Houston County Insider

Tag: Houston County

  • What’s with the purple street lights all over Middle GA? Here’s how to report them!

    First the red glow on 96, now this! Have you noticed more of the streetlights in Houston County turning purple the last few years? It’s actually a problem all over the Southeast and Midwest that was first reported in North Carolina in 2020 – and tens of thousands of them have already been replaced! Here’s what happened…

    Expect more purple streetlights in Middle Georgia as time goes on 😩

    Starting in 2017, as efficient LED lighting tech became more popular it started being used in streetlights. BUT a widespread manufacturing defect at that time causes the laminate on them to degrade over time, producing purple light instead of white (read further down for more science-y details!)

    Local areas have been playing catch-up ever since, including here in Warner Robins, Perry and Centerville. But there’s good news! You can report the offending purple street lights near you to Georgia Power through their dedicated website – they have an online map where you can select the exact location for repair (note: they do require your contact info.)

    Okay, I know, you want to know the deets on how the LEDs actually turn purple – here it is, you big nerd!

    LED stands for light-emitting diode, which is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it. But white light is actually a composite of other colors, so, in order to create white light from LEDs, a blue LED is coated with a material called phosphor. This material converts the blue light into other colors, like yellow or green, which when combined with blue create white light.

    But as the phosphor coating on the LED wears out or degrades, it peels off – leaving the LED emitting only blue light, giving that all-to-familiar purple glow instead. If you want the big, long version that includes story of the scandalous manufacturing defect, click here.

    Now be a great citizen – report those purple lights and stay bright, Houston County!

  • Peaches to Beaches: Don’t Miss GA’s Yard Sale Extravaganza in Perry!

    Peaches to Beaches is a Houston County tradition to be excited about! Check out the local deals in downtown Perry this year and follow 341 to your heart’s content!

    Hey there, Houston County! Are you ready for one of the biggest annual events in Georgia? Peaches to Beaches is a 200-mile long treasure hunt that stretches all the way from the peach-filled city of Barnesville to the sandy shores of Brunswick, running along Highway 341 the whole way INCLUDING right through our own downtown Perry, GA in Houston County!

    From March 10-11, 2023, folks from all over the state will be flocking to Hwy 341 to explore the numerous sales hosted by residents and businesses along the way. There are official vendors and designated sites along the way that you’ll see banners and signs for (official times are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.), but part of the fun is driving along 341 for a smorgasbord of private yard sales that accompany the official ones.

    If you’re looking for great deals and exciting vendors nearby, look no further than downtown Perry! There are also hubs nearby in Fort Valley as well as Hawkinsville, and you might also get caught up in curiosity chasing deals all the way to Brunswick if you’re so inclined! More details are at their website, including how to become an official vendor.

    Whether you’re a seasoned yard sale pro or a newbie looking to score some great deals, Peaches to Beaches is the place to be! Join us in downtown Perry, HoCo is the place to be!

  • Coming to Perry Parkway: Huey Magoo’s!

    Calling all chicken lovers! Exciting news – Huey Magoo’s is coming to Perry Parkway later this year!

    Construction starting soon in Perry, GA!

    The popular chicken chain has been a big hit since opening it’s first Houston County store a few months ago off of Lake Joy Road in Warner Robins, and they’re about to start construction on a second store on Perry Parkway, located between the Publix shopping center and the Houston Superior Court.

    Some folks are thinking, “really, another chicken place?” But the rest of us Insiders are emphatically shouting, “YAS.”

    Huey Magoo’s is famous for their delicious hand-breaded chicken tenders, made with all-natural, hormone-free chicken breast. Their signature “Magoo Sauce” is a must-try, along with their hand-cut fries and creamy mac and cheese. Plus, their menu includes a variety of salads, wraps, and sandwiches, so there’s something for everyone.

    And that’s not all – the local franchise owners plan to open one more location in Houston County, location TBD.

    Can Middle Georgia handle this much chicken? Y’all ain’t even seen us get started, we ’bout to eat! See you at Huey Magoo’s, Houston County!

  • Tykes, Tots & Teens Starts Today at GA National Fairgrounds in Perry!!

    Attention parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles! It’s that time of year again – the Tykes, Tots and Teens Consignment Sale is here! It starts today and runs through this Sunday, February 26. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on clothes, toys, and other items for the little ones in your life!

    The sale is at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, located at 401 Larry Walker Parkway in Perry.

    What’s great about this sale is that it’s not just about saving money – it’s also about supporting local families and businesses. Many of the consignors are local families from Houston County, and the sale is totally organized and run by volunteers.

    Tykes, Tots and Teens is a twice-yearly consignment sale at the fairgrounds in Perry. It’s an enormous event with over 800 sellers in the 40,000+ square feet of the McGill Building at the GA National Fairgrounds. You can find literally anything for your kids there – and at a great price!!

