Townie 2013 #10

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June 8 - June 20 VOLUME 2

June 8 - June 20 VOLUME 2

FIND US ONLINE AT THOMASVILLETOWNIE.COM

Issue No.

Scoop: Ambrosia New Cafe to Open in July When I hear the word ‘ambrosia’, I’m instantly transported to family suppers at my grandmother’s. That sweet and juicy dish was a favorite, and I think that’s part of the homey feeling that owner Sondra Heston Davis hopes to conjure with Ambrosia on North Broad Street.

This isn’t her first rodeo, and the gal seems to know what Southern ladies like. Namely, proper lunch and catered showers!

Sondra’s Three Graces Manor, a historic bed and breakfast in Tifton, is home to weekly specials like Peach BBQ pork sandwiches with cornbread pudding and fresh-from-the-oven Peach Cobbler à la mode. They also offer an array of salads and sandwiches. The Three Graces hosts luncheons for holidays like Mother’s Day, catered parties for bridal and wedding events, as well as corporate dinners. In fact, they have so many private parties booked, they’ve suspended their regular dinner service indefinitely.

After growing up in the food industry, Sondra knew how she wanted to run her restaurant: with a “focus on foods that are made by hand, with exceptional ingredients which are artistically appealing on the plate and the palate.” The Three Graces is her first experience as a restaurant owner, but Sondra is rightfully proud of their offerings, “The manor has held the title of #1 rated restaurant on Tripadvisor for a little over two years. We were just awarded a “Certificate of Excellence” which

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Whispers.

Ambrosia in Thomasville will be open for lunch and dinner and will offer customized menus for brides, mothers-to-be, and anyone else wanting to host a special event. But dinner is where Ambrosia hopes to really shine. “We believe there is an opportunity to bring to Thomasville a unique dining experience,” says Sondra.

“Our evening dining is where we will really exercise our creative abilities. Our menus will trend toward “Southern with a Twist”. We have an herb & vegetable garden at the manor and we will be sourcing many ingredients locally. Our menus are always changing with what is available seasonally, as well.” The ‘twist’ she is speaking of may be her not-from-around-here chef; he’s from Sun Valley, Idaho, and previously prepared meals for the local celebrities. He also has a talent for menu development. “He has an extensive culinary background and is currently being considered for “Chopped” on the Food Network,” says Sondra.

Mode officially has a new owner…

Why did you start Wiregrass Walks? I get a kick out of research, so I enjoyed the preparation and tour design stage.

The new restaurant at the Depot is now open…

Hawaii Snow Deli has a new website…

Has joining the Thomasville Writers Group been a blessing or a burden? Hardly a burden!

A fresh perspective is invaluable to the writing process. I have laughed a lot, learned a lot, and swallowed a lot of pride.

hawaiisnowdeli.com…

Something very different is opening in the old

What is your favorite house in Thomasville?

I love the quaintness of the Seixas house, the eccentricity of the Lapham-Patterson house, the stateliness of the Ponder house. Shall I go on?

Brooke and Nicole Home space...

SGD is hiring for a cheesemaker + TU has a few

Spring in Thomasville means... ...the beginning of hiking season. Birdsong Nature Center has some rockin’ trails

great positions open...

This is an oldie but a goodie! From the blog: SCAD 3 DaY Intensive

Summer is for salads, I say, and here are my favorites in no particular order: The Chopped Salad + Spicy Chicken with Herb Buttermilk at Moonspin

June 14 - 16

The Harvest Salad at Jonah’s The Caprese Salad at the Plaza – Potatoes Marguerite on the side

Living This Thomasville Life

The Heart of Palm Salad at Savannah Moon The Broccoli Salad at The Scoop

Top Picks for 20-Somethings in TVEGAS

The Gorgonzola Salad at Liam’s

In the past 15 years, the social climate of Thomasville, GA, has taken a noticeable shift; downtown is thriving with shops, restaurants, and local dives. The local color is a vibrant hue of laughter, southern hospitality, and good old fashioned charm. It is no wonder that you find a younger crowd hanging about the bricks. More and more come home each year, twentysomethings who have been off at college or other adventures are now flocking to Thomasville to relish the charm and warmth that is only found in a small town. This migration is nothing new -- what is a novel delight, however, is the influx of twentysomethings who have moved to Thomasville for career opportunities, fallen in love with the locals and locale, and now call Tville home. Well, this one goes out to all the Millennials. Here are my top 10 things to do in Thomasville for twentysomethings: 1.

