LIVING ON MAIN STREET A VISITOR’S GUIDE TO MAIN STREET TOCCOA • October 2019
FEATURING: Downtown Walking Guide An Event for Every Season Night at the Ritz A History of Rail Travel Business Directory
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 1 WWW.MAINSTREETTOCCOA.COM • WWW.RITZTHEATRETOCCOA.COM
MAIN STREET TOCCOA’S mission is to improve Toccoa’s quality of life by strengthening downtown’s role as the community’s heart.
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 3
CONTENTS WELCOME 5
MAIN STREET TOCCOA
SIGHTS OF STEPHENS COUNTY
8
LOCAL & REGIONAL FAVORITES
10
92 N. Alexander Street Toccoa, GA 30577
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
14
877.6.TOCCOA
WALKING GUIDE 16 FINDING YOUR WAY 17 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
18
YOUR DAY DOWNTOWN
20
THE RURAL ZONE
21
AN EVENT FOR EVERY SEASON
22
NIGHT AT THE RITZ
24
DID YOU KNOW? 26 A HISTORY OF RAIL TRAVEL
27
THE USDA PROJECT
28
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
30
BUSINESS DIRECTORY 32
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 4
www.mainstreettoccoa.com www.ritztheatretoccoa.com facebook.com/mainstreettoccoa Subscribe to our weekly email for Historic Downtown Toccoa events, retail promotions, and more!
Main Street Toccoa Youtube Channel
PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPH’S PHOTOGRAPHY ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS: CHRISTIAN HAMILTON, RAEGAN TURNER
WELCOME Thanks for picking up our newest Living on Main Street Magazine! In this edition, you’ll see information as to the myriad of shops, eateries, and entertainment options that beautiful Historic Downtown Toccoa has to offer. Toccoa gets its name from the Cherokee for “beautiful.” We’d have to agree with that assertion. Featuring quaint storefronts, brick paver-lined streets, historic signage, and more, Downtown Toccoa is an
Our business owners, shopkeepers, and tourism partners all work together closely to promote Historic Downtown Toccoa as the heart and soul of our community.
explorer’s paradise. We’re proud that Main Street Toccoa, our award-winning econom-
COME VISIT DOWNTOWN TOCCOA.
ic revitalization program, is labeled as a Georgia Exceptional Main Street (GEMS) Community, the highest designation awarded in the
Whether you take a meandering stroll through our downtown district
State of Georgia. There’s a reason for this.
or enjoy a show at our National Register of Historic Places-listed Ritz Theatre, there is something for everyone in Downtown Toccoa. See for yourself what it has to offer you. LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 5
AD HERE?
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 6
WELCOME WELCOME TO DOWNTOWN TOCCOA DDA Chair, Mr. Clint Sanders Thanks for reading our latest edition of Living on Main Street. As the Chairman of the Toccoa Downtown Development Authority (DDA), I have the privilege to lead economic development efforts in the downtown central business district. We’re not a figurehead board. We work daily to promote the wellbeing and viability of Downtown Toccoa. That is because everyone on our board has a vested interest in the success of the downtown district. The DDA is composed of seven business and property owners, all dedicated to promoting the greater community interest.
Downtown Toccoa is truly one of the most personable downtown districts in the State of Georgia. Enjoy your visit downtown, and we hope you’ll come back soon.
WELCOME TO MAIN STREET Main Street Manager, Christian Hamilton Every year, we think things will slow down, and every year we’re proven wrong! What a great problem to have for a downtown district like Historic Downtown Toccoa. Today, Main Street Toccoa is a thriving example of all that Northeast Georgia has to offer. From the Summer Ida Cox Music Series, which brings different musical genres to Doyle Street every Saturday in June, July, & August, to the annual Harvest Festival, which sees thousands of residents and visitors alike welcoming in the autumn weather together, there is always something to do in Downtown Toccoa. We at Main Street Toccoa work with the DDA on a regular basis to implement policies that focus on downtown revitalization. This
STAFF: BRADLEY JORDAN, TAMI MAYHUGH, VICKY KING, CHRISTIAN HAMILTON, CONNIE TABOR, SHARON CROSBY
year, we’ve done the following:
Chairman Sanders said it best. Our DDA and Main Street pro-
• •
Installed six new wayfinding signs downtown
grams work daily to promote the wellbeing of Downtown Toccoa.
Completed the balcony, basement, and plaza renova tion efforts at the Ritz Theatre
When you visit, you will be enthralled with all we have to offer.
• • • •
Updated our Historic Plaque Walking Guide
munity by Georgia Trend. We’re proud of that. Come and see.
Downtown Toccoa was designated a 2019 Live, Work, Play Com-
Promoted our DCA-branded Rural Zone Began renovations to the Downtown Passageway And more!
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LOCAL & REGIONAL FAVORITES 1. CAMP TOCCOA AT CURRAHEE Located at the base of Currahee Mountain, Camp Toccoa is the historic location and training facility for Easy Company, featured on HBO’s Band of Brothers. Camp Toccoa is in a state of revitalization and includes a new pavilion, barracks buildings, and a C-47, the very same style of plane that U.S. paratroopers jumped from in WWII. Currahee Mountain also serves as Toccoa’s most famous hiking and rock climbing site and rises to an elevation of 1,740 feet. Currahee, meaning “stands alone,” is located at the beginning of the Appalachian Mountains.
2. CURRAHEE MILITARY MUSEUM This world-class museum features a diverse collection of memorabilia from the more than 18,000 soldiers who trained as paratroopers at Camp Toccoa during WWII. Additionally, the museum features war history from the Revolutionary War up through modern times, as well as a local and regional showcase. The Currahee Military Museum also features a revolving exhibit sponsored by various advocacy and social organizations that honors the dedication of the military throughout American history.
