Appalachian Country Living Magazine April/May 2016 by Appalachian Country Living Magazine

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2016

living the life on

Lake Arrowhead

WANT TO LIVE EVERY DAY LIKE YOU’RE ON VACATION?

LAKE ARROWHEAD IS THE PLACE!

A TASTE OF HISTORY: CHESTER BRUNNMEYER’S BAR & GRILL

RUN FOR THE ROSES THE MOST COMPLETE AUTHENTIC KENTUCKY LIST OF SPRING & DERBY RECIPES SUMMER FESTIVALS

Discover the NEW north Georgia mountains at Covered Bridge Estates in Ellijay, GA.

A peaceful mountain community less than a hour north of Atlanta!

Whether you’re searching for your first mountain home, vacation retreat or planning your retirement, Covered Bridge Estates is right for you. Our community offers an abundance of lifestyle opportunities. Watch wildlife from your balcony. Take a leisurely walk on paved roads throughout the gated community. Covered Bridge Estates is just a stone's throw away from Carter's Lake and the entrance to the Appalachian Trail where recreation opportunities such as hiking, boating, and mountain biking abound. Enjoy the convenience of local vineyards, dining & antique shops. Visit the historic downtown square, and enjoy the Annual Apple Festival. Covered Bridge Estates... the next place you will want to call home.

Community Features · Professionally planned community · Gated entrance w/cameras · Homesites starting in mid 20's · 1 to 3-acre build-able homesites

Contact Mike Kunkel at 706-669-4177

NEW

FEATURE HOMES ER

CO NSTRU

· Sales office open daily · Homes starting in mid 200's · Several home plans to choose from 1700 - 2500 sq. ft. of living area

or mike@estatesatcoveredbridge.com Or Visit www.estatesatcoveredbridge.com

WELCOME TO AC MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER | EDITOR IN CHIEF Alice Sexton

So we’ve all survived winter and by the time this issue hits the stands it won’t be long before the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Yay for spring! After being snuggled up under a big pile of blankets next to the woodstove for the last 3 months, we’re all good-and-ready to throw open the windows, get up-and-at-‘em and grab some of that sunshine. Maxine, Billy Zoom and I have been hiking up some steep mountain trails around the cabin trying to gain back flexibility and strength in my foot and ankle. Regardless of the weather, we’ve been getting in 3 good hikes a day, with lots of bushwacking I adopted Billy Zoom- the around the property- carefully now- to assess the party guy- last summer. state of things. Best to get that done before the Diagnosed with bone & lung bugs come out to eat you alive and the greenbriar cancer he’s living it up with makes the wooded mountainside impassable. If Maxine until his final days. anyone is wondering– my ankle is healing up just fine. Thanks to Kim and Theresa at Benchmark Physical Therapy in Ellijay, I’m doing great for being only 6 months out from surgery. Still hurts some though. Because of my injury, I had to give up my old office. I’ve done the last four issues sitting at my dinning room table here in the cabin with a beautiful view of the Toccoa and on up over the Blue Ridge. Starting April, we move into a new office space downtown, this time above Huck’s General Store. I know Maxine will be happy to get back to town so she can visit all her friend’s shops who give her way too many dog biscuits. I swear if I let her loose she’d know just where to go. Ok- so down to business now. This is our Annual Spring & Sumer Festivals issue and there are five pages full of amazing stuff to do here in the mountains. Arts in the Park, the Blue Ridge Adventure Race, Bear in the Square, the Scottish Festival, Apple Blossom Festival, Green Bean Festival, Butternut Festival, Water Fest and plenty of Wine Festivals. Golly- there’s so many I doubt you’ll be able to get to them all. In this issue we have some famous traditional recipes to celebrate the Kentucky Derby, including the Legendary Hot Brown, direct from the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Derby Pie and the infamous Kentucky Burgoo. With or without adding Kentucky Bourbon, it seems like you’ll be able to eat your way to the finish line! The foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains are known for their pristine springfed lakes and our cover story featuring Lake Arrowhead is a fine example. The new exclusive community there is all about embracing the Lake Life. Boating, golfing, pickleball and gorgeous views make living at Lake Arrowhead year round feel like a constant vacation. If you’re looking to settle down in these parts, Lake Arrowhead just might be your spot. That’s it for now folks. The next edition is our Summer Fun issue and we’ll be showing off the best of the outdoors the area has to offer. Until then…..

GARDEN| LANDSCAPE EDITOR Kevin Johnson | growitgreen@etcmail.com

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

REGULAR RIDES 3/18-9/30 11/7-11/23 12/26-12/31

HISTORY EDITOR Leslie Barker Thomas | PresHist@etcmail.com

FIRECRACKER SPECIAL TRAIN 7/1

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EDITOR Greg Dunn | trainingdunnright@gmail.com

FALL FOLIAGE 10/1-11/6 PUMPKIN EXPRESS 10/23

STYLE & DESIGN EDITOR Cindy Trimble | cindy@studiotrimble.com

SANTA SANTA EXPRESS PAVILLION SEE WEBSITE FOR DATES

ADVERTISING SALES Angela Huffstetler 706. 851. 8190 | adswithangela@gmail.com

Group rates available. Military pricing is valid for Military personnel and spouse with valid ID.

Ann Merry 770. 324. 2384 | annmerry@ymail.com

An amazing family adventure on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is only a short drive away. It all starts at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. The train winds alongside the beautiful Toccoa River on a four hour round trip with a stop in the twin border towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN.

Tonia Sheppard 404. 784. 0620 | adswithtonia@gmail.com

Book now at brscenic.com or 1-877-413-TRAIN

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Appalachian Country Living 706. 492. 5070

16_APP_MAG_7_375x4_875.indd 1

LAYOUT/DESIGN Blue Ridge Media Group CONTRIBUTORS Morgan Baumgartner of Alair Photography, Stuart Arp, Bohn & Bailey’s, Stuart Borders, The Brown Hotel, Phillip Carter, Tom Harper Photography, Diane Hassett, Stacy Heath, Daniel Kelley, Richard Lucas Images, Maxine, Abigail Summer, Lisa Lyle Waggoner, Judie Woodall, Billy Zoom and the Colwell RESCUED Group, Humans & Cannines

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE PO Box 1250, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706. 492. 5070 hello@blueridgemediagroup.com www.aclivingmagazine.com For those that don’t know- I adopted Maxine- the best dog ever- two years ago from the RESCUED program at the Colwell Dention Center in Blairsville, GA. This issue, we went back to see how the program has progressed, and if it wasn’t great enough already, it’s now even better. When adopting a dog, please consider RESCUED. Story on page 12.

2016 SCHEDULE

3/18/16 2:22 PM

• Building Supplies • Hardware • Garden Center • Lumber • Furniture & Appliances • Outdoor/Hunting Clothing • Carhartt Clothing • Women’s & Children’s Clothing • Men’s & Women’s Boots

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

MAKE ACE IN ELLIJAY THE PLACE FOR YOUR HOME SHOPPING!

241 DEPOT STREET • BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513

APRIL/MAY 2016

305 SOUTH MAIN STREET • ELLIJAY GA 30540 APRIL/MAY 2016

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

706. 635. 2236 WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

CONTENTS

AC LIVING RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight, Bumble Bee’s 7 Restaurant Cafe, Blue Ridge Buzzzzz on Over for Your Favorite Country Style Breakfasts and Lunches

12 RESCUED Times Two

Giving Shelter Dogs and Detainee’s at the Colwell Detention Center a Loving Second Chance

18 Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill

Bumble Bee’s Cafe

Southern Comfort Classics Meet Upscale Craft Cocktails at a Thriving Restaurant in Beautiful Blue Ridge, GA

An Exclusive, Award-Winning Mountain, Lake, and Golfing Community at the Foot of the Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains

28 Run for the Roses

RunRoses

Legendary Kentucky Derby Recipes to Make Your Derby Party Rock

GREAT GREEK GYRO WRAPS

Lake Arrowhead Life

FOR THE

FIVE KENTUCKY DERBY FAVORITES

Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri 11am-10pm Sat 11:30-10pm Sun Closed

A L ,  B H         G-R    S . O  ,  

WITH STYLE

2016 Summer Festivals and Fairs

AC LIVING RECIPES

   ’    . S         E G      .

D  ,       ,       ,                  . S           ,

The Most Complete List You’ll Find, Bet You Can’t Attend Them All

The Legendary Hot Brown Ingredients 1 1/2 tablespoons salted butter 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, plus extra for garnish Pinch of ground nutmeg Salt and pepper 14 oz. sliced roasted turkey breast, slice thick 4 slices of Texas toast (crusts trimmed) 4 slices of bacon 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half Paprika Parsley

ON THE COVER IVINGMA WWW.ACL GAZINE.COM | APRIL/M AY 2016

 A LIVE WANT TO Y LIKE EVERY DA ON RE U’ YO ? VACATION

OWHEAD LAKE ARRLACE! P E IS TH

A TASTE OF ESTER CH HISTORY: ER’S BRUNNMEY ILL BAR & GR

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Lake Arrowhead resort community offers a mixture of serene natural beauty and world-class amenities. Those seeking a better quality of life can find it here, where wildlife like hawks, wild turkeys, blue heron, and deer roam the wooded slopes and valleys.

PHOTO: CHRIS WITZKE

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

for 2 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk heavy cream into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2-3 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in PecorinoRomano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste. For each Hot Brown, place one slice of toast in an oven safe dish and cover with 7 oz. turkey. Take the two halves of Roma tomato and two toast points and set them alongside the base of turkey and toast. Pour half of the sauce over the dish, completely covering it. Sprinkle with additional cheese. Place entire dish under a broiler until cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove and cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley and serve immediately. Serves two. Recipe and Photo courtesy of the Brown Hotel. WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

BumbleBee’s Café is open every day! Breakfast is served 8am until 2 pm and lunch is from 11am to 2pm.

Georgia Bar-B-Q

34 APPALACHIAN

513–E Murphy Highway • Blairsville, GA Behind Mikeʻs Find Us On Trip Advisor®

COL. POOLE’S

LETE MOST COMP& S THE G OF SPRIN THE ROSE RUN FOR KENTUCKY LIST ER FESTIVALS TIC SUMM AUTHEN CIPES DERBY RE

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

15 West Cross Street/Hwy. 515 East Ellijay, Georgia 30540

SPRING & SUMMER FESTIVALS 2016

Spring Summer Festivals 2016

Preparation In a two-quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined to form a thick paste or roux. Continue to cook roux

706. 781. 0996

Dine In or Carry Out Mon-Thur 11am–3pm • Fri 11am–7pm

C F S          ’ . H   A -        M . T H B  

    L

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Welcome to the most complete list of festivals and events in north Georgia! There’s surely more to do this Spring than humanly possible and we’re certain there’s something here for While every attempt has been made COUNTRYeveryone. LIVING to provide accurate event listings, we urge you to confirm the information provided before making travel plans. With that said, come and

Intermediate Ride. Marco Pantani 70 miler: rolling hills to a 7 mile mountain climb, about 6,500ft of climb, this is an Avanced/ Difficult Ride. Giro de Ellijay 104 miler: about 10,853ft of climb, two mountain climbs, this is an Extremely Difficult Ride (no joke, do not attempt unless you are an advanced rider). All rides will have a Que Sheet/Map, Well Marked Roads, Supported Sag Stops (water, sport drinks, fruit), and Broom Wagon. Ride Starts at

on Saturday, April 9 from 9am-5pm. Hosted by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For more info contact (706) 632- 2144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com or visit www. blueridgearts.net.

APRIL/MAY Georgia Mountain Storytelling2016 Festival- “Claim Your Voice” April 10-11, 2106

PO Box 727 East Ellijay, GA 30539 706. 635. 4100

Look for BumbleBee’s on the east side of Highway 515, diagonally across from Ingles Market on the hilltop. 5850 Appalachian Hwy., Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Oscar and Edna Poole Darvin Poole

www.poolesbarbq.com APRIL/MAY 2016

Celebrating Six Years and all of the wonderful patrons who dined at BumbleBee’s Café this past year! We do appreciate the new customers along with our regular, dedicated local residents and our out of town visitors. We love seeing the familiar people and new ones who enjoy our country style lunches and delicious breakfasts. If you haven’t visited our Café yet, please do so and introduce yourself as a new diner! BumbleBee’s Café offers delicious breakfast dishes anyway you want them at prices that are very affordable. Some of the most popular favorites are the Eggs Benedict as well as the variety of omelets, eggs Florentine, French toast, an array of mouthwatering pancakes, biscuits and gravy, country ham, bacon and sausage, grits. There are nine breads from which to choose. Belgian Waffles with delicious toppings continue to be on top of the list. Some of the lunchtime daily specials are good size portions of home-cooked entrées, soups, and fantastic salads. On any given day, the specials may be turkey and dressing, roast beef, meatloaf, pork tenderloin, fried chicken or beef stroganoff. Some of the regular mouthwatering menu items are chicken, chops, burgers, hot dogs, tuna melt, chicken melt, patty melt, chicken tenders, country fried steak, gourmet chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad, Philly Cheese Steak or Philly Cheese Chicken sandwiches, Clubs and Subs, Reuben on Rye, BLTs, Grilled Cheese with Roasted Red Peppers, and lots more! Numerous sides include– but are not limited to– fruit, coleslaw, French fries, sweet potato fries, fried okra, green beans, mac ‘n cheese, mashed potatoes. Ask your server for the daily desserts! A private dining room in the Café, appropriately named “The Hive,” will nicely accommodate your special events. Whether it’s a business meeting, private party, luncheon, or whatever the occasion, “The Hive” will fit your needs. Beeee sure to contact the Café in advance so we can accommodate your request. Call 706-946-BEES (2337) for daily specials, directions, party bookings, or to-go orders.

So BUZZ on over to one of the best restaurants in the south! APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

AC LIVING ADVENTURE SPRING HAS ARRIVED AT

North Georgia Furniture & Home Decor

Georgia ForestWatch Outdoor Adventure Editor Greg Dunn Features One of Our Most Influential Conservation Groups

It is our goal to deliver comfort, style and quality furniture, bedding and accessories at very competitive prices. We pride ourselves in delivering American made products whenever possible!

F Come Experience a Taste of Heaven

Like many good things in life, NORTH GEORGIA FURNITURE & HOME DECOR is a little hard to find, but certainly worth the effort!

