Our Annual Guide to North Georgia's Festivals
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Festivals in North Georgia The 2011 Guide to Events
Appalachian Dream Home
One Couple's Dream Comes True
Back to School Recipes Make Your Family Happy
All Dressed Up
Elegance
An Extreme Makeover
Rustic
Cabins in North Georgia Come Alive with a Little Bit of Help
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letter from the publisher
In sports, you always hear people talking about a "gracious loser" or someone who takes defeat well, and while that is important, I believe there is such a thing as a gracious winner as well. It's realizing that you aren't always going to win, that you are blessed for that victory and that you have a chance to show your character. In times like these, it seems that life is a constant battle. When I think of the gracious character of a winner, I think of the surrender of the confederate army at Appomattox Courthouse. The South was defeated, weary, hungry and dying. Soldiers (my ancestors among them) had clothes rotting off their bodies and stomachs aching with hunger. Truly, it was the indomitable spirit of Southerners that caused the war to last as long as it did. They were proud, as seen by the example General Lee set when he met General Grant to talk the terms of surrender. While Grant was muddy and unkempt, Lee was dressed formally, with a gilded sword, buttoned up uniform and straight back. General Lee was a legend even back then. It was his strategic mind that made up for the lack of supplies with the Southern army. I think if it weren’t for the staggering loss of lives mounting daily, Lee would have fought to the end. They met at the courthouse and Grant addressed Lee first. “I met you once before, General Lee, while we were serving in Mexico, when you came over from General Scott's headquarters to visit Garland's brigade, to which I then belonged. I have always remembered your appearance, and I think I should have recognized you anywhere.” Lee replied, “I know I met you on that occasion, and I have often thought of it and tried to recollect how you looked, but I have never been able to recall a single feature.” As if they had plenty of time, they continued to reminisce for a while longer until Lee made a move to the matter at hand. In most surrendering armies of history, the victor demands complete humiliation—enslavement, death, all property relinquished. Grant was respectful from the beginning in his demeanor and terms. He gave the entire army amnesty—they could walk away and go home without punishment. The officers were allowed to keep their horses, guns and property. Grant even offered food and medical help to the starving Confederates. Afterward, Lee got on his horse and rode away. What’s interesting to me is General Grant’s actions. While Lee is a naturally proud leader and commanded himself well during the meeting, Grant’s actions speak of respect and humility. He puts his adversary at ease and waits until Lee initiates the surrender. His terms were so generous, many Northerners were angry. The man was the obvious victor in one of the bloodiest wars in history, yet his concern was not for revenge, but for reconciliation. That is an admirable man. A man who is not concerned with his reputation, appearance, or what history would make of him but with being generous enough to guarantee the end of a war to save lives. Whether it's saying a kind word to a lonely soul at a party or pulling your car over for a funeral procession, it takes confidence in who you are to be a gracious person. In life’s battles, I can only hope that I show that humility of spirit in victory as well as defeat.
Jodi Williams 4
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Appalachian Country Magazine P.O. Box 1668 Ellijay, GA 30540 706-669-1574 E-mail: acmagazine@hotmail.com Website: www.acmagazine.org
PUBLISHER
Jodi Williams
EDITORS
Sharon Fendley
Stacey Lanning
PHOTOGRAPHY
Stacey Lanning
Danny Grizzle
Peter Grizzle
LAYOUT/DESIGN
CC Designs
Julie Zagarola
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tristan Tuttle
Betty Kossick
Danny Grizzle
Jack Ryan
Joshua Daniels
ADVERTISING SALES
Diana Garber
770-401-9898
PLEASE RECYCLE
Appalachian Country 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 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 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 $18 per year for six issues. For renewals, new subscriptions, or any other correspondence, write to P.O. Box 1668 Ellijay, GA 30540.
Appalachian Country
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June/July 2011
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A contents C Restaurant Spotlight
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All Dressed Up
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After a makeover, we've dressed up and are staying online
Appalachian Dream Home 10 The story of one couple's building adventure
Rustic Elegance
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Back to School
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Cabins in north Georgia come alive with a little help Easy recipes to make with your family
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The 2001 Guide to North Georgia's Festivals 24
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Our comprehensive guide to major festivals and events in the area
Calendar of Events Business Index
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August/September 2011
Restaurant Spotlight
Spotlight Your
Colonel Poole knows about barbeque. What started as an eight by twelve shack in 1989, Poole’s Bar-B-Q is now world –famous for its great food, friendly service, and the Pig Hill of Fame. Poole’s Bar-B-Q is an AllAmerican establishment with delicious options for any diner. They offer beef, pork and chicken barbeque plates with Colonel Poole’s in-house barbeque sauce. There are a plethora of side dishes to choose from: barbeque beans, creamy mac-n-cheese, crisp coleslaw, potato salad, Brunswick stew, freedom fries, and onion rings. For the younger (or maybe just less hungry) crowd, Poole’s offers Junior plates. If you’re not in the mood for barbeque, Poole’s offers pork ribs, chicken strips, corn dogs and hot dogs. Call (706) 635-4100 for more information or check out www. poolesbarbq.com. Best yet, come visit them! Their hours of operation are Thursdays from 11 am to 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. Look for the Pig Hill of Fame right off Highway 515 at 164 Craig Street East Ellijay, GA 30540.
Restaurant
Here
(706) 698-5634
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All Dressed Up (and some place to go!) by Betty Kossick
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The popular buzz phrase these days is “extreme makeover.” But do we really want to go to extremes? Most of us prefer to be state of the art; contemporary newness, without setting off cannons. Getting the wrinkles out, in style, is all that’s needed to deliver quality information to you. That’s the aim of Appalachian Country, to provide all our readers: entrepreneurs, shoppers, diners, locals, tourists, vacationers, with the latest online and hard copy news about working, shopping, playing, and relaxing in north Georgia. By linking up with Inspired 2 Design it’s here for you right now!
Exclusive Online Only Content
With thousands of hits each month, readers are happy to know that each issue is now available online in its entirety. What you see in this newly designed website is an extension of our print magazine with our digital one. You are viewing a new dimension of Appalachian Country. Want more? Simply click on our Online Feature.
Photographs
Did you sigh over some of our photographer’s wooing works? Perhaps you spied an antique armoire that you’ve always dreamed of owning–and 8
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wonder, is it sold yet? Now you can click through the business’ website immediately right from their ad.
Attractions
So you’re on vacation and are browsing to find some of the best eateries our valley and mountain towns offer? They advertise in Appalachian Country. We promise you that you won’t return home without a satisfied palate. The variety of dining experiences is as interesting as you’d expect from true southern hospitality—and there’s always sweet tea! Vacationers will also discover some of the most unique places to hang their hats while they are in our area such as bed and breakfast homes built a century or more ago, some include antique furnishings and fireplaces in the bedroom. These north Georgia homes away from home offer an ambience that takes you back in time, adding a slower pace to what vacation time needs to offer—a quiet respite—especially at the end of a full, fun day. And you must check out our Culture and Calendar pages: We’ve got it all...festivals, arts, flea markets. Some of these first three cultures point
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back to “old Appalachia” providing a sense of reminiscence or learning about life in a bygone era. Of course, there are the camping sites, lake sports and golfing (including the miniature version). You can be in sync with fun and interest in north Georgia with a simple click with Appalachian Country online to find what you need to know to lay your plans.
