“We are close to Tifton and Valdosta, and even Atlanta, but we are still remote. Our guests come here for different reasons, but they all want to be able to relax and be outdoors.” — Jim Gresham
Discover Live Oak Plantation at www.huntliveoak.com
Nestled among massive oak trees and stately pines, Live Oak Plantation has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts in South Georgia.
Located less than 10 miles off Interstate 75 in Cook County, between Valdosta and Tifton, Jim and Gail Gresham purchased Live Oak Plantation in 2001, with the primary purpose of finding a suitable location to relocate their herd of Angus cattle.
“We had a cattle operation outside of Atlanta, and when that sold we knew we had to move the cattle, so we started looking in South Georgia,” said Jim, who has raised Angus cattle for almost 50 years. “Live Oak not only had land for our cattle but for me, it was the ponds and lakes that are full of bass and bream.”
An avid fisherman, Jim said, “I bought a hunting plantation to go fishing.”
However, as an artist, Gail said she envisioned the plantation as a painter’s paradise.
“Live Oak is a perfect place for plein air artists to come and set up their easels and paint the wildlife and beautiful scenery,” said Gail, who has been involved in art association groups for many years. “We have the wildlife and plenty of outdoor space. We even have a conference center where we can hold painting classes.”
In addition to being the Gresham’s cattle farm and Georgia retreat, Live Oak Plantation is a venue for corporate meetings and family events. They also offer overnight and day packages for quail, deer, and turkey hunting while in season, and fishing and golfing year-round.
Jim and Gail Gresham, owners of Live Oak Plantation
“Quail is our biggest draw and then deer hunting,” Jim said. “Fishing is catch and release, and a professional guide is provided. The guides know where the best spots are and help make sure our guests have a great fishing experience.”
Jim knew when he purchased the plantation that he also wanted to expand its operation as a venue for corporate meetings and family retreats.
“I have always looked at the plantation as a destination,” Jim says, “whether it is for business meetings or a place that families can bring their children to relax and experience the outdoors.”
For corporate guests, Live Oak Plantation has professional conference space, overnight accommodations, and a chef that prepares Southern specialties, as well as custom created menus.
“There is a lot of diversity in what we offer,” Jim said. “The lodging and conference facilities speak for themselves. We have hosted a variety of groups from associations to government.”
The Live Oak Plantation staff can assure business guests have a productive meeting and still have time for hunting, fishing, and golfing.
Mary Westbrook, one of the managers at Live Oak Plantation, said the staff takes pride in creating a unique atmosphere for each guest.
“We are here to accommodate each group, she said. “We have a chef that comes and prepares the meals from fried quail to hand-cut steaks. A lot of guests want the southern staples like shrimp and grits and our homemade desserts are always popular.”
Live Oak Plantation has 3,000 acres of managed wildlife habitat including Georgia whitetail deer and long beard turkeys. Quail hunts include experienced guides to ensure a successful hunt experience. Skeet shooting is also available.
Live Oak Plantation was recently selected to host executives from Grimmway Farms, a California-based company which is the largest grower, producer, and shipper of carrots in the world when they opened a new packaging and warehouse facility in Cook County.
“We arranged not only overnight accommodations but a full day of quail hunting for Grimmway’s people,” Mary said. “Their evening meal was specially prepared using Grimmway’s organic produce and other local products.”
Jim said even though Live Oak is located near a major interstate; it still offers the quiet and tranquility guests expect.
“We are close to Tifton and Valdosta, and even Atlanta, but we are still remote,” Jim said. “Our guests come here for different reasons, but they all want to be able to relax and be outdoors.”
I have had the pleasure of staying at this beautiful lodge it is very relaxing and I can see why artist and hunters would enjoy their stay. Best wishes to owners Jim and Gail