Latest news with #Quercus


Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Anaergia S.r.l. to Provide Advanced Technologies for New Anaerobic Digestion Facility in Ostellato, Italy, Being Developed by QGM
TREVIGLIO, Italy & BURLINGTON, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anaergia Inc. ('Anaergia,' the 'Company,' 'we,' or 'our') (TSX: ANRG) (OTCQX: ANRGF) announced today that its subsidiary, Anaergia S.r.l., signed the third contract with an entity owned by QGM S.á.r.l. ('QGM'), a partnership between Quercus Real Assets and Elionia, to develop a new state-of-the-art biomethane production plant in Ostellato, northern Italy. This plant, like the projects for QGM in Copparo and in Derovere, that Anaergia had announced on March 31, 2025, will leverage Anaergia's cutting-edge anaerobic digestion technologies to produce renewable biomethane from various types of agricultural residues, supporting Italy's ongoing commitment to sustainability and decarbonization. This facility will process approximately 47,000 tons per year of agricultural biomass and by-products to produce over 4 million cubic meters of methane annually. Like the other two QGM plants, this plant is also expected to be fully constructed and able to provide renewable biomethane to Italy's gas pipeline grid by mid-2026. Anaergia's total contracted value for this new project exceeds C$22 million. 'This third facility is part of a broader, self-developed, portfolio that QGM has planned to invest in during the next three-to-five years in Italy as part of our organization's sustainability goals and with a view to become a player of reference in the biomethane industry,' said Diego Biasi, Co-Founder and CEO of Quercus, a partner in QGM. 'By adding this third facility to the others previously announced by QGM and Anaergia, we are fully on track to pursue our strategy to build a leading biomethane portfolio in Italy over the next years,' said Danilo Fumarola, CEO and Founder of Elionia, also a partner in QGM. 'This project highlights the constructive relationship between the parties, being the third facility we will build together, and serving as an example of Anaergia's commitment to developing long-term, repeat partnerships,' said Assaf Onn, CEO of Anaergia. Therefore, this project is another example of companies working together to advance sustainable energy solutions, promoting responsible use of agricultural resources, and supporting Europe's broader environmental and decarbonization goals. About Quercus Real Assets Quercus Real Assets Limited is a renewable energy specialist focused on energy transition investments, with offices in London and Dubai. Diego Biasi and Simone Borla founded Quercus by establishing a Luxembourg-based fund which successfully completed over €1bn in gross investments from inception in five different successful strategies. In January 2020, Diego Biasi started to steer Quercus's business in response to the evolution of the energy sector into a more diversified strategic investment approach. Quercus has successfully completed over 40 deals up to date. Since 2010 the strategy of the company has been founded on the belief that the creation of long-term environmental and social capital underpins and strengthens investors' and shareholders' returns. Quercus is committed to developing business opportunities and supporting responsible investments for sustainable income and capital returns while contributing to a carbon-neutral future. For further information, please see: For media enquiries please contact: info@ About Elionia Elionia is an investment vehicle dedicated to renewable energy and is part of a diverse and extensive portfolio managed by a prominent European family office based in Monaco. The portfolio spans multiple asset types, with a notable focus on legacy investments in shipping ( Founded by Danilo Fumarola, Elionia was created with the vision of assembling a global portfolio of assets that are strategically positioned to generate energy from renewable sources. For media enquiries please contact: administration@ About Anaergia Anaergia is a pioneering technology company in the renewable natural gas (RNG) sector, with over 250 patents dedicated to converting organic waste into sustainable solutions such as RNG, fertilizer, and water. We are committed to addressing a significant source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) through cost-effective processes. Our proprietary technologies, combined with our engineering expertise and vast experience in facility design, construction, and operation, position Anaergia as a leader in the RNG industry. With a proven track record of delivering hundreds of innovative projects over the past decade, we are well-equipped to tackle today's critical resource recovery challenges through diverse project delivery methods. As one of the few companies worldwide offering an integrated portfolio of end-to-end solutions, we effectively combine solid waste processing, wastewater treatment, organics recovery, high-efficiency anaerobic digestion, and biomethane production. Additionally, we operate RNG facilities owned by both third parties and Anaergia. This comprehensive approach not only reduces environmental impact but also significantly lowers costs associated with waste and wastewater treatment while mitigating GHG emissions. For further information please see: Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects Anaergia's current expectations regarding future events, including but not limited to, counterparty contractual performance, the capability of the Company's technology and performance with respect to the project objectives, the estimated volume of agricultural biomass and by-products to be treated at the plant, the timing of completion of construction of the plant, and the expected revenues from the project. