Earlier this year I took an opportunity to assist a restaurant celebrating their 50th Anniversary. Since retiring form advertising 3 years ago I generally avoid doing marketing work, but I have had a personal relationship with this business going on 33 years. (note I am not taking monetary compensation for this effort as it is truly a joy for me to be a part of the event ) Having personally known the person who started this dining establishment as well as current owner the place feels like home to me. Home in the sense one can visit a place enough you know the people like family. I got married there over a couple decades ago and have experienced many memorable moments in the building, including being at the 20th Anniversary celebration thirty years ago, their last big celebration. The Country Squire, Vintage Inn, and Winery is one of the most fascinating places I have ever dined or stayed. You can see it online at their website and facebook page, but frankly only actually visiting the place does it justice. The moment you walk in the door. you know that the place is not like other places you go to dine. You feel like you have stepped back in time to where knights reigned and being the "country squire" meant you got top of the line service and food. The owner, Iris Lennon, enhances your travel back in time as she is Scottish and her accent is as much.
"The Squire" as many locals and long time customers call it is an assembly of several older buildings from the area brought together to this place over the years to form dining areas. a tavern, a large entertainment and meeting hall, and of course a kitchen. The motel added on a few years after the restaurant was started is comfortable and quiet. The winery started in the last decade is the love of the owner's daughter and they produce some pretty good wines for a winery so young. The Squire is just a honest for real off the beaten path, out of the way place, where you can get away from it all and just enjoy yourself. The food is good and the service superb. The motel is quiet and romantic.
Some of the more interesting places in the complex are the sunked garden and the little house at back of the place that looks like a gingerbread house, which you can stay in overnight. Trees grow through the ceiling in the main dining areas and there are apples in what seems like every nook and cranny which are free on the taking. The apples also enhance the smell of the place. Smell, which I believe, are the best sense to bring back memories is what catches me every time I enter the place.
I opined to Ms.Lennon several years ago that so many people had dined, got married, celebrated birthdays or anniversaries, and experience other memorable moments at The Squire, that she and the Squire were "the keeper of memories". Maybe that is why they have so apply named their 50th Anniversary "Celebrates 50 Years of Memories". I expect others do as I do and remember the table or spot in the complex where something happened that is a wonderful memory.
The most fascinating fact about this 50th Anniversary, other than the fact restaurants rarely make it to 50 years, is that The Squire has someone still working there who was there the day the place opened back those so many years ago. Now folks that just might be a first of it's kind anywhere. I have met the person and enjoyed our visit, I will allow you to visit The Squire and do the same on your own. Many other employees have been there over 20 years. That kind of loyalty tells you something about the place.
Back to the 50th Anniversary. Joe West, who started this place back in August 1961, would be most pleased with what Iris Lennon, her family, and staff have put together for a fun weekend August 12-14. From singing groups, music, exhibits, to special dining opportunities check out their Facebook page for more details. But even if you do not take in this special weekend, take my advice and go dine and spend the night at The Country Squire and Vintage Inn. The relaxation is worth the trip. Ask about their weekend getaway special that included a night's stay and their wonderful tenderloin of beef for two dinner. Plenty to do in the area too as Duplin County, where The Squire is located, is filled with early American history.
Info on Facebook at Country Squire Winery. The facebook page has photos that give you a sense of the place. Online at http://www.countrysquireinn.com/
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