Eggs for breakfast?

Lone Star, Santee, SC  

I assume this is a chicken coop? If that is correct, I picture my lazy home owner trying to reach out the window to feel around for a fresh egg for breakfast. Farm to table through the bedroom window! 

Countryside Honky Tonk

Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile, Santee, SC  

I was at Lake Marion with friends this past long weekend and stopped at the Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile for a plate of BBQ. We were delighted to see that the 14th Annual Blue Grass Honky Tonk festival was in full swing. Three kind ladies were going in to get their dinner and offered us the loan of their chairs so we settled down in comfort to listen to the music. It was a treat. According to their web site they have live music every Saturday night. 

I always roam the buildings when I am there, looking at the old pictures and collection of memorabilia they have on the shelves and visit the wee cabin in behind the restaurant buildings.  

Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile

Lonestar BBQ & Mercantile, Santee, S.C.

It is still cloudy and raining in Charleston but I haven't yet featured these shots from my day trip to Santee last weekend. After wandering through Elloree, S.C. we headed to Santee to treat ourselves to some BBQ at Lone Star. The Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile is a series of old buildings moved to the property and joined together to host a restaurant and store. I wasn't too impressed a few years ago when I ate there but was encouraged to give it another try. It certainly is an interesting spot with old buildings salvaged and gathered on the property. There was a family reunion going on while I was there but we got through the buffet line before they said grace so we were cool. The setting is almost like a museum with shelves full of vintage items.Behind the buildings is the tiny little cottage in the last picture.

Apparently, the entire property is for sale so if any of you are inclined to run a restaurant in rural South Carolina near a state park this is your chance!

Lonestar BBQ & Mercantile

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Lonestar Mercantile & BBQ, Santee, S.C.

When a friend told me about Lonestar, my initial reaction was doubtful there there could be something quite as cool as he was describing that close to Charleston that I didn't know about. How could that be?

Your Destination for Food, Fun & Old-Time Charm. Go back in time at Lone Star Go back in time as you dine and shop at Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile. Selected #1 for "down home cooking" by The State newspaper, Lone Star has earned a reputation for its tasty food, cooked just like Grandma used to fix it. In addition to its barbecue and other featured entrees, there is always a good selection of fresh vegetables, salad selections and desserts. Relive the past as you enjoy some of the best country cooking the South has to offer!

Buildings at Lone Star Lone Star is a "one of a kind" restaurant and general store that is comprised of four old frame buildings that served as rural country stores and farm commissaries in the late 1800's, on into the 20th Century. In fact, Zeaglar's Store was in operation as a post office and mercantile until 1997.

The old wooden houses were moved to this location and joined together by a passage at the back of the buildings so you can walk through from one to the other. The buffet and general store are in the first one. The buffet consists of the usual pork and chicken bbq, tomato pie, soggy over-cooked squash, banana pudding sweet iced tea and meals are eaten surrounded by an amazing collection of memorabilia.

Thanks for the tip Bobby! It's nice to know there are still cool spots out there to explore. Now, I need to get to my bed or I will sleep away the rest of my weekend. I hope everyone is having a good few days off.