Appalachian Country Living Magazine February-March 2018

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

Blue Ridge’s Only Golf and River Community

A True Sense of Place in a Setting of Simplicity, Quality & Natural Beauty

GOOD DESIGN: AN RECIPES FOR THE INVESTMENT FOR HAPPY PERFECT ST. PATRICK’S & HEALTHY LIVING DAY PARTY FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

ANNOUNCING THE FIRST GEORGIA MOUNTAIN NEEDLE ARTS FESTIVAL WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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DISCOVER THE NEW NOR T H G E OR G I A MO U N TA I N S a t C o v e r e d B r i d g e E s t a t e s i n E l l i j a y, G A .

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

$2,500 toward your Design Selections if you use our Preferred Builder and purchase before November 5th 2017

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.

“You Marry the Girl– We’ll Furnish the Home!”

Community Features · Professionally planned community · Gated entrance w/cameras

· Homes starting in mid 200's

· Homesites starting in mid 30's

· Several home plans to choose from 1700 - 2500 sq. ft. of living area

· Incredibly low HOA fees · 1 to 3-acre build-able homesites

Contact Kylie Jackson at 706-669-4177 or kylie@estatesatcoveredbridge.com Or Visit www.estatesatcoveredbridge.com • 481 Bridge Road, Ellijay, GA 30540

QUICK NEW MOVE-IN FEATURE HOMES HOMES

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Use Brown Haven Design Center Open Daily “The Esteemed and Preferred Builder for Covered Bridge Estates” or Bring Your Own Builder

· Sales office open daily

LE SPRI N G

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Rustic Cabin Furniture FINANCING 0 Traditional Home Furnishings % A VAILABLE E FRE Contemporary Home Furnishings Maytag, Whirlpool and KitchenAid Appliances Simmons Beautyrest Mattresses • Electronics • Wall Art & Accessories DELIVERY AVAILABLE

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PURCHASE OF $899 OR MORE Limit 1 per household, per order, per 30 day period.

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

3310 Blue Ridge Drive Blue Ridge, GA 30513

706-492-3071 AbernathysFurniture.com

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

WELCOME TO AC LIVING MAGAZINE

See y’all this spring!

My little guy, Billy Zoom, of dubious terrier lineage, preferred staying under the blankets on the couch to the snow.

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Blue Ridge Coin Shop and Collectibles

PUBLISHER | EDITOR IN CHIEF Alice Sexton

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Yep. It’s been a real winter here in the Southern Appalachians this year, plenty of gorgeous snow and temps in the teens– and even down to single digits with wind chill. Plumbers have been super busy replacing burst pipes and upgrading insulation around well pumps. The rest of us stayed stuck in our cabins for more than a few days waiting for the ice and snow to melt so we could get out on our long dirt mountain roads.

I finally had new windows installed this fall (spendy!) in my Lindal Cedar cabin that was built in 1974. Wow, what a difference Maxine, my wire-haired Jagdterrier, new technology makes! It was embraced the snow and low temps. I’ve pretty darn nice not to have to almost never seen her so happy, except scrape ice off of the insides of when begging for a beef bone! my windows. My little soapstone wood stove kept the inside temps above 60 degrees for the most part, a few good books and some red wine, we were all fine.

But yes, we’re all anxious for spring to arrive. In February the rental cabins will be full for Valentine’s Day, President’s Day weekend brings us the Fire & Ice Chili Cook Off, and by St. Patrick’s Day, with all of our home-town parades we should be well onto warmer weather.

Old Toccoa Farm– Blue Ridge’s only Golf and River Community– is the place to be this spring. Visiting golfers from around the country, along with local golfers who live full time here in north Georgia, have applauded the quality of the golf experience at Old Toccoa Farm. If you’re looking to build in the area, Old Toccoa Farm offers a true sense of place in a setting of simplicity, quality & natural beauty.

New this spring will be the First Annual Georgia Mountain Needle Craft Festival.

Strings & Stitches Yarn Shoppe and The North Georgia Knitting Guild will be hosting this event in in Ellijay at the Gilmer County Civic Center, April 27 -29, 2018.

An absolute treat for knit, crochet, weaving, rug hooking enthusiasts and more, attendees will gain access to a variety of vendors and educational resources, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

And- there’s a new shop in Jasper– Suzie Q’s Boutique. Suzie Perry opened her boutique to bring comfort, fashion and beauty to those conquering cancer with her unique products. Suzie welcomes all who are battling cancer– or know someone who is– to stop by, shop and share their stories.

Our next issue, Everything Spring for April/May 2018, will feature all of the local festivals, fairs and must attend events coming up this spring and summer. Be sure to pick up a copy!

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

THE LITTLE STORE THAT PAYS YOU MORE!

HISTORY EDITOR Leslie Barker Thomas | PresHist@etcmail.com

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

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EDITOR Greg Dunn | trainingdunnright@gmail.com

New Southern Cuisine Full Bar | Patio Dining | Live Music

STYLE & DESIGN EDITOR Cindy Trimble | cindy@studiotrimble.com ADVERTISING SALES NORTH Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Young Harris & Hiawassee, GA Murphy, Andrews, Brasstown & Hayesville, NC Angela Huffstetler 706. 851. 8190 | adswithangela@gmail.com

1901 Appalachian Hwy Blue Ridge, GA In the Dogwood Plaza

ADVERTISING SALES SOUTH Ellijay, Talking Rock, Jasper, Ball Ground, Canton & Woodstock, GA Tonia Sheppard 404. 784. 0620 | adswithtonia@gmail.com ALL INQUIRIES Appalachian Country Living 706. 492. 5070 | alice@blueridgemediagroup.com

Tues-Fri 4-10 | Sat 11:30-10 | Sun 12:30-5

706. 632. 3127

588 East Main Street | Blue Ridge, Georgia

www.BlueRidgeCoinShop.com

treoblueridge.com

706. 946. 5200

LAYOUT/DESIGN Alice Sexton Blue Ridge Media Group 706. 492. 5070 | alice@blueridgemediagroup.com DISTRIBUTION Arthur Pope Publication Marketing & Distribution, Inc. 770. 807. 3043 | publicationsinc@att.net CONTRIBUTORS Stuart Borders, Chris Heffernen, Peter Knutzen, Daniel Loudermilk, Rachel C. Miller, Janice & Karen Moss, Jerry Muclow, Suzie Perry, Maxine & Billy Zoom

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE PO Box 1250, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706. 492. 5070 hello@blueridgemediagroup.com www.aclivingmagazine.com

Featuring Unique Specialty Food & Beverage Products and Gifts

“Cardinal in the Snow” by Cornbread PLEASE RECYCLE

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

OPEN DAILY 11AM SUNDAY 12PM

706. 258. 4907

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

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Craft Beer and Cocktail Headquarters

733 EAST MAIN STREET, BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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CONTENTS

AC LIVING RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

CABIN COFFEE DOWNTOWN BLAIRSVILLE

Blue Ridge’s Only Golf and River Community

Spotlight, 7 Restaurant Cabin Coffee Co.

Fresh Roasted Coffee Everyday

A True Sense of Place in a Setting of Simplicity, Quality & Natural Beauty

Breakfast & Lunch Served All Day!

As you pull into the beautifully landscaped

Just Be Happy and Have Fun at Cabin Coffee Co. in Blairsville, GA.

entrance at Old Toccoa Farm and slowly make your way to the understated cedar shake and stone gate house, you know immediately

Open Seven Days a Week 8am - 2pm

that this is not the typical north Georgia

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mountain community. You are greeted by a smiling attendant and soon you are on your

Good Design is Good for You Gate House at entrance 9th Hole/Par 5

Buzz in Daily for our...

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way to a round of golf, a property tour or to your rental cottage for the weekend. As

Interior Design Guru Cindy Trimble Tells Us Why

you pull through the gates and drive along some of the golf holes down by the Toccoa

706.946.2337

at a very special place – a community rooted in simplicity, quality and beauty….and

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outstanding golf!

A True Sense of Place in a Setting of Simplicity, Quality & Natural Beauty WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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

5850 Appalachian Hwy / Rt.515 Blue Ridge, GA 30513

44A Town Square Blairsville, GA 30512

www. bumblebeescafeblueridge.com

CabinCoffeeCompany.com Like us on FB / CabinCoffeeBlairsville

Diagonally Across from Ingles

WORDS : OLD TOCCOA FARM PHOTOS: JERRY MUCKLOW PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS HEFFERNEN & FSTOP A PHOTOSHOP DANIEL LOUDERMILK & SQUAREFRAME MEDIA

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Lunch

Specials

River, you quickly realize you have arrived

Old Toccoa Farm

I-FI FREE W

706. 745. 0073

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18 I’m Looking Over a 4-Leaf Clover Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with These Traditional Irish Recipes

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1st Annual GA Mountain Needle Arts Festival & Retreat Lovely Ellijay, GA Provides the Perfect Backdrop for This Weekend Festival

24 Suzie Q’s Boutique

AC LIVING RECIPES

COL. POOLE’S

I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover...

Georgia Bar-B-Q

Test Your Luck of the Irish with These Party Favorites

Located in Jasper, GA, Suzie Perry Offers Products and Comfort for Those Suffering From Cancer

Chocolate Stout Cake This incredibly moist and rich cake gets its dark color and interesting finish from the stout.

Cake Ingredients 2 cups stout or dark beer, such as Guinness 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups Double-Dutch Dark Cocoa or Dutch-process cocoa 4 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 4 cups sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 4 large eggs 3/4 cup sour cream Frosting Ingredients 1 pound bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 2 cups heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

IVING WWW.ACL

ON THE COVER

MAGAZIN E.COM | FEBR UARY/MAR CH 2018

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A True Sens plicity, Quality Sim Setting of ural Beauty & Nat

R THE RECIPES FO . PATRICK’S N: AN RFECT ST GOOD DESIGT FOR HAPPY PE PARTY DAY INVESTMEN LIVING & HEALTHY

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Old Toccoa Farm – a distinctive golf and river community rooted in simplicity, quality and natural beauty. Trout rise through tumbling mountain waters and ancient peaks cast their shadows over winding fairways. Here, a relaxed and casual atmosphere prevails, and life revolves around the outdoor experience with family and friends.

