Appalachian Country Living, October-November 2021

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMEBER 2021

Where People, Lifestyle & Design Live Together

THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOC. MAINTAINS 65 MILES OF OUR LOCAL TRAILS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

ALL THINGS APPLE: RECIPES, APPLE HOUSES, FESTIVALS, ARTS, PARADES, AND MORE APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS COVERS JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING FOR ALL AGES WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

1

Life is Always Better on the

PORCH

We Can Make Your Porch

Your Favorite Room

STOP BY AND SEE US AT OUR NEW NEW SHOWOOM AT 14224 HWY 515 ELLIJAY, GA. 30536 SCREEN ENCLOSURES | THREE SEASON ROOMS & SUNROOMS | UNDERDECKING Facebook “f ” Logo

706. 889. 8343

WWW.PORCHLIFE365.COM

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Furniture • Mattresses • Appliances • Home Decor Delivery Available • Everyday 0% Financing

$200 OFF

PURCHASE OF $1199+ Limit 1 per household, per order, per 30 day period.

Not valid with any other offers. Exclusions apply.

See store for details. Enter code “APPLIV” online or in-store. Offer expires 12/31/21.

3310 Blue Ridge Drive Blue Ridge, GA 30513

706-492-3071 AbernathysFurniture.com

6.9 miles North of Blue Ridge on Hwy 5 toward McCaysville. | Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:30pm

WELCOME TO AC LIVING MAGAZINE

H

Hi y’all- it’s Fall, and how do I know this? I had to, first find the darn things, then put them on– yes, my slippers! For the life of me I don’t remember what the dogs and I did since the last issue. I can’t decide if time is at a standstill or flying by so fast that I can barely catch it.

Maxine and Zevon are all about the cooler temps, running out the driveway like their tails were on fire with big smiles on their faces.

While Maxine is supplementing her diet with persimmons, Zevon prefers to chase the deer that hang out in the field under the powerlines.

So far his efforts have been in vain.

In all of my 30 years coming to our mountain cabin and now 10 years here fulltime, I saw the resident bobcat for the very first time! He/ she slinked across my driveway following a deer trail, in broad daylight, only 100 ft. from my deck. I’ve heard it caterwauling in season, snarling over a nearby deer carcass, and seen it’s foot prints, but this my first true sighting.

Wow, just amazing!

Busted! Zevon caught on the With fall upon us it’s the time of apples, table trying to drink my coffee. pumpkins, festivals, and fairs here in the Yeah, we’re working on that. mountains. Folks come to see the colorful Maxine wants to get in on the action too. Bad dogs, but they leaves and stay to drink in the cool air and make me laugh at least once sip warm cider. Our Fall Festivals listing and every doggone day! growing calendar of events should give just about anyone something fun to do. Don’t forget the apple recipes, courtesy of Georgia Grown, they look pretty yummy.

Fall is the perfect time for being outdoors and golfing right next to the Toccoa River on the gorgeous course at Old Toccoa Farm (OTF) couldn’t be better. OTF’s golf community is taking off with fabulous homes being built and the new tavern well underway. It truly is the place where “People, Lifestyle and Design Live Together.”

And if we can’t believe it’s fall already, just imagine how fast winter will be here!

Our December/January issue will include our popular local shopping guide along with a listing of Holiday activities. Our small towns will be glowing with flickering lights, serving delicious foods, winter-time drinks, and all around good cheer.

We hope to see you here.

In the meantime, stay safe while you enjoy the crisp fall weather, apple pies and fireside chill-axing.

Cheers!

Maxine lost her best boyfriend this month, Chipper Arnold. He was so handsome we called him Fabio. Chipper loved Maxine and would run to meet her every time.

RIP Chipster. Good dog.

4

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

PUBLISHER | EDITOR IN CHIEF Alice Sexton ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Betty Kossick | onwingsofthedove@gmail.com GARDENING & LANDSCAPE EDITOR Position Open HISTORY EDITOR Leslie Barker Thomas | PresHist@etcmail.com OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EDITOR JR Ferjak | jferjak1@gmail.com STYLE & DESIGN EDITOR Cindy Trimble | cindy@studiotrimble.com ADVERTISING SALES Two Positions Open Ellijay & South | Blue Ridge & North ALL INQUIRIES Appalachian Country Living 706. 492. 5070 | alice@blueridgemediagroup.com LAYOUT/DESIGN Alice Sexton | Blue Ridge Media Group 706. 492. 5070 | alice@blueridgemediagroup.com DISTRIBUTION Arthur Pope Publication Marketing & Distribution, Inc. 770. 807. 3043 | publicationsinc@att.net CONTRIBUTORS Georgia Grown, Keep Gilmer Beautiful, Kevin Johnson, Betty Kossick, Jerry Mucklow, Square Frame Media, North Georgia Mountain Bike Association, Amir Sports, Karen Vitelli Maxine & Zevon, RIP Billy Zoom APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE PO Box 1250, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706. 492. 5070 alice@blueridgemediagroup.com www.aclivingmagazine.com

PLEASE RECYCLE

Appalachian Country Living Magazine is published six times a year. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American copyright conventions. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Appalachian Country Living is printed in the United States of America. The articles contained in this magazine are works of journalism and do not represent the opinions or ideas of Appalachian County Living Magazine and the publisher assume no responsibility for the content of advertisements. While we welcome submissions, the magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Please do not send originals. The magazine is given away free by advertisers and at selected businesses in the region. A one year subscription is $20 per year for six issues. For renewals, new subscriptions, or any other correspondence, write to PO Box 1250 Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

The Premier Guide to Arts, Dinning, Shopping, Events & Outdoor Activities in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Beyond!

We are Growing, and We Want You to Grow With Us! WHO WE ARE...

Print magazines are more balanced across generations than any other media, including internet, TV, radio, newspapers and billboards.

Welcome to Appalachian Country Living Magazine!

AC Living Magazine is a free bi-monthly, fullcolor magazine with eye-popping graphics that serves as the Insider’s Guide to the North Georgia Mountain Region.

We are dedicated to celebrating and promoting the best of what the North Georgia Mountains and its people have to offer, and are heavily involved in the communities we serve, frequently featuring nonprofit programs and events.

The people, the culture, and local businesses are only a fraction of what we cover. Our extra features include coverage of the arts, events, restaurants, wineries, festivals, homes and cabin rentals, and mountain decor, as well as the people, food, and history— AC Living Magazine provides entertaining and helpful information for residents and visitors alike.

You can check us out at our website where readers have access to us 24/7. We are Country.

‘‘

‘‘

We provide better content and service than any other magazine in the area. Not only do readers look forward to our variety of articles, but they save the magazines, bake the recipes, and respond to our website. If you don’t believe us, just compare us!

(Source: GIK MRI)

I’ve had customers come into my store carrying Appalachian Country Magazine with tabs marking pages of the businesses that they wanted to visit.

–Doug Shelburn, Owner, North Georgia Furniture.

We are Appalachian Country Living Magazine.

Advertise With Us Today!

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

706-492-5070

Advertiser with AC Living Mag for over 10 years.

Alice@BlueRidgeMediaGroup.com

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

www.aclivingmagazine.com WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

5

CONTENTS Spotlight, Shane’s 7 Restaurant Rib Shack Ellijay Looking for a Great Way to Cater Your Holiday Event? Gluten free?

Shane’s Has it Covered

13

For The Love Of Mountain Biking

14

JR Ferjak Catches Up with the North Georgia Mountain Bike Association Who Maintains 65 Miles of MTB Trails

14 Old Toccoa Farm

Just the Mountain Retreat You’re Looking For Where People, Lifestyle & Design Live Together.

20 The Endearing Apple

Sweet or Savory, Fall is the Time to Celebrate The Endearing Apple.

13

24 Fall Festivals and Fairs

Fall in the Mountains is Pure Magic.

Check Out These Awesome Events and Don’t Forget the Turning Fall Leaves.

29 Your Guide to Local Apple Houses You’re in Luck Because Gilmer County is the Apple Capital of Georgia!

ON THE COVER IVINGMA WWW.ACL GAZINE.C OM | OCTO BER/NOV EMEBER 2021

le, Where Peop

ve Together Design Li Lifestyle &

NDAR OF OUR CALE VERS JUST APPLE: ENTS CO ALL THINGS PLE HOUSES, EV OUT EVERYTHING AB CIPES, AP H GEORGIA ES 1 THE NORT BIKE ASSOC. RE STIVALS, ARTS, FOR ALL AG MOUNTAIN 65 MILES OF FE RADES, AND MORE S PA MAINTAIN TRAILS L OUR LOCA

If the pace of a small mountain community is what you are looking for, yet you don’t want to sacrifice the many modern conveniences that keep your busy life on track, then look no further than Old Toccoa Farm, just outside Blue Ridge, Georgia. Shadowed by the world’s oldest mountain range, and living naturally alongside 4,360 feet of the trout filled Toccoa River, Old Toccoa Farm brings people, lifestyle and design together in a setting that is, simply put…special.

20

E.COM

MAGAZIN

VING WWW.ACLI

G

TRY LIVIN

IAN COUN

APPALACH

MBER 2021

NOVE

OCTOBER/

6

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

24 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

AC LIVING RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

289 Highland Crossing East Ellijay, GA 30540 In Front of Lowe’s

CABIN COFFEE Shane's Rib Shack, Ellijay DOWNTOWN BLAIRSVILLE

Fresh Roasted Coffee Everyday Wood Fired Pizza, Gourmet Dogs, Sandwiches, Salads, Local Beer, Live Music & Hippie Stuff!

Food Truck & Hippie Dippies Ice Cream Truck Avaialble for Your Special Event!

706.946.0378 4118 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA w w w.mysticmountainpizzaco.com

I-FI FREE W

Breakfast: Sandwiches, Pastries, Cinnamon Rolls & Bagels Lunch: Soup, Salad & Sandwiches Drinks: Coffee, Mocha, Latte, Cappuccino, Frappe & Fruit Smoothies

44A Town Square Blairsville, GA 30512

706. 745. 0073

CabinCoffeeCompany.com Like us on FB / CabinCoffeeBlairsville

YOUR RESTAURANT AD HERE COL. POOLE’S Georgia Bar-B-Q

Call Us Today!

706.492.5070 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

PO Box 727 East Ellijay, GA 30539 706. 635. 4100 Oscar and Edna Poole Darvin Poole

PoolesBBQ.com APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

AC Living Magazine Loves Shane’s! It's all in the secret sauce! Handed down over generations, Shane's BBQ sauce is the stuff of legends.

Shane’s Rib Shack has been open in East Ellijay for well over ten years with many loyal customers who love the mouth watering ribs, heaping Big Dad barbecue sandwich, wonderful sides and desserts, all washed down with a cold beer.

What many don’t know is that Shane’s has the best chicken around. The fried or grilled chicken tenders are huge and can be tossed in one of their signature sauces or simply plain. Love wings?

Shane’s serves some of the best in town.

Watching the scale? Try one of their salads or a delicious wrap, great for a lighter lunch or for grabbing a bite on the go. Check out their gluten-free options!

Shane’s Catering is ready to bring their BBQ to your office, business or home, and this includes their gluten free menu too! There is no group too big or too small! Call 706-635-7427 to cater your next event, you won’t be disappointed.

Give the Gift of Shane’s! Pick up any of Shane’s Secret Sauces in store or you can order on-line. And don’t forget Shane’s Gift Cards- the perfect gift for coworkers, friends, family- or just about everyone on your list.

Owner, Steve Stone, would like to say thanks to his loyal customers for making the last nine years a success, "If you haven't been to Shane’s, please try us, I know you'll like us!"

One of the best lunch spots around and just off of 515, in front of Lowe’s in Ellijay, stop in and say hello to the friendly staff, try some tender barbecue, a salad or a wrap and leave happy. As the menu says, “It’s gonna get messy!” ACLM Shanes’ Rib Shack, Ellijay 289 Highland Crossing, Ellijay, GA 30540 706. 635. 7427 Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

To view the complete menu, order on-line, or shop for some Shane’s Secret Sauce visit: www.shanesribshack.com/ellijay WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

7

CMYK / .eps

Blue Ridge Coin Shop and Collectibles

North Georgia Furniture & Home Decor

THE LITTLE STORE THAT PAYS YOU MORE!

Mattress Sets, Living Room, Bedroom, Dining Room, Home Office, Entertainment, Cabinets, Youth Furniture, Cabin Decor and More!

We Buy and Sell Coins and Collectibles Coins • Gold • Silver • Jewelry • Currency Free In-Store Appraisals

SAVE ON ALL...

1901 Appalachian Hwy Blue Ridge, GA

Owner Doug Shelburn says,

In the Dogwood Plaza

“Let’s Make a Deal, Because the Price is Right!”

706. 632. 3127

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

2142 Tails Creek Road, Ellijay GA 30540

www.BlueRidgeCoinShop.com

My Paw Paw Will Save You Money!

Located 2 miles from Dairy Queen on Highway 282 in Ellijay

Call 706. 635. 4202 or Visit ngfh.net

ANTIQUES, GIF TS & HOME FURNISHINGS 20,00 SQUARE FEET | 125 DEALERS

706.635.2327

Find us at Hwy. 515 and Maddox Rd. next to Ingles 240-B Old Orchard Square • East Ellijay, GA 30540 Blackbearantiques blackbearantiques1 8

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

AC LIVING STYLE & DESIGN

Why Good Design is Good for You Style & Design Editor Cindy Trimble on Good Design, an Investment for Happy and Healthy Living

I

In recent years, ASID (The American Society of Interior Designers) along with many other lifestyle and design research organizations have spent endless hours and dollars researching the impact of “good design” in relation to the human condition in interior spaces. Research has focused on both residential and commercial spaces. Research of commercial spaces has revealed that employers have been able to retain employees, reduce sick days and improve employee morale and well being by changing or improving certain design features in their offices.

These features include lighting, acoustics, design of private and public spaces and the comfort and ergonomic design of furnishings. In residential spaces, good design relates to specific design features incorporated in homes that support the analysis of the people living in the spaces. These design features may relate to requirements from the homeowner’s age, abilities, hobbies and overall lifestyle.

So many elements need to be considered when designing a space for someone to live in.

