Williston with Friends

A short distance from the campground is a town called Williston and here lies our next adventure.  Almost five years ago we met some wonderful people (Don & Sandy) near Columbus Ohio. I talked their heads off we became instant friends and the rest is history.  On our travels home last winter we were invited to their house in Oklahoma where we were treated to a wonderful supper. Fortunately, our paths have crossed again. We drove to the small town of Williston (population 2,000), found the campground they were staying in, had lots of hugs, and got caught up on the past years events and travels.

Good times with fantastic friends

With all that out of the way it was time to eat. Lately, eating seems like our favorite thing to do. Sandy & Don suggested The Ivy House, a family owned restaurant in Williston with some Southern hospitality and good old home cooked meals. Did they deliver!  

The Ivy House...circa 1917

This two-story early 20th century house was the home of Dr. Willis, the son of the founder of Williston. Next door to the Ivy House is the hospital where Dr. Willis saw his patient, now a Bed and Breakfast.

Bed & Breakfast

 The house was purchased in 1989 by Mimi Hale and was quickly turned into a collection of country style gifts. Mrs. Hale combined her love for cooking to the boutique and added a lunch menu twice a week. Popularity grew consequently the Ivy House is now open for lunch 6 days a week and supper 2 evenings (Friday and Saturday). Don’t be deceived, the surrounding might look like a dainty tea house where the portions are small it’s just the opposite they are generous and the meals are hearty.

Front Entrance

Snuggle up to the cozy fireplace for lunch

Another dining area in the sunroom

Upstairs boutique

We arrived at 1:45 and did not realized they closed at 2 pm. With good old southern hospitality they welcomed us in, showed us to our table, told us the specials, and allowed us time to decide what we wanted. No rushing here. I had the Baked Crispy Chicken while Susan had the Southern Fried Shrimp and Grouper.

Baked Crispy Chicken, Cheesy Mac & Cheese, & Corny Cornbread 

Southern Fried Shrimp & Grouper

Fantastic food

After a great lunch/supper, we stopped at the Williston Peanut Factory to take a gander. Not that anyone could eat another morsel we were interested in seeing what they had.

Williston Peanut Factory

 

The Welcome Peanut

Of course the first thing I asked was did they give tours of the factory? The young lady behind the counter politely said NO. End of discussion! Okay, well maybe I will just buy some peanuts instead. There are 4 types of peanuts grown in the United States: Runner, Valencia, Spanish, and Virginia. Peanuts are planted in April and harvested after 120 to 160 days in September/ October. Unlike most plants, the peanut plant flowers above the ground but the fruit develops below the surface.

Peanuts growing below the surface

The harvesting of peanuts occurs in two stages. When 70% of the crop has reached maturity a digger-inverter pulled behind a tractor loosens the plant and severs the taproot. The digger-shaker lifts the plant, gently shakes the soil loose and inverts it to cure or dry for 2-3 days.

Peanuts ready for harvest

 The second phase takes place when a combine machine separates the peanut from the plant. The peanut goes into a hopper while the plant is returned to the field. Freshly dug peanuts are placed in a peanut wagon where circulating forced air allows them to further cure. The moisture content is reduced to 10%, ready for storage.

Had to try some product: Chocolate covered pecans, Double 
dipped chocolate covered peanuts, and Peanut brittle 

 After visiting the peanut factory we went back to Don & Sandy's rig to sit while our bellies rest. I think I need a snooze. It's all that home cooked food. If I keep this up I will need a new pant size.

Sandy and Susan enjoying an after
diner beverage