Members of the Glad Garden Club of Swainsboro enjoyed a delightful outing on Monday, March 9, with a special visit to Hoopee Homestead Farm Stand, located at 776 Ohoopee Bend, Soperton, Georgia, just off Holton Chapel Road and conveniently accessible from Covena, Palm Beach, and Nunez via Highway 297.
The group was warmly welcomed by Donna Gaddy, who shared the story behind her dream of creating the homestead and farm stand. Guests were treated to delicious Southern Pecan Pie Bites and hot Beard Vet Blueberry Coffee while learning more about the honor-system roadside stand and the many items it offers.
Donna explained that the stand features a wide variety of goods including honey, jams, pickled items, homemade seasonings, fresh eggs from ducks and chickens, sourdough starter kits, and handmade and vintage items, just to name a few. She also shared that she and her husband, Jim, ethically raise pigs and offer pork cuts as part of their homestead products.
Following the farm stand visit, members toured the property’s mini orchard, where Donna pointed out several peach trees, along with plum, cherry, fig, and pear trees, as well as muscadine vines. The group also ventured out to see the farm animals, including Welsh Harlequin ducks, chickens, and Longhorns.
One of the highlights of the visit was a tour of the Kitchen Garden, where Donna shared both her vision for the space and the challenges and successes she has experienced along the way. Her passion for homesteading and growing was evident throughout the tour and was inspiring to all who attended.
After exploring the homestead, members returned to the farm stand to purchase some of the homemade and homegrown goodies. The day concluded with lunch together at D’s Diner in Swainsboro, where the ladies enjoyed fellowship and reflected on a wonderful outing.
It was truly a special day of fellowship, inspiration, and appreciation for all the hard work and heart that goes into homesteading and small farm life.
The Glad Garden Club is a member of the Deep South Region of the National Garden Club, Inc. and the Oleander District of Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.
