Yesterday, my friend Kathryn introduced me to Poppies, one of Sisters’ newest — and most unique — additions. It’s a combo garden center/gourmet cafe, located only slightly off the beaten path (221 S. Main).

After ordering, we sat outside in Poppies’ charming backyard patio, a lush green setting outfitted with all sorts of colorful plant life and equally festive garden artworks. It was a perfect day for outdoor dining, sunny and just slightly cool with a bit of a breeze — just enough to set the multicolored glass pinwheels that adorned several yard sculptures a-spinnin’.

Inside, there’s an innovative selection of lunch options to choose from (we split a molasses-balsamic tri-tip wrap with homemade sweet-potato chips), much of which features organic locally grown fare. There’s also a cozy cluster of tables for in-house dining, plus a selection of gourmet foods, teas, household products and such for sale.

I’d elaborate a bit more about the  menu but that might well be a waster of time –  I was told the dining fare is about to change significantly in anticipation of fall. The new menu is supposed to be unveiled on Friday; I’m not sure whether it will feature the same Caribbean-Cajun-Southern influences (co-owner/chef Brian Shea hails from Savannah, Georgia).  I know I’ll be back to find out!

Below are a few photos from my visit: