Mt Airy, North Carolina

For those that are true Americans you can't get more Apple Pie than being with Andy and Barney 

from " The Andy Griffith Show" .  Let's not forget about Aunt Bee and Opie too. We pulled off the Blue Ridge Parkway to visit a little town in North Carolina called Mt Airy. It was the home town of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for his hit television show. It is like a step back in time in the historic section of town. There are sidewalks that lead you past shops with the theme song playing from the show.  The old Ford police cruiser is still parked along the street. Snappy Lunch and even Floyd's Barber shop are there where Floyd's grandson is still cutting hair today. It is a lovely area that reflects a much simpler time.

Click here to learn more about Mr Airy

Harley-Davidson 2010 Ultra Classic Limited

Spotless!!

Through the long New England winter I must have detailed my motorcycle at least seven times. On the final cleaning I was using a fine tipped cotton swab. There wasn't one speck of dust or dirt to be found on our baby. Yes, I treat my Harley like it is part of the family. All this cleaning was in preparation for the spectacular trip we were about to take her on: a 2.300 mile road trip from Massachusetts through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, into Virginia where we were to get on the Skyline Dive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into Asheville, North Carolina, crossing over the Great Smoky Mountains into Tennessee and then riding the infamous Tail of the Dragon. 

Empire State Building - New York City - Manhattan

Although we had been to the city before, we couldn't resist taking this picture as we approached the magnificent Empire State Building.  It may not be the tallest building in the world anymore but it is still an incredibly beautiful building; a true American landmark.  The view from the street is just as breathtaking as from the 86th floor observation deck where you can view the entire city.  

Full Throttle Saloon, Sturgis SD Air-Brush Painting

Something that is quite popular in Sturgis is body painting for women. I took this picture

while we were at the Full Throttle Saloon. This artist is one of many that setup shop inside the grounds

of the Full Throttle Saloon. In an open booth where patrons can enjoy watching, women are airbrushed 

with paint to a wide variety of different caricatures. This girl was smirking because the air pressure from the airbrush was tickling her. What a tough job this guy has! 

Black Hills South Dakota

When riding our Harley-Davidson, we always feel surrounded by friends. We took this

picture while riding with numerous other Harley-Davidson enthusiast in the Black Hills National Forest.

When you become a HOG member you instantly join a family. 

Statue of Liberty NY

We took this unique picture of the Statue of Liberty just before we entered to start climbing the pedestal. Once inside the statue, we climbed the 192 steps to the top of the pedestal where you are able to walk outside and around the statue.  From the various vantage points, you can see all around Liberty Island, the skyline of Manhattan, Ellis Island and back toward Staten Island.  

The Staten Island Ferry, New York, New York

We took this ferry every day to New York City while staying in Staten Island.  What a view of the city as you cross the mouth of the Hudson River! We took this picture from the outside deck of our ferry as another one passed.  While the daylight rides were beautiful, the evening trips were even better.  The skyline twinkled with lights across the water as we slowly traveled past the Status of Libery lit up against the night sky.  It is also a great way to experience the Manhattan skyline in a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.  An added plus is that the ferries run every 15 minutes like clock work and there is no charge for using the ferry system.

Full Throttle Saloon,Sturgis SD

The night my wife and I stepped into the Full Throttle Saloon the atmosphere was electric. There were Harleys roaring, bands playing, interesting entertainers and people everywhere. The beverages were flowing and everyone was having a great time. As we walked into the main building, the girls from "Flaunt" were greeting people and getting ready for their show.  I asked if I could have my picture taken with them and they were glad to oblige. I believe the girls in the picture are Mia and Bree.  You may have seen them on the TruTV show "Full Throttle".  The Sturgis rally is not complete without a stop at the legendary Full Throttle Saloon.

Flaunt Girls

Full Throttle Saloon

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Tennessee

We rode the Tail of the Dragon from North Carolina into Tennessee.  We stopped to take this picture shortly after crossing the border into Tennessee.  We entered Great Smoky Mountains National Park and took a beautiful ride along the Foothills Parkway.  The scenery was spectacular and we observed how the mountain range got its name as we rode that morning-a mist hovers around the peaks of the mountains and creates the illusion of smoke.