Today more than ever before, our homes need to be designed with attention to each persons or family’s specific lifestyle and needs. No two individuals or families are the same. Nor should their homes be the same. Each of us require different “creature comforts” to support our needs. Our creature comforts are what help us function better in our homes and lead to a positive or happy experience. Creature comforts can relate to any activity: sleeping, cooking, entertaining, working, doing our hobbies, etc. A happy home is a “well-designed” home that supports all aspects of the homeowner’s life.

What defines “good” design in your home?

Good design is not measured by aesthetics.

Aesthetics are secondary to function. How do you measure good function? Considering kitchen and bath designs; does your kitchen have a lot of lower cabinets with doors? Those

are the ones where you have to get down on your knees to see what is in them and then crawl in to retrieve what you need. Then after you get what you need you are challenged to get up off the floor? For most, this is a bad design because of physical limitations. Kitchens designed for those with physical limitations, specifically the older generation have an abundance of lower cabinet drawers or pull outs and no open cabinets with shelves. Certified Kitchen and bath designers will ask enough questions and design your cabinets to fit your physical and functional needs.

Another example relates to lighting: Do you have a hard time finding a good place to read with enough light to see? Again as we get older, we require more light to see. If you have to drag a lamp with a very bright bulb to your reading spot, typically leaving extension cords across the floor, then this is bad design. Having the proper

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Good kitchen design includes pull out drawers under the counters rather than cabinets.

Bathrooms are where most in home accidents occur. Good design should include safety precautions. lighting level for specific tasks requires thought, planning and proper placement and selection of lighting fixtures.

Strict building codes in the United States were established to set standards for stair dimensions and handrails to prevent trips and falls and promote general life safety. There are many other areas of home design to be considered to support all sorts of human limitations and needs that are not code related. The CDC has researched injuries in the home and most occur in bathrooms.

Make sure your bathroom is designed with safety as a primary focus so accidents are minimized.

Working with a certified designer who is trained to help you analyze your lifestyle and your needs then custom design your home is an investment well worth the time and effort to make sure your home supports a happy and healthy experience and environment for you. Good design is worth the investment. ACLM Cindy Trimble, ASID, RID is owner of StudioTrimble, Inc. based in Blue Ridge. She is NCIDQ certified and a Georgia Registered Interior Designer and member of the Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers.

Cindy Trimble,StudioTrimble, Inc. 706-946-2030 www.studiotrimble.com

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

9

Destination!

VACATION RENTALS

YOUR INSPIRATION

BLUE RIDGE & ELLIJAY WHITEWATER RIVER & TROUT STREAM LAKE & MOUNTAIN VIEWS HOT TUBS ACCEPTING NEW CABINS CONTACT JOY 706. 635. 3952 / 404. 791. 4388 stressbuster@ellijay.com www.stressbustercabinrentals.com

Furniture, Antiques, Home Decor, Handcrafted Goods, Women’s Clothes & Jewelry, Great Gifts and More!

Call for an Appointment Today!

We Sell Fusion Mineral Paint!

770. 992. 9294 cottonmillexchange.net Monday thru Saturday 10am - 7pm and Sunday Noon - 6pm 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 100, Canton, GA 30114 Come Visit & Shop 48,000 sq. ft!

Facebook “f” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f” Logo

ELITEEUOROPEAN.NET 455 E. CHURCH ST. JASPER, GA 30143 SERVICE & REPAIR FOR EUROPEAN LUXURY VEHICLES

CMYK / .eps

Monday thru Friday 8am – 5pm • 706-692-0004

Mystery on the Mountain

A mystery some say, “Who did such a gesture?”

Whomever, the hikers are grateful for sure.

No one seems to know who the kind fellow is Or was it a Missus or even a Miss?

Yet the craftsmanship of the benches tells this: Someone cared but chose their full name to dismiss.

O, to view again the scenic waterfall And wind-bent trees on the mountain-top tall, Where wild, sweet honeysuckle bushes grow, And hikers stop to rest in golden sun’s glow As they sit upon benches made years ago, By a woodcrafter who carved, “made by JDO.”

Though some say that the benches are angel made, Those seats of comfort in an evergreen’s shade, Most hikers still ponder as the falls cascade, But the mystery remains, with inquiry weighed, Not even a glimmer of fact can be traced; Thus, the question remains a mystery case.

by Betty Kossick

10

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

AC LIVING LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

Invasion of the Russian Wild Boar Former Landscape & Garden Editor Kevin Johnson Introduces One of the Top 12 Invasive Species in the U.S.

Y

Years ago when I was serving as Grounds Supervisor at Young Harris College, I encountered something that excited several members of my crew. We were driving along a road on the backside of campus which buts up to the woods– and there they were– a mother sow and three piglets. These weren’t pigs that had escaped from a nearby farm they were wild pigs. My crew members saw a golden opportunity for hunting right before their eyes.

Feral pigs, or razorbacks in the U.S. were first established in the 1500s, when colonists brought over wild and domesticated pigs for food. Some wandered off and spawned small feral populations. The Eurasian wild boar, or Russian wild boar, Sus scrofa, was introduced to the United States in the 19th century for hunting. Today, wild invasive pigs consist of a combination of feral pigs, pure wild boars and hybrids of the two.

They have several names: Russian or Eurasian wild boar, wild hog, feral pig, or feral boar– and they are a big problem.

Wild boar exhibit a wide variety of coloration and markings with males weighing up to 440 lbs. and females up to 330 lbs. Females give birth to 5-6 piglets per liter and depending on access to food, can have 2 litters per year. Both males and females have tusks, with the male’s tusks growing long and sharp. While they prefer to avoid humans, in the right (or wrong? situation)they can be aggressive and dangerous.

The Dept. of Agriculture estimates there are currently over 5 million wild boars in the U.S. and are established in 47 states– with massive populations in Texas, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, and a growing one in Virginia.

The recent population boom, state game officials and biologists say, is largely the fault of hunters who imported wild pigs to hunt year round, and now they have become one of the top 12 most invasive animals in the United States.

Due to the growing population, an estimated 1.5 billion a year is spent to repair and prevent damage caused by this invasive species. They eat crops, acorns, roots, small herbaceous plants, eggs of ground nesting birds, bulbs, and etc.

Top: Flemish painter Frans Snyders’ “Hounds Bringing Down a Boar” circa 1600.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Above: The lower tusks on adult males– often called tushes in some vernaculars– vary in length from 5 inches to 18 inches.

Right: Feral pig/boar damage is not limited to the forest.

Ravaging ecosystems around ponds, creeks, and rivers, they pose a threat to several endangered species. Feral hogs transmit diseases and parasites to livestock, wild animals and humans.

Pseudorabies Virus (PRV), Swine brucellosis (Brucella suis) and Bovine tuberculosis (TB) are a few diseases that are danger to other animals, while Leptospirosis, Brucellosis, E. coli, Rabies and Swine Influenza viruses (among others) can be contracted by humans.

Over the course of several years, while working in the woods treating hemlocks for Woolly Adelgid, I’ve encountered these animals and the damage they have done. I can always tell when wild hogs have been there because they virtually strip the land of small trees and plant material,

at the same time causing extensive damage while rooting for food. Wild boars are incredibly smart and difficult to control once they are established.

Your best option to eradicate them is by trapping or hunting which isn’t easy to do. If you are having problems with these beasts check out georgiawildpigs.com. Good luck! ACLM Editor’s Note: AC Living Mag’s Maxine– a Jagdterrier, or German Hunting Terrier– was originally bred as a farm varmint hunter. But as you can see in the upper right corner of the painting above– they were also used to hunt wild boar.

Today, Jagterrier’s in the US are bred specifically to bay boar. Lucky for me, Maxine failed at this task!

Kevin Johnson is the owner of Green Leaf Lawn and Ornamental, LLC, based in Blue Ridge. For more information about the devastating hemlock woolly adelgid and treatment options, Kevin can be reached toll free at 866. 883. 2420 or by email at growitgreen@etcmail.com.

Or check out his web site at www.wetreatlawns. com or visit www.hemlocks.org for more info.

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

11

GENERAC

FILL A PINT. FILL A GROWLER. FILL YOUR MIND.

AUTOMATIC HOME STANDBY GENERATORS TRANSFER SWITCHES SURGE PROTECTORS Have Power When You Need it and Want it 24/7 for Your Home or Business. And if You Think Whole House Generators are Not Affordable...

THINK AGAIN!

• 7,000 to 150,000 Watts • Fully Automatic Home Standby • 24 Hour Blackout Protection • LP or Natural Gas

THE AREA’S HIPPEST CRAFT BEER BREWERY - COME DRINK WITH THE LOCALS

!BINGO MONDAYS AT 6PM! WIN COOL B3 BEER PRIZES!

706.431.7141 Facebook “f” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f” Logo

Power Solutions Unlimited • 706. 253. 7737 CMYK / .ai

160 OCOEE STREET, COPPERHILL, TN 37317

www.psu24-7.com

WWW.BUCKBALDBREWING.COM

Make

Cell: 770. 893. 9177 Fax: 706. 253. 7739 111 Confederate Ave. Jasper, GA 30143 Scott Fowler, Owner scott@psu24-7.com

in Ellijay

THE PLACE for Your Home Shopping!

• Lumber & Building Supplies • Garden Center & Farm Supplies • Furniture & Appliances

• Carhartt, Wrangler, & Multiples Clothing • Georgia Boots, Rocky Boots, Chippewa, & more...

• Stihl, Yeti, and Traeger

HOME DECOR AND MORE MAKE PERFECT GIFTS

MADE HERE AT ACE, SWINGING PORCH BED

Much More Than A Hardware Store!

12

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

305 South Main Street Ellijay, GA 30540 706. 635. 2236

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

AC LIVING OUTDOOR & ADVENTURE

For the Love of Mountain Biking Outdoor & Adventure Editor JR Ferjak Invites Mountain Bikers of All Stripes to Visit the Beautiful Blue Ridge

H

Above: NGMBA volunteers maintain 65 miles of trails. Left: JR introduced his son Karsten to the joys of MTB, a great sport for kids of all ages.

Hey all of you ACL Emmer’s once again summer is winding down, temperatures are falling and soon fall will be in the air. We all hear the call Back To Nature.

In the old days, let’s say the turn of the century prior to the dawn of the motor car, a lot of people rode bicycles as transportation, and yes not a lot of concrete to be found. In the early days bicycles were ridden on foot paths, trails, and unpaved roads. Hence the birth of old school Mountain Biking as a way of life.

Off road bicycling evolved heavily through the late 1960s and 1970s in Marin County, California. A group known as the Larkespur Canyon Gang were riding bikes on and around Mount Tamalpais that were self-modified for off road and mountain riding. Of course, all cool things came from California back in the day.

The evolution of mountain biking blossomed in the 1980s, when manufacturers jumped on board making production mountain bikes. One of the first to produce this new type of bike was Gary Fisher from the same area. Fisher’s bikes are no longer manufactured, but his genius and influence still shine in today’s technology.

I have been part of the grassroots mountain biking movement starting in the 1970s, as my first modified bike was the Huffy BMX. Back then all the kids had to have one of those cool new bikes. Jump forward to today and you see bike and gear technology that is evolving and advancing continually in our own backyard a playground for mountain biking...

Mountain biking is a great family activity if you’re athletically inclined, it’s good for your heart, your mind, your body, and your soul.

Cycling has been proven to effectively improve all areas of your health. Many athletes from other disciplines use mountain bike riding as

JR Ferjak is a self-described renaissance man, with residences here in Mineral Bluff and Dahlonega.

A professional high performance on and off road driving instructor, JR offers private driving lessons with a future off-road driving clinic in the works. His passion for the outdoors draws him to many adventures far from the norm. For more information you can try to catch up with JR by email: Jferjak1@gmail.com.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

a training tool. So, it must be good for us right? That is unless you haven’t chewed, bit it, offed, endoed, or just simply tanked.

AKA crashed, which does happen.

LOL. When riding a mountain bike always try to respect the rules of the trail.

Don’t ride any maintained trails for at least 24 + hours after a rain. Let mother nature dry up the ground so you don’t tear up the trails by leaving ruts. Always monitor foot traffic as well as equine traffic, wear proper safety gear, and let loved ones know where you intend to ride in case of a mishap. Stay hydrated and of course, watch the weather as needed.

We are fortunate have some of the best mountain biking, from easy gravel to gnarly single track, right here in our back yard. So, take advantage our beautiful mountains, go on, get out there and Shred! Be safe ‘til next time. ACLM –Peace out, JR

NGMBA (North Georgia Mountain Bike Association) is a local chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) and the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). There are SORBA chapters like ours in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee, in addition to the numerous IMBA worldwide chapters.

The NGMBA is a 501c3 non-profit composed of volunteers from Pickens, Gilmer and Fannin counties. Your 100% tax deductible donations allow us to build and maintain the 65 miles of trails. We work with the National Forest Service and other agencies to increase that number and are building the Fruitkoff area, located in the Aska area of Blue Ridge, which will provide a family friendly (beginners) as well as more advanced trails.

Another great example of where dollars are spent is repairing the Rich Mountain WMA Cartecay Tract, one of the oldest trails systems in Georgia. The Georgia DNR, Wildlife Division has has given approval for NGMBA to reroute significant areas of the trail on the Red & White Loop. These reroutes will create a fun experience for beginner to intermediate riders, offer training trails for the local youth NICA teams and fulfill the mission and objectives of DNR for wildlife management.

The NGMBA has raised $12,700 and approximately $20,000 is needed to finish the reroutes.

To make a donation, join NGMA or to see our progress, please visit www.northgeorgiamountainbikeassociation.org For further information on the NGMBA or it affiliates please feel free to contact Andy Milton 706-273-8647 or Jeannie Wentworth 561-436-7499.

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

13

14

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Where People, Lifestyle & Design Live Together

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

15

Par-4, Hole # 4 – “The Dead Yank”

With a Casual, Hip Vibe– Historic Downtown Blue Ridge Offers World Class Shopping, Dining, Craft Breweries and Art Galleries all in a Quaint Small Mountain Town Setting.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill, The Black Sheep, The Dogwood, Harvest on Main, Cucina Rustica, Misty Mountain Hops, Mona Lisa’s Dessert House, Blue Jeans Pizza & Pasta, Masseria Kitchen & Bar, and the Twisted Tomato.

Benton MacKaye Trail

Blue Ridge is the official start of this 300-mile foot trail through the Appalachians.

