Welcome to Cabin & Cove
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From the Publisher Fall and winter on our mountain lakes are a great time to enjoy the indoors. A day snuggled up by the fireplace is not necessarily a bad thing. A cup of spicy chili or a piece of warm caramel apple pie can bring a warmth to your day in spite of the cooler temps. The cover of this issue will make you want to put an extra log on the fire and
In this issue: 4 6 8 12 16
a quilt on the bed.
20 This issue features three gorgeous lake homes, some incredible recipes for the holidays and everyday and an autumn leaf tour that will take you outside of your comfort zone. Our Adventure Out writer Peter McIntosh gives excellent directions and his outstanding photography will draw you into the trip!
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Our calendar of events will give you all the reasons you need to visit every chance you get and we are sure there is something for everyone to enjoy! We appreciate you and are very thankful that you have made Cabin & Cove part of your mountain experience.
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Publisher/Editor - Tracy McCoy Art Director - Dianne VanderHorst Copy Editor - Jan Timms Staff Photographer - Peter McIntosh Office Manager - Cindi Freeman Marketing Executives Melissa Williams-Thomas - 706.982.4777 Cindi Freeman - 706.782.1608
~ Memories of Lake Rabun Talking with Lorie Thompson ~ Unique and Lasting Structures Preserving Lake History ~ Cover Artist - Danny Young Inspired by Creation ~ A Book Review Boat Load of Trouble ~ The Booth Home When Wishes Come True ~ Bon Appétit Blue Cheese for Any Occasion ~ Festive Fun with Cookies and Cocoa ~ Chef Spotlight Meet Tyler Williams ~ The Brown Home A Big Job Taken in Stride ~ Adventure Out Autumn Road Trip ~ Mountain Happenings Affairs to Remember ~ The Smith House A Designer’s Touch Fall/Winter 2015 • Volume Five • Issue Two Copyright 2015
Contributing Writers: David Darugh, Ashley Boudeur, Heather Leigh Johnson, Scarlett Cook, Tracy McCoy, Peter McIntosh, Laura Sims
Cabin & Cove magazine is a publication of Rabun’s Laurel, Inc. Mailing: PO Box 2218 Clayton, Georgia 30525 Office: 633 Highway 441 South Clayton, Georgia Phone: 706.782.1600 Website: CabinandCove.com E-mail: info@CabinandCove.com
Copyright 2013 by Rabun's Laurel Inc. All rights reserved. The Cabin & Cove magazine is published twice per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Cabin & Cove magazine's right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Cabin & Cove magazine or any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine.
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Memories of Lake Rabun Lorie Ramey Thompson “The community came together and enjoyed the summer on the lake.”
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orie Ramey Thompson grew up in the valley over the ridge from Lake Rabun off of Ramey Road. Her parents Hoyt and Barbara Ramey owned a home at the head of the lake. During the summer Lorie remembers riding her motorcycle to the lake everyday to swim with friends. The Rocks, a location the other side of what was Hall’s Boathouse (today it is Rabun Boathouse), was a prime swimming hole for locals and visitors to the lake. An old rope hung from a tree perfect for swinging out and into the water. If Lorie and friends: Von Watts, Betty Jo Webb, Hope Crumley and Gayla Gipson, were not swimming at the Rocks, they were hanging out at the dam. Saturday nights were almost always spent at Hall’s Boathouse. Everyone gathered for pickin’ and grinnin’. Shirley Manry ran the boathouse during this time (mid to late 70s) and Saturday night dances were what the girls looked forward to all week. Local musicians like Curtis Blackwell and Shirley’s husband Jim Manry, played bluegrass music on Saturday nights from 8:00 PM till midnight. Folks could enjoy a hamburger from the grill and some would bring beer. The music and buck dancing were the main draw. The community came together and enjoyed the summer on the lake. Unlike today’s lake residents, visitors to the lake then came on Memorial Day and stayed till Labor Day and didn’t come back until the next summer. Today lake residents come as often as they can to stay for a weekend or a week during the holidays and throughout the