Photo by Jerry Mucklow 770. 713. 6917 www.jerrymucklow.com

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2018

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

Cake Preparation 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8” or two 9” cake pans, and line them with parchment paper circles. Be sure your 9” pans are at least 2” deep.

3. Place the stout and butter in a large, heavy saucepan, and heat until the butter melts.

4. Remove the pan from the heat, and add the cocoa powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

5. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; set aside.

6. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sour cream.

7. Add the stout-cocoa mixture, mixing to combine.

8. Add the flour mixture and mix together at slow speed. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, and mix again for 1 minute.

9. Divide the batter equally among the prepared pans.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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

10. Bake the layers for 35 minutes for 8” pans, or 45 to 50 minutes for 9” pans, until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

11. Remove the cakes from the oven and cool on a rack for 10 minutes before turning the cakes out of their pans and returning to the rack to finish cooling completely before frosting.

Oscar and Edna Poole Darvin Poole

Frosting Preparation 1. Place the chopped chocolate in a large heatproof bowl.

2. Bring the cream to a simmer in a heavy, medium-sized saucepan.

3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until the mixture is completely smooth.

4. Stir in the vanilla.

4. Refrigerate until the icing is spreadable, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours.

www.poolesbarbq.com

To Assemble 1. Trim one cake layer to have a flat top, if necessary (otherwise the layer will crack when you place it upside down on your cake plate).

2. Line the edges of a serving plate with parchment or waxed paper to keep it clean, and then place the layer upside down on top.

3. Spread 2/3 cup of the icing over just the top of the layer.

4. Top with another cake layer, top side down, and repeat the process. If you baked three layers, add that one also.

5. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Remove the parchment or waxed paper. Sprinkle with shamrock sugar decorations, if you have them.

Note: For a somewhat less imposing (smaller) cake, downsize the ingredients as follows: 1 1/2 cups each beer and butter; 1 cup cocoa; 3 cups each flour and sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 2/3 cup sour cream. Bake in two 9” round pans, at WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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Downtown Jasper’s

Farm to Table Dining Destination

OUR HOURS Monday Lunch: 11am – 3pm Supper: 5am – 8pm Tuesday – Friday 11am– 3pm Saturday Brunch 9am– 3pm

For Reservations Please Call

22 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

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

706.253.7289 www.61main.com

49 South Main Street | Jasper, GA 30143 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

STEAK & SUSHI R E S TA U R A N T

Happy Hour M-F 4:30-7 $4 Sushi Rolls • $1.50 Draft Beer $3 Glasses of Wine • $3-$7 Appetizers

706. 698. 2222

Monday-Thursday 11:30-2:30 & 4:30-9:30 Friday 11:30-10:30 Saturday 12:00-10:30 Sunday 11:30-9:30

130 Old Orchard Square, Ellijay, GA Next to the Ingles Supermarket APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Cabin Coffee Co., Blairsville, GA

Welcome to Cabin Coffee where “creating and sustaining a warm and inviting environment while providing the highest quality products and service” is their mission. Serving fresh roasted gourmet coffee everyday, you can enjoy your favorite morning cup or grab a latte for the road.

Wayne and Judy Jolley fell in love with the mountains of North Georgia several years ago, and began making frequent trips to the area. They moved from Ohio to the Atlanta area in 2009, and by 2012 they had bought a weekend cabin in Blairsville. Wayne has an entrepreneurial spirit and dreamt of owning his own business for many years. Judy grew up working in restaurants and has long had the idea that she would love to serve the community in a local coffee shop atmosphere. With those ideas floating around, Judy & Wayne went to visit Judy’s mom in Clear Lake, Iowa. A visit to Clear Lake always includes a stop at Cabin Coffee, and this time around Judy said, “Maybe we should sit down and talk to the owners…” From that first meeting, Wayne & Judy caught the Cabin Coffee fever, and “the rest is history.” Cabin Coffee has quickly become a favorite local place to gather or to just make a quick stop for an excellent cup of coffee on the way to work.

Located on the Square in Historic Downtown Blairsville, Cabin Coffee is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00am to 4:30pm.

(During winter, Saturday hours are 8:00 to 4:00). In addition to gourmet coffee that is roasted on site at the restaurant, they offer delicious breakfast, lunch and anytime snack options. Have a big group?

Give them a call to reserve the meeting room. And.... Just Be Happy and Have Fun at Cabin Coffee! ACLM Fresh Roasted Coffee Everyday in a Warm Inviting Environment.

Breakfast - Breakfast Sandwiches, Pastries, Cinnamon Rolls, Bagels and of course, Fresh Roasted Coffee Lunch - Soup, Salad, Sandwiches Drinks - Coffee, Mocha, Latte, Cappuccino, Frappe, Fruit Smoothies Visit Cabin Coffee Co. 44A Town Square Blairsville, GA 30512 706-745-0073 • Free Wi-Fi • Cabincoffeecompany.com Open Monday - Saturday 7:00 am to 4:30 pm Winter: Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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AC LIVING LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

Poison Ivy or Poison Oak?

YOUR FUTURE IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER Make home buying easier when you start with your United Community Mortgage Services lender. Look for your dream home with confidence when you see us first.

TALK WITH YOUR UNITED MORTGAGE TEAM TODAY. ELLIJAY | 558 Industrial Boulevard | 706-635-5411 Scott Morris | MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR NMLS# 501424 D 706-697-7304 | scott_morris@ucbi.com W. Scott Sharp | MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR NMLS# 757690 D 706-697-7340 | scott_sharp@ucbi.com

Landscape & Garden Editor Kevin Johnson Helps Us Differentiate Between These Two Toxic Plants It’s the Season for Locals!

Just because vacation season is over, doesn’t mean that we’re closed! Now is the perfect time to shop; less crowds means enjoyable shopping. And you’ll be the first to access all of our new arrivals!

JASPER | 118 Whitfield Drive | 706-253-9393

O

Renee Burgess | MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR NMLS# 501421 D 706-299-5711 | renee_burgess@ucbi.com

© 2017 United Community Bank | Member FDIC. United Community Bank NMLS# 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. | ucbi.com/together

LAKE CHATUGE GET OUTDOORS! EXPO

Store Hours: Monday- Saturday 10am - 6pm 35 South Main St. Jasper, GA 30143 706. 253. 6996

www.daisyboutique.com

The Largest Yarn Shop in north Georgia!

APRIL 7 & 8, 2018 10AM TO 5PM Fishing & Boats Hunting Hiking Boating Camping & RVs How To Demos Food & More

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

Books • Patterns • Needles Notions • Purse Handles

Knit & Crochet Classes for Beginners to Advanced

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

706. 896. 4966

Towns County Recreation & Conference Center 150 Foster Park Road • Young Harris, GA 30582 Admission: Adults & Over 14 – $5

www.golakechatuge.com

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

www.stringsandstitches.com stringsandstitches@ellijay.com 449 Industrial Blvd. Suite 165 Spring Plaza • Ellijay, GA 30540 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

Over the years I’ve heard many people refer to poison ivy and poison oak as the same plant. Can these two plants be described interchangeably? Are these toxic plants one in the same? The answer is– while they both can cause an irritating rash– they are different. They are different in terms of the region they grow in and in their appearance. What they do have in common is that they are both members of the cashew family and produce an oil called urushiol (you-Roo-shee-all). Being able to identify these plants helps us to better avoid them.

Eastern Poison Ivy, Toxicodendron radicans: There are a couple varieties of poison ivy however Eastern poison ivy is most prevalent from the Mississippi to the East Coast. This is the big bad guy that we see in our area. Most of us have seen it climbing up a tree. However different varieties can grow on the ground, climb, and sometimes appear as a shrub. This is the plant that causes most of the misery since it grows on nearly every roadside, path, pond, stream, and beach from the Midwest through to the East Coast.

The leaves are shinny green and can change colors in the fall. They may appear orange or red with hints of yellow later in the year. All varieties have three glossy leaflets each with serrated or jagged edges that come to a point.

Poison Ivy in Spring

Poison Ivy in Summer

Poison Ivy in Fall

Poison Ivy in Winter the plant as it burns allows the oil fumes to travel from the lungs to the blood stream. Side effects may include extremely reddened eyelids, vomiting, chills/fever and an itchy blister-like rash. It’s also important to note that even if you have burned poison ivy before and had no health problems, your neighbors could be affected by inhaling the burning plant’s oils.

“Leaves of Three Let Them Be.” ACLM

Poison Oak

Poison Oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum: This plant typically grows out west, but can sometimes be found growing in southern states.

However, I have a friend who teaches botany at Young Harris College and in all of his years of field-work he and his students have never identified poison oak growing in north Georgia.

That said– poison oak leaflets look like oak leaves and usually grow with three leaflets per leaf group but sometimes can have up to seven.

This plant typically grows as a shrub but can also grow as a vine. The leaves are generally green in the summer but turn red and orange in the fall.

Obviously, poison ivy and poison oak should be avoided. If you come in contact with either, you should shower as soon as possible. This will greatly reduce the risk of developing an irritating rash. If you do develop a rash, there are some good home remedies that can be found online to help you while things run their course. Some of these include lemon juice, baking soda paste, vinegar and a potato or cucumber mash, to name a few.