16

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center

Recognized as one of the top five art towns in Georgia, the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Center hosts 35-plus exhibits and events annually.

Breweries & Wineries

Fannin Brewing Company, Grumpy Old Men Brewing, Buck Bald Brewing, Copperhill Brewery, Cartecay Vineyards, Chateau Meichtry, Serenberry Vineyards & Winery, Ott Farms & Vineyard, and Bear Claw Vineyards

Boat Dock Bar & Grill

Float on up to Lake Blue Ridge Marina’s Boat Dock Bar & Grill for some delicious lakefront drinks and eats.

Noontootla Creek Farms

In partnership with Old Toccoa Farm, this 1,000+ acre property offers guided trophy fly-fishing, quail and pheasant shoots, and a 12-stand sporting clay course.

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Par 4, Hole # 6 – “The Barn Hole”

I

If the pace of a small mountain community is what you are looking for, yet you don’t want to sacrifice the many modern conveniences that keep your busy life on track, then look no further than Old Toccoa Farm, just outside Blue Ridge, Georgia. Shadowed by the world’s oldest mountain range, and living naturally alongside 4,360 feet of the Toccoa River, Old Toccoa Farm brings people, lifestyle and design together in a setting that is both casual and elegant.

Decisions typically start with location. And it all starts with the charm of downtown Blue Ridge, a town that baby-boomers and gen-x’ers call the “college town for adults”. It has a great vibe, an always improving restaurant scene, micro-breweries, wineries, a thriving arts community, great local shopping, and an expansive National Forest that surrounds the town providing nature enthusiasts with the perfect backdrop for worldclass outdoor pursuits. For sure, the area checks the box for an active lifestyle and then the question remains, where do you live? The answer is, Old Toccoa Farm.

Nature and southern hospitality stand center-stage as you drive up to the well-designed community Gate House and here you receive a warm welcome from the gate attendant. As you drive through the gates, the smell of smoke drifts in the mountain air from fire pits, enveloping your senses and reminding you that you are now in a special place. Your senses are alive as you make your way around the community, a you begin to notice a significant number of new homes are under construction. Each home is architecturally appropriate, with heavy use of large timbers, natural stone, board-batten, cedar shakes and accent metal roofing, each work together to create a true sense of belonging. Each sized and placed to be “of the OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

land, not on the land”, and you see what they mean by this as you drive around. Nothing seems out of scale. A healthy difference in each home’s architecture, but they all live together nicely. Your head turns towards couples walking their dogs, golfers driving from one hole to the next, and staff moving about, all of this tells you the community has a healthy pulse.

And there is much to look forward to at Old Toccoa Farm this year.

Real estate lot sales have extremely brisk at Old Toccoa Farm this year, as have new home construction starts. 21 beautifully designed homes have been completed, another 16 custom homes are now under construction and the design/builder program has another 28+ homes in the design pipeline which will become new construction starts throughout the rest of 2021 and into early 2022. “Almost all who are purchasing homesites in Old Toccoa Farm are working with our talented team of architects, designers and builders to get their homes started as soon as possible.

The supply chain for construction materials has created unanticipated challenges, but the team at Old Toccoa Farm continues to meet the challenges and is delivering for their property owners.

We are creating a community that appeals to an active lifestyle buyer, and a buyer that wants a well-designed home that doesn’t break the bank on “all-in” costs”. We can’t control the material costs, but we can control construction quality and scheduling the best we can”, says Peter Knutzen, one of two Managing Partners and developer of Old Toccoa Farm. And homes aren’t the only construction taking place at Old Toccoa Farm.

The highly anticipated new Golf Shop and Community Tavern is under construction and should be completed by the end of the year. “We feel that we have come to a critical path in our development plan that requires

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

17

18

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Hole # 13, Par-5, 626 yards

this new amenity and we are thrilled for our members, our public playing guests and the greater Blue Ridge community, that this is now underway.

As we roll into 2022, we will be “full-on” socializing and the Tavern, when completed, will be THE PLACE for our membership and visiting guests to gather”, says Knutzen. Knutzen also mentioned that a real estate price increase and Membership drive is scheduled for the fall of this year. So, if you are looking for property or want to become a member, NOW is the time to contact Old Toccoa Farm!

Old Toccoa Farm now has a completed 18-holes of golf course that was ranked the #8 Best New Golf Course in the United States by Golf Digest in 2020. This semi-private golf course, designed by Bunker Hill Golf, whose designers, Jack Dredla, Dan Proctor and Dave Axland, have worked for the renowned firm of Coore & Crenshaw for the past 30 years, offers an exceptional golf experience. Among the course’s features are the incredibly beautiful 626-yard, par-five 13th hole, the 413-yard, par-four 6th hole overlooking a 100-year-old barn, and four amazing golf holes that play along Old Toccoa Farm’s 4,360 feet of Toccoa River frontage.

For those looking to become a part of the local community, the volunteer options are robust and rewarding. In fact, the developer of Old Toccoa Farm, many of its employees, and members are intimately involved with local charities including Habitat for Humanity; The Open Arms Home for Children, a safe foster home for abused and neglected young girls ages 10-18; Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., a veteranfocused organization providing therapy through fly-fishing and fly tying and Casting for Recovery, which provides healing outdoor retreats for women with breast cancer, at no cost to the participants.

With spectacular sporting opportunities, a bustling downtown and a giving community, Old Toccoa Farm is the mountain retreat you’re looking for. ACLM

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Real Estate & Membership Sales Golf Tee Times 706.946.4653 Visit their website: oldtoccoafarm.com Photos by: Jerry Mucklow Photography, jerrymucklow.com Squareframe Media, squareframemedia.com

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

19

Sweet or Savory, Fall is the Time to Celebrate

The

Endearing

Apple

20

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

AC LIVING RECIPES There is something significant yet familiar about autumn. The air is sharp and clear.

Leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow and float to the ground. Despite the inevitable winter, we toast the harvest with a hardy cheer for the abundance of our favorite fall fruit– the apple.

Cozy days with the smell of apple pie in the oven, a mug of hot apple cider, and the first bite into a crisp red apple freshly picked from the orchard are all fondly remembered and enjoyed once again.

Savory Stuffed Baked Apples Ingredients • 4 large Honeycrisp or Gala apples • ¼ cup lemon juice, preferably fresh • ¼ cup pecan or vegetable oil • ½ cup diced onion • ½ cup diced celery • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • ½ cup mushrooms, fine dice • 1 cup chopped spinach • 1 ½ teaspoon Pine Street Market Summer Spice or poultry seasoning, divided • Salt & pepper • ½ pound ground turkey or chicken • 1 egg • 1 ½ cups chicken broth or apple cider Instructions • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• In a bowl large enough to hold all four apples, combine lemon juice and enough water to cover apples.

• Slice top off each apple and remove cores. Using a small ice cream scoop or melon baller, scoop apple out leaving about ½ inch shell including skin.

Dice the scooped out apple for the filling; you should have about 1 cup.

Place whole and diced apples in lemon water with a plate or bowl on top to keep apples submerged.

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and celery until it is just beginning to soften. Add mushrooms, garlic, spinach and apples to pan. Cook until spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper and 1 teaspoon Summer Spice or poultry seasoning. Let mixture cool completely.

• In a medium bowl, mix ground turkey or chicken with remaining spice, egg, and salt and pepper. Mix to combine thoroughly. Add cooled vegetable mixture, mixing until evenly incorporated.

• Remove apples from water and allow to drain. Fill cavity with turkey or chicken mixture, mounding to overfill. Place apples in an ovenproof dish.

Pour chicken broth or apple cider in bottom of dish, cover with aluminum foil and place in oven. Bake until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Depending on size of apples, this should take 60 – 75 minutes.

Allow to rest 5 – 10 minutes and serve warm.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

21

Apple Shiitake & Vidalia Savory Tart Ingredients • 1 Store-bought pie dough or homemade pie dough for a 9-inch pie • 1 Tablespoon olive oil • 1 Tablespoon butter • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced in rings • 1 Cup thinly sliced mushrooms, crimini, shitake or button or any combination • Salt & pepper • 1 Cup Greek Yogurt • 1 Teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1 ½ Cups grated Jarlsberg or Swiss cheese • 2 Teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ¾ teaspoon dry) • 1 Medium Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced Instructions • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

•Roll pie dough to fit a 9 inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Line bottom of crust with foil or parchment paper. Place a layer of dried beans or rice on top of foil or parchment. This will prevent crust from bubbling. Place pan in preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes then remove foil or parchment and weights. Return to oven and cook another 10 minutes or until just beginning to brown. Remove from oven and let cool.

• While crust is in the oven, prepare the filling.

Heat butter and olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook 22

until translucent. Add sliced mushrooms to the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until onions begin to caramelize, 3-4 minutes. Set aside.

• Combine yogurt, thyme and Dijon mustard in a small bowl mixing well.

• Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees.

• Spread yogurt mixture evenly over crust. • Distribute onion mixture over yogurt. Sprinkle half of the cheese over onions. Layer apple slices over cheese, covering entire surface. Season with salt and pepper then top with remaining cheese.

• Bake about 20 minutes or until cheese is golden. You can finish under broiler if desired.

• Serve as a side dish or as a main course with a salad.

Roasted Butternut Squash, Apples and Mushrooms.

Ingredients • 1 Medium Butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed (about 5 cups) • 2 Large Jonagold apples, or your favorite variety, cored and cubed, skin on (about 5 cups) • 6 Cups quartered Shitake mushrooms; stems removed • 6 Tablespoons pecan or canola oil, divided • Salt & pepper • ½ Teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme • Pinch cayenne pepper

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Instructions • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

• Place empty baking sheet in oven to preheat.

• Place cubed butternut squash in a bowl.

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of pecan or canola oil over the squash, tossing to coat. Season with salt, fresh ground pepper and a pinch of cayenne.

Spread squash evenly on preheated baking sheet.

Bake about 15 minutes or until just tender. Set aside to cool.

• Raise oven temperature to 450 degrees. Place another baking sheet in oven to preheat.

Place cubed apples in a bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon pecan or canola oil over apples, tossing to coat. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper then sprinkle with thyme.

Spread apples evenly on preheated baking sheet.

Bake about 10 minutes or until just tender. Set aside to cool.

• Place another baking sheet in oven to preheat or use one that you previously used.

• Place mushrooms in a bowl. Drizzle with remaining pecan or canola oil. Season liberally with salt and fresh ground pepper, tossing to coat. Spread mushrooms evenly on preheated pan. Bake about 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

• Gently toss all the apples, squash and mushrooms together. Serve warm or at room temperature.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Apple Potstickers with Milk Jam Dip Milk Jam Ingredients • 1 Quart Whole Milk • 1 1/2 Cups Granulated Sugar • 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract, or ½ vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped Potsticker Ingredients • 1 Pkg Potsticker or wonton wrappers • 3 Apples • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice • 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar • 1/8 Teaspoon Cinnamon • 1/8 Teaspoon Cardamom • 1 Pinch Ground Ginger • 1/8 Teaspoon Lemon Zest • 1/8 Teaspoon Orange Zest • 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter • 4 Ounces Local Goat Cheese • Canola Or Other Neutral Oil For Frying • Cornstarch As Needed Milk Jam Instructions • Combine milk, sugar and baking soda in a large saucepan and heat over medium.

• Add scraped seeds and split vanilla bean.

• Bring to a simmer and stir to dissolve the sugar.

• Once sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Stir occasionally and allow mixture to reduce to about 1 1/4 cups.

• Mixture will darken in color and reduce in OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

approximately two hours. There may be some separation.

• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Store in a sealed container and refrigerate.

Filling Instructions • Peel and medium dice the apples. Place in a medium bowl and toss with lemon juice.

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

• Add apples and remaining ingredients and combine until apples are well coated.

• Cook until apples begin to just soften. Set aside and allow to cool.

Assembly Instructions • Lightly dust the work surface with cornstarch to keep wrappers from sticking.

• Lay out 4-6 wrappers at a time and place a teaspoon or so of apple mixture in each round.

• Moisten edges with water, fold in half and seal edge by pressing down with a fork.

• Place on sheet pan or platter and refrigerate 30 minutes, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

• Heat oil in a large skillet to about 375 degrees F, and fry the potstickers, a few at a time, about 1 minute per side. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

• Drizzle the Apple Potstickers with Warm Milk Jam and sprinkle with crumbled Goat Cheese to serve.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

These delicious apple recipes were generously shared with Appalachian Country Living Magazine by Georgia Grown.

What is Georgia Grown?

Georgia Grown is a program designed to help businesses with a vested interest in Georgia’s agriculture become even more successful.

Their goal is to aid our agricultural economies by bringing together producers, processors, suppliers, distributors, retailers, agritourism and consumers in one powerful, statewide community.

Georgia Grown is also a brand. This brand is desired by business and consumers who want to buy and promote Georgia’s locally grown products. It’s a brand with deep roots in sustainability, quality and integrity.

Georgia Grown is a marketing and economic development program of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Commissioner Gary W. Black.

Georgia Department of Agriculture 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Room 324 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: (404) 656-3680 Email: info@georgiagrown.com Web: https://georgiagrown.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/georgiangrown

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

23

Hey All Y’all, It’s Fall.

Head for the Hills and Have a Ball of Mountain Fun!

There’s surely more to do this fall than humanly possible, and we’re certain there’s something here for everyone. While every attempt has been made to provide accurate event listings, we urge you to confirm the information provided before making travel plans.

Due to COVID-19 many events have been cancelled and others require following CDC Covid rules. While every attempt has been made to provide accurate event listings, we urge you to confirm the information provided before making travel plans. With that said, come and see all that north Georgia and the southern Appalachians have to offer!

Cumming Country Fair & Festival October 7 - 17, 2021

Cumming, GA. The fair is an affordable family outing providing entertainment around every corner. There are free daily attractions, free concerts, discount days and free-living 24

history exhibits in the Heritage and Indian Villages. K-9s in Flight, Lady Houdini, Human Cannonball, Atlanta Puppet Show, Petting Zoo, Chainsaw Carving & Auction, Carnival Midway, Concerts, and much more! Hours: Monday - Thursday 4:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.; Friday 4:00 p.m.- Midnight; Saturday 10:00 am - Midnight; Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. No pets, alcohol or coolers. Cash only, ATM on site. Parking $5. Admission $10 cash or credit only. Cumming Fair Grounds, 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming, GA 30040.