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fall and winter months. Many who came and built their dream homes to retire have done just that and are here year-round. In the 70s, there were long stretches of undeveloped shoreline on Lake Rabun and there was no road on the backside of the lake, in fact Lorie’s uncle Russell Ramey built Brandon Mill Road. He traded the road work for a lake lot. Lorie’s father, Hoyt Ramey and grandfather Burch Ramey built many of the original homes on the lake during this time period. All the while life was good for five Rabun County girls riding motorcycles all over Lakemont, Georgia. The girls would meet at Mr. Lamar Alley’s store and decide where they wanted to go that day. They were excited each summer to meet the summer folks or get reacquainted with friends from last As was the case back in the day, communities were tight knit and folks from Lakemont didn’t mingle with folks from Dillard or year. Clayton or even Lake Burton. So while Lorie was cruising around the lake on her motorcycle, her future husband was growing up Many of the homes on Lake Rabun and Lake Burton were built by boat during the 60s and 70s. Building materials were brought near Lake Burton. Anthony “Peanut” Thompson, the son of Joe across the lake on boats. Lorie remembers her dad sending and Carrie Thompson, lived on Highway 197. Often referred to as materials down the side of the mountain by flume to the pad. “the backside of the lake” there wasn’t much traffic back then and Homes were built differently; there was just a different level Lorie remembers Anthony’s grandmother Ina Beck, sitting on the of expectation. What was accepted as a summer house then is porch of his parent’s house amazed when summer brought the much different than what we see on the shorelines today. When visitors. She would say, “Lordy, Lordy where are they all going? Lorie’s father built their cabin on the lake he used materials he Reckon where they all came from?” Imagine what Miss Ina would had salvaged from homes he had remodeled. Many original lake say today about the cars that zip up and down the lake roads. homes had a screen porch that was as big as the entire home. The Ramey family enjoyed many years visiting the home across the Lorie and Peanut met and married. Their wedding took place at ridge on weekends and holidays. When Lorie graduated in 1979, the Clay Estate on Lake Rabun. After she married, Lorie spent more time on Lake Burton than Rabun. Her husband and son her dad sold the house for $28,000. If only... enjoy fishing and often fish in local and regional tournaments. Anthony is the owner of Thompson Construction building homes Lake homes have changed; there were many 40 years ago that weren’t much more than glorified camping, no windows, just on the lakes and beyond. Lorie is in the business of helping screens, no heat and no air. A fireplace for cool nights and bunk buyers and sellers find their dream home in the mountains. She rooms were the norm. Many people carried water from the lake has enjoyed a successful career in real estate and works at ReMax for drinking and bathing. Most residents spent their time in the of Rabun in Clayton. The couple has two grown children Joe and boat or behind it. Lorie learned to ski behind an old Chris Craft Kendall. Lorie still enjoys meeting lake residents and thinks often boat and remembers begging to ski beginning in March. Today of the friends she made on the lake. those old lake cabins are torn down and new much larger and elaborate homes are built in their place. New memories are made by the young and old alike. by Tracy McCoy Photos courtesy of the Lake Rabun Centennial Celebration collection.
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Unique and Lasting Structures Help Lake Rabun Preserve Its History
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his year, Lake Rabun, created in 1915 by the completion of the Mathis dam, is celebrating its centennial anniversary. With that has come a renewed focus on the traditions and history that make it the uniquely charming destination it is today – one that I have been excited to come home to after too many years away. Around this small lake, the 100-year anniversary has sparked new efforts to reconnect with the lake’s history and there is a palpable sense of excitement and celebration as 1915-2015 flags appear on boats, houses and cars alike.