You may know her as the mysterious woman in black who leads the Wiregrass Walks historic tours, but there’s much more to Joy. She has a big family, a big brain and a big heart, now let’s see what else we can get out of her.

Snooty Loot Consignments is coming soon…

lists us in the top 10% performing restaurants around the world. Quite an honor for a small town restaurant!”

Originally from Tampa, Tifton has been Sondra’s home for 7 years.

Thomasville has long been one of her favorite places, and she and her daughters attend Victorian Christmas each year. ...Continued on page 2

CHUMS JOY SLAUGHTER

@ the Center for the Arts

FREE!

The original Greek at George + Louie’s – no furry fish, please!

And are we calling pimento cheese a salad? If we are, then the knock-you-senseless-anddrool-on-the-floor Pimento Cheese at Sweet Grass Dairy

HOTC Project Impact

Students Get Hands-On with Annual Service Camp

Grassroots Coffee

Twentysomethings have what I like to call the Coffee House Syndrome. During college we spent a lot of time in coffee shops, studying, debating, and laughing over a latte. We could not afford a lot, but there was always money for a coffee and a cozy corner. Grassroots satisfies twentysomethings’ hipster needs for caffeine and community. The baristas are colorful, hip and pretty much know everyone by name. And I swear by my Grassroots account card. I always make sure to have money in my account so that I can start my mornings at this delightful Thomasville coffee house.

2. Bacchus Thank heavens for Bacchus Wine Bar! This classy joint has been the answer to every twentysomethings’ prayers. If you didn’t know you were in Thomasville, you would swear you were in Atlanta or even New York when you walked into Bacchus. Sushi night on Thursdays is delish! If you have not tried it yet, get on it! You can go online to... Continued on page 2

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Student Hands on Thomas County is offering a great opportunity for local kids to gain experience with volunteering. The Project IMPACT Summer Service Camp will be held June 10 – 14th at the City Municipal Building Reception Room on Jackson Street from 8:30am - 3pm.

Rising 6th through 9th grade students will spend the week volunteering in the community, participating in service opportunities such as: construction with Habitat for Humanity, recycling with Keep Thomas County Beautiful, and learning disaster preparedness with the Red Cross. Project IMPACT is designed to help teens gain awareness of the community’s needs and how they can make a difference as well as foster a life-long love of

t h a n k s

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volunteering and community service. The students may use their experience during the week to earn up to 15 community service hours for the upcoming school year.

To register your child for the camp, you must submit the application, waiver and registration fee of $75 per student by mail to HOTC, P.O. Box 252, Thomasville, GA 31799 or drop by the office at 312 N Broad Street.

Students are asked to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes appropriate for work. Sunscreen, hats, bug spray and water bottles are recommended. Lunch will be provided on Monday and Friday. For more information call the HOTC office at 229-226-5200 or email info@handsonthomascounty.org. Space is limited so sign up today! - Rebekah G.

t h e s e : Be at the Center of it all this summer!

20% off the Ashley Direct Price of your entire furniture purchase Discount cannot be combined with any other offer. Normal exclusions apply. See store for details. Expires 7/31/2013.

www.AshleyFurnitureHomeStore.com

Youth camps start June 10, Adults can treat themselves to the SCAD intensive June 14, 15, 16 and Artists are invited to apply for Flaunt: 2013, It’s About Time! Make sure to join us as a member so you can keep up with all the goings-on and support our community programming.

www.thomasvillearts.org

to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com.

Issue No.

June 8 - June 20

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FIND US ONLINE AT THOMASVILLETOWNIE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE

20-somethings in Tvegas Continued place an order. Then walk in Thursday evening and BAM the sushi is presented. Best. Idea. Ever.

The setting is trendy and young but still has that hometown sense of a communal watering hole.

No more heading to the other side of town after 6pm.

3.

Sweet Grass Dairy

Holy Cheese Heaven! Sweet Grass Dairy is my favorite place in Thomasville. When meeting friends downtown, Sweet Grass is a must! It is a great place to see and be seen. Not only that, but their selection of specialty cheeses, wines, olive oils, etc., would thrive in a much larger city, yet Sweet Grass graces little ole’ Tville with its presence. For the twentysomething beer aficionados, SGD has an outrageous selection of microbrew beers that would wow any beer snob. SGD is the perfect date night hot spot. They have superb beer and wine tastings that will spark or kindle any romance.

Get there!

4.

The Farmers’ Market

Clean eating is the name of the game for so many Gen-Yers. We have read all the trending articles and watched the documentaries saying: Mom was right, you really are what you eat. With all that information at our fingertips, we take heed and head to the Farmers’ Market! Recently updated with AC , shoppers can enjoy Thomasville’s local food economy by buying fresh produce right from the farm. Not to mention it is super-affordable.

