A small spot in McDonough continues to make a big name for itself. Ron Pippin opened the Original Pippin’s BBQ in 1986 in a small shed in McDonough, stirring up so much noise that he decided in 1988 to open up a permanent space near the McDonough square, where it still stands today on Sims Street. “He didn’t want anything big,” recalls current owner David Curry of Pippin, who was known for hunting, fishing, and award-winning barbecue. At age 17, Curry, a lifelong Henry County resident, worked next door when Pippin opened the shed and would walk over for a...
Transforming… McDonough Library to Undergo Renovation
A public library’s primary mission has not changed in decades. The exact methods by which a library meets its community’s needs can be a constantly moving target, mainly because of changes in technology. This is the reasoning behind the planned renovations at the McDonough Public Library just off Hwy 81, east of downtown. At the end of the 20th century, it was contained in a much smaller facility on Hwy 155 (the current home of Henry County Probate Court). In 2001, the current location opened to the public, and since then, it has served an average of 70,000 visitors per...
Making School History
Strong Rock Christian School’s 2023 varsity baseball team has brought home a state championship. It was an incredible May night in the North Georgia mountains. Strong Rock had just lost the second game in a three-game series, leaving them 1-1 against Bethlehem Christian Academy. Both the Patriots coaches and players dug deep and committed to winning the third and final game to claim the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) Class AAAA state championship. And that’s exactly what they did. In just five innings, Strong Rock won 11-1 over Bethlehem to take the title of state champions. The victory was the...
A Scary Good Time…
Are you looking for a unique night on the town? Look no further than Southern Ghost Tours in McDonough. Southern Ghost Tours has become well known in the McDonough area since its rebrand in 2020. The revamped tours seek to tell true stories of McDonough and those who once lived here…and some who may have never left. Co-owned by Tara Nestich, Tricia Bowman, and Kiersten Frisby, the goal of Southern Ghost Tours is to bring visitors to McDonough and share the history of the McDonough community while also showcasing local businesses and all that the city has to offer. “We...
Tasty Tuesdays
There’s something very special and intriguing about fellowship, good food, and good music. Stockbridge’s Tasty Tuesdays Food Truck summer tradition combined all these, creating a wonderful evening in Henry County. The City of Stockbridge opened the lower parking area at Clark Community Park from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for some great, hot food, socializing, and relaxation each Tuesday all summer. You can visit the city’s dedicated Tasty Tuesdays Food Truck Facebook page for the latest information and expect this tradition to continue next summer. By Terry McAfee
Little Pieces of One’s Self
Though her work has been exhibited throughout the United States and internationally, local artist Alea Hurst is thrilled to have her work featured in a gallery close to home. Hurst currently has several paintings on display at The Georgian Gallery in McDonough. A graduate of the University of Georgia and the Savannah College of Art and Design, she has worked to hone her artistic skillset over the years. She produces artwork that is both vibrant and compelling. A full-time professional studio artist, Hurst and her canine art critic Leo – short for Leonardo ‘Dog’ Vinci – spend much of her...
Steamed Mussels Recipe
Steamed Mussels A favorite among diners at Pasta Max Cafe, Owner and Chef Douglas Zitz shares the recipe for his Steamed Mussels. Ingredients: 20 Fresh mussels 1 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic 4oz dry white wine 2oz heavy cream 2oz whole butter Pinch of salt & fresh ground pepper 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil 1 teaspoon chopped Italian parsley Directions: Combine all ingredients except herbs in a saucepan. Cover and cook on high heat until mussels open. Remove from heat. Add fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Ready, Set, Grow! Symposium
Henry County Master Gardeners are busy planning their annual county symposium. Since 2017, with the exception of 2020, Henry County Master Gardeners have held the event in the extension office on Lake Dow Road. The symposiums are hosted to educate the public on horticultural matters and establish community relationships. This year’s theme is “Ready, Set, Grow!” and will feature four speakers for the September 9 event. The keynote speaker, Joe Lamp’l, is one of the country’s most recognized and trusted personalities in gardening and green living. He produces and hosts a popular gardening podcast, The Joe Gardener Show, and founded...
Get Moving Again
A new facility in McDonough is now open to help people with their physical therapy needs. Hands of Hope Physical Therapy & Wellness, a company based in the northeastern United States, has partnered with Total Athlete Sports Complex on McDonough Parkway to open a dedicated sports rehabilitation facility, although other rehab services are available there as well. “We see anybody who is in need or seeking service, from post-operation to pre-surgery strengthening, any type of pain and any range of people starting from children all the way to older adults,” says Shiv Patel, DPT. Hands of Hope has 15 locations,...
Designed to Love
Love is a funny concept. In our culture, we say we love everything, from sports and food to our spouses and kids. I was browsing through a student’s Instagram page and noticed something strange in their bio. Under their profile picture, they had four emojis listed in this order: a heart, a cross, a taco, and a girl who was identified by his girlfriend’s name in parentheses. Honestly, I did not know what to think about this. On one hand, I thought, “He’s a winner! He prioritized loving tacos over loving his girlfriend.” But on the other hand, I thought,...