Hello and welcome to part 17 of our journey through North Carolina.
As we were talking with the folks at Carolina Coach and Marine one of the representatives suggested if we were hungry to try the Claremont Café just up the road. She noted that it was nothing pretty to look at but the food was excellent. After she described the place we immediately knew it was our kind of place and one we look for on road trips. Now, we got to be honest, when we first walked in the greeting was interesting. The young lady at the cash register was moving at the speed of light processing customer orders and all we could hear from her lips was an exuberant mix of… howdy, we’re glad you’re here, I need another order of eggs over easy Scotty, Avery we need more sweet tea and then to us… what do ya want. After she noticed the deer in the headlights look on our faces she realized we were newbies and smiled a huge southern smile and explained how the process worked. Then we were in the groove.
This was our kind of place. The folks couldn’t be classified as patrons or customers, they were family and one big one at that. The best part was we were instantly part of it. Everyone knew everyone and the banter of humor and endearments was something to behold. As our meal was being cooked on the griddle we wandered around and got to meet Theresa, one of the owners. We started talking and before long she was sharing how the place got started about 40 years ago by her dad, Avery Eugene Hoke and after he passed away the family kept it going. The next thing we know she was introducing us to her sisters Tammy and Angie, her niece Stacey, her brother Avery, named after their father, averyhoke@bellsouth.net and brother-in-law, Scottie, who’s been the short order cook ever since. As we began talking with Susan and Jerry Stewart who were just getting their order, Jerry shared that as a young boy his dad brought him there and he has been coming back ever since, which is over 30 plus years. All we could say is if these folks could patent the formula for this restaurant it would be a success wherever it was located.
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.
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My kinda place, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome Candace. We too love reading stories that reveal the inner strength of people and how it gives us strength to step out ourselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww thank you.
It’s such a wonderful thing, that story. I love reading, seeing and hearing heartwarming, meaningful life stories like those 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Candace. It is so special meeting people like this and hearing them talk about how their dream became reality and to then see the legacy they leave. Its like your site and the wonderful legacy it is leaving.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice. I can sense the cafe’s warmth and excitement, and the owner’s passion in your writing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s right and better! Have a n ice day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Peter. Yes the stress always is present but we make every attempt to not let it get us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alright! Keep learning and enjoying the journey. Don’t mind the little stress that may come with it. Best regards!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Peter. Yes it was this little family run spot that had great food and people to chat with. Its great to meet the wonderful folks in the areas we travel. It is so nice to have you along with us on our journeys.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The restaurant is a great one for it to be in existence for more than 30 years. Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it! ❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and you also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have an enjoyable weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen to this Mary Ann.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Connecting with other people is so very important in life. Meeting them on their turf can be so rewarding too. It is a win-win situation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ain’t this the truth. The reality of a small community. When you leave you feel like you know everyone, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen to this.
LikeLike
Amen to this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am HOWLING because I have been to a few places that are just like that. You walk in to order a cup of coffee and the next thing you know, you’re hearing about so and so’s baby and this person recovering from surgery and that guy that bought the house three blocks down that that’s up to shady business.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And if it pans out this way, you will be rich in wonder and special mom nuts spent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true – but as long as we keep learning it’s all good.
xx,
mgh
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Madelyn. We’re all growing aren’t we. Some days our learning curve is a bit flat, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cherilyn. You are so right about the chain restaurants lacking what the little Mom and Pop stands have. It is so nice that you make time to share with us. We so enjoy reading your blogs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe we are all blessed – as long as we let it in and expect the best, good things happen more often than not. You guys are world champions at that!
xx,
mgh
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes the locals always know best. We’re glad you are hanging in there. You are a winner!!!!! Always remember this okay!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Theresa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These memories are priceless for us. One day it may be all we have. We never know what lies around the next bend in life do we.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Robbie. We just love listening to the stories of folks like this. They inspire us like your stories do.