So, grab your recyclable grocery tote, hop on your bike, and head downtown!

5. Volunteerism Thomasville has so many opportunities to volunteer, which is perfect for twentysomethings who characteristically have an emerging sense of community service. This generation searches for purpose and chooses to develop their personal philosophies on life. What better way to soul search than, say, building a house or feeding the homeless? Additionally, It is an excellent way to get involved with your community and meet new people who have common interests. Try Hand On Thomas County or Habitat for Humanity.

Thomasville has a big heart. Get Involved!

6.

Moonspin Pizza

I would like to call myself a bit of a pizza snob and Moonspin is where it’s at! Moonspin Pizza is really hard to beat. In comparison to other pizza joints, MSP stands alone. This smalltown gem is

not where you go if you like plain-jane cheese, please. Open your mind towards a more unique pie. A pizza with goat cheese and roasted red peppers. Pesto? Eggplant? Yes to all of the above.

And it all can be brought to you on a gluten-free crust. Twentysomethings know what I’m talking about. Not only do they have craveable pizza but their staff is awesome. Just sayin’.

7.

Strolling the Bricks

They say the best things in life are free. Taking a stroll downtown is possibly one of the most underrated happenings in Thomasville.

Twentysomethings are a walkin’ group of fools.

We would walk everywhere if you let us. Strolling past the shops in the evening when everything is closed, holding the hand of your honey, life can’t get much sweeter. Promise!

8. Entrepreneurship Recession what? Obviously twentysomethings in Thomasville do not know this word. Some of our most successful spots are owned and operated by twentysomethings. I had to include this on my top ten list of things to do in Thomasville, as it is an unmistakable trend. Just to name a few: Lavish, Mimi’s, Grassroots, Sweet Grass, Ally B’s, Brook and Nicole, Dreaming Cow Creamery, the list goes on and on. So, if you have a hot idea for owning your own small business, Thomasville welcomes you with open arms.

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The Plaza

Who doesn’t love the Plaza! It is a Thomasville staple that cannot be missed. Whether you grew up eating at the Plaza for every special occasion or you are new to town and looking for a local place to eat, the Plaza never fails to exceed any expectation. And, now that they are opening an oyster bar, hold on to your hats ‘cause this will be a total hotspot for twentysomethings this summer!

Oyster shooters anyone? - Sarah M.

What could you do with

A COnfident Smile?

303 W. Hansell St., Thomasville

(229) 227 -1447

Sondra is currently VP of the Merchants Association in Tifton, and is a former President. She strongly believes in the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps small towns like ours vibrant. “Thomasville is unique in that it retains its small town charm while being attractive to the Big City adventurer,” she says.

She has had a great experience

RELISH + DASH All kinds of gifts for all kinds of dads.

www.aconfidentsmile.com

Come see us on Broad Street!

in Tifton and looks forward to starting a business in another small town. “From a business owners perspective I believe that we all contribute to one another’s success.

My customer today will be yours tomorrow. While we individually have something different to offer, collectively we can work to enhance the overall experience of those who visit downtown and give them many reasons to return.”

considering a delivery service for the immediate downtown area.”

Ambrosia Continued “Our families now make it a yearly tradition to join us for the two day event and have also fallen in love with Thomasville,” she says. So, how did Ambrosia come to be here in the Ville? “While in town for a girl’s day of shopping I spotted the location in the Business Exchange.

A year later, while here for business meetings, I was approached with the idea once again. The timing was right, the location was still available and everything fell into place.”

Florida’s Forgotten Coast: Saint George Island

Saint George Island might be a popular destination for local Spring Breakers and during the island’s annual chili cook-off, but there’s no need to think you’ll have to crab walk over a minefield of beach towels, boom-boxes and bodies to get in and out of the Gulf, even during the busiest summer Saturdays.

The best thing about SGI is the vast expanse of sea oat-dressed dunes and endless powdery sand plots along the island’s twenty-nine miles of pristine beach where there is plenty of room for all.

There are two hotels on the island and over three hundred beach house and condo rentals available for every family size and budget—find them on TripAdvisor.com, and book ahead because they fill up fast. If you’d rather watch for shooting stars while being lulled to sleep by the surf, book one of the primitive campsites within Saint George Island State Park. Hike two-and-a-half miles out to the primitive sites from a trailhead in the main camping area, or rent a kayak from Journey’s, put in at the park’s boat launch and row out half a mile. If you choose the hike, it will make that IPA you crack open after pitching your tent a reward indeed.

