Top 8 Things to Do in Thomson,GA

McDuffie Museum
121 Main St. Thomson, GA

 

The mission of McDuffie Museum is to instill in the residents of McDuffie County, especially its youth, an understanding of their heritage and sense of pride in the history of their community. The McDuffie Museum’s programs, exhibits and activities advance and promote public knowledge and appreciation of McDuffie County’s heritage and the importance of a local history museum in general.

In January 2009, McDuffie Museum opened its doors on Thomson’s Main Street with “Key Ingredients: America by Food,” an exhibit that came from the Museums on Main Street division of the Smithsonian Institute. Since then, McDuffie Museum has hosted several other exciting exhibits, the most important telling the story about McDuffie County’s history, including its first inhabitants — Native American tribes — its lost Quaker colony of Wrightsboro, and its residents that played major roles in the nation’s history.

 

Aunt Tique & Uncle Junks
210 First Ave Thomson, GA

Always a bargain to be found – old new, antique and eclectic. If you like old and rustic, and country-themed, this is definitely your place! Be your own “American Picker” and forage through the treasures!

Wrightsboro Church
The Wrightsboro Methodist Church is located on a small hill in a fascinating historic setting.  On this site in 1754, Edmund Grey, founded the Quaker town of Brandon.  At this time, the area would have been inhabited by Native Americans and not open to legal settlement.  In 1768, following the Treaty of Augusta which ceded this land to the swelling tide of European settlers, forty thousand acres of land was given to Joseph Mattock and Jonathan Sell by Royal Governor James Wright, who were also Quakers.  A thousand acres of this land was set aside for the Town Proper, which was later incorporated as the city of Wrightsboro in 1799.  The first meeting house would have been constructed at about this time, and some records show that two buildings were built and burned before the church now standing was constructed.

The Wrightsboro Methodist Church of the Thomson Circuit, on the site of the now dead town of Wrightsboro, has been an active organization for over 200 years. In its historic churchyard are buried several veterans of the Revolutionary War and some who died at Gettysburg, Shiloh and Fredericksburg in the War Between the States. The founders of some of the oldest and most prominent Georgia families are buried here.

MAC on Main Art
107 Main St Thomson, GA

MAC on Main Art Gallery and Studio showcases the best local and regional art in a restored gallery and studio located in the the heart of downtown Thomson. Meet the artists at work!

 

Laura Lane’s Home Decor & Gifts
117 Naussau Place Thomson, GA

Laura Lane’s Home Decor and Gifts offers home furnishings, accessories, gift baskets and more. This place has great finds but is also one of the only places in Thomson to get Chinaberry Foods products, including their signature cheese straws. Lots of other great finds, as well.

Peacock Hill & The Frame Gallery at Peacock Hill

Shop for the latest in seasonal decor and gifts at this local gift shop and interiors boutique. The Frame Gallery – located inside Peacock Hill – offers custom framing and prints by local artists, including watercolor prints of Thomson heritage sites like the Rock House.

This post is sponsored by Thomson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

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Foodie Down South: Roswell, Georgia

Roswell is a true “foodies” destination. From continental cuisine, down-home cooking, southern BBQ, cozy tea rooms, sidewalk cafes and elegant dining, a culinary experience awaits you.

 

1920 Tavern
948 Canton St. Roswell, GA

This casual neighborhood eatery focuses on classic dishes with a modern twist and an impressive bar program boasting both classic and updated cocktails. 1920 Tavern’s refined but approachable cuisine showcases an array of fresh greens, savory starters, market-fresh sea fare and enchanting entrees.

Hola Taqueria & Bar
688 Halcomb Bridge  Rd. Roswell, GA

Looking for a great night of food and friends?  Our Mexican bar and grill features all your favorite fare prepared with an urban flair for a one of a kind flavor that will bring you back for more.  Our outdoor patio, bar, and lounge offers you the opportunity to kick back with friends and enjoy some cervezas while our dining room provides a social environment that complements our urban-inspired Mexican food.  Fresh flavors spice up familiar favorites like lamb tacos for lunch and dinner, while regular drink specials and live music accompany your meal on select evenings.

 

Adele’s on Canton
1169 Canton St Roswell, GA

New Orleans restaurant serving Louisiana seafood and traditional dishes. This cozy niche at the end of Canton Street is the perfect spot to get your Cajun creole fix. Start your day with crawfish gravy biscuits or shrimp and grits, complimented by an endless pot of chicory coffee. There motto is “come hungry, leave happy.” We like it.

