The Mountain Traveler Fall 2013

traveler the mountain

Fall 2013

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Explore the mountains of Northeast Georgia

TOP Spots to play outdoors in Northeast Georgia

Where to... hike, bike, camp, shop, eat, stay

The Clayton Tribune • The Dahlonega Nugget Dawson News & Advertiser The Northeast Georgian • White County News

themountaintraveler.com

Paul’s STEAKHOUSE DOWNTOWN HELEN GA | 706-878-2468

OPEN

7 DAYS A WEEK

ALL YOU CAN EAT

s l a i c e Sp FULL MENU EVERY NIGHT

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT LOUNGE

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PARTY UNTIL 1AM 21 AND OvEr

Helping Children. Rebuilding Families.

1985

Eagle Ranch has helped children and families find

new beginnings.

EagleRanch.org P.O.Box 7200 Chestnut Mountain Georgia 30502 p: 770.967.8500 f: 770.967.3757

Many people ask what kind of child comes to Eagle Ranch. Our answer is simple: a child you know.

A child whose family has tried to find answers and is desperate for help. Eagle Ranch children come from all backgrounds, and all face challenges: trouble fitting in, academic struggles, anger, defiance, lack of confidence.

The goal of the Eagle Ranch program is to lead children to lifelong change. It’s not just about making a child well-behaved; it’s about changing their heart. It’s about uncovering potential and showing a child they have worth. It’s about time-honored principles of respect, honor, work ethic and responsibility.

It’s showing a family that things don’t have to be the way they’ve always been. It’s showing how Christ gives grace and mercy, making brokenness whole again.

MTf2013ac

Since

File Photo

Table of Contents Festivals and events....................................6-9 Camping in Northeast Georgia.................... 10 Regional Map...........................................58-59 Index of Advertisers........................... 110-111

11

Destination White County

34

Destination Habersham County

60

Destination Rabun County

75

Destination Dawson County

87

Destination Lumpkin County

99

Destination Hall County

History museums in White County.........................12 Folk pottery..................................................................18 Helen’s Oktoberfest...................................................26

Water release at Tallulah Gorge ......36 Fall foliage prediction...............................................38 Christmas in the Park................................................42 Habersham Loop........................................................46 A Taste of Clarkesville................................................50

Rabun Manor.........................................62 Sky Valley hay bales...................................................64 Foxfire Mountaineer Festival..................................66 Hike or drive: wander through beauty...............68

Low traffic trails....................................76 Metric century duathalon.......................................78 Amicalola State Park..................................................82 Len Foot Hike Inn.......................................................84

Gold Rush Days ....................................88 Old fashioned Christmas.........................................90 History in Dahlonega: There’s an app for that.......94 World Gold Panning Championship....................96

Head to Gainesville.......................... 100 Don Carter State Park............................................. 104 The Mountain Traveler is owned by Community Newspapers, Inc., Athens, Ga. Community Newspapers retains the rights to all materials and photographs used in this publication. Copyright 2013.

About the cover: Tallulah Gorge, breathtaking throughout the year, is especially beautiful in the fall. Photo/Bob Colley, courtesy of Georgia Dept. of Resources

We’re glad you’re here

T

here’s nothing like cool morning breezes after a blistering Georgia summer. Our high blue skies and gurgling mountain streams really help ease us through the hot months, but then here comes autumn.

Folks, fall is my favorite time of the year. Our green leaves magnificently transform into brilliant, almost magical, colors this time of year. And it’s definitely when North Georgia shines her brightest.

Autumn is a time when you can put on that favorite long-sleeve shirt and feel good about it. Fireplaces begin burning stacks of oak and hickory, and they crackle, they warm, they soothe our souls.

Welcome to Northeast Georgia, Alan NeSmith a charming place where people look you in the eye, ask how you’re doing and mean it.

This publication comes from the combined efforts of five community newspapers in this region. No one knows the pulse of these communities better than the reporters and editors who serve the local folks in their counties.

You’re digging into a guide for travelers and locals alike, while getting the inside scoop.

The Mountain Traveler features interesting facts about the area, short stories, a map to meet the traveler’s needs and a calendar of events of most everything happening in the hills. And please pay close attention to the advertisements promoting our shops, fine restaurants and businesses.

Lane Gresham, editor of The Northeast Georgian, oversaw all content, and Gabby Parham designed the final product. Writers, photographers and graphic artists also worked hard on this seasonal product. So I hope y’all enjoy The Mountain Traveler and decide to do even more traveling in this region this year.

If you need more information while you’re here, please contact one of the newspapers that helped produce this publication. Our contact information is on page 29.

We’re excited you’re here. And we trust you will find our home a great place to visit.

Alan NeSmith Regional Publisher

THE INSURANCE GROUP Serving Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas

(706) 778-0616

6

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Festivals often feature handcrafted and unique items. File photo

Festivals and Events

September 12 through January 1, 2014 Saturdays through November • Tallulah Falls Opry. Live bluegrass Saturdays through November in downtown Tallulah Falls.

Sept. 12-Oct. 27 • 43rd annual Oktoberfest.

Helen Festhalle.

Details: 706-8781908 or 706-8782181

local wineries, nearby breweries, as well as food and wine pairings and live music throughout downtown. Details: tasteofclarkesville.com, or call 706-7542220.

Sept. 29 • 25th Annual Six Gap Century, Three Gap Fifty and Valley bike rides, Dahlonega. Six Gap and Three Gap boast many of the same roads and oon at mountain climbs as the Musicians cr . al an area festiv elite Tour de Georgia.

File photo Thousands turn out to ride and watch; cyclenorthgeorgia.com.

Oct. 4 • First Friday Fest, The Rock House, Clayton. Details: 706-782-1520 or downtownclaytonga. org.

Sept. 19-21 • Rabun County Fair. Details: rabuncountyfair. com.

Sept. 28 • A Taste of Clarkesville, the season’s yummiest downtown festival, will take place in the historic heart of Clarkesville, 11 a.m.3 p.m. Celebrating its fourth year, A Taste of Clarkesville will showcase downtown restaurants,

whitecountychamber.org.

• Badass Dash, seven-kilometer obstacle challenge at Camp Blue Ridge.

• Clayton chili cook-off sponsored by Clayton Rotary Club. Details: 706-7824812.

• Agri-Fest/ Country Market and Pottery Comes to Town. Downtown Cleveland. 9 a.m-3 p.m. Details: 706-865-5356 or

Oct. 5 • Worldwide Photo Walk, 4-6 p.m. at the Historic Mauldin House in Clarkesville. Details: 706-7542220. In its fourth year, Clarkesville will once again participate in this free social photography event. Cash prizes for winners. Details: Find Clarkesville on

7

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

worldwidephotowalk.com.

• Sautee Jamboree Music Festival. Sautee Nacoochee Center, noon-midnight.

Details: 706-878-3300 or snca.org • Mountain Music and Medicine Show, Historic Holly Theater, Dahlonega.

Live recording of a radio show featuring mountain music and humor. The show has won three GABBY awards from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters for the best locallyproduced radio program in the state.

Pre-show at 7:30 p.m., radio show at 8 p.m. This will be the final production of the regularly scheduled show, bringing 12 years of radio programming and live entertainment to an end. Reunion shows will appear occasionally. Cost: $15; mmmshow.com.

• Foxfire Mountaineer Festival next to Rabun County Civic Center, Clayton.

Details: foxfiremountaineer.org. Sidewalk show and art sale in downtown Clayton.

habchamber@windstream.net.

• Fall Celebration at Smithgall Woods State Park, noon-4 p.m. Details: 706-8783087.

• Great Artdoors Festival at Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts and Sciences.

Details: hambidge.org.

Festival. BabyLand General Hospital, Cleveland. 5-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Details: 706-809-0139.

Oct. 19-20 • Gold Rush Days, Dahlonega.

Dahlonega’s biggest festival, Gold Rush Days brings as many as 200,000 people to Dahlonega for the fall color in the beautiful North Georgia mountains and for the more than 300 art and craft exhibitors, food

Oct. 26 Soque River Ramble 6K Run & Walk. Registration beginning at 7:30 a.m., events from 8:30 a.m.4 p.m. at Marlan Wilbanks Farm, 860 Old Chimney Mountain Road, Batesville. The Ramble is intended to help celebrate the importance of the Soque River to Habersham County’s economy and quality of life. Details: 706-499-0367, or soqueriverramble. com/event-info/ description-ofevents/.

• Batesville Fall Festival. Food, crafts, art and music from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Batesville General Store & Restaurant, Clarkesville.

Details: 706-9473434.

• Zombie Fun Run. Walk, creep and crawl your way through the race from 5-6 p.m., starting at the Old Clarkesville Mill, Clarkesville. Kid Zone with Halloween and fall activities to open at 4 p.m. Details: clarkesvillekiwanis@ gmail.com.

• NOA Annual Chili Cook-Off, Dahlonega. Sponsored by NOA (No One Alone) to raise funds to fight ▶

Oct. 26-27 • The 46th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival, hosted by KARE for Kids, celebrates Dawson County’s bootlegging and racing history. This year’s grand marshals are the popular Jeff Waldroup and Mark from the hit television series Moonshiners. A parade of moonshine and revenue cars will kick-off festivities at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26. Event organizers say the festival showcases more authentic moonshinehauling cars than you’ll ever see gathered in one place anywhere in the U.S. Taking the stage to perform music is the award-winning band, Pumpkins are harvested just Confederate Railroad. Details: in time for fall festivities. kareforkids.us or 706-216File photo KARE (5273).

Oct. 12 Some local fall • 26th Annual traditions may ck Big Red Apple require a step ba e.

Festival, 10 a.m.-4 in tim p.m. in downtown File photo Cornelia. Fabulous fall festival fun!

Live entertainment all day at the Depot, great regional food, handmade arts and crafts, Crabapple Kid Zone, Key Club Classic Car Show on Hodges Street, Apple Festival 5K & Fun Run, Walk A Mile in Her Shoes Awareness Walk and much more. booths, a parade, and a full No admission charge. schedule of activities. Gold Rush Days Details: 770-778-8585, ext. 280, bht@ has been voted one of the Top 20 Events corneliageorgia.org or explorecornelia. in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism com.

Society. Free; dahlonega.org.

• Hills of Habersham Bicycle Ride. To start at 8:30 a.m., beginning and ending Oct. 25-26 in Clarkesville at the Ruby C. Fulbright • Hillbilly Hog Throwdown & Fall Leaf Aquatic Center. Details: 706-778-4654 or

•

8

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Holiday Road Open House. Meet more host a trick-or-treat night for thousands domestic violence in the area, this than 100 local artists, painters, potters, of area youngsters. event offers a chance for cooks to jewelry makers, fiber, glass, metal • Halloween Trunk-or-Treat. Sautee enter the competition and for all to artists and others from Habersham, Nacoochee Center. Details: 706-878enjoy a selection of the finest chili Rabun, Towns and 3300 or snca.org. and barbecue around. Hancock White counties Park, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., rain or shine. demonstrating art in the NoOneAlone.org. making. Details: 706• Mt. Airy fall 947-1351 or artstour. festival, 10 a.m.org.

2 p.m., town hall, Dicks Hill Nov. 10-11 Parkway. Car • 9th Annual show, door prizes, Dahlonega Literary food. Details: 706Festival.

476-4734.

Presentations and • Fall ArtFest 2013. demonstrations Come see work from national and

by Southeastern regional authors, potters, receptions for photographers and authors, children’s folk artists from and writers’ 10 a.m.-4 p.m. s form activities. Details: at Burnt Burbon Steady hand of a literaryfestival.org.

Pottery Gallery & the beginning .

Studio, 330 Foster pottery piece Nov. 27-Dec. 14 St., Cornelia. Also File photo • Festival of Trees. featuring live music, Unicoi State Park Lodge. Details: 706food and wine from 865-5356 or whitecountychamber.org.

Nov. 1-3 local wineries. Details: • Hemlockfest 2013, Starbridge, state burntburbonpottery@ Nov. 28 Route 115, east of Dahlonega. Music gmail.com.

• Clayton Cluckers Turkey Trot 5K and from such genres as singer songwriter, Fun Run, Ramey Boulevard Parkway. folk, blue/newgrass, blues, classic Oct. 27 Details: 706-982-1284. oldies, Celtic rock, and jam band will be • Trick or treat in downtown Clayton. performed for three days. The festival Nov. 28-Jan. 1, 2014 includes family activities, primitive Oct. 31 • Holiday Light Spectacular at Cornelia camping, arts and crafts, food vendors • Trick or Treat on the Downtown City Park, open until 11 p.m. every and festival merchandise. This benefit Square in Clarkesville, night from Thanksgiving Day until raises funds and 5-7 p.m. Get your New Year’s Day. Drive through treats on Washington Cornelia City Park Street! Trick-orafter dusk to see this treating, games, free holiday light costume contest and spectacular. more. Details: 706754-2220.

Nov. 29 • Haunting on Main, • Lighting of the 6-10 p.m. at the Village. Downtown Old Cornelia Bank Helen, 6 p.m. Details: building. Want to be 706-878-2181 or scared senseless? helenga.org.

Come out to the old Cornelia Bank Nov. 29-Dec. 8 building at the • Christkindlmarkt. corner of Main Traditional German and Irvin streets There are su re to be plent holiday marketplace. for a hauntingly y of activities fo Downtown Helen. good time. The r to enjoy thro children Details: 706-878-1908 Cornelia Fire ughout the season. File ph Department and oto Nov. 29-Dec. 22 members of the • Old Fashioned Habersham Central Drama Class have Christmas: This monthawareness to help save created another horrific journey through long celebration around the Hemlock trees that define southern the old bank. Details: 706-778-8585.

Dahlonega’s downtown square includes Appalachia. Details: hemlockfest.org. an old-fashioned Christmas parade, • Trick-or-Treat Dahlonega: The town-lighting and tree lighting events, Nov. 8-10 Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber live music, live nativity, special events • 2013 Northeast Georgia Arts Tour of Commerce merchants on the square

9

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Downtown Dahlonega glows in the warmth of the city’s annual display of Christmas lights.

File photo inside many shops, and much more in celebration of the season. Santa is available to talk to kids of all ages every weekend. The highlight of the event is the transformation of the square into a holiday wonderland. From shop door and window decorations to the tens of thousands of tiny white lights installed all around the square, downtown Dahlonega becomes a picture postcard throughout Old Fashioned Christmas and beyond. Details: schedule at 706-8643513 or dahlonega. org.

Dec. 6 • Lighting of the tree, downtown Tallulah Falls. Pot luck supper at town hall, 6 p.m., Christmas carols, hayride, Santa. Details: 706-754-6040.

Dawsonville Christmas Tree will be held at the City of Dawsonville Municipal Complex. A parade will kick-off this year’s event and will conclude at 4 p.m., in the parking lot of the Municipal Complex. The annual celebration and lighting of the tree will follow.

depicts A live nativity s. su Je birth of File photo

Dec. 7 • Habersham County Christmas Parade.

Downtown Baldwin.

Theme: Through the eyes of a child. Details: 706-7786341.

• Christmas in the Mountains.