A short boat ride from Witham Point lies another historic property, Stone Haven, on land purchased by Dr. George Bellinger in 1914 from Augustus Andreae, founder of the Lake Rabun Hotel. Every inch of the property was designed to be inviting and to encourage enjoyment for visitors traveling from Atlanta and beyond. Throughout the 1940’s and 50’s, the estate was a destination resort with a guest list that read like a “who’s who” of Atlanta society. Notable Atlantans such as Lindsey Hopkins, Peggy Mitchel, Sam Dobbs, Jim Crawford and Nunnaly Winship came to stay in the original lodge. Even a young Margaret Mitchell stayed at Stone Even as a child, I knew that the twenty-five miles of shoreline Haven during the beginning of her career as a reporter in Atlanta winding through the North Georgia mountains encircled a as she was researching a story about mountain lore. very special place. Referred to as “Georgia’s Lake Como,” Lake Rabun has been one of the most sought after locales for second One of Stone Haven’s most unique features is its distinctive homes since its creation. Even as properties changed hands, sea wall, which was inspired by the sea wall in Rio de Janiero homeowners have always retained a strong sense of community, and incorporates two diving turrets and a sunbathing turret. as well as a deep appreciation for the rich history of their beloved Describing the sea wall, Dr. Bellinger said, “I had been in South lake. While other destinations seem to thrive today on the America and the sea wall in Rio is so beautiful that after I returned principle of “bigger-newer-better,” for Lake Rabun, the secret to to the states it haunted me. Therefore, when opportunity came to its charm lies in its ability to honor the past. me to build, I adapted the design at Stone Haven to suit the face of the Mountain side at my place.” At the time of construction, the Along with a general sense of jubilation, the centennial power company agreed to lower the water level 22 feet in order anniversary triggered a renewed interest in Lake Rabun’s history, for the original builder, and his 168 hired men, to complete the in which its historic properties play an important role. The most wall and diving turrets. In his own words, Dr. Bellinger described well known of these is Withmere House, on Witham Point. the building of the sea wall as an accomplishment that was only achieved through cooperation from the power company, which In 1918, William Stuart Witham purchased a peninsula on the thankfully “lent every possible assistance to the beautifying of the lake and in 1921 built a house known as “Withmere,” inspired lake front.” Through meticulous preservation efforts, the grounds by the summer hunting lodges of Great Britain. The home was have been restored to the splendor of the property’s resort past. one of the very first residences built on the shores of Lake Rabun and the four bedroom main house remains intact with many of Across the lake from Witham Point lie the historic houses of the the original furnishings. Over the years, four generations of the Looker Estate. In 1987, upon the death of Antonina Hansell Witham family have both protected and restored unique features Looker, her large estate of 38.726 acres with over 3000 feet of of the estate such as leaded glass windows and the original hand shoreline containing historic Bluebird Cottage, Hillhouse and the cranked phone that still hangs on the wall in the great lodge White House Lodge became the object of potential unwanted room. Today, a quick boat ride around Witham Point reveals how development. Fortunately, officers of the Lake Rabun Association the grounds have been maintained complete with the original (LRA) realized this threat and successfully negotiated with the swim structures at the shoreline, including the stone boathouse Looker Estate to sell to an LRA member, a developer, who created and steps leading directly into the water. the 20 private lots that exist today. Through the stewardship of the LRA and its members, many of the original structures, including
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the charming Bluebird Cottage, were preserved and are now proudly protected by the families who own them.
Laura Sims graduated from Davidson College in 2005 and Vermont Law School in 2014. She recently moved home to Atlanta from Colorado. Laura’s family has had a home on Lake Rabun for generations and she remembers spending every summer on the lake. She was inspired to write about Lake Rabun history after attending their centennial celebration this year. She is proud to be a part of the Lake Rabun community.
