Wednesday, July 16, 2008

THE BLUE WILLOW RESTAURANT

Setting off from the cabin we had a long journey ahead of us. Travelling along the American highways, so wide and straight, was a new experience for John and I...... so very different from the narrow winding roads and lanes of Wales.

When we stopped for lunch at The Blue Willow Restaurant, neither of us realised what a culinary experience awaited us.

Rated amongst America’s top ten Restaurants, as well as being internationally acclaimed, the Blue Willow Inn is located in the heartland of the historic district of Social Circle.

The picture to the left is scanned from a postcard and the one below is taken from the Blue Willow’s web site.

Betty, Edward, John and me standing on the steps of the Blue Willow Restaurant....

As soon as we walked through the door of this magnificent ante-bellum home, which is set amidst wonderful formal gardens, with many stately oaks and beautiful magnolia trees, we were greeted by our hostess Nancy.

We were immediately struck by the elegance of the old Southern way of living as Nancy escorted us to our table by the window...... at the same time informing us of the connections this magnificent mansion has with ‘Gone With The Wind’. Nancy’s hospitality was a joy to behold..... we were learning very quickly how gracious Southern hospitality truly is......

The famous Blue Willow from which the Restaurant takes its name. The Blue Willow porcelain originated in UK way back in 1790......

Here we stand together for a picture......

The luncheon buffet was a delight for the eyes and the tummy! No one could possibly go away feeling hungry after feasting upon such a tempting selection of dishes....... a real southern feast which was accompanied by sweet iced tea ‘The Champagne of the South’ and home made lemonade........

We enjoyed a walk in the garden admiring the neatly laid out flower beds......



Afterwards we just had to visit the gift shop which packed full of wonderful things...... Then back to the car to complete the last leg of our journey to Betty & Edward's home.........














..... Wow!!! what greets us on our arrival...... the welcoming sight of our English Flag. Thank you Betty, that was such a thoughtful gesture and was very much appreciated. We were made so welcome that we really did feel that the flag was flying because Royalty was in residence.

It was so good to see Betty’s & Edward’s home, its beautiful, full of so many wonderful pieces of furniture and lovely artifacts...... Of course I’d seen lots of pictures of various aspects of it on her Blog together with pictures we had personally exchanged...... but here it was for real and yes, it looked so familiar. Our bedroom was a dream.... Betty had put many personal touches to add even more to the great Southern hospitality that by now we were getting accustomed to and enjoying so very much. She’d even put little chocolates on our pillows. A ‘Hostess with the Mostest’ I have to say.

We were later joined by Amy, Chad, Erin, Elizabeth, Wesley, Ellie, John and Alexandra..... Betty & Edward’s family who live next door. We had been so looking forwarding to meeting them all. What a totally enchanting and beautiful family they are too... They really are special people and we were overwhelmed with the charm and exquisite manner of all six children. We were addressed as Miss Marion & Mr John or Ma’am and Sir..... A fine example of how Southern parents teach their children such polite and eloquent manners. A true joy to behold. We sat talking for quite a while and then to bed, when we slept like logs! To be continued.......

12 comments:

ellen b. said...

I love revisiting these spots with y'all! Boy my friend Willow who collects those dishes needs to go to the Blue Willow Inn!!

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

Edward and Betty really showed you the wonderful places. Places I would love to go now that i read about them. How wonderful!! WOW!! Love reading about your trip. Hope all is well with you..Sandy

Betty said...

Dear Friend Marion,
It's almost lunch time and I'm hungry.....wish we were sitting down at the Blue Willow right now to eat all that delicious (fattening) food!

Oh, what wonderful memories!!!!!!!
Love to you and John....Betty

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

It's nice to visit all these lovely places with you Marion. And I love it that I can read Betty's version too. It's clear that you all had a wonderful time and I am glad that not all pics mysteriously disappeared. ;-)

Barbara said...

Enjoying your continuing saga Marion.
My first time in the South was in 1960 adn the last in 1994 so I find this extra interesting.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

The Blue Willow was one of my father's favorite restaurants and we would always take him there on Easter and Father's Day. Isn't it delicious?

Willow said...

Yes, this is Willow, and I'd love to go to that restaurant because I love the Blue Willow pattern! I've experienced Southern hospitality and Southern food, both of which are wonderful! (Except I prefer my iced tea unsweetened).

david mcmahon said...

You've whetted my interest - I must visit!

The Liberty Belle said...

I'm so glad you had such a pleasant experience. I sure hope the Blue Willow had their wonderful pineapple casserole, macaroni and cheese, and peanut butter pie on the buffet the day you visited. The Blue Willow is one of my family's favorite places. You know, they actually have a cookbook and it's just filled with mouth watering recipes.

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

I hope you brought home a Blue Willow Inn Cookbook Marion!! That way you can have those southern recipes whenever you like! Loved this post!
Barbara

Mountain Mama said...

What a wonderful time you had. I am enjoying seeing the photos and reading of your experiences.
Betty putting up an English flag for you was so special. What a sweetie she is!

Technonana said...

Marion.. I am thrilled that you enjoyed our Southern Hospitality!! How exciting to get to visit with friends and enjoy them in such relaxing settings... I was drawn to this post because of The Blue Willow... my mom left me her Blue Willow China when she passed away..
Viewing the pictures from this post and the previous one, makes me feel as though I was right there with you!!! I do hope the rest of your trip is as enjoyable!!

A southern chick in SC