LikeLike
Hi “Joses Travel Tales”. Its great to meet you. This is great that your husband knows the lay of the land here. It will be great when you can both come and visit together. Please let us know when you are coming so we can meet you for coffee and tour around with you okay! It is nice that you are following along on our travels and we are able to follow yours too!
LikeLike
Thank you Deborah Ann. It is so nice having you make time to chat with us as you do. It means a lot to us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for making time to share this with us. It is so neat that you have the opportunity to know both cultures. Keep sharing with us so we continue to grow and learn okay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It was a fun experience being there. The joys of travel for us are moments like that. So nice having you make time to chat with us!!!!!
LikeLike
You would love it Susan. To us there is nothing like good food and good fellowship. This place had it all!!!!! So nice that you are with us and that you make the time to talk with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tobias you are so right on with this thought. This is one of the things we love most about the road experience. Those off the pathway diners and campsites allow one to see the wonders of folks the fiber of what makes this country great. We haven’t traveled New Orleans yet so you’ll have to let us know the places you hit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Madelyn. We feel so blessed when people feel safe with us and invite us into their lives and let us for a moment see through their eyes so we can learn and share their gifts for all to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad to have found ur blog..my husband studied in Georgia Tech and always keeps talking about his hiking experiences in USA…hope to visit it someday..been to usa before but have done just the touristy things….do follow us if u like travel stories 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a neat post! Definitely a place my husband would love. It’s wonderful to hear of businesses such as this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a true gem. One thing I learned when living in the US is it’s hard to beat American hospitality! Thanks for sharing the story 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the video!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like our kind of place. We love the homey feeling and good food is a bonus.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are the places where you meet the good kind of characters. The ones with stories to tell. I experienced southern hospitality just the other day in New Orleans at a coffee shop in the garden district. It was almost as refreshing as our tea and far sweeter. Glad you guys are enjoying yourselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s your “energy” – so positive and genuinely interested, no wonder folks want you around. STILL, it is rare to get invited into the food-prep areas.
xx,
mgh
LikeLiked by 1 person
The people in these small eateries in the US to be so lovely and friendly, Audrey. Sounds like you had a lovely experience with the owners and a great meal too.
LikeLike
Wow what an awesome place to have visited, filled with special moments and memories of a lifetime.
LikeLike
Of course! It’s my joy to read your vivid and heartwarming stories and videos. 🙂
LikeLike
It’s always best to go to where the locals eat. 🍳☕
I’m doing much better thank you so much for asking😍😊
There are still some bumps but I’m feeling less stressed and more able.💪💌💌
LikeLike
😉
LikeLike
What I love about this post is the sense of community this restaurant has created and held a place for people to belong. That is what is missing in chain restaurants. Also that a old cash register or whatever it was looked cool.
LikeLike
So true isn’t it. We are finding the best food is in the places that you overlook because of the glitter of the others.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is so true. We miss the individuality of the small town stores and restaurants.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Restaurants don’t need to look good but good food is important. Love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love to see less big box stores and more individual owned for sure! Same with restaurants.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right Clarissa. We do all experience those moments and this is what we enjoy about our travels. We are able to meet people on so many levels and the sharing that takes place is incredible. We’re still learning how to tell the stories of these wonderful people that lets us see the humanness and vulnerability we all have. You do so well at sharing it through your poetry and songs and we’re trying to do it through the images and words. We’ll get there someday.
LikeLike
(Blushing) thanks so much! What I like about your video is that glimpse of loneliness that many of us experience. But it is a natural feeling, at times, even when surrounded by good people and good food! Thanks for your posts!
LikeLike
Aren’t places like this the best Eugenia. We love seeking places like this out and know there will always be a great meal and conversations attached. It is so nice having you with us and sharing your thoughts with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t this the truth. We adore places like this and are always choosing them over the commercial places. There is something about home town diners that draw us. The food and company is always tops. It is so nice having you with us on our travels.
