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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR
Fall in a small Southern town is a season that feels like a warm embrace. As September rolls in, the air begins to cool just enough to invite porch sitting and sweater wearing, while the trees slowly trade their summer greens for brilliant shades of amber, crimson, and gold. The rhythm of life subtly shifts—school buses hum along country roads, local farmers set up roadside stands with pumpkins and late-season produce, and the scent of woodsmoke begins to drift through the evening air.
College football is more than just a pastime here—it’s a weekly celebration. Saturdays are sacred, marked by tailgates filled with laughter, barbecue, and the unmistakable sound of marching bands echoing from stadiums. Families and friends gather around TVs or head to campus to cheer on their team, clad in school colors and brimming with pride. The energy is electric, and even those who aren’t die-hard fans find themselves swept up in the camaraderie and tradition.
Comfort foods take center stage as kitchens fill with the aroma of slowcooked stews, cornbread, apple pies, and casseroles passed down through generations. Local diners and church potlucks serve up hearty meals that warm the soul, and there’s a special joy in sharing these dishes with loved ones as the days grow shorter. With the holidays approaching, there’s a gentle buzz of anticipation—craft fairs pop up, homes begin to twinkle with early decorations, and conversations turn to plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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Karen (KK) Snyder EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ON THE COVER Hickory Head Plantation in Quitman is among dozens of properties on The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Fall Ramble. See page 80.
Fall 2025
Home Sweet Home
WENDY BELLACOMO
A renovation turned one Thomasville couple’s place of business into their forever home.
Adams Exterminators
KRISTEN SOLES MCCRACKIN
Thomasville is the newest location for this growing Southwest Georgia business.
Tailgating
The Needlepoint Thomasville group continues to attract members to its gatherings.
We believe your mouth says it all. . .and we want to help you have a healthy confident smile!
EvErYtHing tHEY WantEd
BY WENDY BELLACOMO
PHOTOS BY EMILY TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
Tucked into Thomasville’s Dawson Street Historic District, a neighborhood celebrated for its collection of intact turn-of-the-century homes, sits a Victorian cottage that carries the weight of more than a century of stories. Built in 1895 by banker William H. Rockwell, the house was among the first constructed on East Washington Street. Today, after decades of shifting purposes and careful stewardship, it belongs to Shonda and Rick Orso, a couple who have breathed new life into its rooms while keeping its character intact.
Its gables and porch still whisper of another era, but the rooms inside carry the imprint of the couple’s own journey, from the years when the cottage housed their insurance agency, to the seasons of farm life just outside town, to their intentional return downtown in retirement.
When Rockwell built the cottage in 1895, Thomasville was in a period of growth. The house, originally a modest four-room residence with a detached kitchen, stood as part of the town’s steady expansion beyond the bustle of Broad Street. Records suggest Rockwell sold the property only a few years later, but his name remains tied to the home, commemorated by the plaque located on the front.
At first Rick was unsure about turning his office space of 30 years into a home.
Over the decades, the cottage saw many lives—rented rooms in the early 20th century, later adaptations that obscured some of its original details, and eventually, a commercial use. By the late 20th century, it had become one of those historic properties quietly waiting for the right caretaker.
That caretaker arrived in 1991, when the Orsos were searching for a street-level office for their family insurance agency. The cottage fit the bill, and for nearly three decades its rooms served as offices filled with clients, files and the steady rhythm of business. When Rick retired in 2019, the couple faced a choice. They had lived for 30 years on a small farm outside of town, raising their son amid pastures, gardens and livestock. It was a good life, but the upkeep was endless.
“I finally told Rick, I can’t keep cutting this grass forever,” Shonda says. “I wanted to move into town, and I wanted a historic house.”
At first, Rick resisted her suggestion that they convert their old office into their new home. “I’d already spent 30 years here at work,” he recalls. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend another 30 living here.” But Shonda saw potential in the high ceilings, heart pine floors and walkable location. After much discussion—and perhaps a little persuasion—Rick agreed.
Historic HOME
The couple began renovations in 2020, determined that the project would be a restoration rather than a remodel. They turned to designer John Bridges, owner of Oracle Design in Thomasville, and builder Lance Parker of Mallory Parker Custom Homes. Both understood the vision to honor the house’s history while making it livable for the present.
The project took 11 months, finishing in March 2021. Original windows and doors were preserved, and the heart pine floors, long hidden beneath carpet and glue, were painstakingly refinished.
“We didn’t care about imperfections,” Rick says. “That’s the character.”
The restoration was painstaking. Every door, window and baseboard was removed, refinished and carefully replaced to preserve the original proportions. Even the hardware was salvaged where possible, polished by hand before being set back into place. The decision not to stain the pine floors but instead to let their natural tone shine through, gave the rooms an authenticity that feels both historic and warmly lived in. The result was not a house that looked new, but one that looked cared for, true to its age yet ready for another century of use.
This page and next: Original windows and doors were preserved, and the heart pine floors, long hidden beneath carpet and glue, were painstakingly refinished.
Some discoveries told their own stories.