Contact Information: 770-781-3491 or www. cummingfair.net

2021 Chattanooga Motorcar Festival October 7 - 19, 2021

The three-day event features the premiere of The Pace Grand Prix at the Bend, an Mecum Auction, the Chattanooga Concours d’Elegance, as well as the open road West Village Road Rallye all taking place along the picturesque riverfront in downtown Chattanooga, TN. This annual festival features thousands of cars, live concerts, car clubs, street fairs, and food trucks, making this event one the entire family will enjoy. Funds raised through the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival go to The Neuroscience Center at CHI Memorial and the

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

NeuroScience Innovation Foundation. Events 9am -10pm. For tickets and info visit: www. chattanoogamotorcar.com, 423.424.1847, or info@chattanoogamotorcar.com

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival October 8 - 16, 2021

Hiawassee, GA. With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall.

Each October, the 9-day event features carnival rides, exciting musical performances, Arts and Craft vendors, educational demonstrations, Pioneer Village, Old Ways demonstrations, Daredevil Circus, Cowboy Circus, Cooking & Photo Contests. Fall Festival: Daily 10am7pm, Sunday until 6pm. Admission is $12, 3-Day Pass $33, 9-Day Pass $90. Kids under 12- free. Free parking. Sorry no pets. Georgia Mountain Fair Grounds, Hiawassee, GA. Contact Information: 706-896-4191 or www. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Annual Blue Ridge Mountain Marching Band Festival October 9, 2021

Blue Ridge, GA. More than 2,000 marching band members from nearly 24 area high school bands are expected to participate. Bands range in size from 40 members to more than 150.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Beginning at 1 pm and continuing until 9:30 pm. Fannin County High School, 2346 East First St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513. For info call Band Director, Scott Barnstead 706-633-8595 or visit www.fannincountyband.org

11th Annual Fall Arts in the Park October 9 -10, 2021

Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge, GA. Join us for the Fall Arts in the Park festival held in the beautiful Downtown City Park of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Festival is held rain or shine. Shop from a variety of artworks from over 150 juried fine arts and fine crafts exhibitors, enjoy tasty food, and engage in multiple artist demos and a free children’s activity booth. Pets are welcomed as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

Weekend Admission: adults $5; children under 12 free. All proceeds benefit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, a 501c3 nonprofit community arts association. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For info: (706) 632- 2144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com or www. blueridgearts.net

50th Annual Georgia Apple Festival October 8-10 & 16-17, 2021

Ellijay, GA. The Ellijay Lions Club, the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, and Gilmer County invite everyone to come and enjoy the Georgia Apple Festival. There are over 300 vendors with handmade, handcrafted items, as well as many on-site demonstrations. The Apple Festival 5K & 1K is Saturday October 12th at 8am and starts and ends at Ellijay Elementary School. The Apple Classic Auto Show (706635-7400) is held at the Civic Center on Saturday October 12th. The Apple Festival Parade (706-635-7400) is Friday October 8th and begins at 6pm in historic downtown Ellijay.

Festival entrance fee is $5. Saturdays: 9am-6pm, Sundays: 9am-5pm.Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 South Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540. Visit www.georgiaapplefestival.org.

Blairsville Sorghum Festival October 9- 10 and October 16- 17, 2021

Meeks Park, Blairsville, GA. The Blairsville Sorghum Festival has been a part of Blairsville’s heritage for more than 40 years. Blairsville’s longest running festival celebrates the ancient art of cooking sweet syrup from Sorghum Cane.

Enjoy sorghum syrup making demonstrations and contests such as log sawing, pole climbing, rock throwing, hatchet throwing, and more!

Proceeds go scholarships for local students.

Both weekends: Sat. 9am -5pm & Sun. 9am – 5pm. With Square Dance at the Old Middle School Gym at 8pm. Festival admission 13 and up $5. Free parking. For information: www. sorghumfestivalblairsville.org or 706-745-4745.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

14th Annual Paws in the Park & Ultimate Air Dogs Dock Diving October 16, 2021

Blue Ridge, GA. New this year is the Ultimate Air Dogs Dock Diving Competition sponsored

by INGLES! Check out all the local vendors & come support the stores who have such awesome pet supplies! All Local & Area Rescue Groups are welcome to join the fun. Parade starts at 10am. 10am to 5pm. Sponsored by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge. Downtown Blue Ridge City Park. For info call 706. 633.

3103 or www.humanesocietyofblueridge.org

27th Annual Talking Rock Heritage Days Festival October 16- 17, 2021

Talking Rock, GA. During the Annual Heritage Days Festival, our little town will be filled with booths featuring a wide variety of arts, crafts and antiques. Demonstrations for the young and old, Blue Grass and Southern Gospel Music and good food. Visit the restored 1877 Talking Rock Schoolhouse Teaching Museum, meet the Town Crier, relax with the kids in the park and have a great family day. 9am -5pm. FREE! Visit www.talkingrockga.com or call 706-253-5515.

Gold Rush Days Festival October 16- 17, 2021

Dahlonega, GA. Come and see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event. It is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 visit over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement! The Gold Rush Days Festival has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. Contact: The Dahlonega Jaycees Email: info@dahlonega.org Phone: 706864-3513 or https://goldrushdaysfestival.com

Barktoberfest

October 17, 2021

Blue Ridge, GA. Come out to enjoy friendship, music, food, and beer at Grumpy Old Men Brewery in Blue Ridge. A 50/50 cash raffle and silent auction will be held to benefit the Humane Society of Blue Ridge. Food truck on site. $25 includes commemorative glass & koozie, and 2 beer tokens. Live Music. Dogs welcome! For info visit: www. humanesocietyofblueridge.org

54th Annual Moonshine Festival & Car Show October 22- 24, 2020

Dawsonville. Festival, Car Show, and Swap Meet held at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Formerly known as “Thunder Road USA,” all 3 days 8am- 5pm. Moonshine Run on Friday, October 22nd, leaving Bearden’s Funeral Home at approximately 10am, registration to begin at 9:00 AM. Meet many legendary racecar drivers.

See Vintage Race Cars and more Authentic Moonshine-Hauling cars than you’ll ever see gathered in one place anywhere in the US! Sorry no pets allowed. Parking $10. Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and Museum , 415 Highway 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534.

Benefitting KARE for Kids, Inc. Visit www. kareforkids.org or (706) 216-KARE (5273) or email at info@kareforkids.com

Appalachian Craft Brew, Stew & Que Festival October 23, 2021

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds- Hiawassee, GA. Fall will be in the air and what a great time for the “Appalachian Craft Brew, Stew and Que Festival” featuring 40+ breweries, unlimited tasting, and souvenir glass. Live Americana, Folk, and Bluegrass music. Food vendors from local area restaurants. Regional arts & crafts vendors. Hiawassee is centrally located, just two hours from Atlanta, Asheville, Greenville and Chattanooga. Saturday 11am- 7pm. $40.00 at the Gate, $35.00 Online. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds - 1311 Music Rd.- Hiawassee, GA. Info: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or 706-896-4191. *Sign up to be a volunteer and receive free admission after your shift and all the beer samples you want! Please call Jane at 706435-0664.

7th Annual Tennessee Whiskey Festival October 23, 2021

Chattanooga, TN. Celebrate the historic and newly innovative hand-crafted distilled spirits of Tennessee and beyond! Spirit tastings, live music, and more! Showcasing the state’s craft spirits and the people who produce them.

Sample the best whiskey offered right here in Tennessee. As well as craft distilled products from other regions, plan on tasting and comparing some of the best! Benefitting the Hart Gallery of Chattanooga, TN, a 501c3 non-profit using art as therapy and a means of providing the homeless and others an opportunity at self-expression as a means to build self-worth. 6pm – 9pm. Chattanooga Choo Choo - Glenn Miller Gardens, 1400 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402. Tickets and info: www.tnwhiskeyfestival.com, info@ tnwhiskeyfestival.com

Dawsonville, GA. See the parade of moonshine and revenue cars to kick off festivities at 9:00 Saturday morning. Many great vendors – something for everyone. Two stages with live entertainment around the square in downtown APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

25

A Mountain of Fun in Hiawassee, Ga! GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com

FALL FESTIVAL OCTOBER 8TH - 16TH

(706) 896-4191 | GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com

The Largest Yarn Shop in north Georgia!

Exquisite Specialty Yarns of all Fiber Types in Basics to Novelty PLUS

Nestled next to the Cherokee National Forest and the Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park, Fireside Outpost offers unique hybrid camping cabins that are perfectly

Knit & Crochet Classes for Beginners to Advanced

positioned for launching adventures in the mountains and swaping stories by the campfire!

Books • Patterns • Needles Notions • Purse Handles

706.698.KNIT Tues, Wed & Fri 10-5 • Thurs 10-7 • Sat 10-4

www.stringsandstitches.com stringsandstitches@ellijay.com 449 Industrial Blvd. Suite 165 Spring Plaza • Ellijay, GA 30540 26

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

Fireside Outpost Cabin Retreat 369 Spring Creek Road | Delano, TN 37325 firesideoutpost.com | 423.240.8443

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Chiaha Harvest Fair

October 23-24, 2021 Ridge Ferry Park in Rome, GA. A toetappin’, cider-sippin’, fun-for-everyone arts festival. Chiaha has grown into a juried show of artists and craftsmen from all over the country, including many demonstrators, sharing the tricks of their craft throughout the weekend. The festival is known for its stellar entertainment, featuring musicians from far and near. And, the offerings of an unduplicated variety of local food vendors will surely satisfy your craving for delicious, hand-prepared treats. $5 for Adults, $4 for Students and Seniors, and $1 for Children under 12. There is no charge for parking at Ridge Ferry Park for the event, and handicapped parking is available. For more information visit: https://www.chiaha.org

4th Annual Forever Bluegrass Fall Festival

November 4- 6, 2021 Chickamauga, GA. Serving up the best talent around the area. Concerts will be held the fabulous Show Barn at Mountain Cove Farms, where the Music meets the Mountain! Rain or shine! Dozens of jam sessions all around at any time of the hour. Your love of Bluegrass music will never go hungry. Family friendly. There are campsites you can rent for the full event with hot food and concessions available. Local Arts

and Crafts Vendors will be present. Benefitting the American Cancer Society. Mountain Cove Farms, 994 Dougherty Gap Rd, Chickamauga, GA 30707. For tickets and info: http:// foreverbluegrass.com, Tanya Jones at 423-4326276 or email tanyadjones60@gmail.com

Lula Lake Hike Bike Brew: Festival

November 13, 2021 Lookout Mountain, GA. The premier beer festival where brews meet the outdoors to support Lula Lake’s trail work and conservation efforts! Our Signature Event takes you into the heart of Lula Lake for an adventure you cannot find anywhere else: iconic sights + delicious brews + beautiful trails. Hike or bike the “Beer Path loop” leading you to the famous Lula Lake and Lula Falls, while stopping for beer tasters along the way. Each ticket is an adventure waiting to happen, and check-in is anytime between 12:00 Noon – 2:00 PM to enjoy all 11 participating brewers. Age 21+. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required for entry. $35 – $75. Lula Lake Land Trust, 5000 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750. Tickets and info: https://www.lulalake. org, 706-820-0520, or info@lulalake.org

Mountain Country Christmas in Lights

November 25- December 23, 2021

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds- Hiawassee, GA. A holiday treat for the entire family along the shores of beautiful Lake Chatuge.

The fairground will be transformed into a spectacular and magical holiday light show, with caroling, art & craft vendors, holiday food, a visit and pictures with Santa, and of course hot chocolate and s’mores. Featuring Cowtown, A live exhibit which contains an old time creamery where patrons participate in preparing a cow for milking by hand. Kids get hands-on experiences with the process of making butter ice cream and soap using historic tools and machines in these processes. Christmas in Lights $6, kids under 12, free.

6pm -9pm: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays.

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds - 1311 Music Rd. Hiawassee, GA. Website: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or 706-896-4191. ACLM

While every attempt has been made to provide accurate event listings, we urge you to confirm the information provided before making travel plans, as often dates and times may change.

Your Prescriptions Your Life.

Let us save you time by coordinating all of your prescriptions into ONE monthly pick-up.

MedPack strip packaging also available.

Simplify your refills and your life. Ask us how.

Advertise in our Winter Shoppers Issue

Caring for You and About You.

ON NEWS STANDS FOR THANKSGIVING WEEKEND Jasper Drug Store 1 N. Main Street Jasper, GA 30143 706-692-6427

Advertising Deadline October 29th

Jasper Drug @ IGA 80 Foothills Pkwwy Marble Hill, GA 30148 770-893-3784

706.492.5070

www.JasperDrugs.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

27

Retired burlesque queen Beatrice Shelton needs a vacation – NOT another trip to Helen, GA. A Sassy Seniors Cruise may be just the ticket!

FOUR OLD BROADS AT CHRISTMAS

November 18th - December 12th Thursday - Saturday 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM Join the master of Horror himself as Edgar Allen Poe guides you through a frightful evening of his most terrifying and popular works.

BLACK BOX THEATER PRESENTS

LOVE & DEATH BY POE

October 28th - October 31th Thursday - Saturday 7:30 PM Saturdays & Sundays at 2 PM

GEORGIA SPIRITUAL ENSEMBLE CHORAL AND SOLO December 18th 7:30 PM

SEASON TICKETS

MAKE GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY

BY PHONE OR ONLINE!

BOX OFFICE: 706. 632. 9191 BUY ONLINE @

BLUERIDGECOMMUNITYTHEATER.COM FIND US ON FB:

FACEBOOK.COM/BRCTGA

MAIN: 706. 632. 9223 2591 EAST 1ST STREET • BLUE RIDGE, GA 28

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

BlueRidgeMountainTrailRides.com

Come See Local Favorites Clay & Boudreaux!

