Appalachian Country Living Magazine June/July 2015

www.aclivingmagazine.com | June/July 2015

A River Runs Through It Everything you need to know about trout fishing in our local rivers & Streams

Toccoa Riverside Restaurant’s Famous AND Fabulous Trout Recipes

Visit the most EXTENSIVE gallery of mountain folk art in the area

Disconnect from your busy world & Discover the 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 30's · 1 to 3-acre build-able homesites

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

Contact Mike Kunkel at 706-669-4177 or mike@estatesatcoveredbridge.com Or Visit www.estatesatcoveredbridge.com

www.satterwhiteloghomes.com NIV 40 YE A R A N

ERSARY

WELCOME TO AC MAGAZINE

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Here comes summer. I almost missed spring with the exception of having my computer blown out by one of the many fierce lightning and rain thunderstorms that lashed about my tiny cabin. And this is why I’m late with this printing, I do apologize but there wasn’t much I could do but pull out my backups and start over. We call that mountain time around here.

Meanwhile my computer is still down in Atlanta getting fitted for a new hard drive. OooooWeee.

As a kid, my dad would take us bushwhacking through the underbrush to go fishing for perch and sunfish in a small, slow moving creek. Like most little kids, my brother and I started out with a big, long stick The reluctant model. Maxine’s not a made into a pole of sorts, some string water dog as far as I can tell, so she didn’t have much interest in this alland a hook. Every time we caught a about-trout issue, although she does fish we’d yank that pole and the fish ask that trout leftovers be added to would fly waaaay over our heads and her dinner. Woof, TROUT! land in some big prickly sticker bush.

Dad had a heck of a time beating the dog to the flopping fish and then wrastlin’ it out of the brush. But he did, and we took our catch home and cooked it up for dinner. Never did go trout fishing.

In 2010 the Georgia legislature passed a resolution recognizing Fannin County as the Trout Capital of Georgia. The resolution states, “Fannin County is home to 13 bodies of water that have been designated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources as trout waters, with numerous unnamed waters also comprising the richest, most diverse, productive trout fisheries.

The waters of Fannin County are magnificent resources for trout fishing and other enjoyable aquatic past times, with over 550 miles of beautiful water that provides significant sporting and outdoor resources…”

Our local chapter of Trout Unlimited has made a significant and expert contribution to the content of this issue, providing two great articles and some beautiful photography. Thank you Ralph Artigliere for making the June/July issue of Appalachian Country Living Magazine swim.

Tim Richter, owner of the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant has shared two delicious trout recipes from his menu. There aren’t enough pages in the mag to print all of his recipes, so you’ll just have to go out there and try them yourself.

The beautiful cover painting is by local artist Tina Maslankowski. Tina has received many awards and accolades over her 20-year career as an artist.

Lucky for us, she calls Fannin County home. River Dance was a commissioned piece and now resides in the home of Joe DiPietro.

The next issue is a biggie! The August September issue is filled with the most complete list of fall festivals, fairs and events you’ll find in the southern Appalachians. And I promise to get it to you on time.

Happy summer!

I read all of Richard Brautigan’s books in college, in fact I collected them. I suppose I thought I was cool.

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PUBLISHER | EDITOR IN CHIEF Alice Sexton CALENDAR | EVENTS EDITOR Andrea Simmonds 706. 973. 0561 | amsimmonds93@gmail.com GARDEN| LANDSCAPE EDITOR Kevin Johnson trainingdunnright@gmail.com HISTORY EDITOR Leslie Barker Thomas PresHist@etcmail.com OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EDITOR Greg Dunn trainingdunnright@gmail.com Advertising Sales Angela Huffstetler 706. 851. 8190 | adswithangela@gmail.com Ann Merry 770. 324. 2384 | annmerry@ymail.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Appalachian Country Living 706. 492. 5070 LAYOUT/DESIGN Blue Ridge Media Group CONTRIBUTORS Alair Photography, Diane & Lester Aradi, Ralph Artigliere, Morgan Baumgartner, Robin Blan, Stuart Borders, Buckaroo, Tracey Burnette, Caitlyn Carr, Joe DiPietro, Betty Kossick, Tina Maslankowski, Maxine, Sophia McCormick, Tim Richter, Abigail Summar, Trout Unlimited, Blue Ridge Chapter Appalachian Country LIVING Magazine PO Box 1250 Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706. 492. 5070 hello@blueridgemediagroup.com www.aclivingmagazine.com

PLEASE RECYCLE

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

www.aclivingmagazine.com Appalachian Country Living

June/july 2015

Small energy leaks can really add up.

Do you know how much energy your home is wasting?

The average home has enough air leaks to create an opening over 3 feet wide. So schedule a Whole House Energy Assessment, performed by a program participating contractor, to find out where your home is losing energy. Complete a home energy assessment and you’ll get up to a $225 rebate. And if you make the recommended home energy improvements, you could get up to $2,350 in rebates. Learn more at georgiapower.com/wholehouse or call 1-877-310-5607.

Š 2015 Georgia Power. All rights reserved. Certain restrictions apply. Must be a Georgia Power customer. Valid through December 2015.

Rebate eligibility varies based on improvements made and energy reduction achieved. Rebate request must be submitted with receipt within 60 days of purchase or installation of qualifying improvements. Full details available online.

contents Spotlight, 9 Restaurant Charlie’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria

Family Friendly and Always Authentic

12 16

Let The Fun Begin!

Not Just for Kids– This Summer Hike the Trout Adventure Trail

22 16

Folk Art From the Heart

The Premier Location for Folk Art in the Region is Definitely Around Back At Rocky’s Place in Dawsonville, GA.

22 Trout Capitol of Georgia

Rainbow, Brook and Brown Trout fill the Rivers and Streams of Fannin County so What’s the Big Deal?

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As If You Haven’t Had Enough Trout

Toccoa Riverside Restaurant Shares a Few of Their Fabulous Recipes

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34 Who is Buckaroo?

Just the Most Handsome Fella in All of north Georgia, That’s Who!

WWW.A CLIVING MAGAZ INE.COM | JUNE/J

ON THE COVER

UL;Y 201 5

uns R r e v i R A ugh It Thro NEED NG YOU EVERYTHI ABOUT TROUT TO KNOWIN OUR LOCAL FISHING & STREAMS RIVERS

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E RIVERSID TOCCOA RANT’S FAMOUS RESTAU LOUS TROUT BU AND FA RECIPES

E MOST VISIT TH IVE GALLERY EXTENS NTAIN FOLK OF MOU E AREA ART IN TH

River Dance– graciously on loan here from Joe DiPietro– is an original acrylic and gouache painting created by local artist Tina Maslankowski. Tina is a third generation artist who has enjoyed painting in watercolor, acrylic and gouache as a “side job” for nearly 20 years.

Maslankowski’s work can be found at Multitudes Gallery in downtown Blue Ridge or on her website: www.artistatina.com.

www.aclivingmagazine.com Appalachian Country Living

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June/july 2015

AC LIVING Restaurant Spotlight

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

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GREAT GREEK GYRO WRAPS

706. 781. 0996

Dine In or Carry Out Mon-Thur 11am–3pm • Fri 11am–7pm 513–E Murphy Highway • Blairsville, GA Behind Mikeʻs Find Us On Trip Advisor® Beer & Wine Downtown Blue Ridge Only!

Serenity Garden Café

SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER AT TWO LOCATIONS

Downtown

657 E Main Street • Blue Ridge, GA Daily 8am-9pm 706. 258.4949

Riverside

100 Bridge Street • McCaysville, GA Daily 8am-9pm Closed Wednesdays 706. 964.4949

Charlie’s Italian Restaurant

With over 25 years of experience, owners Charlie and Collette Perrone are very dedicated to providing high quality, fresh ingredients in a lovely family-friendly atmosphere. Everything from their salads, sandwiches and pizza to the dinner menu– is made fresh and to order. Their house Marinara sauce is an old family recipe from the town of Bari, in the middle of Italy where Charlie grew up. Not heavy like a Southern Italian sauce, this is a light, yet chunky vegetarian sauce, so fresh and natural that you can taste each and every flavor.

This summer enjoy some of their famously fresh seafood dishes such as Zuppa di Mussels over pasta served with garlic white or marina sauce, Seared Sea Salmon, Calamari Lucianio, Shrimp Scampi, Angel Hair White Clam Sauce or the Baked Shrimp and Spinach Cannelloni, another homemade speciality.

And don’t forget their signature family recipes– such as Chicken Parmigianina, or the Char-broiled Lamb Chops.

Fresh out of the kitchen this year is the homemade Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding. This delicious desert is made with their highly sought-after house bread and served a-la-mode.

At Charlie’s they honor and value tradition. Every meal is hand-prepared just the way you like it, using only the finest quality ingredients. Their goal is to create a truly authentic dining experience. Charlie and Collette always say, “In our home hospitality is always warm and the food is never cold. The sweet aroma of family recipes and the sounds of family and friends fill the air. This we will always value and bring to you. That is our tradition.”

Their menu is affordably priced, placing the emphasis squarely on you and your family. So with a children’s menu offering dishes at $5.00, you can bring the whole bunch to Charlie’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria!

Open Monday - Thursday 11am - 9pm; Friday 11am - 10pm; Saturday 11:30am - 10pm; Closed Sunday.

Charlie’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria!

15 West Cross Street, East Ellijay, GA 30340 706. 635. 2205 or www.dineatcharlies.com

june/july 2015

Appalachian Country Living

www.aclivingmagazine.com

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BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS

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A Comedic Visit to The Luna Del Mar Manufactured Home Oasis and Monkey Empire Thursday thru Sunday July 9th thru July 26th, 2015 Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM Rated PG13

A Night At the theAter

Rude Playgoers Make for Some Hilarious Comedy Thursday thru Sunday August 20th thru Sept. 9th, 2015 Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM Rated PG-13 compared to chet Baker aNd Frank sinatara!

Jazzman Joe Gransden Saturday, June 12th Known as the ‘Blue-eyed soulstress.’ “she’s good. she’s damn good.”!

Diane Durrett Saturday August 1st

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©2015 United Community Bank | United Community Bank NMLS ID# 421841. United Community Mortgage Services is the mortgage lending division of United Community Bank. We are an approved seller/servicer for the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Normal credit criteria apply. *As reported by Customer Service Profiles.

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June/july 2015

AC LIVING ADVENTURE

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY Outdoor Adventure Editor Greg Dunn Confirms that North Georgia Truly is a Trout Fishing Mecca

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Fishing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My Dad used to wake me up well before daylight to get us to the water “on time.”

Back then, I was having fun as long as we were catching fish. I remember plenty of days that we didn’t, and for a seven year old that made for some long days on the lake.

As I got older, I went through a period of time that I didn’t fish at all. But at age 19, something changed. I started fishing again, this time on my own, and with a new passion. My Grandfather taught me how to cast a fly rod when I was young, catching mostly bass and bluegill in farm ponds and small lakes. We didn’t really have the opportunity to catch trout in that part of the state, so when I moved to the southeastern part of Kentucky, close to the upper Cumberland River, I finally had my chance.

Not really knowing what to use for tackle, I stopped in a small bait and tackle shop for some suggestions on what flies to use. I chose a few different patterns and headed for the water.

The tailwaters of Lake Cumberland fluctuate according to the generation schedule. When the turbines are off, the tailwaters resemble a large flat river that you would see out west. As I cast my wooly booger over and over, I noticed the water beginning to rise, creating an eddy behind one of the boulders I was casting toward.

I had no idea what I was doing but I had seen “A River Runs Through It,” so I gave it my best Robert Redford, laid the fly right in front of the big boulder, and Bang! I felt a huge tug on the line and it was on. After about 10 minutes of fighting, I pulled in my first ever trout, a 23 inch, 5 pound monster Brown Trout. Obviously I was hooked.

