The Dip Dog Stand in Chilhowie, Virginia Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

On a recent visit to Chilhowie, Virginia I simply could not pass up the opportunity to stop by "The Dip Dog" stand. Nestled in between Marion and Seven Mile Ford, Virginia this fantastic little roadside stand is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2007. Officially named Hi-Way Drive-In, the "Dip Dog Stand" is located at 2051 Lee Highway, which is Exit 39 off of Interstate 81. Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, any day can be a Dip Dog day.

Just imagine...for the last fifty years, thousands of folks have been enjoying biting into these incredibly wonderful, almost sinful, Dip Dogs. Mind you, a Dip Dog is not a Corn Dog. First, surround a classic red hotdog with a secret family recipe batter. Then, deep- fry it according to very precise and time-honored family practices. Next, roll it in mustard. Finally, serve it up in a brown paper bag. Now, that's a Dip Dog!

Nothing compliments a Dip-Dog meal better than adding to it a side order of Onion Rings. The onion rings are battered in the same batter as the Dip Dogs and are also served in a brown paper bag. There is really nothing quite so enjoyable as opening up your brown paper bags and getting your first euphoric inhalation of Dip Dogs and Onion Rings as their tantalizing scents waft out of the bag to your giddy nose! Dip Dogs give a completely different meaning to brown bagging it and you will never think of paper lunch sacks in quite the same way ever again! I promise you!

Of course, make sure you don't forget a shake. Personally, my flavor of choice is Mocha Coffee, though it is often difficult to pass up on Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Raspberry or any one of the other flavors. If custard is your thing, than you certainly won't be disappointed either. The Dip Dog Stand boosts numerous local favorite food awards, which are proudly on display in its customer seating area. For a little over a dollar a dip dog, go ahead and eat your heart out!

When the price of gas keeps us from traveling five hours on a whim as our stomachs gurgle, a bunch of us jealously reminisce about how great it would be to hop in the car and go grab a few Dip Dogs. Occasionally, it's a random e-mail that asks, "Have you had a Dip Dog Today?" Yeah, we know what we're missing and really don't appreciate the reminder. Yet, our memories of the most heavenly fast food we've ever tasted somehow manage to tide us over until the next time we are within an hour's drive of Smyth County.

My best friend Tracy has spent the majority of her life in Saltville, Virginia, and I have to give her credit for turning me on to Dip Dogs. Dip Dogs, Onion Rings, and a shake are truly how I have come to define a perfect summer afternoon with friends. At our last visit, Tracy suggested that I send home a few "Got Dip Dogs" bumper stickers to our friends who were missing out. I told her we could do one better - send them photos and announce it to the world!

Hmmm...dip dogs and onion rings. How can you say no?