LikeLike
Gosh Theresa you always have the right words to bring joy to us. It is warming when we can share the beauty of our travels with everyone and receive such great thoughts. Thank you so much!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Clarissa. It is so much fun talking with these folks and hearing them open up and share their stories with us. We learn so much and always walk away filled with joy and excitement. This is so wonderfully amazing that you mention “Edward Hooper’s – Night Hawks”! I studied his works years ago and it crossed our mind as we were doing the piece but didn’t think anyone would be familiar with the artist. The Claremont Café had the beauty of it. You are amazing Clarissa, so well versed!!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Madelyn. Wasn’t this place the greatest. We just started talking with the folks preparing the food and the next thing we know we’re meeting the whole family and listening to their wonderful story of how they got started. It seems each time we come off these trips we are required to spend more time at the gym to keep our arms in shape to keep hoisting the fork to our lips, lol. We don’t quite know what it is but folks just start yakking with us and the next thing we know we’re in the kitchen with em or involved with whatever it is they are doing. It is so nice having you with us to share it with.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks T. R. Isn’t it great when you see places like this that have their priorities straight and the fruits of their works are His joy. So nice having you with us and checking in to chat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is ‘t it great when we stumble on these places. There is always a genuineness to them and we the customer always benefit, lol. Wouldn’t it be great if more of these mom and pop places began surfacing more? Maybe it’s not a good thing on the other hand because our waistlines would be different, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t this the truth. We believe people want that interaction with real folks that aren’t just in it for the almighty dollar. These folks did this because they like cooking and like seeing people eat it and smile. The perfect formula for success.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a gem to find. Its one of those places folks might pass by because it doesn’t have the neon signs. But we look for places like this because we know we’ll get good food and good company and this place proved it. How are you feeling?
LikeLike
Thank you Ann. It was a special place for sure. The food was real hometown cooking, just like good ole mom made.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Aya. The folks are always down home and real. They give more then just a good meal, they give themselves! So nice having you checking in with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen to this. These little spots add the icing to the cake. So glad to have you checking in with us!!!!
LikeLike
Wasn’t this an awesome spot Margaret. The folks were just so special and strong believers. Like we mentioned to them if they could package it everyone would benefit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, my kind of place too. Such a great feeling to welcomed by a family like this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
A place don’t need to be pretty to serve good food and have a cool atmosphere! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So special! I love living through your travels and insights. How wonderful – as always, the video really took me there, and your written story brought it home. Thanks, Tom and Audrey!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You guys amaze me. I cannot imagine ever beginning a conversation with anyone (shy) but I love hearing how you get people to confide in you! Loved the video and some of the shots looked like Edward Hopper’s Night Hawks (or at least that type of aura of aloneness).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear – I think I’m gaining weight just looking at all that food! Good ole down home basic cooking that never gets old. Mix in family and friends, welcome everyone into the circle, and how can you fail?
I love these reports on the diners you trip across as you travel as much as the gorgeous scenery and interesting places you visit . . . almost! (Now, if you could figure out a way for me to taste with my eyes they’d win hands down!)
How do you manage to get so much information from such a busy place? And the photos and videos? You seem to be able to go wherever you want – even “backstage,” while the most I’ve gotten was a quick peek into the food prep area on my way to the bathroom. What’s your secret?
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to educate a world!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a heart warming story! I love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a cool place to visit! Sounds like a very tight, strong community and family! Think you’re right – if they could duplicate that feeling it would be a huge success anywhere!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve happened to notice the hallmark and common denominator of all successful businesses is the human touch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love places like this when I’m on a road trip! Now I’m hungry😕😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Daisy for repair and both of you, and ofcorse Emma to that nice restaurant, It looks very clean and the food tasty, nice to have such a conversation with the people how runs the restaurant. Ik like the video, warm greetings, Ann.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those kind of places are definitely special. Glad you were able to run across one. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a spectacular place, one that is usually a staple in small southern towns. Glad that you found it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so lovely. Makes you wonder why all places aren’t like this.
LikeLiked by 1 person