Harleys and Hamburgers

Mike's Famous is more than a motorcycle dealership. It's a roadside attraction.

Ladies, we finally found a pit stop your significant other won't complain about making. In fact, we're pretty sure he'll relish this detour.

The place is Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson, just off I-295 outside Wilmington, Delaware. The dealership and service center also boasts a restaurant, radio station, and museum.

A steady line of travelers finds reason to stop. Classic rock music from the radio station draws visitors into the building, revealing row after row of shiny new motorcycles parked on a gleaming heart-pine floor.

Harley signs and various roadworthy objects adorn exposed brick walls, with clothing and other merchandise filling in the gaps. Indeed, you can buy just about anything you can imagine decorated with the Harley logo, from teddy bears and T-shirts to cake toppers and wedding veils.

"This brand represents a lot of what's good about America," says owner and CEO Mike Schwartz. "When you're on a bike, you can leave your troubles behind. When our visitors come in here, they are just looking to get a piece of that-whether it be a biker T-shirt or a cup of coffee."

There's just one little thing you have to guard against when you visit Mike's Famous. "People often stop to use the restroom or to buy a T-shirt, and they ride out on a brand-new Harley motorcycle," Mike proudly notes.

Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson: 2160 New Castle Avenue, New Castle, DE 19720; (302) 658-8800, 1-800-326-6874, or www.mikesfamous.com.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jan 2005
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