The Rock Bottom Sports Grill in Hot Springs, NC - Biker Friendly
I spent a bit of the beautiful weekend in Hot Springs, NC, getting the final footage for my upcoming video about one of North Carolina’s classic motorcycle rides – NC 209. While we were there I made a lunch stop at the Rock Bottom Sports Grill in the heart of town.
It was too nice a day to be inside at the bar - everyone was out on the porch overlooking the stream and enjoying their meals
I was lucky enough to catch Melissa, the owner there on Easter Sunday. She’d come in to put out the fires that developed over the holiday weekend. They’d been swamped with business and she was doing her best to locate more staples and replenish the menu on a day when many suppliers were closed for the holiday. The photos of the bar and inside of the restaurant are misleading – with the beautiful weather, the covered porch outside was packed with diners enjoying their meals while overlooking the creek which flows aside the building.
Our food was good, though they’d run out of buffalo burgers, always a treat when I can find them. The standard version fit the bill quite nicely and I overheard several complimentary comments about the fries – there are very tasty.
Photo of painting of the town of Hot Springs, NC - river rafting, backpackers passing through on the Appalachian Trail, how many motorcycles can you spot?
My visit had another purpose. As route master for the Asheville Bikefest, I’m trying to visit any many locations as I can prior to the May 13 – 16th event to not only alert them of the traffic it is likely to generate, but verify they are welcome to biker business. Before I start telling thousands of motorcyclists of great places to stop while enjoying the wonderful two lane mountain roads I’ll suggest to them for their visit, I want to insure they are welcome there. No problems with the Rock Bottom Sports Grill in Hot Springs. Melissa has been riding for years, made the pilgrimage to Sturgis last year, and is looking forward to seeing you and insuring you have a great time.
Got to talk with the still photographer - entirely missed the crowds outside on the porch.
I’m pulling the video together as time permits, expect to learn a lot more about Hot Springs and the fabulous motorcycle riding in the surrounding area. Here’s the Teaser I put together before the snow shut things down. The full version is coming soon;