President’s Overnighter 2026
April 30-May 3, 2026

We will drive up on Thursday April 30. Our base will be Marion, VA and the General Francis Marion historic hotel downtown. Our drive on Friday May 1 will be an up and back on The Back Of The Dragon. 32 miles, 438 curves and 3500 feel of elevation. Join us for a weekend of fun, food and friendship with your fellow FBCC Members.

Schedule

Thursday April 30.
- Depart for Marion. We will take back roads but as we get closer to the actual date we will check which roads have opened. We will attempt as much on the Blue Ridge Parkway as we can.
- Lunch along the way – Likely Little Switzerland.
- Arrive Marion.
- Meet for drinks and dinner at Macado’s. We will make a reservation.
Friday May 1.
- Back of The Dragon.
- Lunch at the Back of The Dragon Brewery for a pint and some souvenirs in Tazewell.
- Drive back to Marion on The Dragon.
- Dinner on your own.
- That evening for those who want we will see a movie at the Park Place Drive in Movie Theater.
Saturday May 2.
- Socializing & Sightseeing Day
  - Highlands Distilling Company.
  - Smyth County Historical Society Museum.
  - Hungry Mother State Park for hiking and more.
  - Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts.
  - 36 Fifty Brewing open from 1-8.
  - Thriving downtown with shops, restaurants and more.
  - Dinner Together The Swamp Fox Restaurant in the Hotel.
Sunday May 3.
- Drive back with a stop for lunch.

The hotel serves a Continental Breakfast and two other options are Sister’s Cafe and Downtown Pioneer with a block of the hotel.

Restaurant options besides those listed above for a lunch or Friday dinner in Downtown Marion.

The Wooden Pickle Food and Spirits
Yummy Yummy Japanese Restaurant – 232 E Main St

General Francis Marion Hotel

Located in the heart of Downtown Marion, VA and within walking distance of shops, restaurants and more. The hotel was built in 1924 and underwent a two year renovation and reopened in 1996.

Click For Their Website

Booking Details Below

Booking Information

Visit their website to see the different room types.

They are holding 20 rooms for FBCC members. Room rates are;

Traditional Queen: $144.15 plus tax
Luxury Queen: $148.80 plus tax
Junior Queen: $158.10 plus tax
Junior King: $194.37 plus tax
Executive Suite: $212.97 plus tax

Call (276) 783-4800 and mention FBCC to book your room. Make sure you ask for the “Book Direct” 5% discount to be added to your room.

They are only going to hold these rooms until mid February so book soon. You can cancel up to 24 hours of our arrival.

Route for The President’s Overnighter

Route as of now

Jud’s Brown building to Mill Spring Post Office. – Through Tryon and Columbus via 108 and left on 9 to post office to pick up some folks there.
Up Hwy 9. Right on 64/74.
Left on Bills Creek for 22 miles.
Left on Sugar Hill Rd towards Marion for 7 miles
1. Cross under 221 to turn right onto on ramp for 221 North.
Our first gas stop will be coming. It’s 3.7 miles from when you get on 221 North. On the right.
221 North for 6 miles to 226 Turn left on 226
5 miles till it T junctions at 226A (Do not take the first left at 226A. That is a twisty road that is fun but we will avoid on this trip)
Left on 226A towards Little Switzerland
After lunch we are on the Blue Ridge Parkway starting at mile post 334
1. There will likely be a detour between mile posts 328 & 318.
2. Restroom break at mile post 294.
3. We exit the parkway at mile post 261.3.
A short hop on 16 for .5 miles,
Left on 263 for 9 miles to our 2nd gas stop which is also a Quality Gas Station. This is in West Jefferson, NC.
Once we leave the Gas Staton left back on to 263 then immediate left on 221
After 4.5 miles left on 221/16.
At 1.4 miles stay on 16 to the left. Do not veer right on 221.
Go another 16 miles Left on 58/16 at Mouth of Wilson.
In 4 miles 16 veers to the right and then all the way to Marion on 16.