A false ceiling concealed porch rafters, proof that the hallway had once been part of an exterior porch. A chimney in the attic suggested an earlier kitchen arrangement. Outside, during landscaping, the Orsos unearthed a century-old menthol oil bottle, lid intact, a small relic linking past and present.
Where materials had to be removed, they were repurposed. Wood from a demolished pantry wall became both a breakfast table and a set of large glasspaneled doors that now opens to the backyard. The kitchen island countertop was hand-built by Parker himself, a craftsman’s mark of pride. Two of the house’s four original fireplaces were kept, but the others had to be removed to make way for a primary bath and a more functional kitchen.
The couple credits many area businesses with making the work possible, including Sellers Tile of Albany for flooring and finishes, Lighting Concepts of Valdosta for fixtures and Joey Barrow of Joey’s Landscaping for reimagining the grounds around the home.
“We had the right people,” Shonda says. “They cared about this house as much as we did.”
Inside, the house carries the same intentionality. Nearly every piece of furniture tells a story, whether of family, travels or friendships. The guest bedroom holds the three-piece suite Rick used as a child at his grandmother’s home in Alabama. In the primary bedroom, an antique dresser from Monticello, which was said to have been built on a plantation there, stands alongside a fourposter bed chosen during the renovation.
Historic HOME
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Artwork and heirlooms lend personal character. Local artist Prince Jinwright’s drawings of longleaf pines, filled with hidden animals, hang in the living room. Old family photographs, carefully framed, preserve connections to generations past. A washstand purchased at Toscoga Marketplace in downtown Thomasville was converted into a vanity and now anchors the powder room. And a small table, which came with the house when the Orsos purchased it in the 1990s, still has a place, an enduring reminder of continuity through decades of change.
“We didn’t want things that were just decorative,” Shonda explains. “We wanted pieces that meant something to us.”
Evenings often find the Orsos on the back porch, a new addition that overlooks the garden shaded by a sprawling 200-year-old oak tree. “This is a favorite spot,” Rick says, noting how they spend many evenings there with their Maltese, Gracie, settled nearby.
If the porch is their refuge, the neighborhood is their connection. The Orsos love their new rhythm of life downtown, including walking to First Baptist Church and to the shops and restaurants on Broad Street. For them, it’s the kind of convenience they never had on the farm. “It’s everything we wanted,” Shonda says.
Despite being just blocks from Broad Street, the cottage feels secluded. Evenings settle into quiet, the oak tree casting shadows across the yard while owls call from its branches. “It’s hard to believe you’re downtown,” Rick says. “It feels like its own world.”
Today, the cottage reflects layers of history, from the vision of its 19th-century builder to the decades it served as a place of business, and the patient wait that ended when it was finally restored as a home. For Shonda and Rick Orso, the house represents both continuity and change. It reflects their past as business owners and their embrace of life in Thomasville’s historic heart. “We love it,” Shonda says simply. “It’s home.” TM
Page 20: Evenings often find the Orsos out back, enjoying the new addition that overlooks the garden shaded by a sprawling 200-year-old oak tree
residential · agricultural · commercial residential · agricultural · commercial
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Business SPOTLIGHT
ROOTED IN SERVICE
BY KRISTEN SOLES MCCRACKIN
When Stuart Sinyard talks about Adams Exterminators, it’s clear that this is more than a business—it’s a family legacy built on relationships, hard work, and community trust. Today, Sinyard serves as vice-president of the company, working alongside his two brothers and his father to lead one of Southwest Georgia’s most established pest control providers.
PHOTOS BY EMILY TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY & THE LEVEE STUDIO
Business SPOTLIGHT
FROM BANKER TO BUSINESS OWNER
The story begins in Albany, Georgia, with founder J.D. Adams. A University of Georgia graduate, Adams got his start working for Otto Orkin, the legendary founder of Orkin Pest Control. After Orkin sold his company to Rollins in 1964, Adams struck out on his own a few years later, launching Adams Exterminators in 1971.
Fast forward to 1994, when Sinyard’s father Jeff “Bodine” Sinyard, a banker at the time, began considering a new venture. “My dad met with Mr. Adams once a week for breakfast at Shoney’s for almost a year,” Sinyard recalls. “Mr. Adams was very particular about who he would sell his business to, but eventually agreed to sell, and advised dad for the first year to show him the ropes of the industry.” That persistence and mentorship laid the foundation for a thriving family business.
Thomasville is the newest location of Adams Exterminators, housed in a historic building they renovated.
A NEW GENERATION STEPS IN
Stuart joined the company in 2008 after graduating from the University of Georgia. His brother Bridges followed in 2010, leaving a career in Washington, D.C. to return home. In 2020, their youngest brother, Beau, also came aboard. Together, the three brothers—guided by their father—have helped Adams Exterminators grow to seven offices across Southwest Georgia, with about 130 employees serving customers in both Georgia and eastern Alabama.
This year, the company celebrated its expansion into Thomasville, a move that felt like a natural next step. “We’d been operating there out of our Moultrie office,” Sinyard explains. “The demand was strong enough that it made sense to open a dedicated office.” Their new building on Jackson Street, across from the St. James restaurant, reflects Thomasville’s historic charm, with careful renovations designed to complement surrounding developments.