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to counterparty contractual performance, the full development and funding of construction of the facility, the capability of the Company's technology and performance with respect to the project objectives, and the sufficient sourcing of food waste and power generation. The Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under 'Risk Factors' in the Company's annual information form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and under 'Risks and Uncertainties' in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. Anaergia does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Anaergia's operations or financial results are included in Anaergia's reports on file with Canadian regulatory authorities.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
There's a New All-Inclusive Luxury Resort in a Tiny Town in Georgia—Where Wellness and Food Take Center Stage
This is what it's like to stay at Quercus, the best resort you haven't heard of yet. Before I arrived at Quercus, a resort in the 129-person town of Gay, Georgia, I thought I had a decent idea of what I could expect. I was prepared to compare it to other high-end Southern properties—The Swags and the Old Edwards Inns of the world. I figured it would be thoughtful and well-executed, somewhere I'd feel comfortable recommending even to the most discerning of travelers. While those initial assumptions were accurate, it's difficult, if not impossible, to juxtapose Quercus with any other resort in the South. Yes, the standalone cabins are reminiscent of those at North Carolina's Cataloochee Ranch, and the focus on nourishing guests with farm-fresh ingredients is akin to the ethos of Tennessee's Blackberry Farm. The quality of the linens, the surprise-and-delight moments (like a Hatch sound machine beside the bed), and the number of cozy reading corners are equivalent to those associated with five-star resorts, like Montage Palmetto Bluff or Sea Island. I could even argue that there are elements to the wellness offerings that feel on brand for Miraval Austin. But the truth is, Quercus is unprecedented in identity and presentation. It's a unique concept, one helmed by Chiara Visconti di Modrone and her husband Angelos Pervanas, who are deeply passionate about their roles as stewards of the land and developing a restorative retreat that blends 'traditional ranch culture and Southern hospitality with a European flair.' Together with chef Ryan Smith and Kara Hidinger, owners of Staplehouse, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Atlanta, they've built an all-inclusive resort that left me with a newfound understanding of my health, a deeper appreciation of a good night's sleep, and the realization that there's a difference between relaxation and restoration (though I experienced both during my two-night stay). Located about an hour south of Hartsfield-Jackson, the 3,800-acre property—filled with pecan groves, pastures, forests, and lakes—is rooted in Visconti di Modrone's family history. The land was purchased by her parents, an Italian duke and duchess, in the late 1970s. For the last few decades, it's served as a hunting reserve, a working farm, and a cattle and horse ranch. It wasn't until the pandemic, when Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas began discussing regenerative farming with Hidinger and Smith, that this idea of an overnight retreat began to form. Opened in the fall of 2024, 'the World of Quercus,' composed of four guest cabins, a biodynamic vegetable garden, a farm-to-table restaurant, a restored farmhouse, and endless ways to enjoy the outdoors, is the type of destination that has the ability to shift into whatever type of retreat you need. Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas hope that their guests leave feeling 'nurtured and re-energized, both physically and mentally,' and they've provided multiple ways to achieve that goal. Whether you book a one-on-one holistic wellness consultation with Visconti di Modrone (who also founded the company Intuitas Integrative Wellness), indulge in an in-suite massage, test your hand-eye coordination at a nearby sporting clay course, or enjoy a leisurely lunch on your oversized porch swing prepared fresh by Smith himself, it's impossible to drive away from the property in the same headspace as when you arrived. Read on for my full review of The four residential-style guest cabins, or 'suites,' are impeccably designed for a restful getaway, and touches include circadian