Snowbird Dreaming of Warmer Days

Snowed in....I'm cold, my walks need shoveling and my lawn is nowhere in site. WAHHHHH....okay, I guess I should be thankful that it is almost January and this is the first storm that has left more than a few inches behind. Okay, I'm thankful. But...to ward off the winter doldrums, I'm going back...back to cruising down A1A along the Atlantic with warm breezes and the salty spray brushing against my skin.


On my recent visit to sunny FLA, we rode up AIA looking for find bikerfriendly bars. One of the stops was at the Golden Lion.



The Golden Lion is another great bar, just north of Daytona in Flagler Beach.  Situated directly across the street from the ocean, the open rooftop is a favorite spot for bikers to sit during bikeweek and watch the bikes rumble down AIA.

Our last visit in November was a beautiful, sunny fall day. Though quite windy, and most of the guests were downstairs, we could not resist the lure of eating outside with the beautiful ocean view. We also knew our days were numbered and we wouldn't be sitting outside for several months to come. Cue the violins...




This visit was a weekday afternoon and it was surprisingly busy with a good mix of people. This beachy bar attracts both tourists and locals, riding in on all modes of transportation. There is a public lot on the side street that is not paved, but the sand is compact. We were lucky enough to find some onstreet parking.

Inside is quite large - with several seating areas. The bar in the front, pictured below, is at street level and is the perfect spot to hang and watch all the bike week activity. There are some bar stools as well as a few tables outside at the sidewalk.

On top of the restaurant is a large patio/bar with full service. The views are great and there is plenty of room. Our waitress was very friendly, and although working both upstairs on the deck and in the restaurant below, she was very efficient and did not make us wait.

There is a variety of food offered from chips and salsa for under $3 to a seafood boil for $24....and lots of selections in between. We ordered off the specials menu that indicated all ingredients were local and fresh.

WARNING....chick- food posted below.  Turkey croissant with an apple-walnut slaw...oh, yum.Can't be too girly though, my Uncle ordered the same thing and enjoyed it just as much. Everything was delicious.

NO! I will not share....go 'way...not sure why people think it is fun to feed birds. Totally annoying...

For all the big, burly bikers, there are lots of sandwiches and burgers, equally as tasty and all priced under 10 bucks.

 

View from  bar at the top of restaurant 

Happy bike staying warm in the Florida sunshine

On weekends, the Golden Lion offers a variety of musical entertainment from local and regional artists. Everything from classic rock to reggae, and I can't imagine a better place to listen to steel drums while sipping a margarita and watching the waves roll in. I'll be back...

CONTACT DETAILS

The Golden Lion Cafe
500 N Scenic Highway A1A
Flagler Beach, FL 32136
(386) 439-3004
http://www.goldenlioncafe.com/

Cock-a-doodle-doooo....

Although it has only been open for a few months, The Red Rooster Pub is quickly becoming a favorite of local bikers.  Located in the old 'Le-Sorelle' building, the Red Rooster sits at the intersection of Route 1 and Thurston Street, in Wrentham, Massachusetts. This convenient location is only about a mile from Route 495, and a few extra minutes from 95. It is also only a few miles from Normandy Farm Campground in Foxboro, Mass

Not sure where the bar got the name Red Rooster, but I think this guy ------> might have something to do with it.  The shiny, copper rooster sits proudly atop the newly renovated building. A quick google search indicates the rooster is a symbol for good luck...perhaps this rooster brings good luck to all who enter? That'd be nice.

Inside has been completely renovated from floor to ceiling, everything is brand new, including the bathrooms.  It is very bright and nice but the new interior seems to be a bit more mainstream and lacking the biker-bar persona it previously had. Think the owner might be aiming for another demographic.




The Red Rooster has a full-bar, several HD widescreens and a full menu.  Pool table has been removed which allows for more seating and more room. It is quite compact inside. We have not yet tried to food, but it certainly looked and smelled good.

As I previously mentioned, the place is a bit small inside so conversations can easily be overheard. And listen, I know bikers can be rough, tough, macho, etc...and it is what I like most about them but good lord, there was a man  speaking VERY loudly and every other word was eff-this, eff-that.  Seriously, I'm not a priss but I counted seven f-bombs in one sentence.  Zero manners and class. I felt like telling him to shut-the-eff-up, but thankfully I didn't because I soon found out he was  a local cop. Nice. But I digress...

Parking at Red Rooster is convenient and the set of lights at the intersection makes an otherwise hairy exit, quite simple. All-in-all I think renovations make it more desirable and a good option for a stop-in.