Business SPOTLIGHT
FULL-SERVICE PEST SOLUTIONS
Adams Exterminators offers a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. These include general pest control, mosquito treatments, bed bug services, termite prevention using the Sentricon system, and crawl space encapsulation. The company also provides termite letters for real estate transactions—a growing area of service in Thomasville, where Adams has quickly gained a reputation for competitive pricing and thorough inspections.
For homeowners concerned about termites, Stuart offers practical advice: “If it’s a slab home, look for abnormalities or soft spots in the baseboards and sheetrock. In crawl spaces, you might see shelter tubes traveling up the piers or foundation walls. Although these are not the only signs of termites we encounter, they are common signs that it’s time to call a professional.”
WHAT SETS THEM APART
In an industry where many family businesses have been gobbled up by national chains, Adams Exterminators stands out as a family-owned regional provider with deep local ties. “We’re unique because we’re family-run, but we’re also large enough to offer the capabilities of national companies,” Sinyard says. “Anything a customer needs, we can handle it, and we pride ourselves on doing it cost-effectively.”
That combination of customer care, employee investment, and competitive pricing has fueled steady growth. Just as important, the Sinyards emphasize treating customers the way they would want to be treated.
LOOKING AHEAD
For now, the focus is on strengthening their current footprint and providing the best customer experience possible. “We’ve had tremendous support and growth since opening and understand that the greatest advertisement is word of mouth,” Stuart says. “It’s exciting, and we’re looking forward to seeing where the opportunity takes us.”
Equally important is becoming part of the community fabric. Adams Exterminators has already joined the local chamber,
That combination of customer care, employee investment, and competitive pricing has fueled steady growth.
committed to sponsoring schools and sports teams, and plans to participate in the Christmas Parade. “We don’t just want to be a business in Thomasville,”
Sinyard says. “We want to be involved, make an impact, and be part of what makes this community so special.”
From its humble beginnings at Shoney’s to its growing presence across the region, Adams Exterminators is proof that persistence, family values, and community commitment can build a business that lasts. TM
T H O M A S V I L L E ’ S # 1 F U R N I T U R E S T O R E !
FALL IN LOVE WITH PEANUT BUTTER ALL OVER AGAIN
Kilwins Thomasville
119 N Broad St, Thomasville, GA
Locally Owned and Operated
Hours of Operation
Mon-Thu 11 AM - 9 PM Fri-Sat 11 AM - 10 PM Sun 1 PM - 5 PM
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Peanut Butter Buckeyes Grand Peanut Butter Squares
Double Peanut Butter Pie Ice Cream
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Peanut Butter Fudge
Stitch Time one at a
Written by Sarah D. Shearer
Photos by Whigham Images
Needlepoint is so back. Just ask the members of Needlepoint Thomasville, established 2025. The newest happening club in Thomasville is not just for grandma; it’s for anyone and everyone, and it is the place to be for those who desire community and a creative outlet. Mary Ellen Payne is the spearhead behind this gathering of (a few) men and many women of all ages and backgrounds. For a few hours on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, dozens convene at the downtown Courtyard Marriott to work on their latest needlepoint projects.
What may have been considered old-fashioned and tedious is now the second most popular hobby in the country, behind mahjongg. Many even tout its therapeutic benefits. Payne thought an official group would be a wonderful way to connect people with a common shared interest and even garner new participation, and she has been overwhelmed by the response. In only two months, the group has grown to nearly 30 people, with several coming from out of town.
It’s Tuesday night. The lobby of the Marriott is buzzing with conversation and color. A cheery sign and a table with confetti cookies and chic Needlepoint Thomasville cocktail napkins welcome guests. Chairs are arranged in groups of two or three and everyone is busily and happily working.
Come one, come all, to enjoy this gathering held together by stitches.
Arts & CRAFTS
Sally, originally from Illinois but now in Thomasville a few years, found the group on Facebook and brought her crossstitch Christmas stocking project to work on. Sally enjoys the camaraderie she has found in doing her solo project in the company of others. Across from Sally is Barbara Lee, whose lap is covered in a stunning needlepoint patterned blanket. A project of hers that lay dormant for a while has been revisited once again and is nearing completion in the presence of friends.
A few women are stitching belts for grandsons, which no doubt will be worn with pride. Others are knitting, not doing needlepoint, but they too are welcome. There are beginners with flashcards to help them determine their stitches, and there are women who have been doing this for 60 years. These veterans are most often found assisting newcomers, guiding them through each loop and stitch, offering the kind of interaction and encouragement that no YouTube video ever could.
Previous page: Carolyn Wight displays a recent project; this page, Barbara Lee works on a needlepoint blanket.
Arts & CRAFTS
Whether you’re an old hand at needlepoint or have never tried a stitch, you’re welcome at the twice-monthly gatherings at the Courtyard by Marriott.