Tasting Room Hours Thursday thru Monday: 12:30pm – 6pm Closed Tuesday & Wednesday 706. 635. WINE [9463] 127 Lakeview Road Ellijay, GA 30540

2142 Tails Creek Road, Ellijay GA 30540

My Paw Paw Will Save You Money!

www.engelheim.com

Located 2 miles from Dairy Queen on Highway 282 in Ellijay

706. 635. 4202 Visit us on the web at: http://ngfh.net

Rustic American Bar & Grill Regional & Seasonal Fare

“German Brown Trout by Cornbread”

MON–THURS 4pm–11:30pm | FRI–SAT 11:30am–11:30pm SUN 12:30pm–11:30pm

706. 258. 2539

733 EAST MAIN STREET, BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513

chestersblueridge.com 8

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

APRIL/MAY 2016

For almost 30 years, Georgia ForestWatch has been protecting, preserving, and restoring the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests. In essence, ForestWatch was spawned as part of a legal settlement between the U.S. Forest Service and seven conservation organizations that challenged the agency’s first-ever comprehensive management plan for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. The conservation organizations included the Georgia Conservancy, Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Friends of the Mountains, Georgia Botanical Society, Atlanta Audubon Society, and the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited. The acknowledged leader was Chuck McGrady, an Atlanta-based lawyer and conservation chair for the Sierra Club’s Georgia Chapter. Out of all of the bedrock environmental laws that were passed in the 1970’s, the one that would be of paramount importance to the future of then-unborn Georgia ForestWatch was the National Forest Management Act of 1976. The Forest Service is charged to manage national forests for multiple uses – watershed protection, fish and wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, wilderness protection, recreation and limited logging. Conservation organizations eagerly awaited the first “Land and Resource Management Plan” that would be submitted by the Forest Service with absolutely no public input. In October 1984, the groups got their peek when the Forest Service released their first plan – a ponderous, 750-page document – for public perusal. The public would have 60 days to comment. This was a historic step because it was a move away from a timber-first policy and a nudge towards public forestry. In their comments, organization members stated that not enough forest land was being set aside for roadless and wilderness areas. The plan favored the timber industry because it left more than 70 percent of the Chattahoochee and 90 percent of the Oconee open to logging. It proposed removing 81 million board feet of timber per year and even increasing logging levels over the next several years. A key strategy towards achieving the conservationists’ goals would be to draw public attention to the natural beauty of the north Georgia APRIL/MAY 2016

highlands and emphasize the need to preserve still-intact wild places threatened by eventual logging. It became a waiting game to see if the agency would absorb the comments and re-work its management plan. The public had come through. The Forest Service had received more than 2,000 written public comments on the management plan. In September 1985, the Forest Service released the eagerly awaited “final draft” of its first-ever management plan for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. However the comments had mattered little as the document had not changed. The conservation organizations submitted a formal notice of appeal – a procedure required by federal law before filing an appeal itself – that the coalition submitted to the Forest Service was the first of its kind in the nation. To the utter surprise of everyone, even before the appeal had started winding its way through Washington bureaucracy, the Forest Service sent word that it wanted to negotiate a settlement. “Actually, the Forest Service was a big help,” said Jim Sullivan, who represented Friends of the Mountains and was ForestWatch’s first “district leader” for the Chattooga Ranger District. “They really helped us out during the first four or five sessions, explaining the laws under which they operated.” Now, a structure had to be set up by which the groups would carry out their watchdog activities. The participants arrived on Friday night and stayed through Sunday afternoon, with a hikes in the forest as part of the weekend agenda. Thus, Georgia ForestWatch was born standing up. Through the late 1980s and early 1990s, many poorly planned timber sales on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests were amended or reduced due to the efforts of our volunteers. The same level of involvement plus teamwork with conservation partners and legal counsel eventually led to a lawsuit (Sierra vs. Martin), which ultimately halted the Forest Service’s devastating commercial timber harvest program in 1996 for the remaining seven years of the 1986 Forest Management Plan. Georgia ForestWatch is devoted to the protection, preservation, and restoration of these beautiful forests we all flock to north Georgia to enjoy. APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Georgia ForestWatch has been watching our forests for decades and will continue to do so long into the future. ACLM Excerpted from “Our History: 20 Years of Watching Your Forests by Bob Kibler and Charles Seabrook” Georgia ForestWatch 2016 Outings April 9th: Music and Poetry along the Chattooga River – with Marie Dunkle and Brenda Smith April 16th: Wildflowers in Ramp Cove – with Forest Ecologist Jess Riddle April 23rd: Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in the Oconee – with the US Forest Service and Atlanta Audubon Society Georgia ForestWatch 2016 Events April 8th: Leadership Big Canoe Volunteer Fair from 10:30am to 1pm at The Clubhouse at Lake Sconti April 30th: Wild & Woolly Forest Festival at Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard & Winery – Janisse Ray will be headlining the event with live entertainment provided by Bill Pound! October 7th – 9th: Fall Retreat & Membership Meeting at Vogel State Park in Blairsville, GA For more information, make a donation or become a member please contact: Georgia ForestWatch 81 Crown Mountain Place Building C, Suite 200 Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-867-0051 info@gafw.org www.gafw.org

FOR GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS OR TAKING YOUR TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL CONTACT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EDITOR GREG DUNN VIA EMAIL Trainingdunnright@gmail.com WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

AC LIVING LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

Voles: Definetley Worse Than Moles Landscape & Garden Editor Kevin Johnson Wishes Us Good Luck with Voles, Quite a Pesky Problem

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We’re Starting our Planning Early! It’s not spring yet. We get it. But we’re hoping that showing off our newest seasonal arrivals will force the weather to cooperate. These images are just a sneak peak!

STORE HOURS MONDAY THRU SATURDAY 10 AM TO 6 PM

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DAISY BOUTIQUE 35 SOUTH MAIN STREET JASPER, GA 30143 (706) 253-6996 HTTP://DAISYBOUTIQUE.COM

APRIL/MAY 2016

Hello everyone, with temps around 80 degrees, it’s going to feel like summer. I sure hope we don’t skip spring. I’ve noticed a wide variety of plants that are beginning to flower. Things are certainly waking up here in the mountains. In the December issue of Appalachian Country Living I wrote an article titled, Moles: Better Than Having Voles? If you missed that article, I would encourage you to go to the Appalachian Country Living web site and view it in the archives. There is a big difference between moles and voles, they are not one in the same, as many think. For those of us who desire to have nice lawns, moles can be a big nuisance, but voles can actually cause damage. While moles are insectivores – they eat worms, grubs and insects– voles are rodents that eat roots, tubers and will even eat bark, girdling your tress and seedlings, killing your plants. The purpose of this article is to help us become more familiar with voles. The season has just barely begun, and I’ve already received a call from a customer who has vole problems. Of course he thought moles were the problem. Moles undeservingly get a bad , so identifying the culprit is the first step in proper treatment, if a treatment option even exists. So what is a vole? One of the most common vole is the Meadow Vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus. We also have the Pine Vole, Microtus pinetorium. Voles are small rodents that resemble a mouse, however there are some notable differences between the two. Voles have stouter bodies, their tails are short and hairy, their heads are slightly rounder and they have smaller eyes and ears than the common field mouse. While there are 23 species of voles in the U.S., only a few cause economic damage. Voles range in size from 5-8 inches and typically have brown to yellow-brown fur. They spend most of their time in underground burrows and, like mice, reproduce quickly. Along with tunneling through your lawns, they also damage your plants. APRIL/MAY 2016

The Meadow Vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus and the Pine Vole, Microtus pinetorium are two of the voles you’ll find in our area. Voles, members of the rodent family, eat roots, tubers and will even eat bark, girdling your tress and seedlings, damaging your plants. Voles, often misidentified, have small round ears and short tails, unlike the field mouse (bottom right) that has larger ears and a long tail So we’ve identified a problem, now how do we control them? That’s a good question. There are a variety of products available to the homeowner to combat voles ranging from repellents, toxicants, fumigants and other frightening products that may harm you and the environment. Traps can be effective but there are also cultural methods to help control voles. Mowing your lawn regularly and removing excessive mulch and weeds from your landscape beds will help. Keeping mulch and weeds at least 3 feet away from the base of trees will deter them from stripping the bark. These environmentally approaches help reduce the capacity of the area to support voles. When it comes down to it, voles are very difficult to control. This spring if you notice there has been activity in your mulch, and something has eaten the roots of your plants, APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

very likely you have voles. Now you see why they are a pesky problem, good luck! ACLM EDITOR’S NOTE: Please check with local and state laws before trapping or using poison baits for vole control. Some states require permits or it may be illegal to trap or use poison baits to kill animals. Catching, transporting and releasing wild animals is also illegal in some states. 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.

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AC LIVING COMMUNITY

It’s a new day at the Colwell Probation Detention Center. Eight detainees, including three named McGraw, Carlton and Fulkerson, wake up in their dorms. They put their feet on the floor and then they do something unexpected, something beautiful and ingenious that has the potential to revolutionize incarceration in the

United States.

They lovingly smile and say, “Good Morning” to their dogs.

THE PERFECT MATCH AND A SECOND CHANCE

WORDS : LISA LYLE WAGGONER AND COLD NOSE COLLEGE PHOTOS: MORGAN BAUMGARTNER AND ALAI PHOTOGRAPHY

revolving door of incarceration,” says Diane Hassett, Superintendent of the facility. While the detainees are given companionship, they are also taught useful skills and given the privilege of on the job training which is expected to help solidify their foundation as productive citizens. The detainees are selected to participate in the program after an extensive application process which includes an essay, a thorough background check of their criminal histories and an assessment of their institutional behavior. When the detainee has smoothly and successfully completed the first part of the process, he is interviewed by a panel. After this, the board makes a decision of who will fill the vacant handler positions based on all the information available.” Detainees who are welcomed into the program can expect the next 10 weeks to include Basic Computer and Resume Building instruction, a weekly class on Problem Solving Based on Spirituality, a variety of instructional presentations and on the job training in dog family manners and grooming, as well as an introduction to Agility for Fun and Nose Work. Jill Gardella of Hair of the Dawg in Blairsville, Georgia is the driving force behind the certificate the detainees earn in dog grooming from Central Georgia Technical College. She teaches the inmates basic grooming skills such as, bathing, blow drying, brushing, conditioning and haircutting. Detainees also learn to pluck and clean ears, care for eyes and trim nails. Gardella is more than happy to help with the RESCUED program. Fortunately, Gardella is not alone in her generosity; more experts have willingly offered their knowledge to ensure the prosperity of RESCUED. Based in Murphy, North Carolina, Cold Nose College plays a vital role in the success of RESCUED. As the owners of Cold Nose College, Brad and Lisa Waggoner, along with

For nearly four years, the Colwell Probation Detention Center in Blairsville, Georgia has teamed up with a host of experts to provide a holistic program approach, including the professional dog trainers of Cold Nose College and Jill Gardella, owner of Hair of the Dawg grooming, to create the RESCUED program. Fully funded by the two shelter partners of the program, Castoff Pet Rescue and Humane Society Mountain Shelter, RESCUED is a 10 week program that matches a detainee with a dog in need of care and patient training. With the expectation of preparing a shelter dog to be with a permanent family and detainees for success in society and the workforce, RESCUED is proving to be a more effective and unique approach to achieve the successful rehabilitation of detainees and their four legged friends. In July of 2012, RESCUED officially became the first dog rescue program within the Georgia Department of Corrections partnering at the time with Tri-State Pet Rescue. RESCUED has taught the detainees, “viable job skills that will enable them to gain employment upon re-entry into their communities thus giving them a chance of being ‘rescued’ from the Above Left: Rescued graduate and program mentor, Robert Carlton coaxes Rusty through the beginnings of “tunnel” with handler Justin Tate. Far Left: Handler Justin Dale demonstrates “down stay” with Wallace. Left: Bingo easily clears a 16” agility jump under the direction of handler Tom Grimsley. Top Right: Oscar gets rewarded with a tasty piece of yummy food for sitting on a verbal cue from handler Edwin Fulkerson. Bottom Right: Handler Michael McGraw gets a perfect score in “loose leash walking” with Angel. APRIL/MAY 2016

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Brad Waggoner, Cold Nose College, assists handler Fulkerson in helping Oscar negotiate the ”tunnel” for the first time. Abigail and her handler Caleb Wells await their turn. their former apprentice, Kay Mizell, and current apprentice, Jim Ross, teach inmates modern, positive reinforcement training as well as pet first aid and CPR. The detainees are educated in the use of ‘clicker training’ which is an extremely effective way to train dogs. “With clicker training, the dog learns that the sound of the ‘click’ is what tells them they got it right, and reinforcement for the successful exercise brings them a yummy piece of food,” explains Brad Waggoner. Cold Nose College uses a variety of methods to educate the detainees, such as demonstrations, lectures, videos and hands on coaching. “The men learn they can change another’s behavior without the use of force or intimidation,” says Waggoner. These experiences prepare dogs for adoption and provide the detainees with essential social skills and good work habits. The RESCUED program believes that character building goals must be accompanied

Wallace, Available with Joshua Dale 14

by practical skills to increase the chances of success in society and in a work environment. To date 74 detainees have completed the program and have been released back into society. Of those, 67% continue to be productive members of our society. The Colwell Probation Detention Center prides itself in the reinforcement of respect, self-control and discipline in all detainees. But, as Hassett explains, “a fourth has been added to those participating in the program, integrity, always doing what is right even when no one else is looking.” Integrity is of great importance to any employer who is in need of good, trustworthy employees. While character building is an important goal of RESCUED, the detainees learn many other useful skills that may improve their chances of success upon reentry into the workforce. The program has evolved over the past four years to include: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church who conduct

Angel, Adopted with Michael McGraw

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“Before my experience in the RESCUED program at Colwell PDC, I was oblivious to the unique struggles of dog training and the tremendous joys of learning to connect and develop a trusting companionship, especially with a timid creature who’s difficult journey through life just happened to intersect with my own difficult journey. The program was tremendous benefit to us both in developing an understanding of each other, and how to effectively communicate with each other in harmony forevermore.” –Daniel Kelley, Rescued Graduate, 2015 a class on Problem Solving Based on Spirituality, Linda Wood of North Georgia Technical College teaches participating detainees Basic Computer and Resume Building Skills, Adam Born of United Community Bank presents, “How to Start a Small Business and Money Management,” and Counselor Patrice Kilpatrick shares her course, “Anger Management,” Dr. Patti Barnes and Dr. Dwaine Zagrocki of Union County Pet Hospital teach a Basic Animal Health Class and the Georgia Mountain Regional Commission Workforce Development Career Coach class, which includes resume building and job search skills. Detainees are also awarded On the Job Training Certificates in Grooming by Central Georgia Technical College. Additional programming currently being worked on is a Substance Abuse Class and the Georgia Work Ready Certificate Program. When strong character is matched with practical skills, detainees are better equipped to rejoin and excel in the workforce.

