The flowers are blooming, the days are getting longer, and it is almost Spring! It’s time to start getting out more and aren't we all ready? Plus it's good to stick close to home and save on gas. Plus, there is a lot going on around here. I've compiled this weekly round up so you can be on top the news from our restaurants, businesses, and events.
Anniversary Date Night Review
My husband and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary last week by going on a much-needed date night. We decided to have dinner at Southern Roots and enjoy some live music. This was a 2022 Bucket List item for me. It may not seem like a big deal, but as a special needs mom who is also the caregiver to my two parents, we don't get out much. It was our first visit and we will be back. I love the historic features of the building which dates to the 1800s. The building holds Georgia’s oldest working elevator (but for safety reasons, it is not in use). An old Ford truck hangs from the ceiling, in honor of its history as a Ford Motor dealership. The bar tops and tables are made from reclaimed wood from the original ceiling structure. Now, instead of the hum of car salesman, Southern Roots buzzes with the sounds of up-and-coming bands and the chatter of people out to have a good time and enjoy the taste of the restaurants amazing brisket. We shared fried pickles and each had a brisket sandwich and it was so filling, we had enough to bring home. A few steps up from your typical bar food, for sure. The band was rocking and the people watching was the best!
Local Restaurant News
In other restaurant news, Shane’s Rib Shack is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! In March 2002, the first ever Shane's Rib Shack opened in an actual shack off what was then a very rural road at 2136 Highway 155 North in McDonough. The original restaurant is still going strong today. To learn more about how Shane's got its start, watch this video of how Shane Thompson started this iconic restaurant chain. Happy 20th Anniversary!
New on the Square in Downtown McDonough
This month, Three Chics on the Square held a ribbon cutting celebrating the official grand opening of its group of businesses located in McDonough's Clay Plaza. The historic building was a movie theater from the 1940's through the 1960's and was owned by Ernest Paris Clay. The prominent white, corner building on the downtown McDonough square has housed all sorts of businesses in its past. I bet it has a tale or two to tell. Virnalisa Soares, Kenya C Cochran, and Tawanay Bryant are gifted entrepreneurs with big hearts and a talent for building community.
The Shops of Clay Plaza include:
- Three Chics Boutique
- Three Chics at Home
- T’s Coffee and Brews
- MnM7 Makeup Studio
- Mom’s Living Room
- Palambo Photography Studio
Next time you are on the square, be sure to stop in and get one of Ms. T's amazing coffees, you're likely to get a big hug too! Hours of operation: Tuesday-Friday 11-5 Saturday 10-6
Heads Up! Is your Child Beginning Pre-School Next Year?
PALZ Early Learning Program at Harvest Point UMC is accepting new students and is now open for Fall 2022 enrollment. PALZ is a half-day, play-based, Christian preschool program in Locust Grove. The school holds classes Monday – Thursday.To enroll click here https://app.tuiopay.com//registration/dfe7f94 >For more information visit www.palzearlylearningprogram.com
An African American Museum is in Development in Griffin
The Griffin-Spalding African American History Museum is coming soon and you have a chance to share your family history. Spalding County is collecting oral histories, objects, and photographs related to the historical and cultural African American experience in Griffin-Spalding. These items will be preserved and shared within the museum. If you are interested in sharing your stories, please contact Morgan Cantrell at mcantrell@spaldingcounty.com.
Upcoming Local Event Highlight
- Henry County Walk A Weigh Walking Club begins next week on Monday the 14th. It is the start of an eight-week walking program on Mondays at 5:30 at Heritage Park. It is a great way to get the whole family movie and make some new friends.
- Are you interested in meet other women, connecting, and serving the community? Join the McDonough Junior Women’s Club. They are hold a new membership, Leprechaun Bunco night on March 15 at 199 Turner Street in McDonough beginning at 7 p.m.
- Don't Miss all the St. Patrick’s Day Fun on our events calendar
- Mark Your Calendar! Southern Belle Farm’s market is opening April 1. Information on the Spring season is coming soon.
There is much more to see and do in McDonough, Hampton, Stockbridge, Locust Grove, Griffin, and Jackson. Be sure to check out our events calendar as new events are entered daily.
Daylight Savings Time is this weekend! Time to Spring Forward!
Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead an hour before bed on Saturday night or you’ll be late for church on Sunday. If you are like me there is at least one clock in your home that you never changed back in the fall. It’s my kitchen wall clock. For some interesting facts about why we have Daylight Savings Time and some timely home maintenance items you may want to check off this weekend – like changing those batteries in your fire alarm. Check out Love it or Hate It, Daylight Savings Time Arrives March 13
Deals & Discounts
Be sure to visit our Deals & Discounts Guide when looking for gift ideas, discounts to area attractions, and even vacation discounts. Through our partnership with CertifiKID, and as an affiliate, I can offer you some great discounts. Plus, when you purchase through Macaroni KID McDonough, you support your local community news! I also post discounts, deals, and giveaways from local businesses in our area!
Have news to share? Email me at mackidmcdonough.com
Jennifer