Some of the participants have known each other since childhood, while others are visiting for the first time. No matter, there’s room for everyone. The environment is lively and, above all, supremely encouraging. Not a cell phone in sight, everyone is too busy talking and working, laughing and learning.
For many local women, the hobby of needlepoint began several decades ago in the living room of famed needlepointer Doris Drake. As these ladies remember, their mothers would drop them off at the Needlepoint Cottage to learn the all-important skill of sitting still and creating something beautiful in the process. Many of them still vividly remember the shag carpet and cigarette smoke haze of Ms. Drake’s abode. Of course, those young teenage girls had no idea at the time that they were learning something that they would grow to love throughout their entire lives. The slow, methodical
stitching is very therapeutic once you know what you’re doing, and the options are endless. Blankets, pillows, purses, boxes, belts, framed pieces, chairs and more can all be adorned with needlepoint.
To begin the hobby of needlepoint, a trip to a needlepoint store would be ideal, and Mary Jane McNeill raved about fellow attendee Cindy’s Needlework Cottage in Havana, Florida. Cindy is an eager and avid needlepointer who is passionate about teaching her craft and providing quality materials. She’s enjoyed traveling from Havana and making new friends in the process. Other ladies gabbed about road trips to needlepoint stores all the way in Charleston, Nashville and Buckhead. An entire subculture of passionate aficionados exists in the world of needlepoint, and the diverse creative opportunities are enticing for the neophyte and the pro.
Arts & CRAFTS
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Payne is in the business of connecting people and helping them thrive. She’s done an expert job of gathering people and launching them successfully into this craft. Those who are interested in beginning needlepoint can sign up for one of her classes and gain confidence and community simultaneously.
Needlepoint and other such hobbies have been largely abandoned for years and only recently have they made a resurgence, perhaps thanks to the gargantuan mindset shift the pandemic offered people. For the first time in years, people are finally slowing down. Emeline Loughlin, attendee and master needlepointer, acknowledges the reasons why many have forsaken arts and crafts like needlepoint.
“It takes too much time. People are in too much of a hurry,” she says. When she was in college, she structured her class schedule around making time to needlepoint in the afternoon. Her dedication shows. All evening, she was thoughtfully and kindly helping others as they ran into various challenges on their individual projects.
For a generation that thinks any new hobby can be learned online, the Needlepoint Thomasville group proves otherwise. The group even caught the attention of out-of-town hotel guests passing through the lobby. One woman visiting Thomasville saw the meeting and was so inspired she ran back to her suitcase to retrieve her own needlepoint project and joined the group downstairs. Rumor has it there are even men who enjoy needlepoint, and their blood pressures have drastically lowered since taking up a needle and thread.
To find out more, search for the Needlepoint Thomasville group on Facebook. TM
TAILGATE COOKOUTS THIS THAT Not
BY STEPHANIE RICE
School is back in session. The days are slowly getting shorter, and there’s that tiny glimpse of cooler weather on the way. A light jacket is needed in the mornings, and Friday nights are for high school football. And if Friday nights are for high school sports, Saturdays for college football, and Sundays for the NFL, then the whole weekend is filled with tailgating.
The only downside to tailgating is what makes tailgating so much fun – the food. You’ve been working hard all year to stay active, make healthy food choices, and achieve your wellness goals. It’s hard not to blow it all on some good, old-fashioned sports enthusiast fun every weekend. It’s like trying not to gain weight during the holiday season, which is only one month, while football season and tailgating last at least four.
For Your Health
That’s where I come in. Let me help plan your next tailgating adventure with a simple “swap this for that.” Don’t worry, these will still be full of flavor and hit the nostalgic spot in your stomach. But first, let’s go over some of the worst tailgate party foods and why. Maybe this will help guide you away from them in the future, too.
What is often the main staple at a tailgating party?
Barbeque sauce! I would venture to say the most popular BBQ sauce on the market is Sweet Baby Rays, and here’s why. I have a friend who enters BBQ competitions, and he told me that almost every single contestant uses Sweet Baby Ray’s as a base for their own sauce creation. Crazy, right?
For Your Health
Well, let’s take a close look at the ingredients of this yummy sauce, which may change your mind. The first ingredient is corn syrup. This is highly processed and made from genetically modified corn, or GMO, and may be linked to inflammation. A study by the Journal of Food Science Technology found that genetic modification of crops could introduce novel proteins that trigger allergic reactions. In animal studies, genetically modified corn has been linked to possible adverse effects— like liver and kidney damage—in rodents fed different GMO corn varieties, including Roundup-tolerant and insect-resistant strains. We aren’t off to a very good start here, Baby Ray.
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FALL-OFFTHE-BONE EASY OVEN RIBS
INGREDIENTS
3 lbs of baby back ribs
2 tbsp Primal Palate Barbecue Rub a bit of extra salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1/4 cup beef broth
1/4–1/2 cup BBQ sauce of choice
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 235 degrees F. Remove the membrane from the back side of the ribs. Pat dry then cover the meaty side of the ribs in Primal Palate BBQ rub and a bit of salt and pepper. Then top with yellow mustard and spread/press into meat to coat.
