Posts Tagged ‘Motorcycle adventure blog’

Eat to Ride #3: Hillbilly Hotdogs

Posted: October 6, 2025 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, motorcycle tourism, ride to eat eat to ride
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motorcycle ride to hillbilly hotdog

Ride Destination: Hillbilly Hot Dogs, Lesage, WV                        Route Taken: OH-7 to US-35, then WV-2 south along the Ohio river Distance: ~150 miles round trip                                                  Vibe: Backwoods carnival meets roadside Americana

Hotdogs are a true American staple—loved by many, for better or worse. Hillbilly Hotdogs takes that classic comfort food and gives it a major Appalachian twist, both in flavor and atmosphere.

Location: Hillbilly Hotdog on WV Route 2 north of Huntington, WV.

You can’t miss it: wedged between the road and the mountain, it’s a roadside attraction that grabs your attention whether you stop or just ride by.

The place is packed with quirky, hillbilly-themed décor, including a “Weddin Chaple” that’s hosted real weddings! It will engage your eyes as there is something everywhere you look!

The gravel parking lot offers plenty of space, with overflow parking on both sides of the chapel.

Seating is plentiful, thanks to a couple of converted school buses and a collection of outdoor tables.

The Food

Let’s talk dogs. These aren’t your ballpark franks—they’re Frankenstein creations of chili, slaw, jalapeños, mac & cheese, and whatever else the hillbilly imagination conjure. Here are a few standouts:

  • The Homewrecker: A 15-inch beast loaded with everything but regret. It’s a challenge and a meal, and yes, they make you sign a waiver.
  • The Mothman Dog: Spicy, smoky, and just mysterious enough to make you wonder if you saw something in the woods on the way in.
  • Hillbilly Nachos: Because why not? Pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce that could win awards.

The menu is extensive, with over 30 different types of hotdogs—so many, I wish I had snapped a photo for reference!

On our visit, Debbie opted for the “Ketchup Puppy” (not feeling adventurous that day), while I went for the Taco Dog, loaded with all the classic taco fixings. The dogs themselves are flavorful and high-quality, and the toppings on my Taco Dog were fresh and delicious.

Overall Thoughts: Must-visit food stops for bikers in Appalachia

Hillbilly Hotdogs is a must-visit if you’re anywhere nearby. It’s exactly what your stomach needs during a day trip or a long ride. Even Guy Fieri stopped by to tackle the Homewrecker for “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The restaurant’s quirky spirit is so iconic, it even appears in the video game Fallout 76.

If you’re planning a ride through West Virginia, make sure Hillbilly Hotdogs is on your itinerary. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that blends great food, fun atmosphere, and true roadside Americana.

Have you been to Hillbilly Hotdog? If so comment below and let me know your thoughts.

Ride On, Ride Safe

We recently embarked on a run 200+ mile motorcycle ride with our new Harley Owners Group (HOG) Chapter. This was our first adventure with the Borderline HOG, and it took us through the scenic backroads of Ohio, around our new home. The experience was nothing short of amazing! 

Discovering New Places: Our ride led us to explore places we had never been to before, and we were thrilled by the beauty and charm of the Ohio countryside. Each turn revealed a new sight, and we found ourselves falling in love with the winding roads and picturesque landscapes.

By the way, we circumvented Lake Senica which is much larger than one would expect. We rode around most of the lake and it took quite a while.

Unexpected Encounter: One of the highlights of our ride was encountering a goat that thinks it’s a dog! This quirky moment added a touch of humor and delight to our adventure, making it even more memorable.

Navigational Challenges: While I can’t provide the exact route we rode, I can share that we faced a few navigational challenges. The app our leader was using stopped working when we lost cell signal, leading to a few wrong turns. However, these detours only added to the excitement and fun of the ride.

Conclusion: Overall, our first ride with the Borderline HOG Chapter was an incredible experience. We discovered new places, enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow riders, and embraced the unexpected moments that came our way. We can’t wait for our next adventure on the open road!