This was not the only time the influential LRA stepped in, with the help of individual residents, to protect the unique character of Lake Rabun. First chartered in 1928, today’s LRA has remained active in its commitment to community protection and preservation. In order to save the original marina known as “Hall’s Boathouse,” which was opened in the 1930’s, Charlie Arp, Stan Ashley and 18 other LRA investors organized Hall’s Boathouse, Inc., and leased the land from the Georgia Power Company who had bought the property to ensure public facilities and lake access points. After leasing the property, the LRAdriven Hall’s Boathouse Inc., rebuilt and reopened the marina in 1983, preserving as much of the original stone structures and vintage memorabilia as possible. Affectionately known simply as “Hall’s,” today it is a one-stop-shop where residents and visitors alike can fill up, repair or buy a vintage boat as well as stop for a sweet treat, all while enjoying a true piece of Lake Rabun history. Those who do not have the opportunity to stay in one of the homes on the lake can also get a taste of the unique Rabun experience by staying in the Historic Lake Rabun Hotel. Another shining example of how strongly the community values its history, the hotel celebrated its 90th birthday in 2012. The lodge was founded by Augustus Andreae, who grew up in Milan and along the shores of Italy’s Lake Como. Since opening in 1922, the hotel has been in operation continually with only short periods of closure for restoration and repairs. One such closure was in 2008 when it was carefully restored by preservationists to maintain its ancestral charm. Today, guests can stay at the hotel or simply drop by for dinner and eat an award-wining meal in the impressively, but not surprisingly, last surviving mountain lodge on a lake in the state of Georgia. How fortunate for us all that the Lake Rabun community continues to successfully blend its rich history with its thriving present. That is what makes the lake what is it today, and it is ultimately what calls to those of us lucky enough to make the lake our home. While there are many beautiful lakes in North Georgia, the unique charm of Rabun lies in the traditions that have been passed down through generations and closely guarded by the current residents. As we come to the end of this anniversary year, we should be sure to celebrate those who have protected our history and renew our commitment to do the same. by Laura Sims
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A On Our Cover Danny Young Inspired by Creation
native of Columbus, Georgia, Danny Young grew up in Marianna, Florida. After high school, he served three years in the Marine Corps, including a tour of duty in Viet Nam as a radio operator. He was educated at Carson-Newman University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored churches in Alabama, Texas and Florida before coming to north Georgia in 2002.
While in Florida, Danny worked as the publisher of a faith-based magazine in Tallahassee. They had an average monthly print run of 10,000 and the publication was delivered to 300+ churches and ministries. This was something that he found enjoyable. In need of photos for the magazine, Danny began shooting images out of necessity, but in no time he was hooked! Photography became his only hobby. Later, in 2005, when he got his first digital camera, he began to improve, because now he could take practice shots which he couldn’t afford with film! At times, his photography experiences were very frustrating. He said he was so discouraged at one point he thought about throwing his camera into the lake instead of making a picture of the lake! But eager to improve, he kept at it and didn’t give up and the results are amazing. Danny has seen great benefit in being part of area photography groups where professionals learn from each other and trial and error. He is currently a member of the Foothills Photography Group in Habersham County, the Nature Photography Network, which is a global online organization and the Athens Photography Guild of Athens, Georgia.
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Danny says he soon began thinking about selling his photos and he entered his first show. He had some incredible images and among them was a photo of pink flamingos. He studied the guests who visited his display that day and found they were not drawn to what he thought was best. Most of his customers that day were women and he ended up selling the pink flamingo photo. He had a revelation that day and that was he needed to think like a woman. He began looking at his subject matter differently and it has been a profitable lesson. While not every customer is looking for big birds with pink feathers, they are looking for a unique twist, something that catches their eye. When I asked what his favorite subject was he was quick to say, flying birds. He finds it a challenge to capture a mallard in flight. In fact that very image is what brought him from photographer to artist. One day while shooting on the lake he shot a mallard in flight low, near the water. The image was not as sharp as his photos usually were, but in that Danny saw a new possibility. He worked with the image and the result was an incredibly artistic photo. He transitioned to a more expressive style and it has been well received. Nature seems to be his forte, although he has shot weddings and portraits. He finds himself humbled by creation and in awe of the Creator. He often asks God for a great shot and more often than not he gets them. At one show a woman browsed through his collection and there was one image he had titled Peaceful Place that she couldn’t take her eyes off. He watched as tears streamed down her face. He allowed her that time; she then wandered on. Sometime later a gentleman came by and bought the image for his wife, who had just lost her mother. Shows led Danny to galleries and today his photography can be found at Soque Artworks on the Square in Clarkesville, Georgia and Burton Gallery at the intersection of Highway 197 and Burton Mountain Road
near Lake Burton. I asked if the Young home is filled with his photography and laughing he said yes, unless there was a show then his wife’s walls were empty. He has customers who collect his photography and one in particular that he knows has more Danny Young photos in his home than Danny has in his. His most recent achievement was coming in first place in a photography contest at Gibbs Gardens. With over 800 entries Danny was surprised that his image was chosen. While I am sure that there were many beautiful images submitted, none was better than Danny’s pink water lily, the perfect resting spot for a dragonfly. I was not surprised Danny Young was named the winner.
