With special thanks to Slice of Life for giving writers inspiration, space, and voice
Slice of Life Day 26 of 31: Journeys (my March theme)
If you’ve ever read the book Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg or seen the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, you may recognize the photograph below as the Whistle Stop Cafe in the tiny town of Juliette, Georgia.
Some of our favorite journeys we take are camping trips that are less than an hour from our home. Dames Ferry Campground is situated on Lake Juliette about 20 minutes north of Macon, Georgia and just over an hour south of Atlanta. Whenever we camp here, we like to watch the movie again before stopping in for a plate of fried green tomatoes (we still haven’t eaten Bennett’s Barbecue, but that day is coming).
After we’ve shared a basket of these, we ease on back over to the lake and put the life jackets on the dogs for an evening kayak paddle on the lake to work off our dinner. It’s one of the few fried foods we believe to be worth the indulgence.
With summer coming and the tomato plants going in the ground soon, you may want to try these delicious vegetables. Even if you don’t plan to be in Juliette, Georgia anytime soon, you’re still in luck. Amazon sells the batter mix!
And if you’re still in the mood for an even more classic Southern tradition, stop and get yourself a bottled Coca Cola and take a big swig. Then, pour in a half bag of salted peanuts and drink up! It’s the perfect storm of salty sweetness.
Colossians 2:16-17
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
Common Threads 
I am dying to try fried green tomatoes. I have never heard of peanuts in Coke! Thank you for this post, and for that spiritual reminder at the end.
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Yum, I love fried green tomatoes! It’s nice to have those special go-to places where the experience and the memories are equally as good as the food.
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I remember reading this book and then seeing the movie,. I remember loving the book, but I don’t remember many details. It might be time to revisit. I do remember trying to make fried green tomatoes, but maybe I should have had the official batter…or maybe it just doesn’t taste as good if you’re in Yankee territory. Thanks for painting these pictures and sharing the photos. They brought me back to a time…and vicariously to a place I’ve never actually been.
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I have eaten a fried green tomato sandwich – in the mountains of West Virginia. It was fantastic! Not too inclined to put peanuts in my Coke, although I like them both (diet Dr. Pepper being my favorite soda, unless I am at the movies, where I will get a root beer – so good! – with my buttered popcorn). Sweet tea…now you’re talking. I grew up on that. And I mean SWEET tea. Like, a third of the tea pitcher being sugar. Unsweet tea was anathema to my family…almost something unholy. Love all these peaceful, savory, Southern threads, Kim. My roots quiver in response. 🙂
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Kim, I love fried green tomatoes, and I make them at least once a year. I used to make an entire meal of fried chicken, gravely, corn on the cob, fried okra, sautéed greens w/ bacon (if I could find them), and biscuits. I figured I could indulge once a year. Also love that book/movie. You’re making me hungry!
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I have never tried fried green tomatoes! You make me want to try though (and try more Southern foods)!
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