Abigail, Available with Caleb Wells

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Kayla, Adpoted with Dwight Cook APRIL/MAY 2016

There’s been an evolution in the facility too. In June of 2012 the six men and four dogs were housed in a 216 square foot room, which included six bunks, four dog crates and additional dog gear. After the successful first year of the program, the Georgia Department of Corrections gave Colwell the permission to enlarge the space. The men and their dogs are now housed in a 1100 square foot facility that also includes 6 double bunks, a bathing and grooming area and a library of positive dog training books, DVDs and publications donated by dog trainers from around the United States. As men move out of the program and others move in, one or two of the detainees stay in the next 10 week session of RESCUED to mentor the newcomers. Detainee Carlton, now a mentor, says “Mentorship wasn’t what I expected. It was harder. I’ve managed construction crews before, but it was not of this magnitude. It’s expanded my leadership abilities. I now have a different way to teach and lead people.” It’s evident to see the program has a powerful effect on the men by the comments heard during a training session. Detainee McGraw offered, “It’s been a wonderful learning experience. I wasn’t looking to fall in love with a dog. I was really just looking for a way out of the other dorm, but we’ve all come together. We’ve learned more from the dogs than they have from us, especially patience. These dogs have had a hard life in the shelter and it’s amazing what you can teach them. If they can learn, then we can too. Anything is possible.” And Detainee Fulkerson chimed in that for him Top Right: Lisa Lyle Waggoner, Cold Nose College, keeps an experienced eye on all handlers and dogs, offering coaching advice during loose leash walking. Bottom Right: Taking a break. From left to right, Joshua Dale & Wallace, Dwight Cook & Kayla and Colwell Officer Phillip Carter.

Bingo, Adopted with Tom Grimsley APRIL/MAY 2016

Oscar, Available with Edwin Fulkerson

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Rusty, Available with Justin Tate

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“It’s been a challenge working with the other people and a challenge for ourselves. We have to set an example. Some of us have a harder time following integrity, but we’ve learned that integrity is about doing the right thing with no one is looking. The dogs want to be loved and we want to be loved.” With so many shelter dogs in need of patient training and so many detainees in need of rehabilitation, it seems RESCUED has made a perfect match. ACLM Editor’s Note Did you know that your favorite celebrity cannine, – yes, our very own Maxine– came from the RESCUED program? When you meet Maxine on the street and she gives you a polite greeting, sits pretty and give’s you her paw, that’s her training from RESCUED. Don’t you want to adopt a well behaved dog like Maxine? I can’t recommend getting a dog from this program enough. If you’d like to know my first-hand experience, I’d be happy to answwer any questions you might have, just give us a shout! –Alice & Maxine

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For information on adopting a dog from the RESCUED program please contact any one of these wonderful organizations

Bingo and Tom Grimsley

Style & Design Editor Cindy Trimble Addresses the Tricky Job of Lighting Our Rustic Mountain Log Homes.

Humane Society Mountain Shelter 129 Bowling Drive Blairsville, GA 30512 (706)781-3843 www.humanesocietymountainshelter.com Cold Nose College Good Manners & Behavior Consulting for the Family Dog Murphy, NC 28906 (828) 644-9148 www.coldnosecollege.com

Jill Gardella, Groomer Hair of the Dawg 32 Plott Street Blairsville, GA 30512 (706) 745-5135

Family Owned Since 1974 Elegant Rustic • Industrial • Traditional Indoor and Outdoor Lighting

Now Carrying LED Lighting and Bulbs

Our exclusive lines will make your home unique and beautiful, from chandeliers to ceiling fans, lamps and mirrors!!!

706-635-7048

Looking for a gift? We can assist you with that too. Georgian Lighting Gallery, Inc. 2331 Old Hwy. 5 South Ellijay, GA 30540 3 miles south of Dairy Queen Hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

Creative Lighting in Interior Design

Castoff Pet Rescue Visit by appointment only: 92 Jordan Blairsville, GA 30512 (706)781-3992 www.castoffpetrescue.org

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Lighting design is the one element of interior design that can make or break a beautifully designed interior space. Lighting provides so much more than a simple glow. Subliminally, lighting impacts how we feel and impacts our emotions, our comfort level and our ability to do tasks. Of all elements to be incorporated into a design, lighting is the most important. Lighting is not something to think about as finishes are being installed. Nor is it simply picking out the fixtures at a local lighting store. Lighting design starts early in the design process. Good lighting results from a well thought out process that includes spatial function analysis, determination of types of lighting needed for each area, layout and detailing of the lighting plan and finally, selection of fixtures and bulbs. There are three distinct lighting types involved in lighting design. First is ambient or general illumination. This is the large overhead chandelier that adds a glow or “ambience” to a room. The second is task lighting that is for lighting a specific task area such as a reading lamp. And the third is accent lighting which illuminates artwork or special architectural features. Within these three types of lighting, there are many design directions you can take within the layout of fixture(s) and fixture selection. Creative lighting not only provides light, but can add decorative elements to empty space and create the personality of a space. Highly decorative fixtures such as the twig and vine chandeliers in Chester’s animate large spatial voids in rooms but they only provide a soft glow to the space, not enough light to read a menu from. A common mistake is when chandeliers are installed over dining tables with the light sources pointing up preventing adequate light from reaching the table. In this situation, then secondary lighting called task lighting should be added. Recessed or surface mounted mini spots over dining tables on either side of chandeliers to blast the table top with light will work. APRIL/MAY 2016

Mountain homes with wood interiors that are brown or gray have to have a lot of light. Great rooms with intricate ceilings and beams are too often lit incorrectly. Recessed spot lights on high sloped ceilings create a terrible glare and leave the beautiful wood ceilings in the dark. Light from the recessed downlights in tall vaulted spaces dissipates before reaching the floor area. These ceilings should be illuminated with up lights from spots that accent the ceilings then add task lighting throughout such as table lamps add blasts of light where you need it. Chester’s has spot lights strategically placed throughout to illuminate all the art and architectural features. If focal points are scattered throughout a space and illuminated properly then your eye is excited and wanders around the room making the space more interesting. At Chester’s we hid spot lights in the beams to illuminate the artwork, bar top and the back bar. These spots also crisscross over the beams giving lots of dramatic light and shadow. The back feature wall is illuminated by high wattage spots APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Top Left: Chester’s bar utilizes all three types of lighting: ambient or general, task & accent. Top Right: A chandelier or pendant is a good example of “ambient lighting” providing general illumination. This pendant lights small powder room in a fanciful way, but is not enough light to put on make-up. Left: This dining room has three types of lighting that make the room work. The chandelier provides ambient or general illumination. The tiny adjustable spots on the ceiling illuminate the table top providing task lighting. And recessed strip lights hidden behind the truss give accent lighting. Above: Refined log home kitchen has all 3 lighting types: chandelier over island, track spots for accent and task, and under counter for task. placed closed to the wall surface on the ceiling plane that “graze” the textured surface creating intense light and shadows on the carved surface mounted on the wall. ACLM Cindy Trimble, ASID is owner of StudioTrimble, Inc. based in Blue Ridge. She is NCIDQ certified and a Georgia Registered Interior Designer. www.studiotrimble.com Photos: Tom Harper Photography, Inc. Rick Lucas Images WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

CHESTER BRUNNENMEYER’S: A TASTE OF HISTORY

Southern comfort classics meet upscale craft cocktails at a thriving restaurant in beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia. Located on the first floor of the historic Gartrell Building, Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar and Grill serves up American favorites in a rustic-chic atmosphere. Locals come from all over the North Georgia mountains to mingle with friendly faces, watch the big game, or toss back some well-mixed drinks in cozy leather booths. On any given night, the crowd is buzzing and every seat is taken. In a town that already boasts an impressive restaurant scene, Chester Brunnenmeyer’s (or just plain old Chester’s, as the locals call it) stands out with sophisticated takes on Southern favorites like pimento cheese, trout, fried chicken, and pecan pie. Those who are in a more imbibing mood can mosey on up to the bar, where smiling bartenders are always waiting. As one of the few places open past five on Blue Ridge’s main drag, East Main Street, Chester’s is a dinner staple for locals and tourists alike, offering big city flair in a small town setting. When planning your next trip to the mountains, this is one to add to the must-do list. 18

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WORDS : ABIGAIL SUMMAR FOR BLONDE ANARCHY PHOTOS: CHESTER BRUNNMEYERS BAR & GRILL

APRIL/MAY 2016

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When John and Lena Brunnenmeyer opened their small town saloon in Washington, IL in 1896, they had no way of knowing the impact they would have on their descendants. Their saloon operated until the town went “dry” in 1906, after which the sale of alcohol was banned. The enterprising couple then converted the saloon into a grocery store and their son, Chester, delivered groceries for them. Chester eventually inherited the building in 1944. He turned it back into a saloon, called The Spot, which he ran for nearly a decade. Many years later, Chester’s grandson and his wife decided to revive a piece of family history and open Chester Brunnenemeyer’s Bar and Grill, in Blue Ridge, GA. The circle complete, the Brunnenmeyer family are once again serving food and drinks to eager patrons, only this time in the ruggedly beautiful North Georgia mountains. Stuart Arp, whose grandfather is the namesake at Chester’s, and his wife, Stacy Heath, opened Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar and Grill in 2015. Just a year earlier, Mike and Sherry Triebert bought and restored the Gartrell 20

Top: Stuart Arp’s parents with friends during the heydays at The Spot. Mary Brennenmeyer-Arp, front and center, Harlan Arp behind, manning the bar. Above: Lena and John Brunnenmeyer opened thier first saloon in 1896. Top Right: When the town went “dry” in 1906, the Brunnenmeyer’s coverted the salooon into a grocery store. Bottom Right: Today, on the corner of East Main and Depot Streets, Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill, is owned and operated by Stacy and Stuart Arp. Building, the brick structure on East Main Street in Downtown Blue Ridge that was once a bustling hotel. Like so many properties in Blue Ridge, the Gartrell Building has been lovingly restored to its former glory, with many original

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details carefully preserved even as the overall appearance and functionality were given a chic, modern flair. The Gartrell Building’s modernity is apparent in its other tenant, Gartrell Gallery, a fine art gallery that will offer workshops and classes as well as art for sale, and which, according to its website, is slated to open in spring of 2016. The Blue Ridge area is known for its natural beauty, charming streets and architecture, scenic railway, art festivals, live entertainment, historic significance, and sophisticated food scene. With the addition of Chester Brunnenmeyer’s, the city now also boasts a restaurant that offers such traditional fare as Southern pecan pie, shrimp and grits, fire roasted pimento cheese (widely considered to be “the caviar of the South”), and North Georgia trout. These Southern dishes are served up alongside classic comfort food options like a fried chicken sandwich, four-cheese grilled cheese sandwich, and New York strip steak. And the food is only half of it. On any given night, Chester’s also has a thriving bar scene. Locals and tourists alike swarm inside to sample impeccably shaken and stirred cocktails, flights APRIL/MAY 2016

of local beers, and a superb wine selection. Large flat screens above the bar always showcase the big game, and while the bar is usually crowded, booths and high top tables allow for more intimate conversations if desired. One of Chester Brunnenmeyer’s most striking features is its decor. As if the food and drinks weren’t enough to draw customers inside, the interior design is appealingly warm without missing a beat of sophistication. Rustic chic throughout, the restaurant showcases such charming details as rvintage inspired barn wood paneling, exposed brick walls, gleaming wood floors, a room-length wooden bar, supple leather upholstery, and glass jar light fixtures with Edison bulbs. The result is at once cozy and spacious, and the casual visitor will feel instantly at ease despite the constant roar of chatty customers throughout the space. Chester’s, as the locals call it, doesn’t take reservations, and they don’t need to. If you want a big table, get there early. Seats fill up fast and by 8:00 PM it can be standing room only, especially on the weekends. Solo diners can belly up to the bar for dinner, while larger groups may have to wait. But with smiling, experienced servers who never seem far away, even the longest wait times aren’t as onerous as they might be elsewhere. And besides, you can always order a drink (or two) until they can clear you a table. With craft cocktails like the Wrapsody in Blue, named after another Blue Ridge icon, an eclectic home furnishings store located in an antique craftsman home just down the street, and a host of beers from local breweries such as Grumpy Old Men, Chester Brunnenmeyer’s clearly has a vested interest in keeping up with local Blue Ridge flavors and traditions. Offering upscale Southern cuisine alongside a rotating menu of seasonally inspired, classic comfort foods, it’s likely that this place will feed Blue Ridge locals, tourists, and their descendants for another hundred years to come. Chester Brunnenmeyer himself would surely be proud of this fine North Georgia legacy. sACLM Chester Brunnemeyer’s Bar & Grill 733 East Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706. 258. 2539 Executive Chef: Christopher Adgate, CEC M–Thur 4-11:30pm Fri–Sat 11:30am-11:30pm Sun 12:30pm-11:30pm Reservations not accepted ChestersBlueRidge.com www.facebook.com/chesterbrunnenmeyers

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LIVING THE LIFE ON

LAKE ARROWHEAD

540 Acre Private Lake, Ranked One of Georgia’s Cleanest 18 Hole Championship Golf Course Marina Sunset Boating Tours Sailing Lessons, Kayaking, Canoeing, Pontoon Boating Pickleball Courts Tennis Courts Swimming Pools Miles of Hiking & Biking Picnic Pavilions Playgrounds Batting Cages Championship Bass Fishing NEW THIS YEAR Lake Side Park Outdoor Fitness/Wellness Center Activities Director WORDS : ABIGAIL SUMMAR FOR BLONDE ANARCHY PHOTOS: LAKE ARROWHEAD

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Residents enjoy all types of boating, paddling and other water sports year round on Lake Arrowhead.

home building company, Majestic Lifestyle Builders. Affordable move-in-ready homes at Lake Arrowhead feature single-level living ranch homes that start in the low $200,000’s. Two professionally furnished Model Homes are open for your design inspiration. The Model Homes showcase open floor plans, outdoor fireplaces, and private outdoor covered rear patios that offer breathtaking mountainside views. Square footage ranges from 1,700-2,800 square feet. Sanctuary Cove, Lake Arrowhead’s newest and more exclusive neighborhood provides homeowners with individual deep water docks on many of the exclusive 29 home sites. A new portfolio of plans has been designed to maximize lake views and will offer square footage from 2,400-3,200 square feet. In addition to its rustic mountain appeal, fresh air, and soothing woodland tranquility, Lake Arrowhead is remarkably convenient to Atlanta and surrounding amenities, including the new state-of-the-art Northside Cherokee Hospital, which is currently under construction and sheduled to open in 2017, and only minutes away from the acclaimed Reinhardt University. The nearby town of Waleska features quaint shops, antiques malls, and friendly local eateries.