Never burn these plants as serious respiratory problems may develop. Systemic poison ivy is an extreme allergic reaction to the oils from the poison ivy plant. Breathing in the oils of

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

For more information visit www.poison-ivy.org Kevin Johnson is the owner of Green Leaf Lawn and Ornamental, LLC, based in Blue Ridge and is available for all of your lawncare needs. For more information about lawn care, the 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.

Spring is a great time to treat your hemlocks to prevent or cure a Woolly Adelgid infestation.

Call Kevin at 866. 883. 2420 today!

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AC LIVING STYLE & DESIGN

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

APRIL MAY 2018 ISSUE

SPRING & SUMMER FESTIVALS PREVIEW

ADVERTISING DEADLINE

MARCH 1ST

Quality Resale & Consignment

706.253.1418 Monday thru Friday 10-5 & Saturday 10-4 14 Mark WhitField Street JaSper, Ga 30143 Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

I

REACH 30,000 READERS CMYK / .ai

WWW.reviveuSaGainJaSper.coM acceptinG Gently uSed Furniture, acceSSorieS & hoMe decor

CALL TODAY! 706. 492. 5070 alice@blueridgemediagroup.com

VACATION RENTALS

GET READY FOR SPRING WITH

North Georgia Furniture & Home Decor

BLUE RIDGE & ELLIJAY WHITEWATER RIVER & TROUT STREAM LAKE & MOUNTAIN VIEWS HOT TUBS ACCEPTING NEW CABINS

It is our goal to deliver comfort, style and quality furniture, bedding and accessories at very competitive prices.

We pride ourselves in delivering American made products whenever possible!

CONTACT JOY 706. 635. 3952 / 404. 791. 4388 stressbuster@ellijay.com www.stressbustercabinrentals.com

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

2142 Tails Creek Road, Ellijay GA 30540

My Paw Paw Will Save You Money!

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Located 2 miles from Dairy Queen on Highway 282 in Ellijay

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

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Retail Clothing • Soft Cotton Turbans Eye Pillows • Soaps & Bath Bombs Jewelry & Candles • Driftwood Art & Crafts

706.253.8552 Mon – Sat 10 to 5pm • Wed 10 to 1pm 259 N. Main Street Suite D • Jasper, GA 30143 www.facebook.com/SuzieQs-Boutique FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

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

These features include lighting, acoustics, design of private and public spaces and the comfort and ergonomic design of furnishings. In residential spaces, good design relates to specific design features incorporated in homes that support the analysis of the people living in the spaces.

These design features may relate to requirements from the homeowner’s age, abilities, hobbies and overall lifestyle.

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

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

A happy home is a “well-designed” home that supports all aspects of the homeowner’s life.

What defines “good” design in your home?

Good design is not measured by aesthetics.

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

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

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

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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

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

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

The CDC has researched injuries in the home and most occur in bathrooms. Make sure your bathroom is designed with safety as a primary focus so accidents are minimized. Working with a certified designer who is trained to help you analyze your lifestyle and your needs then custom design your home is an investment well worth the time and effort to make sure your home supports a happy and healthy experience and environment for you. Good design is worth the investment. ACLM Cindy Trimble, ASID is owner of StudioTrimble, Inc. based in Blue Ridge. She is NCIDQ certified and a Georgia Registered Interior Designer. www.studiotrimble.com www.thenewrustic.com

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Blue Ridge’s Only Golf and River Community A True Sense of Place in a Setting of Simplicity, Quality & Natural Beauty

As you pull into the beautifully landscaped entrance at Old Toccoa Farm and slowly make your way to the understated cedar shake and stone gate house, you know immediately that this is not the typical north Georgia mountain community. You are greeted by a smiling attendant and soon you are on your Gate House at entrance 9th Hole/Par 5

way to a round of golf, a property tour or to your rental cottage for the weekend. As you pull through the gates and drive along some of the golf holes down by the Toccoa River, you quickly realize you have arrived at a very special place – a community rooted in simplicity, quality and beauty….and outstanding golf!

WORDS : OLD TOCCOA FARM PHOTOS: JERRY MUCKLOW PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS HEFFERNEN & FSTOP A PHOTOSHOP DANIEL LOUDERMILK & SQUAREFRAME MEDIA 12

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Left & Right: Ambleside Cottage Overnight rental through: escapetoblueridge.com Builder: Soave Custom Homes

Old Toccoa Farm, A True Sense of Place

It has been a cold winter in the north Georgia mountains, but as the calendar moves into February and March of 2018, things are really heating up at Old Toccoa Farm. With six homes currently under construction and seven new construction starts this year, 2018 looks to become another exciting year for Blue Ridge’s only golf and river community.

The developer at Old Toccoa Farm, with strong support from the local Blue Ridge community, has delivered an exceptional golf experience that everyone in the area can be proud of. Visiting golfers from around the country, along with local golfers who live full time here in north Georgia, have applauded the quality of the golf experience at Old Toccoa Farm.

When you couple this with the steady real estate and membership sales over the past two years, the future of this community is looking bright. Located less than five miles from the charming downtown of Blue Ridge, Old Toccoa Farm is steadily adding long-term value to this popular tourism destination.

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Old Toccoa Farm is comprised of 405+ acres of gently sloped forested ridgelines, and over 4,360 feet of Toccoa River frontage, one of the best trout fisheries in the Southeastern United States. This growing community offers property owners the security of a guard-gated entry, along with Blue Ridge city water, private sewer, underground power, cable television and high speed internet. Custom Home, Cottage and Cabin Sites offer golf, mountain, river and wooded views, each with a specific building envelope, ensures every home is sited properly throughout the residential areas of the community. Home building guidelines, in the hands of Preferred Builders, provide for a higher level of predictability with home construction. Old Toccoa Farm has also published forward-thinking architectural design guidelines that call for lower maintenance building materials, smallerfootprints and carports along with garages. This approach ensures the community will reflect an authentic mountain look and feel while also providing smaller square foot home plans that offer gathering spaces and storage for each homeowners needs. For those seeking a closer connection with nature and a simpler way of life with friends and family, you will find it right here at Old Toccoa Farm.

Embrace the Active Lifestyle

Fly Fishing– The ancient Cherokee fish weir at the southern end of the property stands testimony to the Toccoa’s sustenance. Old Toccoa Farm’s sustainably managed trout fishery includes a 100-foot-wide stretch of riffles, rapids and shady pools treasured for its abundance of native brown and rainbow trout. Lessons, classes and guided fishing can be arranged, or enjoy the therapy of being alone on the water.

Paddling– Kayak or Canoe. Slip out in the morning mist for a gentle paddle to a downstream takeout, passing under trestles, bridges and stands of hardwood. Or put in below the dam and ride an afternoon release back to the property by kayak, canoe or paddleboard. With a variety of routes and releases, the experience is unique every time one takes to the water.

Trails– Two and a half miles of trails have been programmed at Old Toccoa Farm, including the Riverside Trail, the invigorating trail through the Valley of Ferns, and the Overlook Trail to Panter’s Perch. Bald eagles,

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heron and hawks are your guide along the riverside trail — a grassy, zerograde path that hugs the banks of the Toccoa. The Valley of Ferns starts at the Riverside Trail and heads “up-property” alongside a babbling brook.

The Overlook Trail starts at the trailhead and ends at Panter’s Perch where two fire pits await overlooking the golf course below. Or, venture into the heart of the community on mulched trails that pass over streams and through hardwood forests shared with deer, turkey and other abundant wildlife. Those who wish to ramble further afield can join curated adventures along the legendary Appalachian or Benton MacKaye Trail.

Base Camp

Old Toccoa Farm is your base camp for exceptional outdoor adventure — whether you’re shooting world-class rapids on the Ocoee River or hiking past thundering waterfalls along the Trout Adventure Trail, Appalachian Trail or Benton Mackaye Trail. You can also saddle up at one of several local stables for a ridge-top trail ride, or hit the Aska Adventure Area for miles of challenging single-track mountain biking. And there’s more, nearby Noontootla Creek Farms offers Winged Shooting and Sporting Clays – or learn world-class crafts at the renowned John C. Campbell Folk School. Wherever you venture, you’ll find knowledgeable outfitters, experienced guides and friendly locals happy to help with gear selection and route planning.

Enjoy Exceptional Golf

The developer is working to complete the remaining 9-holes of the golf course in 2018. The current 9-holes are nothing short of extraordinary. Lush zoysia fairways and bentgrass greens create an incredible surface for play as the course winds along the Toccoa River and into the landscape’s secluded hills and draws. Native grasses and wicked bunkers complete the experience of this unique Bunker Hill-designed course. Golfers at Old Toccoa Farm enjoy the game in its purest state — and an experience unlike any other in North FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

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Georgia, and if you read the reviews on Facebook, some consider it one of the best golf experiences in the Southeast.

Unique to the Old Toccoa Farm golf experience will be the one-of-akind 9-hole family par-3 course, also planned to be completed in 2018.

If you are just learning the game of golf and feel intimidated to head out on the golf course, you will enjoy the par-3 course. If your grandkids are up visiting and you want to introduce them to the game without the stress associated with being on the golf course, the par-3 course will be the perfect place for kids to learn the game. And of course, the par-3 course will be the ideal place for Members to hone their short game skills. The flexible design of this short game area sets the stage for special times with family and friends.

Multi-Generational Memberships

As word spread that the first 9-holes of golf were ready for play, and folks started to hear stories about fly fishing and kayaking at Old Toccoa Farm, the phone started to ring. “How do I get to play golf at Old Toccoa Farm?

Will Memberships be offered to those who don’t own property in Old Toccoa Farm?

And the answer to these questions is simple, yes. When you purchase property in Old Toccoa Farm, you automatically become a Member, but you can also apply for Non-Resident Membership if you don’t own property in Old Toccoa Farm. Corporate Memberships are also available.