Downtown Cleveland, 3-8 p.m. Holiday festival includes lighted Christmas parade at 7 p.m. Details: 706-865-5356 or whitecountychamber.org.

• Christmas parade in downtown Clayton. Details: 706-782-4812.

• The annual lighting of the City of

the

Dec. 8 • “A Mountain Christmas” at Dillard Playhouse. Details: ngcommunityplayers.com.

Dec. 13-15 • Community Chorale Holiday Concert. Sautee Nacoochee Center, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.

Details: 706-878-3300 or snca.org.

Dec. 13-21 • Christmas in the Park at the Cornelia Community House and Cornelia City Park. Come and make magical holiday memories without having to go too far from home. Ice skating returns once again to the park ($10 admission) along with free make-andtake craft stations in the Elf Holiday Workshop, visits with Santa, a Holiday Market (arts/crafts) and more. Details: explorecornelia. com.

Dec. 14 • A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas, 6-8 p.m. at the Downtown Square. Tree lighting, free photos with Santa, caroling, live Nativity, live entertainment, Windows at Woods, shopping and more.

Dec. 30 • Santa on Saturday at The Rock House, Clayton.

Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 2014 • Cornelia Apple Drop 2013, 10 p.m.midnight. Location TBD.

10

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Campers have set up their home in the outdoors while camping at Amicalola Falls campground. File photo

A camper’s paradise

Camping options are numerous in Northeast Georgia

F

all is the ideal season for camping in the North Georgia mountains, offering perfect weather, fewer bugs, brilliant foliage, and a variety of public campgrounds to suit every need.

Georgia’s state parks (georgiastateparks.org) usually provide a full range of amenities in their campgrounds, including hot showers, flush toilets, dump stations and electrical hook-ups. Some parks also have low-budget walk-in sites for tents only.

In the Chattahoochee National Forest (fs.usda.gov/conf), campgrounds tend to be in slightly more remote locations and sometimes have fewer amenities, but they feature gorgeous scenery and can make you feel as if you’re truly in the wilderness.

Some of the best Forest Service campgrounds include Lake Win-

By DEBBIE GILBERT, White County News

field Scott near Blairsville; DeSoto Falls and Andrews Cove, both near Helen; Lake Rabun Beach near Clayton; and Lake Russell near Cornelia.

Among the state parks, campgrounds you’ll enjoy include Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain, Don Carter (on Lake Lanier), Moccasin Creek (on Lake Burton), Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi and Vogel.

Black Rock is the highest state park in Georgia, with breathtaking vistas when the leaves change color in the fall.

Moccasin Creek has quiet campsites on the lake and relatively level terrain. It’s a good choice for families with young children or handicapped members.

Unicoi, just outside the town of Helen, offers camping options from primitive to luxurious, plus enough recreational activities to

keep everyone busy and happy.

Be aware fees, reservation policies and operation schedules vary among campgrounds, so always call ahead or check the websites to get the latest information.

Recommended campgrounds State parks (georgiastateparks. org): Amicalola Falls Black Rock Mountain Don Carter Moccasin Creek Tallulah Gorge Unicoi Vogel Chattahoochee National Forest (fs.usda.gov/conf): Andrews Cove DeSoto Falls Lake Rabun Beach Lake Russell Lake Winfield Scott ■

White County Destination

Find out more History museums 12 Folk pottery 18 Helen’s Oktoberfest 26

In this photo...

Gerrells Road, like many country roads in White County, provides a colorful autumn scene.

Photo/Billy Chism

12

White County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Seeing a place through history

M

any people like to learn a little of the history of an area they are traveling through to truly get

a feel for it.

White County has three museums that cultivate an understanding of the accomplishments and history of the area.

On the square in Cleveland, the museum in the Historic White County Courthouse is managed by the White County Historical Society.

The old courtroom is upstairs, still lined with the old pews. Downstairs, a variety of exhibits illustrate the

By LINDA ERBELE, White County News

people from the past, including folk pottery, spinning wheels, clothes and quilts from generations ago. There’s also a family history room.

In Helen, the Helen Arts & Heritage Center, 25 Chattahoochee Strasse, has a room dedicated to Helen’s history, from its days as a lumber town to becoming the home of the longest Oktoberfest in the country. Because the center is in the old city hall, you can also try out a couple of old jail cells.

“That is a favorite among the kids,” Nancy Ackerman, HAHC president, said.

In Sautee Nacoochee, stop by

the Sautee Nacoochee Center at 283 Ga. 255 North. The history museum chronicles gold-mining methods used in White County with part of a water-cannon, used in the process, on view. A selection of Native American artifacts, including arrowheads, pottery shards and a large milling rock used centuries ago can be seen.

A shop metal lathe used to turn gun barrels and Joe Brown pikes for use during the Civil War is in the museum. It was part of a machine shop which also made the hinges and latches for doors in the historic White County Courthouse. ▶

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

13

A glimpse of the past

The White County History Museum, located in the Historic White County Courthouse, has a display of quilts and old medical equipment. Photo/Linda Erbele

Treasure Hunting in White County Antiques • Collectible Bargains & More!

Velvet’s Vintage Vintage Something Old and Something New

Antique & Primitive Furniture, Home Decor, Garden Items, Quilts & Vintage Linens, Jewelry and So Much More!

706-219-0229

2048 Helen Hwy. Cleveland, GA (across from Yonah Burger) www.velvetsvintage.com • Follow us on Facebook

» Candles » Lighting » Baskets » Garden » Flowers » Linens » Primitives » Seasonal

706-865-1244

Mon., Thurs.-Sat. 10-5 Sunday 12-4

Hearts & Flowers Primitives 947 W. Kytle Street, Cleveland • www.theprimitiveshop.com

Reflections Mall 671 Helen Hwy, Cleveland 706-219-7620

Over 40 Dealers • Open Daily Nancy Ackerman welcomes visitors to a tour of a real jail cell at the Helen Arts and Heritage Center. The center is in the old Helen city hall. Photo/Linda Erbele

14

White County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

On the campus of the center is the African-American Heritage site, a former slave cabin built in 1850 and possibly used to cook for the family of slave-holders, which were situated in the Sautee Valley. There is an exterior exhibit of antebellum artifacts, including a trough built by a slave to keep dairy products cool and large black pots used for soap-making, hog-scalding and cooking are on display.

Admission to all of the museums is free. The History Museum at SNCA is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The Historic White County Courthouse is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Helen Arts & Heritage Center is open Thursday through Monday from noon-4 p.m. ■

Explore Yonah Mountain Treasures for distinctive gifts, art and framing.

Art • Pottery Wood Creations Books by Local Writers Puzzles • Cabin Decor Custom Picture Framing Jewelry & Fashion Accessories

MTN.

Yonah Mtn. Treasures

Next to the Yonah Burger on Hwy. 75, two miles north of Cleveland.

706-348-8236

ABOVE: The Sautee Nacoochee History Museum has an illustrated explanation of gold mining in the county and part of a water cannon, which was used in one particularly destructive method of mining. BELOW: Twin spinning wheels occupy a corner at the White County History Museum, open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Photos/Linda Erbele

The

Heart & Soul

of the Northeast Georgia Mountains

Bavarian Shops, Historical Landmarks, State Parks & Local Artists

Adopt Handstitched Originals

September

Sept. 12 - Oct. 27 - 43rd Annual Oktoberfest, Festhalle.

706-878-1908 or 706-878-2181.

14 - Fall Fest/Birthday Party/35th Anniversary of Babyland General速 Hospital, Babyland General速 Hospital.

706-865-2171, www.cabbagepatchkids.com 28 - Agri-Fest/Country Market & Pottery Comes to Town, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Downtown Cleveland. 706-865-5356 28 - Outdoor Adventure Day, Unicoi State Park.

1-800-573-9659. www.GeorgiaStateParks.org

October

Celebrate Oktoberfest

5 - Sautee Jamboree Music Festival, SNCA. 706-878-3300 12 - Fall Celebration, noon-4 p.m., Smithgall Woods.

706-878-3087 19 - Art-Oberfest, Helen Riverside Park. 706-878-3933 25-26 - Hillbilly Hog BBQ Throwdown & Fall Leaf Festival, Babyland General速 Hospital. www.hillbillyhogbbq.com 31 - Halloween Trunk or Treat, SNCA, 706-878-3300, www.snca.org

Visit our Wineries

Explore Our Rich Heritage

November

2 - Unicoi Wine Festival, Hardman Farm. 706-865-5356.

8-10 - Northeast Georgia 2013 Winter Arts Tour. www.artstour.org 9-10 -Civil War Expo, Helen Riverside Park.

For more information, e-mail Al Platt at aplatt0021@aol.com.

16 - Northeast Georgia Ghillies Ball, Unicoi. 706-865-5356.

23 - Appalachian Christmas, Babyland General速 Hospital.

706-865-2171 27 - December 14 - Festival of Trees., Unicoi State Park.

1-800-573-9659 29-December 1 - Annual Christkindlmarkt, Downtown Helen.

706-878-1908.

29 - Annual Lighting of the Village, 6 p.m., Downtown Helen. 706-878-2181

December

1-800-392-8279 www.whitecountychamber.org

1-14 - Festival of Trees, Unicoi State Park. 1-800-573-9659 7-8 - Annual Christkindlmarkt, Downtown Helen.

706-878-1908.

7 - Annual Christmas Parade 2 p.m. Downtown Helen.

706-878-2181.

7 - Annual Christmas in the Mountains Festival, 3 p.m.-8 p.m., Downtown Cleveland. Lighted Parade at 7 p.m. 706-865-5356.

706-878-2201 1788 Hwy 356 Helen

Family Restaurant

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Come and watch your favorite NFL and SEC games each week on one of our 5 - 50” TVs!

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Daily lunch buffet in dining room 11am - 2pm All You Can Eat

Full Service Restaurant

Teressa Holtzclaw www.fourthmtn.com Bill Holtzclaw 706-878-9337 706-892-4612 Teressa Bill TeressaHoltzclaw Holtzclaw BillHoltzclaw Holtzclaw 706-878-9337 706-878-9337 706-892-4612 Teressa Holtzclaw, Broker/Owner • 706-892-4612 706-878-9337

Bill Holtzclaw, Agent/Owner • 706-892-4612 Sharon Edwards, Realtor • 706-892-6173 Jacque May, Realtor • 706-969-5084 Angie Jarrard, Realtor • 706-878-9891 Dottie Kesterson, Realtor • 706-207-5673 Stacy Allison, Office Manager

18

White County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Folk art on display

Some pieces of folk pottery can be purchased at the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, located at the Sautee Nacoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N., in Sautee Nacoochee, as well as Flashes of Memory by Linda Anderson. Photo/Linda Erbele

Flashes of memory

White County has a strong tradition of folk potters

L

By LINDA ERBELE, White County News

ong before the Meaders family’s folk pottery was nationally showcased by the Smithsonian Institution, they were one of many families in the White County area who crafted vessels for food storage in the 19th century.

“This was the largest pottery center in the state,” said Chris Brooks, director of the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia at the Sautee Nacoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N., in Sautee Nacoochee.

He said the combination of farm families in this area with a need for good clay syrup jugs, kraut jars

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

19

EAT OUT in Cleveland

Dairy Queen of Cleveland 123 Helen Hwy. Cleveland, GA (706) 865-2213

Corner Grill Hwy 129 South, Cleveland

Now serving your favorites for Breakfast and Lunch Sunday 7-3 • Mon.-Tues. 6-3 • Wed.-Sat. 6-9

ing World Famous Broasted Chicken

featur

Come taste “The Best Burger in White County” Now accepting Visa, MasterCard & Debit Cards

706-219-1246 • Dine In or Carry Out • Catering See you on the Corner!

and other food storage utensils and the quality of clay available created a market in this area. This led to the influx of a number of potters who migrated here in the early part of the century to meet that need.

The work of many of those potters can be seen at the folk pottery museum.

Descendants of many of those pottery-making families still live in the area, and some still turn pots in the traditional manner, including among others, Turpins, Hewells, Meaders, Cravens and Fergusons.

Other traditional folk potters worked as apprentices to learn the craft.

Visitors to the folk pottery museum can view the action of a working kick-wheel and see the variety of glazes and vessels created by folk potters. A ▶

Join us every 1st Friday of each month for a delicious Prime Rib Dinner 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

On the Square • Cleveland 706-865-1212 Mon.-Wed. 11am-6pm Thurs.-Fri. 11am-9pm • Sat. 11am-3pm

The Village of Sautee PRAIRIE TRAILS

Pottery Jewelry Paintings Lavender Plants Baby Items Natural Bath & Body Products

Authentic & Original Native American Arts & Crafts

Open Mon-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12:30-5

Jewelry with lots of “BLING” 706-878-8284 Navajo Jewelry • Pottery • Clay Dolls 2271 Hwy 17 Leather Goods • Metal Art Sautee, GA

Historic

Old Sautee StOre

Name Brand Women’s & Men’s Apparel Jewelry, Jams/Jellies & so much more Quality Goods since 1872

706-878-2281 www.oldsauteestore.com • Hwy 17 & Hwy 255 • Sautee

The Lavender Cottage & Garden Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm 706-878-0100 Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/thelavendercottage 53 Hwy 255 North, Sautee, Ga. 30571

www.thelavendercottageandgarden.com

The Market & Deli

Open Daily 706-878-2281

Offering a unique menu of sandwiches, wraps, baked goods, cheeses, ice cream & much more. www.oldsauteestore.com

Hwy 17 & Hwy 255, Sautee • next to the Old Sautee Store

OPEN DAILY All Natural Handmade Herbal Soaps • Bath Salts Lotions • Oils Candles • Gifts

Shampoochie®

2277 Hwy 17 • Sautee 706-878-5901 www.greenstonesoap.com

11455-wr

Dog Shampoo Soap

Experience the charm & the beauty

A unique collection of shops and attractions in beautiful Sautee Nacoochee Shopping • Antiques • Dining • Wine Tasting Pottery • Arts & Crafts Discover the hidden voices of almost 200 years at the...

Visit www.villageofsautee.com to see all 26 businesses located in Sautee Nacoochee.

FOLK POTTERY POTTERY FOLK MUSEUM MUSEU MUSEUM MUSEU

Visit the only museum in the Southeast dedicated exclusively to this unique art and it’s its history.

Large selection of local art, pottery and jewelry

www.folkpotterymuseum.com

283 Highway 255 North, Sautee Nacoochee, Ga • 706-878-3300

2454-A Hwy 17, Sautee, GA 30571

706.878.0144 www.InsideOutSautee.com

Gallery • Gifts • Folk Pottery • History Performing Arts • Theater • Heritage Site

For information, information, please please call call 706-878-3300 706-878-3300 or For or visit visit www.snca.org www.snca.org

VISIT

ENJOY

REPEAT

This re-creation of a typical folk potter’s workshop includes a treadle wheel for turning and homemade tools like a clay scale and the tobacco tin used to cut holes. The pot lifters hanging on the wall would have been made by a blacksmith. Photo/Linda Erbele

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

model of a tunnel kiln, like many used by potters in the area, is on view and a video explains the process. The museum has a tour of folk potters in the area you can visit.

You can even find the answer as to why some of the

White County

23

jugs have leering, bug-eyed faces on them.