RECYCLE ELECTRONICS - Nov. 13 Drop Off Electronics, FREE OF CHARGE:

Sat., Nov. 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

111 Gilmer Street, Ellijay, Ga Gilmer County Courthouse Parking Lot

RAIN OR SHINE EVENT

Items Accepted:

Desktops Laptops Servers Mainframes Network Hubs Network Switches Cell Phones Desktop Phones & Systems Keyboards/Mice

Check Processing Gaming Consoles LCD Monitors CD-ROMS Floppy Drives Circuit Boards Power Supplies Hard Drives UPS and UPS Batteries

Ni-MH/Ni-CAD Batteries Lithium Batteries Car Batteries Cable/Wire Gaming Controllers Toner/Inkjet Cartridges Blu-Ray Players Printers Fax Machines

Copiers/Scanners Typewriters Modems Stereos VCRs Radios DVD-Players CD-Players Dock Stations

All TVs $20.00, CRT Devices $10.00, everything else no charge

Items NOT Accepted: Projection or Console TVs Washer/Dryers Vacuum Cleaners Speakers (Wooden) Gas Grill Tanks Battery Powered Tools

Liquid Containing Devices Alkaline Batteries Tires Toaster Ovens De-Humidifiers Gas Powered Tools

Household Trash Microwave Ovens Radioactive Material Humidifiers Coffee Makers Freezers

Blenders Mixers Ovens Hair Dryers Ceiling Fans Refrigerators

KeepGilmerBeautiful.org APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Welcome to Ellijay

APPLE CAPITAL OF GEORGIA Aaron Family Orchards

The oldest operating Applehouse in Ellijay Georgia! Founded by O.S. Aaron in the late 1930’s, this family business is still carried on by his great-grandsons Stephen and Joshua Aaron. We provide quality apples, and other agricultural products as well as baked goods, ciders, boiled peanuts and canned goods. Aaron Family Orchards, 8350 Highway 52 E, Ellijay, GA 30536. For info call (706) 273-3180 or visit http://aaronfamilyorchards.com

B.J. Reece Orchards

Family owned and operated orchard, B.J. Reece has been rated one of Georgia’s top “fun get-away” destinations. Tucked in the north Georgia Mountains, they are the home to U-pick orchards, a country bakery, petting farm, pony rides and much more. Come play and enjoy the farm. It doesn’t matter if you’re an old friend or a new face, you’ll enjoy the family friendly atmosphere and some of the best apples in north Georgia. B. J. Reece Orchards, 9131 Highway 52 East – Ellijay, Georgia 30536. For more info call 706-276-3048 or visit http:// www.reeceorchards.com

Hillcrest Orchards

Visit the most popular U-pick apple farm and market. Enjoy festivals such as the ‘Apple Pickin’ Jubilee’ on fall weekends with live entertainers, pig racing, cow milking, wagon rides, pony, apple tree maze, & mini golf.

The bakery and farm market are open every day and offer goodies such as fried apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, famous apple fritters, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

As the foliage changes and temperatures start to drop, fall easily becomes the best season for a good old-fashioned road trip. North Georgia is the perfect place to experience all that fall has to offer, complete with natural wonders like Amicalola Falls, outdoor adventure and of course, apples. It’s safe to say that the crown jewel of north Georgia, especially during fall, is Ellijay.

Named the “Apple Capital of Georgia,” Ellijay and Gilmer County produce over 250,000 bushels of apples annually in more than 30 varieties. So grab the kids and head to one of Gilmer County’s Apple Houses.

and bushels and bushels of tree ripened apples, cider, canned goods, honey, and baskets.

Hillcrest Orchards, 9696 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, GA 30536. For info call (706) 2733838, or visit http://hillcrestorchards.net

Panorama Orchards and Farm Market

Open Year Round! A family fruit farm established in the 1920’s to produce and market apples. Today we have available more than 20 varieties of apples, as well as peaches, and fall vegetables. This production, along with a variety of apple related products and baked goods from our own kitchens, is sold direct to the public at our farm market. Panorama Orchards and Farm Market, 63 Talona Spur Road (off Hwy 515), Ellijay, GA 30540. For info call (706) 276-3813 or visit https://www. panoramaorchards.com

Penland’s Apple House

Growing Gilmer’s best since 1936! Family owned and operated (5 generations and counting) orchard offering fresh peaches, apples, vegetables, ciders, jams, and various baked goods including our homemade fried pies and apple fritters. Penland’s Apple House, 41 Talona Spur Road (off Hwy 515), Ellijay, GA 30540. For info call (706) 635-5110 or find them on Facebook.

R & A Orchards

Open Year Round! This family farm market located 4.5 miles east of Ellijay offers a restaurant with homemade fried pies, delicious canned goods, and fresh produce.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

R & A Orchards, 5505 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, GA 30536. For info call (706) 2733821, or visit https://www.randaorchards.com

Red Apple Barn

Enjoy a visit with your family to the Red Apple. Pick apples, pumpkins, flowers, play games or have a picnic. Take a tractor ride tour of the farm or have some fun in the playground. The farm store offers apple pies, fritters, bread, caramel and candied apples, jams and jellies, honey and apple cider. The farm has been in the family since 1927. Red Apple Barn is located at 3379 Tails Creek Road, 3 miles west of Ellijay on Ga Hwy 282/US 76. For info call 706-635-5898 or visit https://www. redapplebarn.com For more information on visiting Ellijay and the surrounding area please contact the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce Gilmer Chamber & Welcome Center 696 First Avenue P.O. Box 505 East Ellijay, GA 30540 (706) 635-7400 Fax: (706) 635-7410 info@gilmerchamber.com www.gilmerchamber.com Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

29

INSIDE Welcome to our Calendar!

Due to COVID-19 many events have been cancelled or may have vaccination or mask requirements.

While every attempt has been made to provide accurate event listings, we urge you to confirm the information provided before making travel plans. With that said, come and see all that the southern Appalachians has to offer!

ARTS 1st & 3rd Tuesdays Every Month Plein Air Painters of Hiawassee Hiawasee, GA. Meet at ArtWorks and leave at 2pm for a local scenic spot to spend a fun afternoon painting with other artists. All media welcome. Bring supplies and equipment you can carry. Some walking on uneven ground may be required.

Remember to bring some water and a hat. During winter months, we paint as long as afternoon temperature is at least 50 degrees.

2pm-5pm ArtWorks Gallery & Gifts, 232B Chatuge Way, Hiawassee, GA. www.artworksgalleryga.com or 706896-0932.

3rd Wednesdays Every Month Quilt Guild Jasper, GA. Out on a Limb Quilt Guild meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month 1pm – 3pm. Pickens County Community Center, Camp Road, Jasper, GA. 30143. Info: Cathy Vickers (678) 452-2155.

9/14 thru 10/10 Plein Air Exhibit Blue Ridge, GA. A spectacular exhibit filled with images from local scenery and landscapes created during our four-day 2021 Plein Air International Paint-Out. This exhibit will be on display and available for purchase in our Studio Gallery. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center, Website: www.blueridgearts.net, Email: BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com, Phone: 706-632-2144.

30

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

NORTH GEORGIA'S GUIDE TO AREA

ARTS | DINING & DANCE | EVENTS & SHOWS | MUSIC | THEATER

9/26 thru 12/18 Artist in Residence 4th Qtr – Judy Holland Blue Ridge, GA.Visual Journal.

Celebrate beautiful oil and alcohol ink paintings by Judy Holland.

Opening reception is October 16 from 5-7pm. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center, Website: www.blueridgearts.net, Email: BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com, Phone: 706-632-2144.

10/1 thru 11/1 3rd Annual Juried Photography Exhibition Ellijay, GA. Judge Michael Boatright.

Winners will be announced at the opening reception 10/1 from 5-7pm.

Gilmer Arts – Hawthorne Hall, 207 Dalton St., Ellijay, GA 30540. Info: www.gilmerarts.com or 706-6355605.

10/9 – 10/10 11th Annual Fall Arts in the Park Blue Ridge, GA. Shop from over 150 juried fine arts and fine crafts exhibitors, enjoy tasty food, engage in artist demos and enjoy our free children’s activity booth. Leashed pets are welcomed. Festival is held rain or shine. Weekend Admission: adults $5; children under 12 free.

All proceeds benefit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, a 501c3 non-profit community arts association. www.blueridgeartsinthepark. com 10/16 thru 11/12 SAAG Autumn Member Show Blue Ridge, GA. The SAAG Member Show celebrates a wide arrange of art in various mediums created by talented members of the Southern Appalachian Artists Guild.

Opening reception and awards will be October 16, 5-7pm. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center, Website: www.blueridgearts.net, Email: BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com, Phone: 706-632-2144.

10/9- 10/10 & 10/16- 10/17 Apple Arts Ellijay, GA. Apple Arts is like the free bonus to the apple festival. There is no charge for admission, pet friendly, and it’s in Downtown Ellijay.

You can shop the local stores, park for free, and ride a shuttle to the

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

Georgia Apple Festival at the fairgrounds when you are ready. There are approximately 50+ vendors each weekend selling apples, boiled peanuts, jewelry, pottery, local artwork, and more! 9am – 5pm. Free!

Downtown Ellijay located on Broad Street and Sand Street near the courthouse. Info: Gilmer Chamber 706-635-7400 10/28 Storytelling- Everyone Has A Story Ellijay, GA. Everyone has a story. All storytellers, poets, songwriters and listeners are WELCOME. Limit 5-7 minutes, first to sign-up. Be respectful. 6:30pm- 8:30 pm. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse, 135 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 3054. Phone: 706-6355605 Website: www.gilmerarts.com 11/20 Whodunit? Fundraiser Blue Ridge, GA. This is a rare opportunity to acquire remarkable artworks from sought-after local and regional artists at an incredible price! Each $50 ticket guarantees you are going home with an original work of art, the mystery is trying to figure out which artist created your selected piece of art. This is an event with fantastic art, delicious food, and lots of fun. Limited tickets are available for this event. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center, Website: www.blueridgearts.net, Email: BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com, Phone: 706-632-2144.

11/20 A Cozy Country Christmas - Arts and Crafts Show Blairsville, GA. Free admission and over 40 local and regional artisans showcasing their one of a kind creations. 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Free!

North Georgia Technical College, 121 Meeks Ave., Blairsville, GA 30512.

Email: pts119@tds.net 11/20 thru 1/4 Holiday Show & Sale Blue Ridge, GA. Looking for that creative and unique holiday gift?

Come in and shop this holiday exhibition with hundreds of hand-made items ranging from ornaments to pottery and paintings, all beautifully

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

displayed within our Richard Low Evans Gallery… just in time for the holidays. Gift Certificates are also available. Opening reception will be November 20, 6-9pm. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center, Website: www.blueridgearts.net, Email: BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com, Phone: 706-632-2144.

11/20 thru 1/4 SAAG Miniatures Show Blue Ridge, GA. Big artistic talent in little works of art! This unique exhibit is focused on miniature artworks created by the very talented artists of our Southern Appalachian Artist Guild (SAAG). Opening reception is November 20, 6-9pm. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center, Website: www.blueridgearts.net, Email: BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com, Phone: 706-632-2144.

EVENTS Ongoing Mondays Raft GUide Trivia at Buck Bald Brewing Copperhill, TN. Win cool prizes and have some fun. Starts at 6m. Free!

Buck Bald Brewing, 160 Ocoee Street, Copperhill, TN 37317. Info: 706.431.7141 or https://buckbaldbrewing.com 2nd, 4th, and 5th Mondays Twirlers Square Dancing Jasper, GA. Twirlers dance the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Mondays of the month at 7pm (lessons at 6pm). Bent Tree Club Tamarack, Jasper, GA. Info: 770-893-2629.

Ongoing Mondays SINGO! Blue Ridge, GA. Singo is a mix of Bingo and great music. To play, everyone is given a bingo card. We’ll play about a minute of each song and you match the song to a tile on your board - just like Bingo! The first person to match 5 in a row and yell out “SINGO” is our winner! 6 - 8pm. bin322 Wine & Tapas Bar, 116 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 Email: info@bin322.com Phone: 706-946-0472

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

AC LIVING CALENDAR Ongoing Wednesdays Cast-Off Pet Rescue Bingo Blairsville, GA. Would you like to save dogs and cats and win money? Join us every Wednesday for Bingo Night!

The Jackpot depends on YOU! If we at have least 60 players, jackpot will be $600.00. At least 80 players, jackpot will be $800.00. At least 100 players, jackpot will be $1,000.00!!!

Doors 6 pm and games 7pm.

Blairsville Civic Center, 165 Wellborn Street, Blairsville, GA. 30512. For info: www.castoffpetrescue.org or call (706) 487-4539.

Ongoing Wednesdays Team Trivia at Hoppy Trout Andrews, NC. Four rounds of trivia.

Each round has a different category with 10 questions. Prizes are a $5 gift card for each of the first three rounds and a $20 gift card for the overall winning team at the end.

6:30pm. Free! Hoppy Trout Brewing Company 911 Main St. Andrews, NC 28901. Info: www.hoppytroutbrewing.com or 828-835-2111 Ongoing Thursdays Trivia at Copperhill Brewery Copperhill, TN. Gift certificates for first thru 3rd place winners. Starts 6pm SHARP. Copperhill Brewery, 105 Ocoee St, Copperhill, TN 37317. Info: (423) 548-3030 or copperhillbrewery.com First Thursdays Shop Late Thursdays Blairsville, GA. Downtown Blairsville businesses will be open additional hours from 5pm - 8pm and featuring deals, discounts and other offers!

Avoid the crowds on the weekends and visit Downtown Blairsville on the First Thursday of the month! Look for businesses with a red balloon! Info: www.visitblairsvillega.com or 877.

745.5789.

Ongoing Thursdays Dart Tournament and Open Jam Session Murphy, NC. Darts- 5pm. Jam- 5pm – 7pm. The Daily Grind And Wine, 46 Valley River Ave Murphy, NC 28906.

Info: (828) 835-7322 or http://thedailygrindandwine.com/ Ongoing Fridays Hiawassee Night Market Hiawassee, GA. Open-air night artist & artisan market: fresh produce, food trucks, games, and live music.

The monthly destination for outdoor dining, shopping, and entertainment.

5pm- 10pm. Town Square at 19 S. Main Street, Hiawassee GA. http:// hiawasseega.gov OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

2nd Fridy Each Month Fantastic Finds Friday Blairsville, GA. Come to Merchants Walk for great deals all day. Save, stay and enjoy! 7:30am- 8pm. Hours vary between merchants. Info: www.visitblairsvillega.com or 877.

745.5789.