A Coupon Page
Looking for an added bargain? No matter if you’re a local or a visitor to these parts who doesn’t want to save on a purchase? Appalachian Country now offers discount coupons—and some freebies too—on our online Smart Shopper Page. Print the coupons off and come prepared to find frugal finds at some of our advertised businesses. That’s what you call cool AND awesome!
it is a local full-service marketing company, located in Ball Ground. They offer graphic design, website design, marketing consultation and training for small businesses looking to get the word out about their products and services. Visit www.Inspired2Design. com to learn more and visit www. acmagazine.org to learn more about us!
The Recipe Box
Make a click onto the recipe tab. There you’ll find scrumptious recipes, with lots of healthy choices to enjoy at home or take along for a picnic in one of north Georgia’s parks or perhaps a church potluck. In addition, the vegetarians aren’t left out. Here’s an added idea: If you print the recipes, you’ll soon have yourself an Appalachian Country cook book. You can even do a scrapbooking cookbook. Take your pick. How nifty is that?
Expanded Advertising Opportunities
Local businesses can now have the best of both tech worlds—exposure to our printed magazine and through our banner and display ads online. Economical? You bet! Timely? No doubt. How we got all dressed up with some place to go: Appalachian Country teamed with Inspired 2 Design because
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Appalachian Dream Home by Danny Grizzle photos by Danny Grizzle, Peter Grizzle assistant
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Finding the ideal spot for a second home or retirement residence can be a challenge, but not for Mike and Lois Johnson. They simply moved up the mountain from their existing cabin to build a spectacular new dream home. Twenty-four years ago, the thought of moving away from metro Atlanta was not such an easy choice. "Mike wanted a place in the mountains, but I was a city girl and unsure," says Lois. How things have changed. "Now the mountains are home. Work is in Atlanta, but whenever we are there, we can't wait to get back to our home in the mountains." It all started with friends who had property in Ellijay. "We went for a visit, and just fell in love with the area and the atmosphere; it was so country then, just breathtaking. We had been debating whether to buy a 10
getaway place on the lake, but when we saw the mountains, we just knew that
willing to give it a try by building a getaway cabin to enjoy for a few years, and decide about retirement later. So the first cabin was built in 1989, and the Johnsons began spending weekends in the mountains. "We just loved it, and the more time we spent there, the more we loved all the people, and the log home aspect. There was just something about the rustic nature that was not artificial, and I felt comfortable with the log home structures, I was just amazed with them. "We had other friends who had built cabins, and we decided to as well. And the more we stayed, the more friends we had in the mountains." At some point, Lois, who was reluctant at first, realized she enjoyed staying in the mountains more than living in Atlanta. After two decades with weekend commuting the 90
Building a custom home can be one of life's great experiences, or one of the worst. was where we wanted to be." Mike had thoughts of a retirement dream home, and Lois was
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minute drive between Atlanta and their mountain home in Ellijay, the Johnsons watched as a new show home was erected by Satterwhite Log Homes on Highway 515 a few miles north of Ellijay. "We weren't thinking about buying a new house; we were going to move into the one we had. But the first time I saw it finished, I told my husband, 'This is my dream house.' A few days later we decided to stop by and just look. The minute I walked in that house, I knew it was mine. Lois was captivated. "The Satterwhite Mountain Laurel is fabulous. There is something about it unlike anything I'd seen before. Not just a cabin, but a home. Contrasts, colors, textures, details - this was nothing like a typical monotone all-wood mountain cabin. "That's how we came to have a Satterwhite log home. The layout was perfect, it had plenty of rooms, it was great for entertaining. We loved the mountain we were on, so we secured some more property, and the rest is history." The perfect location and the perfect plan do not always equal the perfect experience. "We've built other homes, but this one was different. Everything was such a pleasure." While husband Mike attended to business in Atlanta, Lois managed the homebuilding project in the mountains. First impressions are one thing, but far more important is satisfaction after her own home was completed. One huge factor for Lois Johnson was her successful relationship builder Tim Hall. "At first, I was concerned that Satterwhite does not contract construction in Georgia. Instead, they gave me a list of qualified local builders." Don Estes, with Satterwhite, explains, "For over 35 years, Satterwhite has been the dominant log home builder in the south central United States, and we contract construction in many areas of the country. But when we opened offices in the East (Georgia) and in the West (Utah), it made better sense to work with local builders, not compete against them. The customer gets the combination of outstanding Satterwhite materials and locally experienced builders with established reputations." To begin her project, Lois Johnson carefully interviewed builders, checked references, contacted previous customers, and inspected past work before selecting Tim Hall as her builder. In Satterwhite Seminars, held twice yearly
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spring and fall, Sam Satterwhite confirms: "Building a custom home can be one of life's great experiences, or one of the worst. Contracting is not a simple matter of letting bids. If specifications are good, bids will be very close. Apart from the money, it is critical to get people you like. Life is too short to work with unpleasant people." Beyond offering a wide range of styles and sizes of house logs, Satterwhite offers an enormous palette of beams, posts, railing, and specialty finishing woods. These are much in evidence in the Johnson home, adding color, variety, and style.
Appalachian Country
As construction progressed, Lois supplied the crew with cookies and pies. "I wanted to see what they were doing," she admits. "I said I'd never build another house, but it was really a good experience, believe it or not." Living next door in her original www.acmagazine.org
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cabin, Lois was able to watch the progress every day as the new home was built. "Our first house was just a cabin. There is such a difference. The first cabin was basic and rustic. It was intended to be just a weekend getaway, realistically. Now, the new home, just because of the design and the beauty of the house itself, it's more of a log home. It's not a cabin, it's a log home, because it is something I can truly live in and be myself. I know it sounds silly, but we still walk around and look at the details, it is truly a custom home. "Now we go to Atlanta, and come back home to the mountains. We get up in the morning and sit on the porch and just admire the beauty of it all. The clouds, the trees, the birds, the sounds. It does not get any better than this. "Someone said to me recently, 'When I get back on 575 heading back towards Ellijay, I turn into a different person.' You put away any kind of stresses, any kind of worry that you've had back in Atlanta. And I think, 'I'm going to the mountains.' It is so
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relaxing; to me it is just beautiful. I love it." The design of the home was tailored to Lois's taste. "I knew everything about the first cabin that I loved and all the things that I would change. I wanted the wood—I loved
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the rustic, I loved the logs." On the other hand, Lois observed many fresh and unusual ideas in the new Satterwhite office and model at Ellijay, something transcending regional styles and introducing materials and treatments from far and wide across the country. "Our first cabin was wood throughout— there is not a single piece of sheetrock in it. Having the different wall textures and the things we did in other rooms on the new home, the wide choice of different woods for different rooms offered by Satterwhite, this broke up the look. I knew, with the different architectural features, that I didn't want it to be so bland. The woods and the logs that Satterwhite has have such a more distinct beauty in them than what we had, which was just cut pine logs, I guess." For the new log home, Lois was certain. "I knew I wanted something that had some character, something with some uniqueness about it." Lois also wanted more room to move around in the kitchen, more counter space and more kinds of things
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Welcome to Ellijay, Georgia!
expected in the latest contemporary homes. For a permanent home, she advises paying attention to the openness of the plan, and also focusing on bathrooms. She says, "It is worth spending time shopping for fixtures, tile and carefully considering colors. Details and livability are important in a primary residence. "There is no comparison between a Satterwhite log home and some of other homes up here, and I do speak from experience on that. I think to some degree, people just accept or have accepted—I know we did, because we didn't know any better when we
built our last one—there are a lot of things that are just thrown and nailed together. Because people think it's just a cabin in the woods. Well, I don't have a cabin in the woods now, I have my dream home." "I don't know how to explain it, the different kids of woods and options we've had to choose from. Nobody ever asked us in the previous life what kind of wood we wanted. Things have changed a lot in the last 20 years. The builders and people take pride in building a Satterwhite log home. It's obvious, because they know it's not just a log cabin—it's a home.
