Author Archives: Dallas Peak

Asheville Eateries

A few of my partners recently emigrated from North Carolina to join our faculty at IUEM — which means they have roots and connections which I have pumped for recs! Here’s the A-list of Asheville Eateries and Pubs straight from the locals:

  • Limones — Mexican/tapas higher end, but not over the top, also breakfast
  • Cúrate + Zambras — Tapas places, solid
  • Mela + Chai Pani — Kickin’ good Indian, the former higher end, the latter with street cred
  • Corner Kitchen @ Biltmore — great place for lunch, farm to table
  • Salsa’s — Great Mex-Carrib, fresh local quality
  • Bouchon — French, very good
  • MG Road — Bar part of Chai Pani, great apps
  • Wicked Weed Brewery — must see with good middle of the road food
  • Pack’s Tavern — good bar food
  • Jack of the Wood — cool local brews + music
  • Tupolo Honey — Breakfast place downtown, crowded
  • Early Girl or Over Easy — less crowded, good breakfast
  • Ave M — great brunch on Sundays

For more details and reviews look them up on Yelp. 

Bon Appetit!

European Rider’s Rally 2012

A couple dozen of our Members gathered for an uncharacteristically warm and sunny weekend at the European Rider’s Rally in Burkesville, KY this past weekend.

We each took our own roads there. Many traveled in small groups according to their schedules and desires for backroads or interstates. I met up with Club member Dennis Shelley and his friend Gary Clark at our pre-arranged spot in Shelbyville.

A short hop on I-74 for a short over to Greensburg was (thankfully) the only interstate we’d see the entire weekend!

Dennis took us down some interesting backroads that I’d never experienced before. Look for Old Michigan Road on a map. Paralleling 421 from the north end of the Jefferson Proving Grounds to just south of Napoleon, it’s straight as an arrow, nice surface and very scenic.

Old Michigan Road

Old Michigan Road

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Ready to Make Your Mark?

Not too far away for a long day-trip, the Maker’s Mark Distillery is a worthy diversion located in a mecca of motorcycle roads.

Maker’s is Bourbon. And Bourbon comes only from central Kentucky. All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is Bourbon. It’s got to do with the location and the method of production.

Maker’s Mark is a type of Bourbon called ‘wheated’–the majority of Bourbons are made with rye. Maker’s is made with wheat. It’s like the difference between rye bread and wheat bread. Maker’s is smoother and sweeter. The others are somewhat bitter.

But to see the Maker’s made, you’re going to need to find Loretto, KY. Start looking for Bardstown, then follow roads south. You’ll eventually see Loretto. It’s tiny. To find the distillery I suggest finding good directions. Don’t rely on your GPS, or you could find some of the roads that we did. Did you know that they make single lane blacktop roads? Aside from photos of Ireland, I had no idea there were any here in the U.S. Indeed, there are, blind curves, hills, and all. Fortunately we didn’t meet any cars along these winding ways, or I may have met my maker. Do as I say, not as I do. Ask for directions!

You’ll find an enjoyable tour which explains more than you may care to know about the particulars of fermenting, distilling and aging their Bourbon. Be sure to check their website for particulars on the tours before embarking on your trip.

http://www.makersmark.com/

Historic reproduction farmhouse

Even if your tastes don’t run to the spirits of distilled fermented grains, you’ll find a rich landscape of preserved buildings and a beautiful grounds.

Experience it firsthand

The reward awaits you at the end of the tour!

But the real reward is a day on two wheels enjoying great roads with great friends.

Want more? Discover a few more bourbons on the Bourbon Trail and have your Passport stamped at each of them.

http://www.kybourbontrail.com/