Contact Info:
Red Rooster Pub
510 Washington Street
Wrentham, MA
(508) 384-6669

Boneyard BBQ is Finger Lickin' Good!

Boneyard BBQ is located directly on Route 152, in Seekonk, Massachusetts.  The owners of Boneyard have combined their love of food and motorcycles and made a perfect destination for bikers and bbq lovers.

We happened upon the Boneyard on our way home from Colt State park. Driving down route 152, we noticed the flames on the front of the building and screeched the bike to a grinding halt...laid tracks...is that the term?  Okay, we didn't actually 'lay tracks', we continued past until we could safely turn around and then slowly drove back. Gauging from the painted skulls and orange and yellow flames, we knew this was going to be our kind of place.

As you can see from the pics, the outside is decorated in HOG colors with flames painted all around. There are several paved bike spots out front and a large paved lot behind the building.  The entryway is filled with posters of upcoming rides and information that is of interest to bikers.

We entered to a somewhat empty place, a little disappointing but it was a Sunday afternoon of a long weekend...think most businesses are slow on long weekends. As is the outside, the decor inside is geared towards bikers and motor enthusiasts in general, with skulls, license plates, old signs, and Nascar memorabilia. 




We were greeted at the bar by a very friendly bartender and were quickly served two ice-cold beers. Slowly a few families arrived for dinner and some bikers started to appear and the joint began to liven up a bit...as much as any place can on a Sunday afternoon.  A Nascar race was on the HUGE flat screen television and rock and roll was playing in the background. It had a nice vibe.

Since we had dinner plans, we did not plan to eat but the bartender convinced us to give the wings a try...I think they have won some awards...don't quote me on that...but there are a ton of sauces to choose from as well as several heat levels. All flavors are available in wings or tenders. I am the type of gal who prefers a fork and knife...so went with the tenders and chose the 'Black and Gold' sauce.  It was really good, little bit of sweet...little bit of heat.

Hubby, well, he is a straight up carnivore and doesn't mind eating with his hands or gnawing the meat right off the bone. In fact, he considers himself a wings connoisseur..he has spent a lot of time in Hooters locations across the country and has had his share of wings.  Anyway, his came with a generous portion of bleu cheese and were liberally coated in sauce.  Lotsa finger lickin' with these wings. He gave them two saucy thumbs-up.

We only sampled a couple so asked for a take-out container. We often can't get leftovers to go because boxes are always too big for the saddlebags.  Well, we were very excited when the bartender brought out a tall, plastic cylinder-type container with a lid. It's the the little things in life, people...

On our way out, a shiny new Harley was parked next to us....loved the color - a deep, chocolate brown. Looked so good, I wanted to lick it!  Don't worry, I kept my tongue in my mouth...will save the licking for our next visit to the Boneyard BBQ when I try the hot and spicy Dragon's-Breath tenders.

From the website, it looks like they have different specials each night, including a 30 cent wing night and 2-for-1 starter nights. We hope to get back soon on a Wednesday night when live entertainment is offered and spend a bit more time, have a few more drinks, and eat some more food. Can't wait!

Contact Info:
Boneyard BBQ
549 Central Ave, Route 152
Seekonk, Massachusetts
1-508-761-6854
http://www.boneyardbarbecue.com/

Poker Run to Benefit 'Good Sports' Foundation

Pot Belly Pub, Millville, MA

Seems each weekend there is a wide variety of charity events offered, giving bikers a variety of events to select from.

This year we chose to participate in a ride that benefited 'Good Sports' foundation which provides sports equipment and opportunities for disadvantaged youth in urban cities.



We had a perfect summer day for this poker run that started in Millville, Massachusetts at the Pot Belly Pub...a real shit hole.  Their words, not mine!

 Approximately forty bikes showed up for this event which was a better turn out than organizers had anticipated since it was held during a busy summer weekend.

After drawing the first card for our poker hand, we hopped on the bike to join in supporting a good cause with bikers, young and old, some on harleys, others on sports bikes.



We even had our own biker chick waving the Harley flag. On your marks, get set, GOOOOO...

 

Headed down Route 122 and  made our way through small, rural towns

Our stop for the 2nd card of our poker hand was Waterfront Mary's, in Webster, Massachusetts. One of our favorite bars situated on Lake Chaubunagungamaug - say THAT five times fast.

Bike parking at Waterfront Mary's

Waterfront Mary's has a large outdoor patio with a bar and waitress service. Food is good and you can't get a much better view.

Mary's back deck

After a quick refreshment, we all headed to Cady's Tavern for the 3rd card of our poker hands.