3. HISTORIC STEPHENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE Constructed in 1907, the Stephens County Courthouse was built as the official seat of government for the relatively new Stephens County. The historic courthouse, faithfully renovated in 2009, still holds certain county offices. The old courtroom on the second floor is worth a visit and has been featured in several films due to its style reminiscent of the early to mid-1900s.
4. HISTORIC RITZ THEATRE Constructed in 1939 as a single-screen movie theater, the Ritz Theatre has been meticulously renovated and now offers affordable and quality entertainment on a regular basis. The Ritz Theatre installed a neon-lit marquee in 2016, a state-of-the-art sound system in 2017, and balcony renovations completed in 2019. Visit www.ritztheatretoccoa.com for programming information.
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5. HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TOCCOA
6. TOCCOA FALLS
The cultural heart of the City of Toccoa, the historic downtown
This beautiful waterfall rests on the scenic 1,100-acre wooded cam-
district is located on both the Georgia and National Registers of
pus of Toccoa Falls College. At 186 feet high, Toccoa Falls is one of
Historic Places. Downtown Toccoa features vibrant storefronts and
the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. In fact, it is taller
services and contains one of only three Southern Crescent Amtrak
than Niagara Falls! The falls are available for public viewing from
stations in the State of Georgia. It is anchored by the Historic Ritz
8:30am to sundown for a nominal fee.
Theatre on the west, the Doyle Street Pool on the east, and the new grant-funded Railway Viewing Platform on the south.
7. LAKE TOCCOA RECREATIONAL PARK
8. PAUL ANDERSON PARK
Lake Toccoa is the City of Toccoa’s newest park. Featuring an af-
This beautiful park celebrates the legacy of Paul Edward Anderson
fordable 9-hole golf course, a diverse selection of craft beer and
(1932-1994), an Olympic gold medalist, weightlifter, and philanthro-
local wine at Ping’s Grill, and a newly renovated event center – Re-
pist. Paul Anderson is known for back-lifting 6,270 pounds, the
flections – Lake Toccoa is fun for the entire family. A pier and pa-
greatest weight ever lifted by a human being. As a devout Chris-
vilion were just completed, and a handicapped accessible walking
tian, Paul and his wife, Glenda, later founded the Paul Anderson
trail will soon be finished around the perimeter of the lake.
Youth Home in Vidalia, Georgia.
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LOCAL & REGIONAL FAVORITES 9. TUGALOO BEND HERITAGE SITE An 87-acre site located on the Tugaloo River, the Tugaloo Bend Heritage Site was home to Estatoe, a Cherokee village, and subsequently, a 19th and 20th century operating farm. Today, the site is home to a pavilion, outdoor kitchen, public restrooms, a picnic area, and walking trails (including a handicapped-accessible trail). The Tugaloo Bend Heritage Site is open on the weekends for general admission, as well as during the week by appointment. There is no charge for admission.
10. GEORGIA BAPTIST CONFERENCE CENTER Available at an affordable price for Christians and non-profit organizations to host retreats, day meetings, and banquets, this beautiful conference center boasts 240 guest rooms, a 1,000 seat auditorium, a 300-seat chapel, 42 meeting rooms, a coffee and snack shop, as well as a lake-view dining room. It also offers fishing, a 150’ water slide, lake swimming, hiking, canoeing, tennis, and basket, as well as classical concerts by the Toccoa Symphony, pictured here.
11. TRAVELER’S REST HISTORIC SITE This historic stagecoach inn is a perfectly preserved relic of the early 1800s. Located at the crossroads of King’s Highway and the end of the Unicoi Turnpike, Traveler’s Rest contains its original furnishings and artifacts. The grounds are open daily and the inn itself is open on Saturdays and Sundays.
12. CURRAHEE CLUB ON LAKE HARTWELL Currahee Club is an award-winning 1,200-acre private community located in the North Georgia foothills of the Appalachian Mountains along the shores of Lake Hartwell. Amenities and activities are abundant with a Lake Park and Pavilion, Fazio Championship golf course, 48,000 square foot mountain chic Clubhouse, 5-acre Sports Campus, hiking trails, and more. Homesites from $70,000 and homes from $300,000. Learn more about Currahee Club by visiting www.curraheeclub.com or calling 706.827.1000.
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13. TOCCOA RACEWAY The fastest 1,650 feet of dirt in Georgia and a staple of the Appalachian foothills, the Toccoa Raceway is a high-banked oval dirt track that also has the honor of being the oldest operating track in Georgia. The Toccoa Raceway hosts races every Saturday night from March through September. It is family fun for all ages. Find out more at www.toccoaraceway.com.
14. HISTORIC HOMES OF MARTIN Ten miles south of Toccoa, off of the new Currahee Parkway, historic Martin features many beautiful and quaint homes like the Yow-Dean House, the old Martin Institute, the Walters-Alexander House, and the Stovall House. Martin’s homes were most recently featured in the coveted 2017 Spring Ramble, hosted by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Martin is a National Register Historic District.
15. ROSE LANE SPORTS COMPLEX The Rose Lane Sports Complex rests on 88 acres and serves as the home for the Stephens County Recreation Department. The complex boasts soccer, softball, football, and other athletic fields, concession stands and public restrooms, tennis and basketball courts, gymnasiums, walking trails, a disc golf course, a children’s playground, an indoor heated therapeutic swimming pool, extensive facilities for seniors, and more. Most recently, the SCentral Bark Dog Park was completed.
16. CURRAHEE VINEYARD Currahee Vineyard is locally owned and operated and rests at the base of Currahee Mountain. Come out for the award-winning Ole Blue, 3 Mile White, Apple, and more, or a world famous wine slushy. The tasting room is open from Thursday to Sunday. Live music is offered every Sunday.