Aqua Blue Restaurant
1564 Halcomb Bridge Rd. Roswell, GA

Offering world-class hospitality with a neighborhood feel, along with blue ribbon sushi, mouth-watering seafood and steaks. Residing in the ever growing Roswell restaurant scene with a style and elegance of its own. Plush contemporary atmosphere, global cuisine, expansive menu to excite the palate. Banquet facilities are great for large events holding up to 300 guests. Offering an extensive buffet menu with dishes to suit any taste.

Bistro VG
70 W Crossville Rd. Roswell, GA

A hip, sexy remake of Van Gogh’s restaurant and bar. Bistro VG offers sophisticated cuisine in a modern and chic atmosphere creating a perfect suburban dining spot.

Slopes BBQ Inc
34 Crossville Rd Roswell, GA

Voted Roswell’s best BBQ. Chopped pork, chicken, ribs, Brunswick stew like grandpa made. Homemade cobblers and more. Locally owned and operated.

 

Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee House
352 S Atlanta St. Roswell, GA

A warm welcome awaits you at Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee House in Historic Roswell, GA! Find the highest quality here. Coffee is served by french press, chemex, drip and manual pour overs. Skilled baristas will pour latte art in your cup. Come see and taste the difference.

This post is sponsored by Palmer Dodge Georgia.

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What’s in Your Ranch?

This is a sponsored post. Though I was compensated for my time, all opinions are my own.

As you all know I have started on a mission to not only lose weight, but eat healthy. You would think that the two are one in the same, however, there were a lot of things I didn’t know when I first started my weight loss journey. Counting calories may do it for you in terms of weight loss – but what about the nutrients your body needs? What about all the other ‘junk’ you’re constantly putting in your body thinking that you are making a healthy eating decision?

One of my favorite ‘go-to-diet’ foods have always been salads. Throw some protein on it (my favorite is steak) add some veggies and maybe some sunflower seeds and of course gobs of ranch dressing. I mean the dressing is what really makes the salad right?

Before when picking the dressing I’d of course go by taste first – then I would look at the calorie content. Keeping myself under my daily calorie goal at the time was my only objective and I didn’t notice (or think to look) about the other ingredients. When you really start looking you’ll notice most brands are full of sugar, preservatives and artificial ingredients – yuck! I learned quick that just because it was low calorie or even low fat, didn’t mean that it was going to be good for me by any means; in fact, it was probably worse than the full fat/higher calorie alternatives.

So during my research I was introduced to Tessemae’s Creamy Ranch dressing and I was immediately impressed. Made with only clean, simple, real ingredients Tessemae’s knocked the socks of the competitors.
Not only is it sugar free- but its dairy free, gluten free, verified GMO free and Whole30 and Kosher approved.

 Tessemae’s makes 25 different dressings, marinades and condiments – and they use real, whole sourced food ingredients and are USDA organic – and available at Kroger.

I love that they have individual sizes – this makes packing lunches for me (or for the kiddos) a whole lot easier!
Check out your local Kroger for Tessemae’s products, and try it for yourself!

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What Not to Miss in Canoga Park, CA

Anytime you travel to California the list of ‘things to do’  can be a bit overwhelming! Everywhere you go there are tons to look at, do, and just take in! But there are a few things that I think anyone traveling to Canoga Park just shouldn’t miss – well there’s quite a bit, but these are my top favorites!

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Guests will explore the outdoor sets and soundstages used to create productions like Gilmore Girls, The Big Bang Theory, and Argo. Each tour includes exclusive access to original props, costumes, picture cars, and sets used from Batman to Friends. Additionally, studio tour guest will stop at the DC Universe: The Exhibit, the real Central perk set, the original Batmobiles, and so much more! Visit the best studio tour in LA and interact with all the magic of filmmaking!

Jetboy Helicopter Tours

Take a ride in the #1 helicopter tour company in the area – they offer all types of tours including the romance packages to  make your flight truly memorable for you and your special guest. Enjoy a private encounter for two, Champagne, French pastries, red roses, great music…the helicopters are air conditioned with leather seats and whisper quiet headsets to make your tour as luxurious and as comfortable as possible.

Malibu Wine Safaris
Explore the 1,000 acre Saddlerock Ranch and vineyard in Malibu. Your trusty guide and driver team will lead the adventure on custom-built open-air Safari vehicles. You’ll make stops along the way to take in the scenery, taste local wines, and get up close and personal with animals you never knew were Angelinos too: zebras, camels, alpacas, bison, and even Stanley the Giraffe.