Speaking of monster trout, North Georgia is loaded with them. There are nearly 4000 miles of trout streams in the state, the majority of which are in the Northeast region. These waterways vary in size and structure giving the trout angler june/july 2015

ample opportunities to try different techniques to land a trophy trout. Since moving to the area three years ago, I had already heard of North Georgia as a trout fishing destination, so I had great expectations of becoming a “master” of fly fishing for trout. I began trying different spots on the upper and lower Toccoa as well as some smaller streams close to my house. I tried everything in my arsenal but seemed to have little success. After about a year of losing confidence, I found myself trout fishing less and less. In fact, last year I only went fly fishing three times and caught one fish.

One day while eating at the Iron Bridge Cafe (located on the Toccoa River outside Blue Ridge, GA) Gene Rutkowski walked in. Gene is a longtime fishing guide and owner of Upper River Adventures, who specializes in guided fly fishing trips for trophy trout. I met Gene a couple times and we actually shared some fishing stories, but I never really considered a guided fishing trip. Like every other conversation I have had with Gene, I immediately started asking questions about fishing. Suddenly, it dawned on me that my next article, which happened to be on fishing, could use a “guest expert” so I asked Gene if he would mind answering some questions.

Gene responded, “You wanna go fishing?” My immediate answer was “Are you kidding? Hell yes!”

Upper River Adventure’s headquarters sits right on the banks of Big Creek. Gene manages a stretch of this beautiful mountain stream that is surrounded by private property, which means that these waters only see fishing pressure from Gene, his clients, and a couple of neighbors. The results are huge trout, and lots of them.

When I arrived, Gene was ready to go. He had all the gear I would need for the day including waders, fly rod, and lots of different flies.

Fly fishing typically takes a little work to get prepared for but that’s not the case when you fish with Gene. He does the tedious things for you so you can focus on casting. If you are new to fly fishing, he will show you how to cast. If you have some experience, he will show you what you are doing wrong and how to improve.

Well, it turns out that I have been doing a few things wrong for a long time. After about five minutes of instruction, we did some “roll casting” to a deep hole in the bend of the creek behind his house. Gene had me fish the same area much longer than I would have if I had been on my own, and it paid off. Ten minutes into the trip I landed my first fish. A two pound

Appalachian Country Living

rainbow trout is a good fish in anybody’s book, but evidently not according to Gene. Without a snapshot, we release the first fish. Within ten more minutes I landed my next (much larger) native rainbow. This was basically the trend over the next four hours with a total of seven fish landed, four of which were 20 inches or larger.

Each fish put up an incredible fight, but the greatest battle of the day had to go to the one that got away. About three fish in, I started fishing a dry fly, more specifically, an elk-hair caddis. We were in the middle of a hatch so the trout were going crazy. Gene’s choice of tackle immediately paid off. I felt a quick tug and set the hook. Fish On! As the beast rolled completely out the water Gene yelled “let her run, let her run!” Run she did. For a solid 15 minutes she ran and ran, occasionally slowing down enough to get a few cranks on the reel but she was relentless. Well into the battle, Gene saw a chance to get her in the net, but every time we got close she would shoot back to the deep pool.

At this point I started to worry about my line breaking and in an instant, poof! She was gone.

I couldn’t believe it! According to Gene the fish was at least 10 pounds. In fact, he said that the battle I just lost was probably the longest one he has seen on Big Creek.

What a day. In four hours, I caught my biggest trout to date, learned the most effective techniques that I have ever seen, and made a new friend (that will hopefully take me fishing again!). This was indeed one of the best fishing trips I have ever had. In the words of Gene Rutkowski: “North Georgia is not just a trout fishing destination, it’s a trout fishing mecca.”

There is every type of trout fishing experience available in North Georgia, from small creek stalking to drift boat trips in big water. If you’re like me, you will want to sample different streams and different types of water, so be sure to check out www.georgiawildlife.com for more information. If you want to have a dream-like fly fishing experience then I highly recommend contacting Gene at www.upperriver.net. You won’t be disappointed. ACLM

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

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706. 635. 2236 June/july 2015

AC LIVING landscape & GARDEN

HEMLOCK WOOLLY ADELGID Landscape & Garden Editor Kevin Johnson Talks About The Importance of Saving the Eastern Hemlock Top: Hemlock forest devastation. With hemlocks covering 19 million acres in the eastern U.S., we’ll lose a lot of habitat.

Bottom Left: A hemlock woolly adelgid infestation.

The best time to treat your hemlocks is now! Spring, summer and fall are all great times to stop the adegid.

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Several years ago, while serving as grounds supervisor at a college in north Georgia, I became aware that our beautiful eastern hemlocks were under serious threat by the sap-sucking insect Adelges tsugae, known commonly as the hemlock woolly adelgid. Within a couple months, I discovered the hemlocks on campus had become infected– the hemlock woolly adelgid had invaded Georgia. After researching how to combat an adelgid infestation, and how to save our trees, I found that there were a few different treatment options available.

The goal of this article is to provide some basic information about both the importance of hemlock tree and how to protect it from the woolly adelgid. An educated public is critical when dealing with any environmentally destructive insect, and this is no different. I’ve met so many people that have hemlocks growing on their properties and didn’t know their trees were infested and dying. Experts compare the potential loss of the hemlock to the loss of billions of chestnut trees due to an Asian bark fungus in the early 1900’s. While there wasn’t any treatment for the Chestnut, we can treat and save our hemlocks.

Hemlocks. There are two species of eastern North American hemlock: Tsuga canadensis and Tsuga caroliniana. Both are pyramid shaped evergreens that grow in hardwood forests, and are often found growing in coves and along creeks and rivers. Reaching heights of 60-80 feet, they thrive on north facing slopes, which are cooler and shadier. The eastern hemlock range encompasses an area from north Georgia all the way into Canada, following the Appalachian mountain range.

Hemlocks are extremely important in our ecosystem as they provide shade for our streams and rivers, which helps keep the water cool enough to support our native trout species. For some birds the trees are more than beautiful, they’re essential. Wherever hemlocks grow, their dense evergreen canopy creates a cool, shady habitat that’s used by 90 species of birds. Those most affected by the loss of hemlocks are black-throated june/july 2015

Bottom Right: A healthy eastern hemlock, Tsuga

green warblers, blackburnian warblers ovenbirds, hermit thrushes, blue headed vireos and acadian flycatchers, with some populations declining as much as 93% where the woolly adelgid takes its toll. Warblers, wood thrushes, brown creepers, winter wrens, and many others also depend on hemlocks for nesting and foraging. Other species including native reptiles, squirrels, bats, butterflies and bear are part of the ecosystem supported by hemlock-hardwood-pine forests.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. In the 1950s, the hemlock woolly adelgid was accidentally introduced in Virginia and quickly spread to several states along the Eastern United States. Related to aphids, this non-native insect, measuring about 1.5mm long comes from eastern Asia, where there– it is only a minor pest. Sadly here, the same is not true.

We typically identify infestation by the appearance of cottony nests that the adelgids produce. As infested hemlocks decline, this cottony nest becomes harder to detect. The woolly adelgid reproduces prolifically causing trees to die within just a few years of infestation. Birds, wind, people, deer and other wildlife as well as nursery stock can spread the insect. Regrettably, the woolly adelgid has no natural predators that might otherwise keep this insect in check. The adelgid is a cool season insect feeding on hem-

Appalachian Country Living

locks generally from October through the winter months and this is when their nesting becomes evident. During the hot summer months, the in-sect enters a state of dormancy, so an infestation can be more difficult to detect by the homeowner. Having an expert locate, identify and treat your hemlocks sooner rather than later may just save your trees.

With hemlocks covering 19 million acres in the eastern U.S., we’ll lose a lot of habitat– and wildlife– if we do nothing to combat the hemlock woolly adelgid.

As I mentioned at the opening, the good news is a hemlock woolly adelgid infestation is treatable and there are a couple different systemic insecticides that provide several years of woolly adelgid control. In the August/September issue I’ll provide several tips for keeping your lawns healthy and growing during the challenging summer months. ACLM Kevin Johnson is the owner of Green Leaf Lawn and Ornamental, LLC, based in Blue Ridge. For more information about the devastating hemlock woolly adelgid and treatment options, Kevin can be reached toll free at 866. 883. 2420 or by email at growitgreen@etcmail.com.

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

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let the Fun begin!

THIS SUMMER HIKE THE TROUT ADVENTURE TRAIL

WORDS: Betty kossick, PhotoS: Trout Adventure trail

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Fannin and Gilmer Counties hold a treasure trove of adventure for people of all ages—kids and adults. It can all be found with Trout Unlimited, a national conservation organization, the USA Forest Service-- and the Trout Adventure Trail®. The hiking experiences that earn the hiker’s activity patches, take place on the legendary Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail. And what better time than summer to experience it all.

First of all, though this hiking experience is unstructured, it is safe.

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Ralph Artigliere, who is the volunteer education director for Blue Ridge Trout Unlimited, which is the local chapter of Trout Unlimited, gives this advice for a satisfying hike, “The way to become engaged with these hikes is to go to the website TroutAdventureTrail.org and plan your hike from the site, then after the hike you pick up your patches. The website gives hikers all the information that’s needed.”

Then, be prepared for a special time in nature’s cathedral. Benton MacKaye founded the Appalachian Trail in 1925

www.aclivingmagazine.com Appalachian Country Living

in Maine, and ended in north Georgia at Springer Mountain in the 1930s.

Hikers choose how much of the hiking experience they want to do, all in one hike or in shorter hikes to accomplish the entirety of 12-miles of outdoor magnificence.

Springer Mountain is the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, where the Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye Trails converge and cross, making the opportunity for varied day-hikes. Between Three Forks and Springer Mountain the June/july 2015

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trails cross trout streams several times on the upward climb to Springer Mountain’s top. Then, below Three Forks is another pleasant trek beside a spectacular waterfall.

Hikers hold their breath as they take in the wonder of a waterfall, enjoy the mountain range views, hike along bubbling trout streams, and learn about trout habit and watersheds, plus earn the patches for achievement, all while having intriguing educational fun.

It’s the epitome of nature’s outdoor classroom, and indeed a palate of nature at its finest. Thus, As Trout Adventure Trail ®.org sums it up: hikelearn-earn. In addition, all this trail hiking, learning, and patch earning is for free. Absolutely no fees are associated with this outdoor adventure.

The opportunity for delightful photography along the way is a bonus.

All ages enjoy the picture taking by the waterfalls. The younger crowd doesn’t even realize that they are in a classroom—nature’s school—and the feeling of freedom as they learn makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

In other words, it’s fun for any age.

Examples of fun-while-learning, june/july 2015

Opposite Page: Enjoy great views while hiking the Trout Adventure Trail, like this view from Springer Mountain. Left: Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited President Carl Riggs. Above: Trout Unlimited members Ned Rand, Ralph Artigliere, and Carl Riggs scout the Trail at Long Creek Falls. Below: Earn this patch by hiking the entire Trout Trail.

during a hike, is hike planning, map reading, outdoor safety, “leave no trace” education, photography, forest habitat, species identification, and lots and lots about trout since Fannin County is the hub of Georgia trout fishing, and not to be left out: outdoor forestry careers.

The Blue Ridge Mountain Trout volunteers were true visionaries when they saw the need to create Trout Adventure Trail®, a program that went into effect in November 2012.

During the program’s first season it was selected by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce as one of the top-12 winter activities in the region. Artigliere notes that hundreds of people, adult and kids alike, have already hiked the trails and earned their patches.

And what about those patches?

What do they represent? There are two different patches that kids and adults alike earn as a reward for their hikes: The USDA Forest Service –Trout Unlimited, Trout Adventure Trail or

Appalachian Country Living

the Twelve Miler. The latter patch is earned by hiking the entirety of the designated trails, totaling more than twelve miles.

Artigliere further says, “The activity patches are accepted and can be worn on any scouting uniform, jacket or neckerchief.”

Kids and adults wear these earned patches with a sense of pride for having participated in not only a hiking adventure but in learning hands-on about trout, their habitat, watersheds, flora and fauna, modern forestry and the like. They can learn about nature and science with the simplest of experiments such as testing the water temperature of the trout streams.

This is why parents, home schooling groups, www.aclivingmagazine.com

13

Around Back at

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CONTACT US TODAY! 706. 492. 5070 alice@blueridgemediagroup.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.

