The Diamondback – NC 226A blog

The Diamondback – NC 226A leads from Marion, NC to the Blue Ridge Parkway with numerous switchbacks and steep twisting turns. There are approximately 194 curves in the 12-mile loop.  There are absolutely incredible sweeping views of the Catawba River Valley and Blue Ridge mountain ranges. The route has a smooth road surface; most of the curves are slightly banked, and absolutely beautiful scenery! It climbs significantly and has many sharp corners.   Here are some tips to help you enjoy the ride:

Keep your motorcycle under 45 mph, ride slowly and carefully, and heed any warning signs. The smoke-belching, view-obscuring truck is mostly absent from the road. Obey all safety laws about riding your motorcycle, like wearing helmets and keeping the headlight on.

Stop for a meal along the route. The Fowl Play Pub and Chalet Restaurant will be open in April. Stop in. Drink in the views and stay a while.

Pull over for the scenic overlooks.  It only takes a  minute to pull over, enjoy the view and continue on down the road. Make additional stops for wildlife. The smaller size of your motorcycle means you can do this just about anywhere.

Stay overnight. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a mixture of campgrounds, but you might not have the cargo-carrying capacity for a full set of camping gear. At the top of the ride, The Switzerland Inn is one of the best places to stop for the night.

If you are planning a Spring ride, the Diamondback – NC 226A has a smooth road surface; most of the curves are slightly banked, and absolutely beautiful scenery! If you need a place to stay, the Switzerland Inn has delighted NC’s Blue Ridge Parkway visitors since 1910. Sweeping mountain views and a variety of recently remodeled rooms, suites and private cottages provide the perfect destination for your NC mountain trip.

There is plenty of space for motorcycle touring groups at the Diamondback Motorcycle Lodge.  The Switzerland Inn is the ideal location for a casual, fun and friendly NC mountain getaway.

On the Parkway at Milepost 334, just above Spruce Pine and Marion in Little Switzerland, NC

A crisp chill is in the air and the early mornings are usually frosty, but now is a great time to see the views from The Diamondback – NC 226A and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here are a few safety reminders for the winter months ahead. The first rains of winter fall on roads that have been coated with oil from the summer traffic. Wet roads offer less grip than dry roads and could have a sheen of oil that affects the traction of your tires.  Looking like puddles, potholes don’t look deep until you ride over them. Never assume a puddle is just a puddle! The painted surface of white lines and directional arrows and manhole covers are very slippery in the rain. Try not to ride to close to the middle of the road during rain, as the line markings collect fuel and dirt deposits. Make sure your bike is under control heading into curves. Just ride a little slower. Never sharply brake or accelerate to quickly either!  Remember that cold hands and feet slow your reflexes down. Treat yourself to warmer gear and enjoy a ride this winter.

The Diamondback - Route 226A

226A, the last Alternate Route in NC, leads from Marion, NC to the Blue Ridge Parkway with numerous switchbacks and steep twisting turns. There are approximately 194 curves in the 12-mile loop. There are lots of corners so sharp you only see about 2 car lengths ahead. At the top of the ride are restaurants, shops and hotels. The Switzerland Inn is one of the best. There are absolutely incredible sweeping views of the Catawba River Valley and Blue Ridge mountain ranges. The Diamondback – NC 226A has a smooth road surface; most of the curves are slightly banked, and absolutely beautiful scenery! It climbs significantly and has many sharp corners. It has some great spots to get some roadside pictures and relax from the intense ride up. Beautiful scenery for an early Sunday morning ride before everyone stirs. Keep a watch out for snow and ice in cold weather.

Fall in North Carolina

The leaves are starting to change with some pretty good colors already near Grandfather Mountain and the Lynn Cove Viaduct. Peak usually comes around October 17 so there is still a lot of green up high from the Blue Ridge Parkway, but there are spots where the colors are beginning to show.

Now is the time to start preparing for those cold snaps. Be sure to bring some warm clothing on your travels. While October is usually dry, fronts coming through can bring rain and you’ll want to be ready for whatever comes. It also tends to be a bit more windy. Beware of wet leaves on the road once they start really falling. They are very slick and may cause a slide if you hit them in a curve.

If you are planning a trip through the mountains of Western North Carolina, don’t miss the Diamondback Motorcycle and Sportscar Route as it winds from Marion, NC to the Parkway at Milepost 334. Over 190 curves in a fun and fast 12-mile ride climbing 2000 feet and dropping 10 to 15 degrees in temperature.