Welcome to Lake Arrowhead. Located near Canton, GA, Lake Arrowhead is an exclusive, award-winning mountain, lake, and golfing community. Its namesake covers 540 acres, features 21 miles of shoreline, and is one of the largest privately owned lakes in the state. Fed by pure mountain streams, the crystal clear, azure beauty of Lake Arrowhead itself is the crown jewel of the development that borrows its name. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort community offers a mixture of serene natural beauty and world-class amenities. Those seeking a better quality of life can find it here, where wildlife like hawks, wild turkeys, blue heron, and deer roam the wooded slopes and valleys. Johnson Development Corporation, who developed the renowned Towne Lake and Bridge Mill developments, is at the helm of the Lake Arrowhead project through their Atlanta-based Opposite Page: Professionally furnished model homes are now open showcasing, state of the art kitchens, spacious open living areas, outdoor fireplaces and private outdoor covered rear patios where you’ll enjoy the mountainside views. 24

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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Church brings people together in both worship and fellowship. On the more grounded side of life, Lake Arrowhead provides a veritable outdoor playground for enthusiasts of all kinds. Red Cloud Park, the community’s original swim and tennis center, is a popular gathering place. Totally renovated a few years ago, it includes an oversized arrow-shaped pool wit spacious deck and gazebo with picnic tables. Here you can find the pickleball courts. Pickleball is a very popular sport here, and the Lake Arrowhead Pickleball community gets bigger every year, hosting an annual Pickleball Tournament in the Spring. To accommodate this interest, the community has adapted a few of the tennis courts for pickleball. Great Festival Park, another swimming and sports complex, has a Junior Olympic-sized pool, bathhouse, great lawn with five-acre Activity Park, outdoor picnic pavilion, batting cage, eco-garden area, plus basketball and sand volleyball courts.

Canton, just a stone’s throw away from the Lake Arrowhead gates, presents a myriad options for dining, shopping, entertainment, and culture, including Broadway productions at the recently renovated Canton Theater. And of course the most sophisticated settlement near Lake Arrowhead is Atlanta itself, a thriving Southern city in the heart of Georgia, where visitors can cheer on the Braves from the third baseline, shake hands with a dolphin at the world’s largest aquarium, or shop to exhaustion at Lenox Square Mall. With countless eateries and entertainment venues, Atlanta has it all. And it’s less than an hour away from the pristine, ecologically protected community of rushing mountain streams and quiet forests. Few residential communities can boast their own church right within the gates, but Lake Arrowhead Church is proud to call itself “a place to belong, and a place to believe.” Founded in 1980, the church has a strong community outreach program called Helping Hands. This is a group of men who provide Lake Arrowhead residents with much-needed help, however they can. The elderly, disabled, single parents or those recovering from injury or illness can call Helping Hands for assistance with such things as home repairs, yard work, and moving. In a time when the concept of community seems to be everdwindling from American life, Lake Arrowhead 26

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This Page: Cozy stack-stone fireplaces, open plan living, spacious bedrooms and plenty of room for your home office will make you feel right at home. Opposite Page: The Marina and Boathouse, home of the Lake Arrowhead Sailing Club offers boat slips, sailing lessons, and boat rentals for all levels of experience. APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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With outstanding amenities set on more than 8,000 acres of lush North Georgia woodland, the property owners who live at Lake Arrowhead have access to a rewarding lifestyle that many people can only dream about. While others toil and save to visit places like this for just a week or two once a year, residents get to experience it all year long. It may not be a vacation resort, but it sure feels like one. ACLM

For those who like to get out and roam, there’s an impressive trails system that meanders for miles along the lake’s dramatic shoreline, through protected woodlands, along scenic creek beds, and over several lower lying ridges. The trails are great for running, walking, and hiking, and offer magnificent lake views from certain vantage points along the way. This trails system includes an array of unique paths and spurs, giving hikers and runners a variety of opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking scenery that is so much a part of Lake Arrowhead. If that weren’t enough to keep residents busy, there’s a marina where one can find boat rentals, sailing lessons, sunset tours & fishing. The community also offers Dry Boat Storage, fitness classes, a full schedule of monthly events planned by the onsite Activities Director, a community library, 18-hole Highlands Golf Course, with practice facilities and a 10,000 square foot clubhouse that offers indoor and outdoor dining. Water sports like pontoon boating, canoeing, kayaking, row-boating, and small craft sailing are all popular ways to enjoy lake life to the fullest. Since Lake Arrowhead’s topography is graced with a series of graceful mountain ridges, the lake itself can be viewed from many homes and home sites. Many more new homes will be available as future development progresses. APRIL/MAY 2016

For More Information, Visit the Sales & Information Center which is located at 2419 Lake Arrowhead Drive, Waleska, Georgia 30183 and is open Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6pm. And Sunday Noon to 6:00pm. You can also visit Lake Arrowhead on line at www.lakearrowheadga.com or call Steve Kallock the New Home Specialist at 770-720-2700.

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RunRoses

AC LIVING RECIPES

FOR THE

FIVE KENTUCKY DERBY FAVORITES

A Louisville legend, the Brown Hotel is beloved by generations of guests for its Georgian-Revival elegance and timeless Southern charm. Opening in 1923, the brown quickly became the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business and social center. Some say more business deals were struck in the English Grill than at any office in town. Drawing over 1,200 guests each evening for its dinner dance, in the wee hours of the morning, guests would grow weary of dancing and make their way to the restaurant for a bite to eat. Sensing their desire for something more glamorous than traditional ham and eggs, Chef Fred Schmidt set out to create something new to tempt his guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; palates. His unique dish? An open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a delicate Mornay sauce.

WITH STYLE

The Hot Brown was born!

PHOTO: CHRIS WITZKE FOR THE BROWN HOTEL

Preparation In a two-quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined to form a thick paste or roux. Continue to cook roux

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Kentucky Bourbon Burgoo

Pronounced BUR-goo. This meat and vegetable stew is one of the oldest food traditions in the state of Kentucky and staple of the Kentucky Derby. The dish is slow-cooked in large batches and has a history of containing some pretty weird ingredients. Some earlier versions of “Burgoo” or “Brunswick Stew” called for squirrel, opossums, and about any other forest dweller that walked or flew. Today, the most common meats used in “Burgoo” are beef, lamb, pork, and poultry. While there are many variations, all Burgoo makers agree that 1) Burgoo should be made in stages: cook the meat first, and then add the vegetables. 2) No less than 4 - 6 hours should be devoted to making burgoo. Some recipes call for a 24-hour cooking period. 3) Burgoo should contain more than one meat. 4) Burgoo should be prepared outdoors over an open fire. Burgoo is as integral to the Kentucky Derby as the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home.” In 1932, a Bluegrass colt named Burgoo King— yes, Burgoo King—won both the Derby and Preakness. 30

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Ingredients 2 pounds pork shank 2 pounds veal shank 2 pounds beef shank 2 pounds breast of lamb 1 (4-pound) chicken 8 quarts cold water 1 1/2 pounds potatoes 1 1/2 pounds onions 1 bunch carrots, peeled and sliced thickly 2 green peppers, seeded and chopped 2 cups chopped cabbage 1 quart tomato puree 2 cups whole corn, fresh or canned 2 pods red pepper 2 cups diced okra 1/2 cup chopped parsley 2 cups dry lima beans 1 cup diced celery 3/4 cup Kentucky bourbon (optional) Salt and pepper Tabasco Steak Sauce Worcestershire sauce

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Preparation Put the pork, veal, beef, lamb, and chicken into a large pot. Add the water and bring it to a boil slowly. Simmer until meat is tender enough to fall off the bones, about 4—6 hours. Lift the meat out of the stock. Cool the meat, remove it from the bones, and chop it. Return the chopped meat to the stock. Pare the potatoes and onions and dice them. Add them, plus the carrots, green peppers, cabbage, tomato puree, corn, red pepper, okra, parsley, lima beans, celery, and bourbon, to the meat and stock. Allow the stew to simmer until very thick about 6 hours. Season to taste with the salt, pepper, Tabasco, steak sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Burgoo…midway between a hearty soup and a stew…succeeds the juleps in the guests’ cups as a first course. Also served the day after the Derby, in silver Mint Julep cups.

APRIL/MAY 2016

Traditional Mint Julep

No Derby Party is complete without the Mint Julep which has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. Each year, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. This is a feat that requires over 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,000 pounds of ice. Ingredients 2 cups sugar 2 cups water Sprigs of fresh mint Crushed ice Kentucky Bourbon Silver Julep Cups Preparation Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Kentucky Bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Kentucky Sweet Bourbon Punch

Not everyone is a fan of the Mint Julep, so for those who wish to keep with tradition, try another Southern favorite served during Derby week, Sweet Bourbon Punch. Ingredients 2 cups ice tea (unsweetened) 1 cup sugar 1 12 oz can frozen OJ 1 12 oz can frozen limeade 1 750 ml bottle Bourbon 7 cups water Preparation Mix all ingredients and chill. Makes one gallon. Serve over ice with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint. WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

the most exciting two minutes in sports

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The Kentucky Derby, the most-prestigious American horse race, was established in 1875 and now is run annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs racetrack, Louisville, Kentucky. The Derby field is limited to three-year-olds and, since 1975, to 20 horses; fillies carry 121 pounds and colts 126 pounds. The race distance was reduced in 1896 from 1.5 miles to its present 1.25 miles. In the early 21st century it was one of the most-popular singleday spectator events in the world, attracting some 150,000 spectators to Churchill Downs annually. History In 1874 Meriwether Lewis Clark established a racetrack on land owned by his uncles, John and Henry Churchill, for whom the track would eventually be named. The track officially opened on May 17, 1875, and the first Derby won by Aristides. The track’s famed grandstand, completed in 1895, is crowned by twin spires that have become a recognized emblem of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs. In the 1870s, when the race debuted, black jockeys dominated organized racing, and African Americans won 15 of the first 28 Kentucky Derbies. Those wins included Oliver Lewis’s victory in the first Derby, in which 13 of the 15 competing jockeys were black; Lewis rode Aristides, a horse trained by a former slave, Ansel Williamson. Relatively few women have ridden as jockeys

in the Kentucky Derby. The first, Diane Crump, finished 15th in 1970, and the sixth, Rosie Napravnik, finished fifth aboard Mylute in 2013 and last in 2014. Women owners have won the Derby numerous times, beginning in 1904 with Elwood’s victory for owner Laska Durnell. Since then, prominent Derby-winning female owners have included Helen Hay Whitney, Elizabeth Arden Graham, Ethel V. Mars, and Penny Chenery (whose winning horses included Secretariat, in 1973). In 1990 Frances Genter became the oldest Derbywinning owner at the age of 92 with the colt Unbridled. In 2013 Churchill Downs implemented a points system to determine which 20 horses could start in the Derby. This new proceedure replaced a system that ranked horses on the basis of their earnings in graded stakes races. Horses now receive points according to their performance in specific Derby prep races. Track Record Though the Derby is often called “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” only two horses have officially finished the race in under two minutes. The course record was set in 1973 by Secretariat, who finished in 1:59 2/5. And Monarchos, who won the 2001 Derby in a computer-timed 1:59.97. Triple Crown winner Secretariat still holds the track record. –Written by: Marvin Drager

Kentucky Bourbon Derby Pie

The Derby-Pie® was developed over 50 years ago as the specialty pastry of the Melrose Inn, in Prospect, Kentucky. George Kern, manager of the restaurant, developed the Derby-Pie® recipe with the help of his parents, Walter and Leaudra. The recipe remains a secret to this very day and is known only to a small group of Kern family members including a single Kern’s Kitchen employee, who still mixes the recipe today. Here’s our take on this famous dessert. Ingredients 1 91/2 in deep dish pie crust 11/2 cups pecans 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup dark corn syrup 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup water or bourbon 4 large eggs 1/4 cup butter, melted 2 teaspoons cornmeal 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Preparation Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Fit piecrust into a 9” deep-dish pie plate. Combine corn syrup, sugar, brown sugar and water in large saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Whisk together eggs, butter, cornmeal, vanilla and salt. Gradually add corn syrup mixture. Place pecans and chocolate chips in pie crust. Pour filling over pecans and chocolate. Cover rim of pie with foil to prevent burning. Bake for 50 minutes. Kentucky Bourbon Derby Pie recipe & photos by Bohn & Bailey’s Bakery, to order delicious baked goods contact: Bohn & Bailey’s Just two girls baking everything from cookies to dog treats. bohnandbaileys@gmail.com 706. 889. 9798 or 706. 633. 6001 Follow them on Instagram @bohnandbaileys_ APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

My Old Kentucky Home by Stephen Foster

The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home, Tis summer, the people are gay; The corn-top’s ripe and the meadow’s in the bloom While the birds make music all the day. The young folks roll on the little cabin floor All merry, all happy and bright; By’n by hard times comes a knocking at the door Then my old Kentucky home, Good-night! Weep no more my lady. Oh! Weep no more today! We will sing one song for my old Kentucky home For the old Kentucky home, far away.

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SPRING & SUMMER FESTIVALS 2016

Rhododendron Festival Hamilton Gardens April 15, 2016 - May 14, 2016 Rhododendron Festival is Back After a long cold winter, nothing says ‘spring is here’ quite like the blooming of the Rhododendron at Hamilton Gardens. The yearly tradition of strolling through the magnificent and rare beauty of over 400 rhododendrons in an explosion of colors and varieties has just been made even more wondrous -- the Rhododendron Festival is coming back to the Hamilton Gardens! They don’t always bloom on schedule so be sure to check the website before going. Arts and craft vendors each weekend. Plants for sale. Georgia Mountain Fairground 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee. 706-896-4191.

1st Annual Spring Bierfest April 16, 2016

Spring Summer Festivals 2016 Welcome to the most complete list of festivals and events in north Georgia! There’s surely more to do this Spring 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. With that said, come and see all that north Georgia and the southern Appalachians has to offer!

