The Ingles Open Road is full of fun, educational, and unique adventures. Chris Bainbridge has had a fantastic time exploring and sharing these places with you. Now that the weather is starting to break, you can bet more adventures are on the way. Have you ever watched a classic roadster or antique motorcycle cruise by and think, wow, that’s cool? If so, then Bainbridge has the perfect place for you.

Welcome to Dale’s Wheels Through Time—the museum that runs. In case you haven’t noticed, Bainbridge has an affinity for classic cars. But his 66 Mustang is practically brand new compared to some of the gems you’re about to witness here.

Founder Dale Walksler started his collection in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, back in 1969. Decades later, on the 4th of July in 2002, the Wheels Through Time Museum opened its doors in Western North Carolina. Today, this treasure trove is the home to the world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia, and a distant array of unique “one-off” American automobiles.

Here, you’re treated to a collection of over 350 rare machines comprised of 25 makes, including Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior, Henderson, Pope, Yale, Crocker, Flying Merkel, and many more. The facility is broken up into unique exhibits that tell the story of American motors from the very beginning. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and serve this place with a passion. So, ask questions and soak it all in.

They call this place the museum that runs, and there’s a good reason for that. There aren’t just relics that are shells of their former glory. These beauties might be old, but there’s still life in them. One thing Bainbridge loves about Wheels Through Time is the real connection it gives to the past. Yes, on the surface, these are basic modes of transportation. But when you dig a little deeper, you gain an appreciation for the skill and ingenuity that those who came before brought to bear on an industry still very much in its infancy.

These aren’t just bikes. They’re moving pieces of art and engineering, and they’re fantastic. So, take a cruise on up to Maggie Valley and a trip back to days gone right here at the Wheels Through Time Museum.

To learn more about Ingles Market, visit their website at ingles-markets.com.