Place 2 large pieces of heavy aluminum foil on top of each other on a large baking sheet. Cut the ribs into 2-3 racks or whatever you need to get the ribs to fit on top of the aluminum foil with meat side up. Turn the sides of the foil up to create a boat then pour beef broth in the boat. Cover with another piece of foil on top and pinch to fold the sides and create a packet. Place in the oven to bake for 4 hours. Yes, 4.
Remove from oven. The meat should be fork-tender and ready to fall off the bone. Turn on the broiler. Use a brush to top ribs with however much BBQ sauce you prefer, then place in the oven and broil for 5-10 minutes or until the sauce begins to brown. Cut ribs however you prefer and eat up!
Next, there’s modified food starch, which is also made from GMO corn, and we just learned how potentially harmful that can be… yikes! Then, natural flavors, which are not natural at all, and could contain hundreds of ingredients, including undisclosed synthetic solvents, preservatives, or processing aids. Next is caramel color, which may contain carcinogenic, cancer-causing contaminants. And we can’t forget sodium benzoate, a synthetic preservative, which may be linked to inflammation with concerns for carcinogenic contamination.
Well, I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound like anything I want to eat, especially if there’s an alternative that tastes just as good! Primal Kitchen salad dressings, sauces, and marinades have been my go-to for years. They have amazing ingredients and taste awesome yet are free from all the nasty ingredients listed above and are available at almost any grocery store.
The best part is they have five different flavors of BBQ sauce: Classic, Hawaiian Style, Golden, Mango Habanero, and Korean. To be fair, I don’t care for the classic flavor at all.
I prefer the Hawaiian and Golden. I have not tried the Korean one, but it does look good!
If a dry rub is more your style, or you like to dry rub your grilling meat and use sauce, Primal Palate Barbeque Rub is my favorite. This seasoning is free of fillers, gluten, and hidden additives.
At left is an easy, healthy barbeque recipe you can make from home using the Primal Palate Barbeque Seasoning and one of the Primal Kitchen sauces. This recipe is by Juli Bauer from PaleOmg.
GRILLED VEGGIE SKEWERS
INGREDIENTS
Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green –cut in chunks)
Zucchini or yellow squash (sliced into thick rounds)
Red onion (cut into wedges)
Cherry tomatoes
Mushrooms (whole or halved)
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Optional: balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Prepare the skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Skip this step if using metal skewers.
Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat for even cooking. Prepare the Vegetables: Combine bell peppers, zucchini, onion, tomatoes, and mushrooms in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Thread the Vegetables onto Skewers: Alternate the veggies on the skewers, packing them tightly but leaving a bit of space between them for even cooking.
Grill the Veggie Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 1012 minutes, turning occasionally until the vegetables are tender and charred.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the grill and drizzle with optional balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Let’s head back to other condiments used at a tailgate party, ranch dressing and ketchup. Both of these also fall into the not-so-good ingredients category. Instead of going through each ingredient like I did above, here are my favorite alternatives.
Ranch – Primal Palate Ranch, Tessemae’s Creamy Ranch
Ketchup – Sir Kensington Classic Ketchup, Annie’s Organic Ketchup, Primal Kitchen Ketchup, Heinz Organic Ketchup
Some of these still have one or two ingredients in them that I don’t love, but they are much better than the alternative. So, the next time you get invited to a tailgate party, here is a healthy option from Primal Kitchen’s website:
RANCH PASTA SALAD
INGREDIENTS
1 box gluten-free spiral pasta
1 cup broccoli florets
1/3 red onion, sliced
1 cup cucumbers, chopped
1¼ cups Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing
DIRECTIONS
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and set aside to cool.
Blanch the broccoli by placing it in a pot of boiling water for 2 minutes, then transferring it to an ice bath. Drain and pat dry.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped cucumbers and ranch dressing. Mix thoroughly. Gently fold in broccoli, red onion slices, and tomatoes. Chill for 30 minutes to an hour before serving, then enjoy.
Now for the best part… dessert! I am a big fan of cookie cakes for tailgating parties. They are big, easy to make, easy to decorate, easy to transport, and delicious. This is a fan favorite from Paleo Running Mama.
INGREDIENTS
Cake Layer
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, room temp
1/2 cup coconut oil melted and cooled to nearly room temp
1/2 cup organic coconut sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups blanched almond flour
1/4 cup tapioca flour/starch
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp fine-grain sea salt
2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Chocolate Fudge Layer
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup nut butter of choice
1 tsp maple syrup or raw honey
Cashew Butter Fudge Layer
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp creamy cashew butter or other smooth nut butter
3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp raw honey or pure maple syrup
Mini chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
For the Cookie Cake Layer
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-inch cake pan with coconut oil. Combine the eggs, coconut sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla and beat until very smooth. In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients, then slowly beat into the wet mixture to form a sticky dough. Stir the chocolate chips in and transfer the mixture to the greased cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until set, remove from oven and set aside to cool.
For the Chocolate Fudge Layer
In a small saucepan over very low heat, stir & melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the nut butter and sweetener until satiny smooth. Set aside to cool.
