Patriots - All American Bar & Grille

Located in a strip mall in Bellingham, Massachusetts, the Patriot Bar & Grille is the quintessential biker hangout. Is it fancy? No. Is it a dive? Eh...not really. Somewhere in between. It is somewhat dark inside but it is comfortable, has plenty of room, the bartenders are friendly and drinks are cheap.

The Patriot Bar & Grille offers keno, several televisions, darts, pool table and occasionally, live music.

We have never been on Friday or Saturday evenings but hear that it can be a bit crazy. Our drop-in time is usually late afternoon/early evening on the way back from a ride. Always has its fair share of regulars at the bar but have never felt like an outsider or unwelcome.

Plenty of paved parking at the Patriot Bar & Grille with spots on the sidewalk in front of the building in addition to a large parking lot. No shortage of space here.



Located off Route 126 and a few miles from Route 495, the Patriot, while not much to look at from the outside, is a welcome place for a quick pit stop.

Contact info:
Patriots Bar & Grille
15 North Main Street
Bellingham, MA 02019-1592
(508) 966-2662

Hey Boo-Boo, how about a Pic-i-nic?

If your travels take you out to the Sutton/Northbridge, Massachusetts area, consider a stop at Purgatory Chasm State Reservation.

Located right off route 146, this state park offers plenty of free parking and picnic areas. The Chasm itself is about 1/4 mile long with plenty of trails, rock climbing and even some caves.



Although extremely busy on weekends and sunny days, we have always found our own grilling area since many people are there to hike the trails and climb the rocks. There is a Visitors center with CLEAN bathrooms - very nice.

Pictures show our last visit to Purgatory, a few weeks ago. Packed up the bike, bought one of those charcoal bags that come coated in lighter fluid, and filled up a cooler. This picture shows our favorite spot - plenty of space, picnic table and tall hibachi. Many spots have privacy, while some are out in a wide open field. Most of them have room for several bikes.

Check out this meal my hubby made for me...better than going to a fancy steakhouse and a heck of a lot cheaper.


For a nice after picnic treat, there is a cute little ice cream stand right down the street. Within the park on weekends and holidays, there is normally an ice cream truck parked by the visitor center that sells the usual and refreshments.

Admission to Purgatory Chasm is free and we think a wonderful way to spend a day.

Contact info:Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
190 Purgatory Road
Sutton, MA (508)234-3733

Enjoy a Cheeseburger in this Fall River Paradise

I know what you're thinking...paradise and Fall River in the same sentence? Really? Yes, really. Straight out of a Jimmy Buffet song, The Tipsy Seagull is an outdoor tiki bar, palm trees and all, located dockside in Narragansett Bay.

Literally a floating bar, the Tipsy Seagull juts out over the bay and is a popular spot for boaters to dock up to. It is located next to the marina so has a bit of a 'locals' feel as many of the guests have boats tendered there and all seem to know each other.



There are several seating areas...around the bar, tall tables along the dock and some very comfortable couches at the beginning of the ramp. For rainy or cold days, there are retractable awnings around the bar to protect from the elements. New this year is the addition of bathrooms...years past, the only option was a port-a-potty which was clean, but I still found quite unpleasant on a 90 degree summer day.


Drinks are a bit pricey at the Tipsy Seagull but specials are offered every day - for $5 you can try the drink of the day, normally a fruity concoction...not sure if it is offered on weekdays but there have been specials each time we have visited. Last time, I asked for a rum runner and the bartender didn't know how to make one...thought that a bit odd but no big deal.



Food is inexpensive - all items are under $10, and although limited, the menu seems to be much improved from last year. Appetizers and sandwiches are very good though I recommend the clam chowder served in a breadbowl. Perfect for a New England afternoon by the sea.


Acoustic entertainment is offered most weekend days at the Tipsy Seagull. Our last visit was a on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the sun was shining, a singer was playing acoustic Jimmy Buffet songs, the beer was served icy cold....we really felt like we were over 1,000 miles away in the Keys.


The Tipsy Seagull is open during the summer from Tuesday - Sunday from noon to midnight. They have recently instated a policy allowing only guests aged 25+...not sure what that is all about. Must be some crazy times at night. We have only been during the day since we are out on the bike and looking for a low-key time.

So if you're looking to kick back a few cold ones or are craving a bit of the Key West lifestyle, consider Fall River. Yes...Fall River.

Contact Info:
Tipsy Seagull Dockside Pub
1 Ferry Street, Fall River, MA
(508) 678-7547

FriendlyFind Bar Recommendation for Laconia Bike Week

LACONIA IS HERE...Don't miss the Broken Spoke..it's where it all happens!

Broken Spoke Laconia is THE place to hang during bike week. Sexy waitresses in barely-there outfits, hunky men fixin' drinks and posing for pics for the ladies...yeah!