The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission costs $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for children. ■ LEFT: Turning corn into the cash crop of liquor was a real part of the economy in the Northeast Georgia mountains.

That need for jugs had an impact on the folkpottery industry centered in the Mossy Creek part of White County.

Open from St. Patty’s Day to New Year’s.

COUNTRY Bake ShOppe

We have something to satisfy everyone’s taste!

Picnic Lunch, On-the-Go, Carryout, Home Entertaining

Examples of pottery created by folk potters of Northeast Georgia include this rooster, made by Rex Hogan, the jugs on either side made by Whelchel Meaders and the lidded grape jar on the top shelf, made by Jeff Standridge. The piece to the top left is a coffee mug made by Rob Withrow, a potter from the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina, who created the signature mugs for the museum. Photos /Linda Erbele

For orders call: 706-865-9584 951 Helen Hwy. • Cleveland, GA 30528

ONE FREE BOOK!!

A Picture Mt. is Worth 1000 Words! Yonah Book

Just drop by. Book from designated section. One book per customer per day. Cannot combine with any other coupon or promotion.

Exchange • Customer Loyalty Program • Complimentary Coffee Bar • Specialty Tie Dye Items • Featuring Local Artwork

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-4

706-219-1565

3779 Helen Hwy • Cleveland, Ga 30528 (located at the green locomotive train)

mtyonahbookexchange.com

We accept Debit Cards, MasterCard, Visa and Discover

Weekend Breakfast Bar

Bountiful Country Bar

• Senior Discounts • • Hickory Smoked Meats on the Buffet • • All Items Can be Packaged To Go • • Private Dining Room Available • • Call ahead for large parties •

Thank County for voting 1963you TomWhite Bell Road • Cleveland, Georgia us

Best Antique Store 706-348-1997 We’re on the Helen Highway westernsizzlincleveland.com

TURNER’S CORNER - A GREAT PLACE TO EAT AND SHOP!

A Victorian Cowgirl Thank you for your 11 years of loyalty and patronage.

Open Thursday-Saturday 11am-5pm Sunday 1-5pm

Why pay tourist prices for a quality meal?

A Lumpkin County landmark since 1928!

Located at the intersection of Hwy 19N & Hwy 129N

Open: Thursday & Friday 11am - 9pm Saturday 8am - 11pm Sunday 8am - 9pm

In the Fall of 2013 watch for our Women’s Clothing Boutique.

706-348-2290 Full menu serving breakfast on weekends Kids menu available Serving Beer & Wine

Elsie Maloy, proprietress 1768 John Crow Road, Cleveland

Live music every Saturday night at 9pm

706-219-2444 • www.thevictoriancowgirl.com

Outside seating available on our covered deck overlooking the Chestatee River

(10 miles north of the Cleveland square)

Visit us online at www.turnerscornercafe.com and view our full menu

Wendell’s

Country Restaurant

WET PETS

• Japanese Koi

Serving Homestyle Cooking since 1982

• Filtration Design Specialists

Monday-saturday daily specials

6 99

$

sunday lunch special All You Can eat

9 99

$

Breakfast served All day Call to Reserve Spacious Banquet Room (seats 70)

Named in Where Magazine Best Breakfast in 3 Counties

706-348-1431 Open Daily • 7am-3pm www.1wp.com/go/Wendells 5012 Helen Hwy. (75) • Sautee

Let us do your catering events

Since 1986

•

Foods

• High Quality Pond Supplies ©

• Aquatic Plants

For honest advice, knowledgeable service and products that work, call the pond experts.

Hours: Thursday-Monday WET PETS 1:00-6:00 PM 1085 Mountain Cove Road OPEN March 15-November 1 Dahlonega, Ga. 30533

706-865-7190

12 Miles north of Dahlonega - off U.S. 129

EXCELLENCE FOR YOUR POND www.wetpets.com

26

White County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Oktoberfest, which began in 1970, gradually evolved into a six-week-long festival celebrated in Bavarian-themed Helen by locals and tourists alike. File photo

Helen’s Bavarian makeover An idea that saved a town

T

ravelers who unexpectedly come through the city of Helen are often surprised to find what appears to be a Bavarian village.

After all, most of the settlers in southern Appalachia were Scotch-Irish, not German. So how did Helen get its charming “Alpine” theme – not to mention its famous Oktoberfest?

It all started with a town that was in its death throes. Helen was founded in 1913 in response to a timber boom in the Northeast Georgia mountains. The Byrd-Matthews Lumber Company had built a sawmill nearby

By DEBBIE GILBERT, White County News

and a railroad to haul the logs to Gainesville.

But once the trees were gone, the town lost its lifeblood. Helen became a sleepy community where visitors rarely stopped except to fill up their gas tank on the way to somewhere else.

Then, in the late 1960s, a group of local businessmen came up with an idea to revitalize the town: Give Helen a Bavarian makeover.

Pete Hodkinson, Jim Wilkins and Bob Fowler, among others, fleshed out the details of the scheme, and they enlisted artist John Kollock to design how the buildings and other structures

should look.

The town now has ordinances to ensure all new buildings conform to the Bavarian theme.

But in order to seem authentic, the city needed to be German not just in appearance but in personality. Oktoberfest began as an informal gathering in 1970, and gradually evolved into a six-week-long festival of beer drinking, wurst eating, dancing to the beat of oompah bands, and a popular parade.

Moreover, Helen formed a partnership with a “sister city:” Fussen, Germany, known for its Baroque castles.

This year, the 43rd Oktober-

Old Heidelberg

Celebrating

40 years 1 9 73

German Restaurant & Pub

-2013

33 Munich Strasse • Helen, Georgia 30545 Operated by U.S. Military Brat • Est. 1973

Extensive selection of beer

Open daily

11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Sports bar closes at 1:00 a.m.

CONTACT US TODAY TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS!

706.878.2271

• Downtown • Free Wifi • Complimentary Continental Breakfast • Enclosed Heated Pool • Ideal Meeting, Wedding & Events Destination Helendorf

ating Celebr

s

40 year

1973-201

3

• VisitUs @ Helendorf.com

8660 N. MaiN Street, HeleN | 706-878-0061

Come in and satisfy your sweet tooth

A wide assortment • Made fresh daily Handmade chocolates • Chocolate covered strawberries Try our famous Chattahoochee Snappers *We also offer a great assortment of sugar free chocolates.

WE SHIP •

Free parking at the chocolate factory

2 locations to serve you!

8651 N. Main St., Helen • 8078 S. Main St., Helen 706-878-2443 • 800-524-3008 hanselandgretelcandykitchen.com

28

White County

fest takes on special significance as the town of Helen celebrates its 100th birthday. You’re invited to join the fun from Sept. 12 through Oct. 27, raising your stein of beer in a toast as Helen welcomes the beginning of its second century.

Helen Oktoberfest 2013: Sept. 12-15 Sept. 19-22 Sept. 26-Oct. 27

RIGHT: Costumed in clothing that signfies German culture and Helen’s Bavarian theme, Oktoberfest-goers dance in celebration.

File photo

Explore Alpine Helen Bring this ad in for a

FREE surprise!

ley d a r B Vera ale S Going on now!

Boots, Scarves, Fall Fashion & More!

8797 N. Main St., Helen, Georgia 30545 (706) 878-2441

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8669 N. Main Street, Helen, GA 30545

706.878.2357

lindenhausimports.com 678-863-7742 • 706-878-1842

www.timswoodentoyshop.com • Find us on Facebook 8635 Main St. Unit 8 Swiss German Plaza • Helen, Ga 30545

Unique Items from all over the World

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

29

White County

Proudly serving our communities in Northeast Georgia The Clayton Tribune

The Dahlonega Nugget

Dawson News & Advertiser

The Northeast Georgian

706-782-3312 theclaytontribune.com

706-265-2345 dawsonadvertiser.com

706-864-3613 thedahloneganugget.com

706-778-4215 thenortheastgeorgian.com

White County News 706-865-4718 whitecountynews.net

The Mountain Traveler is a publication of these newspapers, which form the Northeast Georgia Region of Community Newspapers, Inc.

A unique tasting room Infused gourmet olive oils & balsamic vinegars.

Be WoWed! Over 51 flavors – Try our pomegranate, black cherry, raspberry, dark chocolate & more

Novice cook to gourmet chef

8160 South Main Street • Helen, Georgia (Next Door to the Black Forest Bear Park) 706-878-2734

Boots • Clothing • Jewelry Men • Women • Children Big Sizes • Big & Tall Western Dress Casual Wear Western Hats & Belts 260186-wr

706-878-5653 8660 N. MaiN St. | White horSe Square | heleN

Large selection of beautiful quilts for every style and budget, starting at under $100 8689 North Main Street Helen, Georgia 30545 706.878.5527

706-878-0086

Cheryl O’Kelley, Owner 8580 North Main St. • Suite 102 • Helen

As Seen on Travel Channel

A Real Mining Adventure

Hofer’s of Helen Bakery • Café • Biergarten

North Georgia’s only commercially operating gold mine!

Gold & Gemstones Custom Mine By the Bucket or Right in the Creek!

Jewelry Have your finds cut and set in hand-crafted jewelry

Authentic Bavarian Bakery and Café

European Cakes, Pastries and Old World Breads

Breakfast and lunch served daily

OPEN DAILY

Serving German Beer and Wine

outdoor Biergarten. live Music on weekends.

9 a.m -5 p.m.

Located just past the Gazebo At 8758 North Main Street www.hofers.com 706-878-8200

Mining Camping 75 Gold Nugget Lane • Cleveland, GA 30528 www.goldngem.com • 706-865-5454

See all our Adoptable Pets... sanganimalrescue.org

Betty’s Country Store

Helen’s Oldest and Most Unique Store

established in 1973 in the quaint little Alpine Village of Helen

We are Open EVERYDAY 7am-9pm

ating Celebr

s

40 year

1973-201

3

open daily Best Fresh Cut Meat • Full Line of Groceries Beer & Wine • Homemade Baked Goodies Best Produce in North Ga • Thoughtful and Unique Gifts Lunch Specials Everyday Chicken & Dumplings Every Wednesday & Friday

Main Street • Helen, Georgia • 706-878-2943

A favorite for generations!

Creekside Deli

Sweet Memories

inside dining or casual dining on the porch, catering

Antiques and Specialty Shops

16 Old Nacoochee Rd. • Cleveland, Ga (Hwy 129, North of the Square) www.restaurantsclevelandga.com

60+ Vendors!

OPEN DAILY 706-865-3666

idewinder The S Located inside Grill

er’s Corner TurnGeneral Store

SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH 13870 Highway 19 North

BEER • LOCAL WINES

LOCAL JELLIES & JAMS

GAS • GROCERIES • FISHING LICENSES & SUPPLIES

Open 7 Days a Week Mon-Fri 10am-6pm • Sat 10am-5pm. Sun 1-5pm 75 West Underwood Street • Cleveland, GA

706.865.9002

Inside Old Babyland General Hospital

706-865-0344

CYCLING EQUIPMENT • NUTRITIONAL BARS • & MORE!

Gabby’s

Clarkesville’s Newest Retail Guilty Pleasure

Country cabins

Visit Our Themed Rooms For Unique Gifts!

Home of the Heart Shaped Jacuzzi!

Seasonal & Collegiate Gifts Christmas Gifts Year Round Gourmet Cookies, Coffees & Teas Gourmet Dips, Sauces & Jellies Designer Bags, Jewelry & Fashion Accessories Ask about our

Wedding and Baby Registry

monday-saturday 10am-7pm

137 east morgan street, clarkesville • 706-768-7911

Pets Welcome Free WIFI 10 cabins on 18 acres, Some creekside 5 miles south of Helen Perfect outdoor stage venue for weddings and family events with a Mt. Yonah backdrop itated, Often Im Free gold panning for registered guests ated er Duplic

Full Service Pharmacy Local Pottery & Art Customized Gift Baskets Cookies, Dips, Sauces & Jams Old Fashioned Candy & Toys Designer Purses & Wallets Baby & Wedding Gifts

M-F 9:00AM to 6:30PM SAT 9:00AM TO 3:00PM

“On the Square”

706-865-1212

Nev

Downtown Cleveland

Celebrating 25 years

www.gabbyscabins.com 706-865-6772 | 3083 Helen Hwy. Cleveland, Ga

Home to a unique collection of shops and attractions.

Habersham Winery • Award winning Georgia wines in our tasting room.

• Unique wine specialty items and gifts.

706-878-9463 habershamwinery.com

Modern American Cuisine 7277 South Main St., Helen | 706-878-1020

Nora Mill Granary

Grist Mill & Country Store

Full service f ly shop, private trout water, professional g uide services

• Est. 1876 • Free samples Open daily Daily

M-S 9-5 • Sun 10-5

unicoioutf itters.com

706-878-3083

706-878-2375 • noramill.com

Wake Up In The Mountains

THE “INTIMIDATOR” Georgia’s Longest Most Exciting Dual Zipline

½ Mile of Thrills Sky High Tree Top Canopy Tours

Gold Mine Tour & Swamp Ride

www.cabinsinhelen.com 706-878-8400 • 1-877-883-8400

www.nacoocheevillage.com

OPEN 7 DAYS 706-878-ZIPS (9477) www.zipntime.com

The perfect place to spend the day, just a half mile south of Helen!

NACOOCHEE VILLAGE

Anti qu e Ma l l

•

•

Hand tossed, hearth baked pizza, hoagies, paninis, craft beer, local wine & adult libations

Now offering gluten free crusts

Huge selection of antiques & collectibles in the historic Martin House.

Open 7 days a week 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

7275-B South Main St. Helen, Ga 30545 706-878-0199 villagetavernpizza.com

2 mile so th o Helen • 706-878- 069

From Quiet Elegance to Rustic Charm

The

Red Door • Lamps

• Jewelry • Linens

• Clothes

Gourmet Coffee | Teas | Candies 100% Arabica Coffee Fresh Roasted in North Georgia

706.878-9957 • villagereddoor.com • 7275 S. Main St., Helen

706-219-1820 • JumpinGoat.com OOppeenn Se evveenn DDaayyss aSW a Weeek ek

Your Own Own Pottery Pottery Paint Your Canvas Parties Parties Wine & Canvas Koolaide && Canvas Canvas Kid’s Koolaide Fun Photo Photo Booth Booth Portraittss by

by Ki Kieeririnn Bree Bree Photography Photography Build/Paint Your Your Own Own Instrument Instrument 7272 Build/Paint 7272S.S.Main MainStreet.

Street.

