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!
Kay Harris
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
Discussion
Business This Week: Time to pick the berries
- Kay Harris
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Shopping to raise money for charities
Most people can find any one of a number of reasons to shop, but this week, you will have a legitimate excuse.
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Business This Week: Technology is a blessing and a curse
I am not the most adept person with technology. It changes too often, so I just keep adapting to the new ways of doing things without taking the time to understand them.
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Business This Week: Enjoy Fourth of July festivities next weekend
As one who grew up fascinated by daredevil Evil Knievel and his various feats, including the infamous Snake River Canyon rocket car jump, seeing his son Robbie follow in his footsteps is a once in a lifetime opportunity in Valdosta.
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Business This Week: Cherish your fathers
Today is the day to Honor Thy Father.
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Business This Week: Horse Creek is a wonderful find
While a number of people have discovered the delightful winery in our midst, some may not yet know about Horse Creek Winery.
Row upon row of grape vines greet customers to the winery, which is located off the Adel Highway just a few miles outside Nashville in Berrien County. Owned by longtime residents of the region, Ed Perry takes pride in the quality of the Muscadine grapes they produce, which are handpicked only when ripe.
You can read all about the winery, which recently won an astounding number of awards at an international wine competition, earning one gold and five bronze medals, in the latest copy of the Valdosta Scene magazine. -
Business This Week: A day for honoring fallen soldiers
Honoring those who have died in battle is a tradition that goes back centuries. In America, the tradition became entrenched following the Civil War and after WWI the honor extended to all war veterans.
There are several local events Monday to mark Memorial Day, and scores of volunteers will decorate the graves of veterans throughout the region to recognize their contributions to our peace. -
Business This Week: Blooms bring 600 visitors to town
The Daylily Society is hosting the American Hemerocallis Society’s national convention this week, which will bring at least 600 visitors to Valdosta.
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Business This Week: On the peach trail
I’m sorry if you missed it, but the annual Peach Festival was held in Morven yesterday. However, it’s still good even if you did because that means that the peaches are ripe and ready.
This time of year means fresh fruit and vegetables throughout our area, from peaches to peanuts to peppers and more. -
Business This Week: 100 Black Men Black Tie Dinner
This coming Saturday, May 15, the 100 Black Men of Valdosta Inc. are hosting their annual Black Tie Dinner.
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Business This Week: What does the world hold for graduates?
Students will graduate this weekend from Valdosta State University and the world awaits them.
Although they are graduating at a tough economic time, it’s hardly the first downturn and will almost certainly not be the last. The abiity to be flexible and understanding that professions come and go with the needs of the times are as essential today as they have been for decades. - More Kay Harris Headlines
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Shopping to raise money for charities