"It took me two years to get over building our first cabin. I know people think I'm just saying we had a great experience this time, but we did. We love this home." Mike and Lois Johnson plan to retire here someday, but already their dream home in the Appalachian mountains is truly the home of their hearts. As Lois says, "There is something special about coming here. Worries and stress fade away. Friends and family gather. There are quiet moments in early morning, listening to birds over a cup of coffee. It is wonderful. We are so blessed."
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by Tristan Weeks cover photo courtesy of Satterwhite Log Homes
Elegance
Rustic McPherson Cabinet Supply
Where is the heart of your home? The kitchen, of course! The kitchen cabinets should make a statement that you care about quality and craftsmanship. You can't find better quality than McPherson Cabinet and Supply next to Big Canoe in Dawsonville. In business since 1936, they are celebrating their 75th
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anniversary! J.L. McPherson began creating custom cupboards and other furniture in a woodworking shop in his father’s grist mill. He moved to the Bethelview community in southern Forsyth County in 1941 and stayed there for 66 years. His son Wayne McPherson took over the business and is continuing his father’s tradition of being a master cabinetmaker. Along with custom kitchen cabinetry, McPherson provides bathroom cabinetry as well as Corian countertops, bookcases, entertainment centers, tables, desks and other furniture. Each piece is handcrafted in their on-site shop. For specialty millwork, McPherson Cabinet and Supply frequently takes on mantel
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The McPherson shop stands where the old mill used to be.
projects, custom lathe work, wood floors, banisters and railings, indoor and outdoor custom doors, as well as custom window and door trim. They restore or reproduce classic architectural pieces. Each project is under the direct supervision of Wayne
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Welcome to Blue Ridge, Georgia!
McPherson. There is a great amount of expertise, time and care put into each work. McPherson's craftsmen have spent years learning the traditions and skills required to become great artisans of their trade. The bottom line? McPherson Cabinet and Supply Company is the perfect cabinetry company to create the heart of any
cabin. For more information or to visit their facility, contact Wayne McPherson (770)-893-1347 or (678)410-8613. McPherson Cabinet and Supply is located at 805 Hubbard Rd. Dawsonville, GA 30534. To see some examples of their work, check out mcphersoncabinet.com.
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Appalachian Country
Bent Creek Willow
One of the great aspects of having a log cabin is getting to incorporate so many natural elements into your home. Bent Creek Willow is the perfect home furnishing store to help with that goal! Specializing in furniture and accessories made from www.acmagazine.org
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freshly cut willow trees, Wendy and Justin Hasty are third generation willow artisans that are part of a family business with over 25 years experience. They share a passion for providing homes with unique and interesting home accessories. There isn’t any other business with as much knowledge and dedication to willow artistry than Bent Creek Willow. Every cabin needs a great place to sit and Bent Creek Willow has several beautiful styles of seating made from nature. Whether it is stationary chairs or rockers, swings or loveseats, chaise lounges or park benches, Wendy and Justin have whatever seating option needed in any cabin. For the dining room, they have full dining sets in both small and large sizes, as well as accent tables for their handcrafted lamps. The willow lamps come in several different sizes from small accent lamps to floor lamps, all hand-made by highly trained craftsmen. They also create fern stands and magazine racks to add a little extra uniqueness to any log home. They specialize in creating custom designed pieces to fit any need. Imagine the time and energy involved in each of these items! Each piece is curved and twisted to create a unique piece of art unlike any other. To see more of what Bent Creek Willow can create for a log home, check out their website www. bentcreekwillow.com or call (256) 891-7347.
fabrics and colors, drapery, home accessories of every texture, shape and size, and has furniture to suit every room in any home. For those that need full-scale decorating help, White Interiors has two designers on staff to consult with clients and offer professional advice. Lead designer Lauren Salter has worked in residential and commercial design for the past 15 years and she knows what a home needs. In store consultations are free and encouraged. The designers at White Interiors can work with clients’ existing furniture while adding new items and window treatments creating a completely new and pleasing environment. They also do in-home consultations and will create a file about each home complete with pictures and measurements to ensure the design is tailor-made to the individual homeowner’s needs. White Interiors is a full–service design showroom and wants to make
White Interiors
Some people have a very distinct vision for their homes, while others have difficulty pinning down exactly what they want in terms of decoration and theme. That’s where White Interiors comes to the rescue. With a 10,000 square-foot showroom full of interesting and eyecatching designs, White Interiors is a one-stop décor shop. The showroom is full of luxurious chairs and sofas, interesting 16
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every home suit their client's lifestyle and taste. With a staff that understands both the technical aspects of design as well as the instinctual artistry that comes with years of experience, White Interiors can create a beautiful home with ease. For more information, check out their website at www. whiteinteriorsllc.com, call (706) 216-1230 or visit with them at 278 Highway 400 North in Dawsonville, Ga.
Satterwhite Log Homes
In 1974, nobody in Texas had seen a new log home in almost 100 years. Sam Satterwhite was a young man fresh out of college, building a "bachelor pad"—a small but unusual A-frame house a few hundred yards from his parent's home. As Sam chatted with a passerby, a question came that would change his life: "Sam, if you can build something as different as an A-frame, how about building me a log home?" Today, Satterwhite Log Homes
is one of the nation's leading log home companies. From the very beginning, Satterwhite Log Homes was more than a local builder. Log homes were such a novelty at the time, the company was featured in the Dallas Morning News. The article was picked up off wire services by newspapers nationwide. This national exposure led to national experience. Satterwhite homes have been built in virtually every state, as well as around the world. Satterwhite has delivered tens of thousands of log homes. Three major factors distinguish Satterwhite Log Homes: Dead Standing Timber Quality products require the highest quality raw materials. Unlike most log home companies who use locally convenient materials, Satterwhite searches the entire North American continent seeking wood with exact characteristics. The log home industry is notorious for endless debates about wood species, but regardless of tree type one factor is a constant—moisture content. The simple fact is that
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Satterwhite Log Homes
living trees have high water content and the dimensions of wood change dramatically as it dries after being cut. By starting with trees that have been killed by natural causes, then allowed to dry over time in arid conditions of the American West, Satterwhite sidesteps all the issues and costs of working with green cut living trees. The natural solution is the best solution for thorough dryness and long term stability. Besides superior performance, many people prefer building their log home without cutting living trees. Streamlined Building Systems Low moisture content of dead standing timber greatly simplifies everything that follows. Satterwhite logs weigh less, lowering transportation costs and reducing construction labor. Satterwhite log stability also means the building system does not dictate design. It is easy to create custom plans, and to mix log construction with conventional materials, a huge factor in making Satterwhite among the most economical log building systems. 18
Straightforward Business Practices Satterwhite quotes are firm and avoid hidden costs. Sam Satterwhite says, "We're like a log home lumberyard." With Satterwhite, customers can buy as much or as little as they like—they're not locked into standard designs or preconfigured packages. Satterwhite is perfect for the smallest occasional cabin to multi-million dollar log home mansions. Satterwhite strongly believes that honesty and simplicity are the best policy. The company enjoys high customer satisfaction, and Sam often says, "It is important that customers are as happy ten or twenty years down the road as the day they move in their new log home." For more information, please look at their website www. satterwhiteloghomes.com or call tollfree (800) 777-7288.
