Welcome to The Orchards Gourmet Nuts, Candies, and Gifts, LLC, where all things are Southern. Soulful. Splendid. Superb.!  Over the last six years, we have been bringing you glorious gift baskets, nature's best nuts, and the finest classic confections on the market.  Whether you have been a Fran's Gifts To Go customer or a client of Harrell Farms, we can assure you that these pages contain all of the gourmet items that you have come to know and love! If you are new to our company, then rest assured that you, your family, and friends will fall in love with our products at first bite!

Just to give you all a little background into how we got started, here's the condensed version of our story. . .Our original business, Atwell Pecan Company was founded in 1935 in the small rural town of Wrens, Georgia.  It is still located within 100 yards of its original location. We, Jerry and Susan Dowdy, have owned and operated Atwell Pecan Company, Inc. for over 35 years, and before that, Susan's father was in the pecan business for all of her life.  This family operation has expanded over the years to include not only a pecan shelling facility but also over 500 acres of pecan orchards in two nearby counties.  In 1989, the shelling plant was expanded to include Thames Pecan Company, which wholesales pecans and other nuts under the Azalea Brand label.  Additionally, these two companies market almonds, walnuts, cashews, and mixed nuts.  Six years ago, we acquired Fran's Gifts To Go, and two years later, Harrell Farms was purchased.  In September of 2007, we finished construction of our state of the art candy kitchen--where we make many of the delectable confections contained within these pages--and retail showroom, The Orchards Gourmet Nuts, Candies, and Gifts, LLC., right next to the existing shelling facility in Wrens, Georgia.  

Our companies are all steeped in family tradition, with both of our children, Dalton and Sue-anna, working for the companies. Sue-anna, is the creative director for the catalogs and the retail showroom.  (Be sure to check out the recipes and party tips that Sue-anna has created to include in the catalog!)  

The family tradition doesn't stop there, however.  When the business was expanded to include making confections, family members of several of Atwell's long-time employees came to work in the candy kitchen.  That's why it is so important to us to help you build lasting traditions for your family!  We want your family to await in anticipation each year for the arrival of The Orchards. . .catalog--just as Dalton and Sue-anna awaited the arrival of their favorite gourmet holiday catalog when they were younger.  

The holiday season is such an exciting time of year, and choosing treats, gifts, and goodies should be an activity that the whole family enjoys. So, no matter what your needs--raw nuts, Southern candies and confections, gift baskets, or party trays--The Orchards Gourmet Nuts, Candies, and Gifts, LLC. is sure to be a fit!  Just give us a call at (800)841-4350, fax us at (866)476-6887, or order right here online.   And as always, our friendly customer service staff is happy to assist you in choosing the right Southern. Soulful. Splendid. Superb. gift!  Place your order today.

Sincerely, Jerry and Susan Dowdy, their family and staff