There’s a place in Pearl River County that grows a special crop, muscadines.

Many Pearl River County residents may have never been there, even though they pass by it several times a week. 

It’s the McNeill Research Unit, located just off of Highway 11.

It’s easily noticeable by the many muscadine vines on the property. 

Each year the facility holds a field day, where people can not only sample the fruit, but also learn a few things about growing muscadines on their own property. 

Muscadines are well known as an ingredient in wine, but can also be eaten just like grapes. There are some differences though. 

Muscadines have a thick skin, which some people choose not to eat. 

They also have very large seeds, and typically don’t have a seedless variety. 

But just like how red and green grapes have a different flavor, there are even more flavor varieties with muscadines. The fruit also comes in varying sizes.

This site is just one example of the great things going on in Pearl River County and how they often go unnoticed.

As an example, there may be a number of people who are unaware that a new water park was built on Liberty Road. 

A number of locals also may be unaware that they can have their soil tested at the Mississippi State University Extension Service Center in Poplarville for a small fee. 

Sometimes we become so wrapped up in what we need to accomplish in our day-to-day lives that we forget there are many things we can enjoy close to home. 

For example, this weekend adults and kids alike may enjoy a presentation on the monarch butterfly, set to take place at the Crosby Arboretum on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.