Member activities and programs are for all ages. Golfing, yoga, mountain biking, fly fishing, hiking, cycling, walking, social activities and culturally-rich programs – this is what the Old Toccoa Farm lifestyle is about. Membership is designed to bring family and friends together around

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AUTOMATIC HOME STANDBY GENERATORS TRANSFER SWITCHES SURGE PROTECTORS

Rustic American Bar & Grill Regional & Seasonal Fare

Have Power When You Need it and Want it 24/7 for Your Home or Business. And if You Think Whole House Generators are Not Affordable...

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

OPENING AT: MONDAY–FRIDAY 4pm | SATURDAY 11:30am SUNDAY 12:30pm

706. 258. 2539

733 EAST MAIN STREET, BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513

Power Solutions Unlimited

706. 253. 7737

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

www.psu24-7.com

OUTDOOR FURNITURE SALE Lowest Prices of the Year!

• Quality • American Made • Stylish With Sunbrella And Outdura Fabrics

MONTH OF FEBRUARY ONLY n WROUGHT IRON FURNITURE (discontinued): Below Cost n FLOOR SAMPLES (last year’s): At Cost n CUSTOM ORDERS: 10% Above Cost All custom orders will be placed on March 3rd.

SPECIAL HOURS FOR PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND FEB 17-19, SAT 10-4, SUN 12-4, MON 10-4

COZY UP ON YOUR PORCH ENCLOSURE with Eze-Breeze®, turn unused space into a place your family can enjoy!

FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATIONS

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447 Harmony School Rd., Jasper, GA • Showroom Hrs: Wed-Fri10-4 or by appt Business: 706-301-5698 • Website: www.myenclosedporch.com

Ask about our screen rooms, pergolas, aluminum and cable railings, waterproof flooring, rugs and lighting.

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Ambleside Cottage Guest room, home sleeps 16 Overnight rental through: escapetoblueridge.com Builder: Soave Custom Homes activities and experiences both on and off the Farm. As the remaining 9-holes are completed and additional amenities are constructed and programmed, membership will continue to grow. With over 200 current members, you might want to become a member now as the Initiation Fee and dues will certainly increase as the membership grows.

Cottages, Cabins & Architecture

The Old Toccoa Farm building program celebrates thoughtful design of smaller homes and outbuildings that blend with their natural settings.

Materials such as cedar shake, Poplar bark siding,rough-hewn wood and stone are woven into a collection of pre-designed smaller footprint cottages and cabins that range in size from 1,500 SF to 3,100 SF. These attractive designs minimize long-term maintenance, while providing open floor plans for gathering with friends and family. This common sense approach to home building, provides all you need for living an authentic mountain lifestyle.

Whether you’re interested in primary, dual-primary, secondary or investment home ownership, there are plenty of options available at Old Toccoa Farm. Cottage, Cabin and Custom Home sites are affordably priced from $70,000 and construction costs are coming in at $150 to $200 a square foot.

Adventure Gear– The Blue Ridge Fly Shop, Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods and, Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters.

Arts– Gartrell Gallery, Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, Blue Ridge Community Theater, High Country Art, Pezrock, and many other galleries, specialty, and antique establishments.

Also not to be missed– The Ocoee Whitewater Center, Noontootla Creek Farms and Lake Blue Ridge Marina…which has a new lakefront bar & grill that is a favorite during the lake season! ACLM

Old Toccoa Farm & Downtown Blue Ridge The charming and historic downtown of Blue Ridge is really coming of age. In fact, the town’s irresistible energy has earned it the distinction as “Georgia’s Top Renaissance City.” Bar and grill style food, fine dining and local breweries set the stage for a laid back mountain vibe that is highly contagious. The town is full of day-trippers and families up for long weekends, and that’s what gives Blue Ridge such a unique pulse. You just have to visit to experience it for yourself. It’s a great town and there are many new businesses and ventures underway for 2018.

Here are some of the more popular restaurants and shops in downtown Blue Ridge.

Restaurants & Breweries– Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar and Grill, the Blue Ridge Brewery, Cucina Rustica, Blue Jeans Pizza, Black Sheep, Harvest on Main, The Sweet Shoppe of the South, Boro Inn, and Grumpy Old Men Brewery.

Clothing & Accessories – Canoe, Blue Ridge Cotton Company, Gather, Presents of Mine, Ballard’s Shoes, and River Gypsy.

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For more information on Old Toccoa Farm please contact us: >Sales: 706.946.4663 >Golf: 706.946.4653 >Email: info@oldtf.com Old Toccoa Farm 596 Curtis Switch Road Mineral Bluff, GA 30559 706.946.4653 (Tee-Time/Pro Shop)

Blue Ridge Fly Fishing

Web: oldtoccoafarm.com Follow us on Facebook!

Jerry Mucklow Photography 770. 713. 6917 | jerrymucklow.com Chris Heffernen 706. 632. 6200 | fstopaphotoshop.com Daniel Loudermilk 706. 851. 8683 | squareframemedia.com

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AC LIVING RECIPES

I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover...

Test Your Luck of the Irish with These Party Favorites

Chocolate Stout Cake This incredibly moist and rich cake gets its dark color and interesting finish from the stout.

Cake Ingredients 2 cups stout or dark beer, such as Guinness 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups Double-Dutch Dark Cocoa or Dutch-process cocoa 4 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 4 cups sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 4 large eggs 3/4 cup sour cream Frosting Ingredients 1 pound bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 2 cups heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Cake Preparation 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8” or two 9” cake pans, and line them with parchment paper circles. Be sure your 9” pans are at least 2” deep.

3. Place the stout and butter in a large, heavy saucepan, and heat until the butter melts.

4. Remove the pan from the heat, and add the cocoa powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

5. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; set aside.

6. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sour cream.

7. Add the stout-cocoa mixture, mixing to combine.

8. Add the flour mixture and mix together at slow speed. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, and mix again for 1 minute.

9. Divide the batter equally among the prepared pans.

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10. Bake the layers for 35 minutes for 8” pans, or 45 to 50 minutes for 9” pans, until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

11. Remove the cakes from the oven and cool on a rack for 10 minutes before turning the cakes out of their pans and returning to the rack to finish cooling completely before frosting.

Frosting Preparation 1. Place the chopped chocolate in a large heatproof bowl.

2. Bring the cream to a simmer in a heavy, medium-sized saucepan.

3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until the mixture is completely smooth.

4. Stir in the vanilla.

4. Refrigerate until the icing is spreadable, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours.

To Assemble 1. Trim one cake layer to have a flat top, if necessary (otherwise the layer will crack when you place it upside down on your cake plate).

2. Line the edges of a serving plate with parchment or waxed paper to keep it clean, and then place the layer upside down on top.

3. Spread 2/3 cup of the icing over just the top of the layer.

4. Top with another cake layer, top side down, and repeat the process. If you baked three layers, add that one also.

5. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Remove the parchment or waxed paper. Sprinkle with shamrock sugar decorations, if you have them.

Note: For a somewhat less imposing (smaller) cake, downsize the ingredients as follows: 1 1/2 cups each beer and butter; 1 cup cocoa; 3 cups each flour and sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 2/3 cup sour cream. Bake in two 9” round pans, at WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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350°F, for 35 minutes. Frost with Super-Simple Chocolate Frosting, with the optional espresso powder added. This downsized version also makes 30 standard-size cupcakes; bake them for 18 to 22 minutes, then remove from the oven, cool, and frost.

Recipe courtesy of King Arthur Flour

Colcannon With Leeks Bacon and Kale Ingredients 2-1/2 pounds potatoes 3 to 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 2 leeks, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces Small bunch of kale, chopped 4 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup half-and-half 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon white pepper Preparation 1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes.

Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt.

Bring to a boil and cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 10 to 12 minutes.

2. While the potatoes cook, fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is lightly brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels and 20

discard all but 1 tablespoon of the fat.

3. Add the butter and sliced leeks and continue cooking until the leeks are soft and tender, 3 minutes. Add kale and cook for a minute. Stir in the half-and-half and cook 1 minute more.

4. Drain the potatoes and mash with a potatomasher. Add the leek & kale mixture, reserved bacon, salt and white pepper and combine well.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary and, if the potatoes don’t seem creamy enough, add a bit more half-and-half.

5. Transfer to a serving dish. Serves 8 Recipe courtesy of homemadeitaliancooking.com

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Tender, fall-apart chunks of beef thanks to braising in beer and vegetables for an unbelievably easy one-pot dinner.

Ingredients 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces 1 yellow onion, peeled and quartered ½ pound small potatoes, halved 1 corned beef brisket (about 3 pounds), plus pickling spice packet or 1 tablespoon pickling spice 2 8-ounce beers, I prefer ale or lagers 6 sprigs fresh thyme ½ head Savoy cabbage, cut into 1½-inch wedges

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½ cup sour cream 3-4 tablespoons prepared horseradish to taste Preparation 1. In a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker, place the carrots, onion and potatoes. Place corned beef, fat side up, on top of the vegetables and sprinkle with pickling spice. Pour the beers over the vegetables and brisket. Sprinkle with sprigs of fresh thyme. Cover and cook on high until corned beef is tender, 5-6 hours or 10-12 hours on low.

2. Arrange cabbage over corned beef, cover, and continue cooking until cabbage is tender, 45 min to 1 hour (or 1½ to 2 hours on low).

3. Meanwhile, mix the sour cream and horseradish together. Thinly slice the corned beef against the grain and serve with the vegetables and cooking liquid with the horseradish sauce.

Serves: serves 6 Recipe Courtesy of foodiecrush.com

Spotted Dog Soda Bread Ingredients 3 2⁄3 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting 1 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) 1 tsp salt 1 Tbsp superfine (caster) or granulated sugar 2⁄3 cup golden raisins (sultanas), raisins, or dried currants (or a mixture) 1 egg 1 2⁄3 cup buttermilk or soured milk FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

Preparation 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour.

2. Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and dried fruit.

3. In a separate bowl, beat together the egg and buttermilk. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour most of the buttermilk mixture (leaving about ¼ cup in the bowl).

4. Using one hand with your fingers outstretched like a claw, bring the flour and liquid together moving your hand in circles around the bowl, adding a little more of the buttermilk mixture, if necessary. Don’t knead the mixture, or it will become too heavy. The dough should be soft, but not too wet and sticky.

5. Once it comes together, turn onto a floured work surface and bring together a little more.

Pat the dough into a round, about 2½ inches (6cm) in height, and cut a deep cross in it, from one side of the loaf to the other. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for 10 minutes, then decrease the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C/Gas mark 6), and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes, until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. I often turn the loaf upside down for the last 5 minutes of baking to help crisp the bottom. Allow to cool on a wire rack before cutting into thick slices to serve.

Recipe courtesy of Rachel Allen for Parade.com

Good Morning Guinness Bloody Mary

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Prepare your favorite Bloody Mary combining everything except the Guinness and garnishes in a shaker filled with ice.

Shake, shake, shake.

Garnish with your preferred items, then pour 1-2 oz. Guinness on top, and enjoy.

Every good Bloody Mary has a side car! Add a glass of Harp on the side and you’re good to go!

Mid-Day Guinness Margarita 1 can limeade concentrate 1 can of tequila 2 cans Guinness limes cut into wedges ice In a big pitcher filled with ice, add one can of frozen limeade concentrate. Take the same can and fill it with tequila and add it to the pitcher. Add two full Guinness (or gluten free beer). Add a bunch of fresh lime wedges and serve chilled over ice.

Serves 6

The Always Elegant Guinness Black Velvet 1 part Guinness, chilled (I used 1 1/2 oz.)

1 part Prosecco or sparkling wine, chilled (I used 1 1/2 oz.)

Fill a champagne flute halfway with Guinness.

Hold a small spoon (with the back, convex side facing up) over the flute.

Slowly pour the Prosecco over the spoon and into the flute until filled. Using the spoon will keep the Guinness and the Prosecco from mixing.

Hot Fudge, Guinness & Irish Cream Float Place 1 or 2 scoops of your favorite vanilla or chocolate ice cream in a large glass.

Slowly pour Guinness over ice cream and watch it foam like crazy. Add more stout as needed.

Top with a spoonful of hot fudge and a shot of (Bailey’s) Irish Cream.

Yum!

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Strings & Stitches Yarn Shoppe and The North Georgia Knitting Guild are proud to present

The First Annual

Georgia Mountain Needle Arts Festival & Retreat

April 27–29, 2018 Gilmer County Civic Center Ellijay, GA

Vendors • Demonstrations • Classes Daily Door Prizes!!

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WORDS: RACHEL C. MILLER PHOTOS: BLUE RIDGE MEDIA GROUP

S

Strings & Stitches Yarn Shoppe and The North Georgia Knitting Guild are proud to present the First Annual Georgia Mountain Needle Arts Festival. This event will take place in Ellijay at the Gilmer County Civic Center, April 27 -29. An absolute treat for knit, crochet, weaving, rug hooking enthusiasts and more, attendees of this event will gain access to a variety of vendors and educational resources. Needle artists will enjoy shopping for yarn, beads, hand dyed materials, artisan fiber, felted rug supplies, wood turning products and more. Through partnership with The North Georgia Knitting Guild, guests will also have the opportunity to advance their skills through a variety of educational courses. A list of classes will be available soon, and guests are urged to sign up and take advantage of the opportunity to grow in their craft! Thanks to the Festival’s many sponsors, guests may also register to win a variety of exciting door prizes. Previously an event held in Atlanta, this festival is getting a fresh new beginning in the Ellijay mountain community.

Participants of the Festival will absolutely love sharing their craft with others and experiencing the connection between specialty stores and the needle artists they serve. As the festival is no longer hosted in Atlanta, the owners of Strings & Stitches Yarn Shoppe have seized the opportunity to bring this cherished

event to North Georgia. With North Georgia’s ample space, the festival is predicted to quickly expand beyond its roots. Vendors will be traveling from all over Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina for the event, which is estimated to serve as many as two thousand guests. The backdrop of North Georgia makes this festival the ideal weekend getaway for crafting and knitting groups, as there are numerous hotel and cabin rental opportunities.

Along with the festival, visitors will have the chance to experience all that the Ellijay community has to offer, including hiking, fishing, camping and mountain biking! You and your traveling companions are sure to enjoy Ellijay’s lovely wine vineyards and countless other attractions while breathing in the Spring aroma of the north Georgia mountains.

This festival is sure to be a great way for craft and fiber art enthusiasts to learn new skills, access a variety of materials, be inspired by north Georgia’s beauty and make new friends along the way! Bring your craft groups, knitting buddies and entire family to make this an unforgettable weekend retreat. So let all your crafty friends know about this event and start now to plan your “girls weekend” or family trip to Ellijay, GA the 4th weekend of April 2018.

See y’all there! ACLM

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First Annual Mountain Needle Arts Festival & Retreat The Gilmer County Civic Center 1561 South Main St. Ellijay, GA 30540 Hours: Friday, April 27, from 12pm to 6pm.

Saturday & Sunday, April 28 and 29, from 9pm to 5pm.

There is a cash only admission fee of $5. Vendors will accept payments of checks, cash and credit.

Parking is free.

For more information regarding the Georgia Mountain Needle Arts Festival, including lists of sponsors, vendors, educational courses and local hotel and cabin rental options, please visit www.facebook.com/ georgiamountainneedleartsfestivalandretreat.

To learn more about Ellijay’s wonderful tourist attractions, visit the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce website at http://www.gilmerchamber. com.

For vendor opportunities available contact Karen and Janice Moss at 706-698-5648 or StringsandStitches@ellijay.com.

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Suzie Q’s Boutique

WORDS: RACHEL C. MILLER PHOTOS: SUZIE PERRY & BLUE RIDGE MEDIA GROUP

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Suzie Q’s Boutique, is on a mission to ensure that women battling cancer have the opportunity to feel fashionable, beautiful and comfortable. Located on Jasper’s North Main Street, Suzie Q’s Boutique offers a wide variety of pampering items, such as soy candles, eye pillows, holistic bath essentials, a variety of clothing and more. However, the boutique’s most unique and special item, pampers ladies who have lost their hair to chemotherapy.

When the boutique’s owner, Suzie Perry, found herself battling Stage-2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer five years ago, she lost her hair to chemotherapy. “I had to undergo Chemotherapy which caused me to lose all my hair. I had wigs professionally made but my scalp was just too sensitive to wear them for extended periods of time so I wanted something soft and comfortable.” That’s when Suzie took matters into her owns hands and began sewing her own turbans. “On the days that I didn’t feel so well and just wanted to lounge, I wore the soft cotton jersey, 3 seam turban and on other days when I wanted to shop or dine out, I would wear an elegant lace head wrap.” Suzie’s oncologist was impressed 24

with her creativity and style and urged her to market her turbans to other women who are looking for a fashionable, comfortable alternative to itchy wigs and beanies. Wasting no time, Suzie began consigning her existing turbans, but as the need grew, she was inspired to open her own shop in her beloved hometown of Jasper.

Since August of 2017, Suzie has been on a mission to make sure everyone who shops at Suzie Q’s Boutique feels beautiful, healthy, and welcomed. Inspired by her own personal journey, Suzie has recognized a need in her community among women battling cancer, and the turbans for purchase in her boutique are making many of those women feel comfortable and beautiful as they embark on their own journeys. ACLM

Diagnosed with Stage 2-Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Suzie Perry (top and above), has a mission to bring comfort, relief and style to others who are suffering.

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SuzieQ’s Boutique, 259 North Main Street Jasper, GA 30143 706-253-8552 www.facebook.com/SuzieQS-Boutique Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10am to 1pm.

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Suzie Perry opened her boutique (top) to bring comfort, fashion and beauty to those conquering cancer. The Lace Bralett (top right) is a popular item for those who want to feel pretty. Hand selected by Suzie, the Bath & Body products (center right) bring soothing comfort to skin made overly sensitive due to chemotherapy. She offers 100% Cotton & Flax Seed Eye Pillows (bottom right) that can be heated or cooled for a relaxting compress.

Suzie hand makes her signature item, these fabulous Turbans (above), to bring comfort and style to those in need.

Suzie Perry welcomes all who are battling cancer– or know someone who is– to stop by and share their stories.

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INSIDE Welcome to our Calendar!

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

ARTS 1/13 thru 2/24 Orarius Ara Blue Ridge, GA. The Artwork of Pam Beagle-Daresta, inspired by the patterns and shapes of nature, mainly the low tide seascape of southern Tybee Island. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Visit www.blueridgearts.net or call 706-632-2144.

1/13 thru 3/24 AIR 1st Qtr- Jack Martin Blue Ridge, GA. Artist in Residence: Jack Martin.

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Visit www. blueridgearts.net or call 706632-2144.

1/18 thru 2/21 Apple Country Quilt Guild Ellijay, GA. Feel warm and cozy at the Apple Country Quilt Guild Exhibition opening December 15th 2017. The exhibition will include full and lap size quilts designed and created by members of the guild. 10am -5pm.

