Get your taste buds ready and your dancing shoes on, because the 2023 Food Truck Friday Series is kicking off in Centerville! Center Park is the place to be on May 5 for delicious eats and live beats (that’s music, y’all) while let the kids hit the splash pad!
Joseph Creath will be performing live entertainment from 6-9 PM, and there’s something for everyone with the food selection. Some of the confirmed vendors include:
Jeremiah’s just recently opened their first Houston County location at 810 Highway 96 in Warner Robins. I guess they figured we’d like it!
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is a known for its delicious frozen treats, including its signature Italian Ice, gelati, and soft serve ice cream. With a wide variety of flavors and toppings to choose from, there is something for everyone!
Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity like the popular Mango Italian Ice or something rich and chocolatey like the Chocolate Gelati, Jeremiah’s has got you covered. And let’s not forget about the creamy and dreamy soft serve ice cream options. Whether you prefer vanilla, chocolate, or a twist, it’s the perfect addition to any Italian Ice or Gelati.
We can’t wait for the grand opening! Official opening date to follow. Stay hungry, HoCo!
Attention book lovers! Score some amazing deals on books and media at the “Old Book Sale” happening this weekend at the GA National Fairgrounds! This annual event is sponsored by Houston County Friends of the Library – the books are all decommissioned library books and proceeds benefit our HoCo libraries!
Them’s good readin!
Admission is free Friday and Saturday – explore over 90,000 books and media sorted into more than 50 categories! Whether you’re into fiction, non-fiction, biography, history, or children’s books, there is something for everyone here. And the best part? Average prices are only between 50 cents to $3.00, so you’re sure to get your hands on some great finds without breaking the bank!
The sale is taking place inside the Georgia Grown Building, so you’ll be able to shop rain or shine. On Saturday, it’s half-price day, so you’ll have an even greater chance to snag some bargains.
So mosey on down Friday (April 21st) from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM or Saturday (April 22nd) from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM to the GA National Fairgrounds – don’t miss this opportunity to fill up your personal library, buy some gifts for friends and family, or simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Happy reading!l, Houston County Insiders!
You might have seen the signs! A new America’s Thrift Store is coming to Russell Parkway in Warner Robins, right next to Planet Fitness, at the end of June. If you haven’t heard of America’s Thrift Stores before, let me tell you why they are an awesome addition to our beloved Houston County GA.
America’s Thrift Stores is a thrift chain that operates across the South and supports children’s health and addiction recovery charities with every donation they receive, including various local chapters of Make-A-Wish for example. They have a goal to donate $100 million to these charities in 10 years from the proceeds of their stores. How awesome is that?!?
They also have a unique shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else called the “new store every day” concept. They price everything to sell fast and then reset a huge part of their inventory daily. That means you can find new treasures every time you visit!
I can’t wait to check out their new store and see it firsthand. I love shopping at thrift stores because I can find quality items at affordable prices while supporting a good cause. Plus, it’s fun to hunt for bargains and discover hidden gems!
Stay posted for more details as well as their opening date – we’ve got you covered, Houston County!
Attention history buffs! Step back in time and hear the incredible stories of America’s Vietnam POWs. On April 21, 2023, the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, GA, will host a special event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming, and you’re invited to be a part of it! Event is FREE, but tickets required – reserve them here.
A special panel of former POWs will share their stories, giving us insight into the challenges and triumphs they experienced, followed by an interactive Q&A. The event will take place from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Century of Flight Hangar – Building 2
Operation Homecoming marked the release of 591 American Prisoners of War from Vietnam, and their return to freedom was a significant moment in American history. Now, you can hear firsthand accounts of what life was like for those who were able to return home from this harrowing experience.
This event is the first in a series of Heritage events that will honor the anniversaries, missions, aviation, and heroic airmen who made our military great. It’s an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our country’s history and the sacrifices made by those who served our nation.
This is a rare opportunity to hear live from Vietnam veterans about the experience and would be a great learning experience for families. Reserve those seats and come join us April 21st at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins!
Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, GA, is offering a special deal that you won’t want to miss – season passes for pre-K children (ages 3-5) are completely free! All you have to do is register online (click here!), and you’ll be able to enjoy the park all season long. And, as always, children under 3 also get free entry – no registration needed.
Wild Adventures in Valdosta is an awesome destination for Middle Georgia families!
Wild Adventures is a an two-hour drive south of Houston County, straight down I-75. It’s a staple for Middle Georgia families who don’t want to deal with the hassle of Atlanta traffic for an epic all-in-one theme park outing! Forget separate trips to Six Flags, White Water and the Atlanta Zoo – you’ll love doing it all at Wild Adventures!
So, what can you expect when you visit Wild Adventures? They have everything from thrilling roller coasters for the adults and older kids, to a full on-site water park, and even a zoo with animal encounters! There’s something for everyone, with plenty of kid-friendly rides and attractions that will keep your little ones entertained all day long.
Don’t miss out on this amazing deal for free season passes for pre-K children at Wild Adventures Theme Park. Get ready for a great summer, HoCo Insiders!
