Stopover in Bishop

Best Western Bishop Lodge 1025 N. Main St., (800) 576-3543, (760) 873-3543. Pool; hot tub. Full breakfast. Pets ok.

This simple motel feature spacious rooms with slate floors and marble shower walls in the bathrooms, and hot water comes out fast. The beds are comfortable, and the sheets are cotton--good news in summer when it gets mighty hot around here.

guest room at Best Western Bishop Lodge in Bishop, California

breakfast at Best Western Bishop Lodge in Bishop, California

These two restaurants are an easy walk from the motel:

Aaron Schat’s Roadhouse 871 N. Main St., (760) 873-0000.

Steaks are the specialty here, but you can also get ribs, sandwiches, and salads. Big burgers are served on a fresh-baked Schat’s cheese roll, and smaller appetites can be satisfied with a half-size burger. Ten beers are on tap to quench your thirst.

exterior of Aaron Schat’s Roadhouse in Bishop, California

Holy Smoke Texas Style BBQ 772 N. Main St., (760) 872-4BBQ.

Enjoy slow-cooked smoker barbecue in this simple counter-order spot. The menu includes beef brisket, tri-tip, pulled pork, St. Louis-cut pork ribs, chicken, and sausage. Meat is unsauced, but sauces are available to add in regular, spicy, and hot. I can vouch for the tender brisket, and I witnessed several other diners enjoying ribs and tri-tip. Everyone seems to lick their plate clean.