Tonight was a good night in Waycross. At least for the other 10 people that seemed to know that. Lamar and I went to an African-American Art exhibit at the Okefenokee Heritage Center. Quite a cultural treat, wouldn’t you think? A local artist, Houston Cooper, had his works on display, amazing talent that I had not previously been aware of. There was another group by an artist known in the days of the Harlem Renaissance, Elton Fax, from the collection of a local woman. His work included an introduction by the actress Ruby Dee. Total attendance? Approximately 5, primarily staunch supporters of the OHC.
Following that, we went to have a lovely Valentine’s Day dinner at Plant Café. Scott Wilson, a local musician was in fine form playing and singing a selection of popular songs. The food is great, as well as the service and friendship of Steve and Marla Howell and the best (and nicest) waitress in the Southeast, Leigh Keller. A lot of empty tables there, folks.
I know people love Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Ruby Tuesdays and Applebee’s. But you can find that exact same menu and ambience pretty much anywhere in the country. But Plant Café is one of a kind--and it’s ours--and only found in Waycross, Georgia, your very own hometown. We also have K.D.s Café and The Downtown Sandwich Shop. People flock to see the latest zombie/vampire/teen romance movie, lining up and spending $20 a person for the privilege (and the high-priced popcorn) . That’s all okay too--but Waycross has TWO home grown theater groups: Waycross Area Community Theater and Flying Dragon Arts Center. The Okefenokee Heritage Center is also our heritage, honoring local artists and the history of our own little piece of the world. Strange that I appreciate this, and I’m “not from around here”. We also have a few small boutiques that have an great selection of clothes and accessories not found in malls: “Wild Souls”, La Mystique Boutique” and “Repeat Boutique” are a few of the gems I have found. *
I’ve heard people complain that there’s nothing to do here, nowhere to shop, nowhere good to eat. Local people look forward to a day in Jacksonville or Savannah. They drive 2 hours to wander through overpriced malls, eat at the chain restaurants we don’t have in Waycross, leaving their hard earned money to support another city that will build more malls and be home to more chain restaurants. Then they come home to the town that is hurting for business, jobs and new development.
I’m frustrated because it seems so logical to me. If you support the local businesses and cultural organizations, they will grow. If they grow, our town and our communities will also grow. Win-win, right? Right.
*I am NOT getting paid to advertise any of these businesses mentioned.
Excellent story! A very important point about support of local enterprises. I'd like to also mention Read Me Again Bookstore as a great place to find not just something to read, but coffee and a great atmosphere - a lovely reading area upstairs with wifi. I also can't wait to see Wong's back in business...Paul Tang's service has ruint us for any other Chinese restauarant! Let's indeed celebrate the things that make Waycross special!
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