Helen,Ga. Ga.30545 30545 Helen, Parties && Groups Groups Rates Rates Available Available Parties Locatedacross acrossfrom from Located Bar Wine Bar Mully’sNacoochee NacoocheeGrill Grill Mully’s Walk-Ins Welcome Welcome Walk-Ins

9404-wr 9404-wr

• • • • • • • • •

706-878-0177 www.FancyDoodle.net (706-878-0177 www.FancyDoodle.net

www.nacoocheevillage.com

PIEDMONTCOLLEGE COLLEGE PIEDMONT PIEDMONT COLLEGE

A traditional campus setthe in the foothills northeastGeorgia’s Georgia’s A traditional campus set in foothills of ofnortheast Appalachian Mountains makes the Demorest campus a Appalachian Mountains makes the Demorest campus a residentialcampus college with lot foothills to offer. Choose from Georgia’s more than A traditional inathe of northeast residential college withset a lot to offer.Arts Choose from more than 44 majors in one ofMountains four schools: and Sciences,campus Business, Appalachian makes the Demorest a 44 Education, majors in one of four schools: Arts and Sciences, Business, Nursing. activities include clubs residentialand college with Extracurricular a lot to offer. Choose from more than Education, and Nursing. Extracurricular activities clubs and organizations, societies, fineSciences, arts,include andBusiness, athletics, 44 majors in one of fourhonor schools: Arts and and organizations, honor societies, fine arts, and athletics, allowing students to be involved in numerous ways.

Education, and Nursing.

Extracurricular activities include clubs allowing students to be involved numerous ways. and organizations, honor societies, fineinarts, and athletics, allowing students to be involved in numerous ways.

With a new four-year campus, PC Athens offers small-college advantages in Georgia’s big-college town. You can choose from With a new four-year campus, PC Athens offers small-college four-year programs in eightoffers career-oriented With a newundergraduate four-year campus, PC Athens small-college advantages in Georgia’s big-college town. You can choose from bachelor’s in degree programs. advantages Georgia’s big-college town. You can choose from four-year undergraduate programs in eight career-oriented four-year undergraduate programs in eight career-oriented bachelor’s degree programs. bachelor’s degree programs. Both campuses also offer graduate programs in business and education.

Both campuses also graduate Demorest Both campuses also800-277-7020 offer offer graduate programs in business and education. programs in business and education.

Athens 800-331-2021

Demorest 800-277-7020 Demorest 800-277-7020 Athens 800-331-2021 Athens 800-331-2021

www.piedmont.edu www.piedmont.edu www.piedmont.edu LC175406-2

AUTOMOTIVE

T

CHEVROLET 706-776-1144

Hwy 365 Baldwin www.HayesAuto.net

CHRYSLER

706-894-3900

MT11548ac

he Hayes dealerships have been very involved in helping the community they do business with since the very beginning. As in any business, our people are what keep us here. They are the heart of Hayes. In 1971, A.D. Hayes, and his brother, Donald Hayes, started the first dealership with the simple belief that treating everyone like family was the key to success. He was right! We know times have changed and people have become too cynical to believe any business truly cares. But seeing is believing! At Hayes, our dad’s wisdom, over 40 years later, still rings true. If we expect the people in our community to support us, then we in turn should support them.

Destination

Habersham County Find out more Water release at Tallulah Gorge 36 Fall foliage prediction 38 Christmas in the park 42 Habersham Loop 46 A Taste of Clarkesville 50

In this photo...

Chenocetah Tower is a longstanding local landmark.

The tower, 54 feet tall, was completed in 1937, as part of a Federal Public Works program. Photo/File

Tallulah Gorge State Park has water releases

A

By KIMBERLY BROWN, The Northeast Georgian

utumn at Tallulah Gorge State Park is breathtaking for the beautiful leaf color in the gorge and on

the rim trails. But on certain spring and fall days, visitors can also see the release of water in the Tallulah River, making the experience even more exciting.

Water is released by Georgia Power Co., which operates the dam over the gorge, for aesthetic purposes, and for kayakers and rafters to experience the Class IV and V

Navigating the rapids Kayakers paddle downstream in the Tallulah River after a seasonal water release.

Photo/Kimberly Brown

Rafters experience heightened rapids in the Tallulah River after a water release. Photo/Kimberly Brown

rapids in the river.

The water releases are always a popular spring and fall event, said TGSP Manager Danny Tatum. “I think we’ll have good crowds, if we can just get out of this rain cycle,” he said. “We’ve still had good attendance.

There will be a lot of people, and we’ll be packed in leaf season.”

In September, aesthetic releases will be Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29; in October, Tatum said, releases switch to Wednesday and Friday, with release dates of Oct. 2 and 4; 9 and 11; 16 and 18; 23 and 25.

Whitewater release dates for boaters will be Nov. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17.

Tatum said both kayaks and rafts are allowed, though kayaking the river is the most popular. Boaters should be experienced and should go through the American Whitewater Association at americanwhitewater.org or Georgia Canoeing Association at gapaddle. com.

“We don’t let just anybody go down there,” Tatum said of the whitewater events.

The best viewing of boaters in the gorge is Overlook 1 and the Inspiration Point Overlook. “It’s beautiful from there,” Tatum said.

Tallulah Gorge State Park is 2,739 acres in Habersham and Rabun counties. In addition to the water releases, it offers scenic trails, camping, picnicking and gorge floor access, though no gorge floor permits are issued on water release dates. For more information about TGSP, see gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge. n

Wet fall in forecast

Just how constant rainfall will continue to be factors greatly into how colorful fall foilage will be. If enough dry weather occurs between the end of September and middle to late October, vibrant colors may occur. Otherwise, fall colors will be muted.

File photo

Habersham County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

39

Will colors be plentiful?

If rain stops, colorful fall season still possible

W

ith the almost daily promise of rain as August drifts into September, it is hard to imagine what to expect as we edge closer to the autumn leaf-looking season.

“Basically we’re waiting to see if wet weather continues in September and October,” said Katherine Mathews, associate professor of botany in the department of biology at Western Carolina University. She is also director of the university’s Herbarium.

“If rainfall continues to be high, it will be a less vibrant fall season,”

By DONALD FRASER, The Northeast Georgian

Accuweather.com

Mathews said Aug. 14.

In an Aug. 14 press release,

AccuWeather.com predicted the Southeast U.S. will continue ▶

11492-2

40

Habersham County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Yellow and orange in leaves is caused when green fades at the onset of autumn. File photo

experiencing wet weather going into fall, according to Paul Pastelok, senior meteorologist and head of AccuWeather’s long-range forecasting team.

“Though the frequency of flooding events will scale back from that of the summertime, the threat will hold through the fall due to the collision of stronger cold fronts and tropical moisture,” Pastelok stated.

The threat for tropical storm development could linger late in the season.

“The bulk of these systems will come in September and probably early October, but it looks to me that we’re heading into a late season with a storm here and there through November,” Pastelok said.

Having wet fall weather “mostly effects the formation of red as the weather gets cooler,” Mathews said.

Tree species which have red coloration “may not be as bright a red,” Mathews said. “They need a lot of sunshine for good development.”

The yellows and oranges in leaves are a product of the photosynthesis process [carotosysis] and consequently when the green fades away in autumn, the yellow and oranges remain.

Production of red coloration still holds mystery for scientists, according to Mathews. Production of red is not a part of the photosysnthesis process, but photosynthesis produces the sugar needed to produce red color.

If wet conditions do not allow production of sugar, then production of red color is limited. “If there is not

as much photosynthesis, then there is not so much sugar to produce red,” Mathews said.

Temperature and the amount of daylight are other primary fall color factors. If temperatures remain mild and there is no frost or low temperature, a color peak is not triggered, Mathews said.

A color peak is “maybe five days after a frost,” Mathews said. Mild temperatures mean a “gradual, slower change in color.”

Mild temperatures could also mean a longer leaf season, albeit with muted colors.

Still, if October is dry, “that should help,” Mathews said, of leaf colors being more vivid because trees “would have more time to make red pigment.”

The search for a leaf peak may be found in higher mountain elevations which experience a greater likelihood of colder temperatures during autumn nights.

“Those areas may have the chance of seeing temperature in the 30s in the evenings,” Mathews said, especially mountain peaks above 5,000 feet.”

Trees signaling the beginning of fall color are fruit trees, locusts, sourwood, black gum and sumac.

In the middle of the fall season, poplar offer yellow hues for display.

Maples provide the vivid scarlet often associated with the fall season.

The leaf-looking season winds down with the turning of oak leaves. n

David and Katie’s Amish Food, Spice and Grocery Store

WORTH THE DRIVE TO HOMER!

Premium Grilling Meat Black Angus Ribeyes New York Strips Fresh Sausage

12” Subs $500 Every Day Chips & Pickle Included Enjoy your lunch on our enclosed porch

Kids Ice cream $ 00 1 everyday Cone or Cup

969 Historic Homer Hwy., Homer, GA 30547 706-677-3646 Cell: 706-654-6370

11301-wr

History Preserved and Distilled...

Recipes from the past...

Carlos Lovell has sold moonshine, and he’s sold land.

Guess which one earned him the most friends.

1st Tuesday and 3rd Friday of each month 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Proud to be pouring in Georgia!

1896 Dicks Hill Parkway • Mt. Airy, Georgia www.IvyMountainDistillery.com

11303

Tours offered at:

‘Christmas in the Park’

Glowing with Christmas spirit

Santa and a pair of toy soldiers greet visitors to Cornelia’s annual Christmas in the Park light display. The drive-through exhibit opens Thanksgiving night and runs through New Year’s Day. Photo/E. Lane Gresham

’ illuminates Cornelia

I

By CHRISTINA SANTEE, The Northeast Georgian

f done right, a holiday light display can make anyone’s Christmas season bright.

And with a record-breaking 30,000-plus motorists having navigated the city of Cornelia’s half-mile long “Christmas in the Park” attraction in 2012, it’s clear many agree.

Established in 1993, annual visitation to the city’s

festive spectacle has become a tradition for locals and tourists alike, with Cornelia City Park witnessing a daily average of 750-plus vehicles from its Thanksgiving night debut to its commencement on New Year’s Day. Cornelia Downtown Manager Heather Sinyard describes the display, which relies on nearly 40,000 ▶

44

Habersham County

light bulbs, as “a gift to North Georgia.”

“Because we don’t charge like most others do. It’s free; you can drive through as many times as you like,” Sinyard said. “We love it. It’s a great gift back to the people who live there and the visitors.”

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

In 2013, the attraction will remain open to the public from Thursday, Nov. 28, to Jan. 1, 2014, where visitors will have the opportunity to take advantage of extended hours Dec. 13-21. Visits with Santa Claus, hayrides in the park and ice skating will be offered

exclusively on weekends.

“It’d be a great opportunity for youth groups, churches and business to take advantage of,” Sinyard said.

For more information, call Cornelia City Hall at 706-778-4215, ext. 1. n

Ice skating will be available at the Cornelia Community House Dec. 13-21. This is the third year the activity will be available in Habersham County. Photo/Kimberly Brown

250 Furniture Drive Bakery • Deli • Produce Cornelia, Ga. 30531 Pharmacy • Garden Center 706.778.0353

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AR-15 by Your Hunting Headquarters

$

Starting at

700

Country Boy Sports 783 Caudell Road, Homer • 706-677-3394

11302-wr

Large stock of handguns & ammo in stock

“Carrying a gun is a social responsibility. A citizen who shirks his duty to contribute to the security of his family and community is little better than the criminal who threatens it.”

Glock authorized for law enforcement, miliLicensed Firearms Manufacturer tary, fire and EMS sales at special pricing.

Destination......

Habersham County • September 28 - 4th Annual Taste of Clarkesville • October 12 -26th Annual Big Red Apple Festival/Cornelia • October 12 - Annual Hills of Habersham Bicycle Ride • October 26 - Soque River Ramble & Zombie Fun Run • October 31 - Haunting on Main at the Old Cornelia Bank Bldg • October 31 - Trick-or-Treat on the Clarkesville Square • November 28-Jan 1 - Christmas in the Park- Spectacular Light Display • December 7- Habersham County Christmas Parade • December 14 - A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas & Tree Lighting • December 13-21 - Christmas in Cornelia (Ice Skating, Hayrides, Visits with Santa & more) • December 31 - 10th Annual Apple Drop New Year’s Eve Celebration

706-778-4654

habchamber@windstream.net HabershamChamber.com

46

Habersham County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Habersham Loop is an approximately 75-mile spur trail, touching the Southern Highroads Trail on Highway 76 in Rabun County. Photo/Kimberly Brown

Habersham Loop

T

Offers scenic views, shops

By KIMBERLY BROWN, The Northeast Georgian

ravelers planning to drive the Southern Highroads Trail can also plan a special treat: the trail’s Habersham Loop.

The Southern Highroads Trail is a 364-mile, four-state loop trail, going through the corners of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. While the original Southern Highroads Trail doesn’t go through Habersham County, the Habersham Loop is an approximately 75-mile spur trail, touching the Southern Highroads Trail on Highway 76 in Rabun County.

The Southern Highroads Trail was established by the U.S. Congress about 11 years ago, said Judy Taylor, Habersham Chamber of Commerce president, and is “literally a circle that hits the corners of four states.”

“The Southern Highroads Trail brings thousands of people to the area every year,” Taylor said. “As far as I know we’re the only loop [off the Southern Highroads Trail].” ▶

The Southern Highroads Trail leads travelers to spots suitable for fishing on the Soque River.

Photo/Kimberly Brown

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

47

WE BUY & SELL GOLD!

ABOVE: This sign in Habersham County points travelers in the way of the Southern Highroads Trail.

BELOW: Mark of the Potter, located on State Route 197 near Clarkesville, is a historic business located on the scenic Habersham Loop of the Southern Highlands Trail.

In addition to stunning scenery, the Habersham Loop features a variety of craft, art and antique shops. Photos/ Kimberly Brown

WE BUY Large or Small Gun & Coin

COLLECTIONS

we also carry ammunition and firearm accessories Prices will NOT be quoted over the phone

DIAMOND JEWELRY & LOAN 3840 State Hwy. 365 N. at mile marker 41, Baldwin

706-894-2274

GUNS • GOLD • TOOLS • PAWN

48

Habersham County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

SOUTHERN

TRAIL

Southern Highroads Trail

0 0

Habersham Loop

25 Miles 25 KM

U.S. Highway

50 Miles 50 KM

State Highway

100 Miles 100 KM

The 364-mile Southern Highlands Trail touches the corners of four states, and the approximate 75-mile Habersham Loop is a spur trail running through Habersham and into Rabun County.

Copyright 2012County Southern Highroads.

All Rights Reserved. http://www.southernhighroads.org

Entering the Habersham County Loop from Cornelia on state Route 365/441, it heads north through Habersham County on Historic Highway 441 toward Clayton in Rabun County, then west on state Route 76 and south on state Route 197.

The state Route 197 portion of the trail meanders through national forest along the Soque River, and stops include Mark of the Potter, Burton Gallery and a variety of crafts, antiques and art shops.

Other attractions on the Habersham Loop (or via a slight detour) include the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art and the Johnny Mize Museum in Demorest, Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, hiking trails, including the Panther Creek Trail in northern Habersham County, shops and restaurants in Clarkesville and Cornelia, and beautiful views throughout the whole county.

“The Southern Highroads Trail is highly advertised, and

people literally plan their vacations around following that trail,” Taylor said. “I lobbied for [the Habersham Loop] for about two years, and finally the board decided [to create it]. … The trail should bring many visitors to the county.”

A map of the Southern Highroads Trail, including the Habersham County Loop, can be found at southernhighroads.org/resources/trail-map. n

Billy Taylor of Fayetteville fishes for trout in the Soque River in August. The Soque River is one of the scenic stops along the Habersham Loop of the Southern Highlands Trail, which runs north on Historic 441 toward Clayton in Rabun County, then west on Highway 76 and south on Highway 197.

