Punch it, Chewie I Wookies in The Woods 2025

Tucked deep within the winding roads of the Cherokee National Forest lies one of the most unforgettable automotive experiences in the country: Wookies in the Woods. Each spring, hundreds of Volkswagen R32 enthusiasts descend on Fontana Village, engines roaring and hearts racing, ready to conquer some of the most technical and exhilarating roads in the U.S. It's a weekend built around driving—but it’s the people that make it truly special.

For first-timers, the initial draw is obvious. The legendary Tail of the Dragon. The deep growl of VR6 engines echoing through the mountains. The thrill of carving corners with precision. That was me—wide-eyed and excited to finally be part of something I’d only experienced by word of mouth.

But it didn’t take long to realize: Wookies isn’t just about the roads or the cars. It’s about the community. This event brings together die-hard VW lovers from all corners of the country—people who live and breathe these machines. And even though you might only see each other once a year, that bond is instant. You don’t just become friends. You become family. The kind of family that’ll help you fix a slow-leaking tire in the middle of nowhere, or hunt down a wheel bearing after a mishap on the drive in. No questions asked.

Wookies in the Woods is everything the car community should be: passion, support, laughter, and lifelong memories. It’s not just a meet-up—it’s a tradition. One that I’m already counting down the days to experience again. Oh and don’t forget to keep it between the mustard and the mayo.