Mar 26, 2012
Posted on Mar 26, 2012 | 0 comments
A word about lunching!
I love to lunch, even more than going out to dinner. You know all my favorite places to lurk for lunch – and when I say come join us… I really mean it! If I post on Facebook where I’m going + ask for joiners, please feel welcome to come. I’ve met some cool Townies {Jackie S. + Audrea S.} because they showed up to lunch, and I’m so glad to know them. I love meeting new Townies and most anyone I lunch with is friendly + will not bite.
Come lurk with us at lunch sometime! {Alternately, you could spy on us from afar, but I like to think we’re more interesting in person.}
Mar 23, 2012
Posted on Mar 23, 2012 | 0 comments
So much to do this Saturday! One thing I know you’ll like is the Standard Flower Show – they started their “Wine + Cheese on the Patio” gathering last year and it was a hit. You can check out landscape designs and ideas, plants from local nurseries and generally have a good time with great people in a gorgeous place. That’s a spring nite well spent. More details from my friend Julia:
The 91st Annual Standard Flower Show opens at the Garden Center Friday, 2/23 at 1:30-5:30 and is open Saturday from 10am-4pm. Birdsong will have some plants for sale in the front yard and best of all, there are tickets left for our Wine and Cheese on the patio Friday at 5:30-7:30…we will have a jazz keyboard and the patio is lovely this time of day. Ticket holders can see the show and enjoy the party….tickets will be available at the door and are $20. The entry garden is being designed by Nesmith Nursery and the patio garden by Stonycreek. This is a great way to see what plants will be suited for your garden and see some wonderful floral designs…we’ll have 24 designs in all and loads of horticulture entries and our new Marketplace full of goodies to buy. Don’t miss it! {At the Garden Center on Old Monticello Road.}
Also this Saturday, you can get a Taste of Summer Camps at the Center for the Arts from 10:30-12:30 – a lot of cool stuff going on over there, so be a part!
And from 11:30-3:30 you can check out the Quail Country Chili Challenge down at the Train Depot. $10 gets you unlimited tastes, and you get to vote on the winner! This is an event of the Rotary Club and they support literacy and education in our community.
The Become One worship gathering is from 7 – 8:30 PM in the auditorium and it’s free! They’ve also got another event coming up on May 4+5 with music, teaching, prayer and spoken word. One of the spoken word artists is Amena Brown and I’ve heard her speak before – she’s great!
Safe Haven {our local non-profit that cares for those with HIV/AIDS} is raffling a week at a Destin condo! I’m sure we could all use a little beach time, am I right?
Opportunities are $30 for 1 ticket, $75 for 3 and $120 for 10. The week being raffled is April 29 – May 6, 2012 for a 2 BR/2BA condo with jacuzzi – more details here.
Call Carol @ 229-403-0437 or email carol@safehaveninc.org to place your ticket order – the drawing is noon on April 10th, so get your tickets soon.
And where will I be on Saturday nite? Celebrating my friend Charlie {C.H. Whitney Antiques} – he turns… a respectable + wise age and we’re so happy to help him ring in another great year!
Mar 22, 2012
Posted on Mar 22, 2012 | 0 comments
I’m a Francophile, for sure. I think the French have a great ability to enjoy the simple things in life and to make everyday life somehow more… lovely. I had a very Frenchie Friday last week. I rode my bike downtown and let the sun warm me, then sat in the shade at Moonspin with friends sipping Arnold Palmers and talking about small town life. I did a little shopping with one of my bike riding Townies, Karen M., and picked up some things for a Super Secret Date Nite for the hubbs. Which went like this:
I set up a small table in our kitchen to resemble the table we had in our apartment in Paris. Firefly has some dainty little candles on their back table and as soon as I smelled the Earl Gray one, I had to have it! It smells just like our little apartment, very sweet and a little like tea. I cut some paperwhites, spirea and tea olive from the garden and poked them in tiny vases.
Then I set about making one of our favorite meals from the trip – from Christian Constant’s Cocotte restaurant. First course was Camembert with local honey from Orchard Pond Organics and a French rose wine. This one was from the Rhone valley and it was different from the Cote de Provence ones we loved so much – I’ll have to figure out where to get that!
Second course was en cocotte, thanks to Relish! I picked up a set of 4 white cocottes {small lidded casserole dishes} during my Frenchie Friday shopping. I cut up fresh avocado and lobster and arranged it in 2 of the dishes, then poured a beef aspic mixture over the top. It set up nicely and was very similar to the dish we had last fall.