Photo/Kimberly Brown

50

Habersham County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

A Taste of Clarkesville

C

Experience a culinary delight

By E. LANE GRESHAM, The Northeast Georgian

larkesville, becoming well known as a hub for hospitality, is hosting its premiere fall event Sept. 28.

Experience A Taste of Clarkesville, in its fourth year, is set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

in and around the downtown square.

The culinary event showcases downtown and area restaurants, local wineries, nearby breweries, as well as offering wine pairing seminars and live entertainment. The event was recently named a Top 20 Event

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

51

A Most Unusual Store

Voted “Best Furniture Store in Habersham County”

Visit your friends at

Woods FURNITURE today!

Furniture Every Room Inside & Out

Bridal & Gift Registries

s

Plu

Mattresses Lamps • Rugs Wall Art • Table Linens China • Crystal Silk Floral Arrangements

Woods Since 1961

FURNITURE, INC.

Historic Downtown Clarkesville | 706.754.4144 www.WoodsFurnitureInc.com

ABOVE: Clarkesville Business & Community Association member Teresa Barry assists a customer at the CBCA booth at a previous Experience A Taste of Clarkesville event. The CBCA booth is a place to find information, purchase wine from participating wineries and to pick up door prizes. Photo/E. Lane Gresham

Unique Lodging • Exceptional Dining Open most evenings.

Reservations recommended.

11493-G

in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

The Taste, which drew nearly 3,000 people last year, is a collaborative effort of the Clarkesville Business & Community Association, Clarkesville Main Street and the city of Clarkesville.

According to Clarkesville Main Street Manager Mary Beth Horton, the Taste’s immediate popularity can be attributed to three things: people, place ▶

1789 Bear Gap Road • Clarkesville, GA www.glenella.com • 706.754.7295

52

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

and things.

“Not only is there a great team of folks who orchestrate this event, but there is also an outstanding representation of culinary talent from the local restaurateurs,” Horton said.

Community members look forward to seeing each other and welcoming visitors, she said.

“Clarkesville itself is a beautiful backdrop on any given day, but Clarkesville in the fall during peak leaf season is astounding,” she said.

Attendees can look forward to a full sensory experience, she said.

“A Taste of is truly one of the most enticing and comprehensive events in our area because it incorporates so much into a single afternoon,” Horton said.

“A great festival is an attitude, an experience, and very much a way of life. A Taste of Clarkesville is all that and more.”

Admission to the event is free; however, samples are purchased through a ticket system. Food tickets are five for $5 or 25 for $20. Beer and wine tickets are sold separately, and customers must present proper I.D. For more information, visit tasteofclarkesville. com, call 706-754-2220 or find the event on Facebook. The website and Facebook page will be updated as vendors are confirmed. n

DOLLAR DAZE Bowl for $1 a game every Tuesday Open Mon-Sat

North Georgia’s hottest music venue Grant Street Music Room is a dedicated live music venue run by musicians with a single mission:

Bring wo r l d c l a s s e nt e r t a i n me nt to N o r t he a s t G e o r g i a at affordable prices.

(Some shows will remain free, too!)

Grant Street Music Room Full Bar Available

706.754.3541 583 Grant St., Clarkesville

grantstreetmusicroom.com

Cedar Heights Center Presents a Holiday Food Drive www.cedarheightscenter.com

at the Sautee Nacoochee Community Center Historic Gym 283 Highway 255 North, Sautee Nacoochee Valley

706-878-3300

Nov. 11th-23rd and Dec. 2nd-14th

Monday - Friday Noon to 6 p.m. • Saturday noon - 3 p.m.

Resting Sunday

Cash donations welcome...

Just $1.00 provides four very appreciated meals through this program.

In cooperation with

&

11496-G

While dropping off canned and dry goods...

Step into a few peaceful moments...

Walk a labyrinth created with your donations.

North GA’s Most Beautiful Drive

6 4

5

e l l i v s e k Clar North Georgia Floors & Restoration

3 2

706-754-4329 1-800-355-7193

www.northgeorgiafloorsandrestoration.com

1

197

Come to

470 Monroe Street Clarkesville, GA

1 Unique Art & Craft created in the hills and mountains of Georgia and its neighboring states

Open Tues - Sat 10 - 6 706.754.2449

1440 Washington St. On the Square in Clarkesville SoqueArtWorks.com Catch a lifetime memory and savor the taste of Abby J’s gourmet at Blackhawk Flyfishing! One bite and you’re hooked...

2

Let us host your next fly fishing adventure

Fly Fishing at its Finest on the Soque River

For reservations call Abby Jackson

706-947-3474 www.blackhawkflyfishing.com

9982 State Hwy. 197 N. • Clarkesville 10 MIles North of Clarkesville on the Soque River at Grandpa Watts’ Mill • 706-947-3440 www.markofthepotter.com

4

Sugar Mill Creek RV Resort

• 48 paved & padded campsites • Sites for groups,tents & RV’s • Large 3-level covered deck • A clean bathhouse

706-947-0162

• Laundry room • A playground for the kids • Live Music - Fri. & Sat. Nights • Beer & Wine Available

sugarmillcreek.com

5

Dale Holmes Broker/RealtoR

11937 Highway 197 North • 112 Spring Street Clarkesville, GA 30523 Office: (706) 754-5101 Mobile Phone: (706) 499-0367

www.landandmore.net Your Batesville and Clarkesville Area REALTOR

6

Boats, Beer, Bait & Much More

LaPrade’s Marina Come visit the only full service marina on beautiful Lake Burton

SINCE 1925

706-947-0010

lapradesmarina.com

Southern Bank & Trust is locally owned and operated and PROUD to call Habersham County, Georgia our home. SB&T is committed to banking our local community...

111 Southern Bank Drive, Clarkesville, GA 30523 Member FDIC

706.754.0001

www.sbandt.com

6K Run & Walk

Saturday, Oct. 26, ’13 1K Fun Run 8:30 a.m.

6K Run/Walk 9:00 a.m.

Held in Scenic Batesville along the Banks of the Soque River All proceeds donated to the Batesville Community Association and Soque River Watershed Association

175062-G

3

Come to CLARKESVILLE TO SHOP B PLAY B WINE & DINE!

Woods Since 1961

706.754.4144

www.WoodsFurnitureInc.com

FURNITURE, INC.

1358 Washington St. Clarkesville, GA 30523

A most unusual furnit ure store!

706-754-4556

Stop by for a Tour!

Downtown Clarkesville , Georgia Voted BEST Furniture Store in Habersham County

Bogard’s

MARKETERIA GRILL

Dining Room • M-Sat • 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

CONVENIENCE GROCERY STORE

7 days • 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

American Owned & Operated

Come visit us for all of your Home Furnishings and Decor!

Fishing Tackle & Live Bait

Owners: Wayne & Cindy Allen

3226 Hwy 17 & Hwy 105 | Clarkesville | 706-754-4800

Clarkesville G E O RG I A

Sept. 28 | A Taste of Clarkesville Oct. 5 | Worldwide Photo Walk Oct. 31 | Trick or Treat Downtown Dec. 14 | A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas

Mon - Sat 10:30-6:00 shopthenest@gmail.com www.thenestathome.com

The New!!!

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Natural Health & Lifestyle Alternatives

Appointments available for consultations rootsnremedies.com 1436 Washington St. Clarkesville, GA 30523 garoots.com (706) 754-6898 infornr@yahoo.com

Receive

10% off

of your order

Coupon valid until 3-31-14.

In-Store Coupon Only

Custom Orders Available

ave t e date

Saturday September 28, 2013 Downtown Clarkesville, GA

tasteofclarkesville.com

or ind us on

El Jinete Mexican Restaurant Main: (706) 389-5909 Cell: (404) 985-7859

595 Hwy. 255 Clarkesville, GA 30523 www.sauteeresorts.com

Conference Lodge • Luxury Mtn. Villas • Nearby Attractions

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

FULL BAR ★ PRIVATE ROOM ★ DAILY SPECIALS ★ CATERING SERVICES ★ FREE WI-FI ★

706-839-1907

345 West Louise St. (Hwy 441)

American Country & Primitive Antiques in 1700’s Log Cabin

Come see our Early American Folkart 511 Grant Street Clarkesville, GA 30523

706-754-0789

homesteadhouseprimitives.com

Antiques - Folkart - Country Furniture

Full Service Bar

Open Tues.-Thurs. 11am-9pm • Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm Sunday 11am-9pm* *January, February & March - Sunday 11am-3pm

1/2 Price pizza Tues 3-9 p.m. (Dine in only) • Wednesday Trivia Night Thursday Open Mic• Weekend Dinner Specials 135 Grant St. • Clarkesville, GA

706-839-1300

www.thecopperpotrestaurant.com

Sheep Hollow An eclectic blend of old & new!

Matt Mixon Agent 854 Washington St, Suite 100 Clarkesville, GA 30523-6031 Bus 706 754 4131 Fax 706 754 7647 matt.mixon.gtot@statefarm.com www.mattmixon.net The greatest compliment you can give is a referral.

“Bring joy to your home.”

Tuesday-Saturday

10am-6pm

NEW LOOK SAME PEOPLE SAME GREAT FOOD

Luscious Lunches Delectable Dinners Beautiful Brunches and Sweets that never disappoint

SWEET BREADS

1317 WASHINGTON ST. CLARKESVILLE, GA 30523 706-754-0707

700088w

at

138 E. Water St. Clarkesville, GA 706-968-4060

129 Water St., Clarkesville 706-754-3752

BURGERS - HOT DOGS - SANDWICHES - SHAKES

g: rin

u eat

F

Steak & Seafood

1344A Washington St., Clarkesville, GA www.TheAtticRestaurant.com Hours: 11am-9pm

706-839-1811

Beading Supplies Crystals • Classes • Tools

Located in Clarkesville (Inside Old Clarkesville Mill) 706-499-5336

gardenofbeaden@windstream.net

Where Folks Come To Buy Not To Shop!

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SALES HOURS: MON. - FRI. 9 A.M. - 8 P.M. SAT. 9 A.M. - 7 P.M.

Dawsonville, GA

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te Sta

1 Mile South of the North Georgia Premium Outlets on GA 400

Hw y. 5 3

400

Dawson Forest Rd. E

N

706-265-5400 1-800-347-5930 VISIT US ONLINE AT: www.MegelChevy.com

MT2013-6

Service Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

17

V U

« 66

325

Fannin

£ ¤

Nottely Lake

Lake 75 Chatuge

« ^ _ !

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19

!

£ ¤

288

Young Harris

129

£ ¤

«

76

515

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To Blu e R id ge

^ ! _ ^ _

«£ 76 ¤ 515

Meeks Park

#

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Brasstown Bald

£ ¤ 19

UNION

£ ¤ 129

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60

Ocoee Rive r

£ ¤ 19

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129

9

£ ¤

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« 9

LUMPKIN

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« 9

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52

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183

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«

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Wauka Mountain

« ive r

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« 60

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Dawsonville

£ ¤

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ee R

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52 Historic Courthouse and Gold Museum

136

DAWSON

«

129

Dahlonega

52

52

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Amicalola Falls State Park

V U

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Cleveland ! ^

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£ ¤

« Springer Mountain

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es Ch

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Lake Sidney Lanier

Frankl in

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To Franklin, NC

Ap palach ia n Tr ai l

Moccasin Creek State Park

£ ¤ Tiger!

Lake Burton

76

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197

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Lake Rabun

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356

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Falls 255

!

^ _

£ ¤ £ ¤

197

441

« 17

HABERSHAM

«#

STEPHENS

75

« 17

Yonah Mountain

Ch

« «

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255

ooc Ri v er

£ ¤

17

£ ¤ £ ¤

Currahee Military Museum

441

Demorest !

hee

115

Lake Hartwell

«

Clarkesville !

115

South Carolina

r

Lake Yonah

23

Nacoochee Valley Indian Mound

Lake Tugalo

i ve

^ _

«

Sautee Nacoochee Center and Folk Pottery Museum

Ï !!

R lo ga Tu

V U

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Historic White County Courthouse

£ ¤

441

Unicoi State Park

hgall ods

ek Stekoa Cre

£ ¤ £ ¤

^ _ V U

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r

76

Ï !

Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area

en

Ï !

!Clayton

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75

Mountain City

RABUN

w Hia

«

23

ive

« 75

£ ¤ £ ¤ !

441

Black Rock Mountain State Park

76

Rabun Bald

og aR

£ ¤

#

Ch att o

! Hiawassee

! Sky Valley

!

Dillard

Tallula h

TOWNS

Georgia Mountain Fair Grounds

V U 246

Riv er

«

5

To Highlands, NC

^ _ !Toccoa

£ ¤

23

365

£ ¤ 123

9

«

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254

Cornelia !

Big Red Apple! ^

« 384

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£ ¤

Skitts Mountain

Baldwin

441

£ ¤ 365

!

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Chenocetah Mountain & Tower

# «

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184

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_ Places of Interest FRANKLIN Ï State Parks ! _

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Appalachian Trail National Forest

Map Prepared By GMRC, September, 2010.

Information depicted herein is for reference purposes only and is compiled from best available sources. GMRC makes no warranty expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy or completeness of information contained herein.

For a relaxing weekend, a thrilling afternoon or an incredible lifetime

• Foxfire Mountaineer Fest, October 5 • Hambidge Center Fall Festival, October 12 • Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hikes, November 15-17 • Christmas in Downtown Clayton, November 29 • Shopping Extravanganza\Festival of Trees, November 29-30 • Clayton Christmas Parade, December 7 • Warrior Dash returns, April 2014 ... and many others

to plan your Rabun County memories, go to:

MTf2013ac

Come visit for these events...

(706) 212-0241

www.explorerabun.com

Saturday, October 5 , 2013

the Heritage of Southern Appalachia

SKILLS ~ CRAFTS MUSIC ~ GAMES FOOD ~ FUN @ Rabun County Civic Center in Clayton, Georgia

Foxfire

Mountaineer

Festival

10am–6pm, Admission: $5 per person, kids 5 & Under FREE, MAX $20 per family

www.foxfiremountaineer.org

Rabun County Destination

Find out more Rabun Manor 62 Sky Valley hay bales 64 Foxfire Mountaineer Festival 66 Hike or drive: wander through beauty 68

In this photo...

The rough splendor of Tallulah Gorge straddles the line between Habersham and Rabun counties and is a ďŹ tting introduction to the natural beauty visitors to Rabun County will experience during their stay in Clayton, Dillard and the surrounding area.

Photo/Kimberly Brown

62

Rabun County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Rabun Manor A history of hospitality

By TREVOR METCALFE, The Clayton Tribune

O

verlooking Dillard sits a White Manor House with gardens, a gazebo and a large front porch, much like the plantations of the Old South. Beneath its exterior lies something more: a history spanning decades and (quite literally) the length of Georgia.

“When I tell people that it’s 176 years old, people look at me like ‘It can’t be,’” said Nancy Childress, current owner of Rabun Manor bed and breakfast.

