Houston County Insider

Tag: Warner Robins

  • 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!

  • Houston County State Court Closed Monday (1/23) for Move to Perry

    This move makes so much sense.

    Houston County Superior Court, Perry, GA

    Greetings, Insiders! Have you ever found yourself rushing to court only to realize you’re in the wrong place? Until now, Houston County State Court has resided on Carl Vinson in Warner Robins while the Houston County Superior Court is off of Perry Parkway. No one can blame you for getting them confused!

    Starting next week, they’ll be in one place and you can walk between them if needed. The State Court is moving to a new section of the County Courthouse in Perry on Monday, January 23, so State Court will be closed for the day while the change is underway. State Court is set to reopen at the new location on Tuesday at noon – that’s a quick turnaround!

    Many may not realize that Houston County Court and the Houston County State Court are two separate court systems that handle different types of legal cases – here’s the rundown if you’re interested:

    Houston County Superior Court, is the highest level of trial court locally. It has general jurisdiction and hears major criminal cases, such as felonies, and civil cases, such as disputes over large sums of money or property. The Superior Court also has the power to hear appeals from lower courts, such as the State Court.

    Houston County State Court is a lower level trial court with jurisdiction over less serious criminal cases, such as misdemeanors, small claims, ordinance violations and family law cases such as divorce or child support.

    You might wonder: what will the State Court building on Carl Vinson be used for after the move? The County Sheriff’s and Tax Commissioner’s offices, which already had space in the same building, will expand into the space left behind, which should help them function better and grow their services.

    Our local court system serves many functions, and you’ll probably have a reason to go there sooner or later even if you haven’t violated any laws – marriage license, anyone?? From now on, at least you’ll know you’re in the right place!

  • Warner Robins Target Reno UPDATE – Date + Details!

    The upcoming Target renovations will include both Starbucks AND Ulta Beauty in the store – to be completed in March!

    Target renovations to be completed by March 2024

    If you ride by, you’ll see the parking lot full of shipping containers and also some signage construction underway on the storefront – the Target renovation is already underway!

    An independent source confirmed to Houston County Insider that the renovations are expected to be completed within the next two months.

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

  • The Amazing Story Behind How Warner Robins was Named – Why It’s Not “Wellston” Anymore!

    Throughout the US, there are a dozen “Macon”s and 20 “Atlanta”s – but only ONE Warner Robins! How did Warner Robins get its totally unique name?

    Robins Air Force Base (photo credit: Bill Golladay)

    Warner Robins was originally known as Wellston – you can still see vestiges of that name around town. And, in 1942, a brand new air force base was constructed in Wellston following America’s entry into World War II – but it was named Wellston Army Air Depot. So what changed???

    The base’s first commander, Colonel Charles Thomas, wanted to honor his mentor, General Warner Robins, by naming the depot after him. BUT regulations prevented him from doing so – the rules stated that the base must be named after the nearest town.

    Colonel Thomas was not one to back down easily! He rallied the community leaders and convinced them to rename the town of Wellston to Warner Robins. If you can’t change the rules, change the game!

    The town officially became Warner Robins later that year, and the base was renamed after General Robins as well a month later – all thanks to one man’s tenacity and innovation!

    Just think, we could have ended up alongside 5 other “Wellston”s in America. No, thanks! I’m proud of our origins and glad to stand out!

    Let’s keep the fighting spirit and game-changing attitude of the Heart City alive. Remember, Warner Robins residents… you are one of a kind!

  • Warner Robins Target gets major renovation! Including a full Starbucks!!

    Warner Robins Target looks forward to a major update later this year, Starbucks included!

    The Target store in Warner Robins is undergoing some exciting changes! Target has been a staple on Watson Boulevard for many years, and it’s about to get a major renovation, to include a full Starbucks!

    The renovation will bring a fresh, modern look to the store, along with a redesign of the layout to make it easier for customers to navigate (it’ll take some getting used to at first – but that’ll be easier to process with a latte in hand!)

    It’s important to note that there will be no change to the store’s square footage, but the store will feature an expanded selection of products in many departments, including electronics, home goods and clothing. Additionally, the restrooms will receive a full decor update.

    The most exciting change obviously is having Starbucks inside the store, which will provide a convenient spot to grab a treat while you shop. The Starbucks area will be located on the left when you walk in.

    And we can all breathe a sigh of relief – the store will NOT be closed during the renovations! Certain sections will be closed off as they work, and hopefully they can do so without too much disruption.

    As a regular shopper at this Target, I’m thrilled about these changes! The store is already one of my favorite places to shop, but it’s time for a makeover – and adding Starbucks really ups the convenience for the busy shoppers and caffeine addicts of Houston County!