Next course was sausage stuffed potatoes, also en cocotte. I peeled and trimmed a pair of small potatoes so they’d fit, then used a melon baller to hollow them out and stuffed them with sausage. I need to note that in France we actually had… pigs feet (!) and they were actually our favorite dish of the trip (!!!), can you believe it? Can you also believe that I’m not quite brave enough to try making a pigs feet sausage myself? So I just used regular ground sausage. I’m looking at recipes and techniques, though. Someday I’m going to make something out of pigs feet. I know, I know, it sounds super-grody. But for real, it was like the best bacon you ever had mixed with the best sausage, mixed with the best ham you ever had. It was the most full and lively pork flavor ever.. mmmmmm….
Ok, enough about pigs feet – how many of you are positively gagging now? So very sorry. Let’s talk about dessert – French butter cookies from Firefly – these are sooo buttery, sooo crisp, soooo good! They’re individually wrapped, so I squirreled some away for later.
Overall, the meal looked quite small, but the ingredients were so rich and flavorful that we were very satisfied. Thanks to Relish and Firefly who helped me surprise my hubbs with a great meal!
PS – the only thing missing were macarons! If you love macarons or would love to try them, you can order Easter macarons at Firefly!
Mar 16, 2012
Posted on Mar 16, 2012 | 1 comment
I’m about to head out for lunch – Moonspin this week. Trying to decide between the Chopped Mediterranean Salad with Spicy Chicken or the Caponata Salad Pizza… tough one! Of course, I’ll have an Arnold Palmer and my day will be perfect. I’m going to go old timey and ride my bike up there. If you see me riding, wave at me! But don’t honk, I startle easily 
If you want to know where all of T-Vegas is on a Friday nite… they’re at the Plaza! I imagine it’s been the same since the 50s, and some of the patrons may have been going there since the 50s, which makes it old timey in a cool sort of way. If you haven’t been initiated into this very Thomasville tradition, go check it out and tell them I sent you. The Caprese Salad is good, as is the Flounder {better get there early or they’ll all be gone!}, they’ve got oysters, the drinks are good and the place will be jam packed. If you like to mingle and table-hop, this is the place. Just take a right across from the register into the nice dining room.
Don’t party too hard, though, because tomorrow morning you’ll want to get up bright and early and head to the Birdsong Old Timey Plant Sale. I’ll warn you, it’s got a cult following. There’s usually a line starting around 8 {!} and these people come prepared. They’ve got wheelbarrows and wagons for hauling their loot and don’t you even think about breaking in line. Now, why are these die-hard fans like this? Well, where else can you get native plants and heirloom varieties? The plants are all grown in the “old timey” way of cutting and rooting. These are plants that are currently grown in this area and will do well in your yard. There are azaleas, camellias, ferns, heirloom veggies, herbs and more. And the proceeds support Birdsong, so it’s good for everyone.
Do something old timey today – take a walk or read a book or make something from scratch. Or just go to the Plaza and hit Birdsong in the morning, teehee!
Mar 12, 2012
Posted on Mar 12, 2012 | 0 comments
Easter’s right around the corner + I can’t wait to show you what’s popping up in my favorite places around town.
But first! This Thursday you can be a part of the new Tower at Archbold in the form of art! The Center for the Arts is hosting Art Off the Wall {at The Center} – an interactive event where you can purchase art in honor of someone and that art will hang in the new North Tower at Archbold, inspiring generations of Thomasville patients. What a great way to give back to the community and to be able to see the tangible evidence of your contribution. Plus, you can bring something from your personal art collection to trade with others for something that’s new to you. Sounds like fun! More info + registration here.
Did you know the Library is reopening next Monday? Starting at 9:30 with a ribbon cutting, you can check out the new space, become a Friend of the Library and even sponsor a heritage paver. This is a $3 million renovation… so it’s worth checking out!
And one more thing you’ve gotta know about – Thomasville’s first annual music + food festival….Due South. It’s coming up next month and promises to be a rockin good time.
Pssst….. I’ve heard whispers about a new B+B out at the former Colson Plantation…. details to come!
