Rhinehart's Oyster Bar in Augusta

Every Sunday night, I’ll do my best to tell you my most memorable Georgia Made Georgia Grown people, places & products from the previous week.

Since every blogger knows a post has to start with a picture, I’ll start with the coolest eatery discovery we made… and we are probably the VERY LAST GEORGIANS to find Rhinehart’s, since the place was jam-packed at 4pm on a Saturday afternoon.

Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar is just south off the Washington Road exit of I-20 in Augusta. Look for a big flower shop sign on the left, then Rhinehart’s is among the trees at the next gravel driveway.

It was obvious when we walked up to the front door that Florida fish camps up & down the peninsula are green with envy at this place. At Rhinehart’s, everyone writes on the walls and the big ole picnic tables all over the restaurant.  You get a beer or your favorite drink, and order oysters, shrimp, crab legs or a land-locked meat, then flat out enjoy yourself. I had an oyster po’ boy and cole slaw with my Michelob Light. Bill Ronay had a beef & cheese po’ boy and french fries with his Michelob Light.

I’m going back to Rhinehart’s next time I’m in Augusta; and, I’d order the same thing. Remember, the food isn’t calorie free and the casual restaurant isn’t germ free; but oh, oh, oh, it is delicious and extremely relaxing. YUMOLA!

The most wonderful story I heard was an experience Sally Hudson Ross related. Sally & her husband exhibit her magnificent photography at a lot of festivals. Some time ago, they were set up and engaging with visitors in her booth. A lady seemed very interested in Sally’s images, as well as the notion that Sally traveled all over the world to capture them, then came back in one piece to tell about it. They enjoyed good conversation; and, after a while, the lady bought a small piece and moved on.

About a year later, completely out of the blue, the lady called Sally to tell her that conversation had changed her life. Until that day, the lady had been afraid to travel alone to all the places on her Bucket List. After their talk, the lady started traveling and taking her own pictures. She’s since enjoyed photography classes and met all sorts of very interesting people.

When Sally told the lady that she would be showing at Arts in the Heart of Augusta this past weekend, the lady said she would be by to visit her. Friday evening, bottle of red wine in hand, the lady appeared at Sally’s booth.

Sally told me that that lady was why she does shows. It meant the world to her that the lady told Sally how much the conversation meant to her!

"If it's so unique, it has to be Jeanique"

This bracelet is my most awesome Georgia product find of the week. South African-born artist Jeanique Houndsome hand molds a form of acrylic around her own wrist, then paints each piece in an array of rich, vibrant colors. This bracelet is flexible, very light in weight and extremely comfortable. She promises that “It will make you smile every time you wear it, knowing that yours is one of a kind.”

I’d also like to give a shout-out to Southern Belle Farm in McDonough. Thursday evening, the Carters and their energetic, hospitable crew hosted 500 or more of their closest neighbors at Toast to Tourism in Henry County. Anticipating the season opening of their Salute to Bobby Cox and the Braves corn maze, they invited everyone to see the animals, take a hayride, and walk the maze. We all had a grand time. Reading on their Facebook Page, sounds like everyone who came this weekend to the maze had a ball, too!

Southern Belle Farm is opened weekends through November 14. Make plans now to bring the whole family out. You’ll be glad you did!