Arrange a trip at brscenic.com or 1-877-413-TRAIN 241 DEPOT STREET • BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513 >> 1-877-413-8724 • 1-706-632-8724

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AC LIVING COMMUNITY

Top Left: Troop 8020 Scouts at Long Creek Falls. Top Right: Bridge crossing Noontootla Creek at Three Forks. Left: Susan Baumel and Ken Hall hike the trail. A plaque honoring Appalachian Trail founder Benton-MacKaye.

Below: Hikers of all ages can earn this patch

Fannin County Chamber 152 Orvin Lance Drive Blue Ridge. GA 30513 706-632-5680 or 1-800-899 MTNS (6867) E-mail: Fanninchamber@tds.net www.blueridgemountian.com teachers, youth group leaders, scout leaders, summer campers, day campers, all find that these hiking, learning times fit hand-in-glove with the kind of education they want for children: the combination of learning, interest and fun in an unbeatable all-in-one package. Certainly, mountain hiking can be termed the ultimate field trip—one that provides achievement goals for students. And, who knows, perhaps some of the youngsters or even an adult will develop an interest in forest conservation or as a professional forester.

The opportunities for hiking thrills seem endless and probably are so.

One hike on the trails is probably not june/july 2015

enough. You’re likely to be enticed to return again and again; after all its nature at its best: awesome beauty, a grand experience of legend, and true adventure all wrapped up in one amazing package.

One hike on the trails is probably not enough. You’re likely to be enticed to return again and again; after all its nature at its best: awesome beauty, a grand experience of legend, and true adventure all wrapped up in one amazing package.

Visit the Fannin or Gilmer County Chamber/Welcome Centers for maps, more information or to pick up the patches after they are earned:. ACLM

Appalachian Country Living

Gilmer County Chamber 696 First Avenue East Ellijay , GA 30540 P.O. Box 505 , Ellijay, GA 30540 (706) 635-7400 E-mail: info@gilmerchanber.com www.gilmerchamber.com

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Art From The Heart Creating A Visual Legacy Through Personal Experience

WORDS : Robin Blan & Tracey Burnette Photos: Caitlyn Carr

The field of American folk art was first defined at the turn of the twentieth century by collectors, professional artists, critics, dealers, and curators whose search for an authentic American art seemed to be finally answered in works that presented a nuanced picture of national identity, faith, progress, ingenuity, community, and individuality. Under the umbrella of “folk art” the field expanded to also include artists working in the present. For the last twenty years, the term “self-taught” has more regularly come to address these artists, whose inspiration emerges from unsuspected paths and unconventional places, giving voice to individuals who may be situated outside the social mainstream. Those individuals have been active participants in the shaping of American visual culture, influencing generations of artists and establishing lively artistic traditions. – American Folk Art Museum

W

What do you think of when hearing the term “Folk Art”? Is it face jugs? Paintings of farm life and days gone by? One-of-a-kind yard art? All of the above? The premier location for folk art in the region is Around Back at Rocky’s Place in Dawsonville, Georgia, a truly colorful gallery.

The gallery opened in 2002 and now represents well over 300 artists, most of whom have been gallery friends for years. The owners became collectors well over 25 years ago. Their passion for this art genre became an extreme hobby that later led them to being pickers for an Atlanta gallery, and then eventually, the establishment of Around Back at Rocky’s Place. For both, the obsession began with a single face jug. For one, it was a Hewell jug, and for the other, it was a face jug by a Meaders family member; both of these names represent the two leading pottery families in Georgia. In addition to showcasing Georgia folk pottery, the gallery also host pieces from the leading potters in Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. There is quite an june/july 2015

education to be learned as pottery characteristics, glazes, and features are specific to both the region and the family. While vessels from the South make up the majority of the clay art in the gallery, the gallery also highlights the pottery of an artist originally from the North; his pots represent the face jugs from African traditions and customs, complete with quotes from the slave days. Stop by the gallery to see these unique art pieces, and if you are lucky, there might even be a ‘turner and burner” on the premises to share his story with you.

At Around Back at Rocky’s Place, you’ll quickly see it’s filled with generations’ worth of history from the American South. Also known as “Outsider Art,” among other appellations, these pieces were, and are, created by people who have had no formal training. They learned from their parents, grandparents, and greatgrandparents; some family traditions going back four or five generations. The folk art is as much about the stories as it is the art. People, aka the

Appalachian Country Living

Left: “Our Lady of Dawson” carved by Roy Minshew serves as Rocky’s guardian angel with Rocky’s bust carved on our logo.

Top: Black Guinea Hens by Cornbread Above: Pathway to the folk art “wonderland,” according to author Dan Prince of Passing in the Outsider Lane www.aclivingmagazine.com

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artists, would take whatever they could find in their yards, or just about anywhere– broken farm equipment, pieces of discarded wood, broken bottles, clay, and make things to give away. You can trace the history of the American South through the vast number of “Memory Paintings” in the gallery. These paintings represent early rural life with iconic cultural references, most often in bright primary colors. These paintings are not just pieces of everyday life in cotton fields, but many are also visionary in nature as scenes of church dinners on the ground and cold river baptisms come to life.

All are welcome to view the work of some of the South’s leading folk artists in the field, with work comprised of pottery, paintings, woodcarvings, metal sculptures, fiber art, and assemblages; the gallery also has recycled, “green art,” jewelry, books, cards, dolls, and the list could go on and on just like the variety that is characteristic of folk art– there is no set pattern, rule, or regulation.

Saving the best for last, the gallery is the home gallery of the bestselling, and one of the most highly sought after artists in the country, John “Cornbread” Anderson. On any given day, patrons have approximately 200 pieces of Cornbread from which to select the perfect 18

Above: Ahhh, is what we hear from patrons at the first glance of the inside of the gallery!

Left: R.A. Miller’s American Flag, hammered out of corrugated tin, 24” x 13”

pieces for their collection. Most of his pieces feature animals indigenous to our region, but if you are lucky, you might find one of his rare pieces featuring a political or religious theme.

On occasion, Cornbread will try is hand at pottery and wood carvings. These pieces go quickly out the door!

Hours are Saturdays,11-5 and Sundays, 1-5, and also by appointment. If unable to see the art live and in person, please visit their website, www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com, where you may learn tidbits about the artists as well as making purchases. Check the website often as it is a work in progress and new art pieces are continually added. Also, don’t forget to “like us on facebook!” We invite you to stop in for a visit and possibly take home a truly one-of-a-kind Southern masterpiece, complete with the story that goes along with it. ACLM

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Around Back at Rocky’s Place 3631 Hwy. 53 East at Etowah River Road Dawsonville, GA 706-265-6030 gallery@aroundbackatrockysplace.com www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com Hours: Saturdays,11am-5pm Sundays, 1pm-5pm, and also by appointment.

June/july 2015

Johnny “Blue J.” McBrayer

Mose Tolliver

Steven Chandler

Bobby Ferguson

Rik Long

Brian Wilson

Billy Roper

Kelly Bentley

The Beaver

Dorethey Gorham

Roger Corn

R.F. Perkins

Larry Ledford

Jim Gary Phillips

Howard Finster

Jimmy Lee Suddeth

Trout Fishing –What’s the–

Big Deal?

Most folks don’t get it. Standing in a river thrashing a long pole with bugs on the end. It seems like a lot of work for little return, since many trout are small. It is easier and cheaper to buy trout in the grocery store. They have a point, if that’s how they see trout fishing. But simply ask a trout fisherman why they fish, and the answers might change that perception. The answers will vary: a few fish for food, some for the thrill of connecting with a beautiful wild animal, some for the challenge of mastering techniques for fishing, some for the beauty of getting outdoors, some for exercise, some for fellowship with friends and loved ones, and some for several of those reasons. But the common denominator of all serious trout fishermen and women is they are passionate about trout, a magnificent fish that lives in cold, clean water in beautiful places.

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WORDS & Photos: Ralph Artigliere

June/july 2015

Fishing Guide John Mauldin shows off an awesome Toccoa Brown Trout

Fannin County

Trout Capital of Georgia june/july 2015

Appalachian Country Living

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Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Biologist Damer enjoys a day off on the Cohuttas.

Below: Stocked Brook Trout.

Those who think trout fishing is beyond their means or ability to learn should know that is not the case. There are many ways to fish, from a cane pole with a worm to sophisticated and modern ultra-light fly or spinning gear.

If you know the right places to fish, expensive gear is not required; and the Appalachians have many good places for trout. Even fly fishing, which is arguably the most technical of trout fishing methods, can be mastered easily, as explained below.

So much has been written about trout and trout fishing, so many paintings done, so many pictures taken, and so many stories told, that it is impossible to see, read, and hear them all in a lifetime. Why would trout be the subject of so much attention by scientists, outdoorsmen, artists and authors? In order to find out one needs to experience a trout in its environment. Take a hike or a drive to a mountain stream with a fly fisherman.

Observe the surroundings where wild trout are found. Watch the artistry with which the fisherman plies techniques to place the fly in a location on the water where the trout may mistake it for natural food. Watch how the stream carries the fly in the current, like a bug trapped on or under the surface. The stream’s natural flow brings the fly over the trout, and the fish rises to take the lure. The fisherman, ever vigilant, tightens the line and sets the tiny hook. The trout scurries away, only to be stopped by the taut line.

Next the trout leaps from water and somersaults back in the stream for an22

other effort to flee. After another jump or two or a run downstream, the fisherman is able to bring the fish to a soft rubber net before carefully unhooking the fish. Notice the joy of the fisherman and the care taken with the fish out of love and respect.

Observe the trout in the net. Whether rainbow, brown or brook trout, each species has its own beautiful markings. The eyes are big and vibrant. Wild trout frequently have bright colors, especially before and during spawning season. There is no doubt why this fish is loved by those who seek to make connections like this. With catch and release it is best to keep the fish in or close to the water when observing or photographing it, and then carefully release the fish back into the wild to live and multiply.

Let’s Debunk Some of the Misconceptions About Trout Fishing Quality trout fishing in America is only available in the west and Alaska. WRONG. Brook trout are native to the east coast, including the southern Appalachians, and they have been a magnificent fishing quarry since men have lived here. Brown and rainbow trout were introduced to the U.S. in the last century, and, while technically exotic species, they

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June/july 2015

Small stream fishing in north Georgia is excellent.

Below: Rainbow trout are stocked by the US Forest Service and Georgia DNR.

thrive in the Appalachians and offer quality fishing. Fannin County, Georgia, is the state’s official Trout Capital because it has hundreds of miles of diverse trout streams and is surrounded within a 90 minute drive in all directions with first class trout waters.

Also, the Trout Capital and surrounding areas exclusively offer quality year-round trout fishing with no crowds and a climate suitable for comfortable winter fishing.

Trout fishing is difficult to learn. WRONG. With a little instruction and information, fundamental trout fishing can be mastered.

And trout fishing has several layers of skill to master and many aspects and refinements to learn, so it never becomes boring. Once you catch a trout, you want to learn to catch bigger trout. You may learn fly tying and catch a trout on your own fly that you tied. One of our Project Healing Waters wounded veterans learned fly fishing for trout at our Trout Unlimited retreat three years ago. Within a year he was tying his own flies and he made trout rods for himself and his wife. He was smitten‌ in a very good way, and he has a lifetime hobby.

Trout fishing is expensive. WRONG. It can be expensive if you overdo it. But a complete beginner fly fishing outfit that includes everything you need to fish can be purchased for less than $100. A spinning outfit and june/july 2015

lures can be purchased for even less. Starter gear can catch just as big a trout as the highend stuff. But, if you become hooked, then there is so much great gear to buy (or make), you will be dazzled.

Trout fishing is a solo sport. WRONG. The fellowship is great. Trout fishing for couples, friends, and family is terrific quality time. I learned trout fishing some 25 years ago along with my two teenaged sons, who travelled with me to Alaska and Montana. Now I am in my late sixties, trout fishing is something we still do together, and next week I am spending a week at Georgia Trout Unlimited Trout Camp with my 12 year-old grandson. The cycle repeats. Also, trout fishing is compatible with hiking, kayaking, canoeing, photography, and camping, so a significant other who does not fish can still enjoy the experience with you.

