Lawson Peach Shed is located in Morven and provides a variety of southern treats.

MORVEN — It’s rare to find a memento from Georgia that doesn’t contain an image of the beloved peach. While the souvenirs may be pretty, nothing can beat the real deal.

Just 25 minutes outside of Valdosta sits a rustic wooden barn that welcomes everyone seeking a true Georgia peach.

Since 1968, the Lawson family has kept Morven and its surrounding areas well stocked with not only peaches, but a variety of southern eats.

Lawson Peach Shed, located at 8545 Valdosta Hwy. 133, is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. It opens every May and closes up the end of July, which is peak peach season.

The sound of busy workers and machinery can be heard throughout the season as packing and shipping sends these little pieces of Georgia out into the world.

Irvin and Barbara Lawson serve as the current owners and oversee all the production of the facility.

However, this is only part of what Lawson Peach Shed has to offer.

Lawson Peaches sells melons, cantaloupes, berries, onions, tomatoes, jams and jellies, cookbooks, honey, homemade pickles, pecans and, of course, peaches.

While all these items may draw business, it’s rare to find someone who has visited Lawson Peaches that doesn’t mention their famous peach ice cream.

As Barbara explained, many people come to eat at Pikes Landing, which is also in the family, then come over to enjoy some homemade desserts.

Making this a true family affair, Margie Hanner, Barbara’s mother, makes the peach and blueberry ice cream and lemonade, which she describes as “fresh from the farm.”

“The hotter it gets, the more people come,” said Barbara.

All of Morven also gets into the Georgia peach spirit with the annual Peach Festival. This year marks the 27th  anniversary and it will take place on May 16.

The festival is held in Earnest Lawson Park and lasts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the parade taking place at 2 p.m.

There will be arts and crafts, food and fun activities for the whole family.