A visit to dannyyoungphotography.com will reveal a collection of inspirational photography that includes scripture. Danny has found that certain scenes often bring a scripture to mind and later he adds it to the image. This isn’t something that he plans it just seems to happen. He produces inspirational notecards by request. You will also find that travel is something the Youngs enjoy with trips to many National Parks resulting in breathtaking photos that may well need to be above your mantle or on your walls.
Today Danny Young stays busy shooting a half a day each week, gives presentations to photography clubs and church groups, volunteers with the HIM ministry at the First Baptist Church in Clayton, Georgia and helps care for his aging mother. He can be reached directly by e-mailing dannyoung56@yahoo.com. by Tracy McCoy
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ON THE BOOKSHELF
Boat Load of trouBLe embark upon the unfortunate events that transpire when Mags, at Mountain Magic Realty, discovers a deceased client on her boat. The same boat she uses to transport potential clients when showing property. Get on board with Mags on the journey that will keep you guessing; there’s never a dull chapter, which is an important factor for me when choosing a good book to read. The entire novel revolves around answering the question of who killed Mr. Humphries; however more dramatics spawn more trouble, and additional questions arise. Mr. Humphries isn’t Mr. Humphries, so who is he? While reading, I found myself engaged by this mystery composed of a cleverly designed scheme. Author Shivers certainly piques the reader’s interest with Mags’ dilemma. Readers will find themselves literally in her office at work, getting mad at the Sheriff and tired, as the main character becomes sleep deprived after Mags’ friend is framed and arrested for murder.
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recently took a comfortable chair to enjoy a good book, a mystery, essentially my first read in that genre. After publishing seven other books, accomplished author John Shivers has released his first mystery titled, A Boat Load of Trouble. This is the first novel of the “Slop Bucket” Series.
If that wasn’t bad enough, her business declines and contracts are cancelled. The real estate agent’s boat is seized for evidence and she can’t get her boat back; her name is slandered due to the high-profile crime that was committed. Mags senses this is all a fixed crime, and sets out to help her friend Carole clear her name so she can get her out of jail. The Sheriff asks Mags not to leave town for a while, stating that she may be a suspect. She ignores his instructions, and sneaks a trip to Atlanta to hire an attorney for her friend. Even though the odds are against her, Mags, who has quickly become discouraged, starts racking her brain. There are few clues, but Mags is sure of one thing; her friend is innocent. Her heart breaks when she finally gets to visit Carole in the local jail.
Shivers confesses to being a lifelong fan of mystery, which is obvious within this book, where the references speak volumes. Avid readers who indulge in mystery will appreciate all the familiar mystery text references throughout the book. “Then she realized how Annie Darling must have felt in Death on Demand, when that miserable Elliot Morgan was murdered, and poor Annie was accused of doing the deed.” Or, like me, if you haven’t previously read a mystery novel, you can still enjoy this book just It becomes blatantly clear that the Sheriff has arrested the wrong person when Mags begins getting harassing emails. “Bet you’ve as I did! never peddled prison property before,” one taunts. The harassment The story takes place in Crabapple Cove in the mountainous quickly escalates to property vandalism and the poisoning of her Northeast Georgia. The scenery is breathtaking! “The sun was corgi companion. dipping into the west, making beautiful saffron highlights that peeped in and around the various mountain peaks.” Surrounded Why has her ex-husband been seen in town? Mags reaches by a lake house community, divorced real estate agent Margaret out to other resources for help, who further confirm that the Gordon, aka “Mags,” finds new life after marriage. Booklovers law enforcement has no interest in pursuing an investigation
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to uncover the person attempting to intimidate her. Why is law enforcement so unhelpful? This is very suspicious! With her business in the dump, her best friend in jail and her dog almost dying, what could possibly get worse? Carole, the accused, who is Mags’ close friend, attempts suicide inside her cell. Or does she? The attorney working Carole’s case, as a final attempt, recommends a good private detective to help Mags. Solutions begin producing probability, and with the PI’s assistance, Mags’ inklings are proven true. She also discovers that the detective life suits her. Once all the puzzle pieces fall into place a promise remains: Mags will take us on a second journey. I cannot wait to read the next book and uncover her newest mystery! by Ashley Brodeur
Autographed copies of Boat Load of Trouble are available directly from the author at jswriter@bellsouth.net or through Amazon. com. His web site is www.johnshivers.com.