The key to the house’s long past is held by Allan White. The family of her husband, Bob, originally owned the house when it resided in Whitehall, just outside

From left, Nancy Childress, Allan White, Ginger Isom and Charles Maddrey talk on the porch of Rabun Manor. The house is almost two centuries old and holds multitudes of memories for White, who spent summers and holidays at the house beginning in the 1960s. Photo/Trevor Metcalfe

Athens. The original manor was created when the family merged three old mill houses into the single fourbedroom, two-bathroom house. The house was moved to the backyard when a newer brick house was constructed on the Athens property and used as a school.

“My husband’s dad and his family went to school in that house in the backyard,” White said.

In 1906, Bob’s grandfather decided Rabun Manor overlooks the town of Dillard. to move the propThe house is located just off Highway 441 at 205 erty up to its current Carolina St. Photo/Trevor Metcalfe

location in Rabun County as a summer home. The entire house was broken down, moved to Rabun by train and then completely reassembled.

“It came from Athens to Mountain City by railroad and from there by ox cart to Dillard,” White said. “They disassembled it, they numbered the pieces and they put it back together.”

White remembers her time at the house as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Starting in the 1960s, the couple would invite friends from near and far up to the manor for summers and holidays. The adults would hunt or sit out on the porch while the children played games in the yard or hunted for berries in the woods.

“We spent a lot of time look-

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

63

ing out at the mountains, and making up stories, I’m sure,” White said.

She remembers coming up with friends from Atlanta and their children, who would attend Camp Pinnacle while the adults had fun at the manor. Children also would tube down the local streams near the manor.

“We came and had our fun over here while they were at camp,” she said.

White remembers the trips to the house as casual and inviting gatherings.

“There was no real formality,” she said. “It was just down-to-earth good times.”

In 1987, the house was sold to Cupboard Cafe owner Billy Johnson, who converted the location into a bed and breakfast. In 2005, Johnson added a large dining area and other additions to the main house, bringing it into its modern size.

Now, Childress operates the manor along with Ginger Isom and chef Charles Maddrey. The bed and breakfast includes seven bedrooms in the house and on the grounds, and a full dining area serves up supper Thursday through Saturday and Sunday brunch.

White said her time with the house was a once-ina-lifetime experience.

“There’s so many fond memories,” she said. “You know, you can’t bring back the past, but you sure do have the memories.” n

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With HGTV HOME Flooring by Shaw, finding your style has never been easier.

Clayton Paint & Flooring Center

706-782-2741 • 404 South Main Street • Clayton, GA www.claytonpaintandflooring.com

House guests from the 1960s relax on the porch of the manor. White said guests often brought pets, children and their hunting equipment to the house during visits.

Photo/Submitted

Cornelia Paint & Flooring Center

706-778-1004 • 104 Builders Parkway • Cornelia, GA www.claytonpaintandflooring.com

64

Rabun County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

This friendly welcome has been greeting visitors to Sky Valley for about 15 years. Joyce Horton serves as the artistic inspiration behind the bales, which seem to get more clever each year. Photo/Submitted

Sky Valley hay bales

E

Masquerade in straw

By BLAKE SPURNEY, The Clayton Tribune

very fall, visitors to Sky Valley get to see what kind of creative images have been rattling around inside the head of Joyce Horton.

She comes up with the ideas for the eye-catching hay bales that have been greeting visitors to Georgia’s highest city for 15 years. The project, which is a combined effort of the Sky Valley Garden Club, the Sky Valley Property Owners Association and city employees, begins in earnest in September, but Horton actually works on the unique attraction all summer.

Making its first appearance this year will be a “witch scarecrow,” who appears to have run into a light pole in front of the Sky Valley Country Club

clubhouse. She will join “Miss Charlotte” the spider, a turkey and ghosts.

“You know, I just have a vivid imagination,” Horton said. “That’s all I can tell you. I’m a watercolorist.

I do a lot of painting. ... I just have these ideas pop up in my head.”

Esther Safford called Horton about 1997 to tell her she had just seen painted hay bales in Amish country in Pennsylvania. The next year, a group put out the first display. Artistic, it was not.

“It was kind of a mess, but we had a good time doing it,” Horton said.

Those involved still have a good time. Horton teaches a pumpkin painting class that fills up every year. The bales, pumpkins and other vegetation will

Rabun County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

be delivered Sept. 20, and from there a group busily works to get the project done by Oct. 1.

Some years, Horton has been painting at 6 a.m. or into the evening under the glare of vehicle headlights. About 10 women paint pumpkins, which are placed around the bales, and Rany Parrott, Sally Shearon and Connie Hughs help decorate the bales.

“It’s a concerted effort,” Horton said. “Once you get started, you have to keep going.”

For years, visitors have stopped to tell city workers and garden club members how much they appreciate the roadside treat.

“They bring a lot of tourists to the area just to look, and the garden club has done a great job making them better and better every year,” said City Manager Linda Lapeyrouse. n

The turkey and scarecrows are a collaborative effort of the Sky Valley Garden Club, City of Sky Valley employees and the Sky Valley Property Owners Association. Photo/Submitted

Fox Fo ox fi re

Museum & Heritage Center in the incredible Northeast Georgia Mountains

Over 45 years ago, a group of high school students took a genuine interest in their heritage and worked to preserve their truly unique mountain culture.

Visit the physical legacy they created in honor of their friends, neighbors, and families while creating the Foxfire magazines and books—a mountainside collection of authentic and salvaged log cabins gathered to house the tools, the trades, and the memories of Southern Appalachia’s storied past.

Take US 441 to Mountain City, GA, turn onto Black Rock Mtn. Parkway, follow the brown signs to Cross Street and Foxfire Lane.

-

Gift Shop features Foxfire & other books, pottery, textile crafts, & much more!

65

66

Rabun County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Foxfire Mountaineer Festival

By MAT PAYNE, The Clayton Tribune

A

s the names of the pioneers who first settled the Appalachian Mountains fade into the annals of history, the seeds of aspiring culture they planted continue to grow and are celebrated by new generations of residents.

The Foxfire Mountaineer Festival provides a venue for people to be introduced to and celebrate many aspects of the area’s unique culture through song, dance, contest and craft.

The annual event will be held this year on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. between the Clayton Municipal Complex and Rabun County Civic Center.

Tickets cost $5, or $20 for a family. Children 5 and younger get in free.

Barry Stiles, with Foxfire, said the festival was focused around creating a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere that celebrates the culture surrounding the area. Festival-goers can compete in a variety of events such as the cross-cut sawing contest, tomahawk throwing, a woodchopping contest, a wood fling and new this year, a Soapbox Derby-style Rascal Race.

TOP: Children chase the greased pig during last year’s festival. Unlike previous years, this year judges can rule that the pig won. MIDDLE: Participants in the cross-cut sawing contest try to beat the clock and their competition.

Competitions like this demonstrate the hardships mountain settlers dealt with to survive. BOTTOM: Youngsters participate in a sack race at last year’s festival.

Photos/Submitted

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

67

Younger festival-goers also have the opportunity to participate in catch-a-greased-pig contests.

Music has always been a part of the area’s culture, specifically bluegrass and gospel genres.

This year, the Foxfire Boys and others will be performing their toe-tapping style of bluegrass.

The band’s name stems from the work done by Foxfire to preserve the region’s rich musical heritage.

Guests also will be able to see how Appalachian residents of yesteryear used looms to weave the material for their clothes and how they crafted their own tools in a blacksmith’s forge.

This will be the 19th year Foxfire has held a fall festival and the fourth that Foxfire has partnered with the Mountaineer festival to put on a jointly-held event.

“Our goal is to keep this mountain heritage going,” said organizer Tonya Rolader. “I grew up going to the Mountaineer Festival and it has always been a fun event.”

Funds from admission will be used to provide scholarships and other academic programs. n

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Tiers of the waterfall Panther Falls plunges in tiers off the Angel Falls Trail. Photo/Peter McIntosh

Minnehaha Falls rises up 60 feet from the base, feeding into Lake Rabun. The waterfall is located near the lake on Bear Gap Road.

Photo/Trevor Metcalfe

Hike or drive Wander through beauty

By MAT PAYNE, The Clayton Tribune

W

hether you prefer hoofing it on a trail to a waterfall or driving to the perfect spot to see the glorious fall foliage, Rabun County does not fail to provide ample opportunity for both.

With three state parks, the Chattahoochee National Forest and other community parks calling Rabun home, there are well more than 40 miles of trails to be tackled. The lengths of the trails vary from one-quarter of a mile to 35-plus miles.

One of the most well known of these short hikes leading to waterfalls is the Hemlock Falls trail at Moccasin Creek State Park.

Amy Speed, administrative ranger with Moccasin Creek State Park, said the trail was one of the most popular in the area.

“It’s only a mile and a half up to the Hemlock Falls themselves,” Speed said. ▶

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70

Rabun County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Tumbling down

Dick’s Creek Falls tumbles 60 feet into the Chattooga River. Photo/Peter McIntosh

Admission:

Adults - 12 and up - $8.00 – Children 4 to 11 - $4.00 – Children Under 3 - Free

Tiger Drive-In Theatre

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Unique Shops v Attractions Winery v Apple Orchard v U-Pick Eateries v Bakery • Drive-In v Hair Salon

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72

Rabun County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

A colorful view

A colorful view is available from Black Rock Mountain State Park during the peak leaf season.

File photo

falls on the way up.”

Other short hikes leading to waterfalls are Angel Falls Trail, which leads to both Angel and Panther falls, and Dick’s Creek trail, which leads to Dick’s Creek Falls.

The Angel Falls Trail can be accessed on Lake Rabun Road near the Rabun Beach Recreation Area. Dick’s Creek Falls can be accessed off Sandy Ford Road.

For those who would rather enjoy a leisurely drive through the changing leaves to one of the best vantage points in the county, a trip to Black Rock Mountain State Park is hard to beat.

As the highest state park in Georgia, the unimpeded view of the changing leaves has visitors making reservations a year in advance.

“October is always the single busiest month of the year,” said park employee Tracy English. “The day reservations opened for the cabins for next year, they were filled up.”

The park is located on Black Rock Mountain Parkway off Highway 441. n

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Dawson County Destination

Find out more Low traffic trails 76 Metric century duathalon 78 Amicalola State Park 82 Len Foot Hike Inn 84

In this photo...

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge offers visitors a place to rest, relax and rejuvenate. The falls, shown above, are 729 feet.

Photo/Melissa Mayton

76

Dawson County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Spectacular views

A five-mile wilderness hike on the Wildcat Tract inside the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management area has plenty to offer for those looking for solitude. The trail includes a creek crossing and a spectacular view of the 75-foot Fall Creek Waterfall. File photo

Low traffic trails In search of serenity

D

By KIMBERLY BOIM, Dawson News & Advertiser

awson County is a mecca for hikers.

There are many places where you can walk for hours along fast-moving streams and narrow pathways and never run into another person. No guarantees, but it does happen. One such place begins at Wildcat Campground in the mountainous, northwestern corner of the county.

Located on Steve Tate Highway, about two miles from the entrance to Big Canoe, these hikes are for intermediate hikers with adventuresome souls.

The less adventurous souls turn back before ever reaching the trailhead if they are driving fancy cars. Its 0.08-mile, gravel entrance road is strewn with potholes and pits, but that’s part of the charm.

You know you’re in the woods. Roll down your windows, breathe deeply, and start listening for the soothing sounds of Amicalola Creek.

There are six waterfalls along several trails, including Wildcat Creek, Fall Creek (this trail has four of them along a five-mile stretch), Tobacco Pouch,

Rocky Ford, and Turner.

If you select Fall Creek Falls, you’re in for a reward. The second waterfall looks like a mini-Amicalola Falls – a large rock in the middle splits one large cascade into two. There are six good drops before the rushing waters form a clear, sparkling pool. On a warm day, just try to resist taking off your boots, rolling up your jeans and enjoying its cool waters.

Items to bring: extra pair of socks, electrolyte drink, snacks or lunch, bug spray, and your cell phone camera.

There are no facilities inside Wildcat Campground, but there are primitive campsites available.

This is a DNR user fee area that requires a Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass. How much is that? Individual 3-day, $3.50; Individual annual, $19; small group, 3-day $10; small group annual, $35. There is a $2.50 transaction fee. The pass must be purchased in advance. There are no payment boxes. Google Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass, or georgiawildlife.com/georgia-outdoor-recreational-pass. n

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78

Dawson County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Run-bike-run Through Dawsonville

F

By MELISSA MAYTON, Dawson News & Advertiser

all in Dawsonville isn’t the time to curl up on the couch with a book. It’s time to get on your bicycle and ride. Or put on your sneakers and hit the pavement running.

A couple of events this fall in Dawson County give locals and tourists alike the opportunity to either get fit or show off the fitness you’ve already got.

Saturday, Oct. 12, is the inaugural Booker’s Run & Ride 5K or Duathlon.

The 5K course is 3.1 miles on a mostly flat and scenic course on Allen and Perimeter roads.

“The course is a pretty good course for beginners,” said Lowell Starr, race direc-

tor of Five Star NTP. “Most of it’s flat, and the bike course is pretty flat, too.”

Booker is the library’s mascot and proceeds from the event go to Friends of the Library to support the Dawson County Library Programs.

The Duathlon is a run-bike-run event.

Participants will start out running just under a mile down Allen Street and Memory Lane and then transition to about a 15-mile bike ride up state Route 9 and into Lumpkin County and the final run will follow the 5K course.

To register for the event, visit fivestarntp.com. Registration fees range from $25-$35, depending on if you choose the 5K or duathlon. ▶

Located 2 miles south of Amicalola Falls State Park

Dawson County at the intersection of Elliott Family Parkway (HWY 183) and Burnt Mountain Road (HWY 136)

55 Hwy. 400 South • Dawsonville, GA. • 706-344-1494

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For more information, Call (706) 265-8432 or (706) 974-5718 FausettFarmsHorseTrails.com

And they’re off!

Runners take off at a 5K event in Rock Creek Park.

Photo/Melissa Mayton

80

Dawson County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Cyclists round a curve at the ‘shine pedalers bicycle ride earlier in the year. Photo/Kimberly Boim

place at the pool in Veteran’s Park.

Keep this one in mind for next year.

If you don’t feel like you’re ready to compete, being a volunteer at a race event is also a fun way to get in on some action.

“We’re always looking for volunteers to come out and that’s a lot

of fun, too,” Starr said. Volunteers might be asked to mark numbers on racers in triathlons, help with check-in of participants or man water stations. “Volunteers are always close to the action and never by yourself,” Starr said.

“You can always hear the music playing.” n

bgMTf2013ac

Separately, Five Star NTP also hosts a September Bootlegger Supersprint Triathlon. The yearly event falls the Sunday after Labor Day weekend. The event is stationed out of Veteran’s Memorial Park and is a 250-yard swim, an 11-mile bike ride and just over a two-mile run. The swim takes

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Dawson County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

LEFT: Park visitors hike the weaving staircases toward the top of the falls. RIGHT: The Appalachian Trail is home to thousands of species of animals, including these owls. File photos

Amicalola Falls State Park Haven for recreation

W

By ANGELA WILLIAMSON, Dawson News & Advertiser

oven into the peaceful tranquility of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge offers visitors a place to rest, relax and rejuvenate. And say wow. Multiple times.

