Poplarville, blueberry capital and much more

By Sarah Cure - Sun Herald

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Commonly referred to as the “Blueberry Capital of Mississippi,” the city of Poplarville offers everything from national- and state-award-winning schools to reasonable housing prices in this community of nearly 3,000.

Robert Applewhite, co-owner of Apple’s LTD and Poplarville resident for 50 years, said he came to the small town in the 1950s as a pharmacist and opened the establishment August 1968.

“We are a friendly city with a small-town atmosphere,” Applewhite said. “Our schools — like Picayune’s level 5, blue ribbon high school — are top rated, and we are close to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.”

Three generations of Applewhites work at Apple’s, which carries name-brand clothing, accessories such as sunglasses and purses, shoes, jewelry, home fragrance, gifts, china and also has a bridal registry.

“Even though it’s a small town, we have a wide selection of places,” said Pam Applewhite LaHaye, daughter of Robert Applewhite. “We don’t have many shops, but we do have quality shops.”

Natalie LaHaye, an Ole Miss senior engineering student and third generation family member, said she enjoys Poplarville, because it’s a safe place to grow up.

“It’s OK to ride your bike to the library and it’s safe to walk to the gym at night,” she said. “It is not a big deal.”

South of Apple’s and right down the road is a store that has a little bit of everything. Owned by Poplarville native Marsha Ladner, Way Out West sells cowboy décor, high fragrance candles, solid wood-home furnishings, funky jewelry, affordable pottery and ironworks, purses of every style, T-shirts and personalized gifts.

“We have something for everyone,” Rhonda Mitchell said.

Mitchell, also a lifelong Poplarville resident, said she moved away for her career, but chose to return so she could raise her children in a family-friendly town.

“This is a clean community with tasty restaurants, good schools and unique stores,” Mitchell said.

Poplarville is also home to the 26th annual Blueberry Jubilee Festival every June, when locals gather for fun, shopping, arts and crafts, storytelling and a pageant to promote Pearl River County’s blueberry industry. The city additionally houses the oldest community college in Mississippi, Pearl River Community College.

The city of Poplarville can be accessed by Mississippi highways 11, 26 and 53, and by Interstate 59. It is located near the Gulf Coast, Hattiesburg and New Orleans.

“You can get what you need right here in Poplarville,” LaHaye said.

At a glance

Mayor: Billy Spiers 601-795-4534

City Hall: 200 Mississippi 26 East Poplarville, 39470; 601-795-0141

Population: Around 3,000

City Clerk: Jody Stuart, 601-795-8161

City Attorney: Martin Smith

Aldermen:

Shirley Wiltshire, 601-795-2972

John Grant Jr., 601-795-8415

John Sherman, 601-795-4827

Bill Winborn, 601-795-4291