We tried to get into The Lady & Sons about 3 times and finally listened to everyone who said that Mars. Wilkes is the place to explore real southern food. The line was long and we waited at least 45 minutes which was a bit rough after the long hot trek from River Street but it was worth it.

Once in we were seated at a table with lots of other people who had been near us in line. We chatted with a local mom & daughter, 2 honeymooners from California and a couple and their child from Massachusetts while the table was piled high with food, food and more food.

The mains were fried chicken, barbequed pulled pork and beef stew – all wonderful. There were 16 different sides and we passed them round the table several times. They included things like mashed potatoes (white and sweet), stuffing, corn bread, collard greens, green beans, black eyed peas, mas & cheese and so much more all washed down with pitchers of sweet tea for SIXTEEN DOLLARS A HEAD.

There was dessert (banana pudding, I think) but we were already waddling back to our conference.