Saturday Continued

It is time to pick up where I left off on Monday.

On the way home we decided to take somewhat of a scenic route and drive through Sanford just because we were on no real schedule.  Well, that and because we had a sudden desire to stop in for lunch at a place that we have been meaning to go to for some time.  It seemed to fit in perfectly with the theme of our day.

First though, we walked by the lunch spot to take a look at the market going on not too far down the street.  Again, we simply cannot help ourselves.  We didn’t spend too much time there (probably because we were really hungry), but The Wife did have enough time to make a few friends.

A few small(ish) horses.

Our boys will be jealous!

As previewed on Monday, the draw for lunch was the promise of meat and beer.  If there is one thing that I have a weakness for other than good beer it is probably cased meat products, so our stop at Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café was an absolutely perfect choice.

Maybe we will sit outside next time.

Of course before deciding on the food we had to make our beer choices, as we were both more than ready for one after our early (and long) morning.  After asking what the seasonal selections were I decided on a Bischoff Doppelbock and, after imparting my two cents, The Wife went with a Köstritzer Schwarzbier.  As the menu said, schwarzbiers are a great idea for people who don’t think they like darker beers.  Both beers really hit the spot and I did what I had to do to make sure they were both finished when we left.

Just what I was looking for.

Just trying to decide which I prefer.

Being our first time there we wanted to sample as much as we could, so we settled for the “Schlachthaus Platte Für Zwei” or “Butchershop Platter for Two” which is described as . . .

This meal is meant for two or one very hungry person! It includes one each Bratwurst, Weisswurst, and Knockwurst, LeberKäse, (a finely ground seasoned baked pork loaf) and Kassler (boneless smoked pork loin) served with warm German potato salad, sauerkraut, sweet red cabbage and German bread.

They had me at “Butchershop Platter!”

Just as promised.

The Wife's personal sampler.

It was exactly what I was looking for and really did go well with the beers that we were drinking.  I even had enough left over to enjoy it again later that evening.  I am fairly certain that I enjoyed the food more than The Wife did (not as big a German food fan as me), but we both have every intention of making a return visit to sample even more of the food and beer.  It is a very fun environment and I can only imagine what it is like when the accordions are fired up in the evenings.  Hopefully I can talk Cousin Adam and Melissa into drinking a boot with me when they are visiting next month!

I will be back!

Since it was on the way home, we decided to make one last stop to yet another never before seen local attraction.  Soon we were standing in front of the largest Bald Cypress tree in the United States.  Yes we went to see an enormous tree, but it was free and worth every penny!  It really was massive and we were glad to cross it off the list.  Check out this link if you are if you are interested in the history and details of The Senator.

It would make a few toothpicks.

I am frozen with fascination.

Thus comes to an end the recap of our excellent Saturday morning and early afternoon adventure!