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Project Headband ~ Made in Robbinsville NC

In the spring of 2016, Tail of the Dragon, LLC began selling custom headbands and skullcaps which are produced in our small warehouse located just outside of Robbinsville, North Carolina. These items are currently sold at our Tail of the Dragon retail store located on the North Carolina side of the world famous “Tail of the Dragon” renowned for it’s challenging “318 Curves in 11 Miles” and featured in the 2016 North Carolina Official Travel Guide as one of the “Project 543” stories of unique spots across the state (link).

The custom headbands and skullcaps are designed and produced by Nancy Johnson, owner of Tail of the Dragon, LLC and one of her employees, Mandy Gyongyos. The idea originated out of frustration in not finding a wholesaler to supply unique products that are not sold by other shops. We also wanted the flexibility of design and color. During the summer of 2015, we started watching what our customers were wearing for headwear, collecting samples of products we liked, and combining ideas to create our own headband and skullcap. We spent hours exploring Pinterest, and Etsy, and even learned how to sew on Youtube. Over the winter we created sample after sample until we had a pattern we liked. We then decided on a custom fabric design using our popular Tail of the Dragon logos, sampled fabric color combinations, and created our own heat press logos and rhinestone templates. We even created our own “Made in Robbinsville NC” label which is hand stamped and sewn on the back of each headband.

The custom fabric is purchased from Spoonflower Inc, a North Carolina textile printing company based out of Durham, North Carolina. The Sport Lycra fabric used for the custom fabric is “knitted in the USA and printed at the Spoonflower headquarters in Durham NC” (link).

Our first batch of headbands and skullcaps were delivered to our retail store in April. Nancy and Mandy were happy with the final product after months of work, but were unsure they would be sold. It was a good sign when the salespeople at our retail store started grabbing the headbands and proclaiming “this one is mine”. It didn’t take long before we got a call for more product to sell. As of July, we have sold over 400 headbands and skull caps, and we are on our second bulk fabric order. We’ve had a few small design changes, and always take under consideration suggestions from our customers and salespeople

Nancy and Mandy continue to do all headband and skullcap production in our small warehouse. We do the material ordering, fabric cutting, vinyl cutting, vinyl heat press logos, and create our own rhinestone templates which are also heat pressed to the fabric. We do all the sewing and proudly stamp and label each and every headband with “Made in Robbinsville NC”.

The headband production will continue through the winter months, allowing us to stockpile inventory for next year and sell our headbands on our popular Tailofthedragonstore.com website year round. This successful headband and skullcap project has allowed Tail of the Dragon LLC to employ Mandy full time, year round, at a fair wage. Full time work at a fair wage is not very common in Graham County, a Tier 1 economically distressed county with one the highest unemployment rates in the state.

We are proud that we are able to keep the entire headband and skull cap project in North Carolina, from fabric produced in Durham, and headbands and skullcaps assembled and sold in Robbinsville.

Project Headband was featured in the Made in North Carolina Style section for the 2016 Our State Made in NC Awards see website.

Headbands and skull caps are available at the Tail of the Dragon Tshirt Shack and at our online store CLICK here for store website.

Tail of the Dragon & Killboy Tshirt Shack will be hosting the official Kawasaki Demo Truck this coming weekend.  Your chance to test ride their latest models and receive $500 towards your purchase of a new Kawi. The Demo rides will be on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 4pm.  The Demo route will head south on US129, which is not the Dragon, but does have some nice curves.

We are also looking forward to the Women’s Sportbike Rally coming up this weekend, September 11-13.  Still time to register, visit EVENT WEBSITE for more information.

• CLICK HERE for current discounts and special events.
• CLICK HERE for regional accommodations.
• CLICK HERE for helpful info to plan your trip.

This can be your view from Blue Waters Mountain Lodge, located on Lake Santeetlah and just of US129 on your way to the Dragon. Enjoy the roads and the lake.

Late Summer & Labor Day Weekend…. Take a break from the pavement and enjoy our other natural attractions.   There are many creeks and streams home to big brown trout and native trouts in the higher elevations. There are four mountain lakes for fishing, sight seeing or kayaking/canoeing. Rent a jet ski, pontoon boat or houseboat. Several whitewater rafting venues are nearby including the challenging Cheoah River. We have mountain trails aplenty … lots of room to escape the crowds. Zip lines and horseback riding are other unique mountain activities.