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TRAVEL BACK IN TIME When you take a stroll through Downtown Toccoa, you may notice these beautiful bronze plaques located on some of the buildings. Take a look, and you’ll see that each plaque represents the history of the earliest known business, as well as a few details on the owner, architecture, or other facet unique to the structure.
We are proud to have a progressive historic plaque program offered through Main Street Toccoa. Featuring nearly sixty plaques (as of 2019), each plaque is supplemented by a 40-page full-color professionally published Historic Plaque Walking Guide.
Each plaque referenced in the guide features particular tidbits of information about the historic structures themselves, relating to building construction, materials used, tenants over the years, and much more.
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Currahee Military Museum is a very unique museum, filled with the history of WWII Paratroopers that trained at Camp Toccoa at Currahee Mountain. The stories of the men who fought with newly formed Parachute Infantry Regiments 506th, 501st, 511th and 517th Parachute Regiment Combat Team have been told in hundreds of books and movies over the years. Their training and military fighting in the European and Pacific Campaigns have been featured in movies such as HBO’s Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, Airborne Creed, and The Dirty Dozen, officially known as Toccoa Men, The Filthy Thirteen. Featured exhibit is an original horse stable from Aldbourne, England that was used as housing before and after D-Day 1944 by Able and Easy Companies, 506th. The stable, 70 feet long, is located inside the museum and showcases each of the regiments that trained in Toccoa. Also in display is Toccoa and Stephens County’s rich local history. It is a quality museum on display in a beautifully restored train depot, located in Downtown Toccoa.
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VISITOR WALKING GUIDE www.mainstreettoccoa.com • (877) 6-TOCCOA
PUERTO NUEVO MEXICAN & SEAFOOD STEPHENS COUNTY FARMERS MARKET
U.S. POST OFFICE TOCCOA-STEPHENS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
COUNTRY HEARTH INN
DOWNTOWN CAFÉ TOCCOA
VFW POST 4346 RESTAURANT
ALL THINGS CURRAHEE ANGEL OAK HOME
DOWNTOWN FLOWERS
IONOSPHERE TRAVEL
THE CHATTEL SHOP
SOUTHERN ROOTS SALON
PHYLLIS’ HAIRWORKS
SPA & SALON ANASTASIA
GAIL’S INFINITY HAIR SALON
PUBLIC RESTROOMS
DEPARTMENT OF DRIVER SERVICES
THREADS SPORTS THREADS BOUTIQUE
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 16
CHELLY’S FASION
GETTING DOWNTOWN In years past, this particular page has been home to information on our Amtrak line, airport, and new Currahee Parkway. However, this year, we wanted to focus on a novel way to get downtown – by car! In 2016, we installed six downtown wayfinding signs with the assistance of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). This year, we installed six more, again with the help of GDEcD, in addition to two sign plates (one seen here!), completing our Downtown Wayfinding Signage Network. What does this mean? Whichever way you enter the City of Toccoa, you’ll be directed downtown. From there, our linked wayfinding signage network will direct you to our various tourism attractions, including the Historic Ritz Theatre, the Welcome Center, and even our parking lots.
Wherever you plan to go, whatever it is you want to do, we have a way to get you there. Find your way to Downtown Toccoa.
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RITZ THEATRE EVENTS 2019
2019
SEPT 26 | 7PM LIGHTWIRE THEATER NIGHT AT THE RITZ
NOV 18 | 7PM OPEN MIC MONDAY THEME: SINGER/SONGWRITER
OCT 3 | 7PM JOE GRANSDEN NIGHT AT THE RITZ
NOV 22 | 6PM 80 FOR 80 CELEBRATION FEATURING THE WIZARD OF OZ
OCT 12 | 7PM THE CHUCK WAGON GANG SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC
DEC 5 | 10AM & 7PM THE NUTCRACKER & THE FOUR REALMS CHRISTMAS MOVIES AT THE RITZ
OCT 21 | 7PM OPEN MIC MONDAY THEME: BLUEGRASS
DEC 7 | 7PM WILSON FAIRCHILD: COUNTRY CHRISTMAS NIGHT AT THE RITZ
OCT 24 | 7PM THE HEADLESS HESSIAN OF SLEEPY HOLLOW: LIVE FROM WVL RADIO THEATRE NIGHT AT THE RITZ NOV 9 | 7PM DEBRA PERRY & JAYDEN’S CALL SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC NOV 14 | 7PM TRUETT-MCCONNELL UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLE NIGHT AT THE RITZ NOV 16 | 7PM BENNIE WHEELS & WALKIN’ THE LINE NIGHT AT THE RITZ
2020 JAN 3 | 7PM THE MALPASS BROTHERS TOCCOA-STEPHENS COUNTY HUMANE SHELTER JAN 31 | 7PM MARIO THE MAKER MAGICIAN NIGHT AT THE RITZ FEB 13 | 7PM MILKSHAKE MAYFIELD NIGHT AT THE RITZ MAR | 7PM EVERY THUSDAY THE RITZ PRESENTS… HISTORIC RITZ THEATRE
DEC 12 | 10AM & 7PM THE GRINCH CHRISTMAS MOVIES AT THE RITZ
MAR 6 | 7PM TFC JAZZ NIGHT AT THE RITZ
DEC 14 | 7PM THE TROY BURNS FAMILY SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC
APR 18 | 7PM FLEETWOOD MAX NIGHT AT THE RITZ
DEC 16 | 7PM OPEN MIC MONDAY THEME: BATTLE OF THE BANDS
MAY 7 | 7PM EDGAR LOUDERMILK BAND NIGHT AT THE RITZ
DEC 19 | 10AM & 7PM A CHRISTMAS CAROL CHRISTMAS MOVIES AT THE RITZ
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 18
FOR RITZ & MAIN STREET EVENT DETAILS:
RITZTHEATRETOCCOA.COM MAINSTREETTOCCOA.COM
MAIN STREET TOCCOA EVENTS 2019
2020 JAN 23 | 5PM ANNUAL MAIN STREET AWARDS HISTORIC RITZ THEATRE
OCT 4 - 6 CURRAHEE MILITARY WEEKEND DOWNTOWN TOCCOA EVENTS ALL WEEKEND
FEB 14 | 10AM TOCCOA ARBOR DAY HISTORIC RITZ THEATRE
OCT 26 - 27 TOCCOA HARVEST FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN TOCCOA EVENTS BOTH DAYS
MAY 2 | 12PM TOAST OF TOCCOA DOWNTOWN TOCCOA
OCT 31 | 10AM DOWNTOWN COSTUME PARADE DOWNTOWN TOCCOA
JUN - AUG | 7PM EVERY SATURDAY IDA COX MUSIC SERIES DOWNTOWN TOCCOA
NOV 30 | EVENTS ALL DAY SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY DOWNTOWN TOCCOA DEC 6 | EVENTS ALL DAY CHRISTMASFEST & LIGHTING OF THE TREE DOWNTOWN TOCCOA DEC | SKATING EVERY WEEKEND TOCCOA ON ICE DOWNTOWN TOCCOA
OCT 2 - 4 | EVENTS ALL WEEKEND CURRAHEE MILITARY WEEKEND DOWNTOWN TOCCOA OCT 24 - 25 | EVENTS BOTH DAYS TOCCOA HARVEST FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN TOCCOA OCT 30 | 10AM DOWNTOWN COSTUME PARADE DOWNTOWN TOCCOA NOV 28 | EVENTS ALL DAY SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY DOWNTOWN TOCCOA DEC 4 | EVENTS ALL DAY CHRISTMASFEST & LIGHTING OF THE TREE DOWNTOWN TOCCOA DEC | SKATING EVERY WEEKEND TOCCOA ON ICE DOWNTOWN TOCCOA
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 19
YOUR DAY DOWNTOWN So you made it downtown. (Though this isn’t a very hard thing to do when you consider our great new wayfinding signage!) Now it’s time to make it your own.
namic selection of entrees and more. If you want to experience an institution, there’s nothing like Shirley’s Sole Food, once featured on Alton Brown’s Feasting on Asphalt. You better get there early if you want a seat.
Begin your day with a nice picnic meal on our new covered Railway Viewing Platform and watch the trains go by. If you get downtown
For more casual options, there’s always Domino’s Pizza, and
early enough, you may catch the Amtrak! Once you’re done with
don’t forget to conclude your lunch with something sugary from
your meal, our myriad of quaint boutique shops and services will
Victoria’s Sweet Treats. In the afternoon, spend hours wandering
have opened up to serve you.
through our three-story Cornerstone Antique & Craft Market, and take a tour of our Downtown Historic Plaque program. Don’t forget
May we suggest a stop at Troup’s Studio & Hallmark store for the
to visit the Currahee Military Museum to experience the legacy of
perfect gift, or The Chattel Shop and All Things Currahee if you’re
the men of Camp Toccoa, most famously memorialized in HBO’s
looking for something handcrafted. Downtown Flowers provides an
Band of Brothers.
award-winning experience and will work with you to craft the expert Your evening should begin with a show at the Historic Ritz Theatre,
bouquet.
our historically restored downtown theatre, and enjoy your stay There’s no greater experience than a local bookstore, so curl up at
at the recently renovated Country Hearth Inn or the idyllic Sim-
{Ash-Ling} Booksellers with your favorite novel, a board game, and
mons-Bond Inn Bed & Breakfast.
a cup of coffee. Our lunch options are numerous! Puerto Nuevo features the best Mexican dishes this side of the border (and maybe the other side!),
Whatever you do in Downtown Toccoa, it’s sure to be an experience. There’s always somewhere to go. You just have to take that first step.
and the X-Factor Grill & Cornerstone Restaurant provides a dy-
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 20
WELCOME TO THE RURAL ZONE In 2018, Main Street Toccoa became one of the first nine Rural Zone tax credit districts in the State of Georgia.
TAX CREDITS INCLUDE: • $2,000/year/full-time equivalent job created within the zone for five years. At least two net, new full-time equivalent jobs
This special designation, which lasts from January 1, 2018 to De-
must be created and maintained in order to qualify for the job
cember 31, 2022, allows for special tax credits for property acqui-
credits or any additional credits listed below.
sition, property rehabilitation, and job creation in the Downtown Toccoa Rural Zone.
• Up to $125,000 credit (claimed over 5 years) for investing in the downtown area. This is capped at 25% of the total investment cost, not to exceed $25,000 in credits claimed over 5 years.
• Up to $150,000 credit (claimed over 3 years) for rehabilitating structures in the downtown area. This is capped at 30% of the total investment cost, not to exceed $50,000 in credits claimed over the three years. Whether you want to hire a new employee, purchase a building, or do some interior and exterior remodeling, there is no better place to locate your business than Downtown Toccoa.
We are proud to work with the State of Georgia to offer you these special tax credits simply for being downtown. Welcome to the Rural Zone.
WELCOME TO THE
RURAL ZONE LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 21
AN EVENT FOR EVERY SEASON Many of you are expert travelers. We get it. We are, too. You’ll drive miles (and hours) to attend an Oktoberfest, or cross state lines to take part in your favorite Irish or Greek Festival. We do the same thing (especially the latter). Part of our mission here at Main Street Toccoa is to provide something for everyone.