North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm Springtime Festival March 29th- April 10th

Join us in celebrating spring with baby animals, planting, fun kids activates and more! Open additional days for all those on spring break! General Admission $8 adult $6 child. TuesdayFriday 10-4p. Saturday & Sunday 10-6pm ( Closed Mondays). North Georgia Zoo & Farm 2912 Paradise Valley RD, Cleveland, GA 30528. For info call 706.348.7279 or visit www.northgeorgiazoo.com

19th Annual Italian Road Bike Festival April 2 – 3, 2016

For 19 years, the Italian Festival Road Bike Festival has brought cyclists from all over the country to tour the challenging countryside of Gilmer, Fannin and Murray Counties in North Georgia. Start your riding season with some of the best scenic road riding that the Southeast has to offer! Gianni Bugno 43 miler: rolling hills, about 3000ft of climb, this is an 34

Kiwanis Spring Fair April 5 9, 2016

Rides, Fairway, Carnival goodies. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. From Depot street downtown (between city park and the train depot) head up the hill to E. 1st Street, turn right, then turn left on Church Street and an immediate left again on E. 2nd, go one block turn right on Jones. For info, call 706-258-3247 or 706-455-0998

19th Annual Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference April 8-9, 2016

Writers will learn to hone their skills, network with fellow writers, and expand their markets. Begin your conference with a Workshop Intensive held on Friday, April 8 at the Art Center from 10:30am-2:30pm then join us for a Writers’ Meet and Greet that evening from 5-6pm. Writers’ Conference sessions take place

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Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival- “Claim Your Voice” April 10-11, 2106

Learn about the rich cultural history of Appalachia through storytelling and have the opportunity to become part of its preservation. Performances will enrich and educate listen-ers, and workshops will enable festival goers to claim their own voices and become storytellers themselves. We’ll also have a special storytelling session just for children, traditional Appalachian music and crafts. Seating is limited. Purchasing tickets in advance via www.gmsf2016.eventbrite.com is strongly recommended. Follow us on Facebook for the latest festival news: Rollins Campus Center, Young Harris College, 1 College Street, Young Harris, GA 30582, 706-379-5115.

Blairsville Kiwanis Mountain Fair April 12- 17, 2016 Carnival rides, games, cattle show, bluegrass music, food and petting zoo for kids. Union County Saddle Club Arena, 73 Saddle Club Drive, Blairsville GA. 4.6 miles from Blairsville turn Right on Hwy. 325. The Arena is on the left. Tuesday thru Friday 5:00pm, Saturday 12:00pm. Sunday starts at 1:00 pm. Contact: 706-781-6552 or visit www.visitblairsvillega. com or www.blairsvillekiwanis.org

APRIL/MAY 2016

Craft Beer Tasting & Bierfest After Party! Help us welcome Spring to Helen at our first annual Spring Bier Fest! This will be a celebration of new life returning to the mountains of Northeast Georgia. Enjoy music, dancing, food, and beverages in the Festhalle on the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee River. Tasting $25, 12pm-4pm. Party $7, 6pm – 11pm.Alpine Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss St., Helen, GA 30545. Sponsored by the Helen Chamber of Commerce. www.helenchamber.com or 706.878-1908.

20th Annual Bear on the Square Mountain Festival April 16- 17. 2016

Historic Downtown Dahlonega’s awardwinning Bear on the Square Mountain Festival is a yearly celebration of the Southern Appalachian culture, including an auction, music, art and folkways. Dahlonega is a picturesque town in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains and this year’s event will be held in and around the town’s Historic Square during the third weekend in April. For more info visit www.bearonthesquare.org. Contact: (706) 864-3711 or (800) 231-5543.

40th Annual Big Shanty Festival April 16-17, 2016

The Big Shanty Festival has grown to become one of the largest arts and crafts shows in north Georgia. More than 250 booths featuring a vast array of one-of-a-kind and homemade crafts. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History sits at the center of the festival. FREE Robinson’s Racing Pigs and Paddling Porkers Show. Outstanding local entertainment and all your favorite festival foods. Parade kicks off at 9:30 am on Saturday at Adams Park and continue down Main Street through downtown Kennesaw. FREE. For more information call Peter Jezerinac or Bill Watson at 770-423-1330 or visit www. kennesawbusiness.org APRIL/MAY 2016

Ramp Tramp Festival April 20-23, 2016

The ramp or wild leek, is a wild onion native to North America. The bulb resembles a scallion, but the flat, broad leaves set it apart, a version of the wild garlic. The festival brings hundreds to the camp each year to enjoy the traditional meal while bluegrass music is played. The traditional meal includes ramps fried in eggs, streaked meat, fried potatoes, white beans and cornbread. All proceeds are used for the operation and the upkeep of Camp McCroy, 1058 Hwy 30, Reliance TN. 7 miles north of Turtletown, TN. Email the Polk County Extension Director and 4-H Agent: Greg Paxton rgpaxton@utk.edu, call 423-338-4503. Visit www.ramptrampfestival.com

Airstream & Tin Can Tourist Festival April 22 - 24, 2016

Another great rally coming up next APRIL .All .lakefront and lake view sites in the Blue Ridge Mountains...TCT, WBCCI, Georgia Airstream Campers, together welcoming all friendly folks to enjoy a relaxed weekend. Reservations for sites will open up Jan 2. http:// georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/ Mention the Rally when you call them. No fees, except site fee. Saturday Pot Luck brunch 9:30 AM Tour of Homes- Noon until.? Pot luck dinner 5:30 followed by “gift exchange” bring one get one, followed by live and DJ/Karaoke music until campfire time. Georgia Mountain Fairground 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee. 706-896-4191.

Spring Fest Arts and Crafts Sale April 23 – 24, 2016

Over 100 arts and crafts vendors are expected again this year with items such as pottery, wood carvings and quilts, as well as homemade snacks, canned goods and one-of-a-kind items. Live music and plenty of food. Free event sponsored by Fannin County Fire Explorer Post 401. State Farmers Market in Blue Ridge located at corner of Summit and East 1st Street directly beside the Swan Drive-In. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to register as a festival vendor call 423-761-9985

Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival April 23 – 24, 2016

The Jonquil Festival is located on the beautiful Village Green in downtown Smyrna and will showcase arts and crafts by more than 150 artists/crafters from across the country. The event also offers fun for the entire family to enjoy with continuous entertainment, a children’s section, and a wide selection of festival foods. The Jonquil Jog will kick the festival off Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m., with the 5K Run/Walk. The jog will be held at the City of Smyrna Municipal Building next to APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

the Village Green- registration is required call 770-319-5401 or on-line at www.smyrnacity. com). The festival hours of operation are 10:00 a.m.6:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 25, and noon5:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 26. Admission is FREE. For more information call Bill Watson at 770-423-1330 or visit www. smyrnacity.com

1st Annual Blue Ridge Trout Fest & Outdoor Adventures April 29 – 30, 2016

Celebrating the Trout Capital of Georgia from the epicenter of Fannin County. Featuring a Friday night Trout Train on the BRSR, fly fishing lessons, trout fishing gear, clothing and accessories. This event gathers fishermen, river sports enthusiasts, and allied outdoor recreation fans and their families to Blue Ridge for fun, education, food, entertainment and services while increasing the public’s knowledge of trout and the conservation ethos associated with Trout Unlimited. Historic Downtown Blue Ridge City Park. Admission $5, kids under 12, free. Call 706. 374. 2390 or email info@blueridgetroutfest.com. Visit www. blueridgetroutfest.com

Fiber, Farm & Art Festival April 29 – May 1, 2016

It’s sheep shearing time! Come join us and learn all about sheep shearing, spinning, and get free samples of wool! Check out Interactive Farm Demonstrations. Learn how to spin, trim hooves, train, and more! Fiber, Farm & Arts Festival! Come out to see all of the vendors and their creations! From Fiber Arts, Homesteading, Knitting, Painting, Crafts and more! General Admission $8 adult $6 child. Tuesday- Friday 10-4pm. Saturday & Sunday 10-6pm (Closed Mondays). North Georgia Zoo & Farm 2912 Paradise Valley RD, Cleveland, GA 30528. Call 706.348.7279 or visit www.northgeorgiazoo.com

26th Georgia Mountain Rally Hosted by the BMW Motorcycle Club of Georgia April 29 – May 1, 2016

The BMW Motorcycle Club of GA celebrates its 26th Georgia Mountain Rally with a Silver Celebration events program at the fairgrounds in. The area offers rewarding twisties, inspiring vistas and renowned mountain hospitality. Plus, this is dual-sport heaven for all skill levels. The rally setting has lakeside tent and RV camping. All brands welcome. Visit www. bmwmcoga.org or rally@bmwmcoga.org.

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More than Just a Place to Live, You Can Call This Home.

12th Annual Georgia ForestWatch Wild & Woolly Forest Festival April 30, 2016 Janisse Ray, noted writer, naturalist, and environmental activist, will be headlining the Wild & Woolly Forest Festival. Live music will be provided by local musician Bill Pound. We will have wine tastings, light appetizers and snacks, educational tables, a silent auction, door prizes, a native plant sale, and a pre-event wildflower hike. We hope you will enjoy these festivities with us. Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery located approximately eight miles outside of Ellijay, in Talking Rock, GA. For info contact Lyn Hopper, info@gafw. org, (706) 867-0051. Visit www.gafw.org or www.chateaumeichtry.com.

7th Annual North Cobb Rotary Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival May 6 -7, 2016

Superior Plumbing & North Cobb Rotray is presenting the event which kicks off with a free concert and fireworks on Friday night. This Georgia Barbecue Association-sanctioned barbecue cooking competition will continue all night along the banks of beautiful Lake Acworth and the event will open back up to the public on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. Tickets to taste the backyard teams BBQ will be on sale for a nominal charge. Vote with your stomach early and often to crown the winner of a Primo Grill and the title of the 2016 People’s Choice Champion. Activities for the kids will be in the Kids Zone. For information, call (770) 423-1330, or visit www.smokeonthelake. org and follow us on facebook.

Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival May 7, 2016

AMENITIES INCLUDE • Fully Furnished Kitchen • Dishwasher • Washer & Dryer Connections • Private Outdoor Patio or Balcony

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• Fitness Center • Sheltered Gazebo, Picnic & BBQ Area • Computer Center • Library • Located Minutes from Shopping

RENTAL INFO • Housing Choice Vouchers Accepted • Certain Income Restrictions Apply • Smoke-Free Housing Community

Broadview Cove 93 Broadview Drive Blue Ridge, GA 30513 1-706-843-2445

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1011 Utana Bluffs Trail Utana Bluffs is perhaps the most exclusive boutique mountain resort community in

the southeast: $1 Million+ existing homes, soothing long views, walking trails, access to the National Forest, stocked community fishing ponds, community dinners and events, tennis, enduring rock, locust & cedar wood pavilions, organic gardening, unsurpassed maintenance and up keep of the common areas. Easy-to-build-on lots with jaw-dropping 270 degree views, ideal building site adjacent to waterfalls in the Chattahoochee Forest. Rediscover the important things in life at Utana Bluffs. Tasteful living at its finest.

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cindy.gentry@harrynorman.com | cindygentry.harrynorman.com 404-909-1143 mobile | 404-233-4142 office Buckhead Office - 532 East Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, Betsy Franks - Broker. harrynorman.com

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Bring your blanket and lawn chairs to relax in while listening to hot jazz, and sampling great wines and food in a beautiful outdoor setting on the first Saturday in May. Tickets can be purchased online for a discount- Tickets purchased at the gate the day of the event are $25 each. 52 Boardtown Road, Blue Ridge GA (next to Mountain Top Cabin Rentals). For info call Hope @ 561-889-7499 or Terry Ellis of Kharisma @ 678-570-5342. Visit www. blueridgewineandjazz.com

7th Annual Trail Fest May 7, 2016

Greenprints Alliance Trailfest starts with a 5K race, 1 mile Fun Run, followed by live music with the Delta Saints, food, beer and community. Food vendors and beer will be available while you enjoy the mu-sic. Try your skills on the mountain bike trail! We have built a 1/8 mile test track in the event area. If biking isn’t your thing, there will be other activities as well including a rock climbing wall. 8am – APRIL/MAY 2016

8pm; Market Street and the Elm Street Arts Village Event Green in Downtown Woodstock. The space is located one block west of Main Street and one block south of Towne Lake Parkway. Visit www.woodstocktrails.com or call 770- 517-6788.

24th Annual Winefest May 7, 2016

Mark your calendar for the 2016 Winefest at Habersham Winery! We expect 20 wineries to participate in the event. This is your chance to taste Georgia wines made locally all over the state in one location. Activities include food, live music, wine arts, and crafts. Noon – 5pm. Contact Habersham Vineyards & Winery, 7025 South Main Street, Helen, GA 30545, 706878-9463 or visit www.habershamvineyards. com

3rd Annual Georgia Apple Blossom Festival May 7-8, 2016

Mother’s Day Weekend! Welcome to North Georgia! The Georgia Apple Blossom Festival brings one exciting weekend to East Ellijay, Georgia with over fifty hand-selected, regional vendors offering food, art, crafts, a business expo and more. The Georgia Apple Blossom Festival focus is everything LOCAL. Hosting the best arts, craft and food vendors in the region. The festival will be pet-friendly and offer no cost for admission. There will be plenty of parking and restaurants in close proximity to the festival grounds. Only an hour north of Atlanta you can come enjoy the festival, and all the sights and scenery Gilmer County has to offer. 9am-5pm in East Ellijay on Craig Street parallel to Highway 515. Visit www.georgiaappleblossomfestival.com or contact: Gilmer County Chamber 706-6357400.

27th Annual Cherokee Indian Festival & Mother’s Day Powwow May 7 -8, 2016

Celebrating Cherokee County’s rich history through entertainment, education and cultural fellowship! Native American dance exhibitions and competitions. Warriors on horseback. Native American cuisine. Native arts and crafts. Hoop dancers and Aztec dancers. Tipis, wigwam and living Indian village and displays. Northern Plains encampment and a Muscogee Creek settlement. Environmental and wildlife displays & Birds of Prey show. Saturday, May 9:10am6pm and Sunday, May 10: 11am6pm. Tickets on sale at the gate: Adults (13 years and up): $15. Children (6-12 years old): $5. 5 years and under: FREE. Everyone is welcome! Boling Park, 1098 Marietta Hwy., Canton, GA 30114. For info: www.rthunder.com, 770-7356275 or rollingthunder34@ ymail.com.

