Local

From peach farms to local theater, explore 3 stories about Middle Georgia’s unique character

Stories by Macon Telegraph journalists, with AI summarization

Middle Georgia’s character shines in its local culture. Lane Southern Orchards in Fort Valley attracts visitors with peach-picking, homemade desserts in the Peachtree Cafe, and a glass-walled view of the busy peach-packing process. In Forsyth, Treats with Lenise invites guests to sample pastries with Latin and French flair, creating a cozy spot for conversation and community.

Theatre Macon strengthens downtown through diverse live shows, offering space for connection and growth for both adults and youth. These stories reveal how food, community gatherings, and the arts help define Middle Georgia’s unique spirit.

Lane Southern Orchards employee Brooks Lawless places boxes of peaches in a cart at Lane Southern Orchards on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Fort Valley, Georgia. Lane Southern Orchards serves 300,000 visitors a year with peaches as the roadside stop’s main attraction. By Katie Tucker/The Telegraph

NO. 1: GA’S LARGEST PEACH GROWER SERVES 300K VISITORS ANNUALLY, IS DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MACON

The farm has been serving Middle Georgia for 115 years. Now it also serves the rest of the eastern seaboard | Published July 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ava Chatlosh

Theatre Macon, located on 438 Cherry St. was founded in 1986 by Jim Crisp Jr. By Megan Jackson/Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism

NO. 2: THEATRE MACON BUILDS COMMUNITY, SKILLS, AND CONNECTION THROUGH LIVE PERFORMANCES

For nearly 40 years, Theatre Macon has fostered community, taught life skills, and kept live performance alive in Middle Georgia. | Published December 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Megan Jackson

A sitting area sits inside of Treats with Lenise on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in downtown Forsyth, Georgia. The bakery, which started in 2023 as a catering business, plans to open its doors on Friday for Valentine’s Day. By Katie Tucker/The Telegraph

NO. 3: VIBRANT NEW ‘PASTRY PARLOR’ OFFERS LATIN & FRENCH FLARE IN FORSYTH. HERE’S A LOOK INSIDE

“I love incorporating my Puerto Rican heritage into every creation, so guests leave with new pastry experiences,” the owner said. | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chelsea Madden

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.