Cady's Tavern

Cady's is located in Pascoag, Rhode Island on Route 44/Putnam Pike. A popular biker bar, Cady's hosts several biker runs each year.  We arrived to complimentary pulled pork sandwiches and chips were very much appreciated by all the bikers. From Cady's, we were off to Sticks Tavern in Glocester, RI.

Sticks backyard

Sticks Tavern, also located on Route 44, has a large outdoor space with several picnic tables and seating areas, as well as a large brick fire pit.  Inside, Sticks has a few pool tables, dart boards and several high def wide-screen televisions.








Although our stop was brief, I saw enough to know we will head back soon to spend more time.


Our ride ended back at the Pot Belly Pub in Millville, Massachusetts for food and entertainment.There was a large raffle with items such as concert tickets, restaurant gift certificates and several gift baskets. The winner of the poker hand won two tickets for prime seats at a future Red Sox game. I forget what the winning hand was, might have been four of a kind...one lucky lady...I did not even get a pair! Oh well...better luck next time.

Entertainment provided by local band - Exit 17

Thanks to these local biker bars that generously support the biker community and its causes. A good time was had by all.

Roadhouse in Rhode Island

According to its website, Cady's Tavern in Cepachet, is 'Rhode Island's Original Roadhouse'. Not really sure what that means, but it's cool nonetheless. Located right on Route 44, Cady's is easy to get to from 295 or 395.

The parking lot is not paved, but is packed solid and we had no issues entering or leaving.



A biker-friendly spot, Cady's parking lot is often overflowing with motorcycles, and has a good group of regular customers as well as riders touring the area.


Cady's Tavern is open seven days a week, until 1am Thursday through Saturday.  There is a full menu, with appetizers and sandwiches, even some seafood items, and everything is under $10..most items on menu appeared to be less than $8. Very inexpensive.  The full menu is available until closing, which is a huge plus, since many local establishments close their kitchens around 10pm.  Take-out is also available, again until closing.  There is an ATM on site and they accept MC/VISA/AMEX. The website indicates a homestyle dinner is available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for $6.95. Have never had it but will definitely go back on either night to check it out.

Cady's offers a full bar, beers were cold and inexpensive with several varieties available on bottle and fifteen varieties on tap. I noticed a few signs indicating Beer Pong is played at the bar on certain nights, but not too sure what that is. Sounds fun though.

Entertainment is plentiful and varied. Every Sunday at 3pm, there is an open-mic Blues Jam session and Friday and Saturday evenings local rock bands provide the entertainment.  There are also special events throughout the year...this coming month, there is a Chowder contest that should be a lot of fun.

Our last visit to Cady's was part of a charity bike run, it was one of four stops. The owner was there and had provided pulled pork sandwiches at no cost to all the riders. Very generous. While we were there and about to leave, another bike run showed up and although a little tight, the bar had plenty of room for both groups.



It's a low-key, chill place for bikers to hang and a business that supports their local community.  Show them your support by stopping at this original roadhouse the next time you are in the area.

Contact Info:
Cady's Tavern
2168 Putnam Pike
Chepachet, RI
401-568-4102
http://www.cadystavern.com/

Hawg Hangout in NH not far from Maine line

Stopped here on an early Sunday afternoon, on our way from Wells, Maine to Laconia. Hawg's Pen Cafe is located in Farmington , NH on Route 11, next door to a motorcycle parts and accessories store.

Although Route 11 is heavily traveled, we found the Hawg's Pen easy to get in and out of. Building is on its own lot with a large paved parking area and plenty of rooms for bikes.








We arrived on a Sunday afternoon...probably around 12:30pm. There were already plenty of bikes in the parking lot, several people inside and a band playing on the outdoor patio. Apparently, we had just missed a weekly Prime Rib Sunday Breakfast...bummer. Menu looks good, subs, sandwiches and salads, all for under $10.

Stopped at the bar for a quick beer...bar tender was super friendly.







You can see from this pic, there was plenty of activity for a Sunday afternoon.








Inside the bar is a full bar, it has eating area with booths, a separate room with two pool tables and high tops with stools. It's very roomy and bathrooms were clean.




Outside, there is another bar, a pretty cool looking firepit...old school...a stage for local performances and a large fenced in, covered area with a few tables and some benches along the fence for viewing activity in parking lot.



Would love to head back here during bike week - bet it would be lots of fun! But we definitely recommend visiting during other times. Fun place. And remember to be quiet when leaving...signs all over the place...assume a lot of police activity in the area.