For the Cashew Butter Fudge Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil with the creamy nut butter, and beat until smooth. Stir in the honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla.
Once the cookie cake is mostly cooled, spread the chocolate fudge layer on generously, followed by the cashew butter layer. If you want to create pretty designs (I tried but got impatient!) you can refrigerate between fudge layers. Otherwise, any way you want to top this cake will work.
Top with mini chocolate chips, if desired, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set the top. Store leftovers in the fridge, removing about 30 minutes before serving to soften the fudge layers.
HAVE FUN & MAKE IT COUNT
Avoid the pitfalls of tailgating by enjoying flavor-filled, healthy alternatives. With a few adjustments, you can enjoy your favorites without the guilt of unhealthy ingredients or harmful chemicals.
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Autumn RECIPES
APPLE CIDER PORK CHOPS
Fall means fresh apples picked straight from the trees. It also means fresh apple cider, perfect for this dish.
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp olive oil
6 boneless pork loin chops (6 to 8 ounces each), about 3/4 inch thick
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp apple pie spice
1/2 tsp coarsely ground pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup apple cider
1 tbsp plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tbsp water
Minced fresh parsley
DIRECTIONS
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown pork chops on both sides.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine next 7 ingredients; stir in apple cider. Pour over pork chops. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until a thermometer inserted into chops reads 145°, 4-5 minutes. Remove chops from skillet; let stand for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into cider mixture in skillet. Return to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Pour over chops and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH & TURKEY CHILI
INGREDIENTS
½ tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp ground black pepper to taste
1 lb ground turkey
1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded and chopped (about 5 cups)
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 14 oz can light coconut milk
½ cup dried red lentils rinsed
3 tbsp tomato paste
2-3 tsp apple cider vinegar
1-2 cups chopped kale or spinach
chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish
Cooked brown rice or quinoa (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Not your average chili, this butternut squash and turkey chili features red lentils and is simmered in a creamy coconut milk and tomato broth.
Add oil to a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add ground turkey and cook until brown, about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat while cooking. Add spices (turmeric, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, sea salt and pepper) and cook for an additional minute. Add butternut squash chunks, veggie broth, tomatoes, coconut milk, red lentils, tomato paste and apple cider vinegar to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce heat to medium and simmer the chili uncovered for about 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the butternut squash is fork-tender and the lentils are cooked, reduce heat to low. Add in kale or spinach, stir to combine and let sit for a couple minutes to allow the greens to wilt.
Portion chili into bowls, top each bowl with fresh cilantro and green onions before serving. You can also serve the chili over brown rice if you’d like.
Note: You can make this in your slow cooker. Just sear/cook the turkey in a regular pot and then add everything into your slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. You’ll want to cook it until your butternut squash and lentils are tender.
Storage: Allow the chili to cool slightly before adding to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
COZY FALL PASTA
You’ll love this quick fix healthy meal on a busy school night!
DIRECTIONS
While the oven is preheating at 400°F, cut up the guanciale and butternut squash. Toss them onto a sheet pan, drizzle with the olive oil, mix them around a little, and roast for 30 minutes. Next, take out the sheet pan, stir in the kale, and place back into the oven to roast for another 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette according to the box’s instructions, usually 9 to 11 minutes or al dente. Drain and add back to the pot. Tip the contents of the sheet pan into the pasta pot and toss with the Pecorino Romano. Salt and pepper to taste.
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp olive oil
4 oz guanciale (or thickcut bacon, if you can't find guanciale), cut into 1/2-inch dice
8 oz butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 bunch Tuscan kale, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 lb orecchiette
Freshly grated Pecorino Romano, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
30 Years of fine arts
BY AMY FAESKORN
Cultural EVENT
In 1996, Margo Bindhardt and Bob Crozer—who both played active roles in the Thomasville cultural scene at the time—made a forward-thinking dream a reality. Inspired by the proliferation of regional art shows in other parts of the country, the visionary pair felt the City of Roses would make an ideal location for just such an event. That fall, the Wildlife Arts Festival was born. Little did they know the impact this first gathering would have over the next 30 years.
“There’s a long history of artists coming to the Red Hills to enjoy the beauty of the landscape,” says Erin Wolfe Bell, executive director of the Thomasville Center for the Arts. “Margo and Bob wanted to create an opportunity for the community to celebrate the outdoors and sporting life through art. It’s grown so much. We have over 50 artists from around the world coming to this year’s show and expect thousands of attendees.”
Bindhardt and Crozer will be honored at a VIP Champagne reception, where an award in each of their names will be
presented to individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the festival and the community.
Thomas Brooks, a fine art painter from Lakeland, Florida, was first invited to the festival in 2000 and now counts it among his favorite annual art shows. “Prior to that, Kevin Kelly asked if I would like to exhibit some of my paintings during a private party at his sporting goods store, and that’s how we were introduced to Thomasville and it all started,” says the artist, whose works have been commissioned by the National Wild Turkey Federation and the White House.
“During our first visit to Thomasville, my wife, Patricia, and I attended the show as guests and bought a piece of art while we were there. We were so well received that very first time I exhibited, and it’s just gotten better and better.”
