Kay Harris
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA —
The Daylily Society is hosting the American Hemerocallis Society’s national convention this week, which will bring at least 600 visitors to Valdosta.
The national society’s interest in daylilies brings them to our area because so many of the flower’s varieties thrive here. And daylilies only bloom for one day, making them an even rarer treat.
We tend to overlook the things that make our area so charming to others, and the wonderful growing season we have is one of them. South Georgia has a wonderful climate and good soil that makes growing a variety of flowering plants, trees and shrubs a delight.
Driving around the city, which is known for the awesome azaleas more so than other flowers, there is a wide variety of beautiful blossoms of all kinds.
You’ve heard the adage, “stop and smell the roses,” and we forget sometimes that we are surrounded by beautiful flowers and blooms and we don’t take the time to appreciate them.
Maybe we should all take this opportunity to notice the beauty around us every day. Maybe we should notice the delightful blooms that surround our homes, our neighbor’s homes, our places of business.
The weather may be hot and humid, and there may be a lot of bugs to contend with, plus allergy season is no picnic, but life is South Georgia is certainly colorful.
Business Roundup
The tennis center at McKey Park is moving along now that rain hasn’t been as much of an issue. The new complex should be opening in late June if all continues to go well.
The new restaurant going in on Norman Drive looks like it’s going to be a Cheddar’s, if the land purchase, etc. goes through without any hitches. There are several in Georgia and this would be a first for the chain in Valdosta. The casual restaurant features a wide variety of salads, appetizers, sandwiches, etc.
It looks like a local restaurateur has purchased the former Southern Buffet on North Ashley Street but I don’t know yet if it will be turned into the same theme as his other restaurant or if it will remain a buffet.
There is a new business in downtown Valdosta. The Fruits of the Garden Winery and Gifts has moved downtown to Central Ave. The business used to be out Hwy. 84 and recently relocated.
I hear that there is a good chance for Golden Corral to come back to town, but I’ve not seen anything definite yet, and the rumors about the former Hardee’s continue to swirl.
Construction on the former Supermercado store and the Margarita’s restaurant on North Ashley Street are both continuing.
And the beginning of the new development in Hahira is really moving quickly. The site has been cleared and is being prepared for the foundation to be poured in the next few weeks for the new Harvey’s supermarket off Exit 29.
And I understand that there may be several new businesses locating in the Camelot Crossing development soon. I’ll share more details when I get them.
That’s about it for this week, but if there’s anything I missed, please let me know.
