Journey Through North Carolina – Part 9

by usathroughoureyes

Hello and welcome to part 9 of our journey through North Carolina.

From the Ashe Art gallery in West Jefferson, NC our bellies began groaning and we knew it was time to find a special little place to satisfy our hunger.  On a small side street, right near where we parked we had two choices of eateries.  One was busy and had fancy outdoor seating with little umbrellas and fancy dishes and fancy waitresses. Then there was this small homey place called The Log House at Smithey’s Café.  You guessed it…. we chose the latter and were so glad.  They had little tables out front in the shade and accepted Emma with open arms.  In fact, as we were settling in, the owner, Angie, came out with a huge bowl of water for Emma and cooked up some fresh bacon for her.  Emma was in dog heaven as she sipped and chomped before laying back to bask in the sun improving on her chocolate color tan.  The menu board was chocked full of great specials and bannered with a scripture verse from the book of Psalms.

After this great little stop, it was time to get back on the road again.  As we headed out of town we both looked at each other with this feeling that something wasn’t right.  Then it hit us, we realized we didn’t pay for the delicious lunch at The Log House.  By this time, we were a way out of the town, so we called to ask what they wanted us to do.  The last thing we wanted was to have our faces plastered in some post office with the heading, “WANTED”.  We talked with the owner’s son and explained the situation and he said he was sure his Mom would say just send it later.  You can bet we sent the money but isn’t it great how accepting they were of our mistake and quick to forgive.  This wasn’t the first time on our road trips encountering folks so open about and walking their faith in an attitude of forgiveness and acceptance.  If you are ever in West Jefferson, NC, please stop to enjoy a relaxing meal and say hello to Angie and Sara, who we know are following us.

Well this is it for today.  We hope you come back and see how the trip unfolds as we share more of the USA Through Our Eyes.  Until then be safe.

usathroughoureyes

~ USA Through Our Eyes ~ Stories Told Through Words, Photographs, Videos and Sound

89 thoughts on “Journey Through North Carolina – Part 9”

  5. It was a dynamite place that we stumbled upon. The community as a whole was overflowing with peace. We’re sure they have the same everyday troubles we have but they didn’t let it effect them. Its great when towns pull together.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. So true isn’t it. I mean the owner brought out at least a half pound of fresh cooked bacon for Emma. This is what we love about those off the beaten path restaurants. You get a great meal with huge portions and friendly staff to go along with it all. We’re sure you encounter this on your travels with your doggies too.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. It was a wonderful place Peter. Yes, in the article I believe we noted one of the wonderful things we experienced there was Angie, the owner, brought Emma fresh cooked bacon and a large bowl of water. Emma ate and settled in under our table and was as content as a bug in a rug.

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  13. Angie and Sara is a Christian Family having a decent and Christian Eatery. That is the best place to rest and eat for special guest like Audrey & Tom. You didn’t mention Emma here, I hope you give it something to eat?

    Liked by 1 person

  14. 🙂 🙂 It is so funny Madelyn because as we travel and talk with folks they are so okay with letting us share their stories. We always ask if it’ll be okay and can’t think of once where someone was at all hesitant. We are so often amazed at how the news world paints this picture of lock yourself inside but we’re not seeing it. Folks are kind and open and forgiving. We don’t purposely go into compromising areas but some of the areas we are in are areas some may not want to visit. Its interesting to note the latter areas have folks with the least but are the most willing to give it and the former have the most to give but are the least willing. Its been an eye opening journey and one that like you note leaves us feeling great about the future.

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  15. LOL – if your pictures are ever on a WANTED poster it will be because your readers are wanting you to post more-more-more.

    If Tink and I are ever anywhere near West Jefferson we will make sure to plan a visit to The Log House at Smithey’s Café. They are *more* than dog-friendly, they are dog-welcoming – and they sound people-welcoming as well.

    Reading about how lovely they were about your payment oops has me feeling GREAT about the future of America – we will make it through these troubling times because the people in the so-call “hinterlands” are so kind and good and generous of spirit. Thanks to you and to them for the upliftment today.
    xx,
    mgh
    (Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
    ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
    “It takes a village to transform a world!”

    Liked by 1 person

  23. This is so true Bel. There is something special about those off the beaten path eateries. The meal we got here was incredible, it wasn’t a from the freezer to the microwave to the table meal. This was food mom made and the price blew us away. Then there was the personable conversations that occurred with the owner and staff that topped it off.

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  24. This is what I love about road trips –
    discovering good food that aren’t overpriced and just expecting a home cooked style meal…nothing beats that!

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  26. That’s clever…”Knee Mails!” He does answer them…but in His time. It’s all according to His plans for us and the world. For His true children, He tends to us as a Good Shepherd, and makes sure our best interests are met.

    Liked by 1 person

  37. “Dine and dash” I have never heard before, what a nice phrase to add to my vocalbulary. 🙂 I really enjoyed your gallery and all the lovely comments. ❤ Thanks for all the smiles! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  43. This is so great that you were able to lend that hand in making that day become a special memory. Then being able to sit back and watch how the two become one with the trials and the triumphs. We’re sure that love you have is seen and felt by them and ain’t it awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  45. LOL, LOL… This is so funny that you did the “dine and dash” thing also. Its reassuring when we know we’re not alone in making mistakes like this. Ain’t it great when the people are so understanding because they know deep down we didn’t mean too. Did you get all the wedding plans put together?

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  46. Oh so kind how they welcomed Emma and graciousness over your “dine and dash” 😂 so funny to read this as I mentioned being out of town a few days with my niece; well our last hour together we ate an early lunch together at an adorable restaurant and were so busy cramming into as much conversation as possible, we left without paying… luckily we snapped before getting in our cars. They just laughed and weren’t at all concerned 😊

    Liked by 3 people

  49. A lovely post. This restaurant sounds like a wonderful find and it is so nice that they understood your mistake and were happy to accept it as just that. It happens to the best of us from time to time.

