Family was busy with girl scouts and the beach, so I decided to head out for a solo ride in my convertible -- got in and headed north on Route 31. I saw lots of gorgeous scenery (made it as far as the Delaware Water Gap) and many tiny towns dotted the road along the way. However, my most memorable sight was Hot Dog Johnnys! Being a self-professed hot dog aficionado, I had to stop for a bite (or two)... and I am so glad that I did.
This mid-sized stand is tucked neatly between the hot asphalt of route 46 and the cool, sparkling Pequest river. As noted on their sign, this eatery has really stood the test of time, having been in that location since 1944. The actual locality is named Buttzville... yep, Buttzville. Being a product of Athol, I was in no position to make any jokes, but I did happen to see a "No Dumping" sign just beyond the town line signage... someone out there has a sense of humor!
Back to my feast... I nestled into a disorganized line and placed my order through the open window --- one dog with everything, french fries and a birch beer. A very typical order as they ONLY serve hot dogs. Within a minute, a smiling young lady said, “Here you go” and handed me a brown paper bag and a syrofoam cup. The outside table seating was pretty full, so I found an empty bench near to where a local car club was holding an informal meeting. Then I anxiously began to unwrap my snack.
First the dog... pulling apart the waxed paper, I found a crispy-on-the-outside fried dog slathered with mustard and onion, cradled in a nicely heated roll and topped by a half of a pickle (instead of relish). Superb!
Then onto the fries... digging my paw into the brown paper bag, I dumped the hot fries out of their paper pouch - nothing fancy here, but they were cooked to utter perfection. They were a little hot, so I needed to snatch my drink before my tongue began to blister. The birch beer was... birchy... a slightly different flavor than rootbeer, but similar. It was excellent! The three flavors worked together like Larry, Moe and Curly in their infamous short “A Plumbing We Will Go”.
As I sit on my couch and reflect on the day, I wonder what made this afternoon so special.... was it the beautiful weather, the convertible coach transport, the swarming atmosphere of the stand, the car club regulars with their antique autos, the speedy service, the scrumptious food, or the burbling river running just out back? I think it was nothing in particular, but everything just the same... a magnificent day! I'll be back!
2 comments:
The day was special because you were your own boss, you did an individual activity--alone--and thought about life, and hot dogs, and the past, and the future. A nifty write-up of a day well-spent, memories made, and every time you drive by that hot dog stand, you'll remember this day.
I think that you are right, my brother. Making all decisions on my own - when to stop, what to see, what to eat. Just my thoughts, the radio and the open road. It was good.
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