By Ashley Goss
Road trips – the ideal occasion for rolling down the windows, and soaking up that glorious sun while you make your way down south for a beach vacation. There’s nothing better than spending quality time with family and friends and an old-fashioned road trip is just the trick to catch up on much needed relaxation you’ve been craving. We all know the perfect road trip is never complete without an assortment of tasty snacks and Stripling’s General Store is your one-stop-shop to ensure all of your car ride needs are met.
For over 50 years, Stripling’s has been a favorite to Georgians and south-bound travelers alike. What began as a small-scale “Sausage Kitchen” has now grown into a family-owned and operated full-line grocer. With four retail locations and a USDA Federally Inspected facility, each location is filled with fresh meats, pickles, relishes, mixes, snacks and much more. Although Stripling’s butcher shop is the main attraction, Stripling’s carries a wide variety of your favorite road trip snacks such as cookies, assorted nuts, and, not to mention, Stripling’s famous jerky.
Stripling’s beef and pork jerky beef has been recognized by Food & Wine Magazine as a “Top Ten Test Kitchen Discovery.” Using time-honored techniques, Stripling’s jerky is made from lean cuts of beef that are cut, hung and seasoned by hand before heading off to the smoker. The results? A low-fat mouth-water car ride snack without any artificial flavors, nitrates or MSG. While we favor the “original beef” variety, this jerky comes in mild and hot for those who like a little heat on their meat.
Though road trips are exciting, they can also be exhausting for the one behind the wheel. That’s why Stripling’s offers a large assortment of nuts for a quick pick-me-up and source of protein, too. From praline pecans to chocolate dipped pecans, Stripling’s nuts pack the sweet and salty flavors that you crave on a strenuous trip. Needing a full-blown meal? Stop by the hot bar for ready-made breakfast, lunch and dinner on-the-go.
For those traveling to visit an old friend or family member, what better way to treat your host and convey a special “thank you” than gifting Stripling’s specialty jams and jellies? A traditional southern delicacy, Stripling’s Mayhaw jelly is made with wild Mayhaws found in the swamps of Georgia. Harvested only three weeks out of the year, this jelly’s sweet and tangy flavor pairs perfectly with cheese or warm biscuits, both of which Stripling’s offers a large variety of. Unsure of your recipients’ taste? Select Stripling’s pre-curated jelly gift box. Filled with jars of mayhaw, strawberry, mild pepper jellies and peach preserves, it’s the ultimate way to share the many flavors of the south.
So the next time you’re passing through Georgia or departing for your next big road trip, be sure to stop by a Stripling’s General Store. With locations in Perry, Cordele and Bogart, Stripling’s friendly staff will be there to welcome and assist your every need to ensure your road trip is a southern success.
Ashley Goss
Ashley Goss is a 2001 graduate of UGA with a degree in marketing. She is a third-generation employee of Stripling’s and has been involved with the company full time since 2005.