Large crowds, lots of contests. loud bikes, plenty of vendors, ice-cold beer and plenty of good ol rock 'n roll at the Broken Spoke Laconia. Fun place.

On our way....


Broken Spoke Laconia
http://www.brokenspokesaloon.com/laconia.php
1072 Watson Road
Laconia, NH 03246-1738
(603) 366-5511

Laconia Bike Week June 12 - 20 '10

Each Spring, bikers from all over head to the New Hampshire mountains to experience the thrill of riding with their biker brothers and sisters through the scenic country roads that wind along the 69 mile Lake Winnepesaukee loop. It's the daddy of all Bike Weeks and this year Laconia is celebrating it's 87th anniversary.

The week is filled with charity runs, swap meets, bike blessings, cookouts and plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow bikers. Local businesses and restaurants are strong supporters of bike week and invite riders in to their establishments with 'Bikers Welcome' signs.
Our favorite Biker Friendly Find and where it all happens is the Broken Spoke Saloon...live music, cold beer and good food...crowds are large and can get crazy but it makes for great people watching.

One of the best parts of bike week is checking out all the other bikes. All colors, makes and models are present, and owners proudly stand by happy to talk about their ride and what makes it special. Walking through the miles of massive of amounts of shiny chrome and painted metal, the age-old question comes to mind...does size really matter? Hmmm....

Of course, bike week would not be complete without the bevvy of beauties behind the bars...


Weather is always a hit or miss in New England in June. One year, it was about 100 and humid...nothing like sitting in stalled traffic with jeans and leather boots, felt like I was driving through hell....okay, might have been a bit hungover too, which certainly didn't help. Another year, poured on us...buckets....but being hardy New Englanders we carried on...little rain never hurt.


Best time to go? We have yet to make it during the week. I hear it is a lot better, less crowds, stalls are easier to get to and roads are not as crowded.

Maybe we'll try a weekday this year.....see you there?

FriendlyFind Restaurant Recommendation for Laconia

Leaves are sprouting, flowers are blooming and the weather is warming...where do many New England biker's thoughts turn? Laconia Bike Week, of course. Held each year in June, bikers from all over head to the mountains for a kick-ass time along the shores of Lake Winnepesaukee. While most of the action is centered in the Weirs, veterans of Laconia Bike Week know that the best part is cruising the 69 mile loop around the lake. This scenic ride winds through quaint mountain villages and offers windy, smooth pavement for optimum riding pleasure.

Located in Melvin Village, Pine Cone Cafe Tuftonboro is about 25 miles away from the Weirs. It's just about half way around the lake and makes for a convenient meeting place and quick stop for a drink or bite to eat.

On our last trip, the rustic mountain decor with knotty pine boards and crackling fireplace at the Pine Cone Cafe Tuftonboro was a warm respite from the sudden down pours. Bar tender was very friendly, sandwiches were filling and other guests were welcoming. We were very happy to find this local, biker-friendly place and would certainly recommend it. Pine Cone Cafe Tuftonboro also has some rooms to rent, with parking for bikes directly outside bedroom doors.


Contact details:
Pine Cone Cafe
427 Route 109
Melvin Village, NH
603-544-3800

Plenty of HOGS at this Pig

Cheap beer, free Sunday BBQs and friendly bartenders are found at this local watering hole. Pot Belly Pub, in Millville, Massachusetts is your quintessential biker bar and Millville's version of 'Cheers'. A lot of the same faces, sitting in the same chairs, telling the same stories...making it the fun environment that it is.

Parking is plentiful at this biker bar with onstreet spots as well as a large, paved lot along the side of the building. There is an outside deck and plenty of activities to keep guests entertained, including wide-screen televisions, dart boards, video games, keno and horseshoes. The Pot Belly is also unique in that it sits quite close to the tracks and trains are often seen whizzing by, rattling the back deck.

Pot Belly Pub, Millville has several beers on tap, specialty house drinks are generous and strong and $1 jello shots are always made available. Food is served through J&M Pizza, a separate business that is onsite in the back of the room. Owners are very friendly and offer a varied menu with traditional pizzeria food, including appetizers and hot sandwiches. The pizzas are excellent, and the wings come highly recommended.

Perhaps the busiest day of the week at this biker bar is Sundays while the weather is warm. Free burgers and dogs are grilled out on the back deck, and occasionally the house specialty cocktails are served. Delish!

Pot Belly Pub, Millville holds several charitable events and rides every year. Last year, they held an event to raise money for a local patron who sadly lost his leg in a motorcycle accident. They raised thousands of dollars for him, and bikers from all over showed up to support their fellow rider. Several runs are held throughout the year at this biker bar and the owner always seems more than willing to support his local community.

Although plenty of Hogs are found here, all bikers (and non-bikers) are welcome. So, head on out to Millville, Massachusetts, to the Pot Belly Pub and maybe we'll see you there??

Contact info:
Pot Belly Pub
187 Main Street
Millville, MA
(508)883-3916