create their ideal mountain homes. Linda started 18 years ago with one birdhouse and a dream. Now Lakota Cove is home to over 400 artists and 40 craftsmen. Sitting on 26 acres, Lakota Cove boasts four horses, seven dogs and one loving donkey, Francisco. Once inside the 12,000 square foot
Lakota Cove
Linda Magness has her dream job. As owner and designer of Lakota Cove, she loves helping people
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Lakota Cove's exceptional outdoor furniture
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showroom, Lakota Cove offers willow, hickory, sassafras, heart pine, black walnut, rustic cherry, pine, oak, alder, Adirondack, antler furnishings and light fixtures, as well as leather and cowhide accessories and exquisite pottery. Clients that come to Lakota Cove can expect quality handmade furnishings and great customer service. Complimentary cookies and coffee are available in their full-service kitchen for everyone who would like to enjoy them as they peruse all the items in the showroom. Offering services such as interior design, remodeling, window treatments and a most unique lighting selection, Lakota Cove is a full service design center and design gallery. Seventy-five percent of Lakota Cove’s items are handmade, proving Linda's interest and desire to showcase the American artisan and craftsman. With such wonderful handmade pieces, interior design becomes not only a way to decorate your home but a way to express yourself. Linda says, “I ask all of my clients to think of one dramatic piece. Whether it is an antler chandelier or an art piece, once I know what the piece is, I see their personality and I can build a whole house around it.” Linda suggests that you “Start off with the key pieces, allocate your money appropriately and budget the core of your home. Style the bedrooms, focus on the lighting and never underestimate the power of a sofa and ottoman and the lure of the porch.” Lakota Cove has its own line of décor called Lakota Cove Signature Designs that is indicative of an older time when quality was the most important aspect of design. With a variety of textures, colors, soft fabrics, leather, antlers, cowhide and beautiful woods, Lakota Cove has what you need to design your home. Lakota Cove has been featured in a great number of magazines and media outlets. From the Oprah stage to the pages of high-profile Atlanta design magazines, Lakota Cove has been recognized for its outstanding design services and unique furniture and accessories. For more information about Lakota Cove’s design services and to see the showroom, visit them at 230 Old Mill White Rd. Ext. Jasper, GA 30143 or call 770 893-3495. They are also online at www.
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LakotaCove.com.
Trinity Custom Homes
Trinity custom Homes has been building for over ten years and is known for high quality custom built homes for every budget and lifestyle. Home prices ranging from $67,000 to $388,700 allows Trinity Custom Homes to satisfy a large spectrum of home buyers. The focus in the North Georgia Mountains is traditional stick built homes with wood, hardiplank, or log siding with stone accents. Sales manager for Trinity Custom Homes, Russ Belflower says, “With seven offices throughout Georgia and the ability to build homes in five states, Trinity Custom Homes has the experience to build the home you want for a price you will be proud to pay.” If you would like more information about how Trinity Custom Homes can build your dream home, please contact Russ at (706) 273-7139, online at www.trinitycustom. com, or in person at Trinity Custom Home’s Ellijay office at 15230 Hwy 515 South, Ellijay, GA 30536.
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Back to School With school back in session, it's harder to find time to spend with your family. Make them smile and cut down on cooking with these kid-friendly snacks.
Mini Pies
A party or a hard day deserves something special like these little pies. Perfectly made for little hands, each are little bites of something wonderful. 2 rolls of unbaked pie crust 1 ¼ c. pie filling or preserves 1 egg ¼ c. large crystal sugar Preheat oven to 375 F. On parchment paper, roll out one of the pie crusts to 1/8 inch thick. Cut 4” circles and line mini-muffin cups with circles. Spoon approximately 1 tbs. filling into each cup, being careful not to overfill. In a separate bowl, beat egg and brush a little around each filled crust. Place a 3” circle over each cup and crimp together to seal. With a toothpick, poke 4 holes in each crust top. Brush tops with remaining eggs and 20
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sprinkle with large crystal sugar. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Cool slightly before removing from pan.
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
The oatmeal chewiness makes for one of the best cookie recipes we’ve ever encountered. This is the full recipe, but if you don’t mind a more cake-like texture, you can substitute applesauce for some of the butter. 1 c. butter, softened 1 c. light brown sugar, packed ¼ c. white sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 1 ½ c. all-purpose flour ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 3 c. quick-cooking oats
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Appalachian Country
August/September 2011
1 c. walnuts, chopped 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips Preheat oven to 325 F. In a large bowl, cream together butter and both sugars until smooth. Beat in eggs, then stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Stir into the butter mixture until blended. Add quick oats, walnuts and chocolate chips just until blended. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 11 minutes and allow cookies to cool slightly before removing.
Apple Wheels
Our little taste testers loved the fun shape of these apples. The tasty center didn’t hurt either. ¼ c. reduced fat crunchy peanut butter 1 tsp. honey ½ c. miniature chocolate chips 3 medium red delicious apples Core apples and set aside. In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, honey
and chocolate chips. Fill centers of apples with mixture and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes or until mixture is solid. Cut into slices and serve. Note: These also refrigerate and keep for a few days, but soak the slices in lemon soda to keep from turning brown.
PBJ Muffins
When your family is in a hurry, grab one of these tasty muffins to go. Packed with protein and flavor, there’s a sweet surprise in each one.
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2 c. all-purpose flour 1 ½ tsp. salt 1 tbs. baking powder 1 c. milk 2 eggs 2/3 c. sugar
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Welcome to Canton, Georgia!
1 ¼ c. peanut butter 1/3 c. olive oil ½ c. jam (your choice) Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat muffin cups with shortening to keep from sticking. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and powder. Add milk, eggs, sugar, peanut butter and oil. Beat on low speed just until mixed. Fill muffin cups halfway up with part of the batter. Make a well and fill with jam. Top with remaining batter being careful not to overfill. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool partially before removing.
cheese to each rectangle. Top with tomato paste and toppings of your choice. Moisten edges of crescent rolls and fold over to seal. Press edges with a fork and bake in oven for 12-15 minutes or until crescent rolls are brown.
Pizza Crescents
When you’re on a diet and your children aren’t, it’s hard to avoid the temptations of everyday food. These mini pizzas provide a compromise. Fill with the healthy toppings of your choice for them and avoid the overabundance of a take-out pizza. 8 oz. package of crescent rolls 8 slices mozzarella cheese 2 tsp. thick pasta sauce Toppings (your choice) Preheat oven to 350 F. Unwind dough and seal perforations before separating into 4 rectangles. Place two rectangles on a baking sheet. Add 2 slices of 22
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A events C
The
2011 Guide to North Georgia's Fall Festivals
by Joshua Daniels
Evening in the Garden
2011 Dates: Aug. 4 & 25 If you enjoy crafts with the family or by yourself, don’t miss the workshops offered at Ellijay’s Mountain Ridge Garden Shop. Each event starts at 6 p.m. and lasts for two hours. Finger foods, punch and music surround each artist as they create a one-of-a-kind memory. Located in the historic red mill on River Street, the first workshop will be “Building a Living Wall Art”. Small shadow boxes filled with assorted flowers, hens and chicks. The top and the bottom of the boxes will be lined with chicken wire and moss to hang on the wall. Cost is $25. The second class is “Make Your Own Yard Art”. Using tea cups, saucers, old vases and candy dishes, each person creates a unique conversation piece for their garden. Cost is $20. For more 24
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information, call Mountain Ridge at (706) 6982815.