    This year’s hours (and best deals!) are below, and you can also click here to check out their website:

    • Thursday, February 23: 9:00am-8:00pm
    • Friday, February 24: 9:00am-8:00pm
    • Saturday, February 25: 9:00am-11:00pm – HALF PRICE sale from 8:00pm-11:00 pm on anything tagged with stars of “Discount Yes”!
    • Sunday, February 26: 8:00am-12:00pm – HALF PRICE sale on anything tagged with stars or “Discount Yes”, PLUS $1 items for anything marked “D” or “Donate Yes”

    Get your crew together and head over to Tykes, Tots and Teens this week for some amazing deals and to support our HoCo community at the same time! See you there, Insiders!

  • Young Chefs Academy Coming to Warner Robins – Registration Starts in March!

    Young Chefs Academy opens soon at 115 Margie Drive in Warner Robins!

    Attention, aspiring chefs and food lovers! Young Chefs Academy is coming to Warner Robins – and we couldn’t be more excited! Who wouldn’t love for their kids to fall in love with cooking?? It’s a great life skill and extracurricular for any age – not to mention that training an eager young chef in your household can be a HUGE help with weekly meal prep! Their location opens at 115 Margie Drive this summer, where young chefs and their families can look forward to learning new culinary skills together, trying new recipes, and having a blast in the kitchen.

    Young Chefs Academy will run summer cooking camps in addition to regular weekly classes – and sign-ups and registration will begin in March! You can sign up for email alerts directly at their website so you don’t miss out: warnerrobinsga.youngchefsacademy.com

    For those who aren’t familiar with Young Chefs Academy, it’s an amazing cooking school designed specifically for kids and teenagers. The academy provides a fun and educational environment for children to learn how to cook, bake, and prepare meals. With hands-on cooking classes, workshops, and camps, Young Chefs Academy empowers young chefs to discover the joys of cooking while building other important life skills too, such as creativity, teamwork, and confidence.

    At the new Warner Robins location, kids and teens can look forward to a wide variety of cooking classes and programs, each tailored to different age groups and skill levels. From basic cooking techniques and kitchen safety to more advanced culinary skills, Young Chefs Academy has something for everyone.

    With so many exciting programs and classes to choose from, we can’t wait to see what delicious creations our young chefs in Warner Robins will whip up. Mark your calendars and get ready for the kiddos to cook up a storm!

  • Tuesday Morning’s Close-Out Sale in Warner Robins – Don’t Miss Out!

    Attention HoCo shoppers! If you’re looking for some amazing deals on high-quality home goods and decor, then you won’t want to miss Tuesday Morning’s close-out sale in Warner Robins. Located at 4025 Watson Boulevard, the store is offering incredible discounts as they prepare to close the location.

    The close-out sale has started – good way to spend some presidents on President’s Day!

    Tuesday Morning is a national chain – just last week, they filed for bankruptcy and are closing half of their stores across the country, including the one in Warner Robins. Anyone heartbroken by the news will be glad to know that the store in Macon will remain open – it’s located at 265 Tom Hill Sr Blvd.

    As many of us know, Tuesday Morning has been a go-to destination for discounted, upscale home goods where you can find something special for your home without breaking the bank. The close-out sale is one last chance for even lower prices!

    They carry high-quality furniture, stylish bedding, trendy housewares and unique decor items – a little bit of everything. If you’re redecorating, this sale is the perfect opportunity to snag amazing deals on products that you won’t find anywhere else.

    There’s no official word on how long before the store closes, but the sale won’t last forever! Head down to Tuesday Morning on Watson Boulevard in Warner Robins and take advantage of the amazing deals while they last. Happy shopping, Insiders!

  • Warner Robins Target Reno STATUS UPDATE!! 2/17/23

    You might have heard by now – our Target is getting a Starbucks (!!!) – but they’re ALSO adding an Ulta Beauty AND produce section in the store! Read on for details and expected completion date.

    Renovations are underway for the Heart City’s Target store!

    The parking lot is still full of shipping containers and you can see the signage construction on the storefront. Inside, the bathrooms, customer service area and former eatery (soon to be Starbucks) are being worked on as first priorities!

    Management at the store expects the first phase (including Starbucks) to be finished by May, but the project will continue until sometime in 2024.

    You’ll be sipping frappé like it’s payday at the checkout line in no time!

    We’re loving the upgrades in Houston County – see you there, HoCo Insiders!

  • Coming Soon on Watson: Fuzzy’s Taco, Slim Chickens & 7 Brew!!

    It’s no secret Houston County loves new places to eat! Three new-to-us chains are slated to open side-by-side later this year at 4030 Watson Blvd in Warner Robins (that’s near the Kroger off Willie Lee) – Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Slim Chickens and 7 Brew – with 7 Brew planned to open first this summer! Read on for what they all serve, where they’re from & more.

