BARTENDER | Robert “Buddy Love” Hodges, 40

WHERE | The Melting Pot

QUESTION | How did you get the nickname “Buddy Love”?

ANSWER | Running around crazy when I was younger. The girlfriend I have now gave me that name for running around with too many girls.

Have you taste tested every wine in this bar? No, I have not, but Opus One is my favorite.

What melted goodness is your favorite at The Melting Pot? Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Cheese.

What melts your heart? Dawn Throneburg (my girlfriend).

Does she read Weekly Surge? Yes she does.

Then good answer. What melts your liver? Black Velvet.

Have you ever been skinny dipping by a waterfall? Yes I have...on the Appalachian Trail and in Oregon.

Tell us about the Appalachian Trail. I did the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Virginia. It was awesome. I also backpacked through 42 states in 16 months.

When are you going to hit up the other eight states? I would love to do it tomorrow. Hopefully before I die.

Do you have a favorite state so far? Northern California and Oregon ... the Redwoods and waterfalls.

And your least favorite? South Dakota.

What’s in South Dakota? Belt buckles and Wal-Marts.

What’s the hardest part about backpacking? Getting old and smoking. That’s the hardest part about backpacking.

Mandy Rodgers, for Weekly Surge

Mandy Rodgers, for Weekly Surge