Mountain Marketplace Heritage Festival
2011 Dates: Sept. 3 & 4 Enjoy a weekend celebrating the best of Appalachia! Arts and crafts are on display to educate and sell. Handmade brooms, pottery, soap, candles, honey and wood carvings are just a few of the items to be found at this festival in Blairsville, Ga. Activities for the whole family include gospel music, gold panning, craft demonstrations and more. Held in the Mountain Life Museum just a block away from the square, this festival is one not to be missed for anyone interested in mountain heritage. Admission is free. For more information visit www.UnionCountyHistory.org.
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Oktoberfest
2011 Dates: Sept. 22-Oct. 30 Oktoberfest! It’s the German word for fun! Well, that may not be the actual translation, but to the folks attending Helen’s annual Oktoberfest every year it may as well be. This celebration lasts two months. Deep azure skies and color splashed mountains surround a picturesque “alpine” village, making the days as inviting as the nights. During the day, you may decide to browse the shops, relax in a biergarten, or simply enjoy Helen’s perfect weather and beautiful scenery. At night, however, all paths lead to Helen’s massive Festhalle for authentic German bands, food, beer and fun. Prosit! For more information, visit www.helenchamber.com.
Mountain Music and Arts and Crafts Festival 2011 Date: Sept. 10 Located at Vogel State Park in Blairsville, Ga., this event celebrates traditional mountain music—bluegrass, gospel and Appalachia tunes. There are arts and crafts in booths to sell what demonstrators around the area are creating. Demonstrations include
blacksmithing, spinning, wood carving and more. For more information, call (706) 745-2628.
Fall Arts in the Park
2011 Dates: Oct. 8 & 9 There’s nothing like the fall season in the mountains. Leaves begin changing, the air starts cooling, and the Downtown City Park of Blue Ridge, Georgia comes alive for artists of all mediums. For 35 years, the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association has provided a unique art experience
The bi-annual Arts in the Park celebrations in Blue Ridge, Georgia are two of the top events in the area. Quickly becoming known as a national art community, Blue Ridge is host to artists of all mediums.
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Welcome to Woodstock, Georgia!
through its festivals. Located at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, these events draw in excess of 15,000 attendees. With over 175 fine arts, crafts and food booths, this fall’s festival has something for everyone. There are always activities for the children, along with special events for the big kids. The area surrounding the festival is a must-see as well. Blue Ridge, Georgia is one of the top art destinations in the country and features a unique shopping experience in its downtown shops and galleries. A Community Theater, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, the Swan Drive-In Theatre, and an environment that includes pristine National Forests to hike, bike, tube, swim, hunt, fish, or just celebrate art and nature are all part of the adventure. Did we mention Fannin County is the Trout Capital of Georgia? Make your plans now to spend the second weekend in October enjoying art and nature in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Admission is free to $5. For more information, please contact the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association at (706) 632-2144 or through e-mail at brmaa@etcmail.com. You can also visit their website at www.blueridgearts.net.
mansion of renowned Methodist Evangelist Samuel Porter Jones in the heart of downtown Cartersville, Georgia. Throughout the weekend, regional artists will exhibit everything from paintings and jewelry to basketry, quilting, weaving, pottery, photography and wood. Visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of food including barbecue and ice cream. Guests may also tour Rev. Jones’ eighteen-room Victorian house museum, carriage house and one-room schoolhouse. Admission is free. For more information, call 800733-2280.
locals decorate Ellijay for the fall season with homemade scarecrows. Last year downtown Ellijay was alive with scarecrows on every corner. Scarecrow electricians, injured scarecrows on crutches or scarecrows drinking coffee line the streets. Imagination is the limit. It’s an easy way to clean out
3rd Annual Scarecrow Invasion
2011 Dates: Sept. 17-30 It's fall ya’ll and nothing brings in the season more than making your very own scarecrow. For the past two years Mountain Ridge Garden Shop and Ellijay
Rose Lawn Arts Festival
2011 Dates: Sept. 17 & 18 The 36th Arts Festival at Rose Lawn offers quality arts and crafts and two days of great entertainment in a historic city setting. This annual event is held on the spacious lawn of the historical 26
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that garage or closet and steal Dad’s overalls. Bring them in and build your own scarecrow. Mountain Ridge Garden shop will have all the hay for stuffing, wood frames for the body and a place to make a mess! A scarecrow workshop is set up daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Mountain Ridge Garden Shop located at 746 River Street in Ellijay. The cost per scarecrow is $5.00 and you supply the clothes. Workshop is open to all ages. Everyone is welcome to display their scarecrow in downtown Ellijay upon filling out an application. All scarecrows will be on display until October 31. This year Ellijay will be hosting its very first scarecrow display which will be held on Saturday October 1 at 4:00 in downtown Ellijay. So dress up like a scarecrow, pull one in a wagon or dress up your kids and dogs and come to Ellijay this fall and help celebrate. For more information or to sign up, contact Mountain Ridge Garden Shop at 706-698-2815 or Cartecay River Trading Company at 706-635-2782.
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Tea in the Mountains
2011 Date: Sept. 18 Ladies of all ages are welcome from 5 to 95! Join us for the annual Tea in the Mountains from 1 - 3 p.m. The event will take place at A Venue 2 Remember with the luncheon prepared by Coast 2 Coast Caterers. Don your hats and invite your mother, daughter, sister, aunts and friends. Ice cold lemonade is served while you peruse the silent auction items consisting of gift cards, baskets of beauty products and merchandise. Donated merchandise provided by local businesses and will be on display and auctioned off to go home with their new owners. Tickets are $25 each with limited seating and must be purchased in advance. All proceeds will benefit the Jasper Christian School Annual Fund. For additional information and tickets, please contact Diana Garber at 770-
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401-9898 or diana@etcmail.com.
The North Georgia Folk Festival
2011 Date: Sept. 24 Come to Athens, Ga. where the culture of folk music is alive and well! Located in Sandy Creek Park, there are art vendors, craft demonstrations and an all day acoustic band that anyone can join! Educational workshops include the banjo, Irish fiddle and old time singing. For more information, visit www.athensfolk.org.
Outdoor Adventure Day at Unicoi
2011 Date: Sept. 24 There is something here to please everyone at Unicoi State Park outside Helen, Ga. Visitors can learn how to paddle canoes, shoot, fish, archery basics and more. There are demonstrations with various types of outdoor sports, weapons and hunting dogs. Take a hayride to view the park or visit the wildlife shows with snakes
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and hawks. For more information, call 800-573-9659.
Riverfest in Canton
2011 Date: Sept. 24 & 25 Each year in Canton's Boling Park, the town comes together to raise money for local children's charities. Sponsored by the Service League of Cherokee County, it's a large festival that is the league's main fund-raiser throughout the year. Exhibitors display unique arts and crafts in the park, while visitors can munch on fresh food and enjoy the atmosphere. Don't miss this large and popular festival in Canton! For more information, visit www.riverfest.org. 2011 Dates: Sept. 30-Oct.2 Just a short trip from Athens, Ga. and one of the largest festivals in the state, this one draws thousands of people to Maysville each year. Started in 1966, exhibitors throughout the southeast show their arts and crafts as local talent performs for visitors. A variety of food and drinks are available. Admission is free. For more information, call 706708-6409.
sculptors, wood workers and more exhibit their talent during live exhibitions at the Lee Newton Park. Thousands of visitors take home free pieces of their own marble slabs as keepsakes of their time here. A wide variety of regional and local talent entertains while visitors munch on everything from crispy fried seafood to fresh made jams and jellies. A children’s area with rock climbing, obstacle course, car racing and free arts and crafts make your children wish they could come back each day. Admission is free to $5. For more information, visit www.pickenschamber.com.