  • Galleria Cinema reopens over half-capacity after water main burst

    Catch a movie in the Heart City tonight!

    Our local theater on Watson Boulevard had to shut down last week due to a water main break. You might have been wondering if they’re back open and if the showtimes online now are valid since their website doesn’t mention the issue. But don’t worry, Houston County Insider has you covered!

    We’re happy to report that the Galleria Cinema is now back open and operating at a little over half capacity with 9 of it’s 15 screens in operation. The showtimes online are accurate, but you’ll notice there are fewer than normal – and now you know why! Also, sorry to say, the extra-fancy LX screening room is one of the ones out of commission for now.

    Enjoy your night at the movies, HoCo Insiders!

  • Carl Vinson: The Congressman Who Helped Build Warner Robins

    Carl Vinson’s work in Congress made a lasting impact on Houston County – here’s why!

    Many important Houston County government buildings line Carl Vinson Drive in Warner Robins – if you live here, you’ve probably been there! Did you ever wonder who Carl Vinson was and why Warner Robins has a street named after him?

    Carl Vinson was a United States Representative from Georgia who served in Congress for over 50 years. He was born in 1883 in Baldwin County, Georgia, and grew up on a farm in the small town of Milledgeville.

    Vinson’s political career began in 1908, when he was elected to the Georgia State Legislature. He served in the legislature for several years before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1914. Vinson served in Congress until his death in 1981, making him the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history.

    During his time in Congress, Vinson played a key role in the development of Warner Robins, Georgia. He worked to secure funding for the construction of Robins Air Force Base, which was established in 1941 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most important military installations in the country.

    Vinson was instrumental in the growth and development of Warner Robins as a city. He helped to bring new businesses and industries to the area, and he worked to improve infrastructure and create new job opportunities for the residents of Warner Robins.

    In addition to his work on behalf of the Heart City, Vinson was also a strong advocate for the military and for veterans. He worked to ensure that servicemembers and their families received the support and benefits they needed, and he was a vocal supporter of military programs and initiatives.

    Carl Vinson was a key figure in the history of Warner Robins, and his contributions to the city and the country will not be forgotten. His legacy lives on in the city that bears his name, and in the countless lives he touched through his tireless work in Congress.

  • Mysterious Red Glow on Hwy 96 – Explained!

    That’s no sunset!! Have you seen the red glow at night??? (Photo: Heart City Marketing)

    The red glow in the sky at night has been just across I-75 from Buc-ees for several years now, and you might have noticed it only shows up during the fall and winter.

    The riddle is over! It comes from the high-tech Pure Flavor greenhouse built in 2017. The greenhouse is located in Peach County, not far across the county line on Hwy 96.

    So what exactly causes the glow? They use powerful high-pressure sodium grow lights when there are fewer daylight hours in order to produce veggies year-round.

    While it’s an innovative solution, for some residents living near the greenhouse, it’s been a nuisance. Others have come to see the glow as a familiar and even beautiful part of their evening view. Either way, it’s a Houston County thing – and now you know!

  • Why is Warner Robins Called “Heart City”?

    Warner Robins is also known as Heart City, International City and Wonderful Robins.

    With a population of over 80,000 people, Warner Robins is a thriving community with a rich history and a bright future. But why is it known as “Heart City”?

    Nearby Macon, GA, is known as “The Heart of Georgia” for its centrality to the state. Up-and-coming Warner Robins shares the centrality of Macon but has earned the title “Heart City” for its explosive development as a burgeoning center for commerce, transportation and culture.

    The origins of the “Heart City” nickname can be traced back to the 1950s, when Warner Robins was still a small town with a population of just a few thousand people. The establishment of Robins Air Force Base in 1941 brought rapid growth to the area. RAF has since grown to become one of the largest and most important military installations in the United States.

    As the air force base grew in size and importance, so did Warner Robins. The town became a center for military training, research, and development, and it attracted a diverse population of service members, civilians, and their families. This diversity led to another moniker for Warner Robins: “Georgia’s International City.”

    In the years following World War II, Warner Robins developed at an impressive pace that is still accelerating today, becoming a major economic center for the region. The city’s strong economy and central location make it a natural choice for businesses, and it naturally grew into a hub for transportation and logistics, with easy access to major highways and interstates.

    Today, Warner Robins is a thriving city with a diverse economy, a strong sense of community and a bright future! It is home to a number of military, civilian and government organizations, as well as a wide range of businesses and industries.

    The “Heart City” nickname is a fitting tribute to Warner Robins’ role as a center for commerce, transportation, and culture. It is a city that is at the heart of Georgia, and it is a place where families from all walks of life come together and thrive.