Free. Gilmer Arts, 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. Call Gilmer Arts at (706) 635-5605 or gilmerarts.org 2/24 thru 3/28 Gilmer Arts 2018 Annual Spring Juried Group Art Exhibition Ellijay, GA. Opening reception 2/24. Meet regional artists and learn about their work, while enjoying refreshments and mingling with like-minded art lovers. Awards will be presented at 6pm. The Reception is free and open to the public. Gilmer Arts, 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA

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30540. Call Gilmer Arts at (706) 635-5605 or gilmerarts.org 2/26 & 3/26 Write On! Ellijay, GA. Writing group, which meets once a month at 6:00 pm at Gilmer Arts. Led by awardwinning children’s author, Kelly Bingham, and Shorter College English professor, Dr. Marcia Bost, its members meet to share drafts and manuscripts, discuss writing approaches and talk through writers’ block, among other things. Gilmer Arts, 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. Call Gilmer Arts at (706) 635-5605 or gilmerarts.org 4/6 & 4/7 21st Annual Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference.

The Mission of the Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference is to educate, inform, and inspire writers. No matter the level of expertise, the Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference provides a venue for professional writers, editors and agents to provide feedback to the aspiring writer in how to craft that first novel, sell a magazine article, market yourself in the literary world, or finding inspiration for your poetry. Registration now open.

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Visit www. blueridgearts.net or call 706632-2144.

TBA Meet the Authors!

Ellijay, GA. A Free Literary Event & Book Fair Gilmer Arts, 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. Call Gilmer Arts at (706) 635-5605 or gilmerarts.org

EVENTS Thru 3/5 Spring Plant Sale Jasper, GA. Pickens Master Gardeners and Pickens 4-H Program present the Spring Plant Sale. Purchase dates thru 3/5. Pickup dates: 3/23, 5-7pm.

3/24, 8am – noon, at Pickens County High School Barn, 500 Dragon Drive, Jasper, GA. If you are already on the mailing list, plant sale order forms and

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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

information will be mailed out the week of January 8th. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please call the office at 706-253-8840.

2/8 Letters from the Battle of Atlanta.

Ellijay, GA. Gilmer County Genealogy Society welcomes Brian Quinlan, author, historian, and Revolutionary and Civil War Battlefield war guide as he shares and discusses letters written during the Battle of Atlanta campaign. 2pm – 3:30 pm. Refreshments 1:30. Gilmer County Library, 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540.

Info: 706-635-4528 or www. sequoyahregionallibrary.org 2/8 Three Wheels Around the World Jasper, GA. Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia and Robert Hirsch present “Three Wheels Around the World” the amazing story of Mr. Hirsch’s six-year cycling journey around the globe. 6:30 pm. Free! The Pickens County Library is located at 100 Library Lane, Jasper, GA 30143. Info: Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia, or to become a member, visit www.mctga.org or call706/253-4077.

2/9 Apple Day 3 Part Apple Seminar Blairsville, GA. The The Georgia Mountain Research & Education Center (GMRE) is offering a three-part series on growing apples. Part 1- Apple Disease Control: 1pm-2:30pm. Part 2 - Apple Tree Pruning: 3pm4:30pm. Free. The Georgia Mountain Research & Education Center auditorium, 3 miles south of the Blairsville Square, on the east side of Hwy 19/129.

Contact Clare Johnston at 706745-2655 or http://gmrec.uga. edu/commcouncil/adult.html 2/9 Apple Day 3 Part Apple Seminar Blairsville, GA. The The Georgia Mountain Research & Education Center (GMRE) is offering a three-part series on growing

apples. Part 3 – Apple Grafting Workshop. Supplies will be provided to graft several apple scions onto appropriate rootstocks. $15 fee. 5pm – 7pm.

Registration required. The Union County Schools Agriscience Center, located just off the Gainesville Hwy, 2 miles south of the Blairsville Square at: 255 Lovell Drive, Blairsville, GA 30512. Contact Clare Johnston at 706-745-2655 or http:// gmrec.uga.edu/commcouncil/ adult.html 2/10 Mardis Gras in the Mountains Jasper, GA. Georgia Mountains Hospice, The Ellijay and Jasper Councils of the Knights of Columbus and The Rotary Club of Jasper invite you to the 2018 Mardi Gras in the Mountains. Enjoy fine dining, a great band, silent auction and coronation of the 2018 King and Queen and Honor Court.

Black tie optional. 6:30 – 11pm. $90. Chattahoochee Technical College, Jasper, GA. Contact Gina Pendley: 706-253-4100.

2/10 & 2/11 Sweetheart Juried Arts & Craft Fair Young Harris, GA. Juried artisans. Free Parking. Saturday: 10am-5pm. Sunday 10am-3pm.

Brasstown Valley Resort, 6321 Highway 76, Young Harris, GA 30582. 800-201-3205. Visit www.robinrobertspromotions. com/ 2/17 8th Annual Fire & Ice Chili Cook Off Blue Ridge,GA. Cook-Off happens rain, snow or shine. Mark your Live music, ice sculptures and amazing chili! Buy a $10 Tasting Card to sample the competition and vote for the People’s Choice Award. Live Music and entertainment. An amazing display of unique ice sculptures from the award winning, National Ice Carving Champion “Rock on Ice” including several ice carving demonstrations.

Noon – 4:00 pm. Contact: Blue Ridge Business Association: Cory Bryant at 706-455-6800 and/or Pam Fink 706-258-2432 or visit bestofblueridge.biz.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

2/17 Union County Lions Club Trash to Treasure Sale Blairsville, GA. There will be over 40 vendors with all kinds of items. Come and enjoy the indoor shopping in a heated facility. 9AM to 3PM. Early Bird Special from 8AM-9AM ($1fee).

Union County Civic Center, 165 Wellborn Street, Blairsville, GA 30512. For questions and to reserve a space, call Chasity Miller at 706 897-5467.

2/24 7th Annual Bringin’ the Blues to Blue Ridge Blue Ridge, GA. Celebrate Mardis Gras with the Rollin’ Bones! Masks, Cajun Food, Great Music, Dancing, Auction, Door Prizes, Cash Bar & More! Benefitting Snack in a Backpack. $50 per person or $90 per couple. 5 to 9pm Willow Creek Falls Vineyard.

Tickets available at United Community Bank (main), Park Sterling Bank, and Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.

Call 706. 851. 8190 or visit www.snackinabackpack.org.

3/3 Cork & Canvas Blue Ridge, GA. Support our youth arts programming as you enjoy delicious wine samplings from various regional area vintners and savory food from our local restaurants. This event includes a silent auction, wine grab and live entertainment. Ticket prices are $35 for non-members, $30 for BRMAA members, and include a commemorative BRMAA wine glass and complimentary glass of wine with each event ticket.

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Visit www. blueridgearts.net or call 706632-2144.

3/10 Bowls of Hope Blue Ridge, GA. Benefitting Feed Fannin- Select a bowl made by a local potter, enjoy soups and desserts, listen to live music and bid on items in our silent auction. Our Bowls of Hope event strives to raise awareness and funds to fill the bowls of FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

the hungry in Fannin County.

Tickets for Bowls of Hope are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Buy tickets online at www. feedfannin.com until March 9th. Time: 12:00 – 3:00 PM • Silent auction ends at 2:00.

Willow Creek Falls, 35 Trackside Lane, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

Visit www.feedfannin.org or call 706-946-1001.

3/17 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Blue Ridge, GA. Get your Irish on and head on over to Blue Ridge.

11am? Festivities continue at the Boro Inn Irish Pub. 150 W Main St., Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513. (706) 851-8660 or find them on FB www.facebook. com/TheBoroInnIrishPub 3/17 St. PETrick’s Day Parade Ellijay, GA. Dogs, cats, goats, ponies, llamas and who knows what else! Bring your pet and participate in the parade and costume contest. Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce: www. gilmerchamber.com or call 706635-7400.

3/31 American Legion Charity Motorcycle Ride Blue Ridge, GA. American Legion Riders Post 121 Charity Ride.

Registration at 9:30 am, ride at 11am. Supports scholarship program and veterans day lunch. Veterans Building, 78 Blue Ridge Hwy. Approximately 87 miles ride. Cost $25.00 per rider and $15.00 per passengers. Contact Steve Stratman 912-856-7951 or visit http:// legionpost121.org 4/7 & 4/8 Lake Chatuge Get Outdoors!

Expo Young Harris, GA. Fishing & Boats, Hunting, Hiking, Boating, Camping & RVs, How To Demos, Food & More! Admission: Adults & Over 14 – $5. From 10am to 5pm. Towns County Recreation & Conference Center, 150 Foster Park Road, Young Harris, GA 30582. For more info call 706.

896. 4966 or visit www.golakechatuge.com

KIDS OF ALL AGES Ongoing Mountain Regional Library System Events Visit your local library for weekly events such as Story Time, Board Games, Crafting Club, Book Club & more! Visit mountainregionallibrary.org FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

Ongoing Sequoyah Regional Library System Events Visit your local library for weekly events for kids of all ages such as Story Time, Kendama Club, Teen Japanese Culture, Youth Crochet Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Lego Club, Coloring Group, Book Club and more! Visit www. sequoyahregionallibrary.org 2/24 & 3/24 Tri-State Model Railroaders Open House Mineral Bluff, GA. The model railroad layout depicting Copper Basin Railroading in the early 1950’s is developing nicely and the Tri-State Model Railroaders invite you to come learn how railroads played an important role in the development of the Tri-State area. Enjoy history, model railroading, and great conversation about this Tri-State Region’s railroading history.

10am -2pm. Tri-State Model Railroaders Mineral Bluff Historic Depot 150 Railroad Avenue, Mineral Bluff, GA 30559. For information call 828-361-2210 or visit www. tsmri.org.

3/1 thru 3/28 Youth Art Month Blue Ridge, GA. Youth Art Month is a national celebration of the visual arts in education.

YAM is held annually in March and is designed to emphasize the importance of quality art education for all children.

Opening Reception March 1st, 4pm. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Visit www.blueridgearts.net or call 706-632-2144.