If conservation is your passion, trout fishing is ideal. Trout Unlimited, a conservation organization, provides education, fellowship, and volunteer opportunities for conservation projects and teaching kids and wounded vets (ProjectHealingWaters.org). TU volunteers build structures on streams, test water quality, and help landowners maximize their trout habitat. A TU chapter is a terrific place to make a few dozen quality friends.

If you are still skeptical about whether trout fishing is for you, just

Appalachian Country Living

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Rainbow trout The rainbow trout is named for the broad, lateral stripe on its sides, which ranges from pink to red. Its back is olive-green, and its belly is whitish with heavy black speckling on all fins and the entire body. Scientific Name: Oncorhyncus mykiss. GA State Record: 17 lbs. 8 oz.

Brown Trout The brown trout is golden brown to olive brown with yellowish sides. Its back and sides have dark spots encircled with light yellow or white. Some brown trout also have orange or red spots on their sides. Scientific Name: Salmo trutta. GA State Record: 18 lbs. 6 oz.

Brook Trout The brook trout is greenish brown, often iridescent, with light red spots on its sides. It has dark, wavy, worm-like lines on the back and white edges on the fins, including the tail.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis. GA State Record: 5 lbs. 10 oz.

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June/july 2015

Above: Jay Campbell with a Toccoa River Brown Trout Top Left: Natural trout food inspires fly tiers and fly fishermen Lower Left: Wild Brook Trout photo by John Damer Below: Hand tied fly sure to please the local trout give it a try. Take a guided trip or visit a Trout Unlimited meeting. I have to warn you, trout fishing is so much fun that it is addictive. Today I stepped in a stream on the guise of showing the ropes to two folks who were renting the cabin next to me, and I found myself easing downstream toward fish rising in the river below me. Who was I fooling?

For more information about trout and fishing: Trout Fishing in the Trout Capital from Fannin Chamber of Commerce at www.blueridgemountains.com/trout_fishing.html Trout Unlimited: www.tu.org Georgia Trout Unlimited: www.georgiatu.org Ralph Artigliere is a legal writer and author who is hopelessly addicted to fly fishing. He is the Education Director for Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited and Advocacy Chair for Georgia State Council of Tout Unlimited.

june/july 2015

Appalachian Country Living

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Take a Bite of the

Toccoa Riverside Restaurant Is The Place to Go

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June/july 2015

AC LIVING RECIPES

Good Life On the first day they opened in 1992, the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant made their one and only sale, a soda. Since then, owner Tim Richter has carefully piloted the restaurant to become one of the most sought after dining experiences in the county.

With a degree in restaurant and hotel management and over 20 years in the restaurant business, Richter has found his soul along the banks of the Toccoa.

Unwilling to call himself a chef, self-taught chief cook and bottle washer Richter takes pride in the quality of each dish that leaves his kitchen.

Serving fresh local trout and seasonal fresh vegetables in a peaceful, rustic riverside setting is a dream come true that you won’t easily forget.

june/july 2015

Appalachian Country Living

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Toccoa Riverside Pecan Crusted Trout

The key to this easy dish is to use fresh trout! Trout is especially conducive to accepting herbs and flavors so, this is just one of the many ways to enjoy it.

Ingredients Fresh boneless trout fillet 1 cup pecans (approximate) Few pieces of bread 1 tsp butter Preparation Wash the trout fillet and pat dry with a lint free cloth.

Add pecans and bread to food processor and set to pulverize. This should release the oil in the pecans and make a fine dry mixture.

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Heat skillet on stove top to medium heat and add butter.

Press pecan mixture gently onto the trout fillet making sure to cover the entire surface.

Place trout skin side up in skillet, let brown like a pancake and then flip over. Finish on other side to cook through.

Plate, serve with your favorite sides and swoon.

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Dine in Toccoa Riverside Restaurant’s cozy rustic atmosphere decorated with local antiques and artifacts. Stop in the gift shop to pick up a cool T-shirt, items you might need to float the river or a souvenir.

June/july 2015

Smoked Trout Pasta

At Toccoa Riverside Restaurant they smoke their own trout in apple wood.

However any fresh smoked trout is acceptable.

Ingredients 1 tsp butter 1 tsp red onion 1 tsp minced garlic Sundried tomatoes Heavy cream Basil Pasta Smoked Trout

When onions are clear, add sundried tomatoes and basil, sautee off.

Add heavy cream and bring to a boil.

Reduce sauce.

Drain rinse and add pasta.

When thickened, add smoked trout, stirring gently.

Serve with your favorite salad and a nice crust of bread.

Preparation Cook pasta al dente In medium skillet, sautee red onion in butter, add garlic. june/july 2015

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June/july 2015

Everyone’s Downhome Favorite Cobbler

This family recipe was handed down to Toccoa Riverside Restaurant from the original owner.

Ingredients For the filling: Fresh fruit of the day, here we have Blackberries Vanilla Nutmeg Lemon juice 1 cup of sugar 1 cup of water For the cake/crust: Equal parts sugar, flour and milk (such as 1 cup each)

Summer is a great time to go out and pick your own fruit at one of the many U-Pick farms. Or simply visit the local farmer’s market on Saturdays and let someone else do all of the work.

june/july 2015

Preparation Preheat oven to 350 degrees Place cleaned and washed and cut fruit in an oven-proof baking pan.

In a small bowl, mix by hand sugar, and lemon juice water. Add vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon to taste.

Gently toss fruit with the above sugar mixture

Appalachian Country Living

In a separate bowl, mix equal parts sugar, flour and milk. Blend until there are no lumps.

Pour crust mixture over fruit and bake for 1 hour or until crust is golden brown.

Dish up warm and serve a la mode.

Yum! Toccoa Riverside Restaurant 8055 Aska Road Blue Ridge, GA 30513 Phone: 706-632-7891 E-mail: toccoariverside@yahoo.com www.toccoariversiderestaurant.com Hours Monday and Tuesday Closed Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11:30am-9:00pm Friday and Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm

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Hay There!

My Name is

Buckaroo

WORDS: Abigail Summar for Blonde Anarchy Photos: morgan baumgartner for Alair Photography

Kiss Me!

When Appalachian Country Living magazine asked me to interview Buckaroo, the star attraction at Horse Creek Stable Bed & Breakfast in Mineral Bluff, I’ll admit I was a little skeptical.

What could we possibly have to talk about?

A lot, as it turns out.

An Exclusive Interview with Buckaroo, Georgia’s First Therapy Donkey Q: Hi, Buckaroo. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me today.

A: No worries. Most people call me Buckaroo, but I like you, so you can call me Buck.

Q: Okay then, Buck. I understand that you’re Georgia’s first therapy donkey. How old are you and what did you do before you took this gig?

A: I’m eighteen months old. I was born and raised on a different farm where little kids would come visit and pet me. But they preferred having baby donkeys over there, so I came to Horse Creek Stable when I turned one.

Q: So what does a therapy donkey do?

A: Well, my new parents gave me obedience training. I’m very gentle and well-behaved, and june/july 2015

know better than to make messes on the floor, if you know what I mean. My job is to connect with people and make them feel good. They pet me and talk to me and just like having me around. I can’t really blame them. I mean, I’m an adorable miniature donkey wearing a vest with my name on it. Who doesn’t need more of that in their life?

Q: You really are ridiculously cute.

A: I know, right?

Q: Do you get paid for this job?

A: Yes! I work for carrots. They give me so many carrots. I love carrots. Sometimes I suck on people’s fingers because I think they might be carrots, but they aren’t. They’re fingers. I don’t bite though, don’t worry! Unless you’re a carrot.

Then you should totally worry.

Q: Have you made many friends at Horse Creek Stable?

Appalachian Country Living

A: Well, I do miss my childhood buddies but, yes, there are lots of friendly, interesting creatures here. Some are funny looking animals that I’ve never seen before and some are shaggier than others, but they all made me feel right at home. I still don’t really “get” alpacas, though. Don’t they ever get too hot?

Q: It must be quite an honor to be one of the first of your kind in the entire state of Georgia.

How did you become a therapy donkey?

A: My new parents thought that I was very special and decided to teach me manners so that I would be able to help people. I tried very hard to do everything they asked of me and everybody agreed that I was really good at it. I’m certified as a therapy animal through the National Service Animal Registry, which is kind of a big deal.

It means I can go to places like nursing homes and hospitals and visit people who aren’t able to come see me.

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About Miniature Donkeys The History of the Miniature Donkey Donkeys are the smallest members of the equine family, which also includes horses, zebras, and mules. Since their domestication over 4000 years ago, they have been an important part of human civilization and culture.

Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys originated in the Mediterranean area of Northern Africa in ancient times and more recently from the Islands of Sicily and Sardinia off the west coast of Italy. Over time the distinctions between the two island populations blurred and they are now considered one breed properly called Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys.

They are simply referred to as Miniature Donkeys in North America.

Purebred Miniature Donkeys in the Mediterranean area are rapidly disappearing as the small donkeys are being mixed with larger breeds. For this reason, Miniature Donkeys in North America have global genetic value. Fortunately, numbers in the U.S. and Canada are strong and are increasing since the first Miniature Donkeys arrived in the United States in the early 1900’s.

The Personality of the Miniature Donkey From the moment this appealing, long-eared foal is born, its mission is to give love and thrive on attention. They are without a doubt the most adorable, soft & cuddly creatures on earth.

A miniature donkey is affectionate, extremely comical and a joy to own. They are by nature people loving. They truly care for his or her family and are like the family dog. They are playful and will develop lasting bonds with humans. They enjoy people about as much as people enjoy them and tend to greet their owners with displays of affection and attention getting wiles. They will nudge you and nibble on your clothing and “talk” to you with brays, snuffles and snorts.

They learn quickly and are easily trained, due in part, to their willingness to please. They are not so flight oriented that they will hurt themselves or others when startled as is the case with other equine. That intelligence at times makes them appears stubborn.

Quite the opposite is true. They simply do not wish to put themselves in harms way.

They make especially good pets and companions.

Completely trustworthy around children, the elderly, and the handicapped, Miniature Donkeys (when mature) are easily trained to pull carts and to be ridden by small children. They are companionable with other livestock and become quite attached to their herd mates, as well as their owners.

Miniature Donkeys are very popular because so many people realize and value their unique qualities.

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Top: Buckaroo’s Mom, Diane Aradi makes sure that he gets plenty of lovin’.

Middle: Dad, Lester Aradi and the canine pack get some Buckaroo action.

Above: Billy Bob and Billy Joel are two of Buckaroo’s favorite buds.

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June/july 2015

Horse Creek Stable Bed and Breakfast was established in 2010. Lester and Diane Aradi started the B&B on their farm as a means to fund their animal rescue endeavors. The couple moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a quieter life, bringing with them a rescued horse named Haggis.

After building a barn and fencing off a pasture for Haggis, they contacted the Georgia Equine Rescue League and opened their doors as a horse rescue foster home for neglected and abused equines. A year later, they contacted the Southeast Llama Rescue group and began accepting rescued llamas and alpacas as a foster home.

The gates are open at Horse Creek Stable Bed and Breakfast to anyone who cares to stop by for a therapy visit. The only cost of admission is a friendly smile, but donations are always welcome to help cover the high cost of feeding these special rescued animals. If you are in the Blue Ridge area, visits to the farm are free and the bed and breakfast offers agritourism lodging in a beautiful setting.

Q: What was it like getting certified? What did you have to do?

A: It was kind of hard. There was no rubber stamp certification for me. I had to have a physical examination, get all sorts of shots, and become a “gelding.” If you don’t know what that is, look it up. That part wasn’t fun, but I’m much calmer for it now. After the physical stuff was done, I had to perform a whole list of tasks that a veterinarian graded me on. I was super nervous, but did great.

Q: How many other therapy donkeys are there in the United States?

A: Not too many. Although, I have heard that since we’re so gentle and loveable– more and more people want us to do this important work. I do know that there’s a big sanctuary for donkeys in something called England. I guess that’s another farm somewhere.

Q: Tell me who you visit and what you do in your job and why it’s so important to you.