Indian Summer Festival
Big Red Apple Festival
Autumn Leaf Festival
2011 Dates: Oct. 1 & 2 In the North Georgia Mountains, it’s hard to find more picturesque beauty than Suches, Ga. In the 34th Indian Summer Festival, there are arts, crafts and all day entertainment at the Woody Gap School. Events include clogging, a turkey shoot, archery demo, auction and fantastic food. Admission is free to $4 (all proceeds go to Woody Gap School). For more information, visit www. suches.com or call (706) 747-2401.
The Georgia Marble Festival
The Georgia Marble Festival
2011 Dates: Oct. 1 & 2 The crisp fall air beckons visitors to Jasper, Ga., the “Gateway to the Mountains,” for the annual Marble Festival. A 5K road race and parade kick off the festivities. Home to the world’s largest open pit marble quarry, tours are given only during this one time of year. Artists abound at this festival with everything imaginable represented here. Marble
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2011 Date: Oct. 1 Starting at 10 a.m., Cornelia, Ga. hosts a fun, familyoriented fall festival complete with crafts, food and entertainment. You can see the big, red apple monument in the railway station area during your stroll. Children can play in the designated children’s area full of games and fun. With 6 parks and 3 museums, there’s no shortage of education. For more information, call 706-778-8585.
Cherry Log Festival
2011 Dates: Oct. 1 & 2 and 8 & 9 The annual Cherry Log Fall Festival, a Georgia mountains tradition since 1971, will have its booths filled this October with handmade crafts of many types, and of course, food. A country style breakfast is served at 7:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 until 2:30. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and boiled peanuts will also be available. Visitors can shop for homemade desserts, canned goods, arts and crafts. So, eat a bowl of Brunswick stew and stroll around listening to the bluegrass music. This year there will also be a log sawing competition. Free
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entertainment will be provided in the afternoons. The festival is located across from the Cherry Log Post Office just off Highway 515 between exits 18 and 19 at 341Cherry Log Street (Old Highway 5). For more information, call (706) 276-3217.
rides, a petting zoo and foods for the kids with specials happening each day. Admission is free to $7. For more information, call 770-781-3491 or visit www.cummingfair.net.
The Georgia Mountains Fall Festival
Autumn Jubilee
2011 Dates: Oct. 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 29 & 30 Mountain Ridge Garden shop located at 746 River Street in Ellijay is celebrating fall by hosting our first jubilee. Everything you need for fall decorating like local grown pumpkins and gourds, corn stalks, garden mums and colorful pansies. Every weekend has apple bobbing, fresh cider and apple treats for the season. There is also a large pumpkin patch where kids can paint their pumpkin or gourd for Halloween for a small fee. On October 13 from 6-8p.m. there will be an evening workshop on how to make your own Thanksgiving wreath. On October 20 from 6-8p.m. learn to make your own pumpkin centerpiece. For more information call
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Mountain Ridge Garden Shop at 706698-2815.
Cumming Country Fair & Festival
2011 Dates: Oct. 6-16 This special event combines something for everyone at the Cumming fairgrounds. Educational history exhibits feature reproductions of a 1900’s rural town with everything from a doctor’s office to churches and Indian villages. There are carnival
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2011 Dates: Oct. 7-15 Set in a rustic setting, the fairgrounds in Hiawassee, Ga. provide some of the best music, entertainment and crafts to be found. For a full week, visitors can watch country music shows or be entertained by the annual fiddlers’ convention, where the Georgia State Champion will be announced for a variety of events—buck dancing, harmonica, dobro, banjo and of course, the fiddle. To check out the schedule of events, visit: www. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
Fall Celebration
2011 Date: Oct. 8 Beginning at noon, the Smithgall Woods Conservation area hosts a full day of mountain music, pioneer skill exhibits, hayrides, food and
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Welcome to Jasper, Georgia!
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crafts. Just a small trip from Georgia’s Alpine Village of Helen, the Fall Celebration is an educational day trip from Helen’s Oktoberfest. For more information, call 706-8783087.
Certified KCBS Judges enjoy the tasty treats prepared by the professionals, while everyone samples what the locals cook up! There will also be a variety of food options, including barbecue, for purchase on site. There'll be good food, music, dancing, craft demonstrations, an antique tractor display and of course the wonderful Barbeque Cook Off! For more information, visit www.cherokeepignic.com.
The Georgia Apple Festival
2011 Dates: Oct. 8 & 9 and Oct. 15 & 16 Don’t miss one of the largest festivals in north Georgia! The Georgia Apple Festival has been presented in Gilmer County for 40 years. Located on the Lions Club Fairgrounds in Ellijay, Ga., vendors sell crafts and folk arts—everything from jewelry to rock fountains to wood bowls can be found. Pottery, one-of-a-kind art, furniture, glassware and more line the rows of booths. Browse through hundreds of crafters while you listen to music. Try one of the many samples of local foods. From Cajun low-country boil to hand churned ice cream, there are hundreds of choices to please any palate. Go to the main building for some of the best country cooking around. A few area apple houses are represented by having large stands to sell apple cider, pies, apples and more. Children can ride the toy train, climb a rock wall or visit some of the wildlife exhibits. The festival benefits many local charities and is always well represented by the friendly community residents. Once you have enjoyed the Apple Festival at the Fairgrounds, please take time to visit the Ellijay square, where the antique merchants and small shops have a variety of goods to share. Sample homemade fudge while you walk around the specialty shops and antique stores. It’s an unbelievably good time! For more information, visit www. georgiaapplefestival.org.
Georgia Sorghum Festival
2011 Dates: Oct. 8 & 9, Oct. 15 & 16 Held in a fort in Blairsville, Ga., the Sorghum Festival is a celebration of one of the oldest sweeteners. You can smell the sorghum cooking from the parking area. While you walk around with a 32
Fall Hoedown
The Georgia Marble Festival
2011 Date: Oct. 15 Grab a bowl of chili and spend the crisp autumn day at Vogel State Park just outside Blairsville, Ga. as they host a celebration of the season complete with hayrides and cakewalks. Walk around while you sample chili and drinks. End the day with a campfire and storyteller. Perfect for the whole family! For more information, call 706-7452628.
Gold Rush Days
sorghum butter biscuit, you can check out the crafts in the fort, listen to the music and entertainment or head up the stairs for more arts and crafts. For more information, visit www.sorghum. blairsville.com.
Cherokee Pignic
2011 Date: Oct. 14 & 15 Are you a Barbeque Chef looking for a new competition venue? Or an amateur cooker with a favorite recipe to test in the 'Back Yard Burner' arena? You're invited to a Pignic. Sit in the Lick You Lips people's choice tent for delicious barbecue sampling. Mix a full serving of beautiful northwest Georgia in full fall color with a plentiful amount of Southern Hospitality — and fresh off the grill is Cherokee Pignic! It's a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned cook-off. With over 6,000 members worldwide, KCBS is the world's largest organization of barbecue and grilling enthusiasts. Both professional cooking teams, traveling from all over the US, and local barbeque enthusiasts will be competing.
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2011 Dates: Oct. 15-16 Ahh…the lure of gold. Another major festival in the North Georgia area, the Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega, Ga. celebrate the 1828 gold discovery in the town…the largest in the South. Pan for gold, visit over 300 vendors selling arts, crafts and food or take a tour of the historical courthouse or college. Watch the fashion show, try gold panning and eat some of the best food the South has to offer! The square in Dahlonega is also the location of many interesting arts and outdoors shops. Voted one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Gold Rush is a great festival for visitors of all ages. For more information, call 706-864-7247 or visit www.dahlonegajaycees.com.