Mar 8, 2012
Posted on Mar 8, 2012 | 0 comments
Do you know the hidden secrets of Thomasville? This is such a magical place we live in, with the live oaks and hanging moss, the brick buildings and dirt roads. It just lends itself to hidden treasures and secret spaces. Don’t you just love this Thomasville life? I used to have dinner with Larry Munson and we would slink around Athens, tucking away in corners. It’s in my nature to be curious and a bit anonymous.
Here are a few of my favorites, with more to come next week – please add your own in the comments!
– The courtyard at a Different Drummer on Broad {next to Ursula Page’s studio} – owner Ron Ernst is chatty and friendly and has a unique collection of sporting art and Florida art. He’s also got a gorgeous little courtyard tucked away off the back of the store. It’s a dreamy little spot and he may even let you lunch there.
– Sunset atop the Mitchell House – if you can get yourself invited to a residence, the view from the roof deck is a stellar vantage point to watch the sun sink over Thomasville and see the pinks and blues creep up the water tower and eventually see the Courthouse clock glowing against the darkening sky.
– Did you know you can recycle your magazines? A sweet older man will pick them up and deliver them to local doctor’s offices and nursing homes. Just drop them off at Dr. Robin Wise’s office on Remington.
– You can order off the menu at the Plaza {try the Harry T Fries or the Potatoes Marguerite} and at Mom and Dad’s – just ask for local favorites.
What are your favorite secrets?
Mar 1, 2012
Posted on Mar 1, 2012 | 0 comments
Pssst… a BIG whisper… my favorite hair dresser, Rob Benton, is moving to Broad Street! He’ll be a great addition to downtown and is working on his exclusive “one chair” space. Keep your eyes peeled for a grand opening.
First Friday this month is going to be popping with blooms – the volunteers from Birdsong Nature Center are gearing up for their annual Old Timey Plant Sale on March 17th, which I highly recommend. They’ll have native plants, from heirloom tomatoes to gorgeous camellias. And THIS Saturday, you can catch a few short talks from Birdsong experts over at Relics {MadisonxRemington} – Old Garden Roses at 11AM + Butterfly Gardening at 2PM. I love me some roses, so I might need to check out that rose talk. Of course, you might just find yourself inspired by Relics and get some ideas about growing plants in unusual containers… I also hear the downtown “trolley” will be running around downtown and over to Gecko Gardens.
I had lunch at Liam’s this week and Rhonda’s getting in her favorite oysters – Totten Virginicas – for First Friday! Get by there any night, Thursday thru Saturday, and chow down on these things. I’ve only ever had oysters once {not much of a seafood eater!} but I had these babies and I liked them – very clean, crisp taste. They’ll also have specials on cheese + charcuterie plates.
And to top off the whole evening, one of my favorite Townies, Stanley Smith, will be celebrating his 20th anniversary in Thomasville this Friday! Stanley moved back to his beloved home of Thomasville exactly 20 years ago to start his thriving architecture business. We’re so glad to have him, and drop by his place on Broad Street, next to Relish, from 5-7 to enjoy a champagne toast to Stanley!
Feb 28, 2012
Posted on Feb 28, 2012 | 0 comments
Where’s the Townie been lurking lately? A few places, namely Boston {GA} and Savannah. I hope y’all had fun at the Thomasville Antiques Show – such a great event and it gives sooo much funding to so many organizations here in town. And the first annual Downtown Antiques Crawl! About time that happened, we’ve got so many antiques stores and they’re all pretty much great.
One of the perks of the Antiques Show + Crawl this year was a number of businesses being open on Sunday. Now, I’m of two minds with this one – I love having to be creative with what to do on Sunday, and I like being a homebody at least one day a week. But I also love to show my friends around when they visit and if it’s a weekend…. well, very limited options on Sunday. Since some places were open, we hit Relish, where I scooped up this wonderful new fragrance, Jean Baptiste 1717. It’s floral, a little exotic, and completely entrancing. Thanks Dana!
We also had a lovely lunch at Jonah’s – here are a few pics. I was impressed with the plating – the food is always good, but there seemed to be more emphasis on the presentation, which I loved.
Tuna, medium rare, the spinach was perfect {not overcooked}, the Hubbs liked the wasabi cream + basil on top.
Pesto shrimp pasta - a little spicy, highly delicious
I'm not a huge seafood eater, so the Harvest Salad was perfect for me - lots of fruit, pecans, and greens - yum!
Did you know Grassroots is considering opening on Sundays permanently? Check out their Facebook page here and let them know what you think.
