VALDOSTA —
You know it’s spring when the berries come in.
Southern Grace Farms’ strawberry field on Bemiss Road is up and running with lots of berries to pick. They had a late start this year due to all the cold weather, but I understand the berries are ripe and ready to pick.
The field is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.
I called around to the various peach farms in the area and was given various estimates, but most seem to think that the peaches will be ready at least by early to mid-May.
If you are new to the area, or if you’ve never ventured over to Morven or Barney during peach season, you need to do it this year. The sheds also offer a variety of other vegetables for sale. Several do their own homemade peach ice cream, which is always a treat!
One of the best things about living in this area is knowing that, between the local farms and the farmers markets, you can find fresh-grown produce just about year-round and, in many cases, pick it yourself. It’s a fun, family activity and it also helps teach kids where their food comes from. Plus, fresh always tastes better.
Real estate signs
A couple of real-estate agencies in town took exception to my comments regarding their signs, saying I was rude and disregarded how effective they are.
I have absolutely no doubt that the large signs can be very effective and I am sure it is extremely helpful to the agents who are listing the property. However, I stand by my statement that any time a sign, whether it’s large or small, impedes access into a strip center, blocks a viable business’ sign, or makes it appear that someone is going out of business, they should either relocate it or put up a smaller sign. How is that rude?
Business Roundup
All the preliminary work is being done for an Olive Garden on the property next to Starbucks, but I understand that the deal won’t go through until the interstate exit issues are worked out and a traffic light can be installed or moved to allow traffic in and out of the restaurant. I’ve had repeated calls from folks all week about this, telling me either they or a family member has been working on this, so we’ll see if it comes to fruition.
The Southwest Georgia Bank on the corner of North Valdosta Road and Country Club is coming along strong and the work is beginning on the inside to get it ready for opening in the next month or so.
The Center for Medical Weight Loss on Northside Drive is undergoing renovations and the building is getting a nice facelift.
I erred last week in saying that the addition to the Boys Club is a teen center. It’s the new club and the teen center won’t be done until a later phase.
I received an e-mail a couple of weeks ago from a real-estate site specialist wanting to bring a restaurant to town. He wouldn’t give the name, but the company was only interested in the former Hardee’s location on St. Augustine. He let me know that he was told that location is not available and it may be a Hardee’s again at some point, but if anyone out there knows for sure, I’d appreciate a heads up.
I also understand there is a chance that McDonald’s may go on property on North Valdosta Road near the Smok’n Pig but I’m unsure how far along they are in the process.
Should have news on the Hahira Harveys next week, and until then, if there’s anything I’ve missed, please let me know!
Business
Related Photos
-
Laura McMillan holds a gallon of strawberries grown at the U-Pick field along Bemiss Road near Moody Air Force Base. Her family owns Southern Grace Farms, which has operated the patch for years every spring. Paul Leavy
Business This Week: Time to pick the berries
- Business
-
-
Business Wish List Results
The results are in from my very un-scientific poll on the businesses that people want to see come to Valdosta. After my comment last week that there seemed to be more requests for retail than restaurants, I was bombarded this week with restaurant suggestions, so I’m guessing even with an OG, readers aren’t quite satisfied yet.
-
The Brass Quill Gallery
VALDOSTA — The only way to describe The Brass Quill Gallery to someone who hasn’t witnessed the majesty of its interior is this: If Alice in Wonderland could be interpreted into a modern-day building decorated by the Mad Hatter — that’s The Brass Quill Gallery. It is arguably the most creative decorating scheme in Valdosta. It is because of the business’ unique style, that The Brass Quill Gallery is a metaphorical nest of creativity for those wanting to get inked. -
VIDEO: Social media command center helps Super Bowl visitors
Indianapolis is the first Super Bowl host city to utilize the power of Twitter and other social media to help football fans get the most out of football's biggest event.
-
BlackBerry’s Future?
BlackBerry used to be the “it” phone. Notice I said used to be. Just as video killed the radio star, iPhone killed the BlackBerry.
Blackberry has become the new “flip phone.” It’s ancient. It’s out of date and it can’t compete in the iPhone revolution of the smart(er) phone. -
Business This Week: Wishing and hoping for some new businesses
About another 50 or more readers emailed this week to lend some thoughts on the type of businesses they’d like to see come to Valdosta, and places where there are things to do for kids, especially teens, and adults are high on the list so far.
-
Don’t let your taxes outsmart you this year!
With tax season rearing its ugly head out of your already busy life, there’s no need for you to feel like you’re alone.
-
Business Wish List: the 2012 version
I received an interesting response last week to my query about what people want now that the OG is finally here.
-
Downtown Hahira
HAHIRA — The Voice from “Field of Dreams” once famously intoned, “If you build it, they will come.” Stacey Dershimer hasn’t been Hahira’s downtown developmental coordinator for long — one month — but she’s been here long enough to know, if you build upon what you have, more people and more businesses will come.
- What’s next for Valdosta?
-
5 tips to help you land a new job in 2012
Job-hunting websites expect hiring to improve in 2012. So whether you’ve been out of work for a while or are simply looking for a change, here are some tips to ensure a successful job search.
- More Business Headlines
-
Business Wish List Results
