Blink your eyes and you may miss Williston on U.S. Highway 27. A 100-year-old manor sits where Main Street meets First Street.

"People ask us if we have ghosts,” ponders Marjorie Hale inside the grand foyer of The Ivy House restaurant.

Built in 1912 by the same Levy County doctor that would later deliver Marjorie, the home is now a restaurant where folks dine in the parlor, living room and porch. The stucco added decades ago now gives way to the home's original brickwork. It’s here where Mimi said some patrons wonder about the paranormal.

“I say, ‘No we don't believe in ghosts,’” Marjorie responds while looking out a window at the warm autumn sunshine.

Williston's most notable celebrity is still working at age 80.

And while she is quick to offer, "Everyone calls me Mimi," in a friendly tone, she also believes there is something overlooking her restaurant.

"He saw three large, great big angels, on each corner of the house,” Mimi recalls how a member of her church shared with her his vision.

Diners sitting on the sun porch in the warm autumn sun feel comfortable.

"It's a good relaxing experience. And to me, that is what a meal should be,” said Roy Smith, a frequent diner.

Roy and his wife, Carla, first visited more than six years ago and keep coming back.

"Now, when we come in, we get hugs,” Roy said. “It makes it very homey."

Mimi's menu is full of family recipes, like baked crispy chicken and southern fried shrimp. Yet, no meal is complete without the raspberry tea.

"Like, your grandmother cooked a meal and bringing it out,” Carla Smith said with a laugh.

"Our biggest complement. Makes them feel they are back home or back at grandma's house,” Mimi concludes. "I hope you will get to come eat with me today!"

The Ivy House is open for lunch daily and as Mimi would say... "Supper..." Thursday through Saturday evening until 8 p.m.

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