3/9 thru 4/19 Youth Art Show Ellijay, GA. Gilmer Arts joins the Gilmer County Schools in celebrating Youth Art Month 2018 with the annual Student Art Exhibition. The exhibition opens on Friday March 9th with an open-to-the-public reception from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Awards will be presented at the reception at 4:30 p.m. Free. Gilmer Arts, 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540.

Call Gilmer Arts at (706) 6355605 or gilmerarts.org 3/31 Easter Eggspress Train Rides Blue Ridge, GA. Easter Eggspress – Saturday two trips, check schedule for times. Ride the train with the Easter Bunny

and hunt for eggs! Don’t forget your Easter Basket and cameras! For tickets and info: Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad, www.brscenic.com or call 706-632-8724.

3/31 Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt Copperhill, TN. “Easter Egg Scramble” just 15 minutes from downtown Blue Ridge.

1,000 stuffed eggs are hidden at the ball field, with prize eggs and a grand prize egg for each age group! West Tennessee Avenue Ball Field, Copperhill, TN. March 31, 11:00am-12:30 p.m. Open to all children under age 12.

Prizes and free photos with the Easter Bunny! Sponsored by the Tri-Cities Business Association: 423-443-1636.

3/31 Children’s Magic Matinee with Arthur Atsma Ellijay, GA. Arthur’s program is intended for youngsters to have their first theatrical experience and it be a good one.

At about 50 minutes in length, it is perfect for the young attention span and the lively performances are fun for the whole family. $9.99. 11:00am.

George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse,135 Dalton St., Ellijay, GA 30540. For tickets and info: 706-635-5605 or www.gilmerarts.com

MUSIC Every Evening Bell Music from the Tower 7:00pm – 7:30pm. At the Historic Courthouse on the Square in Downtown Blairsville, GA. Free! Contact (706) 7455493 or www.unioncountyhistory.org Fridays & Saturdays Andrews Brewing Company Great music, craft beer and a good time. 6pm – 8pm. Andrews Brewing Company, 14 Miles for Harrah’s Casino, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews, NC 28901.

For info: 828-321-2006 or www. andrewsbrewing.com Sundays WYYZ’s Live Music at Rocco’s Rocco’s Pub, 47 Mountainside Village Parkway, Jasper, GA. Contact 706.253.1900 or visit http://roccosjasper.com Thursdays - Saturdays Live Music at Blue Ridge Brewery

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Blue Ridge Brewery, 187 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA . 706.

632. 6611 or www. blueridgebrewery.com Fridays Concert Series at the Old Courthouse Blairsville, GA. Free! 7pm. Old Historic Courthouse, 1 Town Square, Blairsville GA. For info: Union County Historical Society 706-745-5493 or http://www. unioncountyhistory.org/ 3rd Friday Every Month Live Music Acoustic Blends Listen to a Variety of Quality Music Acts … or Join the Jam! Bring your own libations and munchies. 7 pm. Free & Public Invited. For info please contact Gilmer Arts 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. 706-635-5605. Visit www.gilmerarts.org Weekends LIve Music at Engelheim Vineyards Engelheim Vineyards 127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay, GA 30540. Call 706-635-WINE (9463) or visit www.engelheim. com.

Weekends Fannin Brewing Company Live Music in the Bier Garden Fannin Brewing: 3758 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. www.fanninbrewingcompany. com or 706.258.2762 Weekends Cartecay Vineyards Cartecay Vineyards, 5704 Clear Creek Road, Ellijay, GA 30535.

Call 706. 698. 9463 (WINE) or visit www.cartecayvineyards. com Weekends Chateau Meichtry Vineyards Chateau Meichtry, 1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, GA 30175.

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

2/10 B.E.S.T. Series #3 Legendary Guitarist Doyle Dykes Although influenced by a wide variety of musical styles and musicians from the country of Chet Atkins to the rock and roll of Duane Eddy and the Beatles, Doyle has developed a distinct, recognizable sound that amazes audiences with skill while capturing hearts with sincerity and soul. 7:30pm. $27.50.

Ellijay Elementary School, 32 McCutchen St, Ellijay, GA 30540, USA. For tickets and info: 706635-5605 or www.gilmerarts. com

2/17 Randall Bramlett Blue Ridge, GA. Multiinstrumentalist Randall Bramblett may be known for playing on stage with rock’s legends like Bonnie Raitt, The Allman Brothers Band, Steve Winwood (16 years), The Band, Roger Glover, Gov’t Mule and Widespread Panic among others. 7:30 pm. Tickets $35.

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

(706) 632-9223 or www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com 2/17 EB Reece Cole Ellijay, GA. A Homecoming – E.B. Reece Cole will return to her hometown for this concert.

She grew up in Ellijay with her parents and siblings, singing ‘Amazing Grace’ for the first time in public at the First United Methodist Church in Ellijay.

By the age of 17 she was in Nashville recording her debut album. $17.99 + fees/tax.

7:30pm. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse,135 Dalton St., Ellijay, GA 30540. For tickets and info: 706-635-5605 or www. gilmerarts.com 2/24 Isaac Streetman and Band Ellijay, GA. When Isaac Streetman played at a recent Acoustic Blends evening, everyone said, ‘Who is this young man?’ and ‘We have to book him.’ He has been playing music for 10 years but this young, but exceptionally talented young man has played solo and in bands. He performs everything from bluegrass to country, opening for artists like Ricky Scaggs. He will be bringing his band with him this time and we can’t wait! $14.99 + fees/tax.

7:30pm. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse,135 Dalton St., Ellijay, GA 30540. For tickets and info: 706-635-5605 or www. gilmerarts.com 2/27 High School & Middle School Band LGPE Blairsville, GA. Concert. 6:30- 8:30pm. Free!

Union County Fine Arts Center, 926 Panther Overlook Blairsville, GA 30512. FAC (706) 835-4500 ucschools.org High School (706) 745-2216 ucschools.org Will Stafford-Director wstafford@ucschools.org Middle School (706) 745-2483 Richard Bentivegna-Director rbentivegna@ucschools.org

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27

NUNSENSE

Sister Julia accidentally poisons 52 sisters. To raise burial money they put on a variety show.

Comic surprises abound!

March 8th - March 25th Thursday - Saturday 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM Four mentally handicapped men live under the supervision of an earnest, “burned out” young social worker. Sweet Comedy!

3/3 B.E.S.T. Series #4 – Celtic Women Star Vocalist Chloe Agnew & Dermot Kiernan Ellijay, GA. St. Patrick’s Celebration. Chloë Agnew is a singer, song writer and actress from Dublin, Ireland now living and working in LA. She gained fame as the youngest and one of the original members of the internationally acclaimed music group Celtic Women. 7:30pm. Ellijay Elementary School, 32 McCutchen St, Ellijay, GA 30540. For tickets and info: 706-635-5605 or www.gilmerarts.com 3/3 Gene Watson, Johnny Lee & Ronnie McDowell Hiawasee, GA. Tickets On Sale December 8. Level 1: $37.00 + Handling & Credit Card Fees. Level 2: $27.00 + Handling & Credit Card Fees. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Anderson Music Hall, 1311 Music Hall Rd. Hiawassee, GA. Tickets & info: (706) 896-4191 or www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

THE BOYS NEXT DOOR April 12th - April 29th Thursday - Saturday 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM

3/10 John Martin Classical Guitarist Benefit Concert Ellijay, GA. Internationally acclaimed classical guitarist, John Martin, will perform a benefit concert for the Playhouse. From intimate gatherings to large concert halls John’s stellar performances have kept his audiences mesmerized. Having received several awards and appointments, being appointed as U.S. Managing editor for Guitart Magazine is just one accomplishment. $17.99.

7:30pm. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse,135 Dalton St., Ellijay, GA 30540. For tickets and info: 706-635-5605 or www.gilmerarts.com 3/23 Michelle Malone Ellijay, GA. This wildhaired Rock Goddess, political singer/songwriter, passionate performer with roots in church music… equal parts bad-ass guitar slinger and sweet songstress. Over the course of her career she has collaborated with artists

from Greg Allman to Indie Girls. $19.99. 7:30pm.

George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse,135 Dalton St., Ellijay, GA 30540. For tickets and info: 706-6355605 or www.gilmerarts. com 3/24 Southern Uprising Tour Hiawasee, GA. 7:00pm: Marshall Tucker Band.

8:00pm: Charlie Daniels Band. 9:45pm: Travis Tritt.

On Sale: Friday, December 15th. Tickets: $67.00 plus handling credit card fees. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Anderson Music Hall, 1311 Music Hall Rd. Hiawassee, GA. Tickets & info: (706) 8964191 or www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com 3/31 Kurt Thomas Blue Ridge, GA. Kurt has opened for some of the biggest names in country music including Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, LeAnn Rimes, Zac Brown, Sugarland, Darius Rucker, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Gary Alan. 7:30 pm.

Tickets $25. Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591

East 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513. (706) 6329223 or www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com

THEATER 2/1 -2/4 Twain by Three – Dinner Theater Ellijay, GA. Three hilarious sketch adaptations by Artistic Director Whit Davies: Mrs. McWilliams & The Lightning, His Grandfather’s Old Ram, and Excerpts from the Diaries of Adam & Eve. Catering by Chef Saavedra of Country Corner Kitchen.

Menu: Creamy Garlic Chicken over penne pasta, green beans, salad, rolls, cupcakes. Tea, coffee and water provided. $29.99 + fees/tax. 6:30pm. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse,135 Dalton St., Ellijay, GA 30540.

