Sitting at a table in the dining room of the Rivers & Rails Tavern in Dillsboro, North Carolina, Craig Szymanski looks out the window and watches a family wander down the row of shops on Front Street in the small, bucolic community. With the late afternoon sunshine falling behind the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, the hungry group notices the lights of the popular tavern. … [Read more...] about Coast to Coast and Carolina, too: Chef brings culinary flare to Jackson County, North Carolina
quick shifts
Elkin’s Angry Troll Brewing: A must-stop for riders and foodies alike
If the intriguing name doesn’t convince riders to stop into Angry Troll Brewing in Elkin, North Carolina, the tasty food and beverages surely will. Nestled at the eastern end of Main Street, the cozy brew pub makes the perfect destination for those “ride to eat” motorcycle outings. Behind doors emblazoned with a grimacing troll logo await a wood-paneled, exposed beam bar and … [Read more...] about Elkin’s Angry Troll Brewing: A must-stop for riders and foodies alike
Blue Ridge Parkway: Touring the region’s most famous scenic byline
I wasn’t always a motorcycle enthusiast, but I’ve always been intrigued. Maybe I can blame Marlon Brando in “The Wild One” or Steve McQueen in “The Great Escape” for starting the itch that needed scratching. My first foray was in Kauai, Hawaii, as a marine on a Kawasaki Ninja 1990 ZX-11. That bike was stupid fast, and I was just stupid. I had some gateway bikes afterward, … [Read more...] about Blue Ridge Parkway: Touring the region’s most famous scenic byline
The Royal Enfield 350: Building a scrambler and a few adventures
When I decided to explore more of Western North Carolina, I knew I needed a motorcycle that could handle diverse terrain and let me venture off the beaten path. After careful consideration, I chose the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and began converting it into a scrambler. This decision was driven by several key factors, all aimed at maximizing my ability to explore both paved … [Read more...] about The Royal Enfield 350: Building a scrambler and a few adventures
Spring fever: events await all types of riders
The spring riding season opens with several popular motorcycling events, offering everything from off-road adventures, vintage bike shows and good ol’ biker rallies. Whether you ride a cruiser, adventure bike, dual sport or antique café bike, check out these upcoming events in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Tail Chaser 250, April 19-21 The annual Tail Chaser 250 presented by … [Read more...] about Spring fever: events await all types of riders