Ongoing 2nd Saturdays Saturdays at Riverwalk McCaysville, GA. Shop * Eat * Play * Late. Most stores open late on the 2nd Saturday of each month this summer. Fun Shopping * Free Gifts * Special Offers. Eat dinner at Burra Burra on the River or Twisted Tomato, browse the unique Shops & Boutiques, and enjoy live music at TOONEYS Music Venue. Riverwalk Shops, 100 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA 30555.

10/1 thru 10/3 Oktoberfest Cartecay River Brewing Company Ellijay, GA. We have partnered with @emilysinellijay they will have a full menu of food and we have a German band playing Friday & Saturday.

General admission is $15 per person and that gets you a wristband for all 3 days. VIP is $75 per person and gets you a boot mug, 1 beer, admission to the VIP tent, and $20 food credit. All pints will be $5 all weekend. Friday & Saturday 12-9pm, Sunday 12-6pm. Cartecay River Brewing Company, 26 River Terrace, Ste 1A, Ellijay, GA. 706) 395-8985.

10/2 AgPro Open House and Antique Tractor Festival Murphy, NC. Come celebrate our 1 year anniversary with us and enjoy all the festivities that will be there.

Antique tractors, local vendors, food trucks, giveaways and much more. If you are a vendor, or have an antique tractor, please call 828-361-7359 to join us. We will be joined by Clay County Tractor club. All model antique tractors welcome. 9am – 2pm.

Free! 88 Butler Mountain Road Murphy, NC 28906. Info: Brad Hutson 828-835-3007, 838-361-7359 10/5 thru 1/3 Scarecrow Invasion at Harrison Park Ellijay, GA. Scarecrows will surround the park trails. Also-a Family Moonlight walk on the evening of October 15. Harrison Park has walking and running trails, dog friendly, picnic tables. For info: http://www. harrisonparkellijay.com/ or https:// www.facebook.com/harrisonparkellijay/

10/8 thru 10/10 Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes Blue Ridge, GA. Benefitting the area’s local youth through the Parade of Homes Scholarship Foundation, Blue Ridge Parade of Homes is an annual, three day event held in Blue Ridge, Georgia and features amazing homes sprinkled throughout the North Georgia mountains. 18 years and older. Advance tickets $25. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets and Info: https://blueridgeparadeofhomes.com or 423-241-1512.

10/9 Apple Country Auto Club Annual Apple Classic Auto Show Ellijay, GA. Open Show! All Vehicles & Bikes Welcome. Top 50 Chosen / Judged by Vehicle Owners. Best of Awards and Youth Awards Chosen

by Club Member Judges. Proceeds Benefit: Gilmer High Auto Shop Scholarship, Gilmer Food Pantry, and Kids Ferst & More. Sponsored by: Apple Country Auto Club, Inc., Ronnie Thompson Ford & Gilmer Chamber of Commerce in Association with the Georgia Apple Festival. Registration 8am-12 Awards at 4:00pm. Free to attend. Pre-registration is $20. Day of the Show is $25. Ronnie Prater @ 706.889.1952; Jim Logan @ 706.889.0846; Andrew Miller @ 706.273.0219 10/15 Oktoberfest at Rusty Roof Fish Camp Copperhill, TN. Polka dancing, games & contests, German shenanigans.

Beer, pretzels, bratwurst. Live Music

by The Happiness Band. All ages welcome. Proceeds to benefit those in need in the Copper Basin. $10 advance, $15 door. 4pm – 10pm.

Tickets: copperhilloktoberfest.eventbrite.com 10/22 Mountain Aire: Gilmer County Food Bank Brunswick Stew Ellijay, GA. Mountain Aire Realty will be hosting their annual Brunswick Stew Lunch. All proceeds will go to the Gilmer County Food Pantry. Stop by and pick up the best Brunswick Stew you will ever taste, John Wades secret recipe. $7 will buy you a Cup of stew and bottle water. 11am1pm. Mountain Aire Realty, 97 Mulberry St, East Ellijay, GA 30540.

Info: 706-276-1122

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

10/23 Chili Challenge at Harrison Park Ellijay, GA. Businesses and organizations compete for the best Chili in Ellijay. Live music, local craft beer and lots of tasty chili. 11am-3pm.

Harrison Park has walking and running trails, dog friendly, picnic tables.

For info: http://www.harrisonparkellijay.com/ or https://www.facebook. com/harrisonparkellijay/ 10/30 Cars and Coffee Cruise-In Ellijay, GA. North Georgia’s monthly meet of auto and motorcycle enthusiasts. Held in beautiful Ellijay, Ga on the last Saturday of each month.

Bring your everything on wheels and enjoy free coffee and donuts. 50/50 raffle and great conversation. 8am -11am. Riverside Pavillion on Main Street, ELLIJAY, GA 30540. Contact Information: Michael Johnson 843814-3774 (p) mhjfedex@aol.com 11/5 Cheers for Chimps Blue Ridge, GA. Fannin Brewing Company will be hosting “Cheers for Chimps,” featuring Limited Edition Ape-le Ale and benefiting Project Chimps from 2 - 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5. This ale is made from Mercier Orchards apples! Each ticket holder will receive a limited edition Project Chimps glass, one pour of apple ale and a food ticket! Come hang out and enjoy live music, play games, and learn about Project Chimps.

Tickets are just $25 for attendees 21+. 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM Fannin Brewing Company, 3758 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Phone: (706) 258-2762. www.fanninbrewingcompany.com 11/6 Ducktown Fall Fest Ducktown, TN. Arts - Crafts Bluegrass - Food Vendors. 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Ducktown School, 2018 Hwy 68, Ducktown, Tennessee 37317 11/6 Hangover for Hounds Copperhill, TN. Join Buck Bald Brewing and the Humane Society of Blue Ridge for their last outdoor event of the year. Drink amazing beer and raise money for an important cause. Kosmic Kitty IPA on tap.

All proceeds of this delicious brew will go to HSBR. 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Buck Bald Brewing, 160 Ocoee Street, Copperhill, TN 37317. Info: 706-632-4357

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

31

The Glory of the

Apple

WORDS : BETTY KOSSICK

The apple is said to be the most perfect food. In fact, some call it a magical fruit. It’s earned the reputation that if you eat one a day, it holds the MDs at bay. So is it true that apples truly do have health benefits?

Dietitians, nutritionists, and doctors all agree that apples provide superior health benefits, especially if eaten whole, with their skins intact. The apple’s peel is the most essential part because it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making the red, gold or green ball of sweetness or tartness a perfect whole food.

So what kinds of proprieties does an apple hold? To start: vitamins A, B 1, B 2, B 6 C, E and K, as well as niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and other vitamins in small amounts. An apple contains valuable minerals for good health a well: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron, sodium, copper, zinc, and other trace amounts.

For those who are concerned with weight management, the apple is a charm to keep one satisfied and healthy, offering only 95 calories for a medium sized apple.

11/13 Veterans Day Parade and Memorial Service Blue Ridge, GA. The day begins with a breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for all veterans at St. Anthony Catholic Church on East Main Street in Blue Ridge. Veterans Day parade will follow at 11 a.m. It begins from the corner of East Main and Church streets in Blue Ridge and continues along East Main through downtown to East First Street, then to Veterans Memorial Park on Old Highway 76, across from Fannin County Middle School. Parade will include the Fannin County High School band, members of the military, antique and emergency vehicles and representatives from several veterans organizations. 11am- 1pm. Memorial at 12 noon. Veterans Memorial Park is located at: 4584 Old Hwy 76, adjacent to the Fannin County Middle School and the Cemetery. Phone: 678-507-8592 32

Apples are like shields against disease. Though they aren’t cure alls, a big surprise is that many cancers can be held at bay by eating apples because of the high fiber content. It’s been known for generations about the benefits of fiber in controlling constipation and hemorrhoids, and providing regularity. Crohns Disease is another malady that benefits from apple eating. Even diabetes and asthma symptoms are aided by apple consumption. Apples are credited to staving off Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The reasons: those diseases are associated is because they develop from a breakdown of the brain. Apples are like a preventative medicine.

Yet as far as enjoying an apple’s taste, the total of an apple’s characteristics and it the sweetness or tartness is more than what any individual vitamin or mineral provides. An apple really can’t be overstated—and have you ever known anyone who doesn’t savor the round ball’s succulence?

With 55 million tons of apples produced annually worldwide, China leads in production with the United States second.

11/13 Shepherd’s Men Atlanta Veteran’s Day Benefit at Buck Bald Brewing Copperhill, TN. Shepherd’s Men is an organization comprised of dedicated patriots committed to creating advocacy and opportunity for our nation’s veteran heroes who have been affected by the hidden injuries of war.

100% proceeds from the 22 Pale Ale and the Seasonal Sour go to support Shepherd’s Men, not only on the 13th but daily until the brew runs out!. Challenge Coins available. Buck Bald Brewing, 160 Occoee Street, Copperhill, TN. www.buckbaldbrewing.com. For info about Sheperd’s Men visit www.shepherdsmen.com 11/13 HAVEN’s $5,000 Raffle Murphy, NC. A amazing dinner & dessert, great entertainment and a 1 in 225 chance to win $5,000!! Not everyone will win the grand prize,

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

Apples have fine lasting qualities. They can be stored for long periods in cool storage and still taste like fresh-picked.

However, at room temps they ripen very quickly; thus, it isn’t the best keeping environment for apples. Preparation and preservation of them is done in many forms such raw, cooked, canned, juiced, dried (and reconstituted), fermented and made into wine. The keeping quality of an apple was welltested in applesauce form by John Glenn when he took a vial of it on a space flight.

Whether it’s an apple in the hand, in pies, cobblers, tarts, cakes, doughnuts, fried pies, fritters, breads, cookies, applesauce, smoothies, jams, jellies, sweet cider or fermented, used as an oil substitute in baking or used as a part of an enhancement to various other food combinations such a salads, even sandwiches—and the old stand-by fresh sliced apples and cheese wedges, you always are in for a tasty treat with apples on the menu. ACLM

but we have thousands of dollars worth of other amazing prizes to give away!! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN. $100/ ticket. Proceeds benefit the HAVEN Children’s Advocacy Center. 5:309:30. Hackney Warehouse, Murphy, NC. Info & tickets: 828-837-5872

HALLOWEEN 10/1 thru 11/5 ScarecrowVille Blairsville, GA. Once again, our Historic Town Square will be home to scarecrows from all over the county. Beginning October 1st through November 5th we’re inviting anyone and everyone to participate in decorating our town and square with your interpretation of a scarecrow. Be creative, but not too scary, as we want the ‘little ones’ to enjoy them as well! Once you have completed your scarecrow, bring it to the

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

square, display it at your business or even in your own front yard. Take a picture and post it to this page. We’ll let our viewing audience decide by their ‘likes’ and comments who’s achieved the top 3! The only cost to participate is the price of your time and creativity! We look forward to your pictures!

10/2 thru 11/3 Scarecrow Invasion at Harrison Park Ellijay, GA. For more information or to exhibit contact Lisa Harrison 561-793-1908 or lisalharrison57@ gmail.com 10/16 Moonlight Walk at Harrison Park Ellijay, GA. Harrison Park- For more information or to exhibit contact Lisa Harrison 561-793-1908 or lisalharrison57@gmail.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

AC LIVING CALENDAR 10/26 Haunts and Harvest ~ An Evening of Appalachian Ghost Stories Blue Ridge, GA. An Evening of Appalachian Ghost Stories presented by local storytellers as they share tales of terror and mystery, local legends of the supernatural and the unexplainable, and frightful stories that may just be true! 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Phone: 706-632-9223 10/29 – 10/31 Love & Death by Poe ~ Black Box Theater Blue Ridge, GA. As the deadly plague known as the ‘Red Death’ rages outside the towering stone walls, Prince Prospero and the social elite of his time hide away from the rest of the world and await the passing of the plague by reveling in wine, debauchery, and haunting tales of terror & woe. Featuring some of Poe’s well-known stories, this menagerie of frightful yarns weave together a story of greed, selfishness, and elitism as they hide away from a world rocked by a inescapable death. Friday & Saturday - 7:30 p.m. Sunday - 2:00 p.m. Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Tickets & Info: (706) 632-9223. blueridgecommunitytheater.com 10/30 Halloween Trail Of Tricks & Treats The City of Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department will host Halloween Trail of Tricks & Treats on October 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the Rubes Creek Trail across from Fire Station 14 on Arnold Mill Road. There will be music, characters, and fun displays along the trail to entertain children as they walk along with their families collecting quarantined treats from our vendors.

Come walk the trail and depart safely with lots of treats, trinkets, toys, and happy memories! Visit: https://woodstock.recdesk.com/ or (770) 517-6788 10/30 Trick or Treat at Harrison Park Ellijay, GA. Approximately 50 candy stations will line the trails, staffed by various businesses, organizations and individuals who will hand out goodies to all kids who stop by. Tour the Scarecrow Invasion and vote for your favorites.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

10/30 Horror Movies at The Orchard ~ Deep Roots Orchard McCaysville, GA. Many will flock to trick or treat, but for those who bypass the candy, join us for a double feature of a couple of our favorite horror flicks. Bring your quilts, blankets, and pillows and coppasquat on the hillside above poplar holler and enjoy an evening that may not be for the kids. The movies are free and we will be selling a plethora of concessions throughout the evening.

This double feature will begin with The Blair Witch Project and finish with Halloween. 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Deep Roots Orchard, 2984 Mobile Road, McCaysville, GA 30555.

Phone: 706-492-7753 Web: www. rootsorchard.com 10/30 – 10/31 Chimp or Treat at Project Chimps Morganton, GA. Children are invited to “Chimp or Treat” in costume to see the sanctuary and enrich the lives of the chimps! Each child will receive: A 45-60 minute, guided, walking tour A special “treat” bag filled with vegan and palm-oil free candies as well as non-food treats items such as temporary tattoos, erasers, and other goodies. The chance to see our chimps in their habitat from one of our viewing windows. If you would like your child to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project and receive only non-food goodies, please indicate this at checkout. $10 per child.

Each child’s ticket comes w/ a free adult ticket. $25 for additional adults Children 2 and under are free!

Reservations required. 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Email: info@projectchimps. org Phone: 706-374-3675 Web: https://projectchimps.org 10/31 Trick or Treat at Meeks Park Blairsville, GA. Join us for a safe & socially distanced night of family fun at Meeks Park. Dress the kids in the scariest or cutest costumes to be entered into the costume contest.