For tickets and info: 706-635-5605 or www. gilmerarts.com 3/8 – 3/25 Nunsense Blue Ridge, GA. Nunsense begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook,

Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides & Blue Ridge Mountain Canopy Adventure AT HELL’S HOLLOW ADVENTURE OUTPOST

ZIP LINES! RANDALL BRAMBLETT Saturday, Feb 17th 7:30 PM KURT THOMAS BAND Friday, March 30th 7:30 PM AND MORE! FIND US ON FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LIVEMUSICISBETTER

TICKET PACKAGES MAKE GREAT GIFTS BOX OFFICE: 706. 632. 9191

BUY ONLINE @ WWW.BLUERIDGECOMMUNITYTHEATER.COM

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

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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.

Times: Thur – Sat – 7:30 pm; Sun – 2:00pm. Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513. (706) 632-9223 or www.blueridgecommunitytheater. com

better, and many smiles are shared. Sunday Thursday 12-6pm, Friday & Saturday 12-8pm.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. 2281 Tennis Court Rd., Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Visit bearclawvineyards.com.

Open Every Day Engelheim Vineyards Engelheim Vineyards 127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay, GA 30540. Call 706-635WINE (9463) or visit www. engelheim.com.

WINE & BEER TASTINGS

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

9463 (WINE) or visit www. cartecayvineyards.com

OPEN EVERY DAY Bear Claw Vineyards Blue Ridge, GA. Life is busy, and there isn’t always time to slow down and reconnect with the people that you care about. At the vineyard, time moves slower, relationships connect

Ongoing Wed - Sat Blue Ridge Brewery Dog friendly outdoor patio. Open Wednesday

Ongoing Thurs - Sun Fannin Brewing Company 3758 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

706.258.2762 or www. fanninbrewingcompany. com Ongoing Thurs - Sat Grumpy Old Men Brewing Dog & kid friendly. 1315 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA. 770-3318870/404-966-2665, grumpyoldmenbrewing. com Ongoing Mon- Sun Valley River Brewery & Eatery Located in Historic Downtown Murphy, NC at 71 Tennessee Street.

828-837-BEER or www. valleyriverbrewery.com

CONSIGNING WOMEN

Daily Chateau Meichtry Chateau Meichtry, 1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, GA 30175. Info: (706) 502-1608 or www. chateaumeichtry.com.

Wednesdays Bistro 29’s Wine Wednesdays Murphy, NC. Wine Special: $5 off any bottle purchase or a discount of $1 off any glass of wine. Also join Wayne to sample his feature wine of the day.

4pm- 10pm. Bistro 29, 29 Tennessee St, Murphy NC 28906. For info: 828837-9022 or visit www. mybistro29.com Saturdays Out Of The Blue Wine Tasting Blue Ridge, GA. Drinking alcohol is just drinking. Wine is a lifestyle.

Gourmet Living. We sell fine wine, cheeses, and beer along with specialty kitchen items. Wine tast-

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ings Saturdays at 1:00 pm. Out of the Blue, 647 E. Main Street, Blue Ridge, 706-258-2750. Visit www. outofzbleu.com 2/10- 2/14 Wine and Rose Package Blue Ridge, GA. This Valentines, we are offering a Wine and Rose package at Bear Claw Vineyards!! The package includes a dozen roses (red or pink) as well as a bottle of your choice of Bear Claw wine. $69.

Orders should be made online, and the package can be picked up in the tasting room during operating hours on February 10th-14th. Nothing says “I love you” like wine and flowers! Sun-Thurs 126PM. Fri & Sat 12-8PM. Bear Claw Vineyards, 2281 Tennis Court Road, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

Bearclawvineyards.com or 706-223-3750

3/16 thru 3/28 Wine Growers of Georgia 2018 Wine Highway Weekend Purchase your “Passport” and receive your souvenir glass at any of the 20 participating wineries.

Cost of the passport is $40 and is good for every day of the event. You must remember to have your passport and glass at each winery. For those who will be staying in the region for several days, many of the wineries are open during the week and will accept the passports for tastings during the week. Noon- 5pm. Visit www.georgiawine.com HAVE FUN Out There!

Deadline for April May Calendar Items is March 1st. Contact Alice@blueridgemediagroup.com.

Annual St. Patricks Day Parade

Downtown Blue Ridge • March 17th • Noon

GENTLY PRE-LOVED CLOTHING AT A FRACTION OF THE ORIGINAL PRICE

706. 253. 6905 29-B COVE ROAD • JASPER

SHOP SHOP SHOP SHOP

SMALL! LOCAL! SMALL! LOCAL!

TRAIL RIDES!

Traditional Fare at the Boro Inn & Irish Pub 150 W Main St. Blue Ridge, GA

Williams Tire Co. Since 1955 – Now in Two Locations

Saddle: 706.408.RIDE & Soar: 706.946.1010

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Tires • Wheels • Oil Changes • Alignments Full Service Maintenance • Certified Mechanic

Rachel C Miller Freelance Writer & Administrative Assistant

Visit Our r o Website Fl Specia Offers!

Articles | Blogs | Grant Proposals | Newsletters | Social Media Management

williamstireco.com

rachel@rcmillerwriter.com APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

through Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm. Blue Ridge Brewery, 187 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA .

706. 632. 6611 or www. blueridgebrewery.com

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

Williams Tire 5140 Appalachian Hwy. Blue Ridge, GA 30513

706. 946. 2322

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Ellijay Tire 583 Maddox Drive Ellijay, GA 30540

706. 635. 2322 WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

29

AC LIVING HISTORY

history of indian georgia

AWARD WINNING

– The Issue of Slavery

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

INDIAN SLAVERY

N

Nearly all indigenous American Indians had slavery by the time of the European invasion.

When the Spanish arrived they captured the native Indians and used them as pack animals and sport for their dogs. During battle, American Indians captured other tribal members as prisoners and traded them to the Europeans as slaves. Some tribes used captives as sacrifices during religious rites. Cherokees captured prisoners during battle to replace those who died during the battle or had been killed by the whites in order to re-establish the balance and spiritual power within their tribe. Although the prisoner could not attain tribal status in most tribes, the children conceived by a tribal member could be received into the tribe.

The Cherokee and Creek women played an important role within their tribe. They often made the final decision if a captive would live or die. Women were always present during important decisions. Cherokees could not comprehend why the European interlopers did not have their head women present during negotiations with the Indians. If prisoners were determined worthy by the head woman of the Cherokee or Creek tribe they could be adopted into the tribe.

Slavery was an issue all over the colonies.

Arrogant Europeans felt most of their colored captives were substandard for use as servants.

They also felt that all Indians were pagans and without a soul. It meant nothing to them to lose a slave to death or to kill them themselves.

Unlike a child conceived by a slave in an Indian tribe, who received tribal status, most children conceived by Europeans remained as slaves.

30

Years later it became an issue of whether or not those children could receive the property of their father. If the father acknowledged the child in writing, they could inherit especially if there were no other natural children.

Indentured servants were shipped from Great Britain and Europe to aid the colonists with their businesses and households.

While some thought this a better system towards getting servants who qualified to become house servants, others did not treat the new arrivals with any more kindness or concern than they had for the Indian or black slaves.

This was how many of the Scotch-Irish had paid for their passage to come to America. They sold themselves to the ship’s captain, worked for their passage, and were sold into indenture once they arrived to the continent. Their fates were up to the purchasers.

Servitude lasted from six or more years. While some were treated well and the servitude dates were honored others spent their nights in chains, were beaten and often the ending servitude date was not honored.

When it was established in 1732, the colony of Georgia had ensured that slavery was prohibited. However, coastal Georgia landowners established that they could not run the vast expanses of their plantations without the help of slaves. The prohibition was over turned by a law in 1735 that still prohibited African slaves but not Indian slaves. Indians slaves were still the norm by 1772. Laws disputed over the slave issue in the south granted black slavery in 1751.

Mixed blood Indians fought hard to establish themselves as acculturated and civilized under

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Information and Tickets Available at Gilmer Arts • 207 Dalton Street, Ellijay, GA 706.635.5605 gilmerarts.com

Left: Indian slaves were common on Southern sugarcane plantations.

Above: Columbus selecting slaves at auction.

Below: Newspaper advert for a slave auction in the 1780’s.

B.E.S.T. Performances Bringing Ellijay Sensational Talent Award-Winning Concert Performances

pressure from the colonists. Their ancestors had been coerced into giving up their warring status for assimilation. They had been persuaded into shifting from a hunting society into adopting agriculture as a means of economic stability. The thought originally was that they would fail.

Many of the mixed bloods also became landowners, a concept foreign to most Indians who felt the Creator God had given the land to the tribe to be tended to. They now owned a number of properties in competition with their neighbors for the economic markets. When it became popular to own black African slaves, the rich mixed bloods joined in the fracas. This ended the tribal cooperation in raising crops.

The Removal of the Cherokees saw them taking their slaves with them to the lands beyond the Mississippi River. It’s recorded that 2,000 slaves were removed with the Cherokees. ACLM

Community Theatre Theatrical Performances Dinner Theaters Community Chorus Seasonal and Thematic Concerts Visual Arts B.E.S.T. ART Series Juried and Member Artist Exhibits and Plein Air, Art in the Mountains

Acoustic Blends Live Music with Local Musicians Free to the Public!

Classes and Instruction Visual Arts, Music, and Drama for Adults and Children Gift Shop Fine Art to Keep or Give Monday–Friday 10–5, Saturday Noon–5

NORTH GEORGIA’S DESTINATION FOR THE ARTS

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

135 DALTON STREET • ELLIJAY, GA 706.635.5626 Thank You to Our Playhouse Sponsors

“When history is erased, people’s moral values are also erased.” –Ma Jian Visit the Gilmer County Historical Society Historic Tabor House & Civil War Museum 138 Spring Street, Ellijay, Georgia 30540 706. 276. 1861.

Open Thursday–Saturday 10am to 2pm FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

Literary Arts Events Meet the Authors and Literary Theater

ETC • Gilbert and Sheppard Group

Supported in part through contributions by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation, and the George Link, Jr. Foundation.

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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