We don’t want you to cross state lines. We want you to stay here and support our hard-working downtown. So we’ve devised an event for every season. And considering the turn-out we get, we’re confident in saying that you don’t want to miss a single one. In the Fall, come out for the annual Toccoa Harvest Festival. This year is our 43rd year (we’ve run this rodeo a time or two). Over 150 vendors will sell their homemade food items, handcrafted goods, and unique sundries. We feature two event stages with live music, children’s activities, and over a dozen food trucks and special food vendors. This event sees between 12,000 – 14,000 people every year. Come ring in the Autumn with us. In the Winter, the stars seem to twinkle just a little bit brighter in Downtown Toccoa. Or maybe that’s all the lights we’ve hung up! Our annual ChristmasFest rings in the holiday spirit with an assortment of fun and family-friendly activities. Enjoy a romantic (or fun-filled) carriage ride with your loved ones, take part in our annual Festival of Trees fundraiser, enjoy hot cocoa and cider with our downtown
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 22
business owners, listen to live carolers, and skate on our seasonal ice skating rink. If that’s not enough, a live Nativity helps to reflect on the first Christmas. The night begins with our Mayor “flipping the switch” and lighting up our beautiful Courthouse Wonderland and Christmas tree. This event is more intimate than Harvest Festival, but for those who like a little chill with their cocoa, it’s a spectacle to behold. You’ll get an opportunity to see Santa, too! In the Spring, temperatures start to warm up, which makes May the perfect time for a nice, cold drink.
Our Toast of Toccoa continues into 2020 for the fourth year in a row, and will feature a diverse selection of regional craft beers, local and regional wines, food vendors, live music, a classic car show, and more. This event is always held in conjunction with the Currahee Artist Guild’s annual Spring Show, so make sure to stroll the street to find the perfect painting or sculpture for your home. Over 4,000 people come out for this great event located right on beautiful Doyle Street. There’s even a kid’s showcase for the family! Finally, our Summer months keep the cycle going. Our annual Ida Cox Music Series features live music every Saturday in the Summer.
certainly guaranteed that you’ll find yourself dancing in the streets before the night is over.
All of our Main Street events are free to attend, family-friendly, and open to residents and visitors alike. Make your best memories in Downtown Toccoa.
That’s right: from June through August, come to Downtown Toccoa for a great concert, local food, cold beer, and more. Our businesses open up shop as the afternoon turns into evening, and it’s almost
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NIGHT AT THE RITZ Night at the Ritz returns for Season Three this year! Once again, we are working in collaboration with the Georgia Council for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts to present this incredible event series to the residents of Toccoa and beyond! We kicked off Night at the Ritz on August 2nd with three-time Grammy Award winner and country music superstar Linda Davis to a capacity theatre. Then, on September 26th, we brought back Lightwire Theater to the Ritz for another electric performance. Lightwire Theater
a free concert, and on November 16th, we bring Johnny Cash tribute
may perhaps be best known for their semi-finalist status on America’s
artist Bennie Wheels for his phenomenal show, Walkin’ the Line.
Got Talent and as the winner of TruTV’s Fake Off. As with previous years, they wowed the crowd with their glow-in-the-dark spectacle.
Our Christmas special takes place on December 7th with Country music duo Wilson Fairchild, and international jazz sensation Milkshake
On October 3rd, in conjunction with Currahee Military Weekend, we
Mayfield returns to the Ritz on February 13th of 2020. On March 6th,
brought big band and jazz extraordinaire Joe Gransden to the Ritz
Toccoa Falls College Jazz performs for the community. On April 18th,
to perform A Tribute to the Great American Songbook, this time fea-
the definitive Fleetwood Mac tribute group, Fleetwood Max, will wow
turing Robin Latimore. This show was generously sponsored by the
the Ritz Theatre, and on May 7th, award-winning bluegrass group, the
1st Franklin Financial Investment Center and the X-Factor Grill, both
Edgar Loudermilk Band, concludes our hit event series.
located in beautiful Downtown Toccoa. All of this, plus several unannounced acts, will make up Season Three On October 24th, WVL Radio Theatre returns to the Ritz with their
of Night at the Ritz. It’s a great event series, and even better – tickets
spooky live performance of The Headless Hessian of Sleepy Hollow,
are only $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and students with
and in November we see two great performances: On November
IDs. All showtimes are at 7pm. Come out for a unique experience like
14th, the Truett-McConnell University Orchestra Ensemble will present
no other – come out and experience a Night at the Ritz!
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DID YOU KNOW? Main Street Toccoa is proud to be recertified for 2019 as Georgia Exceptional Main Street (GEMS) Community, the highest designation awarded in the State of Georgia. What you may not know is that we were one of the first five GEMS communities in the State of Georgia, and since this time, we have continued to push the envelope of what it means to be a Main Street. Every year, we aggressively target grant funding opportunities through our status as a sub-department of the City of Toccoa. Not only does this help us to leverage our funding, but it helps to preserve the interest of the local taxpayers. This year alone, we were able to secure grant funding to complete multiple projects referenced in our city comprehensive plan and tourism product development report.
THEY INCLUDE: • The installation of six new wayfinding signs in Downtown Toccoa that are complementary to the Phase I signage. • Programming at the Ritz Theatre to continue Night at the Ritz with Season Three. • We’ve also fully restored and renovated the balcony, dressing rooms, and plaza of the Historic Ritz Theatre. The seats in the balcony are 80-years old, and they look like they were installed yesterday! • We’re continuing to work with other city departments on implementing the walking trail and pier/ pavilion grant projects up at Lake Toccoa. In addition to that, we are proud to announce that we have been designated a 2019 Live, Work, Play Community by Georgia Trend Magazine. This high honor, awarded to only a few communities every year, solidifies our belief that Downtown Toccoa is part of one of the greatest cities in the state!