Heritage Days at Talking Rock 2011 Dates: Oct. 15 & 16 Come to Talking Rock, Ga. for one of the most interesting heritage festivals. Celebrate the marble-rich history of Pickens County and browse the arts and crafts. Bluegrass and gospel music fill the air each year while visitors wander the streets looking
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at the recreated town and residents. The food and fellowship are not to be missed while learning the history of the area. Admission is free. For more information, visit 706-253-5515.
Mountain Harvest Sale
2011 Dates: Oct. 15 & 16 and 22 & 23 Come to the Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market this October to browse through local arts, crafts, food and fun. Sponsored by the Fannin County Homemaker’s Council, it’s a free event. For more information, visit www. blueridgemountains.com.
The Mountain Moonshine Festival
cars (some authentic moonshine haulers) and meet legendary race car drivers. Admission is free. For more information, call 877-302-9271.
Paws in the Park
2011 Date: Oct. 22 Bring your pet to the downtown Blue Ridge Park this fall! Starting at 10 a.m. there will be a parade. Join the fun featuring a Pet Costume Contest, Blessing of the Pets, pet photographs, exhibitors, arts and crafts, food and music. All donations go the Humane Society of Blue Ridge and other participating pet rescue organizations. For additional information, visit www.
2011 Dates: Oct. 21-23 You can’t get more down-home charm than the 44th Annual Moonshine Festival in Downtown Dawsonville, Ga. Celebrating the South’s history when liquor was illegal during Prohibition and running moonshine through the foothills of the mountains was a way of life. A bike tour and parade will lead the celebration. Listen to the live music, look at the antique
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humanesocietyofblueridge.org
35th Annual Harvest Festival
2011 Dates: Oct. 29 & 30 Come visit 200 vendors this fall in downtown Toccoa, Georgia. Taste homemade goods and browse through crafts while listening to two stages filled with entertainment. There will also be a classic car cruise and children’s activities. For more information visit www.mainstreettoccoa.com.
Halloween
2011 Date: Oct. 31 Treats and fun for all this year in your local downtown of choice. Most of the shops in the downtown areas close the streets to traffic each Halloween and kids of all ages trick or treat from shop to shop. There is usually food and entertainment or costume contests to enter. For more information, call your downtown chamber of choice.
The Fur Ball
2011 Dates: Nov. 5 A night to remember that is full of entertainment and fun, the annual
Fur Ball is an event to benefit the Pickens Animal Rescue. Held at Chattahoochee Tech in Jasper, there will be a silent auction, dancing and seated dinner—all for a good cause. For more information, visit www. pickensanimalrescue.com.
Appalachian Thanksgiving
2011 Date: Nov. 24 Join family and friends at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge in Dawsonville, Ga. for a traditional Thanksgiving buffet. Try your hand at churning butter or look through the crafts. Displays and cultural demonstrations will be presented throughout the day for anyone wanting to know more about the history of the area. Or, if you prefer, take your bike (or a hike) through one of the park’s many trails. Reservations are required. Call for more information at 706-3441505.
BRMAA Holiday Art Show & Sale 2011 Dates: Nov. 19- Jan.13 Shop for regional art and crafts at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Thanksgiving through Christmas. For more information, call (706) 632-2144.
Star Pointe Gallery Open House 2011 Dates: Dec. 9-11, Dec. 16-18 One of the most popular artists in
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the area opens her home each year to visitors and fans alike. Brenda Harris Tustian in Ball Ground, Georgia celebrates each Christmas by offering tours of her studio and a look at her art. From fine art prints to Christmas
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cards, Brenda Tustian conveys the love, magic and joy of the season. In her ever-popular Santa paintings, Brenda offers personalized art, gorgeous fine art prints and heirlooms. Brenda Harris Tustian offers a full line of landscapes, florals, pet portraits, etc. It only takes one look to fall in love with her subjects in much the same way she has. With an uncommon ability to draw the eye, the mind and the soul into each and every painting she’s creating once in a lifetime works on every single canvas. Open daily 10 am-5 pm. For more information, visit www. brendatustian.com.
Light Up Blue Ridge
2011 Date: Nov. 26 The annual “Light Up Blue Ridge” has everything a family needs to start off the holiday season. Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrive on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Visit with Santa and have photos taken in the gazebo in downtown Blue Ridge Park free of charge. While the kids are visiting with Santa, everyone can enjoy various
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entertainers throughout the day. Also in the downtown park there will be Santa’s workshop and a beautiful handmade Santa’s sleigh available for family photos. Live reindeer, a gingerbread house, a children’s trackless train and the lighting of the “Great Tree” are just a few of the activities scheduled. Downtown shops will be open late so bring the whole family for a holiday of fun, perfect to start the season off right. For more information visit www. lightupblueridge.com.
stories and sing carols. For those who have never had the opportunity to visit Blue Ridge, the railway and the depot are in the very heart of town. It is an appropriate location, for the railway is dear to the heart of the residents there. The railway operates most of the year—from April to December— bringing loads of visitors to enjoy the leisurely train ride from Blue Ridge to
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Express
2011 Dates: All December Weekends Come ride the holiday train in Blue Ridge, Georgia and see Santa, Mrs. Santa and the elves. Listen to Christmas 36
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Copperhill, Tennessee and McCaysville, Georgia and back. For most of the year, the train makes a stop in Copperhill and McCaysville. That is, except from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. During the holidays, the Christmas Express (that is the name of the train ride from November 25th until December 25th) skips the layover and adds in the holiday spirit. On board you can visit with Santa, sing carols, sip hot cocoa and spend time with those you love. As they say on the BRSR, “It’s a day your kids will remember the rest of their lives!” If you plan to ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway as part of your holiday plans, you are strongly advised to make reservations in advance. The train is very popular with visitors to Blue Ridge all year, but particularly during the Christmas season. Rides are often sold out during the holidays. You can call them at (706) 632-TRAIN (8724) or toll free at 1-877-413-TRAIN (8724) for more information. Tickets prices run from $18 (for children) to $34 (the highest price for an adult ticket).
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August SUNDAY
MONDAY 1
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 3 4 2
Yard Art Class @ Mtn. Ridge Garden Shop 706-698-2815
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8
10
9
FRIDAY
5
Summer of Love DW 5-9
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15
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13 Woodstock Farmers Market 8:30-11:30 770.924.0406 City Park Concert DW 7:30 770-924-0406
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Farmer's Mkt DW
12
11
3D Exhibit: Off the Wall @ BRMAA thru Sept. 1. For more information, Visit blueridgearts.net
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SATURDAY 6
Fall Pep Rally @ Dawsonville Outdoor movie @War Hill Park Dawsonville Fannin HS Football Game @ home 7:30
Woodstock Farmers Market 8:30-11:30 770.924.0406
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27
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Jasper Cruise-In Main St. Living Art Class @ Mtn. Ridge Garden Shop 706-698-2815
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Gilmer Farmer's Mkt
Gilmer Farmer's Mkt
Gilmer Farmer's Mkt
SUNDAY
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MONDAY
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TUESDAY
4
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FRIDAY 2
SATURDAY 3
Tailgate Party DW 5-9
Mtn. Marketplace Heritage Festival
Brown Bag City Park Concert DW 12pm
Fannin HS Football Game @ home 7:30
Farmer's Mkt DW
Gilmer Farmer's Mkt
Gilmer Farmer's Mkt
Gilmer Farmer's Mkt
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6
Fannin HS Football Game @ home 7:30
BRMAA Artist in Residence Zoe Schumaker's work displayed thru September 23 706.632.2144
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 1
Definition Index: GAHA: Gilmer Arts & Heritage (Ellijay) BRMAA: Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association (Blue Ridge) DC: Downtown Canton; DBR: Downtown Blue Ridge; DE:Downtown Ellijay; DJ: Downtown Jasper; DW: Downtown Woodstock
Pickens Chamber Auto Giveaway 5pm Woodstock Farmers Market 8:30-11:30 770.924.0406
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8
10 Mtn. Music Festival Farmer's Mkt DW
Mtn. Marketplace Heritage Festival
Brown Bag City Park Concert DW 12pm
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Jasper Epic Proportions Comedy taterpatch.org
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Jasper Epic Proportions Comedy taterpatch.org Canton Riverfest
Oktoberfest
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Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay Oktoberfest
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Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay Oktoberfest
Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay
Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay
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Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay Oktoberfest
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Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay Oktoberfest
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Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay Oktoberfest
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Rose Lawn Arts Festival
Flea Mkt.@ Lion's Pavilion DE 8:30-4
Flea Mkt.@ Lion's Pavilion DE 8:30-2
Jasper Epic Proportions Comedy taterpatch.org
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Brown Bag City Park Concert DW 12pm
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Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay
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Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay
Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay Oktoberfest
Autumn Leaf Festival
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Canton Riverfest
Jasper Cruise-In Main St.