• CLICK HERE for regional accommodations.
• CLICK HERE for a good listing of recreation locations, outfitters, marinas, etc.
• CLICK HERE for recreation maps including river and lake details, boat ramps and lakeside camping.
• CLICK HERE for helpful info to plan your trip.

Miata’s at the Gap July 24-26 2015. Stop by the Tshirt Shack for your custom Miatas at the Gap street sign, free MATG stickers, maps and posters all weekend.

Join Us for a good old Appalachian 4th of July

FONTANA VILLAGE RESORT (visit website)  July 4th Festivity highlights include indoor and outdoor family games, family movies on the Village Green, hikes, lake cruises, and live bands, and BBQ Cookout. THE best fireworks in the Great Smoky Mountain area! Come enjoy the 4th of July festivities and stay all weekend to experience everything Fontana Village has to offer for the whole family! Visit fontanavillage.com or call 828-498-2211 for more information! Fireworks will begin on the 4th at 9:45 pm. 

GRAHAM COUNTY HERITAGE FESTIVAL – Robbinsville, NC
Gathering of people, crafts, games, food, music, fireworks. Friday, July 5th Festival opens at 5:00 P.M. with vendors on the Robbinsville Courthouse Square. At 6:P.M. join in the Cornhole Game. Music starts at 5:00 P.M. with the Jones Boys, 6;30 the Fontana Ramblers, and at 8:30 the Steve Jordan Band. Dance or just sit and enjoy the music.

Saturday, July 6th, at 9:00 A.M. The Festival opens with the vendors and all day fun and games for the whole family. Music and entertainment starts at 3:00 P.M. with the J. Creek Cloggers, 4:00 P.M. Native American Dancers and at 5:00 P.M.-8:30 P.M. Live Bands, At 10:00 P.M. FIREWORKS (July 6). Then from 10:30P.M. – 11:30 more heritage fest. music.

BRYSON CITY NC – FREEDOM FEST (visit website) July 4, All Day – Bryson City’s Freedom Fest – Downtown Come join us for an old-fashioned street festival in charming downtown Bryson City. Our annual Fourth of July celebration begins with the Rotary Club Firecracker 5K and then continues with local artisans and crafters, a full day of local entertainment, festival foods, and fun events. July 4, 10 pm – Fireworks in Bryson City

TELLICO PLAINS FIREWORKS SHOW (visit website) on July 3 starting at 6pm with live music and festival followed by a 45 minute fireworks show. Location at the Charles Hall Field behind the Cherohala Visitors Center.

TOWNSEND TN Community Music and Fireworks Celebration starts at 7:30 pm The Music Show will continue until dark and then the Fireworks begin. The Event is free and is located in the Field below The Highland Manor Inn

COPPERHEAD LODGE (visit website) located in the north Georgia Mountains. 4th of July – it’s not too late to spend your holiday in the mountains. Live music and Fireworks at dark on July 4.

TWO WHEELS OF SUCHES (visit website) Celebrate July 4th at TWoS. Cabins & lodge rooms available or camp with us. The July 4th fireworks in Suches are great, free and just a five minute walk from TWoS to Woody Gap School. 

Memorial Day weekend coming up, and there is still time to make last minute plans. Be aware the summer weather forecast for the Smoky Mountains usually indicate thunderstorms every day.  However, these are spotty and short lived showers. Still important to bring your rain gear, but complete rain outs are rare. The forecast for the coming weekend looks good with highs in the 80’s and partly cloudy. Lots happening during the holiday weekend,

Availability & Special Events during Mini Cooper weekend:

Tip of the Dragon Retreat ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Phone: TOLL FREE 888-604-3075 , Email, Can’t get much closer….. Last minute cancellation and is now available for Mini Cooper weekend. With paved roads, covered parking, and a fantastic view of Cheoah Lake, you’ll be in heaven at this 2 Bedroom/1 Bath cabin.  At Deals Gap, just a one minute drive from the famed Tail of the Dragon, this is the ideal location for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts.

