The 56th Mile of Life

On the first Saturday of the month, you can find yourself stepping back in time in a little town called Pilot, North Carolina. I found that this is a treasure trove of classic and luxury vehicles. From Bonnevilles to Corvettes, you can find anything and everything. As you walk Main Street, car owners from every part of the state roll in to show their restored and reinvented cars. Even this writer was astounded by the presence of such a community.

There has always been something about a classic car that draws the eye. The sleek body lines, the leather seats, and the summer scenery with the windows rolled down set the heart ablaze. Then there’s the thrill of seeing a classic car you may have wanted to find or see off a page. Let’s not forget the engine, the sound of the purr, or how powerful a 350 small block sounds in person. You can smell the fuel as it pumps power and draws the crowd’s attention. It is good fun entertainment and, on top of that, a good project if you have extra time and a passion for the past.

Of all the car shows I have been to, though, there is something extraordinary about Pilot. If you get tired of being outside, you can also venture into the small shops, finding old country goods, candy stores, and ice cream high on the palette—a place that still encourages good, clean, family fun. They also offer musical entertainment, bringing in bands that play the classics. If you get hungry, stop at The Tilted Ladder, where you will feel full and satisfied. Men, if you want something for that special lady in your life, take her down to Indulge Soapary, which offers deals on homemade soaps, hand scrubs, candles, and so much more.

Every piece of town brings a romantic aspect of the state of North Carolina. Even the drive-up offers some of the most beautiful views where you can stop on an overlook and take a picture with you and your family in front of Pilot Mountain, which is said to look like the cockpit of a plane. So, if you ever need some adventure indulgence or even just a date night, head on up to Pilot Emerge in Southern hospitality and enjoy the delight of spending time with a walk into the past.