There are not many destinations where I would be happy simply to arrive and exist. However, this destination in the rugged Western North Carolina mountains is one of them. If I never left the lodge, I would be okay. If I never moved from my chair sitting within feet of a rushing river, I wouldn’t care. If I never roamed far from the blooming azalea bushes where butterflies fluttered, I wouldn’t cry. Nothing beyond my reach thrills me as me as much as simple relaxation. It’s this mindset that creates the newest trend in travel: slow travel. Experiencing destinations at a slower pace takes priority over nailing down every detail to the minute. Focusing on a deeper connection to a location without getting caught in the trappings of what to buy or what to book is the goal of travelers in 2024.

Is a stay at the Historic Tapoco Lodge considered slow travel? Definitely.

Location | Robbinsville, North Carolina | The Historic Tapoco Lodge (pronounced Tah-Pōk-Ah) is miles from the nearest sign of civilization. It’s about an hour drive from Franklin, NC, and a 90-minute drive from Asheville, NC. With a population of about 700, this small town offers nature at its best. The Great Smoky Mountains, Nantahala National Forest, Fontana Lake and Dam (the tallest dam in the Eastern US), the Cherohala Skyway (scenic byway name for the Cherokee National Forest and the Nantahala National Forest) and of course, the infamous Tail of the Dragon which is minutes from the lodge. What the area lacks in amusement it gains in nature’s glory. When you visit, keep in mind that you are miles from restaurants, shops or grocery stores; plan to live in the moment at Tapoco. They have everything you’ll need for your entire getaway.

History | Originally built in the early 1900s by a series of companies including Tallassee Power Company, Aluminum Company of America and finally, Tapoco (formed by first two letters of Tallassee Power Company), the lodge was built to house workers constructing the dam and other hydroelectric projects in the area. The main lodge is part of the original build. In the 1950s, the property expanded to include a theatre, guard house, and cabins. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. (Historical photos (below) courtesy Tapoco Lodge.)

Amenities | Today, there are nine rooms/suites in the lodge. All named for local flora, rooms retain their historic charm while being flourished with modern touches. Robes. Coffee maker. malie bath and body products (available for purchase in the Lodge shop). Daily housekeeping. The three suites offer expanded spaces, each featuring a separate bedroom, large bath, walk-in shower, and hot tub. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the lodge rooms. An ADA compliant suite is on the main level and is a two-room suite, overlooking the river.

Seven cabins are just up the hill from the main lodge, and gas-powered carts are available for transport back-and-forth from the lodge. The Mountain View and Overlook cabins are pet friendly.

In tandem with the slowing down theme and self-care travel, spa services come to you, turning your lodge or cabin into a luxury experience. Services are available Friday - Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; other times are available, simply call for a reservation.

Extras include binoculars for use as you walk the grounds. Also, there are daily activities listed on the chalkboard in the reception area. Latte's with Libby or a history tour or maybe a movie. The other chalkboard at the desk welcomes the daily check-in’s. I can’t help it, but who doesn’t love seeing their name on a board?

Raise your window at night and you’ll not need the sound machine that sits beside the bed. The rushing waters of the Cheoah River will lull you to sleep.

Dining | Breakfast is served each morning (8 a.m. - 11 a.m.) in the Cheoah Dining Room, and on the weekend the space is transformed into fine dining (reservations, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.). Self-service coffee service allows for multiple refills; choose the bourbon-pecan to get the day started. The Tapoco Tavern is casual dining at its best. Open for lunch and dinner, tables are available along the deck overlooking the river. There’s no better place to indulge in the wood-fired pizza or the amazing Signature Superfood Slaw (ordered twice, it was that good). Enjoy a glass of wine or a craft cocktail crafted by Dalton Murphy at the bar.

Get Outside | The beautifully manicured lawn and gardens invite you for a walk. Signs and the rocked pathways direct the way. During spring, the flowering dogwoods and azaleas decorate the hill to the left of the lodge; the only thing more peaceful and beautiful are the butterflies that cover the bursting blooms. Walk along the riverside path for a more private experience.

Take to the area roads and rivers for an adrenaline rush, or enjoy the slower pace with a hike or a picnic.

Tail of the Dragon | Continue north along the Ronnie Millsap Highway (Highway 129) and cross the Tennessee line and you’re on the Dragon. 318 curves in 11 miles.

Cherohala Skyway | A 43-mile scenic highway that promises a breathtaking view of the Cherokee and Nantahala Mountains. Choose fall for this adventure.

Lake Santeetlah | Named one of the most beautiful lakes by Travel+Leisure, it offers a 76-mile shoreline almost without development. Look for otters, beavers, bald eagles and hawks. Perfect for fishing, kayaking or relaxing.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest | Trees over 400-years-old tower in the forest named for the poet. “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.”

River Rafting and Kayaking | If you’re at the Historic Tapoco Lodge during one of the water release dates of Cheoah River (dates from February until November, listed on website) from the upstream dam, simply walk out onto the deck and be amazed at the world-class rapids.

The Historic Tapoco Lodge * 12981 Tapoco Rd., Robbinsville, NC * info@tapoco.com
The Historic Tapoco Lodge is a member of the Enthusiast Hotel Collection that combines exploration, adventure, and imagination, creating memories for a lifetime.

Graham County Local Artisans

• Huckleberry’s Bakery by Willow Tree | 810 Tallulah Road | Local dessert shop

• Hunting Boy Wood Carving | 2793 Massey Branch Road | Hand-crafted native arts and crafts

• Junk ‘N’ Style | 3690 Fontana Road | Handmade NC bark displays

• Marie’s Lavender Farm | 3660 Yellow Creek Road | Specializes in heirlooms

• Stecoah Artisans Gallery | 121 Schoolhouse Road | Custom handcrafted items

• Stoney Hollow Farms | 944 Ollies Creek Road | Farm featuring organically raised flowers, etc.

• The Shed Gallery | 31 Upper Cove Road | Gallery with Indian artifacts and folk art

• Wehrloom Honey and Essentials | 257 Willie Colvin Road | Local honey, mead on draft