Poison Branch Cabin Rental ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Phone: 828 479 6680 , Email, Located minutes from Robbinsville. three bedrooms, 2 baths, covered porch, complete kitchen, laundry. Trailer parking available. Complete linens and towels provided. Cleaning fees included in rental rates.

Tellico Plains Log Cabins (visit website)
Phone: 205-533-2962 , Email, Located just off TN360 on the Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon Loop, only minutes to the Cherohala Skyway and Tellico Plains. Four cabins accommodating one to four guests each. All of the cabins have cozy stone fireplaces, fully furnished kitchens, satellite TVs/DVDs and grills outside. Our cabins feature internet access, satellite TV and private hot tub on the deck.

Main Stay Suites, Alcoa TN (visit website)
Phone: 865-379-7799 , Located in Alcoa. Convenient to Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, and Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Knoxville and airport. Completely remodeled suites with full kitchens, hot breakfast bar, seasonal pool, bike wash. Pull-out sofa bed. Use Promotional Code LPROMO and receive 15% off the Best Available Rate.

Cherokee Realty ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Phone: TOLL FREE 800-343-7635 OR DIRECT 828-479-6441 , Email, Local Real Estate Office Cherokee Realty offers a wide selection of properties for sale and vacation rentals including cottages along Lake Santeetlah and secluded mountain get-a ways. See all the details on our web site and call us today for reservations. Can adjust for two night stay.

Happy Valley Chalet (visit website)
Phone: PH or TXT 865-617-3508 , Email, Want to stay close to the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap.? You can’t get much closer than the Happy Valley Chalet. You can be on the Dragon is just 5 minutes. Motorcycle Friendly with garage facilities for your bikes !! Extra large three bedroom home on private 35 acres.

Switzerland Inn ~ Blue Ridge Parkway NC (visit website)
Phone: 800-654-4026 LOCAL 828-765-2153 , Email, The Switzerland Inn has become our new little biker friendly get-away. Located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway mile marker 334 at NC 226A on the challenging Diamondback Loop some 45 miles north of Asheville. Unbelievable views, pool, hot tubs, tennis, horseshoes, patio bar. The food is excellent and reasonably priced. Wide variety of accommodations from motel rooms to cottages. Good place to stay on way to or from the event. Music on the weekends.

Tellico Vacation Rentals ~ Tellico Plains TN (visit website)
Phone: 423-253-2253 or toll free 866-253-2254 , Email, Vacation cabin rentals near Cherohala Skwyay and Tellico Plains TN. All cabins privately owned and each unique with mountain views and/or privacy. Cabins can accommodate from 1 to 10 people, many with hot tubs, wifi, fireplaces, full kitchens and more.

Calaboose Cellars Winery & Brewery ~ Andrews NC (visit website)
Phone: (828) 321-2006 , Email, Highly recommended !! Located in Andrews NC. Winery, brewery, tasting room. Music events on summer weekends. Purchase by the glass, bottle, or growler. Music this weekend: Thursday, April 30th @ 5:00 Open Mic hosted by Josh Hawkins, Friday, May 1st @ 5:00 CaroMia (Soul, Blues), Saturday, May 2nd @ 7:00 Goldie & the Screamers (R&B, Soul)

Simple Life Camp, Cabins & RV ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Phone: 828-788-1099 , Email, Located in Robbinsville near Lake Santeetlah. Within minutes of the Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, and Moonshiner28. Camping Cabins, The Big Dawg’s House, Tent and RV sites.  Call Betsy @ 828-788-1099

Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson – Music at The Shed Maryville TN
Friday Night – The Roo Battle of the Bands sponsored by WIMZ. It is a free event! Event Website
Saturday Night – Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute band, Tuesday’s Gone, performing live. Event Website

Gleanings Luxury Suites & Cabins ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Phone: 828-479-2233 , Email, Located just minutes from Robbinsville, 20 miles to the Dragon and 10 miles to the Cherohala Skyway.  Gleanings resort includes luxury suites, some with kitchenttes, all with access to kitchen facilities. There is paved access to the main Resort building and ample uncovered parking. Steep access in some parts of the resort. Guests have access to the outdoor pool and hot tub, wifi, Satellite TV.