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Create or Revitalize!
RABUN builders, inc
Kurt Cannon, owner of Rabun Builders, Inc., has earned the undeniable reputation of creating and revitalizing homes and boathouses with exceptionally high quality workmanship in Rabun County for 25 years as a general contractor. We are here for you now and will be here in the future. We use all local subs and suppliers that will also be here for you in the future. We support the local economy and we are licensed and fully insured to protect you the homeowner and your investment. References Available. More info available at www.rabunbuilders.com
706.490.1490 www.rabunbuilders.com • rbi@rabunbuilders.com • Clayton, Georgia
I The Booth House When Wishes Come True
f you tossed a coin into a wishing well and wished for a home on Lake Burton with vintage charm on a wonderfully flat lot, you’d be lucky to end up with Tees Booth’s family home on Murray Cove. The original structure was built in 1929 by a prominent Atlanta attorney, and Booth’s grandparents acquired the home through a sealed-bid auction in 1963. Since that time, the home has been the center of the Johnson and Largin families many lake memories.
The lot is buffered on the left-hand side by park land that will never be built on, so the wide expanse of mature hardwoods – hickory, red oak, white oak and poplars – stand permanently as the best possible neighbors. On that end of the property, the original rock Delco building remains as a reminder of times when power came only through generators. Also still standing is the original smoke house where cooking was done until the 1940s when the kitchen was brought indoors. Both outbuildings boast their original, weathered patina and lend the lot picturesque charm
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. Also charming is the fact the lot itself is very flat and very near the water. The waves of Murray Cove lap on the seawall not thirty yards away. Being so close to the water allows for lake views from every window inside the home. The breeze coming off the water is constant and refreshing, a lovely form of natural air conditioning. Inside, the home retains much of its original charm. Not much has changed since Booth’s grandparents bought the place. They brought antiques from their Atlanta home, so a pre-Civil war piano stands in the living room right where they placed it. The wood paneling throughout the home though, predates even them. Booth believes the heart-pine tongue-and-groove paneling in the bedrooms was likely milled on site in the twenties, along with the paneling throughout the vaulted living room and house. The two bedrooms on the left-hand side of the home share access to a large bathroom situated between them. Both rooms feature lake views as well as old-fashioned lake simplicity. The master bedroom sits on the right-hand side of the house, and it contains its own en suite bath. The hearth in this room bears the original inscription from the day the fireplace was finished, January 19, 1929. Talk about living history.