Haunted Santa Monica Ghosts Tours

The premier walking ghost tour of Santa Monica’s historic pier and the bluffs that overlook Santa Monica Bay. Be sure to make a reservation!

Marina Del Rey Sportfishing
13552 Fiji Way Marina Del Rey, CA

Ideally located in Marina del Rey, California, our U.S. Coast Guard Licensed vessels offer a variety of Los Angeles fishing trips for beginners and pros alike. Daily open party and private fishing charters and seasonal whale watching. Marina del Rey Sportfishing has the right fishing trip for individuals and groups alike.

Cave of Munits
24501 W Vanowen St West Hills, CA

Are you looking for a hike that’s an action-packed adventure? Rarely does a 2.1-mile loop offer as much excitement as this hike to the Cave of Munits and Castle Peak. You’ll start with a gradual warm up across El Escorpion Park to Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve, where you’ll find a fun vertical cave just begging to be explored. You won’t need any ropes or gear to get through the cave, just an adventurous spirit that will lead you out the top of the cave to a tough off-trail ascent to Castle Peak, a panoramic summit towering over the west end of the San Fernando Valley. The loop closes with a swift descent from the crown of jumbled rocks.

This post is sponsored by West Valley Chrysler Jeep.

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Top 5 Restaurants Not to Miss in Norco, CA

Every time my family has planned a trip, I’ve scoured the internet for the best (and sometimes unknown) restaurants in the area. I mean, a girl has’ gotta’ eat right? I’ve found some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in family-owned restaurants, or even little hole-in-the-wall bar and grills. Norco California was no different, and there’s a ton of places you don’t want to miss!

 

Deep Sea Fish Grill
140 Hidden Valley Parkway Norco, CA

A popular family-owned restaurant with quality food with phenomenal taste and reasonable prices. The food has some Asian and Mexican influences, as compared to the traditional places.  These influences are evident by the other condiments provided, such as Tapatio and Sriracha and some of their dishes.  They serve Tempura style shrimp and Panko chicken, and Tofu Tacos. The restaurant uses Swai, a fish from Southeast Asia.  It’s a great fish choice for their nicely battered fish, as the outcome is moist, not dry and flaky. . Their Sweet Potato fries are phenomenal and their rice is pleasantly unusual, a combination of rice, garlic and coconut milk.

Their Fish Tacos tortillas overflows with fish and are served with great tasting beans, cream coleslaw and tomatoes. They offer many choices for those who want to stick to their paleo or zone diets – which is a huge plus!

Flavourful
2200 Hamner Ave Norco, CA

Though not really a restaurant (you can pick up a quick lunch or dinner here), Flavourful is the best drink shop in town;coffee, tea, smoothies, and BOBA! Tthey are willing to work up any flavor combination you desire and will recommend something if you aren’t sure.The smoothies seem to be the favorite amongst the locals – and I have to agree. The avocado smoothie is delish – mushed, buttery avocados with sugar, vanilla, and cream is something you must try before you write it off! Check them out!

Crazy Brothers Sushi
3699 Hamner Ave Norco, CA

These brothers may be a little crazy, but they make some killer sushi! Don’t let the small building fool you – inside is some of the best sushi you will ever taste. Between the purple rice (yes, I said purple) and the Death Valley Roll that comes out ON FIRE – this is definitely a must go spot for any sushi lover.

Rodeo Cafe
847 Sixth St Norco, CA

This small quaint old west cafe might surprise you – delicious food with huge portions (say hello doggy bag) and for lack of a better word – CHEAP! Eating here with a family of 4 for my family was cheaper than a trip to McDonalds. They have a great lunch and dinner menu, but I’d suggest giving their breakfast a try. (Trust me, eat breakfast or brunch here – you definitely won’t need lunch or maybe even dinner!) Eggs Rodeo is a must try… perfectly poached eggs on top of steak and an English muffin topped w/ hollandaise sauce!

Badlands BBQ
120 Hidden Valley Parkway

If u like slow and low cooked BBQ this is probably the best spot for brisket and pulled pork – their jalapeno mac n cheese is to die for and the corn on the cob was roasted to perfection. They have a great kids menu which includes sliders and fries, which have HUGE portions even my 12 yr old who usually orders off the adult menu was able to enjoy the kids menu this time around. They also have a delish smokehouse salad for anyone who is on a paleo friendly diet.

This post is sponsored by Browning Dodge, Chrysler Jeep Ram.

 

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