West Point, GA

Our 2024 trip was winding down, but we couldn’t resist stopping at R. Shaefer Heard COE to enjoy the peaceful serenity this place brings us. We got our favorite spot overlooking the lake, where we watched the water sparkle like diamonds and the colors of a glorious sunset. Before reaching this destination, we had two interesting Harvest Host stops.

Landry’s Vineyard (West Monroe, LA)—This Harvest Host was great fun. The wine was good, but the best part was Saturday night. Musical entertainment is offered each Saturday, and the band had many people on the dance floor. Tours of the wintery were given on golf carts, and the crowd it drew was terrific. We met a wonderful couple and the night flew by. The owners of this establishment provided an environment much like a family gathering. This is a must-stop if you are in the vicinity.

Simmons Wright Co & Cafe. (Toomsuba, MS) This stop was interesting. The general store has been in the family since the 1800s. Upon entering, it brings you back to an era of simplicity. This store was once a one-stop shop, where local folk gathered and shared conversation. While eating breakfast, we met a local couple and started a conversation. The woman knitted and graciously gave me a knitted dishcloth for washing dishes. Such hospitality. Visiting this store is a must if you want to stroll down memory lane. “It had a blacksmith shop where everyone could come and bring their horses because that was the only means of transportation, and then behind here, we had a smaller blacksmith’s shop for the store, and they had a gristmill to grind the corn and a cotton gin to process the cotton,” said Gary Pickett, store owner. Today, it’s a two-story building filled with genuine products, such as shoes from the 1800s, still in their original boxes, covered with years of accumulated dust. The lot across the store is where Harvest Host members stay. There is plenty of room for big rigs. The only downside is the railroad tracks are literally across the road.

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