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The Booth Home Upstairs, the large space was once two bedrooms that Booth’s grandfather renovated to make one large room. The bedroom has plenty of space for four beds, and it offers a renovated half-bath for its lucky guests. Windows on both ends of the space allow for the breeze off the lake to travel right through, a charming feature in any home. Throughout the space, original built-in bookshelves line the walls and contain vintage mementoes of times gone by. Downstairs, the fireplace in the living room stands as its feature element. Made of local stone, possibly right off the lot, the wide hearth and deep chimney allow for large fires to heat the tidy home. Booth says that when the fire gets going in the winter, the feldspar and mica in the rocks sparkle and shine, a charming touch designed by nature herself. Across the front of the home, a deep porch faces the waters of Murray Cove. Billy Goat Island can be seen in the distance among a stand of undulating ridgelines. A concrete sidewalk down the short flight of rock-lined steps leads directly to the water. Around the corner stands the home’s original well, just in case you have that coin handy to toss in and make your Lake Burton home-owning dreams come true. by Heather Leigh Johnson Photos by Peter McIntosh mcintoshmountains.com
This Historic property is exclusively marketed by Connie West, Broker and Owner of Burton Rabun Real Estate Company. Connie is a veteran Realtor and life-long Lake Burton resident who has been helping families’ dreams come true there for over 30 years. Call Connie today at 404.790.6416 to tour this home and turn your wishes to reality. www.burtonrabunre.com
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Bon Appétit Bleu Cheese for Any Occasion
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ost everyone will tell you that Cheddar or Mozzarella is their favorite cheese. But for variety, everyone likes a little bleu cheese. The term bleu cheese covers a lot of ground. In Europe many bleu cheeses such as Roquefort, Danablu, Cabrales, Gorgonzola and Blue Stilton carry a protected designation of origin, meaning they can bear the name only if they have been made in a particular region in a certain country. Bleu cheese is believed to have been discovered by accident, when cheeses were stored in natural temperature and moisture controlled caves, which happened to be favorable environments for many varieties of harmless mold. Roquefort is mentioned in texts as far back as 79 AD. Gorgonzola is one of the oldest known blue cheeses, having been created around 879 AD, though it is said that it did not actually contain blue veins until around the 11th century. Stilton is a relatively new addition becoming popular sometime in the early 1700s. So if you like a really “blue” bleu cheese there is one for everyone. by Scarlett Cook
Bleu Cheese Logs 24 appetizer servings 2 8-Ounce packages cream cheese, softened 8 Ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, cut in small cubes 2 4-Ounce packages crumbled bleu cheese 1/2 Small onion, minced 1 1/2 Tables Worcestershire sauce 1/2 Teaspoon ground red pepper 2 Cups finely chopped and toasted pecans 2 Cups finely chopped fresh parsley Process cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, bleu cheese, onion, Worcestershire sauce and red pepper in a food processor 1 to 2 minutes until combined; stopping to scrape down sides really well. Stir together the cheese mixture, 1 cup of the pecans, and 1/2 cup parsley. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Shape mixture into 4 7”-logs. Combine remaining pecans and parsley. Roll logs in pecan/parsley mixture; coating well. Cover and chill until ready to serve with crackers or pita chips. Logs can be made and frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
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Bleu Cheese Puffs Yields 2 dozen 1/4 Cup butter 3/4 Cup water 3/4 Cup plain flour 1/8 Teaspoon red pepper 3 Large eggs 1 4-Ounce container crumbled bleu cheese Preheat oven to 400˚. Bring butter and water to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Remove from heat. Add flour and pepper, beating with a wooden spoon until mixture leaves the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each egg. Stir in cheese and let mixture stand 20 minutes. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2” apart onto buttered baking sheets. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden. Can be served warm or at room temperature.
Bleu Cheese Potatoes 4 servings 1 1/4 Pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1/2 Cup bleu cheese salad dressing – preferably the refrigeratored kind 1/4 Teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 Cup crumbled bleu cheese Preheat oven to 425˚. In a 13”x9” baking dish drizzle potatoes with oil; tossing to coat well. Bake for 25 minutes. Place potatoes in serving bowl and toss with dressing and pepper; sprinkle with cheese.
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Bon Appétit
Bleu Cheese Chile Grits 6 servings 3 Cups milk 1 garlic clove, minced 1 1/4 Teaspoon salt 1 Cup quick cooking grits 1/2 Cup crumbled bleu cheese 1/3 Cup margarine, cubed 1/2 Cup whipping cream 2 Large eggs, slightly beaten 2 Egg whites, slightly beaten 1 4-Ounce can chopped green chilies. drained 2 Teaspoons Parmesan cheese 2 Teaspoons chopped fresh basil 1 Teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1/4 Teaspoon pepper
Preheat oven to 325˚. Bring milk, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in medium saucepan; gradually stir in grits. Cover and reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in bleu cheese and butter until both are melted. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt, whipping cream and remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased 1 1/2 quart baking dish and cook for one hour.