Let’s raise a glass, Houston County! Downtown Perry is hosting a Wine Tasting on Friday, April 21, with 25 wine stops and live entertainment. Entry is $50 per person, and the festivities start at 5:30 pm – it’s sure to be a great time!
Look, we’re not all wine connoisseurs – a wine tasting is a great way to figure out what you like and learn about different wines, or discover new ones if you’re already savvy. It also provides a fun and relaxed social atmosphere!
They’ll have live entertainment and shopping to go with the booze, of course, and a Courtesy Shuttle will be available to provide transportation from downtown to anywhere within Perry city limits, so you can enjoy the event without worrying about how you’ll get home.
Tickets may sell out, so jump on it if you’re interested – so get your crew and get sophisticated at the Downtown Perry Wine Tasting!
If you’re hoping for great live music at the Cherry Blossom Festival this year, we’ve got you covered, HoCo!
The Concert Series is held every night at 8pm during the festival (March 17-26) in Carolyn Crater Park (115 Willie Smokie Glover Dr). Entry to the festival area is $10, with kids 10 and under free.
You can find the full schedule at the official Cherry Blossom Festival website, but here are Houston County Insider’s top picks and highlights you won’t want to miss!
Saturday, March 18, 8pm: Junior Marvin’s The Legendary Wailers
Ready for Reggae, mon?? Join Julian Junior Marvin, former lead guitarist for Bob Marley & The Wailers, and his version of the Wailers for a night of unforgettable reggae music.
Monday, March 20, 8pm: Demun Jones
Homegrown country music from Middle GA! Demun Jones is a singer-songwriter and former member of the group Rehab. Did you know: his album “Jones County” pays tribute to his Central Georgia upbringing!
Tuesday, March 21, 8pm: Sugarhill Gang
I say the hip, hop, the hippy to the hip hip hop, you don’t stop! Get down with the Sugarhill Gang, the pioneering hip-hop group that brought us the iconic hit “Rapper’s Delight”. The Sugarhill Gang can still bring the house down with classic rap and hip-hop – you don’t want to miss it!
Friday, March 24, 8pm: Eli Young Band
Cause we’s country round here! Don’t miss the Eli Young Band, the country music sensation known for hits like “Crazy Girl” and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” Come out and hear why they keep topping the charts!
Macon‘s International Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off today, despite the forecasted rain and cold, to celebrate spring and the spectacular blooming of the city’s 350,000+ Yoshino cherry trees with a week of special events, vendors, live music and more! It’s not in Houston County, but is a beloved tradition in adjacent Macon-Bibb County that draws huge crowds from HoCo and beyond.
Macon has more Yoshino cherry trees than anywhere on earth – thanks mostly to a concerted planting effort beginning in 1952!
There are a dizzying number of events – a parade, guided tours, rides, races, concerts, shopping and all kinds of live entertainment, including a lot of live music, magic shows, art shows, dog races – there really is something for everyone!
Fun fact: statistically, the peak blooming of cherry blossom in Macon most often falls on March 23, so the festival is always arranged to include that date!
You’ll want to browse the official website to plan your visit to the ”Pinkest Party on Earth,” but here are a couple of highlights for the opening weekend:
Bed Race – Saturday, March 18, 2-3pm @ Cherry St. & Third St.
Sounds weird, right?? It is! Teams compete to see who can race down the streets of downtown Macon on a “bed” mounted on wheels – they define bed pretty loosely, but it’s fun all the same!
The Legendary Wailers – Saturday, March 18, 8pm @ Carolyn Crater Park
Get feeling irie with some Reggae music tomorrow night! The Legendary Wailers is led by Junior Marvin, former lead guitarist for Bob Marley & the Wailers.
Cherry Blossom Parade – Sunday, March 19, 3-4pm @ Cherry St. & First St.
One of the most popular events of the festival is the Cherry Blossom Parade, which features colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, and other performers.
The Macon Cherry Blossom Festival is a wonderful celebration of spring and nature’s beauty, and a great way to experience the vibrant culture and community of the city. Go check it out!
**UPDATE** Food Truck Friday has been canceled due to weather this week. Sorry, folks!**
It’s Food Truck Friday season in downtown Perry, HoCo Insiders! The theme is “Shamrock ‘N’ Roll,” so get ready to rock out with green beer and St. Paddy’s cheer!
If you haven’t been to Food Truck Friday in downtown Perry yet, you’re missing out!
The entertainment schedule is jam-packed with live music and dance performances that will have you tapping your toes and feeling the rhythm. From the smooth saxophone sounds of Damon Brown on the Swanson Lawn to the Irish Dancers of Bonaire performing in front of the main stage on the Carroll Street lawn, there’s something for everyone.
But that’s not all! The Macon Sound will take the main stage on the Carroll Street lawn from 7 PM to 10 PM, keeping the good vibes going all night long. And with over twenty food and beverage vendors to choose from, you’re sure to find something delicious to satisfy your cravings.
Bring your friends and family along for the ride and make some unforgettable memories as you celebrate Food Truck Friday’s 6th season in Perry. And don’t forget your fur babies – as long as they’re on a leash and well-behaved, they’re welcome too!
You can check out the vendor list and event map at perry-ga.gov/ftf for more details – P-town’s got it goin’ on in Houston County!
