Meridian: Another great city that is heading toward ghost town status, at least its downtown business district. There's so much gorgeous architecture and, of course, signage, in Meridian. We loved it.
Meridian.

This "cafe" is actually a funky antique store. Lovers of vintage McCoy pottery, be alert. We'd hoped to eat at Weidmann's, a famous Meridian diner, but it's now open only for dinner.
The friendly proprietor of the antique store directed us instead to the completely nondescript Jean's Restaurant down the block.
What a find.

Dessert first, then: Lemon icebox pie. Incredible. And only $1.75/slice.

Another Meat + ? meal.
Above: Broiled catfish, turnip greens, mac & cheese, field peas (aka blackeyed peas), cornbread, and rolls.

We finally found our fabled chicken and dumplings (above). Plus coleslaw, potato salad, and lima beans. And of course, iced tea.
It. was. amazing.