At 729 feet, the park is home to Amicalola Falls – the highest cascading waterfall in Georgia, and the third largest east of the Mississippi River. Visitors have several options to reach the falls.

The first is a 10-minute, mildly steep, paved trail leading to several sets of stairs, which take you to a bridge directly in front of the falls. With the right wind blowing, you’ll have a delightful mist on your face. Next, one of the best views is from the wheelchairfriendly West Ridge Falls Access

Trail. This 0.3-mile trail is one of the easiest and considered one of the finest viewing spots for the falls.

Or for a more challenging route, take a hike up the staircases to the top, where you will be rewarded with a take-your-breathaway, unforgettable view.

Amicalola Falls State Park is also the gateway to the worldfamous Appalachian Trail. An 8.5-mile pathway leads from the park to Springer Mountain where the southern end of the 2,175-mile Trail begins. While hiking the trail, don’t be surprised if you see a critter or two peering at you.

The Appalachian Trail is home to thousands of species of animals and plants, including 2,000 distinct rare, threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and animal species.

Amicalola Falls State Park has several options for overnight stay including 14 cottages, camping sites and the 56-guest room mountaintop Lodge, offering a fantastic view of the North Georgia Mountains.

The park also offers several covered picnic pavilions available to reserve for any occasion from birthday parties to family reunions.

And, to impress your friends and visitors, it’s pronounced Amick-Ka-low-la.

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge is located 15 miles northwest of Dawsonville on Ga. Hwy. 52. Drive time from Atlanta is about 1.5 hours. For more information, visit gastateparks.org/ AmicalolaFalls or call 706-2654703. For more information about the Lodge, call 800-573-9656. n

Ann Pope Potter Images from the natural world by Georgia Artist Ann Pope Potter

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Stop by my gallery when you visit the Mall

www.annpopepotter.com & Facebook 100 Old Dawson Village Rd | Suite 110, Dawsonville (One block east of Ga. 400 and Hwy. 53. Behind Kroger.)

Located just 17 mi. from downtown Dawsonville, and 19 mi. west of Dahlonega, on Hwy. 52, Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge is home to the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, the southern end of the Appalachian Trail Approach Trail, numerous day hiking trails, a climbing wall, The Lodge Hotel, cabins, & camping, open and enclosed picnic shelters, The Maple Restaurant, The Visitor’s Center, and two unique gift shops.

The Park also offers:

Free Live Georgia Birds of Prey Shows most Saturdays @ 1pm in The Lodge lobby. Free Goodness Snakes Snake Alive AliveShows Showsmost mostSundays Sundays @ 1pm in The Lodge lobby. Friday Night Surf and Turf Buffet for only $16.95

(Crab legs are featured the 1st and last Friday of each month for an additional $5.00.)

Numerous other special events, lodging specials and educational programs throughout the year.

For Information & Reservations Call 706-265-8888 or 800-573-9656.

A $5.00 per vehicle park pass is required.

Be sure to fo llow us on for event announcem ents and last minute speci als.

Len Foote Hike Inn A cozy alternative to camping

By KIMBERLY BOIM, Dawson News & Advertiser

I

f you enjoy wilderness hiking and adventure, great food, a warm bed, and clean restrooms with hot showers, check out the Len Foote Hike Inn. Tucked away five miles inside the Chattahooche National Forest is this awardwinning, eco-friendly, 56-room hike inn – accessible only by foot.

Since opening in November 1998, the Len Foote Hike Inn has become a favorite destination of outdoor enthusiasts and environmentally-minded travelers. What makes it so unique is that visitors must traverse five miles through beautiful forest to reach the inn. Cars are not allowed, and reminders of our modern, plugged-in world stop being so interesting.

Hikers begin their journey at the top of Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia, and the third largest east of the Mississippi. The moderately difficult trail gains 1,000 feet over five miles, leading from the state park to the front door.

The inn is Georgia’s only true, award winning eco-lodge. During winter, the lodge is warmed by wood stoves and small gas heaters. There are solar energy panels, rainwater collections barrels, and everything you carry in with you, you carry out. First-time visitors are often intrigued that the waterless toilets create no odor and save the inn 150,000200,000 gallons of water each year.

One of the most popular spots at the inn is the Sunrise Room. The room has windows on four sides and a rocking chair front porch, and the staff make sure everyone has an opportunity to be awakened by the ancient tradition of beating a drum. The communal

LEFT: Len Foote Hike Inn’s moderately difficult trail gains 1,000 feet over five miles, leading from Amicalola Falls to its front door. File photo

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

85

room has books, games and musical instruments.

During check-in, hikers receive sheets, blankets and small towels before settling into rustic private rooms furnished with bunk beds and a small desk. A sparkling clean bathhouse provides hot showers and shampoo. Meals are served family-style, which gives hikers a chance to share stories and talk about the weather.

For information hike-inn.com. Rooms: single occupancy $107, double $150. Dinner and breakfast included. Reservations are required. Trail lunches are available for a small fee. n Monday

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Serving our famous homemade country breakfast!

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3631 Hwy. 53 E at Etowah River Rd. Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-6030 From Dawsonville: Take Hwy. 53 toward 400, turn left on Etowah River Rd., 1st driveway on your right.

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From Dahlonega: Take 400 South, turn right at light on Hwy. 53, go through next light, go 3 miles, turn right on Etowah River Rd., take 1st driveway on your right.

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Lumpkin County Destination

Find out more

Gold Rush Days 88 Old fashioned Christmas 90 History in Dahlonega 94 World Gold Panning Championship 96

In this photo...

Music, food and fun are all part of Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega.

Photo/Margo Booth

88

Lumpkin County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

The King and Queen of Gold Rush preside over an entire weekend of events in Dahlonega. File photo

Gold Rush Days A gilded tradition

By WAYNE KNUCKLES, The Dahlonega Nugget

F

or more than 50 years, the city of Dahlonega has marked its heritage as the site of America’s first gold rush by closing the streets and welcoming upwards of 200,000 visitors on the third weekend in October for the Gold Rush Days festival.

Gold Rush Days will be held Oct. 19 and 20 this year. Thousands come to Dahlonega to see fall colors peaking and celebrate the town’s 1828 discovery of gold. More than 300 art and craft exhibitors gather around the public square and historic district in support of this annual event. It is estimated that a crowd of more than 200,000 visit over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement.

Gold Rush Days has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Included in the two-day celebration are a parade, children’s activities, a fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, King and Queen Corona-

LEFT: Panning for gold is still a popular activity in Dahlonega for young and old alike. File photo

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

89 tion, hog calling, buck dancing contest, gospel singing and other live entertainment, wrist wrestling, and last but not least – some delicious food.

Food vendors offer the best of county-fair style good eats, ranging from funnel cake to smoked turkey legs to homemade sweet potato biscuits.

Gold Rush Days kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 19, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 20.

The Dahlonega Jaycees club produces Gold Rush Days to raise money for a variety of local causes.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the website at www.dahlonegajaycees.com. n

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ABOVE: Two competitors take the challenge of the crosscut saw competition at Gold Rush Days. BELOW: Clogging, buck dancing and plenty of good music are all part of Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega. File photos

Carriage House Shoppes 11 South Grove Street - Suite 100 - Dahlonega

90

Lumpkin County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

LEFT: Yards of red ribbon and greenery decorate downtown Dahlonega to usher in four weeks of live entertainment in a magical setting for Old Fashioned Christmas, Nov. 29-Dec. 25. Photo/John Bynum RIGHT: What would a parade be without a band? Lumpkin County High School’s Band of Gold is a staple of the Christmas parade, held this year Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m.

Photo/Sharon Hall

Old fashioned Christmas Jolly times in downtown

By SHARON HALL, The Dahlonega Nugget

S

kip the crowds at the mall and take a step back into a less hurried Christmas season with a visit to Dahlonega during the four weeks of Old Fashioned Christmas.

The annual event starts Nov. 29 with the lighting of the public square and a Merchants Open House.

Thousands of tiny white lights will all come on at dusk, and merchants will have extended hours for visitors to enjoy their Christmas window displays and shop for unique gifts. Many merchants will greet visitors in old-fashioned attire and treat them to traditional holiday goodies.

Friday, Dec. 6, luminaries will light the way around square beginning at dusk. You can also visit a live nativity from 7-8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 7, is the annual Christmas parade

at 4:30 p.m., with floats, marchers, a band and the grand entrance of Santa. Children can spend ▶

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Lumpkin County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

some time with the animals from the live nativity from 3-7 p.m., when they take their places in the nativity scene. And at dusk the big tree at the Welcome Center comes alive with holiday lights.

Santa will be available to listen to the little ones’ Christmas wishes each weekend from Nov. 29-Dec. 22. Each Friday, Nov. 29-Dec. 20, visitors can take a historic tour of the beautifully decorated downtown on an old-fashioned trolley. Special entertainment will also be offered on weekends throughout the celebration.

Many of the square’s unique shops, decorated in their holiday best, offer free holiday happenings during the season as well, and shops remain open late on the weekends. Visit Dahlonega Downtown on Facebook for the most current listing of special events. n

NOW OPEN

Santa is surrounded by adoring youngsters after his grand arrival in the Christmas parade. He listens to Christmas wishes every weekend from Nov. 30Dec. 22 in front of the visitor’s center. Photo/Sharon Hall

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Come see our great selection of Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, Fruit Trees, Fruit Bearing Bushes, Annuals, Perennials, Mixed Pots, Roses, Hanging Baskets, Vegetables, Herbs & Much More!

600 Seven Mile Hill Rd. Dahlonega, GA

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Mon-Fri 8-5 Sat 8-6 Sun 1-5 Proceeds benefit Waypoint Center, a local non-profit ministry

Cool Breeze – the Oar House is a casual fine dining restaurant on the banks of the Chestatee River just minutes from downtown Dahlonega. Cool Breeze provides fine food in a casual setting, sterling service, and an atmosphere that is one of the most relaxing and romantic in North Georgia.

Cool Breeze also features a full-service bar and a modestly priced lunch and appetizer menu for more laid-back outside dining. No matter what your dining desires are – casual fine dining in the main restaurant or laidback munching on the deck – Cool Breeze can satisfy you. All food for both venues is prepared on the premises by a superb staff. The Cool Breeze menu features savory entrées and appetizers complemented by deliciously prepared desserts. Weekly specials provide guests with Cool Breeze favorites. Guests of Cool Breeze are able to choose from a wide array of fine wines, beers and spirits.

Cool Breeze and the full service bar are open 7 days a week.

Sundays feature an a la carte brunch from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Catering and Special Event services are also provided.

www.coolbreeze-inc.com/oarhouse Reservation preferred call at 706-864-9938

3072 Highway 52 East Dahlonega, GA 30533

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13 South Park Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533

94

Lumpkin County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

Price Memorial on the University of North Georgia campus has both a Civil War and gold mining history. Photo/Jack Anthony

History in Dahlonega There’s an app for that

By SHARON HALL, The Dahlonega Nugget

H

istory buffs can enjoy a double dose of history with the Dahlonega: Civil War Soldiers & Gold Miners Tour mobile app.

Lumpkin County is home to a rich heritage of people and places with Civil War associations, as well as being home to the nation’s first Gold Rush. Many of the men who donned Confederate Gray were gold miners before joining up. The self-guided tour gives visitors a look at both, and

A photograph of Civil War veterans gathered on the old Courthouse lawn and a drawing of a gold miner grace the cover of Dahlonega: Civil War Soldiers & Gold Miners Tour interactive mobile app. Photo/Submitted

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

it’s free to download on smartphones and tablets from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The mobile app will take visitors to the home sites of five military officers, an historic cemetery, two gold mines, a former military jail, a one-of-akind Diving Bell used to mine gold from the river bottom and much more.

Starting on the Dahlonega square, there is the 1836 courthouse, now the Gold Museum. But back in the Civil War days, the courthouse served as a headquarters for Col. James Jefferson Findley (of Findley gold mine fame) and a prison for Union sympathizers and Confederate deserters. The courthouse was also the site where the women of Dahlonega presented handmade flags to their men before they departed for the war.

Dahlonega’s Mount Hope Cemetery has many stories to tell, with 60 Civil War officers and veterans buried in its ground. There’s even a Union soldier or two buried there.

Dahlonega: Civil War Soldiers & Gold Miners features professional voice narration, ambiance, sound effects or musical scores and GPS technology that allows for point-by-point self-location tracking. It’s a perfect way to spend the day and mark the Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration. n

Lumpkin County

ABOVE: In the 1860s, the home of William Jasper Worley witnessed the passing of hundreds of Dahlonega men and boys marching off to war, including Worley. He was elected captain of Company D of the 1st Georgia State Line Regiment. Today the homestead is a B&B. BELOW: Mt. Hope Cemetery has a rich Civil War story to tell, with 60 Civil War officers and veterans, both Confederate and Union, buried in its ground. Photos/Submitted

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Gold Panning Dahlonega plays hosts to world championship

I

By JOHN BYNUM, The Dahlonega Nugget

t’s the most prestigious event of its kind in the world, and this year the 51st World Open Gold Panning Championship will take place in front of thousands of festival-goers at Dahlonega’s annual Gold Rush Days.

The championship, which began at the Tropico Gold Mine in Rosamond, Calif., has been held at the local Consolidated Gold Mine for the past two decades and will take place this year at the public square on the lawn at the Dahlonega Gold Museum.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, a new competitor will add his or her name to the trophy as the new World Open Champion.

Current record holder in the World Open division, Johnny Parker, set the mark in 2010 with a time of 7.52 seconds.

That brief time is all Parker needed to clear the sand out of his gold pan and reveal the eight gold nuggets that lay beneath.

When it comes time to prepare for the next competition, Parker said instead of worrying about being faster than all the other gold panners, he simply tries to improve on his own standards.

Although the competition is serious, it’s also fun, Parker added.

Dathan Harbert, who will emcee the event for the third year, agrees. “[Gold panning] is a true spectator sport,” he said.

The rules and procedures are followed ▶

TOP: Johnny Parker, current record holder in the gold panning World Open division, shows the newlyrefurbished trophy that bears the names of all past winners. Parker wears a gold nugget that he won at the contest in 2005. BOTTOM: The site for this year’s World Open Gold Panning Championship will be Dahlonega’s Historic Courthouse and Gold Museum. All the action will take place Oct. 20 in front of thousands at the Gold Rush Days festival. Photos/John Bynum

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The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

closely every year, with the same eight gold nuggets that have been used for all 51 years, along with the same pair of custommade gold pans.

The action will be fast and fun to watch, and gold panners of all ages are welcome to enter. Contests will be held throughout the day with a small entry fee for each. Registration will begin at 10 a.m.

It’s only fitting to have the competition on the public square during the festival, said Harbert, as Gold Rush, which is put on annually by the Jaycees, is a celebration of the very thing that makes Dahlonega special. n

Visitors to Dahlonega look forward to the annual Gold Rush Days festival. This year, the World Open Gold Panning Championship will be added to the lineup of events. Photo/John Bynum

CONSOLIDATED GOLD MINE Underground Adventures Gold Panning • Gem Mining Gem Cutting • Jewelry

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Destination

Hall County

Find out more Head to Gainesville 100 Don Carter State Park 104

In this photo...

