There are plenty of options for getting a live Christmas tree, but what about one that’s so fresh, it’s still in the ground?

Christmas tree farms will soon be reopening in the Augusta area for the holiday season. Not only do these make for great photo ops, but you can get your lumberjack on and cut the tree down yourself if you’d like. If not, that’s fine, the staff will cut it down for you. Here are four we found opening nearby and what to expect:

Gay’s Christmas Tree Farm

2335 Tobacco Rd, Augusta

Opening 9 a.m. Nov. 22, Gay’s Christmas Tree Farm is growing Murray Cypress and Carolina Sapphire as well as pre-harvested Douglas and Fraser Fir. The prices are the same as last year at about $11 per foot. The farm is open 2 p.m. until dark Monday-Thursday, 2-7 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 p.m. until dark Sundays. For more info, go to gayschristmastreefarm.com.

Still Creek Tree Farm

442 Pine Log Rd, Beech Island, SC

Opening noon Nov. 21, Still Creek Tree Farm has seven different varieties in the Pine and Cyprus families ranging in price from $5 to $10 per foot. They also have imported, fresh-cut Fraser Firs at or below market price. The farm also puts on hayrides and visits with Santa Claus, but you’ll have to stay tuned to their Facebook or Instagram. Still Creek will be open 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and by appointment.

Holiday Newsletter: Get the latest news on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s from Augusta Chronicle

Clarks Hill Christmas Tree Farm

39 Bennie Dorn Rd, Clarks Hill, SC

Opening Nov. 22, Clarks Hill Christmas Tree Farm has a range of trees from Leyland Cypress and Carolina Saphire to Red Cedar and Clemson Greenspire. Those 7-9 feet average about $10 per foot, with higher prices for the bigger trees. The farm will be open 2-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1-5:30 p.m. Sunday. For more info, go to clarkshillchristmastreefarm.com.

Tom Sawyer’s Christmas Trees

402 Uncle Duck Rd, Monetta, SC

Opening 1 p.m. Nov. 23, Tom Sawyer’s Christmas Trees grow several different types of tree like Thuja Green Giant, Blue Ice, and White Pine as well as having Fraser Firs from North Carolina. Prices vary depending on the size and kind of tree you want, but they all generally start at 6 or 7 feet between $50-$80 for all but the Fraser Firs which start at $140. The farm will be marking the beginning of their season with a special blessing of the trees. For more info, go to tomsawyerschristmastrees.com.

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

UPDATE: Ms. Hankerson has been located.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help in locating a missing woman.

73-year-old Marshie Hankerson was last seen on foot, leaving her home on the 3500 block of Jonathan Circle in Apple Valley in Augusta.

Ms. Hankerson was wearing a grey Reebok jogging suit and a long jacket.

Her direction of travel is unknown.

Authorities say Ms. Hankerson has Dementia and may be unaware of her surroundings.

If you have any information on Marshie Hankerson or her whereabouts, please contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080 or 706-821-1020

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center will host a Thanksgiving meal and turkey giveaway on Nov. 23 as local groups work to address food needs.

The non-profit, which marks nine years of operation this month, opens its doors throughout the week to provide food, clothes and hot meals to those in need.

The organization now serves more than 400 families weekly, growing from the 25 families it served when it first opened.

The first 300 people at the Nov. 23 event will receive a turkey to take home.

“We understand that the turkeys are expensive this year because groceries are elevated, and with the shutdown and SNAP benefits being delayed, we still want families to gather that week of Thanksgiving,” said Kellie Newman, executive director of Augusta Dream Center.

The organization is seeking donations to support the event. A $40 donation provides a turkey and fixings for one family. The center also needs winter items and turkey donations.

No registration is required to attend the event on Nov. 23 from 5 to 6 p.m.

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