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6th Annual Georgia Mountain Egg Fest May 13 – 14, 2016

An Egg Fest is a gathering of Big Green Egg fans and experienced cooks/chefs from all across the country. The cooks will be preparing recipes all day long. The non-cooks (tasters) are free to stroll through the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee, GA and sample and experience wonderful egged food. Friday: Meet & Greet 5pm – 8pm. Saturday: 7am -7pm. For important details visit: www. mountainegg.com. Tickets are $46.00 including handling fee, call 706-896-4191 or www. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Canton Festival of the Arts May 21-22, 2016

Just 40 minutes from downtown Atlanta, Canton offers the charm of a historic river town with a view of the North Georgia mountains. The festival is located in Canton’s newly revitalized historic downtown district. The annual Canton Festival of the Arts features: Artist’s Market with over 75 exhibitors from nine states. Serenity Gardens celebrates the art of living well. If you are interested in gardening, sustainability, incorporating nature into your life and all things green, this is the place for you. Tempting food concessions and a wine and beer garden. The Interactive Children’s Experience offers hands on art activities for children, including mural painting, photography, drawing, dance, drama and so much more. Live entertainment on the Main Stage. Historic Downtown Canton on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. For more info visit www.cherokeearts.org/festival or Email: info@chero-keearts.org.

1st Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival May 21-22, 2016

Formerly known as the Mountain Flower Art Festival, now is the Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival. Bringing high quality arts and crafts to downtown Dahlonega, as well as having a Wine Garden for sampling fine local and regional wines. Hancock Park will also feature music groups to entertain our visitors and add to this cultural event. Location: Downtown Dahlonega and Hancock Park Pavilion, 10am to 6pm and May 22, 2016, 10am to 5pm. No admission fee for arts & crafts venue or music venue in Hancock Park; Wine Garden, $25 per adult. For more information contact Letty Rayneri, 706-867-8059; lrayneri@windstream. net or visit www.chestateeartists.org

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Bavarian Fest May 28, 2016

9th Annual Blairsville Spring Arts & Crafts Festival May 28-29, 2016

Experience a bit of Bavaria while you and your family enjoy this Memorial Day celebration at the Festhalle! A live Oompa band, dancing, and a festive Bavarian atmosphere help us honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Beer and wines; wursts on a bun, sauerkraut, hot dogs, pretzels and desserts available for sale. 6pm to 11pm. Admission: $7. Active military & vets receive free admission. 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen GA. Contact www.helenchamber.com or call 706-878-1908.

One the Square in Blairsville, Memorial Day weekend. There will be vendors around the Courthouse and Music jamming will be going on throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. All activities will take place on the Square around the Old Courthouse. Friday night. Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm. Visit the Union County Historical Society at www. unioncountyhistory.org or call 706-745-5493.

2nd Annual Clusterfest at Crane Creek May 28, 2016

39th Annual Spring Arts in the Park Festival May 23-24, 2016

Celebrate SPRING and join us for our, a celebration of regional musical talent, artisans, wine, and food at Crane Creek Vineyards. Local and Regional singer\songwriters will be performing all day at the vineyard. Come for your favorite, or listen to them all. $20.00 per guest includes daily admission, food, wine tasting, shopping local artisans, a souvenir Crane Creek Vineyards wine glass, in addition to a front row seat to some of our areas best talent! 11am -6:00pm. Crane Creek Vineyards, 916 Crane Creek Road, Young Harris, GA. For more info: www. cranecreekvineyards.com or 706-379-1236.

Memorial Day Weekend in Historic Downtown Blue Ridge. Over 185 fine arts, crafts and food booths, Arts in the Park has something for everyone. Enjoy a wide variety of arts, crafts, food and more. There are always activities for the children, along with special events for the big kids. Blue Ridge, GA, one of the top art destinations in the country, features a unique shopping experience in its downtown shops and galleries. Arts in the Park is one of the town’s signature events. Admission $5, kids free. Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm. Proceeds go to the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. For info visit www.blueridgearts. net or call Lisa Tyler at 706-632-2144.

North Georgia Highlands Seafood Festival June 3- 5, 2016

Come on out to experience a variety of seafood vendors from Blairsville to Savannah! Eat some great seafood, tap your toes to live music, stroll through more than 50 arts and crafts exhibitors, craft demonstrations and visit the Shelf Fish ART WALK to vote for your favorite public school. Bring a chair or blanket to sit back and enjoy the live music. Friday 3pm – 9pm, Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm. Free parking. Admission is $5, kids under 12, free. Mayors Park, Hwy 76, Young Harris, GA. For info and tickets call 706-897-6179 or visit their web site at: www.northgeorgiahighlandsseafoodfestival.com

11th Annual Wing & Rock Fest June 4- 5, 2016

Wing and Rock Festival has relocated to the Etowah River Park in Canton, GA. The new 80-acre park features a playground, walking track, bridge over the Etowah River that leads to trails and an open-air amphitheater. This FREE event is the third largest wing fest in the country. Munch on tasty chicken wings from local wing experts while washing them down with a cold beverage. Wing vendors will be vying for plaques and medals for the best wings judged by local celebrities and the festival attendees. Bring your lawn chairs & blankets

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Ellijay 706-273-7139 • Dublin 478-272-4404 • Bremen 770-537-5337 Lavonia 706-356-1015 • Augusta 706-855-5227 • Cullman, AL 256-737-5055 Montgomery, AL 334-290-4397 • Waynesville, NC 828-456-3309 Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm Visit one of our Models or Showrooms Today, Don’t Be Overcharged For Your New Home! Price does not include land improvements. Prices subject to change. Some of the homes shown have options not in the base price.

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and make a day of it. Saturday, June 4, Noon – 10:00 p.m., Sunday, June 5, Noon – 6:00 p.m. Etowah River Park, Canton, GA. Visit www. wingandrockfest.com

31st Annual British in the Blue Ridge June 4 – 5, 2016

Make your camping reservations with Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds for the event. We look forward to seeing everyone for another fun weekend of British Bikes in the north Georgia mountains! Rally, rides and bike show. Sponsored by the Greater Atlanta British Motorcycle Association. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee, GA. Visit www.gabma. us or www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Family Fishing Festival June 4, 2016

Family Fishing Festival is a free event to youth ages 16 and under. Bring your own fishing gear and bait. Free lunch, prizes, exhibit booths, and scavenger hunt. Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations will apply. 9am - 4pm At the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery, Located on Rock Creek Road off GA Hwy 60 near Suches, GA. Contact 706-838-4723 or chattahoocheeforest@fws.gov.

16th Annual Waterfest June 4-5, 2016

Coosawattee River Basin Initiative’s Annual Paddle Sports and Environmental Education Extravaganza will take place at Rome, Georgia’s Heritage Park on the Etowah River. New this year the 6-Mile “Ramblin’ Raft Race” on the Etowah River from Dixon Landing to Heritage Park, welcoming tubes, rubber rafts, homemade rafts, pirate ships, float houses, floating logs, and anything else that will carry fun-loving souls looking for a wet adventure… oh, and canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are welcomed too! Other events may include Canoe & Kayak Tug-O-Wars, Environmental Fair and Exhibits, Environmental Scavenger Hunt for kids, live animal demonstrations from Coosa River Science School, great food and the Environmental Quiz Bowl competition for area elementary schools. For more info visit www. coosa.org or call 706-232-CRBI (2724).

a part of a chase crew, taking a tethered ride in a balloon or a champagne flight over the mountains. For more information contact Race Headquarters at 706-878-2271 to schedule a balloon flight. www.helenballoon.com.

6th Annual Art, River and Music Festival June 4, 2016

Downtown Murphy, NC on the beautiful River Walk trail located at the Historic L&N Depot. The Farmers Market will take place at the Depot, and the Art, River and Music Festival will stretch back in the cool shade along the River Walk trail. Arts activities for kids are available, as well as other fun diversions! Art: Over 50 local and regional artists will have booths both in the Farmers Market and in the juried section along the River Walk. Live demonstrations of artists work will be featured throughout the day. River: Appalachian Outfitters and the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition (HRWC) will lead free to the public canoe trips on the river, visiting various points of interest. Music: The stage will feature local and regional musicians and dancers and will include music and dance traditional to our unique mountain region! FREE! 9am4pm. For more info visit www.cherokeeartscouncil.org

13th Annual Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games June 11 – 12, 2016

Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games is held the second weekend in June at Meeks Park in Blairsville, GA. This three day event offers a the Kilted Golf Classic; Ceilidh (dinner party); Pipe and Drum Bands; Athletic Competitions; Vendors; Children’s Games; a Concert; and Scottish Food, Music, Scottish Dancing, Reenactments, Geneology, Ancient Scottish Weaponry and the popular Highland Games. Live animals and demonstrations, Highland Cattle, Scottish Setters, Falconry and sheep herding. Saturday night concert featuring Seven Nations. No pets in Meeks Park, please. For Additional Information Visit: www. BlairsvilleScottishFestival.com. Contact Information: 706-745-2161 or email: BSFHG1@yahoo.com.

43nd Annual Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race & Festival June 2 – 4, 2016

10th Annual Mountain Fling June 25- 26, 2016

The South’s oldest balloon event will begin with a mass ascension of 30 colorful hot air balloons. Balloonists compete in local events Thursday evening beginning around 6pm thru Saturday. Local flying events will take place also on Friday and Saturday. The balloons will fly around 7:30am and 6:00pm each day (weather permitting). Many opportunities available to the public; assisting with the inflations, being

Enjoy arts & crafts galore the last weekend in June. A two - day juried show featuring original fine art and fine crafts, ceramics, fiber art, linens, jewelry, soaps, gourds, leather goods, pet items, outdoor art. Exhibits set both in-doors and out. The event will be held at North Georgia Technical College, 121 Meeks Ave Blairsville, GA. 6/25: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 6/26: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. See more at: www. blairsvillechamber.com. Contact Information: 706-896-0932.

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66th Annual Georgia Mountain Fair July 15 – 23

Thousands of visitors from across the region have experienced the excitement and nostalgia that this event has to offer. With first class musical performances, arts & crafts, fun carnival rides Georgia’s rich history and culture, the Fair pro-vides something for every member of the family. Free parking. Children under 12, free. Georgia Mountain Fair, Inc. P.O. Box 444, Hiawassee, GA 30546. View entire Fair schedule at www.georgiamountainfairgrounds. com For more info Phone: (706) 896-4191 or

18th Annual Butternut Creek Festival July 16-17, 2016

Celebrate and enjoy the Arts of this Mountain Region! The Butternut Creek Festival is one of the finest juried arts and crafts shows in the southeast. Showcasing the work of 65 artists and craftsmen in categories from basketry, fine art, fabric art, and decorative painting, to glass, jewelry, metal working, photography, pottery, scrimshaw, and woodturning. Meeks Park in Blairsville, GA. FREE! Contact: 706-781-1221 or visit www.butternutcreekfestival.com

Annual Blairsville Green Bean Festival July 23, 2016

Celebrate the green bean and “green” living with pageants, a square dance, tractor show, quilting exhibit, storytellers, crafts, “living green” demonstrations, farmers’ market, and “Green Ribbon” recipe contest. Look for different varieties of green beans (from heirloom pole beans to mountain white halfrunners) and lots of other fresh, juicy produce freshly harvested by Union County farmers. The whole county turns out for this family “Country Fair” type event. Blairsville Farmer’s Market, 148 Old Smokey Road, Blairsville, GA 30512. Visit www.blairsvillechamber.com.

8th Annual Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In

July 28- 30, 2016

Come join us for the Annual Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on beautiful Lake Chatuge. Camping is available. Stay right at the show site. Enjoy three fun filled days of good ole mountain hillbilly fun. See a Pioneer village, real moonshine still in the works, mountain crafts, and plenty of hot classic cars, trucks, bikes, rat rods, swat meet and more! Contact us: 662587- 9572 or www.gammoonshinecruizin.com WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

INSIDE ARTS April 2 – May 1 Valley River Arts Guild Exhibit Celebrate the regional talent of artists from the Valley River Arts Guild in Murphy, NC. This exhibit will include unforgettable 2D and 3D works from several talented artists and will be on display inside the Art Center’s Richard Low Evans Gallery. Opening reception will be April 8 from 5-7pm. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For info: (706) 6322144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail. com or www.blueridgearts.net April 2 – May 1 AIR, Arni Katz Artist in Residence Arni Katz uses his fine art photography to present the world in an intriguing and somewhat mysterious way. His images include a wide array of subject matter, but will leave the viewers looking at the world quite differently than they did before. Be ready to be intrigued and inspired. 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 April 9 & May 14 Artists at Work!!! Do you love seeing potters, painters, weavers, musicians and other artisans create? Interact with local artists as they demonstrate their talents during Art Pickens Artist Gathering in Jasper, GA. The second Saturday of each month, Pickens Arts and Cultural Alliance (PACA) provides the setting for artist to collaborate and share their craft with each other and the public. 11:00am - 4:00pm at Peace Park, corner of Main Street and Mark Whitfield Street, Jasper, GA 30143. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ ArtPickensGathering

May 7 - June 11 A Celebration of Artisans, SAAG Member Show Enjoy unforgettable 2D and 3D creations from our very own Southern Appalachian Artist Guild members, ranging from pottery, paintings, photography and more. Exhibit will be on display inside the Richard Low Evans Gallery. www.southernappalachianartists.org. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For info: (706) 6322144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail. com or www.blueridgearts.net

EVENTS Every First Friday Canton Main Street First Fridays Enjoy a different theme each month. Music, vendors and shops open late. 6pm – 9pm. Free! Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton, GA 30114. Historic Downtown Loop, 770704-1548. Visit www.cantonhdl. com/calendar Every 3rd Friday CRUZ-IN Downtown Dawsonville Park in town and enjoy the evening looking at cars and seeing friends. Everyone welcome! Free! Downtown Dawsonville, GA. 5pm – 9pm Every 4th Friday Georgia Mountain Classics Car Club Cruise-In Cruising season is upon us! 6pm – 8pm at The Blue Ridge Dairy Queen. Free! We are classic car enthusiasts from Blue Ridge, Georgia, who enjoy getting together to share our love for vintage cars. We raise money during the year to help our neighbors in Fannin County. For info: Annette Long - georgiamountainclassics@hotmail.com or 706-838-4701.