Along with sculptor Chris Wilson of Marietta, Georgia, Brooks will be one of this year’s featured artists. He and Patricia look forward to connecting with old friends and their annual stroll through the quaint shops and sights of historic downtown—and maybe a little quail hunting, photography and sketching.
“Gates and Brandy Kirkham at Sinkola Plantation have hosted us for 20 years,” he says. “They bought the first painting I ever exhibited at Thomasville. We’ve watched their children grow up. There are so many people like them who’ve supported me, and they continue to do so. We just love coming here.”
The majority of the festival’s events are free of charge and offer something for lovers of nature and art of all ages and backgrounds—from the chance to observe artists painting en plein air on the grounds of the Pebble Hill Plantation at Art in the Wild to live music, demonstrations, and kids’ activities at the Fine Art Show and Artisan Market under the center’s shady oak trees.
Bird Dog Bash, the November 22 signature ticketed event, combines Southern cuisine, whiskey tasting, entertainment, and a live auction. “It’s great to see multigenerational groups learning about the region and its wildlife and participating in the workshops or taking in all of the art on display over the course of the weekend,” notes Bell. “Last year I was here with my daughter, parents, and grandmother, and it was all just phenomenal.”
“ THE SHOW HAS ALWAYS STAYED TRUE TO ITS ORIGINAL MISSION. I HOPE IN THE FUTURE THEY JUST CONTINUE WHAT THEY’RE DOING—GIVING
THOMAS BROOKS
30th Annual Wildlife Arts Festival
Nov 20 - 23, 2025
Festival Opening & Public Art Unveiling
Thursday, 6pm
Free and open to the public
Art in the Wild
Friday November 21, 10am-noon
Pebble Hill Plantation | $10 admission
Fine Art + Artisan Market
Saturday, November 22, 10am – 4pm
Sunday, November 23, Noon – 4pm
Thomasville Center for the Arts | Free entry
Bird Dog Bash
Saturday, November 22, 7pm
Sugar Hill Barn, Pebble Hill Plantation | Ticketed event
$200 per person (all-inclusive)
Wildlife Art Workshop
Saturday, November 22, 11am
Thomasville Center for the Arts | Ticketed event
$125 for Members/$150 for Non-Members
Creative Covey Floral Workshop
Sunday, November 23, 1pm
Thomasville Center for the Arts | Ticketed event
$125 for Members/$150 for Non-Members
Beguiled by the Wild | Youth Art Workshops (Ages 5 - 17)
Saturday, November 22, 11am & 1pm
Sunday, November 23, 1pm & 3pm
Thomasville Center for the Arts | Ticketed event
Free for Members/$10 for Non-Members
Land + Lore Speaker Series
Saturday, November 22, Times TBA
Sunday, November 23, Times TBA
Thomasville Center for the Arts | Free entry
Junior Art Competition
Saturday, November 22, 10am – 4pm
Sunday, November 23, Noon – 4pm
Thomasville Center for the Arts | Free entry
Youth Wildlife Walkabout Stations
Saturday, November 22, 10am – 4pm
Sunday, November 23, Noon – 4pm
Thomasville Center for the Arts | Free entry
The festival has become the center’s most important fundraiser and continues to grow and evolve as it responds to the community’s ideas and suggestions. “We add or merge events from time to time,” says Bell. “Some components have come and gone, but we’re always looking to keep things fresh. The generous support of our underwriters, along with our volunteers, helps us do that.”
Brooks enjoys the intimacy of the event’s smaller scale, which allows for deeper connections and friendships to form, all while encouraging the next generation of wildlife and sporting artists. “The show has always stayed true to its original mission. I hope in the future they just continue what they’re doing—giving artists exposure and raising the funds they need to keep the center going.”
With its revitalized downtown, inspiring surroundings, and thriving artistic community in its own right, Thomasville has been well-positioned to host the festival from the start, just as Bindhardt and Crozer knew it would be. As it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, it’s as vibrant and engaging as ever.
Thirty years ago, Margo Bindhardt and Bob Crozer were the visionary pair that launched the Wildlife Arts Festival.
Cultural EVENT
“I’ve been working in the arts for over 20 years,” says Bell. “What blows me away about this show is the caliber of artists it attracts. To be in a small town and experience this level of artistry is truly unique. It’s become one of the best in the country, and it’s right here in our own backyard.” TM
thomasvillearts.org/wildlife-arts-festival
Enjoy our lakeside dining!
Family Style Buffet Restaurant
Enjoy fresh country cooking served buffet style daily in a casual family friendly atmosphere.
Rotating menu features 10-plus meats, 20-plus vegetables, a 70-item salad bar, and over 20 varieties of fresh baked desserts, served every day.
14815 US Hwy 19 S., Ste 100 Thomasville (229) 227-0622
SAVE THE DATE
Georgia Trust Fall Ramble
Photos by Georgia Photography Fanatic
More than 60 historic homes and sites in Valdosta and Quitman will be open for tours during the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Fall Ramble on Oct. 10-12. The event will offer visitors and residents alike a rare opportunity to explore private homes not usually open to the public and go behind the scenes of historically significant sites.