A: They take me to different places to meet some very nice older people. I like how they show me so much love. People tell me that I make their day so much better, which makes me very happy. Plus I get to wear this vest.

Q: I know this is only your first year as a therapy donkey, but what has been your most rewarding moment so far?

A: I think that I especially liked going to a place where older people live in Blairsville, called Stonehenge. My Mom, Diane, used to visit her mom there, so that made it extra special for me. Can you believe that there was a lady there who was 103 years old? That’s probably a lot in donkey years.

Q: Can people come visit you at Horse Creek Stable?

A: I love when people come to visit me!

Everybody is so nice to me and the attention is june/july 2015

Horse Creek Stable Bed & Breakfast 574 Postell Road Mineral Bluff, GA 30559 706-455-3060 www.horsecreekstable.com awesome. Getting pets from gentle hands is the best feeling ever.

Q: This is kind of a weird question, Buck, but may I have your number? I need more miniature donkeys wearing personalized vests in my life.

A: Of course. Call me at the farm at 706-455-3060. Bring carrots.

Top Left: Buckaroo loves kids and they love him too!

Top Right: Best kisser in the world.

Above Center: Buckaroo and his Llama pal Bijou and those darn cute goats.

Above: Bourbon the Alpaca with his summer cut.

Appalachian Country Living

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HELL’S HOLLOW ADVENTURE OUTPOST

www.blondeanarchy.com 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 36

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June/july 2015

About Therapy Donkeys and Service Animals

Many people confuse Therapy Animals with Service Dogs/Animals. A therapy animal is normally a dog (but can be other species) that has been obedience trained and screened for its ability to interact favorably with humans and other animals. The primary purpose of a therapy dog is to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and to people with learning difficulties.

Therapy animals may be classified into three different types: 1> Therapeutic Visitation The first (and most common) are “Therapeutic Visitation” animals. These dogs are household pets whose owners take time to visit hospitals, nursing homes, detention facilities, and rehabilitation facilities.

Visitation dogs help people who have to be away from home due to mental or physical illness or court order. These people often miss their own pets, and a visit from a visitation animal can brighten the day, lift spirits, and help motivate them in their therapy or treatment with the goal of going home to see their own pets.

2> Animal Assisted Therapy The second type of therapy animal is called an “Animal Assisted Therapy” animal. These animals assist physical and occupational therapists in meeting goals important to a person’s recovery. Tasks that a dog can help achieve include gaining motion in limbs, fine motor control, or regaining pet care skills for caring for pets at home. Animal Assisted Therapy animal usually work in rehabilitation facilities.

3> Facility Therapy The third type of therapy animal is called a “Facility Therapy Animal”. These dogs primarily work in nursing homes and are often trained to help keep patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other mental illness from getting into trouble. They are handled by a trained member of the staff and live at the facility.

Therapy Animals must: • Be well tempered • Not shed excessively • Well socialized • Exposed to many environments • Love to cheer others up!

Service animals can accompany their humans everywhere by law and may also be classified into three different types:

Top: Buckaroo greets one of his new best friends at the Stonehenge Assisted Living Facility in Blairsville.

Above: Meeting the gents. They all want to meet Buckaroo too.

Right: Buckaroo’s official certification card that he worked so hard to achieve. june/july 2015

1> Service Animal Service animals are dogs (and in some cases, miniature horses) trained to perform major life tasks to assist people with physical disabilities. Service animals are sometimes referred to as assistance animals, assist animals, support animals, or helper animals depending on the country and the animal’s function.

Appalachian Country Living

2> Psychiatric Service Animal A Psychiatric Service animal is a dog that is individually and specifically trained for people with an emotional or psychiatric disability so severe that it substantially limits his/her ability to perform at least one major life task. PSDs are considered service animals.

3> Emotional Support Animals An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that has been prescribed for a person by a licensed mental health professional. The person must prove to be emotionally or psychiatrically disabled and that the presence of the animal is necessary for the disabled person’s mental health.

About The National Service Animal Registry

Since 1995, National Service Animal Registry (NSAR) has actively trained, facilitated, and worked with service dogs, emotional support animals, therapy animals, and drug detection animals. Through our experiences with the public, we quickly became aware of the profound need for service dogs and emotional support animals for people with emotional impairments. These impairments or disabilities included people with balance problems, difficulty hearing, diabetes, asthma, panic disorders, seizures, and more.

Training dogs as service animals was important work and benefited many people. But simply having an animal important to the daily functions of a person with a disability didn’t mean that the service dog could accompany the person where he/ she needed to go - at least without confrontation and long explanation. Unfortunately, the public isn’t always aware that many disabilities are invisible.

In these cases, businesses are inclined to prevent you from bringing your dog with you into a store, mall, restaurant, or motel because you look perfectly healthy!

Since we began providing certification and registry services to the public, the experience of the owners of dogs registered with NSAR has proven to be highly positive. Nearly all of the time, businesses will not confront you about your dog once they have seen the NSAR patches or apparel on the dog. For the remaining few, when owners have voluntarily offered the photo ID of their certified service animal, businesses have immediately allowed the dogs to accompany their owners.

National Service Animal Registry 333 W. Lake Ave. Suite 2C Woodland Park, CO 80863 (mail address only) 866-737-3930 info@nsarco.com www.nsarco.com

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INSIDE ARTS 6/12 Writer’s Night Out Union County Community Center Blairsville, GA 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

A fun evening featuring local and nationally recognized writers. After the featured reading, there’s an open microphone for anyone interested in sharing their own poetry or prose. Open to the public. - See more at: www. members.visitblairsvillega. com 6/23-7/17 Summer Youth Art Camps Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association Blue Ridge, GA 420 W. Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge across from the Blue Ridge City Park Summer Youth Art Camp from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Class runs from June 23rd to July 17th.

For more information contact: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Phone: 706-6322144.

6/25 Summer Dreamin’ Helen Arts and Heritage Center Opening & Reception @ 5:00 pm. Featured Artists are Sherry Moesch and Carolyn Gaik. Helen Arts & Heritage Center, 25 Chattahoochee Strasse, P O Box 390 Helen, GA 30545 706-878-3933 helenartshc@gmail.com www.helenarts.org 6/26- 6/27 Flower Show by Garden Club of Ellijay The show will feature educational displays, beautiful, artistic floral designs and much more. Fri 2-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm at Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association: 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540 706-635-5605. www.gilmerarts.org

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6/27-7/25 Community Quilt and Fiber Arts Exhibit Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association Blue Ridge, GA 420 W. Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge across from the Blue Ridge City Park. Exhibit opens and will remain on display until July 25th. Celebrate our heritage with the age-old artistic craft of quilting. The Art Center’s Richard Low Evans gallery will be arrayed in colorful fabric, woven with care, skill and artistic flare. Don’t miss one of the most unforgettable exhibits of the year. For information contact: The Art Center. Phone: 706-632-2144.

7/19s 3rd Quarter Artist in Residence: John Stanford The Art Center Blue Ridge, GA 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Come experience the subtle beauty of nature and the awe –inspiring plein air work of John Stanford. John is our 2014 Southern Appalachian Artist Guild National Juried Show winner for “First in 2D.” Artists’ reception will be August 1, 5-7pm. For more information contact: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Phone: 706-6322144.

EVENTS Ongoing Tuesday Nights Dawsonville Cruise-In Car Show Cruise-In to the Varsity Jr. at 73 Bethel Drive, Dawsonville GA 30534. 73 Bethel Drive, Dawsonville, GA 30534. Tuesday Nights 6-9 pm Contact Information 706-2657273 Open Year-Round Welcome to the Len Foote Hike Inn, Amicalola Falls Park & Lodge, Dawsonville.

Everyone who makes the five-mile trek through the

Appalachian Country Living

NORTH GEORGIA's guide to AREA

Arts | Dining & Dance | Events & Shows | Music | Theater

mountains to the Hike Inn in the Chattahoochee National Forest does so for a different reason. Some come to get away from their everyday lives. Some come to spend quality time with their family. Others come for the Appalachian Trail. But no matter the reason, the result is the same: Everyone leaves with a sense of belonging. For Reservations and information: www.hike-inn.com Sundays Polo Match Every Sunday from April through October Chukkar Farm offers a live polo match to the public from 2 – 4 pm for $20 a carload. Come out and enjoy the Sport of Kings in a casual atmosphere and bring a picnic lunch and your lawn chairs. $20 per carload Chukkar Farm Polo Club and Event Facility - 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004. For info (770) 664-1533 or www. chukkarfarmpoloclub.com/ Open Year-Round Woodstock Market & Show, Woodstock, GA Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm. Fantastic Outdoor Market vintage items, arts & crafts, plants, food and much more. Info: 770-924-0406 Summer Swan Drive-In, Theater. A real Drive-In Theater, Blue Ridge. Built in 1955, the Swan is one of four drive-in theatres in the state of Georgia still operating. Cost is $7.00 CASH ONLY, NO debit or credit cards.

Open Friday through Sunday during the Winter and Spring months. Movies start at dusk.

There is a full concession with lots of goodies. Admission $7.00 Equipped with FM Stereo Sound; just tune your car radio to 105.5. Portable radios work also. Call 706632-5235 or check website:

www.swan-drive-in.com/ for movie schedules and details.

Tuesdays 8:30AM ASK THE VET Live Radio Show WCNG 102.7 Lake Chatuge Animal Hospital & TriCounty Animal Clinic has new radio show for pet owners in the North Georgia and Western North Carolina area. ”ASK THE VET” with Dr. Hilty Burr and Dr. Jim McClearen allows WCNG 102.7 FM listeners to call in and “ASK THE VET” any animal care questions they need answered. Those with questions can call: Murphy, NC area 828-837-9264, Blairsville, GA area 706-7459264 or Hiawassee, GA area 706-896-9264 4th Friday Monthly Classic Cars Cruise In Dairy Queen Parking Lot Blue Ridge, GA. On Blue Ridge Highway (GA 5). Classic Car, “Cruise In” on the 4th Friday of every month beginning in March and running through September from 6 p.m. to dark. For more information contact: Annette Long. Phone: 706-838-4701.

6/13 Toccoa Trout Fest Celebration fund raising auction for Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited.

Live band. Bar-b-q dinner. All proceeds go to education and conservation program here in North Georgia Mountains.

6pm-10pm. North Georgia Ford, Highway 515 East of Blue Ridge. For tickets and info 706-374-2390 or www. blueridgetu.com 6/13 & 6/14 Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games Meeks Park Blairsville, GA Meeks Park Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (gates open at 8) Clan Gatherings - Scottish Vendors - Pipe and Drum

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Bands - Parade of Tartans Amateur Athletics - Border Collie Demonstrations Children’s Games & Activities and more. Lots to see and do, for more information including event times, call the Union County Chamber of Commerce. Phone: 200-7811916.

6/18 Tallulah Gorge Skywalk Celebration 2015 Tallulah Gorge Rabun County, GA . Our Rabun County neighbors invite you to Skywalk 2015! Be a part of history in the making as Nik Wallenda honors the legacy of this great grandfather, Karl Wallenda by walking “with” him across the magnificent Tallulah Gorge. The celebration includes lots of events and activities.

6/19 - 6/20 Buy Local Weekend Blairsville, GA Thursday, Friday, Saturday Spend it Here, Keep it here Eat, Shop, Play & Stay Local Blairsville - Union County Local Businesses will have DISCOUNTS ranging from “buy one get one free” deals to 50% off items! Visit www.

VisitBlairsvilleGA.com & SUBSCRIBE TODAY to get your FREE e-coupon Newsletter of the listed advertisements.

Click the “Request Newsletter” then select “Buy Local Coupons & Events.” See more at: www.visitblairsvillega.com 6/20 Blue Ridge Summerfest Downtown Blue Ridge Park BRMAA will host a fun-filled day in the park with live music, a variety of food, art tents, kid activity zone and even a sidewalk chalk contest. Come out and enjoy live music provided by a variety of local musicians, taste the culinary treats from a variety of food vendors

June/july 2015

AC LIVING Calendar and let the little ones run wild in our kids zone. Artists of all ages can participate in one of the quintessential summertime hobbies of chalking the sidewalk in our ‘Sidewalk Gallery’. To participate in the Sidewalk Gallery there is a $10 chalk walk registration which includes a large box of chalk, certificate of participation and the opportunity to win one of the many prizes from the four categories being judged.

