I-26 Storm

I-26, near Erwin, Tennessee

We tried really hard to beat this storm, but were drenched coming over the Tennessee-North Carolina stateline. The bike rose up to 4,000 feet with the metamorphic rocks to meet these massive clouds. We decided to push through and not stop. By Mars Hill at a little over 2,000 feet, we were down in elevation and the road was dry.

Choo Choo Cafe

Barbara Hawley, Owner of Choo Choo Cafe, Erwin, Tennessee

Looking for coffee at 4 pm, we stumbled on this delightful cafe, tucked inside the Market Square Gallery on South Main Street. The former railroad store is something to see. Charming. Unique. Rich with history, good food, and southern hospitality.

Lights and minature villages, a huge Christmas tree decorated with Easter eggs. Is this a restaurant or antique store? Yes, both. And More. It's a museum and a walk through time with photographs of the town in the 30s and the railroad that plays such a vital role in the Erwin economy. The dining tables feature decoupaged photos of trains and ancestors. There's a dance floor and live music on the weekends.

We came for coffee and couldn't resist the homemade desserts, so we shared a triple layer, just-made chocolate cake. Melted in your mouth. Dinner nightly, says owner and hometown girl Barbara Hawley, is a $7.95 buffet.

A remarkable tribute to a remarkable heritage. Don't miss it.

Love & Main Streets

On the corner of Love and Main Streets in downtown Erwin, Tennessee, Steven expresses his delight at this perfect day...