May Drive and Dine: May 30 – This event was not reported in the June edition of TR since it occurred after the report submission date.
Member appreciation was the theme of our May event. Michael and Whitney Moran organized a drive to Baker Buffalo winery where participants enjoyed “picnic” style lunch compliments of the Hickory Area. Nineteen members in 10 cars participated.As usual, participants gathered at Foreign Cars Europa for a light breakfast – compliments of the dealership – and driver’s meeting. Route guidance was provided by Ride with GPS so we took a little time to assure everyone had downloaded the app and route.
With Michael and Whitney in the lead and Jane and myself in “sweep” position, our group of 10 cars departed on a scenic drive to Lawndale, NC and the Baker Buffalo Creek Winery. Michael planned quite a good route that offered plenty of twists and turns. Upon arrival, we were shown to a special covered area reserved for our use. Each participant was provided a voucher that could be used to “pay” for lunch at the on-site food truck. Of course, wine and beer were also on offer at participant expense.
The proprietors of Baker Buffalo were very welcoming and intent on assuring we had a good visit. Of course, the fact that the owner is a “Porsche guy” certainly worked in our advantage. The weather was great as was the food and wine available. So, our little group hung out for much of the afternoon enjoying one another’s company, the live music and Baker Buffalo hospitality. Many thanks to Michael and Whitney Moran for organizing the event.
Ladies in Porsches (LIPS): June 2 – Six of our ladies gathered this month at Backstreets Bar and Grill for a little lunch and fellowship. The meeting was hosted by Whitney Moran. Attendees contributed $5.00 each to support the children of Crossnore Communities for Children.
Monthly Membership Meeting: June 9 – Twenty-one members and friends gathered at FOURK Restaurant for dinner and to visit with fellow Porsche enthusiasts
There was no formal program planned but Rich Peters provided a brief overview of he and his son’s recent participation in the “Asheville Adventure” sponsored by Flat 6 Adventures. According to his account, it was quite an event. None of the rest of our group were familiar with Flat 6 Adventures but according to their web site, this organization offers “spirited driving experiences on the best roads in the Southeast” along with premium accommodations. Though not an inexpensive event, it apparently lives up to its billing insofar as the drives are indeed “spirited” and on good, “twisty” roads. Rich and his son had a good time and may choose to participate in another event … but perhaps in a less “spirited” driving group.
• This evening’s raffle yielded two winners:
Melanie Peters won a nice long-sleeved Porsche shirt (likely to be worn by husband, Rich)
• Martha Mauney won a car interior cleaning/detail kit. I’m guessing Rudy will get this.
As a result of the raffle, we were able to raise $135.00 to support Crossnore Communities for Children.
Thank you all who participated.
June Drive and Dine: June 18 – For those who haven’t yet “dined” at Yellow Deli (located in Hiddenite, NC), it is worth a visit. It is indeed a unique restaurant offering good food and service in a distinctive structure. But they are not open on Saturdays (it is the Sabbath for those who run the establishment) so this months’ D&D occurred on a weekday. Nineteen members and friends in 11 cars gathered at Foreign Cars Europa (FCE) to begin the event. Following a brief drivers’ meeting, our group welcomed FCE Service Manager, Brent Hoffman, to give us an update about what is happening at the dealership. Of greatest interest was his announcement that FCE is now performing performance upgrades on Porsche’s and other European makes. These include exhaust, suspension and engine tunes at very competitive prices. Good to know local Porsche enthusiasts have another service and performance upgrade option.
Following some question and answer with Brent, we struck out for Yellow Deli with Jane and myself in the lead and Bryson and Kathy Kiser driving “sweep”. As is our practice, we relied on Ride with GPS to show us the way. Upon arrival we were all seated together and enjoyed a thoroughly delightful lunch. Afterwards, some of the ladies decided to do a little shopping and the market next door.
Our next stop was Shadow Springs Vineyard and Winery in Hamptonville, NC. The approximately 60-minute drive took us on some good roads that had minimal competing traffic on Thurday afternoon. Shadow Springs is a small winery with some surprisingly good wines. Within their tasting “house” were a variety of seating arrangements both in-side and out. Most participants “hung out” until late afternoon when they made their own way home. The combination of excellent weather and driving conditions, good food and wine resulted in a wonderful weekday respite.
Next Month …
July 14 (Tuesday) - Monthly Dinner Meeting - 6:30
PM - 8:00PM @ FOURK Restaurant, 1410 4th Street NW, Hickory, NC.
See Carolinas PCA web calendar (https://www.carolinaspca.com/Calendar) for additional event and registration details
Sincerely,
Michael Vittorio - Hickory Area Director