lighting, organic mattresses, and wood-burning stoves. Guests can explore the expansive property on foot or by all-terrain golf cart; a ride through the pecan grove at golden hour is a must. Food takes center stage at Quercus, with a dining program steered by chef Ryan Smith and kitchen stocked by the sustainably farmed Rooms With 'Quercus' being the Latin name for 'oak,' it's no surprise to learn that the four guest cabins, ranging from one to two bedrooms, share a nature-inspired naming system. Cypress, Ember, Naya, and Sylva are all designed by Tammy Connor, but there's a shared throughline of bespoke elegance and sheer comfort, accented by books, artwork, and other furnishings and heirlooms owned by the Visconti di Modrone family (some pieces even date back to the Crusades). The cabins are as spacious as they come. Each one is tucked into its own little private nook on the property, which guests access via an all-terrain golf cart; you're basically staying in your own home-away-from-home, as clichéd as the phrase may be. There's an outdoor fireplace and indoor wood-burning stove in the living room with all the necessary materials and tools to light them, a wraparound porch, a kitchenette and dining area, a powder room, a master bedroom outfitted with blackout curtains, and an ensuite bathroom with a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. Every inch of the space, from the organic mattresses to the cupboards stocked with homemade snacks and a selection of herbal teas, anticipates the needs of the guests. The coffee maker comes with detailed instructions, the bath towels are plentiful, and you even get a little pouch of sunscreen and lip balm you can take with you at the end of your stay. There's no TV, but you won't miss it. If you do need to check in with the outside world, there's strong WiFi at your disposal. Food and Drink When asked about their vision for Quercus, Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas mentioned creating a 'high-level culinary experience that nurtures the body.' Chef Smith and Hidinger have brought that idea to fruition, developing an innovative food and beverage program that leverages local ingredients and the fruits of the garden to fuel guests throughout their stay. All meals are included in the nightly rate, and there are a variety of ways to enjoy the delicacies prepared by Smith and his team. Breakfast can be hand-delivered to your suite, and you can opt for a picnic lunch for on-the-go convenience. Don't expect standard eggs-and-bacon or sandwich-and-an-apple combinations, though. Whatever is growing in the garden inspires Smith's menus. And, given the limited number of guests on property at any given time, it feels as if he's whipped up your own personal gourmet spread, all made with any dietary restrictions in mind. You can also choose to take meals or grab an afternoon cocktail inside The Main Cottage, a restored farmhouse complete with a charming library and porch, that sits next to Uberto, Quercus' 30-seat farm-to-table restaurant named after Visconti di Modrone's late father. Uberto's multi-course tasting menus are devised by Smith and offered exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays. The exact makeup of the meal is dynamic, but it's clear Smith has perfected the art of impressing his guests both visually and gustatorily. One dinner at Uberto is included in your stay; other dinners, while not as extravagant, are equally entertaining (and delicious). The signature chef-guided hotpot experience, which I cannot recommend enough, is the perfect introduction to the type of inventive, ingredient-forward cuisine Quercus is adamant on serving. On the night of my arrival, Smith and Hidinger welcomed me to my suite, armed with platters of rice, kimchi, broth, and greens and other vegetables. Activities and Experiences The type of individualized service you can expect from the culinary side of things is also reflected in other areas of the Quercus experience. Ahead of your arrival, you'll receive an email asking you to share your preferences for your itinerary. Available activities include guided fishing or kayaking on the Flint River, an educational tour of the on-site biodynamic farm, rucking (hiking around the property with a weighted backpack), clay shooting, and liberty training with horses. I opted for the latter two, spending one morning maneuvering through the courses at neighboring Big Red Oak Plantation and an afternoon learning the ins and outs of bonding with horses. The activity that had the biggest impact on me, however, was my consultation with Visconti di Modrone. After losing her brother to cancer and her parents soon after, she immersed herself in the world of nutrition and preventative health. The journey led her to develop The Visconti Method, a 12-week program to 'empower women living with the fear of cancer.' She and I spoke about my own health concerns and goals, and we touched on food and sleep and the role they play in wellness, particularly for women. As a travel writer on the road multiple times a month, I find it difficult to eat in-season and prioritize sleep all the time, but with her approachable, actionable advice, I