What local business makes you the most nostalgic about Woodstock?

Places change, memories don’t. Throughout Woodstock and around Georgia, businesses are slowly beginning to reopen this week in the wake of Covid-19.  As we look toward the future and the road ahead, now is an ideal time to reflect on where we’ve been.

This week we went into our archives and put together a collection of responses to the question, “What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Woodstock?” The answers range from personal stories about current businesses to memories of Woodstock eras gone by.

In the weeks and months ahead, Woodstock businesses will have much to endure and our support is vital. Supporting local businesses can bring us closer together and serve as a reminder that it’s more than business that moves us, it’s the people and experiences that make this place home.

Each response is just a sliver of an in-depth interview and we encourage you to get to know these “faces” better by clicking their name and following the link to their page. These are neighbors dedicated to continuing Woodstock’s legacy forward; “a city unexpected” willing to meet any challenge on the way to brighter days. We hope you enjoy learning more about Woodstock through the eyes of our neighbors and that you will share your own stories with us in the comments as well!

What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Woodstock?

 

Juanita Hughes

“The Woodstock Visitors Center at Historic Dean’s Store, which is as much a part of my story as my own home! I also get sentimental about Morgan’s Ace HardwareEdwards Tire Sales, and the Woodstock Funeral Home. These three businesses were well established when we moved here in 1965, and they are still operating today. Mike Morgan’s parents were our neighbors. We loved them very much. I am always thrilled when one of our historic homes escapes demolition and becomes a thriving business.”

 

Rick Meekins

“I went to The Wright Stuff with all the records and comic books on Main Street, and I had like an hour-long conversation with Tom, the owner, which was awesome. I’ve enjoyed watching downtown and its rebirth over these past few years.”

 

Anna Daily

Anna Daily- Photo by One Love Photography

“I was remembering how back in ’98 when we first moved to Woodstock, the downtown area had the caboose and the building next to it was a train depot and museum. My oldest son loved to watch the little model trains there.”

 

John Little

“There used to be a restaurant years and years ago, maybe in the ’70s or the ’80s?  It was on the corner of 92 and Main Street.  Right now, the Exxon station and the Car Corner dealership are there.  My mom’s aunt (my great aunt) worked there.  That’s how long we’ve been entrenched in Woodstock.  That place was always a spot to go eat, and it was called ‘The Old Dixie Inn.’  It kind of sat caddy-corner from the Burger Inn that’s still there today.  I still stop in there for breakfast sometimes.  Those two places bring back memories.”

 

Dayana Cagle

“Every fall I meet up with my best friend from Chicago and we take a road trip somewhere new (this year we are “cheesing” our way through Wisconsin”). I take along a whole Brown Sugar Chess pie from Pie Bar and we eat some of it at every meal. So while I’m on the trip it reminds me of home, but when I’m in Pie Bar anytime throughout the year it reminds me of all my adventures with my travel buddy!”

 

Harry & Leticia Hutchins

Harry: “One that’s no longer around is a place that we went to when we were dating back six or seven years ago called Firestone. That was a big date night spot for us. Now that I’m over 21, I spend a lot of time at Reformation Brewery.”

Leticia: “Same, when you think of Woodstock, you think of Reformation. They are just so community-focused. They are a big inspiration for us!”

 

Shannon Murphy

“What happened to Hot Dog Heaven?! Let’s bring that back! More seriously, sometimes I feel like it’s hard to connect with Woodstock personally, but I try not to hang my hopes on that. Things that take me back are people like Debbie– she’s got experience, she’s deeply connected with Georgia and Atlanta, she’s got so many stories, and she’s so sincere. So truly ‘the things that take me back’ in Woodstock are the people, not specific places.”

 

Betsy Khuri

“The arts are so important to me, and I love the people over at Elm Street. I think they have great priorities. They’re doing a lot to develop our city artistically, and I think they’re always open to new ideas. It’s a happy place where all people are accepted.”

 

 

Christopher Brazelton

“I think what makes Woodstock different is the camaraderie. It’s not that business gets done, it’s that we are doing business together. When people come to Woodstock, we all win.”

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Seliski, Phox Realty Group, LLCwould love your Faces nominations.

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