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

April 8 Georgia ForestWatch Leadership Big Canoe Volunteer Fair – from 10:30am to 1pm at The Clubhouse at Lake Sconti. Contact info@gafw. org, 706-867-005, or www. gafw.org April 9 Georgia ForestWatch Music and Poetry along the Chattooga River – with Marie Dunkle and Brenda Smith. Contact info@gafw.org, 706867-005, or www.gafw.org April 15 & 16 Homecoming Heist Mystery Dinner Event Dig out your poodle skirt & polish your saddle shoes! At the end of a winning football season, students are battling it out for grades, popularity, affection, and class ranking as well as the coveted Homecoming King and Queen titles. At the dance, the sinister will shimmy among the sinless and try to go unnoticed. Reservations are required and seating is limited! ‘50s Mystery Dinner at 5PM. $90/couple | $50/pp | $400 table sponsorship includes 4 seats + advertising Authentic ‘50s Dining with 3-course meal and Mocktini Bars The Craddock Center, 186 Fred Craddock Drive, Cherry Log. Call 706-632-1772 April 16 Breathe Deep Blue Ridge 5k Walk Annual Breathe Deep Blue Ridge is a 5K walk/fun run through the apple blossoms at Mercier Orchards. Please come and enjoy a brisk run or a fun walk through the apple blossoms at Mercier Orchards and be a part of a great cause. The route is pet-friendly, provided they are leashed and cleaned up after. All proceeds go to the LUNGevity Foundation. Food and live entertainment for the whole family. Registration at 8:30am. Mercier Orchards, Hwy 5, Blue Ridge. Visit www.facebook.com/lungevity or call 706-632-3411.

April 16 Plant Affair on the Square Hiawassee Garden Club Spring Plant Sale. Local vendors and plants offered for sale by the club members. Annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and yard accessories are there for your choosing. Some will be familiar to you and others will be new. Free. 8:30am – 2pm. Hiawassee Garden Club helps to maintain the town square along with other projects. Historic downtown Hiawassee, GA. April 16 Georgia ForestWatch Wildflowers in Ramp Cove with Forest Ecologist Jess Riddle Contact info@gafw.org, 706-867-005, or www.gafw.org April 20 Good Samaritan Ed Delaney Memorial Golf Tournament Big Canoe Gulf Club. Sign up and putting contest 10am – 11:30am. Shotgun start at Noon. For more info contact Brad Herren 610. 909. 6200 or bradherren55@gmail.com.Visit www.goodsamhwc.org and www.bigcanoe.com/canoe-life/ golf/ April 22 Dancing with the North Georgia Stars Competitive dancing competition featuring celebrity dancers from the region. All funds raised by this event will assist Enotah CASA, Inc. with the training and management of additional volunteers to serve as a consistent adult figure and a voice for the vulnerable children in our foster care system in Lumpkin, White, Union and Towns counties. 7pm – 10pm at the Historic Holly Theater, Dahlonega, GA. A Gala Reception will follow the competition at the Dahlonega Marketplace. For info on this event or to learn more about becoming a CASA, Inc. volunteer or make a donation, please visit www.enotahcasa.org or call 706-864-0300.

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April 22 - 23 Mountain Home Show Ideas for your building you mountain dream home, or update your current home. Meet local construction tradesmen, green builders and more. Exhibits from local businesses and many free give aways. Friday, April 22, 2016 from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 9:00 am 5:00 pm. Free. North Georgia Technical College, 121 Meeks Ave., Blairsville, GA. For info call 706-439-6300 or visit www. mountainhomeshow.com April 23 9th Annual Taste of Blue Ridge Get your tickets early, they sell out quickly! Over 30 local restaurants will provide great food, beer and wine. HUGE silent auction, 50/50 cash raffle, NEW Wine Pull! Live music The Fabulous Loose Shoes. Bring your dancing shoes and an appetite! $40 in advance, $45 at the door. 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Willow Creek Falls, 13 Trackside Court, Blue Ridge, GA. Sponsored by Humane Society of Blue Ridge. For more information: (706) 633-6608 or www. humansocietyofblueridge.org April 23 6th Annual Taste & Sound of Woodstock Join us for Woodstock’s highly anticipated community event which supports the WHS Band Program and local businesses and restaurants. Come sample delicious food from many of the best restaurants in the area while being entertained by the students of Woodstock High School and other outstanding local musicians! Experience interactive cooking demos offering valuable cooking tips for all appetites. 11am – 4pm. Historic Downtown Woodstock. For more information or to receive a vendor application via email, contact Maria Klouda at info@ tatsesoundwoodstock.com or Kelly Campbell (678-677-2589).

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April 23 Georgia ForestWatch Redcockaded Woodpeckers in the Oconee with the US Forest Service and Atlanta Audubon Society. Contact info@gafw.org, 706-867-005, or www.gafw.org

who enjoy getting together to share our love for vintage cars. We raise money during the year to help our neighbors in Fannin County. For info: Annette Long - georgiamountainclassics@ hotmail.com or 706-838-4701.

May 6 Veterans Appreciation Fishing Rodeo Veterans Appreciation Fishing Rodeo 9 am -12. Free event open to all U.S. military veterans. Bring your own fishing gear and bait. Free lunch. Location: Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery located on Rock Creek Road of GA Hwy 60 near Suches, GA. For info call the hatchery at 706-838-4723 or visit www.fws.gov/chattahoocheeforest

May 21 Blue Ridge Adventure Race Weekend The 2016 Blue Ridge Adventure Race will start in downtown Blue Ridge Georgia Saturday May 21. Two races, an 8 hour and a 24 hour race. Disciplines: Mountain Biking, Trekking and Paddling. Race director Jeff Leininger will be setting 2 incredible courses. Both races will start at 9 AM. FLX Adventures info@flxadventures.com. Visit www.flxadventures.com

May 7 Kentucky Derby Party Come celebrate with friends and neighbors and don’t miss out on a great event to support S.A.F.E.! Silent Auction, Door Prizes, 50/50 Raffle, Prettiest Hat Contest, Funniest Hat Contest. Live Music by Rewind! Buffet catered by Amazing Grace Catering. All proceeds benefit Towns and Union County S.A.F.E. Tickets are $35/individual or $60/couple. 4pm – 7pm. North GA Tech College 121 Meeks Avenue Blairsville, GA. Contact Carol Demme at 706-897-7692 for tickets and for information.

May 30 Inaugural Lake Chatuge Memorial Day 5K Fun Run & Walk Join us on the lake for the Inaugural Lake Chatuge Memorial Day 5k through the city of Hiawassee and over Lake Chatuge...wear your most patriotic attire and get your PETS dressed in RED, WHITE & BLUE for our 1st Annual 5k Fun Run and Walk to benefit the Towns County Senior Center. $20.00 Race Fee + $3.00 Sign Up Fee. 8am - Noon. Towns County Senior Center, 954 Main Street, Hiawassee, GA 30546. Contact Bobbie Parker @ Towns County Senior Center 706-896-3138

May 11 Annual Jasper Optimist Scholarship Golf Tournament Bent Tree Golf Course. Shotgun start at 1:00pm. $50 per team of four. Contact Sue Appleton at 706.692.9755 or visit www. golfbenttree.com/events May 11 William’s Tire Grand Opening & 60th Anniversary Celebration Fun for the entire family on a Wednesday. Enter to win a FREE set of Tires! Food, Games, Prizes, Bouncy House & More from 11:00 - 2:00. Location: 5140 Appalachian Hwy, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Next to Monte Alban. Hours: 8:30-5:30. Contact: 706-946-2322 or visit www.wiliamstireco.com May 14 Georgia Mountain Classics Car Club Car Show Cruising season is upon us! 9am – 4pm down town Blue Ridge. Free! We are classic car enthusiasts from Blue Ridge, Georgia, APRIL/MAY 2016

KIDS OF ALL AGES Ongoing Misty Mountain Model Railroad Tours America’s largest, privatelyowned O-guage Train Display with 14 Lionel trains traveling over a mile of track through a 4,000 square foot fantasy layout of Southern Appalachia. Tours are promptly at 1:30p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 1:45 - Tour of Train Collection 2:00 - MM Model Train Overview 2:30 - Tour of Train Layout Children – Free, Adults - $5.00. 16 Misty Mountain Lane, Blairsville, GA 30512. 706-400-2085, www. mistymtnmodelrailroad.com

April 1 Magic Tree House: Space Mission Travel to space with Jack and Annie in their Magic Tree House® as they answer questions left in a mysterious note. The brother-sister duo is taken on an adventurous journey of learning with special friends. This exciting voyage will carry visitors to the planets and far out into the Universe where Jack and Annie nearly get… Well, we don’t want to give it away. The adventure is just beginning! Appropriate for children & families. 7pm. Adults: $5, Children & Non-YHC Students: $3, YHC Students/Faculty/Staff: Free. Tickets also available at the door 30 minutes prior to show. Purchase tickets in advance online! Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris College, Young Harris, GA. www.yhc.edu/academics/mathscience/rollins-planetarium/ public-shows April 1 Skies Over Georgia Featuring a live presenter and using the planetarium’s digital and optical star projectors to their fullest, this traditional star show allows audiences to explore the heavens as they appear above the mountains of north Georgia. Learn how to identify the planets and stars currently visible in the night sky, take a guided tour of the constellations and hear some of their fascinating stories. Appropriate for general audiences. 8pm. Adults: $5, Children & Non-YHC Students: $3, YHC Students/Faculty/Staff: Free. Tickets also available at the door 30 minutes prior to show. Purchase tickets in advance online! Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris College, Young Harris, GA. www.yhc.edu/academics/mathscience/rollins-planetarium/ public-shows May 20 & 27 Solar Quest and Aurora Storm This pairing of shows provides an intriguing overview of the Sun-Earth environment. “Solar Quest” demonstrates how Sun and Earth are interconnected using high-quality animations to display solar surface features and events. Discover how space weather affects us and how Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field protect life on our planet. “Aurora Storm” is an enthralling scientific and cultural exploration of the aurora

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borealis. Travel to Alaska to witness the mesmerizing dance of the northern lights, and learn what they mean to scientists and the inhabitants of the polar regions. Discover the causes of the aurorae and how humans who live beneath their shimmering light are inspired by what they see. The show is narrated by two Athabascan Alaska natives. 8pm. Adults: $5, Children & Non-YHC Students: $3, YHC Students/Faculty/Staff: Free. Tickets also available at the door 30 minutes prior to show. Purchase tickets in advance online! Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris College, Young Harris, GA. www.yhc.edu/academics/mathscience/rollins-planetarium/ public-shows May 27 - 30 North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm Memorial Day Weekend Celebration First official weekend of being open 4 days a week instead of 2! Open Monday also! Take time to remember those who have died in our nations services! WE want to honor all Veterans by offering free admission to all Veterans and children of deployed parents. North Georgia Zoo & Farm 2912 Paradise Valley RD, Cleveland, GA 30528. For info call 706.348.7279 or visit www. northgeorgiazoo.com

Saturdays Andrews Brewing Company Bluegrass Concert Series Great music, craft beer and a good time. 6pm – 8pm. Andrews Brewing Company, 14 Miles for Harrah’s Casino, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews, NC 28901. Andrews is a beautiful, peaceful, vibrant small town located within the heart of North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. For info: 828-3212006 or www.andrewsbrewing. com Sundays WYYZ’s Live Music at Rocco’s Rocco’s Pub is a family friendly restaurant serving the highest quality, local and fresh ingredients. Noon - 11PM. Reservations accepted. Rocco’s Pub, 47 Mountainside Village Parkway, Jasper, GA. Contact 706.253.1900 or visit http:// roccosjasper.com Thursdays - Fridays Live Music at Blue Ridge Brewery Serving great food, craft beer, fine wine and top shelf alcohol. Dog friendly outdoor patio. Open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm. Blue Ridge Brewery, 187 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA . 706. 632. 6611 or www. blueridgebrewery.com

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 Fridays Andrews Brewing Company Patio Series Great music, craft beer and a good time. 6pm – 8pm. Andrews Brewing Company, 14 Miles for Harrah’s Casino, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews, NC 28901. For info: 828-321-2006 or www.andrewsbrewing.com Taste of

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3rd Friday Every Month Live Music Acoustic Blends Listen to a Variety of Quality Music Acts … or Join the Jam! You’re welcome to bring your own libations and munchies, or you can purchase water, sodas and snacks while you enjoy some eclectic, spontaneous and fun music! 7 pm. Free & Public Invited. For info please contact Gilmer Arts 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. 706-635-5605 www.gilmerarts.org

Broadway Bound

by Neil Simon Directed by Sonia Smith April 14th thru May 1st, 2016 Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM

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by Tom Smith Directed by Norma Bean May 19th thru June 5th, 2016 Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM A multi-award winning family bluegrass band of four siblings.

THE BAND KELLEY Friday May 7th

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A unique and ever-evolving musical experience.

