The great American road trip celebrates the joy of travel. Stephanie Stuckey and I met up on two recent road trips to talk about Stuckey’s famous Pecan Log Rolls and her inspiring new book “UnStuck: Rebirth of an American Icon.”
Back in the 1930’s her grandfather began the Stuckey’s business with the idea that every traveler is a friend. Stephanie is now Chair of the company and champions that idea and the brand with grit, grace, and goodness. Road trips, pecans, and a new book … all wonderful ways to embrace life!
GEORGIA ROOTS & ROAD TRIPS
Stuckey’s was founded in Eastman, Georgia, where Stephanie and I both had family roots and fond childhood memories. Some of those memories included picking and shelling pecans to put into all sorts of delicious, sweet treats. On a recent Georgia road trip, I stopped often to photo beautiful scenes of meadows full of colorful flowers. I meandered all along U.S. Highway 221 and stopped to see the Stuckey’s Candy Plant in Wrens, Georgia.
ON A ROLL … OF PECANS
At the Candy Plant in Wrens, you will find plenty of Stuckey’s Original Pecan Log Rolls. The nougat center is mixed with maraschino cherries, dipped in buttery caramel, then hand-rolled in pieces of Georgia pecans. Georgia has consistently been among the top four growers of pecans for about twenty years. Stuckey’s also makes several varieties of pralines, brittle, and chocolate pecans. They are available in boxes, bags, or gift tins.
EXCITING AUGUSTA & NEW BOOK
Augusta is called the Garden City of the South and is best known for the Master’s Golf Tournament and being the birthplace of singer James Brown. This city is full of charm, history, museums, fountains, and fun. In April I went there to meet Stephanie Stuckey in person for the first time. The day began with a gorgeous sunrise. I watched as Stephanie wrote sweet personal notes to folks who got her new book. We had shared emails and phone calls for three years before finally meeting in person to discuss road trips, pecans, and her new book. Here’s a link to the FIRST article I wrote about Stephanie; https://embracesouthernstates.com/smart-plucky-stephanie-stuckey/ .
Before leaving Augusta, I took time to enjoy the Riverwalk and a large variety of ornate clocks and fountains.
THREE MONTHS LATER
Stephanie Stuckey loves road trips. She also enjoys collaborating with other brands. So, it was a pleasant surprise to learn that she would be making a short stop in Tallahassee promoting both the Stuckey’s snacks and the Georgia Peach Truck. In July I watched as the peaches were being unloaded at Tallahassee Nurseries. I enjoyed taking photos on the grounds that cover about ten acres.
Once again Stephanie and I celebrated road trips, pecans, and her new book. She and her partners have brought the Stuckey’s brand back into turning a profit. She has fully embraced both the entrepreneurial journey and the great American road trip. Readers of the new book will be moved and motivated by this unconventional dynamo who has made sure new generations can enjoy Stuckey’s along their own wonderful road trips.
Life is SO good when you EMBRACE road trips, EMBRACE pecans, EMBRACE new books, and EMBRACE Southern States. Two ways to connect with Stuckey’s on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuckeystop/ OR https://www.instagram.com/stuckeys_pecans/ .
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