left our session feeling empowered and excited to review my personalized health plan she developed. The Spa Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas are looking forward to 'creating a wellness program that aligns with [their] ways of living off the land,' with plans to begin construction on a separate spa—featuring a sauna, cold plunge, and massage rooms—this coming fall. For now, guests have the option to book an in-suite massage or private yoga session. Accessibility and Sustainability The Main Cottage and Uberto are wheelchair accessible, but the completion of the ADA-compliant suite has been delayed. Sustainability and eco-conscious efforts play a significant role at Quercus. The property mostly uses solar power, and Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas shared with Travel + Leisure, 'all aspects of growing our food and livestock, including compost production, minimizing plastic, and food preparation (where, for example, every component of the plant is used),' are sustainably-minded as well. Family-friendly Offerings Quercus is a 16-and-up property. While there are no teen-specific activities, the team can certainly help design an itinerary that keeps younger guests entertained. Location The small town of Gay is located 3 miles east of the Flint River and about 53 miles south of downtown Atlanta. Outside of Quercus, its main attraction is Towerhouse Farm Brewery, a taproom and biergarten that's just a short walk from the resort. How to Get the Most Value All meals and snacks, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in the suites, and certain activities and gratuities are included in the rate. Check-in is only available Thursday through Sunday, with a minimum stay of one night and a maximum stay of four nights. Keep in mind, Quercus is closed during the summer months, from the beginning of June until early September. Nightly rates at Quercus are $1,350 per person. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Solve the daily Crossword
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Travel + Leisure
5 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
There's a New All-Inclusive Luxury Resort in a Tiny Town in Georgia—Where Wellness and Food Take Center Stage
Before I arrived at Quercus, a resort in the 129-person town of Gay, Georgia, I thought I had a decent idea of what I could expect. I was prepared to compare it to other high-end Southern properties—The Swags and the Old Edwards Inns of the world. I figured it would be thoughtful and well-executed, somewhere I'd feel comfortable recommending even to the most discerning of travelers. While those initial assumptions were accurate, it's difficult, if not impossible, to juxtapose Quercus with any other resort in the South. Yes, the standalone cabins are reminiscent of those at North Carolina's Cataloochee Ranch, and the focus on nourishing guests with farm-fresh ingredients is akin to the ethos of Tennessee's Blackberry Farm. The quality of the linens, the surprise-and-delight moments (like a Hatch sound machine beside the bed), and the number of cozy reading corners are equivalent to those associated with five-star resorts, like Montage Palmetto Bluff or Sea Island. I could even argue that there are elements to the wellness offerings that feel on brand for Miraval Austin. A lounge library. Lydia Mansel/Travel + Leisure But the truth is, Quercus is unprecedented in identity and presentation. It's a unique concept, one helmed by Chiara Visconti di Modrone and her husband Angelos Pervanas, who are deeply passionate about their roles as stewards of the land and developing a restorative retreat that blends 'traditional ranch culture and Southern hospitality with a European flair.' Together with chef Ryan Smith and Kara Hidinger, owners of Staplehouse, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Atlanta, they've built an all-inclusive resort that left me with a newfound understanding of my health, a deeper appreciation of a good night's sleep, and the realization that there's a difference between relaxation and restoration (though I experienced both during my two-night stay). Located about an hour south of Hartsfield-Jackson, the 3,800-acre property—filled with pecan groves, pastures, forests, and lakes—is rooted in Visconti di Modrone's family history. The land was purchased by her parents, an Italian duke and duchess, in the late 1970s. For the last few decades, it's served as a hunting reserve, a working farm, and a cattle and horse ranch. It wasn't until the pandemic, when Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas began discussing regenerative farming with Hidinger and Smith, that this idea of an overnight retreat began to form. Guests sitting around a fire pit. Opened in the fall of 2024, 'the World of Quercus,' composed of four guest cabins, a biodynamic vegetable garden, a farm-to-table restaurant, a restored farmhouse, and endless ways to enjoy the outdoors, is the type of destination that has the ability to shift into whatever type of retreat you need. Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas hope that their guests leave feeling 'nurtured and re-energized, both physically and mentally,' and they've provided multiple ways to achieve that goal. Whether you book a one-on-one holistic wellness consultation with Visconti di Modrone (who also founded the company Intuitas Integrative Wellness), indulge in an in-suite massage, test your hand-eye coordination at a nearby sporting clay course, or enjoy a leisurely lunch on your oversized porch swing prepared fresh by Smith himself, it's impossible to drive away from the property in the same headspace as when you arrived. Read on for my full review of Quercus. The four residential-style guest cabins, or 'suites,' are impeccably designed for a restful getaway, and touches include circadian lighting, organic mattresses, and wood-burning stoves. Guests can explore the expansive property on foot or by all-terrain golf cart; a ride through the pecan grove at golden hour is a must. Food takes center stage at Quercus, with a dining program steered by chef Ryan Smith and kitchen stocked by the sustainably farmed garden. With 'Quercus' being the Latin name for 'oak,' it's no surprise to learn that the four guest cabins, ranging from one to two bedrooms, share a nature-inspired naming system. Cypress, Ember, Naya, and Sylva are all designed by Tammy Connor, but there's a shared throughline of bespoke elegance and sheer comfort, accented by books, artwork, and other furnishings and heirlooms owned by the Visconti di Modrone family (some pieces even date back to the Crusades). The cabins are as spacious as they come. Each one is tucked into its own little private nook on the property, which guests access via an all-terrain golf cart; you're basically staying in your own home-away-from-home, as clichéd as the phrase may be. There's an outdoor fireplace and indoor wood-burning stove in the living room with all the necessary materials and tools to light them, a wraparound porch, a kitchenette and dining area, a powder room, a master bedroom outfitted with blackout curtains, and an ensuite bathroom with a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. Every inch of the space, from the organic mattresses to the cupboards stocked with homemade snacks and a selection of herbal teas, anticipates the needs of the guests. The coffee maker comes with detailed instructions, the bath towels are plentiful, and you even get a little pouch of sunscreen and lip balm you can take with you at the end of your stay. There's no TV, but you won't miss it. If you do need to check in with the outside world, there's strong WiFi at your disposal. When asked about their vision for Quercus, Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas mentioned creating a 'high-level culinary experience that nurtures the body.' Chef Smith and Hidinger have brought that idea to fruition, developing an innovative food and beverage program that leverages local ingredients and the fruits of the garden to fuel guests throughout their stay. All meals are included in the nightly rate, and there are a variety of ways to enjoy the delicacies prepared by Smith and his team. Breakfast can be hand-delivered to your suite, and you can opt for a picnic lunch for on-the-go convenience. Don't expect standard eggs-and-bacon or sandwich-and-an-apple combinations, though. Whatever is growing in the garden inspires Smith's menus. And, given the limited number of guests on property at any given time, it feels as if he's whipped up your own personal gourmet spread, all made with any dietary restrictions in mind. You can also choose to take meals or grab an afternoon cocktail inside The Main Cottage, a restored farmhouse complete with a charming library and porch, that sits next to Uberto, Quercus' 30-seat farm-to-table restaurant named after Visconti di Modrone's late father. Uberto's multi-course tasting menus are devised by Smith and offered exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays. The exact makeup of the meal is dynamic, but it's clear Smith has perfected the art of impressing his guests both visually and gustatorily. One dinner at Uberto is included in your stay; other dinners, while not as extravagant, are equally entertaining (and delicious). The signature chef-guided hotpot experience, which I cannot recommend enough, is the perfect introduction to the type of inventive, ingredient-forward cuisine Quercus is adamant on serving. On the night of my arrival, Smith and Hidinger welcomed me to my suite, armed with platters of rice, kimchi, broth, and greens and other vegetables. The type of individualized service you can expect from the culinary side of things is also reflected in other areas of the Quercus experience. Ahead of your arrival, you'll receive an email asking you to share your preferences for your itinerary. Available activities include guided fishing or kayaking on the Flint River, an educational tour of the on-site biodynamic farm, rucking (hiking around the property with a weighted backpack), clay shooting, and liberty training with horses. I opted for the latter two, spending one morning maneuvering through the courses at neighboring Big Red Oak Plantation and an afternoon learning the ins and outs of bonding with horses. The activity that had the biggest impact on me, however, was my consultation with Visconti di Modrone. After losing her brother to cancer and her parents soon after, she immersed herself in the world of nutrition and preventative health. The journey led her to develop The Visconti Method, a 12-week program to 'empower women living with the fear of cancer.' She and I spoke about my own health concerns and goals, and we touched on food and sleep and the role they play in wellness, particularly for women. As a travel writer on the road multiple times a month, I find it difficult to eat in-season and prioritize sleep all the time, but with her approachable, actionable advice, I left our session feeling empowered and excited to review my personalized health plan she developed. Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas are looking forward to 'creating a wellness program that aligns with [their] ways of living off the land,' with plans to begin construction on a separate spa—featuring a sauna, cold plunge, and massage rooms—this coming fall. For now, guests have the option to book an in-suite massage or private yoga session. The Main Cottage and Uberto are wheelchair accessible, but the completion of the ADA-compliant suite has been delayed. Sustainability and eco-conscious efforts play a significant role at Quercus. The property mostly uses solar power, and Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas shared with Travel + Leisure , 'all aspects of growing our food and livestock, including compost production, minimizing plastic, and food preparation (where, for example, every component of the plant is used),' are sustainably-minded as well. Quercus is a 16-and-up property. While there are no teen-specific activities, the team can certainly help design an itinerary that keeps younger guests entertained. The small town of Gay is located 3 miles east of the Flint River and about 53 miles south of downtown Atlanta. Outside of Quercus, its main attraction is Towerhouse Farm Brewery, a taproom and biergarten that's just a short walk from the resort. All meals and snacks, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in the suites, and certain activities and gratuities are included in the rate. Check-in is only available Thursday through Sunday, with a minimum stay of one night and a maximum stay of four nights. Keep in mind, Quercus is closed during the summer months, from the beginning of June until early September. Nightly rates at Quercus are $1,350 per person. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
These Georgia towns make Southern Living's 'best places to go in 2025.' See where
Looking for a great place to visit in the South? Look no further than these two hidden gems in Georgia. Two towns in the state have been named among Southern Living's list of the 25 best places to go in the South in 2025. The magazine's list highlights towns that offer a unique blend of Southern charm, history, and culture. While many are familiar with the renowned Callaway Resort and Gardens, a lesser-known treasure awaits just 40 minutes away. Located in LaGrange, at 1916 Hills and Dales Dr., is Hills and Dales Estate. This is the former family home of textile magnate Cason J. Callaway and offers a glimpse into a bygone era. "The 1916 Georgian-Italian villa is famous for its boxwoods, camellias, and orchids," Southern Living wrote. "Its 1841 grounds are considered some of the best-preserved 19th-century gardens in America." Also in the Peach State is Quercus, a resort located in Gay, at 208 Caldwell St. It is situated on 3,800 acres of land and was originally founded in the 1970s as a working farm. Today, Quercus is a luxurious resort with four furnished guesthouses and a restaurant called Uberto. "Take part in activities like horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing on the Flint River, or just enjoy the quiet," Southern Living wrote. "Although the property itself is expansive, everything is tailored to a small number of guests, so it feels like a private escape." Here are all of Southern Livings top places: The Summit, in Terlingua, TX The Hotel Chalet, in Chattanooga, TN Star of the Seas Cruise, in Cape Canaveral, FL The Momentary, in Bentonville, AR Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, in Clermont, KY Palo Duro Canyon, in Canyon, TX Preservation Hall, in New Orleans, LA Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, in Montgomery, AL Asheville, NC Congaree National Park, in Hopkins, SC Quercus, in Gay, GA Deep Creek Lake, in McHenry, MD The Grand Ole Opry, in Nashville, TN Reynolda, in Winston-Salem, NC Horizons District, in Oklahoma City, OK Singer Island, in South Florida Hills and Dales Estate, in LaGrange, GA Shenandoah Mansions, in Richmond, VA Universal Epic Universe, in Orlando, FL The Dolly Parton Experience, in Pigeon Forge, TN Lexington, KY Bolt Farm Treehouse, in Whitwell, TN Cabot Citrus Farms, in Brooksville, FL Humble Baron, in Shelbyville, TN Primland Resort, in Meadows of Dan, VA Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Southern Living's best places to visit in Georgia in 2025


The Independent
01-05-2025
- The Independent
Death cap mushrooms: What are the symptoms of mushroom poisoning?