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 26
A HISTORY OF RAIL TRAVEL “Toccoa City,” as it was known in the Nineteenth Century, was
To promote the history of rail travel in Toccoa, the City of Toccoa
created in 1874 as a stop along the Atlanta & Richmond Air
built a Railway Viewing Platform in 2017, the only dedicated one
Line Railway. Toccoa was chosen predominantly due to its
of its kind on an Amtrak line in the State of Georgia. It serves as a
proximity to the beautiful Toccoa Falls. According to Images
beautiful and relaxing atmosphere to watch the trains, read a book,
of America: Toccoa, by Angela Ramage and Kelly Vickers, it’s
or enjoy a picnic with the family.
no surprise then, “that the very first businesses established” in Toccoa were hotels and livery stables, all used to support the
Whether you’ve traveled in a club car on the Crescent in the
growing railroad in the community.
mid-Twentieth Century (or today!), or enjoy the thunderous clap as a Norfolk Southern train hauls hundreds of tons of cargo through
By 1894, the Atlanta & Richmond Line became part of the Southern Railway, and to this day, it operates multiple trains out of Toccoa daily as part of the Norfolk Southern Railway.
Downtown Toccoa, rail travel made Toccoa what it is. And we’re thankful for that.
As Toccoa grew, so too did its prominence in the region. During the 1940s, soldiers arrived daily via the railroad to begin their training at Camp Toccoa, the first paratrooper training facility in America that became home to the men of Easy Company, later recognized on HBO’s Band of Brothers. Even as late as the 1970s, the railroad was shipping out thousands of caskets from the Toccoa Casket Company, which was the largest supplier of caskets to the U.S. Military until the end of the Vietnam War. As long as Amtrak has operated the Southern Crescent from New York City to New Orleans, Toccoa has been a stop along the line. In fact, Toccoa is one of only three Amtrak stops in the State of Georgia, and Amtrak runs through the city twice daily.
Norfolk Southern Railway LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 27
THE USDA PROJECT WE’VE FINALLY DONE IT! Thanks to the generous support of the Toccoa City Commission and grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Historic Ritz Theatre is now beautifully and meticulously renovated. We began the renovation of the Ritz in 2012 in conjunction with the Currahee Arts Council, and when the City acquired the theatre in 2014, we increased efforts considerably. Beginning with a Fox Theatre Institute-funded market plan and an Historic Preservation Division-funded preservation plan, we’ve been able to restore the exterior façade, renovate the auditorium and lobby, install an historically-inspired marquee, implement a state-of-the-art sound system, and this year, restore the balcony and renovate the basement and plaza. In the balcony, you’ll find 90 hand-restored seats. The seats in the balcony are 80 years old – and they look like they were created yesterday! There may be a scratch or two along their backs… but be assured that that’s intentional. From the colors of the fabric, to the springs used in their repair, each seat has been hand-worked to its original integrity. The balcony also includes historically-inspired carpeting, safety upgrades, and a new sound booth.
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 28
In the plaza, you’ll see an Art Deco-style tile plaza installed expertly by the City of Toccoa Public Works Department. And in the basement, it’s almost as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Come by and check it out sometime. We’ve completed a milestone at the theatre… the best is yet to come!
With the help of downtown professional design firm, Angel Oak Home, we’ve renovated the Green Room and the two dressing rooms in an Art Deco manner. From the type of sconces utilized, to the plush velvet stools, to the tables installed, and even to the quartz countertops – everything in the basement oozes Art Deco. Each room is fitted with a custom vinyl rug, and old Ritz memorabilia is present throughout. This is all thanks to the kind generosity of the fine folks at the Monroe office of the United States Department of Agriculture.
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 29
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TOCCOA CITY COMMISSION The Toccoa City Commission was created and established in 1931 to govern the City of Toccoa. The following duly-elected representatives currently serve on the Commission.
Left to Right: • Mayor Gail Fry • Commissioner Jeanette Jamieson • Commissioner Evan Hellenga • Vice-Mayor Terry Carter • Commissioner David Austin
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY The Downtown Development Authority, responsible for the Main Street Program, focuses on downtown organization, economic development, design, promotions, and recruitment.
Left to Right: • Chairman Clint Sanders • City Commission Liaison Terry Carter • Letha Phillips • Bryan Westmoreland • Joe Sewell Not Pictured: • Vice-Chairman Marilyn Hall • Michele Whiten • Clay Fisher
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 30
TOCCOA PLANNING COMMISSION The TPC proactively evaluates and recommends changes to zoning ordinances and zoning maps as appropriate, as well as the overall planning processes utilized by the City of Toccoa.
Left to Right: • Vice-Chairman Billie Thompson • Commissioner Angie Garland • Chairman Suzy Bellamy • Commissioner Tara Simmons Not Pictured: • Commissioner Walker Whitworth
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION The HPC reviews certificates of appropriateness applications for renovations to the exterior of buildings in the historic district.