Contact Info:
Haw's Pen Cafe
1114 NH Rte 11
Farmington, NH
603-755-3333
http://www.hawgspen.com/

Great Bah For Beeahs in Maine

Okay, I'm from New England so I can make fun of the accent, can't I? Spent the past weekend in Maine and have often heard about Bentley's but was not able to visit until this trip. Wow, we have been missing out!

Located in Arundel, Maine, Bentley's Saloon is located on Route 1 and is a quick drive from the Wells/Kennebunk area. Also attached to the saloon is a motel and a campground.


As you can see from the picture below, there is a large, paved praking lot with plenty of room for bikes. We arrived on a sunny Saturday afternoon to a pretty large crowd, live band and a pig roast. The band was great, playing old rock n' which seems to be obsolete these days.

There is a separate grill area offering items such as hamburgers, sausages, and steak and cheese. I went with a hamburger which was grilled perfectly. For $8.00, you can two choose two sides from several options: pasta salad, baked beans, potato chips, cold slaw and macaroni salad. For $2.00 less, you can get the sandwich only. My husband went with the hotdog meal - for $6.00 he received two hotdogs and two sides. Food is VERY reasonably priced and is equally as good.



The day of our visit, Bentley's was smoking a pig. I am not sure how often they do it but assume it must be somewhat frequently since they have two smokers on site.



Our friends got the pulled pork plate which was under $10.00 and a huge portion. It smelled delicious and looked yummy, just not my thing. Feel bad for these little guys. But, friends enjoyed it.








Bentley's Saloon has a full-liquor bar offering several drink specials. We stuck with cold, bottled beer of which they had several in stock. Price for 2 was $5.50, pretty reasonable. Our friends stuck with Summer Ale on tap and said it was cold and fresh.

There is a ton of room inside and out for the large crowds that gather here. There is a separate area for a band and a dance floor, a bar in the front of the building and lots of space outside with picnic tables and umbrellas.

I do not know much anything about the accommodations, looks like your basic motel. And the campground, well, it is a campground. Both are located right next to bar and only a minute walk for food and entertainment.



Fair warning: Signs posted all over indicating cops in Maine can pull you over to see your registration - in other words, no justifiable cause needed.


Although a quick visit for lunch and a couple of beers, we really enjoyed ourselves and highly recommend this place to bikers.

Horny Girl Scout Anyone?

Mind out of the gutter...talking about specialty shot #25 out of sixty offered at the Looney Bin Bar & Grille in Laconia/Weirs Beach.

Located directly across from FunSpot, the Looney Bin, Laconia is a popular stop for bikers cruising the lakes region. It is a bit small inside, may even have to wait to get in during bike week, but there was plenty of room and hospitality during our July trip to the mountains.


Our recent visit found us intrigued with the list of specialty drink shots - list shown below. With names such as 'Moose Fart' and 'Bong Water', it is hard to believe but true that all are real shots pulled from the bartenders mixing guide. Anyone that tries 50 out of the 60 shots will receive a sweatshirt and a special mention on the property website. Not to worry...no one is leaving the bar having done 50 shots! Each visit, patrons are allowed a maximum of five shots and possibly less, at bartenders discretion. There is a card system used to keep track of shots and the duration of the promotion appears to be unlimited. The day we started our shots card, the bartender said it took him five years to fill his up. Basically, it amounts to a $250 sweatshirt as shots are $5 each, but it is fun and who doesn't love a bit of competition among friends. Only managed to knock off three while I was there but my card is filed away with them for my next visit to Laconia.

For those not interested in shots or hard liquor, the Looney Bin, Laconia has a wide selection of draft on tap, as well as a large selection of bottled beers. Food is very reasonably priced with everything under $10. Menu consists mainly of sandwiches, subs and appetizers. They offer many specials throughout the week, which can be found on their website. Currently, they are offering half-price appetizers on Wednesdays. Chicken wings, chicken fingers for less than $4 bucks...can't beat it.
















During warmer months, the outdoor patio is open. Has a few picnic tables and I think an area for smokers.



The Looney Bin, Laconia has easy access, directly off Route 3. Parking is paved and plentiful with an area directly outside the windows for bike parking. Hours are a bit uncertain - we were told if there were less than 5 guests they would close early, which is understandable, so calling ahead is recommended if you are heading there near closing time: 9pm on weekdays and 11pm on weeknights. They will also stay later if they are busy.

Contact Info:
The Looney Bin Bar & Grille
Route 3
Weirs Beach, NH
603-366-2300
http://looneybinbar.com/