Being "that guy" and almost running out of gas on the Midnight Run I've learned a thing or two about making sure there is always plenty of Go Juice in your MINI when at MOTD. Once at Fontana there are not a lot of options. There is a gas station at the resort. They do have 93 Octane. They are expensive usually, it is a resort, there are not a lot of other choices nearby and it's not a fun drive for the trucker bringing in fuel. It's quite possible that by the weeks end they may even run out of 93 Octane. It's happened before. The next closest is at the Gap Store at the bottom of the NC side of the Dragon. However, it's possible that if they start running low they will ration to cars and even cut off cars in order to service their Motorcycle contingency. After those 2 you need to either head to Robbinsville or towards Marysville. North of The Dragon and on the way to Marysville on 129 is a Harley Dealer that carries 100% pure gasoline (no ethanol) at 87, 89, and 93 Octane; plus 100 Octane racing fuel with 10% additives. They ain't cheap, but it is a nice 45 min drive over there. Robbinsville is bit closer at about 20 min away. In town there are a few places. The name brand is a Texaco I think. In short, when out and about and the opportunity for gas presents itself, fill up. [GMAP]<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Gas+Stations+near+Robbinsville,+NC&hl=en&sll=35.324212,-83.801849&sspn=0.003725,0.005123&oq=Robbinsville+NC++gas+stations&t=h&hq=Gas+Stations&hnear=Robbinsville,+Graham,+North+Carolina&fll=35.249544,-83.702774&fspn=0.477193,0.655746&ie=UTF8&ll=35.330812,-83.868256&spn=0.476714,0.655746&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Gas+Stations+near+Robbinsville,+NC&hl=en&sll=35.324212,-83.801849&sspn=0.003725,0.005123&oq=Robbinsville+NC++gas+stations&t=h&hq=Gas+Stations&hnear=Robbinsville,+Graham,+North+Carolina&fll=35.249544,-83.702774&fspn=0.477193,0.655746&ie=UTF8&ll=35.330812,-83.868256&spn=0.476714,0.655746&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>[/GMAP]
I'd consider bringing a 5 gal can incase they run out and you need to make the drive to get gas. The 5 gal should get you whereever to need for fuel. Nice to know you have a back up.
Good rule of thumb is to always top off on the way back from a day trip or run, especially if its the last of the day. That way you always head out fuel heavy....lol
+1 to top up on returning from last run of day. There are several stations/brands in Bryson City and Cherokee that are usually cheaper than Fontana and Deal's Gap. Best bet is TN side if on a drive there. Fuel taxes are significantly lower in TN than NC.
There use to be a Chevron, near the car wash heading into Robbinsville from the Dragon. Last year it still said it was "ethanol free" but no brand sign. Not sure what it is. Jim
I've called or emailed Fontana, Deals Gap Resort, Graham County Chamber of Commerce and Swain County Chamber of Commerce and let them know how many people and MINIs we have coming, in an effort to make sure they have enough gas, food, staff, etc. If nothing else, they can't say they have not been warned
Fontana has beer and liquor. Dry only means YOU can't but it locally, but you can buy it from them.. Jim
If you are coming with a group of friends, if someone were to bring along a 2-3 gallon gas can, it could be kept at a central location for just such emergencies (all of my Dallas peeps knew that I had a few gallons stashed at my camper and that they were welcome to borrow them as long as they promptly refilled and replaced the can). Unfortunately, I won't be there for backup this year. I think I got gas every day while at the Dragon. If you are ever on your way back to Fontana and pass a station or if you are under 1/2 a tank, it's always a good idea to stop. You never know how long it will be before you see another out there.
I always thought that the station at Deal's Gap was for motorcycles only. I've never gotten gas there.