To complete my birthday celebrations, we met my brother and nephew in Social Circle at the Blue Willow Inn Restaurant. 
We’ve been there quite a few times because the food is delicious and it is conveniently located between our house and my brother’s house in Madison. Today, there were bluebirds swooping overhead and finding a perch on the tops of the columns. A sure sign of good luck or happiness, or both!
We started with the soup and salad bar. I think everyone could get in their five servings of fruits of vegetables a day if all salad bars had banana pudding on them.
The hot food line is in the parlor of the mansion. I have a cookbook from the Blue Willow Inn Restaurant but it is much tastier in person.
Here’s my plate with a variety of southern foods at their finest.
I think we all found foods we liked whether vegetarian, pescatarian, or carnivore.
Originally known as the John and Bertha Upshaw house, it is no longer a residence or an inn, but simply a restaurant. The house was built in 1917 by the Upshaws and Margaret Mitchell was a frequent visitor there when she was courted by her first husband Redd Upshaw, a cousin, who was the inspiration for Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind.
Here is my favorite mother and favorite brother strolling the grounds.
Speaking of brothers….the brother to John Upshaw, Sanders Upshaw, built his own house across the street. It is now a funeral home. These houses are stunning and even more beautiful in person. I do enjoy Greek revival architecture, or is that neoclassical? Perhaps it’s best to say that I like big houses with Corinthian columns and porches and balconies.
We are missing a cousin and a sister-in-law as they are travelling to various places this summer. We will catch them at the next birthday, I’m sure.
Now, I might just have to crack open that cookbook and see if I can find the recipe for that lemon pie I had today. The memory of it lingers.
Happy Birthday, Julie! your surprise box was supposed to be a birthday present. We waited so long to mail it, then got anxious to get it in the mail and forgot to put birthday cards in it. So sorry. But happy happy birthday anyways
Perfect timing! Thank you!
Enjoyed this one.- mad me really hungry.
The food was terrific yesterday. I love southern buffets. I always get fried chicken because I never make it for myself at home.