    Liked by 3 people

  50. Not wanting your face plastered in the post office with the heading “Wanted” left me in piece. I just couldn’t stop laughing.😂 Your blog gets better and better with each post.

    Liked by 1 person

  51. This is great that you do this. Good folks like you are what makes this country great. We believe that kind acts come back in some incredible ways. So hang on cuz a few are coming at you, wait and see.

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  52. Thank you for your kind words. We just know we feel so blessed to be interacting with so many wonderful folks on our travels and through our blogging (like you). You always seem to make time to share with us.

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  53. We’re Airbnb hosts and we have all different people and perspectives. It has happened to me and the people involved were awesome. And I’ve accidentally walked out of a restaurant talking and forgotten the bill and returned with similar reactions. They chuckled when I’ve returned. I’ve also covered for friends when they’ve left forgetting the bill.

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  55. Thank you again for your great words. We felt so bad and the owner, Angie, was so kind. In fact when she called us back she told us to forget sending the money. We didn’t feel right about not so we sent it. She works hard and the place was so special. Real strong Christian business.

    Liked by 1 person

  56. It is so great hearing from you. Sounds like this may have happened to you too. We felt so bad but you were right about them being so appreciative that we wanted to make good. In fact when Angie, the owner, called us back she told us to never mind about sending the money. We didn’t feel right about it and sent it. You are so right again that when given the chance people want and will do the right thing. Sounds like you are this kind of person too. Keep it up. Thanks again for sharing with us.

    Liked by 1 person

  59. Another great story! Hey, it happens to the best of us sometimes. It’s an unfamiliar place and a special circumstance so forgetting to pay is understandable. At least you called back and made it right. Good for you!

    Liked by 1 person

  61. The food looks amazing. I loved how pleasant they were about the oversight, people frequently do get distracted and forget. The owner’s reaction is a reminder that given the opportunity people will do the right thing. Great blog entry to read with a happy ending for all.

    Liked by 1 person

  62. What a gem you are, Audrey! It’s my pleasure to follow along vicariously on your adventures. As you say, you’re meeting so many wonderful people — though I suspect the people you’re meeting are saying that about you too. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  67. And He hugged everybody! You know it made Angie feel good making that bacon for Emma, HUG. It made y’all feel God because you know God is blessing you, HUG 🙂 and we certainly know Emma felt her hug while she was gobbling up her fresh bacon(that’s making me hungry) 🙂 I felt a huge hug reading it :):) He didn’t leave a one of us out. :):)

    Liked by 1 person

  70. Wasn’t that a great menu board. You don’t see this in many places and we knew right then the food was gonna be good. Thanks for stopping by and being with us. Your comments mean a lot to us.

    Liked by 1 person

  71. And if you had ordered the biscuits and gravy we’re sure you would have wanted seconds, lol. Isn’t it true about the off the beaten path eateries. So nice that you made time to be with us for this one.

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  73. I still remember the best patty melt I’ve ever eaten was at a family run restaurant in a small town in Wyoming. You meet the nicest people and see the neatest things when you go into the smaller towns.
    After looking at the pic of the menu board, I’ve got a craving for biscuits and gravy.

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  74. This is so nice of you to say. This is a real compliment. We never had time to travel in earlier years because of being to busy making a living. Now that we are its amazing how many wonderful people and places there are just down the road. It is so nice of you to make time to talk with us and we hope you are able to get out there on your journey.

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  75. You are so right Margaret! Wow you have such a keen understanding. When she brought out the bacon we were astounded. It wasn’t just one or two pieces it was half a pound. Isn’t it great feeling those God hugs.

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  79. Thank you Mary. Yes we are blessed with Emma wanting to love every human or pet there is. At this place she curled up under the table and watched life go by her always waiting for someone to pet and tell her how pretty she is. So nice having you with us Mary.

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  80. Heide this was such a wonder comment to read this morning. We think you are right that the situation made their day and ours too. So many wonderful people. It is so nice having you to talk with about our adventures.

    Liked by 3 people

  82. This put a huge smile on my face. I knew anyone who brought Emma a big bowl of water, and freshly fried her up some bacon, would say don’t worry about it, just send it to me later :):) And I know it was her son who said, just send it, but he learned that from his mom 🙂 God is so good to us, all the time. Thank you for sharing your trip, and sharing the little hugs God gives you all along the way :):)

    Liked by 3 people

  83. They sure are. There is something about getting off the beaten path and into the communities where everyday folks like you and us are making life happen for the better. So glad you always make time to talk with us, thank you.

    Liked by 2 people

  84. Love this story about the people from the small café, so nice to see and read how they love Emma, and that is Always a good sign. The food looks tasty and very nice from the owners they where not mad at all for the mistake. Warm greetings,
    Ann.

    Liked by 2 people

  86. The dog looks happy and the dinner looks great. What else is there to ask for? Sorry for the confusing turn of events guys! Glad it all worked out in your favor. Good luck on the next of your trip 😉👍🏻

    Liked by 1 person

  87. I wish my dogs were dog friendly. They are great with people but are afraid of other dogs so I have to be careful where I go with them and relaxing outside an eatery like that would not be possible. I love that You could do that with Emma. I love the people I meet through your blogs. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 2 people

  88. It’s rare that a blog post gets more and more charming the farther down you read, Audrey — but this one certainly did! I’m glad the good folks at The Log House were willing to accept a remote payment. Something tells me the unusual situation made their day. 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

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