Whistlin Dixie Celebrates 20 Years in Folkston – By Kelvin Henderson
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Owned and operated by Dixie and Jim McGurn, Whistlin Dixie has been a part of Folkston since 2006. Over the past two decades, the business has become a familiar gathering place for coffee, food, unique gifts, and custom framing, while creating lasting relationships with customers throughout the community. The McGurns’ daughter, Millie, is also part of the Whistlin Dixie family, helping make the business a true family operation. Bessie Godwin, a longtime waitress at the cafe, is another familiar face who has become part of the experience for customers. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Whistlin Dixie hosted a week of specials and surprises from September 8-12. Customers stopped by throughout the week to celebrate the milestone and show their support for the local business. As part of the celebration, the $10 Mrs. Ginny Sandwich was available all week. Daily specials included a turkey and cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and apple-maple bacon jam on Tuesday; a chicken and waffle sandwich with honey mustard on Thursday; and a taco salad on Friday. All specials came with chips, a pickle, a drink, and a cookie. Whistlin Dixie also offered limited-edition 20th anniversary shirts in black and blue jean colors. The shirts featured a “20 Years Brewing” design celebrating the business’s two decades in Charlton County. The anniversary week also featured exclusive deals and other surprises as the business celebrated the customers and community members who have supported Whistlin Dixie throughout the years. When asked what made them open Whistlin Dixie back in 2006, owner Dixie McGurn said she wasn’t a “stay-at-home type” and wanted to do something different in Folkston. The idea sparked after a chance encounter near the old Charlton County Herald office on First Street with Mr. Fred Smith, who operated a framing business out of his garage. After jokingly asking him when he planned to retire and sell the framing shop, a few days later, Mr. Fred called back to confirm, leading them to buy the business and move it directly into town. Having lived in Folkston all their lives, Dixie and Jim consider the town and its people home. Whistlin Dixie was created as a welcoming gathering place where anyone can stop in for ice cream, a soda, soup, a sandwich, a salad, or hot coffee, share stories, and connect with old friends. Above all, the business is built on fostering deep friendships and lasting relationships within their hometown. The McGurns hope the business continues to grow, adapt to what is needed, and constantly improve to remain a welcoming place where everyone can have fun, leave a bad day behind with a smile, and feel loved. For Dixie and Jim McGurn, their family, and longtime staff members such as Millie and Bessie Godwin, the 20th anniversary represents more than simply a business milestone. It is a celebration of relationships, memories, and community connections built over two decades.