Left to Right: • Chairman Thurston Estes • Commissioner Victor Cuvo • Vice-Chairman Patti Chism • Historic Preservation Consultant Joe Rothwell • Commissioner Susan Turner • City Commission Liaison Terry Carter • Commissioner Bill DeFoor
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 31
BUSINESS DIRECTORY ART, ANTIQUES & CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT Cornerstone Antique Market Currahee Military Museum Gallery On Sage Historic Ritz Theatre at the Schaefer Center Mountain Cove Pottery Stephen County Historical Society The Chattel Shop The Star Theater The Studio Troup’s Studio & Hallmark Tugalo Station
142 N. Sage Street 160 N. Alexander Street 11 N. Sage Street 125 Doyle Street 23 Doyle Street 160 N. Alexander Street 56 Doyle Street 55 W. Doyle Street 61 E. Doyle Street 26 E. Doyle Street 67 E. Tugalo Street
706-282-1386 706-282-5055 678-314-0807 706-886-8451 706-282-1386 706-282-5055 706-391-0890 706-491-6223 706-886-6138 706-886-2369 706-491-6440
AUTOMOTIVE SALES, SERVICE & SUPPLIES Browning’s Driver Improvement School Currahee Overland, LLC NAPA Auto Parts Powell Brothers Stan’s Service Center Tabor Motor Company The Collision Doctor Toccoa Tire & Recapping US Online Auto
148 E. Currahee Street 40 W. Currahee Street 120 E. Currahee Street 145 E. Currahee Street 74 W. Currahee Street 34 S. Pond Street 130 Railroad Street 229 W. Currahee Street 34 S. Pond Street
706-865-7128 706-431-5954 706-886-6848 706-886-4331 706-886-4227 706-886-3161 706-886-5545 706-886-3111 800-455-9618
CARDS, GIFTS, BOOKS, FILM, ELECTRONICS & FLOWERS All Things Currahee Angel Oak Home [ash-ling] Booksellers Cami Originals CK Morgan & Co. Dollar General Downtown Flowers Hidden Treasures Signs & Wonders Christian Boutique The Chattel Shop Troup’s Studio & Hallmark
46 Doyle Street 118 N. Sage Street 47 Doyle Street 53 Foreacre Street 102 E. Tugalo Street 301 W. Currahee Street 52 Doyle Street 168 N. Pond Street 32 N. Sage Street 56 Doyle Street 26 E. Doyle Street
706-705-4448 706-898-5427 706-886-2665 706-491-5549 706-297-7310 470-354-3330 706-491-7200 706-599-8537 706-282-9833 706391-0890 706-886-2369
475 E. Tugalo Street 105 E. Tugalo Street 333 E. Tugalo Street 315 N. Broad Street 995 E Tugalo Street 270 Savannah Street
706-886-6822 706-886-3680 706-886-9446
CHURCHES & ORGANIZATIONS First Baptist Church* Toccoa Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church* Masonic Hall, Lodge No. 309 St. Matthias Episcoal Church VFW Post 4346
706-886-4413 706-886-2283
CLOTHING, CLEANING & SHOE SERVICES Chelley’s Dollar General Threads Boutique Threads Sports Royal Dry Cleaners
80 E. Doyle Street 301 W Currahee Street 96 N. Sage Street 96 N. Sage Street 22 N. Sage Street
706-633-7070 470-354-3330 706-886-2814 706-886-2814 706-886-3866
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 32
CONVENIENCE & FOOD STORES American Eagle Food Mart Quick Stop & Shop Stephens County Farmers Market Building
30 S. Broad Street 156 W. Currahee Street 325 N. Broad Street
706-886-0170 706-886-2136 706-886-9491
DOCTORS, MEDICAL & ASSOCIATED SERVICES Addington Enterprises, Inc. Convalescent Home Equipment Family Eye Care of Toccoa Flexx Sports & Rehab PT, Inc. Hermann, D. F. MD Jim Wade, MD Lawrence Health & Wellness McDonald, Harry, MD Our Kids Pediatrics/Reese, Angela, MD PruittHealth PruittHealth Toccoa PruittHealth Pharmacy Sander’s Drugs Toccoa Eye Care, Kenneth Schneider, OD
352 N. Broad Street 89 Falls Road 58 E. Doyle Street 69 Doyle Street, Ste. 102 109 W. Savannah Street 218 Falls Road 334 N. Broad Street 201 Falls Road 154 W. Tugalo Street 211 E. Doyle Street 633 Falls Road 377 N. Pond Street 61 Falls Road 72 Falls Road
706-886-8403 706-886-8474 706-886-5214 706-886-3486 706-282-0779 706-297-7877 706-886-8800 706-886-8476 706-886-1309 706-886-8493 706-886-8491 706-886-7787 706-297-0111 706-886-2120
FINANCIAL, ACCOUNTING & BUSINESS SERVICES 1st Franklin Financial (Loan Office) 1st Franklin Financial (Exec./Investment) Beavers & Company, LLC Chamber of Commerce Dennis F. Bellamy, CPA First Citizens Bank Harris Communications Jack Green, CPA Jamieson Income Tax Service J. Sam Johnson CPA, LLC Lee Ellen Fields, CPA Max T. Brock, CPA, PC Oconee Federal Phillips Group Regions Bank Russell’s Tax Service Stephens County Development Authority Stephens-Franklin Teachers Federal Credit Union Talent Force The Wright Credit Union
25 Stephens Circle 135 E. Tugalo Street 252 W. Savannah Street 160 N. Alexander Street 322 N. Broad Street 122 N. Alexander Street 119 N. Sage Street 37 W. Doyle Street 238 W. Savannah Street 161 E. Doyle Street 231 Falls Road 43 W. Doyle Street, #101 12 E. Doyle Street 125 E. Doyle Street 168 E. Doyle Street 114 N. Sage Street 31 W. Doyle Street 108 E. Currahee Street 221 N. Broad Street 286 N. Broad Street
706-886-2153 706-886-7571 706-886-8299 706-886-2132 706-886-7522 706-886-9421 706-886-4321 706-886-7143 706-886-6889 706-886-3173 706-898-5020 706-297-7997 706-886-2112 706-886-9922 706-886-8481 706-886-2829 706-886-4242 706-886-7145 706-282-0978 706-886-2908
45 Doyle Street 73 W. Doyle Street 65 E. Tugalo Street, Ste. 103 56 Doyle Street 56 Doyle Street 147 N. Alexander Street 62 Falls Road 40 Rice-Lewis-Gillard Drive 36 Doyle Street 42 Doyle Street 41 Doyle Street 170 N. Pond Street
