There aint NOTHIN' mainstream 'bout this burger!

Paij & I decided it was time to get away from Memphis for a few hours.  The weather was beautiful and it was the first Saturday that we have had open in over a month.  We decided to head south to the small town of Holly Springs, MS.  In addition to it's antebellum homes, Holly Springs is known for a not so quaint burger joint called Phillips Grocery.  

Originally built as a saloon in the 1800's, this joint stands across the street from the old, faded, red-brick Mississippi Central train station.  It doesn't take much imagination to picture this place back when the trains were rolling through, people stopping off to get their fill at the saloon.  We honestly were a little concerned when we pulled up to this place.  We parked right outside the kitchen.  Black grease dripped from the vents, sliding down the roof, then falling on the bushes directly in front of our parked car.  Our concerns escalated as we walked around to the front of the building. The obvious signs of old sagging lumber, thin beams desperately struggling to keep the old building from crumbling before our eyes.  But we had made it this far and we couldn't turn back now. 

Our fears subsided as we stepped inside and saw other families, apparently still alive after eating the food.  After stepping up to the counter and placing our order we realized how unprepared we were for this trip back in time.  This place was lucky to have electricity, never mind a credit/debit card machine.  Realizing our predicament AFTER ordering our food, we began debating the drive back into town to get some cash.  Do I go alone, abandoning my wife and child in this unknown time and place?  Just then the father of a small family sitting nearby turned to us and offered to pay for our meal.  He pressed the issue until we accepted the offer.  We were caught off guard by the kindness and hospitality that was demonstrated on multiple occasions while visiting this strange town.  We saw in full-strength the southern hospitality that Memphis has completely abandoned.  The food was ready in a few minutes.  As we bit into the burgers we nodded our heads in agreement.  These grease balls really are some of of the world's greatest burgers (as claimed by USA TODAY).

After eating we drove aound the town for a few minutes before heading south to Wall Doxey state park.  The park is home to a lake that contains a cypress grove.  The trees are uniquely beautiful and we enjoyed a pleasant hike around the lake.  Morgan was so good on this 2.5 mile hike.  She never let out a single peep.  She sat there in her baby carrier and drooled as she took in the smells and imagery.  

It was a fun little getaway for our little family.  For those of you in the area we recommend the short trip to this unique town.  We may be doing it again shortly when the fall colors arive.