In July 2023, Erin Patterson invited four of her ex-husband's relatives to lunch at her home in Leongatha, a small town in Victoria. Within days, three of them had died. Her estranged husband's uncle – a local pastor – was the only one to survive after spending weeks in a hospital. The dish served to Ms Patterson's former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and two other relatives, Heather and Ian Wilkinson, that day was a homemade beef wellington, which prosecutors say contained death cap mushrooms – one of the world's deadliest types. Doctors said the symptoms matched death cap mushroom poisoning, which forensic tests later confirmed. The prosecution alleges that Ms Patterson, 50, deliberately poisoned the lunch guests after inviting them under the false claim that she had cancer and needed their advice on telling her children. Ms Patterson has pleaded not guilty, saying the poisoning was a tragic accident. The trial, expected to last five to six weeks, is being covered by ABC through a daily podcast, while streaming platform Stan is producing a documentary on what it calls 'one of the highest profile criminal cases in recent history'. Earlier, in a statement, Ms Patterson said that she did not know the mushrooms were possibly poisonous when she prepared the meal in Leongatha, South Gippsland. 'I am now devastated to think that these mushrooms may have contributed to the illness suffered by my loved ones,' the 48-year-old said at the time. 'I really want to repeat that I had absolutely no reason to hurt these people whom I loved.' 'I am now wanting to clear up the record because I have become extremely stressed and overwhelmed by the deaths of my loved ones,' she continued. 'I am hoping this statement might help in some way. I believe if people understood the background more, they would not be so quick to rush to judgment.' Speaking about the loss in the community, South Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Nathan Hersey, said: 'The deaths of three well-respected members of our community – and the serious condition of another – have shocked and saddened local residents, many of whom knew them well. 'They were active in their hometown of Korumburra and had made significant contributions to education, religious and community support organisations. Their loss will be felt greatly and by many.' The death cap, Amanita phalloides, contains the poison amanitin and is responsible for 90 per cent of deaths by fungus, with half a cap or even less enough to kill a person, according to the Woodland Trust. Here is everything you need to know about the death cap and mushroom poisoning: What does a death cap mushroom look like and where can it be found? The death cap is a large fungus up to around 15cm across and 15cm tall with a domed or white cap and an off-white stem. These mushrooms can be located in parks, gardens and nature strips, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria has said on its website. It often resides under exotic trees, especially oak (Quercus). There have also been reports of Amanita phalloides growing under Eucalyptus in Algeria and Tanzania, but there have been no confirmed sightings of the death cap away from exotic trees in Australia, the website added. In Victoria, the death cap is often found widely across Melbourne in suburbs including Ashburton, Burwood, Camberwell, Canterbury, Clayton, Deepdene, East Malvern, Emerald, Heathmont, Heidelberg, Kew, Sandringham, South Yarra, Surrey Hills and Wheelers Hill. In regional Victoria, Death Cap has also been reported from Bendigo, Bright, Castlemaine, Gisbourne and Wandiligong. They can be expected to grow anywhere in Victoria where oaks are planted. It was first confirmed in Australia in the 1960s, according to Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, but may have been undetected prior to that. The death cap appears during the autumn and sometimes winter seasons. Better Health, which provides health and medical information in Australia, has said there are three main effects of poisonous mushrooms, this includes hallucinations, gastrointestinal illness and liver failure, which can lead to death. Other symptoms include: • Confusion • Muscle weakness • Agitation • Rapid heart rate • Headache The symptoms of gastrointestinal illness include: • Nausea • Vomiting • Stomach cramps • Diarrhoea 'About 9 out of 10 fungi-related deaths are attributable to the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides),' Better Health has said, and symptoms can occur six to 24 hours after consuming the poisonous mushroom. Are there any treatments for mushroom poisoning? If you suspect you or anyone else may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur to seek medical help, Better Health said. You should try to seek medical attention from the nearest hospital or your local doctor, who will then be able to provide you with the treatment they think is best for you. In Australia, people are advised to contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre as soon as possible. Better Health has said: 'It helps to have a sample of the mushroom. VPIC staff may ask you to send them a photo of the wild mushroom to help in the species identification and risk assessment. 'If the person has collapsed, stopped breathing, is having a fit or is suffering an anaphylactic reaction, immediately ring triple zero (000) for an ambulance.' In the UK, the NHS has advised people showing signs of being poisoned to call 999 to request an ambulance or take the person to their local A&E department. 'In serious cases, it may be necessary for the person to stay in hospital for treatment. Most people admitted to hospital because of poisoning will survive,' the NHS website has said.