706-491-6211 706-886-9437 706-297-8939 706-886-4373 706-886-7496 706-282-1931 706-886-4342 706-282-6626 706-898-5660 706-827-0047 706-391-1839 706-201-1194
FITNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY SHOPS All About Grace Details Salon 73 Diamond Skills Training Academy Gail’s Infinity Hair Salon Phyllis’ Hairworks Rhythm Academy Ron’s Crowning Touch Shear Designs Southern Roots Salon Spa & Salon Anastasia Star Styles by Keka The Clipper Barber Shop
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 33
BUSINESS DIRECTORY FOOD & BEVERAGE [ash-ling] Booksellers China Lin Chinese Restaurant Dollar General Domino’s Pizza Downtown Café Toccoa Just Right Catering Puerto Nuevo Mexican & Seafood Restaurant Shirley’s Sole Food Southside Package Store Victoria’s Sweet Treats X-Factor Grill & Cornerstone Restaurant
47 Doyle Street 35 W. Currahee Street 301 W Currahee Street 19 W. Currahee Street 51 Doyle Street 55 Doyle Street 353 N. Broad Street 124 W. Currahee Street 194 E. Currahee Street 25 Doyle Street 27 Doyle Street
706-886-2665 706-599-9908 470-354-3330 706-886-0481 706-886-0970 706-886-8204 706-886-7276 706-297-7739 706-886-4904 706-716-1296 706-282-7771
GOVERNMENT OFFICES & PUBLIC SERVICES Chamber of Commerce Department of Community Supervision GA Department of Driver Services GA State Department of Labor Juvenile Probation Office Main Street Toccoa Public Restrooms Stephens County Development Authority Stephens County Government Building Stephens County Historic Courthouse Toccoa City Hall Toccoa Fire Department Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library US Post Office Welcome Center
160 N. Alexander Street 27 W. Doyle Street 62 Doyle Street 37 Foreacre Street 148 W. Tugalo Street 92 N. Alexander Street Doyle Street 31 W. Doyle Street 70 N. Alexander Street 37 W. Tugalo Street 92 N. Alexander Street 92 N. Alexander Street 53 W. Savannah Street 41 Falls Road, Ste. 101 160 N. Alexander Street
706-886-2132 706-282-4570 678-413-8400 706-282-4514 706-282-4520 706-282-3232 706-886-4242 706-886-9491 706-886-9491 706-886-8451 706-886-9491 706-886-6082 706-886-4058 706-886-2132
INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE & BUILDING SERVICES Blasingame & Associates First Toccoa Real Estate Franklin Insurance Co. John’s Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., Inc. Jon C. West & Assoc. Metro Insurance Services, Inc. Louise T. Morris Nichols & West, LLP Northview Properties Piedmont Insurance Sherwin-Williams Paints Talan Properties, LLC Titan Powdercoating Van Minos Insurance Agency West Realty, LLC
237 S. Alexander Street 237 S. Alexander Street 219 N. Broad Street 100 N. Pond Street 43 W. Doyle Street, #201 117 Foreacre Street 141 W. Savannah Street, Ste. #103 43 W. Doyle Street, #201 138 Pond Street 256 N. Broad Street 33 N. Sage Street 150 W. Tugalo Street 65 E. Tugalo Street, Ste. 102 92 N. Sage Street 56 Doyle Street
706-886-9905 706-886-2163 706-886-3101 706-886-3584 706-886-7016 706-886-1749 706-886-9613 706-886-7016 706-282-0303 706-779-5038 706-886-4632 706-297-7480 706-716-1114 706-886-7517 706-391-0890
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 34
LEGAL SERVICES Black Law Offices Bruce Harkness, Atty. Crumpton Law Firm. LLC Deborah R. Whitlock, Atty. at Law The Healy Law Firm, LLC The Hicks Law Firm, LLC James T. Irvin, Atty. at Law McClure, Ramsay, Dickerson & Escoe N.M.S. Law Firm, LLC, Nina Svoren Northeast Georgia CASA Samuel G. Church, Atty. at Law Smith & Tabor, Atty. at Law Willie Woodruff, Atty. at Law
141 W. Savannah Street, Ste B 12 W. Currahee Street 17 Wall Street Way 29 Wall Street Way 211 N. Broad Street 20 Doyle Street 27 E. Tugalo Street, #101 38 Falls Road 141 W. Savannah Street 11 N. Sage Street 237 W. Savannah Street, Ste. #101 131 W. Savannah Street 47 W. Doyle Street
706-282-4696 706-886-9000 706-391-6760 706-886-0518 706-886-0200 706-886-0005 706-886-6541 706-886-3178 706-282-4696 706-886-1098 706-282-1415 706-886-5141 706-886-7553
160 N. Alexander Street 92 Camp Toccoa Drive 273 N. Broad Street 462 Sonrise Way 12 Doyle Street 237 Camp Mikell Road 106 Stephens Circle 74 W. Tugalo Street
800-872-2777 706-886-5123 706-297-7799 706-886-3133 706-886-9471 706-886-7515 706-886-1048 706-282-5183
119 N. Sage Street 67 W. Doyle Street 119 Falls Road 145 N. Alexander Street 166 E. Tugalo Street
706-886-4321 706-886-9476 706-886-2727 706-886-2191 800-501-1754
LODGING & TRAVEL Amtrak/Welcome Center Camp Toccoa* Country Hearth Inn Georgia Baptist Conference Center* Ionosphere Travel Agency Camp Mikell & Conference Center* Quality Inn* Simmons Bond Inn
MEDIA SERVICES Harris Communications The Toccoa Record TruVista WNEG Radio (AM 630) (FM 93.1) Windstream
WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS, MANUFACTURERS & MISC. Acree Oil Company Caples Industrial Supply Toccoa Natural Gas/Water Department Tugalo Gas Company
272 W. Currahee Street 446 W. Currahee Street 92 N. Alexander Street 224 W. Currahee Street
706-886-2838 706-886-1437 706-886-8451 706-886-8447
* denotes that these are outside of the Main Street District.
THANK YOU TO TOCCOA’S PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL FOR YOUR HARD WORK IN SERVING OUR CITIZENS.
TOCCOA POLICE DEPARTMENT
LIVING ON MAIN STREET • 35
TOCCOA FIRE DEPARTMENT
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