We're in Michigan for a few weeks. Meandering around the state like we meander around most places these days. Melanie says we have to drive through Ann Arbor on the way to see our niece in Adrian. To see the "Big House" where Michigan plays football games.  Okay, I say, let's go see da Big House. 

But we're hungry when we get to Ann Arbor. I'm driving and she says she'll find a place, but no luck. I get the Google going and find this burger joint that makes the top of Eaters list of must-eat-there places in Ann Arbor.  Melanie loves a good burger. Who doesn't, right?
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I'm recommending Blimpyburger, which has been around since 1953, not so much for the burger, though it's reasonably tasty. Go for the production value. At lunch time the locals line up to order their burgers cooked before their (and your) very eyes while moving steadily in line till it's finished and paid for. Worth the short wait. Local color.

They tout it as a Chapel Hill tradition. Okay. I say it's a solid breakfast spot when you're in Chapel Hill. Carolina Coffee Shop.

The last time I was at Crook's Corner was some 5 years ago when I brought my son, Tate, to Chapel Hill to tour the University of North Carolina. As I recall we had dinner at Crook's and Tate had a side of their turnip greens. He was sold.

The menu may have changed slightly over the past five years, but those greens were still there and just as tasty as I remember them. When in Chapel Hill put the Corner on your list of eateries. 

Early Girl Eatery. Two locations in Asheville.

Traveling from the Asheville, North Carolina area eastward toward Raleigh, North Carolina, we used our Harvest Hosts membership to book an evening at Fair Game Beverage Company. 

​We enjoyed a nice tasting of their spirits, reloaded the van with a few purchases from there and Melanie found for us the most delightful dinner spot in the smallish town of Pittsboro, North Carolina. Pittsboro is about 17 miles south of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. When in Pittsboro, or Chapel Hill or Durham or Raleigh, take time to visit Pittsboro and eat at the Postal Fish Company.

Opened in 2018, Katie Button's Button and Co. Bagels is yet another excuse to eat locally sourced great food. There's a variety of bagels and a nice variety of toppings. 

The last time Melanie and I were in Asheville was just over 5 years ago.  A dear friend of ours was celebrating his 70th birthday and we, along with his wife and two other mutual friends, traveled to Asheville for the celebration. As I recall, our friend's actual birthday was celebrated at Cúrate. 

Last night we had the chance to once again grace Katie Button's fine dining establishment. This time we dined with some of Melanie's collaborative lawyer colleagues who are in town for training. 

The venue is as remembered, laid back and welcoming. Our wait person was knowledgable and and personable. While the menu has changed somewhat from 5 years ago, the quality of the food remains exceptional. Don't miss an opportunity to dine at Cúrate when in Asheville.

We were in Winston-Salem a few weeks ago and happened on Mooney's when lunchtime rolled around. We found it good enough such that we went back the next day for lunch. Friendly staff and good solid Mediterranean Cusine. There's also a nice place to dine street side. 

It was hot in Saint Augustine, Florida while we were there, but we lucked out the night we choose to dine at Preserved. The sea breezes were favorable and we scored a nice table outside on the porch. Check them out.

We were on our way to Green Cove Springs, Florida and jumped off the interstate to have lunch. Melanie found reviews of Paisley Cafe in Tallahassee. The reviews were correct, it's a great and friendly place to have lunch. Like they say, it's "love on a plate."