Feel free to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a Halloween movie on the lawn, presented by the Mountain Life Team. Be sure to come hungry and grab a bite, Chill & Fill will be there with their famous lemonade and other favorites. 4pm – 6:30. Free!

Meeks Park, Blairsville, GA.

10/31 Hometown Halloween on the Square Blairsville, GA. Ghosts and Goblins will be lurking downtown on the square. Games, costume contests and lots of trick or treats provided by local businesses. 6 – 8pm.

Downtown Blairsville. Info: 706-3473503

HOLIDAYS 11/24 thru 12/12 Gingerbread Village Contest Blue Ridge, GA. We have 95 houses in our village this year! Gingerbread Village is on display at The Arts Center 11/26 Blue Friday Blue Ridge, GA. Will include downtown merchants store discounts, Christmas holiday cheer, food vendors and strolling entertainment.

11/27 Light Up Blue Ridge Blue Ridge, GA. Christmas cheer, strolling Christmas entertainment and food vendors. Pictures with Santa will take place in the gazebo from noon to either 5 pm or dusk, which ever happens first. Santa’s Mail box will be open Friday and Saturday for children to write letters to Santa.

Info: https://lightupblueridge.info 11/27 14th Annual Tuba Christmas Blue Ridge, GA. Tuba & Euphonium players of all ages and abilities are Welcome! Registration: 8:30 AM, Rehearsal: 9:00 AM, Performance: 11:45 AM – 2PM in Downtown Blue Ridge. Participation - $10 per person / Music Books are $20 (limited numbers of books are available for purchase at event or order directly from www.tubachristmas.com) First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge, 907 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Info: Mike Weaver at 706280-0802 or by email at maweaver66@gmail.com.

12/4 Copperhill Kiwanis Club 62nd Annual Christmas Parade Copperhill, TN. Always held (weather permitting) the first Saturday in December. Come out to take part of a fun and exciting day! 2:00 PM. If you have any questions or concerns please contact: Howard Jabaley-706-455-0082

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

KIDS OF ALL AGES Ongoing Wednesdays Themed Storytime & Crafts Jasper, GA. Join Miss Crystal at Pickens County Recreation Department in classroom one for Storytime! We’ll have themed stories and a themed craft! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

To sign up for this event, call 706692-5411 or visit calendarwiz.com/ sequoyahreglib. Pickens County Recreation Department, 1329 Camp Road, Jasper, GA 11/23 6 Week Holiday Musical Workshop Ellijay, GA. Based on the Nutcracker.

Your child will perform in the opening number for the Christmas Play “A Candle in the Window” On December 11th & 12th. Your child will learn drama techniques and Christmas songs for this production. 11am. $65 - $75. Gilmer Arts, 207 Dalton St., Box Office: 706.635.5626 Main: 706.635.5605 Email: gallery@gilmerarts.org 11/26 thru 12/23 Holiday Express 2021 ~ Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Blue Ridge, GA. Come join the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for a festive 1-hour train ride on the Holiday Express in which you can listen to holiday music, hear the story “The Night Before Christmas,” enjoy delicious hot chocolate or other snacks available for sale inside the concession car. Children will receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, candy cane, and activity packet while on board. Masks required. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge , GA 30513. Email: info@brscenic.com Phone: (877) 413-8724 Web: brscenic.com 10/1 thru 10/17 Matilda the Musical Blue Ridge, GA. Matilda is a little girl with wit and intelligence. Unloved by her cruel parents and the school’s mean headmistress, who hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. Matilda and school teacher Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other’s lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality.

Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

Tickets & Info: (706) 632-9223. blueridgecommunitytheater.com WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

33

MUSIC Every Evening Bell Music from the Tower 7:00pm – 7:30pm. At the Historic Courthouse on the Square in Downtown Blairsville, GA. Free!

Contact (706) 745-5493 or www. unioncountyhistory.org Sundays Live Music at Rocco’s Rocco’s Pub, 47 Mountainside Village Parkway, Jasper, GA. Contact 706.253.1900 or visit http://roccosjasper.com Thursdays thru Saturdays Live Music at Tooney’s McCaysville, GA. A special spot where you can enjoy live music, drink an ice-cold craft beer, and enjoy the night scene by the river.

Tooneys Music Venue, 100 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA 30555.

Info: https://www.tooneys.com/ or 828-347-1370.

Fridays Concert Series at the Old Courthouse Blairsville, GA. Free! 7pm. Old Historic Courthouse, 1 Town Square, Blairsville GA. For info: Union County Historical Society 706-745-5493 or www.unioncountyhistory.org/ Fridays Guitars & Grapes Live Music Series Blairsville, GA. We are featuring some of the best local musicians to play in every Friday night on our patio from Bring a friend, grab a glass of wine, and enjoy a variety of music including Indie Folk, Country, Americana Folk, and more. Free!

4:00pm - 8:00pm. Paradise Hills Resort, Winery & Spa, 366 Paradise Rd., Blairsville, GA 30512. Info: www. paradisehillsvineyard.com or 706745-7483.

Fridays Live Music Andrews, NC. Snowbird Mountain Brewery and enjoy live music paired with Terry’s craft beer selection.

Local talent! Free. 4pm-7pm. 378 Locust Street, Andrews, NC 28901.

Info: https://www.snowbirdmountainsbrewery.com/ or 678-410-3035 Fridays & Saturdays Live Music at Misty Mountain Hops Blue Ridge, GA. 6- 9pm. Misty Mountain Hops, 3300 East 1st Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Info: 706-946-8620 34

Fridays & Saturdays Live Music at the Reece Farm & Heritage Center Blairsville, GA. Small venue concerts will be held behind the welcome center on the stage beside the creek or at the pavilion. Free, donations accepted. 1pm- 3pm. Reece Farm and Heritage Center, 8552 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA 30512. Info: Web: http://www.unioncountyga.gov/reecefarm/ Email: bhrfarm@uniongov. com Phone: (706) 745-2034

Weekends Cartecay Vineyards Cartecay Vineyards, 5704 Clear Creek Road, Ellijay, GA 30535. Call 706. 698. 9463 (WINE) or visit www. cartecayvineyards.com

Fridays & Saturdays Live Music at bin322 Wine & Tapas Bar Blue Ridge, GA. 6-9pm. bin322 Wine & Tapas Bar, 116 West Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Email: info@ bin322.com Phone: 706-946-0472

Weekends Live Music at Mystic Mountain Pizza Blue Ridge, GA. We’re excited to showcase some of the Groovy local live talent. Mystic Mountain Pizza, 4118 E First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Info: www.facebook.com/ topstreet1, mysticmountainpizzaco. com or 706-946-0378.

Fridays & Saturdays Live Music at Murphy’s Chophouse Murphy, NC. Murphy’s Chophouse, 130 Valley River Ave, Murphy, NC 28906. Info: http://www.murphyschophouse.com/ or 828.835.EATS (3287) Fridays & Saturdays Live Music at Chevelle’s Murphy, NC & Hayesville, NC. Chevelle’s 66, 66 Hiwassee St, Murphy, NC 28906. Chevelle’s 69, 983 NC 69 ,Hayesville, NC 28904. No cover. 9pm. Info: http://chevellerestaurants.com or 828-835-7001.

3rd Friday Every Month Live Music Acoustic Blends Listen to a Variety of Quality Music Acts … or Join the Jam! Bring your own libations and munchies. 7 pm.

Free & Public Invited. For info please contact Gilmer Arts 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. 706-635-5605.

Visit www.gilmerarts.com Weekends Live Music at Engelheim Vineyards Engelheim Vineyards 127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay, GA 30540. Call 706635-WINE (9463) or visit www. engelheim.com.

Weekends Fannin Brewing Company Live Music in the Bier Garden Fannin Brewing: 3758 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. www. fanninbrewingcompany.com or 706.258.2762

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

Weekends Chateau Meichtry Vineyards Chateau Meichtry, 1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, GA 30175.

Info: (706) 502-1608 or www.chateaumeichtry.com.

10/9 Tracy Lawrence Hiawassee, GA. Have a honky tonkin’ good time with Tracy Lawrence live!

7pm. Anderson Music Hall, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. 1311 Music Hall Rd, Hiawassee, GA 3054 Tickets & Info: https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or (706) 896-4191 10/16 Robbie Litt Band CD Release Party Ellijay, GA. Our new album, Go That Far, will be released in stores on October 17th, 2021. However, you can get a sneak peak by attending the album release party on October 16th, 2021 at 7pm at the Gilmer Arts Playhouse in Ellijay, Georgia.

Seating will be limited, so click the link below to get your tickets now!!!

You will also be able to purchase virtual tickets if you would like to participate from home! George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse, 135 Dalton St., Ellijay, GA 30540. Tickets: 706635-5605 or GilmerArts.com 10/16 Ronnie Milsap & Mark Wills Ronnie Milsap has forty #1s, five decades of charted singles! 7:00pm Anderson Music Hall, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. 1311 Music Hall Rd, Hiawassee, GA 3054 Tickets & Info: https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or (706) 896-4191

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

10/23 Jamey Johnson Hiawassee, GA. You’ll definitely want to see Jamey Johnson live and “In Color.” 7pm. Anderson Music Hall, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. 1311 Music Hall Rd, Hiawassee, GA 3054 Tickets & Info: https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or (706) 896-4191 11/5 Travis Tritt Hiawassee, GA. “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” and see Travis Tritt in concert live! 7pm. Anderson Music Hall, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. 1311 Music Hall Rd, Hiawassee, GA 3054 Tickets & Info: https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or (706) 896-4191 11/18 Music in the Southern Appalachians Virtual. The Southern Appalachians boast a rich tradition of sacred and secular music-making. As is historically typical of rural areas, Appalachian music can be played on simple, homemade instruments, or brought to life with the untrained and unaccompanied voice. For hundreds of years, mountaineers—including African Americans and Native Americans—have created, transmitted, and transformed an extraordinary corpus of dance tunes, ballads, and hymns, all of which have roots in other cultures but have become distinctively Appalachian with the passage of time. In this program, Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis will provide an overview of instrumental and vocal music traditions of the Southern Appalachians, including fiddle, banjo, ballad singing, and sacred hymnody. Her presentation will combine live performance with historical recordings. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST. Registration & Info: peaks@ ung.edu 11/27 Foghat & Night Ranger Hiawassee, GA. FOGHAT celebrates 50 years of Rock n’ Roll with eight gold records, one platinum and one double platinum record under their belt, the band has millions of fans and they just love to play. on the music industry with a long list of best-selling albums. 7pm. Anderson Music Hall, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. 1311 Music Hall Rd, Hiawassee, GA 3054. Tickets & Info: https://georgiamountainfairgrounds. com or (706) 896-4191

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

AC LIVING CALENDAR

OUTDOORS Ongoing Benton McKaye Trail Association Hikes & Trail Maintenance Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA). With many interesting hikes for all levels the BMTA invites you to join in these informational and scenery filled hikes. Too many to list! Please visit their website to find the right hike (all of them?) for you! https://bmta.org you can also find them on FB, Instagram and Twitter.

First Saturdays Yoga class at Harrison Park Ellijay, GA. 9 a.m. the first Saturday of each month. Suggested donation of $10.00. Proceeds benefit Harrison Park. Follow our FB page - Harrison Park Ellijay for more info.

Thursdays Riverwalk Run Club McCaysville, GA Join us for a fun run! Joggers and walkers are welcome as well! Every Thursday at 6 p.m. departing from the Burra Burra. 3.1 Miles, 2 States and 1 Steel Bridge. Beautiful run along the Toccoa River and through town.

The fun doesn’t end there, you’re welcome to hang out with your new friends and have a drink on the deck of the Burra Burra overlooking the Toccoa River. Free! 6pm. Riverwalk, 100 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA 30555.

10/9 Reinhardt University Athletics Golf Ball Drop Support Reinhardt University Athletics at Reinhardt’s Inaugural Ball Drop. Watch as 2,000 golf balls are dropped from a helicopter at the BridgeMill Athletic Club. The nine balls closest to the target win cash prizes, as well as a prize for the ball farthest away from the target. Purchase your golf ball today for $100. Each golf ball purchased includes admission to The Drop Reception. Additional reception tickets are available purchase for $50. Corporate sponsorships also available. Money raised from The Drop benefits Reinhardt University student athletes and the athletic program. 6pm – 10pm. BridgeMill Athletic Club. Info: Jeffrey Pourchier 770-720-5824

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

10/20 Gilmer Arts Golf Tournament Fundraiser Ellijay, GA. All proceeds from this Golf Tournament will go directly to the Gilmer Arts Building Fund for a New Art Gallery. Existing Gallery will be transformed into an Educational Center for the Arts. Please visit the website for Info and golf registering, and sponsorship details. $100 Individual Golfer, $400- foursome (Scramble). 8-9:00am Check-in/ Registration. Info: https://gilmerarts. com/home/gilmer-arts-golf-tournament/ 10/22 thru 10/24 Athens to Savannah Ride A 3-day, 285-mile supported bike road ride from Athens to Savannah, Ga raising awareness for the proposed Georgia Hi-Lo Trail.

Ride in-person 1, 2 or all 3 days!

FRIDAY, 10/22: Athens to Tennille (106 MILES) SATURDAY, 10/23: Sandersville to Statesboro (102 MILES) SUNDAY, 10/24: Statesboro to Savannah (77 MILES). Info, options, registration: https://georgiahilo.com/ athens-to-savannah-ride 10/30 Born to Run 5K Canton, GA. ome out and support the Cherokee Scholars Scholarship program at Reinhardt University.

Cherokee Scholars provides scholarships to Cherokee County students attending Reinhardt University. Don’t feel like running or walking? Then consider supporting a student for just $25. Participants are encouraged to show their Reinhardt spirit or their Halloween spirit by wearing a costume. (RAIN OR SHINE) Race Day Registration begins at 7 a.m. 5K Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m.

REGISTRATION FEES *Fee includes T-shirt, race bib and one beverage ticket for preregistered participants before Oct. 20, 2021. 5K preregistration: $25 After Oct. 20, 2021 and day of race: $30 Children 12 and under: $15 Support a Student: $25 REGISTER ONLINE Reinhardt.edu/5K or www.Active.com FINISH LINE PARTY Refreshments, water and door prizes For more information, about Cherokee Scholars or Born to Run 5K, visit www.reinhardt.edu/5K. Contact Information: Dale Morrissey 770-720-5506

10/30 Big Foot Boogie 5K McCaysville, GA. 3.1 Miles, 2 States, 1 Steel bridge .. a 5K like no other, costumes encouraged!!!

