Group Drive: Back of the Dragon & Burke's Garden - 08.16.2025

Get ready to chase curves and soak in mountain beauty — we're heading back to the Back of the Dragon for another epic 200-mile journey on Saturday, August 16th!

What’s in store?

32 Miles. 438 Curves. 1 Epic Road.
Back of the Dragon (VA-16) is pure Porsche paradise — switchbacks, elevation changes, and stunning Appalachian views. It’s a true test of precision and performance (with plenty of grins along the way)!

Bonus Stop: Burkes Garden — “God’s Thumbprint”
We’ll also wind our way into this peaceful, high-altitude valley known for its lush scenery and quiet Amish charm. Grab a snack or souvenir at the Burkes Garden General Store (cash only!) and enjoy a step back in time.

Meeting Points:

• Option 1: 9:15 AM — Bristol, VA Welcome Center (66 Island Rd – I-81 N, Mile 1)
• Option 2: 10:15 AM — CITGO in Marion, VA (1121 N Main St – Ingles lot w/ restrooms)

Lunch Options in Tazewell
We’ll stop at the Back of the Dragon Welcome Center, where you can enjoy Dragon Fired Pizza or explore local spots downtown:

• The Happy Goat – Fastest service

• Bee Noodle’d – Quick and tasty

• Old Virginia Chophouse – Great food, may be slower

• The Front Porch on Main – Charming, but slow service expected

Route Map: Google Maps Route

Drive Agenda:

• 9:15 AM – Meet at Bristol Welcome Center

• 9:30 AM – Hit the road

• 10:15 AM – Arrive at Marion Citgo / Ingles

• 10:45 AM – Continue toward Tazewell

• 11:30 AM – Lunch at BOTD Welcome Center / Downtown

• 1:05 PM – Regroup at BOTD Welcome Center

• 1:15 PM – Depart to Burkes Garden

• 1:45 PM – Explore Burkes Garden General Store (cash only)

• 2:05 PM – Head back

• 2:30 PM – Rest stop at BOTD

• 2:45 PM – Resume drive

• 3:15 PM – Stop at Citgo

• 3:30 PM – Final leg of the drive

• 4:15 PM – Arrive at TN Hills Distillery to toast the day!

Come enjoy the roads, the views, and the company of fellow Porsche enthusiasts. Let’s make this an unforgettable escape!

* Pizza Menu at the welcome center

THE ROADS

BACK OF THE DRAGON

This premier riding road is perfect for Porsche drivers and enthusiasts, as it offers thirty-two miles of driving excitement, with 438 curves that will challenge drivers' skills. The Back of the Dragon is the ultimate road driving experience, crossing three mountains from Marion to Tazewell, VA, and featuring dragging curves, switchbacks, limited access, and elevation changes that no other route can offer. The Back of the Dragon (VA-16) is a 32-mile stretch of road that runs through the Appalachian Mountains in Southwest Virginia. It is known for its scenic beauty, tight curves, and challenging switchbacks, making it a popular destination for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts. Back of the Dragon was designated a Virginia Scenic Byway in 2015, which recognizes its unique scenic, historic, cultural, and recreational resources.

Back of the Dragon on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0GZ-pwMIDM

BURKES GARDEN

Residing at 3,000 feet, a world of lush green hills, mountainous overlooks and secret forests await you in Virginia’s very own Narnia. A picturesque valley framed by nature's majesty that has been dubbed "Vanderbilt's First Choice" and "God's Thumbprint." The route there was as interesting as the destination itself, with twisted roads that every driver dreams about. While there, we will make a visit to Burke's Garden General Store, which will make you feel like going back in time. The store, run by the Amish community, offered a variety of local items (CASH ONLY), and radiates a relaxing, community vibe. The front porch provides an ideal vantage point from which to take in the valley's views. Burkes Garden viewed from the sky looks like a valley on top of a mountain or an old volcano, but in truth it was an ancient seabed, limestone caverns underneath it collapsed making the bowl like structure. It has two roads in and out, an entire self-contained community.

Burkes Garden on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k07UpOLjyDc

Our club is proudly sponsored by Harper Porsche.

Get ready for an epic day of driving, camaraderie, and stunning scenery!