Our Minis on The Dragon 2025 Adventure
Bags packed and full of excitement, we set off on another epic adventure—this time to the Smoky Mountains in the USA for Minis on the Dragon 2025.
After a smooth flight with Virgin Atlantic, we landed in Charleston, South Carolina, where we were warmly welcomed by our dear friends and long-time clients, The Prices. We stayed in their stunning pre-Civil War cottage—one of the oldest in Summerville.
👉 Check it out here👉 Discover historic Summerville
We took a couple of days to soak up the sights around Charleston. Highlights included Middleton Plantation, a sunny afternoon at Folly Beach, and an unforgettable seafood feast at Bowen’s Island—complete with dolphin watching. We also spent a brilliant day aboard the USS Yorktown, guided by a passionate expert who brought its stories to life.
Wednesday
It was time to head north—five hours through beautiful countryside to the Smoky Mountains. As we neared Fontana Village, signs of a MINI event were everywhere. MINIs at gas stations, lay-bys, car parks, and outside every bar and restaurant—we were in good company!
Nestled beside Fontana Dam, the village was originally built to house dam workers during WWII. These days, it’s more like a summer camp for grown-up MINI lovers. Although we missed the welcome dinner, we did make it in time for a drink at the bar and a good catch-up with friends, old and new.
Thursday
The next morning we were up at 5am for the famous Sunrise Run. Three hours of peaceful driving over some spectacular routes, rewarded with a stunning view as the sun rose above the mountains. After breakfast, we checked in properly, grabbed our lanyards and merch, and got our first real taste of MOTD. The Tail of the Dragon was calling - 318 curves in just 11 miles! We hit the road with fellow MINIacs and stopped off at HUB129, where owner Josh kindly let us put up some UDA posters. Then it was over to Deals Gap to collect our official Tail of the Dragon stickers from Killboy.
Later, we joined the evening’s games and activities, chatting with future UDA guests like Jack and Dusdee, who are joining our MINI tour around Scotland next month. A quick siesta, then the highlight of the social calendar: Cabin Crawls!
Each cabin had a different theme, with costumes, drinks, snacks and plenty of laughs. Our favourite? The Scottish-themed cabin hosted by Betty Arnold Bowling and friends. Sadly, a thunderstorm cut things short, but we took shelter in our cabin - where, by chance, Rob and Mary from our recent Peak District tour reunited with The Prices from a tour six years ago. A lovely full-circle moment.
Friday
The rain came in heavy and steady, so the annual Dragon Parade was a washout for most. But the MINI spirit returned in the afternoon sunshine. We joined the Ice Cream and Lakes End run and met lots of fantastic people, many of whom were interested in our 2026 tours. That evening, we sponsored the legendary BINGO Night, handing out prizes - one of which has already been claimed by Crystal, who’s booked onto our new Scottish Lowlands Tour!
Huge thanks to the MOTD team for promoting us throughout the night.
Saturday
A quiet morning due to the rain, but it cleared up nicely, and we enjoyed a solo drive in the afternoon. The Smoky Mountains truly offer the ultimate driving experience—nothing compares. The farewell dinner was the perfect end to an amazing week. Even better? Over $12,000 raised for the Graham County Foodbank—bringing the MOTD total to an incredible $167,976 over 16 years.
Sunday
Sadly, time to say our goodbyes. We caught up with as many of our MINI family as we could—though with over 800 MINIacs on-site, it’s no easy task! We’re already looking forward to next year. Huge thanks to the volunteers and organisers who make this event so special.
See you all in 2026.
