Asheville, NC
September 25-28
36 members and 19 Morgans made the journey to Asheville, NC for our 2025 fall meet. At the start of the week the weather was looking iffy but most everyone decided to come. And come they did. It was quite the gathering of Morgans and MOGSouth members. Many had not seen each other in a while so we made sure lots of social time was built in to the schedule.
The official check in day was Thursday afternoon but about half the group came in on Wednesday. We did a pre-event drive on Thursday to Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC.
MOGSouth member Bob White is on the Board Of Directors at Wheels Through Time and he gave us a personal guided tour of the museum. The museum is terrific enough but Bob’s personal narration and knowledge of its history really added to the story. We were there for 2 1/2 hours and only scratched the surface. A return visit is in order at a future MOGSouth Meet.
Lunch afterward was at Red Fox Mountain Tavern in Waynesville, NC. Everyone enjoyed a great meal, conversation and company. Afterward we headed back to the hotel to meet the others coming in on Thursday afternoon.
Back at the hotel we met the incoming members, name tags were handed out and we all gathered in the Noggin Room for a drink and hellos. The club bought everyone their first drink and while in the Noggin Room we helped Dorothy Moore set up the silent auction items she had brought. They belonged to her late husband Glenn and Dorothy donated all proceeds to the club. Thank you Dorothy.
The welcome dinner that evening was at Stone Face Tavern, just a short walk from the hotel. Despite a light mist, most choose to walk to the restaurant. Good food, great craft beer and drink selection meant a slightly slower walk back. Once back at the hotel we retired to the Noggin Room for more fellowship.
Friday was the big drive and a stop for lunch. After rendezvousing at a parking lot at the start of the drive everyone headed up Hwy 151. At first a nice gentle rolling ride but towards the top that changed. The last 4 1/2 miles contained about 70 switchbacks with an elevation gain of around 1600 feet. Making for a fun drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Video of parts of the drive up Hwy 151 to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Thanks to Duncan Charlton and Brad Patterson for the raw video
‘Caravan’ by Van Morrison
After the photo op we headed down the mountain on Hwy 276 west. We stopped for lunch at Rocky Face Tavern where we were warmly greeted by the staff. They even roped off space in their parking lot for us and prepared a Morgan Menu.
After lunch we split into different groups for the ride back to the hotel. Some went back via Canton and most headed back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway to drive back to Asheville and the hotel. For some a stop at the Pisgah Inn General Store for an ice cream broke the trip up.
Dinner that night was planned for the back porch of the Sierra Nevada Brewery. A great outdoor space to hang out, have some drinks and have a quick meal. But the rain gods decided otherwise. We made our way there in pouring rain and once there they opted to open a large room upstairs for us and a few others. Great beer, wine and a limited menu meant for great conversation and more social time. Back at the hotel The Noggin Room went well into the evening.
The highlight Saturday was the 25th annual Autumn in The Mountains Car Show put on by The British Car Club of Western North Carolina. Needless to say it was the largest group of Morgan Cars they’d ever had at the show. The event was a great success. Peter Ballard won best of show for his 1933 Three Wheeler!
Winners
Morgan Thru 1968:
1st: Peter Ballard 1933 Sports 2-Seater
2nd: Ken Klug 1964 Plus 4
Morgan Post-1968:
1st: Les & Joan Neuman 1999 Plus 8
2nd: Gene Spainhour 2018 Plus 4
After the show we hightailed it back to the hotel to try and beat the rain. We almost made it but a little water didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.
Back at the hotel it was time to conclude the silent auction. Peter Ballard served as master of ceremonies. Most everything had been bid on and those items that had not were quickly auctioned off by Peter. Over $900 was raised for the club!
Comments
One response to “MOGSouth 2025 Fall Meet”
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Congrats Peter and Myrna…for best of show!!!
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