Packet pick-up will be available at the Riverwalk Shops restaurant “Burra Burra on the River” Friday between 4pm - 6pm and Saturday before the event between 12pm 1:45pm. Race start 2pm. Shirts and medals for all participants. $45.

Registration: https://raceroster. com/events/2021/44621/2021bigfoot-boogie-5k. Riverwalk Shops, 100 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA 30555. Info: www.riverwalkrunseries.com 11/6 Lake Chatuge Shoreline Cleanup Hiawassee, GA. Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition will host its annual Lake Chatuge Shoreline Cleanup, in conjunction with GA Rivers Alive! 9am for breakfast and coffee. At noon- prizes for most collected, most unique item & golden trash treasure winner. Towns County Swim Beach Pavilion across from GA Mtn Fairgrounds. Info: https://mountaintrue.org/eventscalendar/ or Tony Ward 828-837-5414.

11/25 Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk Blue Ridge, GA. The race is for the whole family and all abilities from walkers to serious competitors.

Don’t worry you will be home in time to put the turkey in the oven!

Now let’s get trotting! Registration, 7am. Race, 8am. $30 pre-reg, $35 day of event. Packet pick-up 11/24 at park playground or day of event.

Proceed benefit Mt. Area Christian Academy, Christian Athletes & Cure Childhood Cancer. Info: 828-5575405 or on FB. Registration: https:// runsignup.com/Race/GA/BlueRidge/ BlueRidgeTurkeyTrot

THEATER 10/30 ’80s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Ellijay, GA. Get your eighties costumes dusted off ’cause now you have a night to wear them while we party like its 1980. Dinner catered

by Tony Saav and Theater presented

by The Murder Mystery Co. Audience interaction is part of this mystery dinner theater production. Cast will be vaccinated. The Menu will be Filet Mignon with Mushroom Ragu and Chicken Cordon Bleu and Oven Roasted Vegetable Medley. Vanilla

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Bean or Chocolate Pound Cake with Mascarpone frosting drizzle and Strawberry Coulis served to your table. This promises to be a very special evening and our second big fundraiser for the renovation of the new Gallery that will be next to the Playhouse. $100. 6:309:30pm. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse, 135 Dalton St., Ellijay, GA 30540. Tickets: 706-635-5605 or GilmerArts.com 11/18 thru 12/12 Four Old Broads at Christmas Blue Ridge, GA. These gals in the home are in desperate need of a vacation, but they take the same trip they take every year, a snooze-cruise through Helen, GA. But Beatrice, like any former burlesque Queen, refuses to be boring. With the help of her friends, the pious Eaddy Mae, forgetful Imogen, soap-obsessed Maude, and the retired Elvis Impersonator Sam, these geriatric grandparents attempt to sneak away to the Sassy Seniors Caribbean Cruise! But will their farcical plan work, or will the Killjoy Nurse Pat spoil their getaway and simply send them down the river? Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Tickets & Info: (706) 632-9223. blueridgecommunitytheater.com 11/26 thru 12/12 Christmas Belles Jasper, GA. It’s Christmas-time in the small town of Fayro, Texas, and the infamous Futrelle Sisters Frankie, Twink and Honey Raye are not exactly in a festive mood. Frankie is weeks overdue with her second set of twins. Twink, is in jail for inadvertently burning down half the town.

And Honey Raye is desperately trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lamb’s Christmas Program from spiraling into chaos. If y’all bring the eggnog, we’ll provide all the belly-laughs!

Ho-ho! Fridays- Saturdays 7:30pm, Sundays: 2pm. Tater Patch Players, 95 Philadelphia Lane, Jasper, GA 30143. Info & Tickets: 706-2532800 or www.taterpatchplayers.org.

12/3 thru 12/12 Candle in the Window Ellijay, GA. A small group of weary travelers discover the power of the season while trapped in a lonely train station on Christmas Eve. As a blizzard rages outside, the troubled people are forced to turn to each other for companionship. Eventually we realize the mysterious stop in the travelers’ journey was more than accidental and has given WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

35

Williams Tire Co. Keeping Your Family Safe Since 1955

Consigning Women Gently Pre-Loved Clothing at a Fraction of the Original Price

What’s Riding on Your Tires?

706. 253. 6905 540 North Main St. Suite E Jasper, GA Interior & Exterior Auto Detailing Jeffery Ferjak | Owner

770.316.7509 Williams Tire 5140 Appalachian Hwy. Blue Ridge, GA 30513

706. 946. 2322

jferjak1@gmail.com

Ellijay Tire 583 Maddox Drive Ellijay, GA 30540

706. 635. 2322

williamstireco.com

Pro Finish Detailing

Please support our local markets, communities and our advertisers!

Serving North Georgia Since 1991 Excellence Never Compromised

“We believe each and every soul is worthy of our love and compassion no matter the breed, age, or health.

We are here to rescue.”

Let them know you saw their ad in Appalachian Country Living Magazine.

Join us for Happy Hour & Pet of the Week at Cartecay River Brewing Company! Wednesdays from 3-5pm. Please call ahead for details: (706) 395-8935 Homeward Bound Pet Rescue is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization ldedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of homeless companion animals that have been abandoned, owner surrendered or rescued from local high-kill county shelters.

Homeward Bound Pet Rescue 706-698-4663 gilmerhomewardbound@gmail.com hbr.org

36

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Castoff Pet Rescue Thrift Store 19 Cobalt Street, Suite C, Blairsville, GA

706-400-5548

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm Donations Accepted During Store Hours For Adoptions , ID Tags or Microchipping Please visit castoffpetrescue.com 706-487-4539 Or Find Us on FB & Instagram OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

AC LIVING CALENDAR them a renewed spirit and resolve.

Fridays & Saturdays 7pm, Sundays 2pm. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse, 135 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. Tickets & Info: www.gilmerarts.com or 706-635-5605

WINE & BEER TASTINGS Open Every Day Engelheim Vineyards Engelheim Vineyards 127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay, GA 30540. Call 706635-WINE (9463) or visit www. engelheim.com.

Ongoing Cartecay Vineyards Wine Tastings on the Chimney Patio or the Nealey Barn Loft. Cartecay Vineyards, 5704 Clear Creek Road, Ellijay, GA 30535. Call 706. 698.

9463 (WINE) or visitcartecayvineyards.com Ongoing Cartecay Wine & Craft Ellijay, GA. Cartecay Wine & Craft is a tasting room located in Downtown Ellijay, serving our wines, other GA Wines and GA Craft Beers. 19 South Main Street Ellijay, Georgia 30540.

Phone: 706-697-9463 or www.facebook.com/cartecaywineandcraft/

Ongoing Cartecay Wine & Craft Blue Ridge, GA. Cartecay Wine & Craft is a tasting room located in Downtown Blue Ridge serving our wines, other GA Wines and GA Craft Beers. 19 South Main Street Ellijay, Georgia 30540. Phone: 706-6979463 or www.facebook.com/cartecaywineandcraft/ Daily Chateau Meichtry Chateau Meichtry, 1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, GA 30175. Info: (706) 502-1608 or www. chateaumeichtry.com.

Fridays Crane Creek VIneyards Young Harris, GA. Kick off the weekend with live music out on the vineyard decks & delicious housemade seasonal appetizers. No reservations!

Weather permitting. Saturday Vinters Tours. Open Tuesday - Sunday. 16 Crane Creek Road | Young Harris, GA 30582. 706.379.1236 or visit cranecreekvineyards.com Saturdays Out Of The Blue Wine Tasting Blue Ridge, GA. Drinking alcohol is just drinking. Wine is a lifestyle. We sell fine wine, cheeses, and beer and specialty kitchen items. Wine tastings Saturdays at 1:00 pm. Out of the Blue, 647 E. Main Street, Blue Ridge, 706-258-2750. Visit www. outofzbleu.com

Ongoing Copperhill Brewery Copperhill, TN. High quality craft brews, stop in and experience ours!

105 Ocoee Street - Copperhill, TN 37317. Info: 423-548-3030 or copperhillbrewery.com Ongoing Thurs - Sun Buck Bald Brewing Check for Hours. Buck Bald Brewing, 160 Ocoee Street, Copperhill, TN 37317. Info: 706.431.7141 or buckbaldbrewing.com Ongoing Thurs - Sun Fannin Brewing Company 3758 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. 706.258.2762 or www. fanninbrewingcompany.com Ongoing Thurs - Sat Grumpy Old Men Brewing Dog & kid friendly. 1315 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA. 770-3318870/404-966-2665, grumpyoldmenbrewing.com Ongoing Mon- Sun Valley River Brewery & Eatery Located in Historic Downtown Murphy, NC at 71 Tennessee Street.

828-837-BEER or www.valleyriverbrewery.com Ongoing Thurs- Sun Cartecay River Brewing Co. Ellijay, GA. Thurs - Sun. Craft beers on the river. At 26 River Terrace, Ellijay, GA 30540. Info: (706) 3958935 orcartecayriverbrewing.com

Fridays – Sundays Pendley Creek Brewing Company Jasper, GA. Offering flights, pints, and growlers to-go, we are proud to be Jasper’s first small-hold brewery. Friday: 12pm - 9pm, Saturday: 12pm - 9pm, Sunday: 12pm - 5pm.

Pendley Creek Brewing Company, 57 N. Main Street Jasper, GA 30143.

Info: @PendleyCreek · Brewery, (706) 253-2739 or www.pendleycreekbrewingco.com Ongoing Currahhee Brewing Co. Franklin, NC. Mon-Thur 12-9 PM // Fri & Sat 12-10 PM // Sunday 12-8 PM. 100 Lakeside Dr, Franklin, NC 28734. Info: 828.634.0078 or www. curraheebrew.com Please be aware of closings and cancellations due to COVID-19.

We recommend checking events and COVID restrictions before making travel plans as dates, times and requirements can change.

Editor’s Note: While we try our best to include everyone, we’re sure we’ve unintentionally missed some Happenings along the way.

If you’d like to be included in our CALENDAR, please email the information to alice@ blueridgemediagroup.com or call 706. 492. 5070

• Ellijay and South Territory • Blue Ridge and North Terriitory

IS HIRING AD SALES REPS!

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Resumes & Inquiries alice@blueridgemediagroup.com

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

37

AC LIVING HISTORY

History of Indian Georgia – John ‘Hellfire’ Rogers History Editor Leslie Barker Thomas Digs Deep Into The Rich and Exciting Cultural Past with This Ongoing Series About Our Native Ancestors

J

Cherokee Rogers’ Patriarch

John Rogers, Sr. was born about 1755 in Scotland and died about 1826 in Indian Territory, Oklahoma. He had served as a Tory Captain under Captain John Stuart in the Revolutionary War and carried the title of Captain from then on. His nickname was “Hellfire Jack” because of a sharp temper. The Cherokee adopted him because of his strong negotiation skills and his love for the real people.

He was often a delegate/councilman for the Cherokee to proceedings in Washington DC. He is considered to be the patriarch of most all of the Cherokee Rogers line. In 1818 he and his family lived at Ross’ Landing on the Tennessee River near Lookout Mountain. They also had a home on the Hiwassee River.

As previously written in an article about the Scotch-Irish, a description of these people details their character as very adaptable to the Indian tribal culture. There is a parallel nature between the Indian culture and the highlander’s complexity with few differences. He loved to entertain and would have as many as 200 guests to one of his events.

His first wife was Elizabeth Emory (17501782), he was her third husband. She was the daughter of Col. William Fawling Emory (also seen as Hembree) and a Cherokee Woman named Mary Susannah Grant of the Long Hair Clan. Her other two husbands were Col. Ezekiel L. Buffington and Robert Due. From this first marriage came three Cherokee Chiefs – John Rogers, Jr. also known as “Nolichucky Jack”; William Charles Rogers, Charles Coody Rogers who was also a judge and was married to Nancy Ward’s granddaughter Rachel Hughes. Daughters Arkansas and Nannie.

38

Above: William Charles Rogers one of three Cherokee Chiefs from Hellfire’s first marriage.

Sam Houston married Rogers’ daughter from his second marriage. Polly Ann was a daughter from John’s third marriage. Will Rogers (below) is thought to be John Rogers’ grandson.

Arkansas. They left the Lookout Mountain area and traveled by a keel boat with 31 others.

Several articles found also in some history books seem to have this John Rogers and about six others confused and the stories of the wives and children are also mixed up. Trace down through the family lines and you come to Will Rogers, Oklahoma’s son, comedian, author, and humorist. His father was listed at one time as Clement Rogers who was the son of John and Alsey Vann Rogers. However, a book written by Richard M. Ketchum claims to be the official life and times of Will Rogers, states his parents were Robert Rogers, a white man, and his Cherokee wife Sallie. Truth is far from fiction and perhaps can only be found in family.

Perhaps the confusion lies in the multiple marriages of not just John Hellfire Rogers but his children as well. ACLM

Rogers second wife was his stepdaughter Jennie Due. Children: Anne, Joseph, William, Susannah and Dianna/Tiana who married among others Sam Houston.

His third wife was Alsey Vann. Their daughter Polly Ann married into the Cherokee Dawson Family of Oklahoma.

There was another Cherokee Chief named James Rogers who is also known to be John’s son. We must remember that townships all had minor chiefs who could be considered to be like a mayor is today.

Rogers left Georgia Indian Territory prior to the forced removal in about 1818 and settled near Big Mulberry Bend near today’s Ft. Smith,

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Leslie Barker Thomas is a resident of Ellijay and the President of the Gilmer County Historical Society; Former President, Georgia Chapter Trail of Tears Association and Board Member of the National Trail of Tears Association.

“When history is erased, people’s moral values are also erased.” –Ma Jian Visit the Gilmer County Historical Society Historic Tabor House & Civil War Museum 138 Spring Street, Ellijay, Georgia 30540 706. 276. 1861. Reservations by Appointment, or Open Thursday & Friday 11am to 3pm www.gilmercountyhistoricalsociety.org/

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Get Away Completely …

BlueRidgeMountains.com “One of the South’s Best Small Mountain Towns” OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

39

40

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021