Free to the public. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.

Phone: 706-632-2144.

6/22 Nuts, Bolts, and Thingamajigs Camp North Georgia Technical College Blairsville, GA 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

This camp will encourage your child to be creative while learning and having a blast all at the same time. This class will help children utilize their energy on a project that can help teach motor skills, creativity and also help develop social skills. Children simply learn better when they are having fun and this handson class is a perfect way to build active minds for kids ages 12-15. Registration fee is $125. Class size is limited. www.northgatech.edu.

Phone: 706-439-6300.

6/27 - 6/28 Mountain Fling Blairsville, GA. Enjoy arts & crafts galore the last weekend in June. Exhibits set both indoors and out. The event will be held at North Georgia Technical College in Blairsville, GA. 6/27: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 6/28: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. See more at: www.blairsvillechamber.com.

Contact Information: 706-8960932.

7/13 Lego Engineering Camp North Georgia Technical College Blairsville, GA 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

This camp will encourage your child to be creative while learning and having a blast all at the same time.

Our Lego camps separate children into two age groups.

Lego Engineering Junior is designed for children ages 6 june/july 2015

to 8 and Lego Engineering is designed for children ages 9 to 12. Campers are expected to bring a bag lunch each day.

Class size is limited. www. northgatech.edu.

Phone: 706-439-6300.

7/17-7/25 Georgia Mountain Fair Georgia Mountain Fair Grounds Hiawassee, GA 12 exciting days, follow the website link below for detailed hours and events. This is an award winning fair. Arts and crafts, regional food, Pioneer Village with living exhibits, country, bluegrass and gospel music by nationally known performers. There will be a parade with antique cars, clowns and more. Be sure not to miss the carnival rides.

1311 Music Hall Road, P.O. Box 444 Hiawassee, GA 30546 gamtfair@windstream.net 706-896-4191 www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com .

7/18 16th Annual Butternut Creek Festival Meeks Park Blairsville, GA Highway 515 West of Blairsville.10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on both days. The Butternut Creek Festival is one of the finest juried arts and crafts shows in the Southeast. The two day festival showcases 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 wood turning. Phone: 706-7811221.

7/19 Escape to the Mountains Tri The Mountains Triathlon This will be an incredibly scenic race in the North GA Mountains! The swim will be in the crystal clear waters of Lake Blue Ridge. The bike is an 18 mile out and back crossing over the lake with mountains towering in the background. The run will leave the Marina and head towards town on Old Hwy. 76 and you will be cheered on as you enter the Historic town of Blue Ridge ending in front

of the Gazebo with the Steele String Sessions Band playing as you run past the finish line.

Awards and the after party Come see why Blue Ridge is becoming a triathlon mecca!

For more www.gamultisports. com/trithemountains/ 7/25 Green Bean Festival Fifth Annual Green Bean Festival! Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Blairsville celebrates the 2014 Harvest of Green Beans and more... Over 100 vendors including regions top produce, exceptional crafters and artisans, the best in Festival. Farmer’s Market * 5K Race * Bike Ride * Green Bean Pizza-eating Contest * Live Entertainment * Canning and Recipe Bushels of Fun for the whole family! Free Parking and Shuttle. Union County Farmers Market Blairsville, GA 148 Old Smoky Rd. Blairsville.

For more information: The Downtown Development Authority. Phone: 706-9944837.

7/30-8/01 Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In Georgia Mountain Fair Grounds Hiawassee, GA Hwy 76 in Hiawassee 7th Annual Show! Live mountain music shows, hundreds of hot rods, swap meet, a “Moonshine Run for Cash” folk show exhibits, Pioneer Village, automotive vendors, mountain crafts, lots of fun. See a real Moonshine Still in the works!

Live concert on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Check the website for full schedule of events. $10.00 admission fee, children 12 and under are free. For more information: Georgia Mountain Moonshine Festival.

Phone: 706-896-4191. www. gammoonshinecruizin.com 7/31- 8/1 8th Annual Canton Explorer’s Rodeo & Freestyle Moto X Show The best cowboys & cowgirls in the southeast compete in saddle bronc, bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, calf roping, cowgirl’s breakaway roping & barrel racing and bull riding. PLUS…

Appalachian Country Living

the BEST of the BEST put on a show like no other with Cowboy Kenny Bartram’s Steel Rodeo Tour Freestyle Moto X Show, loved by all ages. Adults $15, Kids ages 5-10 $8, under 5 free. Boling Park, 1098 Marietta Hwy. Canton GA. For info call: 706.897.0956

on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into fiery volcanoes! For tickets and info: www.yhc.edu/ academics/math-science/ rollins-planetarium/publicshows

KIDS OF ALL AGES

6/20 Tri-State Model Railroaders Open House.

Mineral Bluff Historic Depot, 150 Railroad Avenue, Mineral Bluff. The model railroad layout depicting Copper Basin Railroading in the early 1950’s invite you to come enjoy and learn how railroads played such an important role in the development of the Tri-State area and the unique history of the restored brick depot. Open Houses for 2015 will be held on the 3rd Saturday of even months from 10am until 2pm.

Call 706-455-8903 for further information. Tri-State Model Railroaders 423-496-5006.

Year Round The Lilly Pad Village offers fun for the entire family located in the Aska Adventure area built around ½ acre fishing pond. Also gem mining and miniature golf and guided hiking tours. Open Saturday and Sunday 11-4-PM. If bad weather, call first for schedule; fun packages available. Also make an appointment for guided hike with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Call: 706-534-1317 for appointment or check website www.lillypadvillage.com for special arrangements during winter.

Year Round Misty Mountain Model Railroad Tour, Blairsville, GA. America’s largest, privatelyowned O-gauge Train Display with 14 Lionel trains traveling over a mile of track through a 4,000 square foot fantasy layout of Southern Appalachia.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1:30. Saturday 1:30 & 4pm.

Sundays 2:30and See more at: www.mistymountainrailroad. com 6/9 & 7/24 Dynamic Earth Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris Narrated by Liam Neeson, this award-winning show explores the inner workings of the global climate, Earth’s great life support system. With amazing visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this state-ofthe-art production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans and biosphere.

Audiences will ride along

6/26 Superhero Academy Magic Show Gilmer Public Library Come help us celebrate our 75th Anniversary and meet the Magic Man Bill Packard and be amazed by his super magic show. Two shows, on in the morning and on in the afternoon - fun for the whole family. Ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

11:30 am. Free. 706-6534528 7/16 Super Ocean Adaptations Gilmer Public Library Come learn some fun facts and meet some of the creatures that have adapted to live in the ocean. Presented by Bill Haley from the Tennessee Aquarium - fun for the whole family. Ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

3pm. Free. 706-653-4528

4TH OF JULY 7/3 Firecracker Special Train Ride Ride the Firecracker Special to McCaysville, no worries about where to park or sitting

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in traffic! Watch the fireworks from the comfort of your seat on the train or by hanging out downtown. The fireworks are shot off from the top of Tater Hill outside out town, so can be viewed from anywhere in town. Train begins boarding at 7:00.Reservations are strongly suggested. For more information: 800-934-1898 or 706-632-9833. Visit www. brscenic.com 7/3 Laser Spirit Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris This inspirational show will make you proud to be an American through laser effects, beautiful images, and a mix of pop, classic rock, oldies, and patriotic music. 8:30 pm. Not recommended for viewers who have conditions that could be aggravated by loud music, flashing lights and other similar effects. Rollins Planetarium is located in the Maxwell Center on the campus of Young Harris College. www.yhc.edu

7/3 Tater Hill Fireworks Downtown McCaysville, GA 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Blue Ridge, take Hwy 5 by McDonalds.

The fireworks can be seen from almost all areas of town. Join us at 12:30pm for a Rubber Duck Race. Prefireworks activities start at 6:00pm. Stores & Restaurants will be open late, with live music and entertainment at several locations downtown.

Fireworks begin at 9:30 but get there early for a place to park and enjoy the downtown festivities. For more information: Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.

Phone: 706-632-5680.

7/3 Friday Night Live – Downtown Block Party Woodstock, GA Kick off the 4th of July weekend. Great music as bands play throughout Downtown Woodstock in front of the stores which adds to the street festival feel of

the event. Enjoy the many restaurants and stores that the area has to offer as the Downtown Merchants stay open late, 6pm-9pm. Visit www.whatsupwoodstock.

7/4 Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks Celebrate Independence Day on the lake. Music, barbeque, and special events beginning at 3 p.m. at lake Blue Ridge Marina. Awesome fireworks display at dusk. For more information: Lake Blue Ridge Marina 335 Marina Drive Lake Blue Ridge Marina. Phone: 706632-2618.

7/4 Independence Day at Vogel Park Summer fun for the entire family. Activities begin with the raising the flag in the morning and continue with games for the kids and “young at heart”. 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Vogel State Park Blairsville, GA 706-745-2628 www.gastateparks.org/Vogel

7/4 Annual 4th of July Star Spangled Beach Party Historic Downtown Ellijay Vendors will be set up in the River Street parking lot, along with live music with Downtown Roy from 4-8pm.

Bring your beach chairs and enjoy a real beach, games, corn hole and more. Painter Tax will have a beach party on their lawn for visitors to enjoy.

Fun starts at 11am. Contact Kathy Robinson at 706- 6352782 for info.

7/4 4th of July Annual Celebration In Tate Park on the Square in Fairmount GA Come celebrate an oldfashioned July 4th with watermelon eating contest, 3-legged race, Bat-spin relay, Live music, great food, Children’s inflatable waterslide, 50/50 Raffle, Bingo, and more. Admission is free and children’s activities are $5.00 for all activities.

10am - 4pm. sponsored by the Salacoa Valley Kiwanis.

7/4 4th of July Downtown Canton Loop Featuring A1A, the official Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band Block Party, Car Show, Live Music, Food and Good Times!

Free! Historic Downtown Canton Loop - East Main Street, Canton, GA 30114.

For info call (770) 704-1548 or visit www.facebook.com/ CantonGAFirstFriday

7/4 Freedom Fest Woodstock, GA Our huge parade kicks off the celebration at 10am.

The parade starts and ends at Woodstock Elementary School on Rope Mill Rd. After the parade, join us in The Park at City Center until 3pm for food, live music in the gazebo, children’s games, cake walk, arts & crafts, Adam the Juggler, and vendors of all types. Fun for young & old. Don’t forget the Annual Woodstock Freedom Run

17th Annual

Butternut Creek Festival July 18th & 19th Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm

OW! S IN A R 7 YEAR

VOTED

Y SOCIET URISM EAST TO SOUTH

Meeks Park • Blairsville, GA Arts • Crafts • Music • Food & Live Craft Demonstrations FREE Admission & Parking!

Over 75 Juried Craftsmen & Artists on the Shady Banks of Butternut Creek • Sorry No Pets 706. 781. 1221 • butternutcreekfestival@gmail.com

www.ButternutCreekFestival.com Presented by High Country Artisans, Inc. a 501 (c)(3) organization 40

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June/july 2015

AC LIVING Calendar which starts at 7:30am. See www.woodstockfreedomrun. com for more details. The day concludes with fireworks at dusk behind the Target shopping center at Hwy 92 & I-575. Visit www. woodstockparksandrec.com 7/4 Lake Nottely Boat Parade Blairsville, GA 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

The annual Independence Day Boat Parade on Lake Nottely is sure to delight young and old. Anyone with a boat is welcome to line up at the marina beginning at 11:00am.

At 11:30am boats will pass in review. See more at: www. members.visitblairsvillega. com/events. Phone: 706-7453638.

7/4 July 4th Cookout & Fireworks Show Brasstown Valley Resort annual Star Spangled Spectacular. Saturday July 4th located at the Sunset Pavilion.

The event features an all you can eat buffet of Summer Cook Out favorites. Family activities, Bounce House, Face Painting, Horseshoes, Pie Eating contest. The Sunset pavilion also provides you with a perfect view of our Independence Day Fireworks Show that will begin at dark.

