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?
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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
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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
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Gayla’s Grits: A Taste of the South
What started as a unique Christmas gift for family and friends has turned into the go-to business for the best grits in town and, possibly, the world.
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Keep tails wagging when your budget is lagging
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The Valdosta Mall: Revamped and Ready for Business!
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Keep your clothes looking fab to avoid looking drab
As I get older, I’m beginning to learn that there are more important things than clothes. Ugh! It pains me to even form that sentence; however, it’s true.
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Business This Week: Happy Mother’s Day!
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Downtown will have a new beat this week
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