Friday’s Ramble will feature historic residences and buildings in Valdosta’s Commercial Historic District, Fairview Historic District and North Patterson Street Historic District — all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Among the featured sites is the beautifully restored boyhood home of Doc Holliday, the infamous dentist-turnedgunslinger of the American Wild West.
Saturday’s Ramble will highlight homes and sites in Valdosta’s Brookwood North and Millpond neighborhoods, while Sunday’s Ramble will give ‘Ramblers’ an opportunity to explore architectural treasures in the Quitman Historic District — one of Georgia’s largest per capita — where guests will discover an expansive array of late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture.
The Ramble also includes special dining experiences held at historic sites throughout the weekend. A wide variety of registration options are available. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit GeorgiaTrust.org.
September 20
Musical Performance
TEF presents the Georgia Players Guild’s “Sounds of Georgia,” including blues, soul, rock and gospel from the state’s native-born singers and songwriters. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a day of music, food and family activities. FREE! 1:30pm, Paradise Park, South Broad Street
September 27
Thomasville Fall Fest
A full day of fun, families can enjoy shopping from local vendors and small businesses, savor bites from food trucks, and soak in live music and entertainment. 9am-3pm. Deep South Fairgrounds
October 2
Crate-to-Plate
Join the Thomasville History Center for their annual Crate-to-Plate event. Reserve your crate (serves 2), including a hot, ready-to-eat meal from local vendors, one bottle of wine, and a few surprises! Take your crate home to enjoy or dine on the grounds of the history center. For info, visit thomasvillehistory.org.
October 3
First Friday Sip & Shop
Enjoy dinner, grab a beer or wine from your favorite downtown restaurant or venue, and shop ‘til you drop. Participating shops will have extended hours, with many bars and restaurants open until 10pm. Live music at the amphitheater begins at 8pm.
October 25 5k Event
The Quail Trail 5k is a hilly 5,000-meter cross country course throughout the beautiful grounds and woodlands of Pebble Hill Plantation. USA Track and Field certification of this course is currently in progress. Visit pebblehill.com for the link to register.
Elevate Artisan Market
Shop hundreds of artists from across the Southeastern states at this outdoor event, including painters, potters, jewelry makers, carvers, small-batch food artists and more. $5 per car. 10am-3pm, 644 Hall Road, Cairo. For more info, visit elevateartisanmarket.com.
Thomasville Brewfest
Beer tasting festival at the fairgrounds to benefit Thomasville Street Feed, a nonprofit providing meals to those in need. 11am-4pm. Must be 21. For tickets, visit the event’s FB page.
October 25 & November 1
Cemetery Tours
Tiptoe Through the Tombstones on a Historic Cemetery Tour with the Thomasville History Center. 5pm. For details, visit thomasvillehistory.org.
November 4
Annual Chicken Pilau Dinner
Prepared and served on the grounds, this traditional Southern supper supports the museum’s programs and preservation. Eat-in or take-out. 4:30-7pm, Thomas County Museum of History, 725 N. Dawson St.; 229-226-7664; history@rose.net
November 6-8
Southern Game Fair
Hosted by Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear & Apparel. Cocktail party, clay shooting, wagon tours at Tall Timbers and more. Proceeds from the event benefit Tall Timbers Research. For info and tickets, visit kevinscatalog.com.
November 7
First Friday Sip & Shop
Enjoy dinner, grab a beer or wine from your favorite downtown restaurant or venue, and shop ‘til you drop. Participating shops will have extended hours, with many bars and restaurants open until 10pm. Live music at the amphitheater begins at 8pm.
ENJOY FALL EVENTS
November 15, 22 & 28-29
JoNina Farm Clip n Sip
Ride a farm wagon up to the grove and clip your own citrus fruit. Then sip fresh juices while enjoying ice cream, family games and old tractors. Citrus trees and citrus products available for purchase and nationwide shipping. 2501 Malloy Road Ochlocknee, GA; 229-234-2797; georgiagrowncitrus.com
November 21
Art in the Wild Observe skilled wildlife artists in action, creating masterpieces en plein air amidst the breathtaking surroundings of Pebble Hill Plantation. Visitors pay PHP general grounds admission fees at Visitors’ Center - $10/person. 10am to noon. Pebblehill.com
November 23
Holiday Open House
Visit Downtown Thomasville for some holiday shopping and dining, on-street entertainment and fantastic sales. You can also grab a beer or wine from a participating merchant to sip while you shop. 1-5pm. For info, call 229-227-4136.
November 28
Small Business Saturday
Support Thomasville shops and restaurants and play a key role in helping our small businesses thrive. This national event is traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so explore all of Thomasville, and show your support for small businesses.
Gentian Creek Preserve
Gentian Creek Preserve’s staff biologists Reena Coppola and Shelley Nicholls led a nature excursion for children participating in Camp Dawson at the Thomasville History Center this summer. Photos by History Center and Gentian Creek staff
Care That Moves You.