After you’ve had enough UV exposure, nosh on shrimp pizza and play air hockey at B.J.’s, or head over to the Blue Parrot Café for a Sand Blaster—a frozen fruity rum concoction that will take the edge off your sunburn. Harry A’s is where to finish the night, with live local music, karaoke, and dancing until the wee hours.

—Jennifer W.

Being Active

The more twentysomethings move to Thomasville, the more active Tville seems to be. We have running clubs, tri clubs, yoga, crossfit. It is very obvious that the incoming young crowd brings with them an active lifestyle that seems to be catching. More people have been going to the YMCA. More gyms have been opening and they are all successful!

Joining one of the gyms or clubs is the perfect way to meet people and have a healthy life and a healthy social life.

Road Trip

In addition to dine-in menus, Ambrosia will offer takeaway for lunch and for catering. “Pastries, our specialty dressings, baked goods and more will be available in house or packaged to enjoy later,” says Sondra. “Most of our menu items can be prepared & plated for larger gatherings off-site and we accept preorders for groups that are coming in on limited lunch hours. We are also

Ambrosia will have a few invitationonly events, then launch with a soft opening near the end of June.

A grand opening is planned for July. They are booking live music for their weekend entertainment, and their calendar is already filling with musicians. They are currently focusing on jazz, acoustic and classic rock, but they’re open to feedback from the community about what patrons would like to hear. As Sondra says, “We want this to be ‘your place’ not just what we think it should be.”

Dance Card.

June 14

Illustration Friday

BYO supplies, model provided Free and open to everyone 5:30 - 7:30 PM, Grassroots

June 14 - 16

SCAD 3-Day Intensive 3 disciplines- printmaking · photography · writing SCAD Atlanta brings this amazing summer intensive to Thomasville. Educators from three disciplines will offer creative enrichment in an inspirational setting.

SCAD offers the ideal opportunity for artists at all levels to create, learn and grow. www.thomasvillearts.org, 229-226-0588

June 15

Country Oaks Golf Association US Open Partners Event COGA Members match their net score with a player in the US Open Golf Tournament drawn at random.

COGA Members can sign up in their preferred foursomes and play anytime before 2pm that day.

229-225-4333, mikeo@thomasville.org

June 18

Taste of France: Midi-Pyrénées Blending the country casseroles of Southern France with the spicy cooking from Spain, for its rich & tasty gastronomy. This food-loving region boasts fresh products such as French mountain cheese, truffles & walnut oil. Red peppers, tomatoes & Bayonne ham are other essential elements.

3-course dinner with beverages. $45 pp 6:30 PM, Liam’s of Thomasville

June 20

Whet Your Palette

from the Bookshelf

Summer is almost here! Come find the perfect summer read at The Bookshelf. We have everything from those classics you said you read (but never really did) to new favorites. Also in stock: umbrellas, lunch boxes, and cute totesperfect for a day at the beach! And remember: great author events continue all summer long. Check the website for details: www. bookshelfandgallery.com. See you at the ‘Shelf !

A fun, no commitment way to socialize with friends and create your very own, original piece of artwork in one sitting with professional step-by-step instruction.

Bring your favorite beverage and/or refreshments and your friends and prepare for a memorable night out!

Reservations a must, as seats are limited. Be sure to arrive fifteen minutes before class starts for setup.

Theme: Paint Your Pet. 229-226-0588 $25, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Studio 209

June 22

Woodstork II: a Midsummer Musical Event A fundraiser for Birdsong Nature Center. Watch www. birdsongnaturecenter.org for details.

5 - 9 PM, 339-377-4408.

Birdsong, 2106 Meridian Road

Summer Fun for Everyone At the Thomas County Library

Downtown.

It’s time to do the Summer Shuffle!

With Grassroots moving, new shops opening and our favorite retailers and restaurants bringing in Summer goods, there’s a lot to check out.

Make sure to like us on Facebook for up-to-the-moment news: facebook.com/downtownthomasville

For children, teens and adults.

Terrariums, movies, marine life and more!

229-225-5252, info@tcpls.org Thomas County Public Library, 201 N. Madison St.

Summer Camp Roundup posted on the blog at: http://yourtownie.net/wp/2013/05/summer-camproundup.html

downtownthomasville.com COMIX by Laura Floyd

DAD Sunday

is

RAD June 16

You can find Ambrosia on Facebook and, soon, on the North end of Broad Street, in the Business Exchange. - Bunny B.

So is shopping local.

to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com.