Jasper Epic Proportions Comedy taterpatch.org
Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay
Outdoor Adventure Day Unicoi Park Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay
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Oktoberfest
Fannin HS Football Game @ home 7:30
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Arts & Events
Scarecrow Invasion Downtown Ellijay Tea in the Mtns 1-3pm 770-401-9898 Rose Lawn Arts Festival
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Brown Bag City Park Concert DW 12pm
City Park Concert DW 7:30
September Labor Day
Business Index Adult Day Center The Verandah Adult Day Center.............................. 706-253-5099 Antiques & Collectibles Antique Village Mall............................................... 678-493-0847 Golly Miss Ollie...................................................... 706-253-4858 Memories at Misty Hollow....................................... 706-276-1644 Woodstock Market.................................................770-517-7771 Arts & Events Blue Ridge Mtn. Arts Association............................. 770-632-2144 Georgia Apple Festival........................................... 706-635-7400 Marble Festival..................................................706-253-5600 Kowanu Crafts....................................................... 706-692-7481 Attorneys John E. Mahan Atty at Law...................................... 706-635-5955 Automotive Ellijay Tire.............................................................. 706-635-2322 Moore Truck Stuff....................................................706-253-4889 Banking Community & Southern Bank................................... 706-276-8000 United Community Bank.......................................... 706-635-5411 Bookstores Cowan's Book Nook............................................... 706-515-8700 Builders Lakota Cove/Tennessee Log Homes.......................... 770-893-3495 Satterwhite Log Homes............................................800-918-6881 Trinity Custom Homes..............................................888-818-0278 Witt Building Company...........................................706-889-2480 Cabin Rentals My Mountain Cabin Rentals.....................................800-844-4939 Stressbuster Vacation Rentals................................... 706-635-3952 Children's Clothing AlexnSis................................................................ 770-485-8085 Chiropractor Bruce Chiropractic...................................................770-737-5200 Cigars Maxwells Cigar Bar.............................................770-627-2006 Cleaning Services Gloria's Cleaning...................................................678.677.9670 Clothing & Accessories ACE Hardware.......................................................706-635-2236 Daisy Accessories & Boutique..................................706-253-6996 Paula’s Wardrobe................................................706-946-6405 Posh on Main Street.............................................706-258-2237 What a Girl Wants..............................................770-720-2040 Dental Services Jasper Dental Associates..........................................706-692-2611 Jasper Family Dentistry............................................706-692-2646 Mountain Dental Associates..................................... 706-515-3500 North Georgia Dentures...........................................706-429-9991 Education Jasper Christian School.......................................... .770-401-9898 Elevators Blue Moose Elevators............................................. .866-797-5438 Florists Artistic Creations.....................................................706-692-0044 Hardware ACE Hardware.........................................................770-635-2236 Home & Office Decor ASAP Upholstery...................................................770-590-8089 Bent Creek Willow................................................253-891-7347 Cartecay River Trading Company...........................706-635-2782 Chamberhouse.....................................................770-479-9115 Fabric and Fringe.....................................................770-794-8106 Fun Finds and Designs...............................................770-704-0448 House and Garden Boutique..................................678-494-5800 Interiors............................................................... ...706-276-7000 Lakota Cove....................................................... ....770-893-3495 McPherson Cabinets..................................................770-893-1347 Mercantile at Blue Ridge.......................................706-632-6636 Moore Furniture....................................................706-692-2031 North Georgia Furniture........................................706-635-4202 PJ’s Rusted Buffalo................................................706-515-8111 38
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Pineapple Park....................................................678-494-8494 Sycamore Crossing..................................................706.632.3366 Timeless Vanities.......................................................678-986-2379 Unique Kitchens...................................................... 706-253-6600 White Interiors........................................................706-216-1230 Wrapsody in Blue...................................................706-258-2700 Indoor/Outdoor Activities Action Game Exchange...........................................706-253-1150 Blue Ridge Ghost Tours............................................706-455-9866 Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad...................................706-632-8724 Camp Highland......................................................678-393-0300 Ellijay Marketplace..................................................706-847-4531 Jewelry & Repair Daisy Accessories & Boutique...................................706-253-6996 North Georgia Diamond.......................................... 706-515-1551 Kitchen Supplies Unique Kitchens....................................................... 706-253-6600 Knitting Supplies Strings & Stitches..................................................... 706-698-5648 Landscaping Outdoor Lighting and Landscaping...........................706-889-5603 Lodging Chamomile Retreat...................................................404-909-9303 Fernbrook Inn..........................................................404-272-0080 Woodbridge Inn & Lodge.........................................706-253-6293 Marketing Inspired2Design.......................................................770-781-3452 Medical Emerging Healthcare..............................................706-253-2290 First Mountain Medical........................................706-253-3737 New Beginning Therapeutics...................................706-253-6287 Mortgage Companies Wells Fargo Mortgage............................................ 706-253-2920 Mountain Communities Covered Bridge Estates............................................706-669-4177 Office Supplies One Source Business Products................................... 706-276-8273 Outdoor Decor & Supplies Blue Ridge Birdseed Company.................................. 706-258-BIRD Mountain Ridge Garden Center.............................706-698-2815 Pharmacy Jasper Drugs............................................................706-692-6427 Photographer Appalachian Photography........................................ 706-276-6991 Plumbing Heritage Plumbing.................................................. 770-735-3855 Restaurants & Catering 28 Main.................................................................706-698-2828 61 Main.................................................................706-253-7289 Bumblebee's Bakery................................................706-946-2337 Charlie's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria...................... 706-635-2205 Christy Lees........................................................706-946-5100 Harvest on Main..................................................706-946-6164 L & L Beanery..........................................................706-632-3242 Madeline's...............................................................706-253-1052 Poole's Barbeque.....................................................706-635-4100 Shane's Rib Shack.........................................706-635-RIBS (7427) Toccoa Riverside Restaurant.................................... .706-632-7891 Woodbridge Inn & Lodge.........................................706-253-6293 Salons Magic Touch Hair Salon...........................................706-635-5325 Venues A Venue 2 Rememberl............................................ .706-299-0700
Appalachian Country
August/September 2011
August/September 2011
Appalachian Country
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