Stock Up: Three Things You Need for Your Gulf Vacation

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Credit: C. W. Cameron

Credit: C. W. Cameron

You’re on the road to a beach vacation in Destin, Panama City and other points south. You need a break on the road and you’re in the mood for a tasty treat. We’ve got you covered. (P.S. A Gulf vacation is just a dream this year? These treats are just as delicious right here in town.)

Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese in Thomasville

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Credit: C. W. Cameron

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Credit: C. W. Cameron

We are crazy for the cheeses of Thomasville's Sweet Grass Dairy . The creamery's been around since 2000 and their cheeses have won more awards than you can shake a stick at. We love, love, love Green Hill, their Camembert-style cow's milk cheese. It's buttery, it's luscious and it spreads perfectly on your favorite bread whether baguette or whole wheat levain. It's only one of six delicious cheeses the creamery makes including pimento cheese, Griffin, Thomasville Tomme, Asher Blue and Lil' Moo. There are often seasonal cheeses as well. $12.50 per 7.5-ounce round at sweetgrassdairy.com. You can purchase Green Hill in Atlanta at many places including the Buford Highway Farmers Market, Alon's Bakery & Market, Star Provisions, Whole Foods and Kroger locations with a Murray's kiosk. But for the full experience, stop at their retail shop in Thomasville - Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop, 123 S. Broad Street, Thomasville. 229-228-6704.

Dillon Pecan Rolls in Boston

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Credit: C. W. Cameron

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Credit: C. W. Cameron

For those of us of a certain age, family vacations punctuated with stops at Stuckey's for their famous pecan logs are a fond memory. Turns out pecan logs aren't only a Stuckey's tradition. They've been made by many folks including almost 100-year-old Dillon Candy Company. The Dillon pecan rolls start with a fluffy nougat center and a coating of caramel, then they're hand rolled in chopped pecans. There are also cashew- and peanut-covered rolls as well as a roll with a penuche (brown sugar) filling. The company started in 1918 when George Dillon was making candy in the back of a Brunswick grocery store. Now based in Boston, they're just 13 miles east of Thomasville. $23.95 for a box of 8 2.75-ounce Gourmet Pecan Rolls. You can purchase their candy at the factory store, 19927 Highway 84 E., Boston, 800-382-8338, or contact them for a store in the Atlanta area. dilloncandy.com.

Goodson Pecan Butters in Leesburg

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Credit: C. W. Cameron

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Credit: C. W. Cameron

Drive through southwest Georgia and you can't miss the acres and acres and acres of pecan groves. They may grow a lot of peanuts there, but it's the stately pecan trees that make this landscape different from any other. Goodson Pecans is a family farm in Leesburg, just north of Albany. They offer shelled pecans in halves and in pieces, flavored pecans, chocolate-coated pecans and pecan brittle. And they make pecan butter. The pecan butter comes in a half dozen varieties including creamy and crunchy plain pecan butter, pecan butter with honey and, our favorite, Toasted Pecan Fudge Butter. Like any all-natural nut butter, the mixture will separate over time. Just give it a stir and spread it on toast, stir it into energy bites (see their website for a recipe) or use it any way you'd enjoy something like Nutella. $15.99 for a 10-ounce jar. Available at the gift shop at the Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta. Or stop at the retail store in Leesburg, 227 E. Walnut Avenue S., Leesburg. 229-759-4008.  goodsonpecans.com.

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