So, Boston! Did you know there’s a gallery down there? I’ve been to a couple of openings at the Accidental Gallery and so far I’ve been impressed. Between the artists {Julia Snow, Rich Curtis, etc.} and the exhibit of the work of the late Jack Adams, it’s totally worth the short drive to that cute little town.
Savannah…. a few cohorts and I made our way to the coast and had a blast at the SCAD career fair. How do you compete at an event where students can interview with Apple, Google, Etsy, Hallmark, American Eagle and more? First, ply them with candy + macarons. Then invite them into your booth and captivate them with the loveliness that is this place we call home. We came away with a stack of resumes and big dreams! Under the umbrella {the wide, sweeping umbrella} of the Thomasville Center for the Arts, we’re hoping to bring interns interested in public art, graphic design, historic preservation and more. What a great way to help the arts in our town while exposing others to all that Thomasville has to offer!
Other Townies who’ve been traveling include Rhonda and part of the crew at Liam’s, they headed to New York this weekend for a whirlwind eating trip – and she brought me back some Laduree macarons! Can’t wait to see what this trip inspires. Who else has been traveling recently….. Nan from Firefly {NYC}, Katie + Scott at the Bookshelf, Melissa at Relics…. I love how our downtown shop keepers are always striving to bring us the best!
Feb 17, 2012
Posted on Feb 17, 2012 | 0 comments
If you haven’t already heard – there’s going to be an art opening at the Accidental Gallery in Boston, GA, tonite. It’ll feature work from a Boston native, Jack Adams, whose talent is first rate. Get more info here, and get there if you can – I went to the last opening and it was a hoppin’ good time in the cutest little downtown.
And if you haven’t got plans next Tuesday – and especially if you’ve never been to one of the “extracurricular” classes at Liam’s – sign up for this one: Extremadura, Spain. They’ll be serving Iberian ham which I’ve been hearing about quite a bit in foodie magazines and on websites. Must be good! There will also be wild mushrooms, a cherry dessert, Spanish cheese and, of course, Spanish wines. Rhonda does her homework on each region and you’ll learn a lot.
Starting this Sunday….. you’ll now be able to have brunch at Savannah Moon!! They’ll be open from 10-2, and also on Friday + Saturday nites until 8. I think we’re finally reaching some critical mass with our downtown dining – you can have drinks at Sweet Grass or Liam’s, then dinner at Jonah’s, Savannah Moon, Liam’s, George and Louie’s, Moonspin, Paulie’s or the Plaza, then coffee at Grassroots. Be sure to give Savannah Moon a great start on their Brunch!
………and I’ve heard whispers of a new little something going in the old GiGi’s building….. I’ll spill when I hear more!
Feb 15, 2012
Posted on Feb 15, 2012 | 0 comments
Even if you’re not doing Team Lean with the YMCA, I hope your year is off to a healthful start. My Townie friend Misty S. posted to Facebook about some of her wishes for Thomasville and several of her peeps said they wished for more organic food.
Peeps…. your wish is here! It’s sign-up time for the not one but THREE organic produce programs we have here in the Ville.
The one I currently use and love is Orchard Pond Organics CSA. The pick up is on Monday at George + Louie’s, and you always get a good assortment of items. They also have recipes on their website to help you know what to do with the bounty. This season they’re introducing a new option: a fruit-only share. Check them out online here and sign up here. Cost is about $25/ week for veggies/fruit mix and $15/ week for fruit only. They also have 1/2 shares available.
The next one has been referred to me by Melanie J. and Katie C. who love it – Moultrie Organic Co-op. This is not a CSA but rather a co-op where the members pool their buying power. The items are local when possible, and exotic, too. Pick up for this one is at Sweet Grass Dairy on Tuesdays and you can get more information and sign up by contacting Jessica Mothershed at (229) 798-6764 or by email at j.mothershed@yahoo.com. Cost is $30/ week.
The last one is a local fellow, Edgar, with Pasco Farms. He’ll be delivering twice a week to Grassroots coffee so your food will be super fresh. They’re also thinking of adding items like bread, eggs and granola. Edgar is young and ambitious and pretty much does all the farming himself, so if you’d like to join his CSA, call or text him here: (229) 393-6563.
Sign up, chow down + enjoy what our lovely land has to offer!
And if you’ve got some wishes of your own…. cruise on over to Townie Wish and wish ‘em!
