Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Tapoco Lodge in Robbinsville, North Carolina offers an unforgettable experience with its tranquil surroundings, exceptional service, and stunning views. The rushing Cheoah River outside the lodge adds to its scenic beauty. Since 1930, the lodge has been a mainstay for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and gearheads. Whether you want to explore the 120-acre campus via groomed trails, visit Nantahala National Forest, enjoy a glass of wine around one of our riverbank fire pits, or drive the Tail of the Dragon, Tapoco Lodge has something for everyone. Our recent visit felt like being in a Hallmark movie. Read on to experience the epitome of luxury and relaxation at the Historic Tapoco Lodge.
Accommodations
As soon as you step inside the Tapoco Lodge, you can feel the stress melting away. Let me tell you, General Manager Valerie runs a well-organized and detail-oriented operation that is truly impressive. The lodge is beautifully decorated both indoors and outdoors, evoking the feeling of a Christmas wonderland. From exquisitely decorated trees to small personal holiday touches within our room, the lodge was cozy and inviting.
The accommodations at the Tapoco Lodge are nothing short of luxurious. Each room is meticulously decorated and equipped with modern amenities. Our room, the Hemlock Riverfront Room, located in the lodge, had a beautiful view of the river. Waking up to the sound of the rushing river each morning was a breath of fresh air. Our room was well equipped with water, mints, a bathroom, and a super comfy bed.
The lodge also offers cabins for rent and a range of suite options, each with its unique features and amenities. The beds are comfortable, and the bathrooms are spacious and luxurious. One important note is that the lodge rooms do not come with televisions. I appreciated this because it encouraged conversations and prevented channel surfing. Before our arrival, the lodge emailed us an activities sheet that included everything from pickleball to yoga, and even a native American performer. I loved how the lodge provided these activities, which made planning our weekend even easier.
Activities and Recreation
Although the weather may not always be in your favor, the awe-inspiring views that surround the Tapoco Lodge are worth the trip. If you’re a fan of scenic drives, make sure to check out the Tail of the Dragon and experience the breathtaking landscapes. With so many activities and sights to explore, the Tapoco Lodge guarantees an unforgettable stay. The lodge also provides amenities such as a full-service bar, daily coffee, and apple cider.
You can even book an appointment with their Auto Detailing team. Guests can also explore the nearby town of Robbinsville, which offers a variety of shops and cafes. Nearby, you can enjoy a hike to Yellow Creek Falls, a walk across a hanging bridge, or even rent a boat on Lake Fontana. During our visit, we did a bit of fly fishing right in front of the lodge and some hiking. Sadly, it rained a good bit during our visit, so we also spent some time napping and playing board games. It was very relaxing and much needed after the Thanksgiving weekend!
Dining Options
The Tapoco Lodge offers an exceptional dining experience with a diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. The dishes are beautifully prepared and presented, and the service is impeccable, making it a great choice for both casual meals and romantic dinners. During our two-night stay, we had breakfast both days, including complimentary coffee. For dinner, we ate at the Tapoco Tavern which served delicious food. My favorite was the avocado toast with sea salt.
If you’re looking for a drink, I recommend asking employee Bunny to whip something up! She made us a Smoked Maple Cinnamon Old Fashion which was delightful. For food, we recommend the trout nuggets made with Carolina mountain trout and the Cherphala Chicken pizza made with creamy alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, spinach, vine-ripened tomatoes, chicken, and bacon. They were cooked to perfection and incredibly delicious.
For dessert, we tried the Pizookie which was a chocolate chip cookie served in a hot skillet with vanilla bean ice cream, topped with whipped cream, and drizzled with a sweet sauce. I highly recommend it if you have a sweet tooth. It’s rich, warm, and yummy. After dinner, we headed back up to the Laurel Lounge bar, a cozy little space where we played a round of cards and enjoyed each other’s company.
@lexpaigeandtheodore A much needed getaway at the Historic Tapoco Lodge. ♥️🌿 #tapocolodge #tapoco #cheoah #northcarolina #smokeymountains #visitnorthcarolina #robbinsvillenc
Final Thoughts
The Tapoco Lodge in Robbinsville, North Carolina was an amazing experience for me and my significant other. With its breathtaking view, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional dining options, this lodge epitomizes luxury and relaxation. If you are looking for a memorable and enjoyable getaway, you should consider staying at the Tapoco Lodge. The food, staff, and entire atmosphere are incredible. They were extremely attentive to all our needs, and I highly recommend this North Carolina stay to anyone planning a visit. You can start planning your visit by clicking here. If you do visit, the staff would love to see your favorite photos taken during your stay. Follow them on Instagram and don’t forget to use the hashtag #tapoco. Happy traveling!
With Love,
Lex Paige