COPIOUS JONES Friday May 14th

Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides AT THE

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706. 408. RIDE Beginners to Experts | Mountainside Trails | Special Events | Groups & Parties | Customized Trips

319 Hell’s Hollow Road 30513 | 706. 408. 7433 www.blueridgemountaintrailridesathellshollow.com APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

APRIL/MAY 2016

April 9 Acapalooza Music Performance Back by popular demand, this audience favorite devoted to lighter fare features a cappella pop song arrangements by YHC faculty and students. The Chamber Choir joins forces with the all-male ensemble Compulsive Lyres and all-female group Southern Harmony for a show that’s not to be missed. Glenn Auditorium at Young Harris College, 1 College Street, Young Harris, approximately 30 minutes from Blue Ridge on Hwy 515 / 76. Young Harris College Music Department. 706379-5182 April 16 Live Music Event with Bill Pound Featuring for your Listening, Dancing and Overall Enjoyment “Bill Pound”... Music from all walks of life. www.BillPound. com. 7:30 – 10:30 PM $15.00 Person Advance, $20.00 at the Door Purchase table for 8 people, $100.00 or 6 people, $75.00 BYOB!!! Club beverages also available. Chastain Park Style Experience- Decorate your own Table and bring your own Table Food/Hors D’ Oeuvres. Blue Ridge Swim and Tennis Club, Tennis Court Rd, Blue Ridge, GA. For information: (706) 946-4804 or www.blueridgeswimtennisclub.com. April 22 & 29 Led Zeppelin Cosmic Concert One of the most popular music shows ever performed in planetariums. Back by popular demand, this fulldome extravaganza is ready to rock Rollins Planetarium! Experience a series of fantastical and surrealistic settings on a captivating journey led by this legendary rock band. Specifically designed to completely immerse you into an ever-changing landscape of sight and sound, the soundtrack includes Led Zeppelin classics APRIL/MAY 2016

such as “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Over the Hills and Far Away,” “Stairway to Heaven” and “Rock and Roll.” Two shows: 7pm & 8pm. Adults: $5. Children & Non-YHC Students: $3, YHC Students/Faculty/Staff: Free. Tickets also available at the door 30 minutes prior to show. Purchase tickets in advance online! Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris College, Young Harris, GA. www.yhc.edu/academics/mathscience/rollins-planetarium/ public-shows April 23 Barrage 8 The latest project from John Crozman, Dean Marshall and Tony Moore, the original creators of the hit show Barrage. The “8” in the name represents a re-imagining of the string octet: 4 violins, 2 violas, cello and double bass. This instrumentation drives a rich and powerful sonic palette that further explores the musical diversity in the Barrage 8 compositions and arrangements. www.barrage8. com $27.00. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association, 207 Dalton Street, Ellijay, GA. 706-635-5605. Visit www. gilmerarts.org May 5 – September 29 Every Thursday. Pickin’ In Horseshoe Bend Park Live music jams and pickin’ on the banks of the Toccoa River at the Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville. Free Admission. Come out, bring the whole family. Picnic tables available, nice grassy lawn but you are also welcome to bring a blanket or chair. Wheelchair accessible. 6:00 PM to dusk, May through September. Hwy 5 (Blue Ridge Highway) north till it ends, then right on Hwy 60 and then right on River Road, follow to the park entrance on your right. May 7 The Band Kelley A multi-award winning family bluegrass band of four siblings. They are recent winners of the 2015 Jeff and Sheri Easter Talent Competition, four time winners of the GeorgiaSouth Carolina State Talent Competition, and 2nd place Georgia State Fiddle Champion. 7:30pm. $20. Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Tickets & info: www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com or 706-632-9223.

May 14 Copius Jones An original rock band from Atlanta, GA. This incredible group balances a wide-variety of styles with melodic and meaningful lyrics to create a unique and ever-evolving musical experience. 7:30pm. $20. Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Tickets & info: www. blueridgecommunitytheater.com or 706-632-9223 May 20 The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, currently in its 70th season, consistently affirms its position as one of America’s leading orchestras by performing great music, presenting great artists, educating, and engaging. The Orchestra is known its live performances and its impressive list of GRAMMY® Award-winning recordings. 8pm -10pm. Tickets: Adult - $47.50$50. Senior - $42.50-$45. Child - $20-$25. Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle Waleska, GA 30183-2981. Box Office: 770-720-9167. Visit www.reinhardt.edu/Events/2016

THEATER April 15 – May 1 Noises Off A rollicking comedy about actors and the mischief they get up to both on and off stage. Sunday shows 2PM, all others 7:30 PM. Tickets $18 adults, $16 seniors, $14 students. Tater Patch Players, 95 Old Philadelphia Rd, Jasper, GA 30143. For tickets and info call 706-253-2800 or visit www. taterpatchplayers.org April 29 – May 8 Arsenic and Old Lace Mortimer Brewster, a perpetual bachelor, has finally decided to get married. While trying to break the news to his two maiden aunts, he discovers their bizarre hobby involving their cellar. A classic comedy by the Cherokee theatre company with tickets at $18.00 at 8:00PM. Friday/Saturday – 8pm • Sunday – 2:30pm. Historic Canton Theatre, 171 E Main St, Canton, GA 30114. Tickets Box Office 770-591-0282 or www. cantontheatre.com

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April 29 – May 15 Anything Goes ALL ABOARD for this saucy and splendid production of ANYTHING GOES, winner of three 2011 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival and Choreography! One of the greatest musicals in theater history, Cole Porter’s first-class musical comedy is sailing to Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Fri/ Sat at 7:30pm, Sun at 2:00pm. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door for adults. City Center Auditorium, 8534 Main St. Woodstock, GA 30188. Call 678.494.4251 or www.elmstreetarts.org. April 14 – May 5 Broadway Bound Part three of Neil Simon’s acclaimed autobiographical trilogy finds Eugene and his older brother Stanley trying to break into the world of show business as professional comedy writers while coping with their parents break-up and eventual divorce. When their material is broadcast on the radio for the first time, the family is upset to hear a thinly-veiled portrait of themselves played for laughs. Thurs - Sat - 7:30 pm; Sun - 2:00pm Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Tickets & info: www. blueridgecommunitytheater.com or 706-632-9223 April 14 to 17 Little Shop of Horrors presented by Page One Studios of Roswell. Tickets at $15.00. Historic Canton Theatre, 171 E Main St, Canton, GA 30114. Tickets Box Office 770-5910282 or www.cantontheatre. com or 770-704-0755. May 19 – June 5 Drinking Habits Accusations, mistaken identities, and romances run wild in this traditional, laugh-out-loud farce. Two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open, but Paul and Sally, reporters and former fiancées, are hot on their trail. Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled. Thurs - Sat - 7:30 pm; Sun - 2:00pm Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Tickets & info: www. blueridgecommunitytheater.com or 706-632-9223

WINE & BEER TASTINGS Ongoing Thurs - Mon Engelheim Vineyards Located near Ellijay, Georgia in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, focuses on growing outstanding grapes to produce the highest quality of wines. And honoring the original residents of Engelheim, the Cherokee Nation. Tasting Room Hours: Thursday – Monday 12:30 to 6:00 P.M. Engelheim Vineyards 127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay, GA 30540. Call 706-635-WINE (9463) or visit www.engelheim. com. Ongoing Fridays Chocolatasm! The Vine Wine Bar and Bistro in Blue Ridge and Chocolatasm are proud to present a special wine and chocolate pairing Friday evenings at 6pm (reservations only). Reservations required. Call Leann Martin at 706-9468463 or email your RSVP to Leannhmartin@gmail.com by the Thursday before the date to reserve your place. There will also be regular wine tastings every day with no reservation required. www.thevineofblueridge.com Ongoing Mon - Sat Cartecay Vineyards Wine Tastings on the Chimney Patio or the Nealey Barn Loft if bad weather. $10.00 includes 5 Tastings and Cartecay Vineyards’ Logo Wine Glass. 1:30 – 5:30. Mon – Sat 11:00am to 6:00pm. Sun 12:30pm - 5:30pm. Cartecay Vineyards, 5704 Clear Creek Road, Ellijay, GA 30535. Call 706. 698. 9463 (WINE) or visit www.cartecayvineyards.com Ongoing Wed - Sat Blue Ridge Brewery Serving great food, craft beer, fine wine and top shelf alcohol. Dog friendly outdoor patio. Open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm. Blue Ridge Brewery, 187 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA . 706. 632. 6611 or www. blueridgebrewery.com Ongoing Fri - Sat Fannin Brewing Company Everyone’s welcome (including dogs, kids and non-drinkers!) when we throw the doors open, but bring your ID - you must be 21 to taste. Join us to sample both production beers and works in progress - there’s

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The Largest Yarn Shop in north Georgia!

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always something fun going on, and we’re pretty sure you’ll make a friend or two while you’re with us! Fri 5:307:30pm, Sat 2:00 – 6:0pm. 3758 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. 706.258.2762 or www.fanninbrewingcompany. com Ongoing Thurs - Sat Grumpy Old Men Brewing If we don’t like it, we don’t drink it. If we don’t drink it, we don’t sell it. The Brewery it is small. We are small on purpose. Dog & kid friendly. 1:00pm – 5:00pm. 1315 East Main Street, Blue

Ridge, GA. 770-331-8870/404966-2665, info@grumpyoldmenbrewing.com or www. grumpyoldmenbrewing.com Ongoing Thurs - Sun Reformation Brewery Tour & Tasting Hours Thurs 5:30-8pm, Fri 5:30-9pm, Sat 1-9pm, Sunday 2-4pm500 Arnold Mill Way, Woodstock, GA 30188. info@reformationbrewery.com, (678) 341-0828 or www.reformationbrewery.com Ongoing Mon- Sun Valley River Brewery & Eatery

Featuring 15 of our own Craft Beers, Wood Fired Pizza made with fresh toppings, Outstanding Burgers, Homemade Desserts. Located in Historic Downtown Murphy, NC at 71 Tennessee Street. Mon - Sat 11am - 10pm, Sun 12pm - 10pm. 828-837BEER or www.valleyriverbrewery.com Ongoing Sat & Sun Montaluce Wine Hikes ‘Wine Hikers’ are guided by our trained outdoor staff along our nature trails, to the headwaters of the Etowah River, and through the vineyard. After the

Every 3rd Friday Come to Your Senses Blind Wine Tasting Join us as we use the Vinicode System to explore wine in a series of Blind Taste tests. Learn

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Interest Free Payment Plans

Books • Patterns • Needles Notions • Purse Handles

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Knit & Crochet Classes for Beginners to Advanced

about wine style by relying solely on your five senses. Every third Friday, Time 6:00 - 8:00 pm - $30 per person or $50 per couple. March 18th - Cabernet Sauvignon April 15th - Rose’ May 20th - Riesling June 17 - Sauvignon Blanc July 15 - Chenin Blanc August 19 - Chardonnay September 16 Unusual Grapes. Out of the Blue, 647 E. Main Street, Blue Ridge, 706-258-2750. Visit www. outofzbleu.com

1.8 mile hike on our outdoor trails, you’ll be taken to our beautiful upper terrace to overlook the vineyard while enjoying a ‘mixed flight’ of 5 Montaluce Estate wines. Price: $45 Per Person. Time: 10am – 1pm. To schedule your wine hike please email matthew@montaluce.com or call 706.867.4060 today! Or visit www.montaluce.com

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

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

JasperFamilyDentistry@ellijay.com

391 N. Main Street • Jasper, GA

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Our Summer Fun issue is available select Publix Grocery Stores, all GA State Welcome Centers and at over 200 local businesses!

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SUMMER SCIE FOR KIDS OF NCE FUN A SALUTE TO AT THE TELL ALL AGES STAR SPAN SUMMER: READY, SET GLED GO! MUSEUM US SCIENCE RECIPES SURE FAB TIPS FOR TAKING DAZZLE YOUR TO YOUR GUESTS FIDO FURRY FRIEND ON THE ROAD

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AC LIVING HISTORY

history of indian georgia

– Georgia’s Gold Rush

History Editor Leslie Barker Thomas Digs Deep Into The Cultural Past with This Ongoing Series About Our Native Ancestors

The Forming of The Georgia Guard

Georgia’s governors had grown paranoid over what was going on inside the Cherokee Nation of Georgia. Prior to the discovery of gold, the US Government had installed Federal Troops to work with The Cherokee Light Guard in protecting the Nation’s properties. The original treaties allowed for the Cherokees to retain their lands and mineral rights, but once gold was discovered in 1827 on Cherokee Nation land, the infiltration of gold seekers ran rampant. The Cherokee Light Guard headed up by Stand Waite, began been attacking all the intruders coming into the Cherokee Nation who did not have permission from the tribe to be there. The Light Guard were burning these trespassers’ crops and houses and stealing their livestock. There were no controls other than to institute measures for expelling these trespassers. As Congress passed the Indian Removal act of 1830, Georgia’s government formed a new Guard, thus replacing the Cherokees’ Light Guard and expelling the Federal Troops from the state, leaving the Cherokee nation without an advocate. The Guard consisted of 60 militia men, who were often referred to as the Georgia Guard (not to be confused with the Georgia Guard renewed during the Civil War) or just the term “militia” in records and letters between representatives of the Cherokee Nation and Georgia’s government. The Georgia Guard were ineffective at maintaining the peace between the Cherokees and the literally thousands of men coming from Tennessee and North Carolina into the Nation with gold fever. Indian Agent Colonel Hugh Lawson Montgomery reported estimations of nearly four 46

thousand white trespassers on Cherokee land by mid-1831. Within six months, the number of white trespassers seeking gold climbed to over seven thousand. Laws against these trespassing squatters’ intrusions were virtually unenforceable. Agents and Guardsmen could arrest a few of them, but there was no entity to enforce the penalties or fines. The trespassers were escorted from the lands, only to return two-fold the next day. In addition to gold, these interlopers were stealing the Cherokee’s horses and livestock. The paperwork battles for removal of the Cherokee intensified. Georgia was prompt to invoke measures to dissolve the sovereignty of the Nation and lay claim to the lands that contained the gold. Dozens of legends enveloped the Nation as they were thought to have hidden vast amounts of gold wealth and would one day return to claim it. Hundreds of maps appeared over successive decades telling of these vast hordes and where they might be found. These maps sold for a hefty price and some of them are still circulating today. Legends contend that most of the mixed-bloods that had been removed west, returned under cover of darkness to retrieve the family treasures. The drama intensified as there were protagonists on both sides of the Georgia government land grab and Indian removal issue. The taking of Cherokee lands involved an assortment of Indian agents, guardsmen, tradesmen, and missionaries and of course dozens of Cherokee Leaders trying to protect their land. Settlers were greatly divided on the issue of removal. Families that had lived in the Cherokee Nation before the Georgia Gold Rush tended to be more supportive of the Cherokee. One reason for the strong bond was the acceptance of them by the tribe. The Cherokee had invited struggling early settlers into the Nation in their time of need, teaching them various trades such as wagon making and blacksmithing. However, in general, Georgians viewed the Cherokee as only somewhat higher on the social level than slaves, but not much. The struggle to remove the Cherokee Nation lasted through three presidents, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. It covered the governorships of five terms, John Forsyth, George Rockingham Gilmer (18291831 and 1837-1839), Wilson Lumpkin, and William Schley. ACLM

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Stand Waite, Head of The Georgia Light Guard, formed to protect the Cherokee Nation’s mineral rights. The original treaties allowed for the Cherokees to retain their mineral rights, but once gold was discovered in 1827 on Cherokee Nation land, the infiltration of gold seekers ran rampant.

Visit the Gilmer County Historical Society Historic Tabor House & Civil War Museum 138 Spring Street, Ellijay, Georgia 30540 706. 276. 1861. Open Thursday–Saturday10am to 2pm www.gilmercountyhistoricalsociety.org/ Leslie Barker Thomas is a resident of Ellijay and the President of the Gilmer County Historical Society, President, Georgia Chapter Trail of Tears Association and Communication Chair Cartecay UMC. “When history is erased, people’s moral values are also erased.” –Ma Jian APRIL/MAY 2016

11am - 2pm