One of the great joys when traveling around the country in our RV is meeting new people—Americans that make the country great. Campgrounds are prime places to get to know folks. So are restaurants. In fact, Chris and I try to stay away from the restaurant chains and stop at more out-of-the-way places that have local interest and history. On a recent trip to Florida, there are two places at which we ate that were totally unique and give place to both the current America and the historic America from as far back as the Revolutionary War. This is a tale of two veterans and the eating places that arose from their love for America and the entrepreneurship that is a reflection of our country’s finest.
After visiting some friends in Silver Springs, FL, we headed along the backroads when we started getting a little hungry. There wasn’t much out there. We happened along an unassuming place alongside the road. We circled back around Pop’s Southern Buffet and the owner, Pop greeted us out front. I rolled down the window and Pop directed us where to park our rig. Pop is a veteran and he loves America. The signs in the window say it all: “Thank You For Your Service,” “Honor Courage Sacrifice,” “Retired Military,” “Active Military,” “First Responders & RNs.” Good Southern buffet—fried chicken, crawdads, vegetables, BBQ—nothing fancy. Just good home cooking. And they were happy to welcome Service Dog Charlie. We just missed it, but every day at 4:00pm, Pop plays the National Anthem in support of America.
Another great restaurant we found was The Log House in Wytheville, Virginia. After a long day of travel and a scare with our GPS directing us to a junkyard as our destination instead of our campground, we just wanted to settle in and have a nice sit-down meal. The young man at the campground desk recommended the eatery and started his directions with “All you do is just go…” That word “just” is always a variable. But we finally found the place, and what a great stop it was! As the legend goes, a young man names Will started the main 2-room log cabin before the Revolutionary War. He stopped building it to fight for our freedom and independence from Britain. It was added on to in 1804 and 1898. There is a garden in the back that dates back to the Civil War. Even further back are several rooms that serve as gift shops.
The Log House is very eclectic. Greeted in the lobby by a stuffed black bear, the hostess guided us through many rooms to our table. The place reeks of history and each room has a different look and feel. At one place, a confessional was turned into a romantic table setting. There was a colonial pub. Fireplaces throughout. And the food was as wonderful as the atmosphere and the hospitality. Our waitress gave us a really good rundown on the history. The genuine love of America was found in both Pop’s Southern Buffet and The Log House Restaurant. Hebrews 4:9-10 says, “Use hospitality one to another with grudging. As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” The gift of hospitality blended with fine food and love for country is a hearty meal!