Snowbird Mountain Lodge ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Phone: 828.479.3433 or Toll Free 800.941.9290 , Email, Located at the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway on the North Carolina side. For the discriminating traveler who is looking for first class accommodations and gourmet meals. Fireside bar and beer to go. Various rooms from $150-$350 per night, meals included. Steep paved driveway with gravel parking area. Minis – free glass of wine on check-in and a photo of them and their car – printed and emailed.

Dock Holiday House ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Phone: 828-479-8967 or 772-466-6587 , Email, Dock Holiday House on Lake Santeetlah – Vacation cabin rental with private dock for swimming and boating. Level parking for cars, motorcycles, trailers.

Mountain Manor Hotel ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Phone: 828-479-4555 , Email, One and two bedroom suites in Robbinsville with easy access. Walk to restaurants. WIFI, satellite TV, kitchens, laundry gas grills. One bedroom suite available during Mini Cooper Weekend.

Sweet Berries Bed & Breakfast ~ Maryville TN (visit website)
Phone: 865-856-6762 , Email, Sweet Berries Bed and Breakfast – Located just off US hwy 129 on a 120 mile loop to the Cherohala Skyway. Your experience starts with a spacious room, a large comfortable bed, and a spectacular gourmet breakfast at our inn. Enjoy the excitement of cruising the mountains and valleys of Tennessee. At days end come back, take a hot shower, relax and be pampered with a complimentary snack and beverage before bedtime. Pavement from your home to our front door, covered parking for motorcycles, trailer parking. Four spacious rooms, free WIFI and phone service, HD-TV, and much more. Mention Mini Cooper Weekend for 50% off your third night stay.

Wehrloom Honey ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Retail store with local honey, candles, and skin care products all made by Wehrloom Honey, as well as baskets, cheese, jams, and a variety of other crafts made by Graham County artisans. Celebrating their grand opening this Saturday from 10am-5pm. See a working colony of honeybees behind the safety of glass, and sample lots of tasty honey treats. Come out and try our varietal honey and herbal infused honey’s as well as our skin care care products made in house. Located on the north end of Robbinsville on US129.

Hub ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Phone: 828-479-0478 , The Hub is your one-stop shop on the way to The Tail of the Dragon! Great Coffee, Great Food, Merchandise, and much more.  Home of Sportbikes4hire.com Motorcycle Rentals. Fire Pits & Smoky Ribs on Friday and Saturday night.

Cozad-Cover House B&B and Cottages (visit website)
Phone: 828-321-1017 , Email, Open year round. Inn Rooms, cottage, and a studio apartment on the premises. Guest staying here still have full access to the entire property. Located on Main Street in Andrews. Good access, secure parking. Availability this weekend.

High Frontier Cabins ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Phone: 828-479-8121 , Email, Two Authentic log cabins with many special touches. The Log Cabin is 3 BR 2 bath, The Log Lodge is 4 BR 3 bath. Both cabins include fireplace, hot tub, rustic log furniture, and located in a very remote area that offers complete privacy. Cabins are within their own private setting, yet within walking distance. Rent one or bring a group and rent both. Access is via a gravel road for nearly a mile and then up a moderately steep gravel driveway. Available this weekend.

Dragon Pitt Inn & BBQ ~ Maryville TN (visit website)
Phone: 865-253-3566 or 865-253-3565 , Email, Located in Tennessee on US 129 just 9 miles from the Dragon. No availability this weekend, but stop by the BBQ Pitt for pulled pork slider on a butter toasted brioche bun topped with homemade slaw and topped with french fried onions. Also open for breakfast.

Tapoco Lodge ~  Slickrock Grill & Jasper’s (visit website)
Phone: 828-498-2800 , Email, New Owners – Located on US129 in NC minutes from the Dragon and Moonshiner28, across the street from Fugitive Dam. No accommodation availability but restaurants are open to the public.  Breakfast buffet $15 all you can eat  8a – 10a – Thurs- Sun at the grill.  Pizza and Burgers at Slickrock Riverside Grill, 11a – Close (Drink specials and craft beer specials all weekend) . Jasper’s Dinner  5p – Close Wed-Sun. Jasper’s Sunday Lunch 11a – 3p.

SanRan Motel ~ Robbinsville NC (visit website)
Phone: 828-479-3256 , Email, Located in downtown Robbinsville on US 129. Covered bike parking. Paved parking for trailers. Reasonable rates. Availability this weekend.