A boat ride across Hall County’s Lake Lanier at sunset is a relaxing way to end a fall day. Photo/City of Gainesville

Historic Green Street

A scene from Gainesville’s historic Green Street. Photo/City of Gainesville

Head to Gainesville

W

Gateway to the mountains

hen planning a trip the questions are often the same.

Where to go?

What to bring? What to do? Put your concerns to rest and head to

Gainesville. Bring your sense of adventure.

• Take a ride: Four wheels or two, motorized or not … Get on your bike and hit the SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association) Mountain Bike Trail; hop

in a golf cart and play a round at the Chattahoochee Golf Course; or take a slow, leisurely drive and explore the back roads of Hall County; • Take a walk: Stroll down Historic Green Street and see if you can find one of the best kept secrets

in town, The Garden on Green. If you prefer a nature walk, hike the trails at Elachee Nature Center or discover the planets on the 1.8-mile Solar System Walking Tour; • Take a flight: Catch a bird’s eye view of the river, ravines, pastures and wildlife with a trained tour guide at North Georgia Canopy Tours in Lula; • Take a boat ride: BYOB (bring your own boat) or rent one from one of our local marinas, then sit back, relax and cruise the lake. If you like to stay active on the lake,

TOP: Festivals, events and other activities for families are in abundance during fall and winter.

BOTTOM: Mule Camp Market showcases various mountain arts and crafts. The family can enjoy mule rides, live music and great food, while the kids enjoy the petting zoo and many other activities. Photos/City of Gainesville

why not try something new? Rent a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP) from Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club or hire one of Lake Lanier’s fishing guides to help you find “the big one” before it gets away; •Take a friend: No matter what mode of transportation you choose or what you path explore, it’s more fun when you have someone to share it with. Invite your family and friends and together you may find that special place or create a

wonderful memory you will cherish forever.

What are you waiting for? Begin your Gainesville adventure today.

Experience this community, the 692 miles of shoreline along Lake Sidney Lanier and the greatest amount of protected green space in Georgia.

For more information, visit gainesville.org or call 770-5312664. n

2013-2014 Art in the Square

Gainesville Square; September 21 & 22 | 10:00am - 5:00pm

Blue Sky Concerts

Gainesville Square; Wednesdays in October | 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Mule Camp Market

Gainesville Square; October 11-13 | 10:00am

Members’ Exhibition Opening Reception Quinlan Visual Arts Center; October 17 | 5:30pm

Trick or Treat on the Trail

Midtown Greenway; October 26 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Trick or Treat on the Square

Gainesville Square; October 31 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Jingle Mingle

Gainesville Square; November 21 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Christmas on Green Street December 1 | 5:00pm

Mingle with Kringle

Mainstreet Market; Dec. 7, 14, 21 | 10:00am - 3:00pm

Polar Bear Swim Bridal Expo

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Civic Center; January 26 | 12:30 - 4:30pm

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Farm Supplies including feed and seed in stock!

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www.piedmonttractor.com Piedmont Tractor & Equipment offers: * Complete line of construction equipment by New Holland & Yanmar * Agriculture Tractors in stock by LS Tractors and Yanmar * Zero Turn Mowers in stock by Gravely, Dixie Chopper and Husqvarna * Tillers, Generators, Pressure Washers, Chainsaws, Backpack Blowers and Weed Eaters * All service work performed on site and same day service available to get you up and running. * Fully stocked parts inventory catering to the farmers, home owners and construction industry * Zero Percent Financing on all equipment sold and trades welcomed!

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Don Carter State Park

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Nestled in nature

here’s a new Gainesville get-a-way that will make you leave your iPads and iPhones at home and connect with nature instead at Don Carter State Park.

The 1,300-acre park is located six miles north of Gainesville, where the Chattahoochee River meets Lake Lanier. Park Ranger Will Wagner, who lives in the middle of this little slice of

paradise, said opening week visitation was better than expected. “ “We had 10,000 visitors the first week with a constant flow of campers and people making plans to come back in the future,” Wagner said.

“The rain didn’t keep people away.”

The park features eight (two bedroom) cottages, each with a view. One cottage is dog friendly and another ADA accessible. The large

Lakeshore | MaLL

Plus 25 Specialty Stores

Bath & Body Works, EXPRESS, Victoria’s Secret, Radio Shack, Kay Jewelers, Books-A-Million, Body Central, LensCrafters and more!

Paddling away

Kayacking is one of many activities to do at Don Carter State Park in Gainesville.

Photo/City of Gainesville

Pearl Nix Parkway.

770.535.8877

www.shoplakeshoremall.com Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sundays 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Holiday Hours and Department Store Hours may vary.

MT11549-2

back porch deck and rocking chairs feature cup holders.

If a cottage is not your idea of roughing it, there are 46 RV campsites and 12 primitive “walk-in” tent sites close by.

A paved multi-use trail welcomes hikers and bikers and two boat ramps provide quick access to Lake Lanier. If you’re looking for the perfect location for fishing and horseback riding, you’ll find that, too.

One certain to be favorite spot is the white, sandy beach complete with bath house. The beach is located in a cove north of the infamous Dog Creek on Lake Lanier.

The park is named for Gainesville Real Estate Executive Don Carter who served on the board of the Georgia Department of Natural Re▶

Located in the heart of Gainesville at the intersection of Dawsonville Highway and

106

Hall County

Don Carter State Park’s gift shop offers park memorabilia, as well as homemade james and jellies from Jaemor Farms.

Photo/City of Gainesville

sources for 29 years and who was instrumental in getting the property designated as a state park.

One of the greatest assets of the park is it preserves green space along the Chattahoochee River and continues Gainesville-Hall County’s recognition as having the greatest amount of protected green space in the state.

As you enter the park be sure to stop by the Visitor’s Center and gift shop where you’ll find park memorabilia as well as homemade jams and jellies fresh from Jaemor Farms located nearby.

There’s no place like the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of hardwoods, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better location to dine with Mother Nature. You’re sure to see some wildlife on this outdoor adventure. Sources say there is even a rare bald eagle’s nest.

The park, located at 5000 N. Browning Bridge Road, is open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Parking is $5. Reservations are available by calling 800-864-7275 or by visiting gastateparks.org/DonCarter. n

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

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Visit our store and processing plant at 6615 Cleveland Hwy, Clermont, GA 30527 www.mountainfreshcreamery.com gcdairy@gmail.com

Deals you’ll like on the cars you love.

Hurry in today.

LakeLanierCanopyTours.Com located at Lake Lanier islands resort

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The

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Hall County

The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013

A new course

Shown is Chattahoochee Golf Club, a public course located on Tommy Aaron Drive. A classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. lay-out offers golfers a new multi-million dollar renovated course featuring a newly-remodeled club house, two bentgrass practice putting greens, a driving range and a practice area including a sand bunker and chipping green.

Photo/City of Gainesville

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White County

Alpine Helen........................................................... 112 Alpine Olive Tree...................................................... 29 A Victorian Cowgirl.................................................. 24 Babyland General Hospital....................................... 17 Betty’s Country Store................................................ 30 Cafe Cancun.............................................................. 16 Cleveland Pharmacy & Gifts.................................... 31 Corner Grill............................................................... 19 Country Bake Shoppe............................................... 23 Creekside Deli........................................................... 31 Dairy Queen.............................................................. 19 Fancy Doodle............................................................ 33 Fourth Mountain Real Estate.................................... 17 Gabby’s Country Cabins........................................... 31 Georgia Mountain Rentals........................................ 32 Greenstone Soap Company....................................... 20 Gold ‘N Gem Grubbin’............................................. 30 Habersham Winery.................................................... 32 Hearts & Flowers Primitives..................................... 13 Hansel & Gretel........................................................ 27 Helendorf.................................................................. 27 Hofer’s of Helen....................................................... 30 Inside Out.................................................................. 21 Jumpin Goat.............................................................. 33 Lindenhaus Imports.................................................. 28 Mimi’s Fashion Jewelry & Accessories.................... 29 Mountain View Trading Post.................................... 16 Mt. Yonah Book Exchange....................................... 24 Mully’s Nacoochee Grill........................................... 32 Nacoochee Village Antique Mall.............................. 33 Nacoochee Village Tavern & Pizzeria...................... 33 Nora Mill Granary..................................................... 32 Old Heidelberg.......................................................... 27 Old Sautee Store....................................................... 20 Paul’s Steakhouse........................................................ 2 Prairie Trails.............................................................. 20 Reflections Mall........................................................ 13 Roper’s Clothing....................................................... 29 Sautee Nacoochee Center......................................... 21 Shotgun Annie’s........................................................ 20 Southern Comfort Quilts........................................... 29 Sweet Memories........................................................ 31 The Lavender Cottage & Garden.............................. 20 The Market & Deli.................................................... 20 The Red Door............................................................ 33 The Soda Fountain Cafe............................................ 19 The Village Peddler................................................... 28 The Willows Pottery................................................. 33 The Wishing Well...................................................... 31 Tim’s Wooden Toys................................................... 28 Turner’s Corner Cafe................................................ 24 Turner’s Corner General Store...................................... 31

Unicoi State Park & Lodge....................................... 16 Unicoi Outfitters........................................................ 32 United Community Bank.......................................... 25 Velvet’s Vintage........................................................ 13 Visiting Angels.......................................................... 17 Wendell’s Country Restaurant..................................... 25 Western Sizzlin......................................................... 24 Wet Pets.................................................................... 25 White County Chamber of Commerce..................... 15 White County Historical Society.............................. 14 Yonah Mtn. Treasures............................................... 14 ZipNTime.................................................................. 32

Habersham County

A Taste of Clarkesville.............................................. 54 Blackhawk Trophy Trout Stream.............................. 53 Bumbleberry Yarn & Gifts........................................ 54 Cedar Heights Center................................................ 52 Country Boy Sports.................................................. 45 Diamond Jewelry & Loan......................................... 47 El Jinete..................................................................... 55 Erin London.............................................................. 54 Experience Clarkesville............................................ 54 Garden of Beaden..................................................... 55 Glen-Ella Springs Inn............................................... 51 Grant Street Music Room......................................... 52 Habersham Chamber of Commerce.......................... 45 Hayes Automotive..................................................... 34 Hayes Corner Country Store..................................... 54 Headwaters Realty.................................................... 53 Ivy Mountain Distillery............................................. 41 LaPrade’s Marina...................................................... 53 Mark of the Potter..................................................... 53 Midtown Grill........................................................... 55 North Georgia Floors & Restoration......................... 53 North Georgia Shutters & Blinds.............................. 53 Old Clarkesville Mill................................................ 39 Piedmont College...................................................... 34 Roots N’ Remedies................................................... 54 Sautee Conference Center......................................... 55 Sheep Hollow............................................................ 55 Soque Artworks......................................................... 53 Soque River Ramble................................................. 53 Southern Bank & Trust............................................. 53 State Farm................................................................. 55 Sugar Mill Creek RV Resort..................................... 53 Sweet Breads............................................................. 55 The Artfull Barn........................................................ 39 The Attic Restaurant................................................. 55 The Copper Pot......................................................... 55 The Homestead House.............................................. 55 The Insurance Group................................................... 5 The Nest.................................................................... 54

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Walmart..................................................................... 44 Woods Furniture, Inc....................................... 51 & 54

Rabun County

Annie’s Outpost........................................................ 73 Annie’s at Alley’s Market and Deli........................... 73 A Southern Tradition Ceramic Tile, LLC................. 74 Butler Galleries & Butler’s II................................... 69 Clayton Paint & Flooring Center.............................. 63 Dairy Queen.............................................................. 74 Dillard, Georgia........................................................ 67 Foxfire Mountaineer Festival.................................... 60 Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center......................... 65 Fromage.................................................................... 74 Georgia Mountain Rentals........................................ 71 Hillside Orchard Farms............................................. 67 Highlands Aerial Park............................................... 67 Kingwood Country Club & Resort........................... 74 Lakemont Gallery..................................................... 73 Lake Rabun Hotel..................................................... 73 La Pachanga.............................................................. 71 Main Street Grill & BBQ.......................................... 72 Mama G’s Italian Restaurant.................................... 69 Overhead Door Company......................................... 67 Prater’s Main Street Books....................................... 74 Rabun County, Georgia............................................. 60 Rabun County Golf Club & Driving Range............. 71 Rabun County Historical Society.............................. 71 Rabun Manor............................................................ 67 Rabun River Cabins.................................................. 73 Reeves Furniture & Gifts.......................................... 67 Reeves Hardware...................................................... 71 Scooters BBQ & Grill............................................... 71 Skin Deep Skin Care Studio..................................... 71 Smitty’s Spirits.......................................................... 74 Tallulah Point Overlook............................................ 72 The Cupboard............................................................ 71 The Fire Place & Grill............................................... 74 Tiger Drive In............................................................ 70 Tiger, Georgia........................................................... 70 Tiger Mountain Vineyards........................................ 70 Valley Pharmacy....................................................... 67

Dawson County

Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge........................ 83 Ann Pope Potter........................................................ 83 Around Back at Rocky’s Place................................. 86 Big D’s BBQ............................................................. 86 Etowah Valley Game Preserve.................................. 86 Friends Sports Grill................................................... 85 Fuego Mexican Grill................................................. 85 Dawsonville Antiques............................................... 85 Dawsonville Gun & Pawn........................................ 79

Dawson County Chamber......................................... 80 Fausett Farms Horse Trails....................................... 78 John Megel Chevrolet..........................................56-57 Kani House................................................................ 78 The Blue Bicycle....................................................... 77 Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop........................... 83

Lumpkin County

Bourbon Street Grille................................................ 97 Consolidated Gold Mine........................................... 98 Cool Breeze............................................................... 93 Dahlonega, Georgia.................................................. 93 Don Pollo.................................................................. 92 Dairy Queen.............................................................. 92 Dress Up Boutique.................................................... 91 Folkways Craft Gallery............................................. 98 Frogtown Cellars....................................................... 98 Juliette Chapel & Events........................................... 90 North Georgia Catering............................................. 97 Ol’e Mountain........................................................... 89 Outlaw Jerky & Trail Grub....................................... 91 Shenanigans.............................................................. 97 Spoon Shine.............................................................. 92 The Fudge Factory.................................................... 95 The Gold Shop.......................................................... 97 Tomato House........................................................... 89 Three Sisters Vineyards............................................ 91 University of North Georgia..................................... 91 Waypoint Nursery..................................................... 93 Wholesome Earth...................................................... 92

Banks County

David & Katies......................................................... 41

Hall County

America’s Home Place, Inc..................................... 103 Eagle Ranch................................................................ 3 Gainesville, Georgia............................................... 102 Gainesville Jewelry................................................. 109 Iron Accents............................................................ 109 Lakeshore Mall....................................................... 105 Lake Lanier Canopy Tours...................................... 107 Lanier Technical College.......................................... 81 Milton Martin Toyota.............................................. 107 Monkey Barrel........................................................ 107 Mountain Fresh Creamery...................................... 106 Piedmont Tractor & Equipment.............................. 102 The Outdoor Depot................................................. 109 Today’s Traditions Furniture ................................................................................ 102

Gwinett County

Bee-Awear................................................................. 63