At the end of our suggested trip down Route 11 is the historic town of New Market, Virginia. This location is known most widely for an important Civil War battle on May 15, 1864.

At the Battle of New Market, teenage cadets of Virginia Military Institute (VMI) were pressed into service by Confederate General John Breckinridge in a successful effort to delay the North's march on Richmond, Virginia. That battle is reenacted each year in mid-May, on the grounds of the Hall of Valor Civil War Museum in New Market.

There is more to New Market than the "Battlefield Historical Park," even though that experience is enjoyed by tourists year round. You can meander down Congress Street, the main street in the town, and enjoy antique shops, and restaurants. One of our favorite locations appears below.

Every now and then, it does the soul good to forget the diet you're on and travel back to a quieter time when food was REALLY tasty, the restaurant was not intimidating, and the folks who eat there are just like those you grew up with. At least if you're our age (not going to tell), this was a time of the 50's and 60's in rural Virginia.

And the Southern Kitchen in New Market, Virginia, fits the bill to a tee. This is a popular, friendly restaurant with an excellent wait staff and fast service.

Their fried chicken is just not to be believed. It is succulent, fried to a perfection, and wonderfully non-greasy. The restaurant itself takes you back in time - and you enjoy the trip. We return to Southern Kitchen when we can, and did so on Saturday, April 15, 2006.

Southern Kitchen (Click on Photo for More Images)

There were many other tempting choices on the menu as usual that April day before Easter, but we just couldn't help but order the fried chicken once again - Tom selected the breast platter and I (Ron) went with the chicken livers. Everything was up to par and more. The service was perfect, the Iced Tea just right, the rolls hot, and the chicken fresh and delicious.