visited the birthplace of Sequoia , and the Tellico Blockhouse.
This was the most relaxing , beautiful drive I've had in a long time .
The section of road from Ocoee to Tellico Plains ( Hwy 30 , Hwy 315 , and Hwy 310 ) was fabulous. The scenery was beautiful , and there was NO , I mean NO one anywhere behind or in front of me on the road. There were no other cars on the road but me ! It was a great drive .
And I crossed , or drove beside The Ocoee River , The Hiwassee River , the Tellico River , the LittleTennessee River , and Lake Tellico .
So , if you are looking for an uncrowded alternative place to visit , check out the Tennessee Overhill Country !
I've only expored one day around the area , but there is a lot more to explore , and Ill be going back .
I must say , this was one of the best low-pressure , enjoyable days I've had in a long time .
That is what we made our old cars into " touring" cars for ? Right ?
The Tennessee Overhill Country( http://www.tennesseeoverhill.com/ )is the area in the southeast corner of Tennessee that is bordered by Hwy 75 on the west , the Tennessee / Georgia state line on the south , extending up to the town of Vonore on the north and as far east as the mountain ridges . The area is pretty much a hilly plateau , and was inhabited by the Cherokee Indians after they were driven over (and out of ) the North Carolina and Tennesee mountains by settlers from the coastal areas. ( Hence the name " Overhill" )
The way to see the beauty of the Overhill Country is to get off the main roads . ( like I -75 and Hwy 411 ) and hit the side roads.
I did my cruise on some old , off-the-beaten-path side roads and highways that run parallel to and east of Hwy 411.
I started in Ocoee , then north up Hwy 30 , through Reliance TN.
While driving up Hwy 30 on the way to Reliance , I saw all these great , colorful signs about a restaurant ahead.
So , I had to stop at the place .
It was called :
The Creekside Restaurant
131 Kimsey Mtn Hwy
Reliance,TN.37369
423-338-2233
This place was like stepping back to Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show . It was owned and run by a retired couple . They were very friendly and the food was great . And the atmosphere was relaxing .
Here's a pic
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here's a pic of the " matre'd "
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Then we went up Hwy 315 to Hwy 310 and across into Tellico Plains . Then north on Hwy 360 to Vonore , where we visited Ft. Loudon ( a French and Indian War Fort ) , and we visited the birthplace of Sequoia , and the Tellico Blockhouse.
This was the most relaxing , beautiful drive I've had in a long time .
The section of road from Ocoee to Tellico Plains ( Hwy 30 , Hwy 315 , and Hwy 310 ) was fabulous. The scenery was beautiful , and there was NO , I mean NO one anywhere behind or in front of me on the road. There were no other cars on the road but me ! It was a great drive .
And I crossed , or drove beside The Ocoee River , The Hiwassee River , the Tellico River , the LittleTennessee River , and Lake Tellico .
So , if you are looking for an uncrowded alternative place to visit , check out the Tennessee Overhill Country !
I've only expored one day around the area , but there is a lot more to explore , and Ill be going back .