7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Visit our web site at www. brasstownvalley.com.

Reservations: 706-379-4617.

7/5 Fourth of July Day Parade Downtown Blue Ridge, GA An old-fashioned Fourth of July parade but on July 5th in downtown Blue Ridge. Begins at 10:00 a.m. Many floats etc., bring out the family! For more information: Blue Ridge Business Association. Phone: 706-258-2750.

MUSIC Nightly Bell Music from the Courthouse Tower Town Square, Blairsville, GA. While in downtown Blairsville, stop and listen to the beautiful bell music from the courthouse tower. Every june/july 2015

evening from 7:00 to 7:30pm.

Music varies by season. For more information visit www. unioncountyhistory.org or call 706. 745. 5493 On Going Blue Ridge Brewery Live Music. Downtown Blue Ridge. 6-9pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday Evenings Live Music. Please call 706632-6611 or check Facebook or the website: www. blueridgebrewery.com for updates or changes.

Thursday Nights 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. And the park is wheelchair accessible. Come out, bring the whole family to enjoy the experience.

Picnic tables available, nice grassy lawn but you are also welcome to bring a blanket or chair. For more information contact: Fannin County Parks.

Phone: 706-632-7696.

Third Friday Monthly Live Music Acoustic Blends Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association, Ellijay, GA. Listen to a Variety of Quality Music Acts- or Join the Jam! Bring your own libations and munchies, or purchase water, sodas and snacks while you enjoy some eclectic, spontaneous and fun music!

Free & Public Invited. Come on out and enjoy a great evening!

You don’t need to register or buy tickets to this event. 3rd Friday of Every Month. 7pm at Gilmer Arts, 207 Dalton Street, Ellijay, 30540. Visit www. gilmerarts.com or call (706) 635-5605 Fridays Friday Night Concerts Historic County Courthouse on the Square, Blairsville, GA. There is no admission charge; the local musicians donate their time and talents.

Voluntary contributions to the maintenance fund are always welcomed and appreciated.

For more information visit www.unioncountyhistory.org or call 706. 745. 5493

Saturdays Saturday Nights at the Martyn House in Towne Downtown Historic Ellijay.

Offering different genres of music every Saturday Night.

From 7-9 PM. Small plate menu plus BYOB with a $5 corking fee for each bottle of wine or 6-pack. Tickets are from $5-$20 and can be purchased in advance at The Martyn House Espresso Bar In Towne or on line, reservations are highly recommended. For information: The Martyn House in Towne, 131 North Main St Ellijay, GA 30450, 706-635-5565. www.themartynhouse.com Saturdays Saturday Nights Summer Concert Series Paradise Hills Resort & Spa Come experience Paradise on the wine patio! Live Local Music with local wines. No Cover. Every Saturday 2 - 5 p.m., May 23 to August 29.

Different Music every week. www.paradisehillsresort.com 6/12 Joe Gransden/Cabaret Style Live Music is Better Series at Blue Ridge Community Theater presents Joe Gransden live in concert. www.joegransden.com “Joe is a young man with an old soul and a classic voice.

He is a great new talent, with a wonderful sense of humor to boot. And don’t forget, he plays a hell of a trumpet!” — Clint Eastwood For information contact: Blue Ridge Community Theater Purchase Tickets online www. blueridgecommunitytheater. com or by calling the box office. Phone: 706-632-9223.

6/18 - 6/28 Blue Ridge Chamber Music Festival Season II: Musical Journey Professional musicians Maggie & Scott Flavin thought it would be great to start a small festival, invite friends and colleagues of international stature to perform, and give something back to Blue Ridge.

They bring three exciting world-class ensembles to our area in a combination of Festival Concerts, Encore

Appalachian Country Living

Performances and Family Concerts.

Festival Concerts Blue Ridge United Methodist Church 322 West Main St. Blue Ridge, GA • June 19 7:00 p.m. “From Russia with Love” Bergonzi String Quartet •June 21 3:00 pm “From Glenn Miller to Mozart” The Backsliders •June 26 7:00pm “Across the Pond: Songs from the British Isles” Jana Young, soprano, Marina Radiushina, piano •June 28 3:00pm “Coming Home” PULSE Trio Encore Performances Grace Presbyterian Church 170 Georgia 9, Dawsonville, GA • June 20 7:00 p.m. “From Russia with Love” Bergonzi String Quartet • June 27 7:00pm “Across the Pond: Songs from the British Isles” Jana Young, soprano Marina Radiushina, piano, Family Concerts Presented in partnership with the Fannin County Library First Baptist Youth Center 907 East Main St. Blue Ridge, GA • June 18 3:00pm “Peter and the Wolf” Bergonzi String Quartet • June 25 3:00pm “Gulliver’s Travels” Margaret Donaghue Flavin, Baroque recorders Scott Flavin, Baroque violin Tickets: Online at www.brcmf. com or at the door: Single Concerts $20/$10; Festival Pass $60/$30. Admission to Family Concerts is free, however there is a suggested donation of a canned good or non-perishable item, to be donated to Feed Fannin.

For info: www.brcmf.com, 305.878.1985, email info@ brcmf.com.

6/19 Kelley Family John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown, NC 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

The Kelley Family is a multiaward winning family group of siblings, ages 23 to 9, who blend tight harmony with acoustic instrumentation of the banjo, fiddle, mandolin,

guitar and bass. See more at: www.folkschool.org or 1-800.

365. 5724 6/26 The Celts Smoky Mountain Center for the Arts. The Celts have been performing around the world for over 15 years and are made up of Irish born and Irish-American musicians.

The band performs a combination of fiery Scottish/ Irish traditional instrumental tunes and vocal songs as well as their own pop-influenced original songs with Celtic instrumentation. Tickets are $25 & $30 Smoky Mountain Center for the Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734 866-273-4615. Or visit www. greatmountainmusic.com 7/3 Ricky Scaggs Smoky Mountain Center for the Arts. Scagg’s life path has taken him to various musical genres, from where it all began in bluegrass music, to striking out on new musical journeys, while still leaving his musical roots intact. Ricky is a 14-time Grammy Award winner and continues to do his part to lead the recent revival in Bluegrass music.

Tickets are $25, $30 & $35.

Smoky Mountain Center for the Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734 866-273-4615. Or visit www. greatmountainmusic.com 7/3 Chuck Nation Band John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown, NC 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Chuck Nation Band - Georgia state fiddle champion shares bluegrass licks with full band See more at: www.folkschool. org or 1-800. 365. 5724 7/9 Cherry Log Pickin’ Blue Grass Pickin’ featuring local talent.

Gilmer Senior Center, 111 Gilmer St., Downtown Ellijay Dinner at 5:30pm Music at 6:30pm. For info call: 706/635-3786

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7/9 Mountain Voices Mountain Voices is a 50-voice chorus under the direction of Beverly Barnett, with members from Franklin, Highlands, Rabun Gap, and Clayton performing a variety of music. Show tunes, Pop tunes, gospel music and patriotic anthems. Arthea Brimmer will play piano solos, and a 12-voice ensemble and a quartet will sing. Tickets are $7. Smoky Mountain Center for the Arts1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734 866-273-4615. Or visit www. greatmountainmusic.com 7/11 Departure & Electric Avenue Journey Tribute Band & 80’s Synth/Pop Hits. Woodstock Summer Concert Series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come early; food vendors, a moonwalk, face painting, balloon animals for the kids, and water brought to you by Momentum Church!

7:30pm. For info visit: www. woodstockconcertseries.com

7/17 Dailey & Vincent Raven Red Performing at the 65th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer!

2pm & 8pm Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546 706-896-4191 www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com 7/17 Just Us John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown, NC 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Just Us - traditional, contemporary & gospel bluegrass music. See more at: www.folkschool.org or 1-800.

365. 5724 7/18 Brenda Lee Performing at the 65th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer!

2pm & 8pm

Blue Ridge Chamber Music Festival Season II Musical Journey June 18-28 ❖

Blue Ridge & Dawsonville Venues World Class Musicians in the Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains

❖ For Tickets and Info www.brcmf.com

305. 878.1985 42

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546 706-896-4191 www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com 7/19 Gospel Music Show The McKamey’s, The Primitives and Archie Watkins & Smoky Mtn. Reunion Performing at the 65th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer!

2pm Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546 706-896-4191 www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com 7/20 T. Graham Brown Performing at the 65th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer!

1pm & 8pm Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 1311 Music Hall Road,

Hiawassee, GA 30546 706-896-4191 www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com 7/21 Neal McCoy and Soco Performing at the 65th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer!

2pm & 8pm Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546 706-896-4191 www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com 7/22 Confederate Railroad and The Country River Band Performing at the 65th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer!

2pm & 8pm Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546 706-896-4191 www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com

7/23 Rhonda Vincent, Larry Stephenson, Vernon McEntire & Appalachian Grass Performing at the 65th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer!

2pm & 8pm Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546 706-896-4191 www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com 7/24 Herman’ Hermits starring Peter Noone Performing at the 65th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer!

3pm and 6:30 pm Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546 706-896-4191 www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com

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June/july 2015

AC LIVING Calendar 7/24 & 7/25 Jim Wood and The Georgia Mountain Fair Band Performing at the 65th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer! 2pm and 8pm. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546. 706-896-4191 www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com 7/24 Dulcimer Celebration John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown, NC 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Four masters of mountain & hammered dulcimers See more at: See more at: www. folkschool.org or 1-800. 365.

5724 7/25 The Bellamy Brothers Performing at the 65th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer!

2pm and 8pm Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.

1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546.

706-896-4191 www. georgiamountainfairgrounds. com 7/30 Alessandro Zaini John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown, NC 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Alessandro Zaini - bluegrass banjo virtuoso hails from Italy to jam with friends. - See more at: See more at: www. folkschool.org or 1-800. 365.

5724 8/1 Diane Durrette Live Music is Better Series at Blue Ridge Community Theater presents Diane Durrette live in concert. www. dianedurrette.com With a blend of raw soulful vocals, sultry tones and strong original songs Durrett has sung with Sting, The Indigo Girls, Gregg Allman, Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones) and Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow). For info contact: Blue Ridge Community Theater Purchase Tickets online www. blueridgecommunitytheater. com or 706-632-9223. june/july 2015

8/1 John Denver Revue Join acclaimed performer Jim Curry for this tribute to the music of one of the most beloved singer/songwriters ever to grace the stage.

Jim’s voice was heard in the CBS-TV movie Take Me Home: The John Denver Story, and he has performed Denver’s music in sold out shows all throughout the country.

8pm Tickets $20 & $27.

Historic Holly Theater, Dahlonega, GA. For details: www.hollytheater.com or 706-864-3759 8/8 The Rupert’s Orchestra Atlanta’s Foremost Party Band Woodstock Summer Concert Series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come early; food vendors, a moonwalk provided

by Colby Chiropractic, face painting, balloon animals for the kids, and water brought to you by Momentum Church!

7:30pm. For info visit: www. woodstockconcertseries.com

THEATER 6/12 - 6/19 The Wizard of OZ The Historic Holly Theater Children’s Theater Fridays & Saturdays at 7pm.

Sundays at 2pm. Tickets: Adults $14.00, Children & Students $10.00. For Play details: www.hollytheater.com or 706-864-3759 6/12 - 6/21 Funny Money Presented by the Lick Log Players, Hayesville, NC. Never has this master of farce been frenetically funnier! Henry A. Perkins, a mild mannered C.P.A, accidently picks up the wrong briefcase; one full of money. Fridays & Saturdays at 7pm. Sundays at 2:30pm. For Play details: www.licklogplayers.org or 828.389.8632 6/26 - 6/28 The Jungle Book The Historic Holly Theater Children’s Theater Fridays & Saturdays at 7pm.

Sundays at 2pm. Tickets: Adults $8.00, Children &

Students $5.00. For Play details: www.hollytheater.com or 706-864-3759

WINE TASTINGS

7/16-7/19 Radio TBS (Trailer Broadcasting Scandals)

by Mark Landon-Smith. The Luna Del Mar Manufactured Home Oasis and Monkey Empire prepare for and perform its annual Nativity in August: A Tribute to the Kings… And what a jumpin’ scandalous place this trailer park is. Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 pm. Sundays 2pm. For more information: Blue Ridge Community Theater Blue Ridge, GA. www. blueridgecommunitytheater. com or 706-632-9223.