    3 new dining options coming to Warner Robins!

    All 3 restaurants will be freestanding with their own parking and outdoor patios. Here’s a rundown of what to expect:

    • Fuzzy’s Taco Shop:
      • Tex-Mex chain that offers tacos, burritos, nachos and more with fresh ingredients and house-made sauces.
      • Retro-casual atmosphere with bright colors and neon signs.
      • Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as alcoholic beverages!
      • Founded in 2003 in Fort Worth, TX.
      • Operates more than 150 locations in 17 states.
    • Slim Chickens:
      • Fast-casual chain specializing in fresh chicken tenders, wings, salads, sandwiches, wraps, chicken & waffles, and southern-fried sides.
      • Modern and cozy atmosphere with wood accents and chalkboard menus.
      • Founded in 2003 by in Fayetteville, AR.
      • Operates more than 100 locations in 19 states and 4 countries.
    • 7 Brew Coffee:
      • Drive-thru coffee shop that focuses on bringing high-quality, locally roasted, and fresh coffee beans to the market.
      • Offers 7 original coffees, as well as a variety of hot and cold drinks, smoothies, pastries and snacks.
      • Retro design that fits around a toll-booth style kiosk, with bright colors and friendly staff.
      • Founded in 2016 in Rogers, AR.
      • Operates 15 locations in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Texas.

    Drop us a comment – which one are you most excited for??? What else do you want to see in HoCo next?

  • Circus Comes to Warner Robins, 3/3-5 – Discount Tickets on Sale Now!

    Attention circus fans! Mark your calendars for thrilling, high-flying family entertainment at Dusty’s All Star Circus, coming to the Homer J. Walker Civic Center in Warner Robins from March 3-5!

    Dusty’s All Star Circus began touring nationally in 2021.

    Although Dusty’s All Star Circus has only been around since 2001 and reviews are scarce, it’s hard to go wrong with classic circus-style entertainment – especially for the price! Click here to buy tickets – they’re cheaper online than at the door, and here’s a breakdown of the options:

    • Early admission tickets are only $10 for adults, but this deal is only available for the first 100 tickets sold!
    • Full-price adult tickets are only $20, and that includes 1 FREE child admission
    • Children 2 and under are free!
    • A regular child’s ticket is $15
    • The $50 family package includes 2 adults and 4 children! (NOTE: this deal is exclusively online)

    This family-friendly circus show features an international cast of talented circus artists from around the world. From mesmerizing acrobats to hilarious clowns, from daring jugglers to mind-bending magicians, this show has it all!

    The man behind the upstart circus is Phillip Dusty Sadler, a former circus clown who has been in the business for over 60 years, bringing this showt to bear out of his vast experience and passion for the circus.

    So grab your family and friends, get your tickets, and prepare to be amazed by Dusty’s All Star Circus.

    We’ll see you there, HoCo Insiders!

  • Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry: The Hero of Lake Erie

    Have you ever wondered where Perry, GA, got its name? Perry was the first incorporated municipality in Houston County and, in 1824, was named after Oliver Hazard Perry – an American naval commander whose striking military achievements captivated the nation!

    Portrait of Oliver Hazard Perry

    Oliver Hazard Perry died young, on his 34th birthday in 1819. By that time he was a famous naval hero, mainly for his crucial role in the War of 1812. While still in his 20s, Perry orchestrated a crucial victory in the Battle of Lake Erie. It was a turning point in the war, marking the first time in history that an American naval fleet defeated a British fleet in open battle – which was huge! It catapulted him to national fame, and he was celebrated in newspapers, songs and paintings all over the US.

    Perry’s fame came at a time when large swaths of America were still largely unsettled and undeveloped, resulting in many new places being named for him. Perry, GA, was incorporated in 1824, at a time when his legacy lingered strong in the mind of the nation, just 5 years after his death.

    In addition to our own Perry, GA, for example, there is the town of Hazard, KY, which lies in Perry County – honoring both his middle and last names and leading us to a possible insight about the Dukes of Hazzard!

    The Dukes of Hazzard was a TV show in the 80s set in Hazzard County, GA – a county which doesn’t actually exist. The first 5 episodes were actually filmed in Covington, GA, but the on-screen location was never pinned down in the show and has long been a mystery to fans (after the first 5 episodes, they moved filming to California). However, it very well may have been inspired by the namesake of Oliver Hazard Perry and – who knows – Hazzard County could have even been a veiled reference to our beloved hometown in Middle Georgia!

    Today, the City of Perry proudly bears its name in honor of Perry’s legacy, having grown for nearly 200 years into an increasingly prominent role as the Crossroads of Georgia.