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Remembering Lunch in Plains 2025 just began. But I'm thinking back to a lunch from 9 years ago.  It was January 2016, when Don and I had lunch at Buffalo Cafe. Along with our lunch, we had an unforgettable visit to the Georgia town, where Jimmy Carter grew up. I grinned to see this smiling statue as we left town. December 29, 2025 Just a few days ago, the TV news told us that President Carter passed away.  My eyes went from the TV to the funny peanut ornament on our tree. The day before, Don noticed the ornament on the floor. It had fallen from the tree, so me put it back on the branch. That smiling peanut suddenly seemed so sad. Shopping in 2016 Our tree ornament was a reminder of the little shops we visited on Main Street, when we went to Plains nearly a decade ago.  Philip Kurland's shop (which happened to be for sale at the time) was filled with political memorabilia. We peeked in a couple more stores.
I wish we'd bought some local peanuts! Spotlight on the Carters! I remember the faces looking out from the windows, of this corner building. An image of Jimmy and Rosalynn, on their wedding day.  Jimmy and Rosalynn were both born in Plains. It seemed incredible in 2016, to realize they both lived just down the road, in the house they built in 1961. Spotlight on the Carters The flags and the red, white & blue banner, made it almost feel like 1976 on Main Street. The "campaign" sign was really just a reminder that Plains is the home of the 39th president.  Mostly the town seemed to embrace the Carter Family, as beloved members of their tiny community. Carter Farm in Archery Before our lunch at the cafe, Don and I visited Jimmy's boyhood home, just 3 miles down the road. I wondered if he had contact with any of his playmates from Archery, which was a mostly African American community at the time.
We were the only visitors on that January day. It was incredible to walk through Jimmy's boyhood home and hear his voice (on speakers) narrating stories about childhood. Jimmy's School Schools were segregated in 1941, so Jimmy went to high school in Plains. Rosalynn was younger, but she had been valedictorian. The school is now a lovely museum.
A quote from Jimmy in 1971 was moving to read in 2016. The displayed words about discrimination and honesty, seem even more powerful in January of 2025. Buffalo Cafe We were relieved to find an open restaurant, by the time we finished our exploring.  The cozy cafe was housed in an old bank on Main Street, across from the train station. Plains Buffalo Mascot The brick walls were covered with photos and plaques. A sport jersey here, a buffalo image there.  The Plains Buffalo was the school mascot, when Jimmy and Rosaylnn went to High School. I believe local students go to school in nearby Americus, today. Food I should have asked our young waiter what the Carters liked to order when they came to dine. I heard that Jimmy and Rosalynn stoped in fairly often. I also heard that Jimmy never lingered. He was always on the go.  If I'd seen anything with peanuts on the menu, I would have gone for it. Instead, I went for a grilled cheese sandwich and a yummy potato soup. It seemed simple and homey and it tasted just right. Don was pleased with his pulled pork sandwich. Off We Go Our meal was pleasant tasty. We didn't spot the Carters, but we did pass their home, just a half mile from the cafe. The yard signs were a happy announcement that Jimmy's cancer had just gone in remission.  The secret service "guard house" and the fence, reminded us that Mr. Carter was indeed a former president, not just a hard working, honest man, living in his hometown.  We left Plains and drove about 10 minutes to Americus, where we would spend the night... and get up at the crack of dawn to go to the Carter's Baptist Church on Sunday morning! That's a much bigger story, with a much more memorable dining adventure. Click on the link below: https://www.thebethlists.com/diverse-dining-list/mimmies-diner-in-plains-ga Today So today, I think about Jimmy and I'm so grateful for our visit to Plains and our sweet little lunch.  I wish I had a grilled cheese sandwich right now, as I settle down to read.
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The Dining Blog
This is a blog about Dining Adventures. Sometimes, I talk about food. Below, you can read how this started. On July 4th 2011, I set a goal to try 50 culturally diverse restaurants in one year! (I knew that was possible, living in the Houston area) I spent the year pulling in friends and family to join me, on some unusual dining adventures. I met some curious people, tried some scary foods and explored places and cultures I never would have otherwise. Even though I met my goal, I learned too much to end my adventures in dining. I have continued blogging about memorable dining adventures of all kinds, near and far... and all the discoveries and funny things I've learned along the way! Locations and types of dining adventures, are listed further down. Archives
January 2025
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