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 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

7/17 – 8/2 Nunsense The Tater Patch Players present Nunsense. The Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium.

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm. Sunday at 2pm. Tater Patch Players, 95 Philadelphia Lane in Jasper, GA 30143. www.taterpatchplayers.org or 706-253-2800

Fridays Tapas and Fireside Acoustics Crane Creek Vineyards, Young Harris, GA, January thru March from 6pm to 8pm at Holly Hill.

Prices range $4.00-$12.00, with wine sold by the glass and by the bottle. CLOSED on Mondays. Visit www. cranecreekvineyards.com or (706) 379-1236

7/10 - 7/26 Footloose Holly Theater, Dahlonega, GA. Friday and Saturday shows at 8pm and Sunday Matinee at 2pm, Tickets: Adults $18.00, Children & Students $12.00. For Play details: www. hollytheater.com or 706-8643759 7/24 - 8/2 Little Women Presented by the Lick Log Players, Hayesville, NC. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women, follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Fridays & Saturdays at 7pm. Sundays at 2:30pm. For Play details: www.licklogplayers.org or 828.389.8632

Appalachian Country Living

Tastings and Cartecay Vineyards’ Logo Wine Glass.

1:30pm – 5:30pm. www. cartecayvineyard.com

Saturdays Wine Tours Have you ever wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes here at Crane Creek Vineyards? Now is your chance. Included in your purchase: a winery tour, a full wine tasting, souvenir wine glass, and a cheese platter.

Reservations are preferred, but not required. $25. www.cranecreekvineyards or (706) 379-1236 Saturdays Vine Keeper’s Kitchen At Crane Creek Vineyards.

Come and enjoy a single, simple, farm-fresh lunch with a glass of wine while looking out over our beautiful vineyards on the deck. Every Saturday from 11:00AM -5:00 PM. www. cranecreekvineyards or (706) 379-1236 Saturdays Live Music at Cartecay Vineyards, Ellijay, GA. Chimney Patio, Nealey Barn Loft if bad weather.$13.00 includes Live Music, 5

Saturdays Vino & Vibes at Hightower Creek Vineyards Live music from 2-5pm. Come out and enjoy! $10 Admission to Vino & Vibes includes a glass of wine (or a tasting) to enjoy on the deck. Bring a picnic or try a cheese sampler!

(706) 896-8963www. hightowercreekvineyards.com Saturday Afternoons Live Music at Engelheim Vineyards 127 Lakeview Road Ellijay, GA 30540 706-635-WINE (9463) www.engelheim.com 3rd Saturday Monthly Swinging in the Vines Music Series at SauteeNacoochee Vineyards The Swinging in the Vines music series features local, and not so local, musicians playing on the deck or in the amphitheater the third Saturday afternoon of each month March through September, every Saturday afternoon in October, and some added Saturday afternoons throughout the season. 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sautee-Nacoochee Vineyards, 1299 Highway 17, Sautee, GA 30571 706-878-1056 First Wednesdays Monthly Women & Wine Paradise Hills Resort and Spa Blairsville, GA 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Women & Wine Series - We are kicking off 2015 with this new monthly series at the Tasting Room. Every 1st Wednesday of the Month.

Price $20.00 per person (includes two glasses of wine & food). Times: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Phone: 706-745-7483. www.paradisehillsresort.com Note: 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 see all that north Georgia and the southern Appalachians has to offer!

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WHY NOT Visit ONE OF OUR LOCAL FARMER’s MARKETS? Ball Ground Fridays 2pm – 6pm Located at City Park in Ball Ground. Local produce, eggs, crafts, baked goods and more.

Come sell or shop and meet your neighbors. www.facebook.com/ BallGroundFarmersMarket Blairsville Saturdays 7am – 1pm; Tuesdays 2pm – 6pm The growers and artisans that sell at the market are remarkable folks. Visit with us here at the Union County Farmers Market and savor all that is home grown and handmade! Located at 148 Old Smoky Road, Blairsville, GA 30512. www.ucfarmersmarket. com or (706)439-6043 Blue Ridge Saturdays 8am – 1pm Located in the Downtown City Park in front of the courthouse.

You can follow us on Facebook, for up-to-the-minute reports on available produce and special offers at the market. www.brfarmersmarket.com or (706) 258-4552

Canton Saturdays 8am – 11:30am Located in the Timken High School Administrative building parking lot, at the corner of Fourth St. NW and McKinley Ave. NW. Offering more than just fresh, local produce. Live music, local artists, health checks, pet day, organic gardening tips and cooking demonstrations. www.cantonfarmersmarket.com/ Ellijay Saturdays 8am – noon North Georgia Mountain farmers and crafts people sell delicious home grown and organic fruits, vegetables, baked and canned goods, flowers, plants, handmade crafts, furniture, art and other items. Located in the courthouse parking lot in downtown Ellijay. www.localharvest.org Jasper Saturdays 7:30am – noon Welcome to the Jasper Farmers Market in Pickens County, Georgia! Located in the Park & Ride lot next to Lee Newton Park. www.facebook.com/ JasperFarmersMarket

The Largest Yarn Shop in north Georgia!

Waleska Thursdays 3pm – 7pm Located behind the North Cherokee Church of Christ in the Reinhardt University Parking lot. Spend $100 in the Month of June at the Waleska Farmers Market at Reinhardt University and get a Free Waleska Farmers Market T-Shirt and Vivian Mimi Tritt will give you a Free Yummy Frozen Fancy Fruit Sorbet. www. facebook.com/pages/WaleskaFarmers-Market-at-ReinhardtUniversity Woodstock Saturdays 8:30am – 11:30 am Tuesdays 4:30pm – 7:30pm The Saturday market will be held in Downtown on Market Street between Mill and Maple Streets adjacent to the Elm Street Arts Village event green. Additional events will be added at both markets including cooking demonstrations by local chefs and farm related events presented by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau for children and adults alike.

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Events Deadline for the Aug/Sept Fall Festival Preview Issue is July 1st.

Jasper Family Dentistry Specializing in Family, Cosmetic & Emergency Dentistry

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Knit & Crochet Classes for Beginners to Advanced

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

www.stringsandstitches.com stringsandstitches@ellijay.com 449 Industrial Blvd. Suite 165 Spring Plaza • Ellijay, GA 30540 44

706. 692. 2646

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391 N. Main Street • Jasper, GA

www.aclivingmagazine.com Appalachian Country Living

June/july 2015

AC LIVING SHOP LOCAL

CONSIGNING WOMEN Gently Pre-loved ClothinG at a FraCtion oF the oriGinal PriCe

Homeward Bound Pet Rescue

offers a low cost spayneuter program!

Certificates can be purchased on Wed & Sat from 10am 4pm at Paws & Claws Thrift Store, 24 S. Main St. in downtown Ellijay. Cats $50, Dogs $75.

Both include rabies vaccine. www.hbpr.org

june/july 2015

706. 253. 6905 29-B Cove road • JasPer

live.life.local DistinctiveShopping R E M A R K A B L E R E S TAU R A N T S E XC E P T I O NA L E N T E RTA I N M E N T

VACATION RENTALS WHITEWATER RIVER & TROUT STREAM LAKE & MOUNTAIN VIEWS HOT TUBS CONTACT JOY 706. 635. 3952 / 404. 791. 4388 stressbuster@ellijay.com www.stressbustercabinrentals.com

Please support our local markets, communities and our advertisers!

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

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45

AC LIVING History

history of indian georgia

– part one

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

The lands were pristine - minus the clutter of telephone and technological poles, minus roads and hilltops flattened to allow for commerce some 300 years ago in North Georgia. The Muscogee Creeks and Cherokees governed the land. Wood buffalo roamed through the fields of tall grasses. Trails made by deer, bear, and cougar lead into the hills. The unregulated waters of the three rivers teamed with fish. It was a good land.

It was a green peaceful valley between the hills.

The history of the American Indians is scattered amongst several authors’ books, most all by white militiamen or literate pioneers to the area.

On these pages it is hoped to convey and make the historical facts come alive, as they have been found from years of researching dozen of authors and through the Georgia state and National archives for primary source documentation.

The area of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains is one of the oldest inhabited areas of Georgia with a history going back beyond the Mississippian Indian Cultures. Originally for centuries it was part of a vast misnomer of Indian culture and heritage. Once the Spanish and Europeans invaded the lands of Georgia from about 1540–1738 there was a loss exceeding 95% of the indigenous populations from diseases such as smallpox, enslavement and battles. There were twenty-one different tribal factions living across what became the state of Georgia.

The lands of Georgia were originally claimed by colonist Oglethorpe for Britain and ran from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and beyond. The intruders pushed ever westward into Georgia displacing various tribes of indigenous peoples as they went. In the early 1700’s the English made treaties with many of the tribes to supply them with trade goods and metal tools causing a debt, which the British collected in furs and deer hides which never seemed to be enough. This practice soon depleted Georgia of her herds of wood buffalo and white-tailed deer.

46

The British then began making their collections in the form of ceded lands.

The American Indians knew nothing of land ownership. Their feelings were that their God had lent the lands to tend and care for all time.

Around the time of the American Revolution in 1773 the Cherokees relinquished their lands near the coastlines and moved inland, displacing indigenous tribes as they went. The Muscogee Creek tribes had controlled most of Georgia since the 16th century. They were removed to current day Alabama and then further to Indian Territory of Arkansas and Oklahoma by 1827.

The Cherokees continually made concessions to the English and through efforts of acculturation tried to adopt many of the colonists white ways in order to exist in the lands of Georgia together as a peaceful peoples. Both the new Americans and British colonizers were rapidly pioneering the lands, always wanting more.

The American Revolutionary War (17761785) brought many battles to Georgia’s highly populated coastal shore. It became the only state of the thirteen colonies to be totally taken over by the British. The Cherokee had sided with the British in hopes of staving the onslaught of the continuous colonization by the pioneers.

The British appointed one chief to speak for all the Cherokees at any given time. They did not comprehend the government of the Cherokees, which involved many “chiefs” over the one hundred or more townships. The term was wrongly used to identify their leaders of these townships; they were more like modern day mayors. The Cherokees decided they would choose their own representative to stand up for them after council meetings were held. The British still insisted that their chosen chief would make decisions for all Cherokees. This did not set well with the Cherokees and thus began some serious infighting amongst the different factions across the Cherokee Nation.

In 1780 Colonel John Sevier (1745-1815) entered into Georgia to begin his “heroic” battles with the Indians. He was adamant that they needed to be eradicated for their compliance with the British. Some thirty-five attacks are documented with few mentioned by location.

His rampages across the mountains left many an Indian town and village in ashes. Among

www.aclivingmagazine.com Appalachian Country Living

these was the Battle of Ellijay fought on the shores of the Coosawatee River near the corner of Highway 282 and South Main Street. The Hiawassee River battles another, where the towns of Chestoee and Hiawassee were burned to the ground. Yet another was the Battle of Hightower (a corruption of the word Etowah).

The year 1790 saw President George Washington declaring the Cherokee Nation a sovereign country and gives the Cherokees the right to govern themselves. This determination was short lived, as Governor Edward Telfair of Georgia wanted no foreign nation within his state. He and his successors spent many years working towards evicting the American Indians from Georgia. It was an issue of States Rights, one that could have seen the south involved in a Civil War long before the 1860’s.

By 1786 the Cherokee had a model government. It followed many of the precedents of the fledgling government of the American Colonies.

By 1825 the capitol town of Echota was moved to New Echota on the shores of the Oostanaula River to the west of Ellijay in Gordon County now. Located there were the printing offices for the Phoenix newspaper a dual language newspaper written in Cherokee and English. ACLM 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. Gilmer County Historical Society Historic Tabor House & Civil War Museum 138 Spring Street, Ellijay, Georgia 30540 706. 276. 1861. Open Thurs–Sat 10am to 2pm www.gilmercountyhistoricalsociety.org/ “When history is erased, people’s moral values are also erased.” –Ma Jian June/july 2015

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