At the top of the route is The Switzerland Inn and the Diamondback Motorcycle Lodge – a fun place for groups to “camp” without camping inconveniences. The Lodge features 8 comfortable rooms with common areas and covered motorcycle parking.

The Switzerland Inn has spacious, newly renovated rooms and suites (many with spectacular mountain-valley views) plus two patio bars and the full service Chalet Restaurant. The Chalet Restaurant serves gourmet favorites and classic breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.

Shopping at Little Switzerland Trading Company, gathering with friends at the Fowl Play Pub or soaking away the evening in one of the hot tubs round out a trip on the Diamondback – NC 226A.

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  Fall is just around the corner and if you are planning a trip through the mountains of Western North Carolina, don’t miss the Diamondback Motorcycle and Sportscar Route as it winds from Marion, NC to the Parkway at Milepost … Continue reading →

Diamondback Apparel at Little Switzerland Trading Co.

Reason #3 to Visit Switzerland Inn – great shopping!
The newest can’t miss spot at the Shoppes at Switzerland Inn is the Little Switzerland Trading Post. Featuring loads of fun Diamondback apparel including hats, limited edition polo shirts, t-shirts and ladies tank tops – all featuring the custom Diamondback logos.

Stop in at the shops to check out collectibles, hand-made jewelry and glass plus unique pottery. Hand-dipped ice cream, too!

Reason #2 to Visit Switzerland Inn – amazing food, beer, wine & Diamondback Venom!
Whether you are dying of thirst after rounding the last curve on the Diamondback Route or your belly-button is touching your backbone from a long ride on the parkway, stop at the Switzerland Inn for delicious, fresh-prepared food, icy cold beer…or if you are really adventurous…a tall glass of Diamondback Venom.

The food is always something extra special at the Chalet Restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served overlooking the panorama of the mountain valley below the Inn.

The Friday night buffet features gourmet seafood creations (Gary catches much of the fish himself) and prime rib. Call ahead for reservations. The buffet is very popular, especially with folks making the Inn their Parkway base camp.

After dinner, stop in at the Fowl Play Pub to visit with friends old and new and to give Diamondback Venom a try. DB Venom is the Diamondback’s original, signature mixed drink featuring 4 types of rum and 2 flavors of juice all served up in a custom “bucket” you get to keep. Delicious!

Mountain View from Switzerland Inn Front Lawn

And the #1 Reason to Visit Switzerland Inn - friendly welcome, comfortable lodging and spectacular views!
Recently renovated, the Switzerland Inn offers a wide selection of accommodations from private, pet-friendly cabins to spacious mountain view suites. The Diamondback Lodge features 8 rooms with a common living space and covered motorcycle parking.

Tennis, swimming pool, hot tub, fitness facility and beautiful grounds overlooking a wide expanse of the North Carolina mountain valley round out a visit to the Inn. On the Parkway at Milepost 334.

Ask about the weekday special.

Check out these killer views from the Switzerland Inn, at the peak of the Diamondback – NC226A.

View from Switzerland Inn Patio - The Diamondback

The Diamondback Peaks at the Switzlerand Inn - MP 334

The Diamondback Curves Beyond the Switzerland Inn

The Chalet Restaurant at The Switzerland Inn kicks of the 2011 season with a return of its all you can eat Fresh Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet. Sample Gary’s most recent catch as you take in the few from NC Milepost 334 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Can’t make it for our Friday feast? The Chalet Restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stop in at the Fowl Play Pub or the Patio Bar to unwind with friends and a glass of your favorite wine or icy brew. A great way to top off an exciting ride up The Diamondback – NC226A.

32.50 per person. Children 4-12 half price.
Our Friday Seafood & Prime Rib Buffet typically includes:
New England Clam Chowder
Salad bar with assortment of salads,
pastas, and condiments
Chef’s carved prime rib of beef aus jus
Almond glaze salmon
Grilled Mahi-Mahi with spicy pineapple salsa
Seafood Newburg
Portobello ravioli with sautéed shrimp
Steamed snow crab legs and claws
Steamed shrimp and Littleneck clams
Fresh-shucked select oysters on the halfshell
Fried cod, Cajun frog legs, and Hushpuppies
Garden rice pilaf
Steamed California vegetable medley
Fresh sautéed green beans
Assorted desserts