Published: May 21, 2009 11:34 pm      

TIM PRESTON: What a treat 052409

I haven’t come across any new restaurants in recent weeks and have decided to begin writing notes about existing places to eat which may not be familiar to everyone. I’m also recruiting anyone who wants to volunteer their help with this one, and already have a couple of secret agents making lists of their favorite places to eat in Carter County.

For example, despite being in business “forever,” there are many among us who don’t know about Crisp’s Dairy Treat just off U.S. 60 in the Summit area. We found the place by accident a few months back and were told we were the only people around who haven’t been going there for years. And, on my way out of Russell this week, I saw a small sign pointing me toward a second Crisp’s location I was completely unaware of, across from Worthington Elementary.

I haven’t sampled many of Crisp’s menu items, although I can vouch for the quality of their ice cream treats, and my baby is a big fan of their hot-fudge chocolate milkshake. For more information or to place an order, call (606) 928-8193.

A great night out

We climbed into the coolest car in the driveway this week and drove the massive vehicle into Ashland to find some dinner. While it was no big night out, it did turn into a memorable evening.

We landed at La Finca’s on Greenup Avenue for the evening’s meal and it was obvious the car we were driving was the star of the show. I had barely cut the engine off before someone on the restaurant’s patio was asking what year the big car was built. We had a fine meal and when we went to pay, the restaurant owner also asked about the car. I’ll admit the way he looked out the window and admired the vehicle gave both of us a sense of pride.

We stopped for gas a couple of blocks away and met several more old-car fans, including a young man who excused himself, kissed his fingers and lightly applied them to the car’s hood.

If you’ve ever wondered why Ashland seems to have so many great old cars and trucks driving around, it may be because people around here aren’t shy about showing their appreciation for the art of an automobile from a bygone era.

Time to rock

Local musician Dave McCoy recently opened 4 O’clock Rock Guitar Shop in the former Chris’s Guitar Shop location at 121 16th St. by the floodwall in Ashland.

McCoy said they already have more than 100 instruments in stock, including many of the brands and instruments preferred by bluegrass and folk musicians. In addition to strings and accessories, the shop is an authorized dealer for Martin, Ibanez and Paul Reed Smith as well as amplifiers made by THD and Orange. McCoy said the shop also has a considerable number of used instruments.

4 O’Clock Rock Guitar Shop offers instrument repairs and lessons, with five instructors available to cover a variety of styles. The new guitar shop is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. For information, call (606) 326-0097.

Stopping ‘Robo’

My cell phone hasn’t had a call from the “expired auto warranty” robot for a few days, and I’m happy about that.

A reader sent a note advising anyone who is having this problem to get on the “DO NOT CALL” list by calling 888-382-1222 to block their cell number from telemarketing businesses for five years.

The process is said to take less than 30 seconds and you must call from the phone number which is to be blocked. I’m calling as soon as I’m done writing this.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.