Bleu Cheese Pasta 6 – 8 servings 2 Cups penne pasta, uncooked 2 Teaspoons olive oil 1/2 Cup chopped onion 1 Teaspoon sugar 1 14.5-Ounce can diced tomatoes 1/2 Pound cooked chicken, chopped 1 1/2 Cups chicken stock 1/4 Cup whipping cream 2 Garlic cloves, minced 1 Teaspoon salt 5 Ounces bleu cheese 1/2 Cup freshly chopped basil In saucepan over medium high heat, cook pasta 15 minutes. Drain and rinse pasta. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sugar, cooking and stirring 2 – 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. In large skillet add pasta and tomatoes and cook over medium heat 1 minute. Add chicken stock, whipping cream and garlic and stir. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until sauce slightly thickens. Add onion, salt, bleu cheese and basil. Cook an additional 2 minutes.
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Shrimp with Bleu Cheese Sauce 4 – 6 servings 4 – 6 Ounces bleu cheese crumbles 1 Stick butter 1 Garlic clove, minced 1 16-Ounce pasta, cooked al dente 1 Pound of cooked, deveined shrimp, chopped In skillet over medium low heat, combine cheese, butter and garlic, stirring constantly. Toss pasta with sauce and add shrimp.
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Festive Fun
with Cookies and Cocoa Treat your holiday guests to something special this Christmas. From mouth-watering spritz cookie recipes that will outshine the rest, to delicious hot cocoa boosted with salted caramel and an edible candy spoon on the side, you’ll be the host with the most in no time at all. Spritz Cookies with a Little Glitz You know gingerbread and sugar cookie, but do you recall the most impressive cookie of all? Spritz cookies are fast and fun. Use a Wilton Cookie Press to make dozens of delicious, perfectlyshaped uniform cookies quickly. Add a spritz of edible silver or gold Color Mist Food Color Spray to make them shiny and bright.
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Santa’s Favorite Spritz Cookie Indulge Santa’s sweet tooth with decadent chocolate spritz cookie sandwiches filled with a layer of peppermint icing. Take a shortcut by using decorator icing that is already flavored and ready to squeeze, perfect for the time-crunched holidays. Ho-Ho-Hot Cocoa with a Twist There’s nothing quite as comforting as a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter day, but add a dash of salted caramel flavor and you’re in for a real treat. Made with velvety Dark Cocoa Candy Melts candy, steamed milk and a splash of Treatology Salted Caramel flavor, this cocoa offers just the right balance of salty and sweet. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sugar Cookie Spoons The delicious taste of sweet, baked Christmas cookies is captured in the Limited Edition Sugar Cookie Flavor Candy Melts candy and made into edible candy spoons with a microwaveable SpoonShaped Silicone Candy Mold. For more holiday ideas and inspiration, visit wilton.com.
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Metallic Spritz Cookies Makes: 10 dozen cookies 3 1/2 1 1 1/2 1 1 2 1 1/2
Cups all-purpose flour Teaspoon baking powder Cups (3 sticks) butter, softened Cup granulated sugar Egg Tablespoons milk Teaspoon Wilton Pure Vanilla Extract Teaspoon Wilton Imitation Almond Extract Silver Color Mist Food Color Spray Gold Color Mist Food Color Spray Buttercream icing Wilton Silver Sugar Pearls Wilton Gold Sugar Pearls
Heat oven to 350Ëš. In medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg, milk and extracts; mix well. Gradually add flour to butter mixture, mixing to make smooth dough. Do not chill. Place dough into cookie press using an 8-petal flower disk and press cookies onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Cool cookies on pan on cooling grid 2 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on grid. You will need two cookies per treat. Use silver or gold Color Mist food color spray to spray cookies. Let dry, about 3-5 minutes. Turn cookies over and spray underside. Let dry, about 3-5 minutes. Prepare buttercream icing or use pre-made buttercream icing. Use tip 12, a cut disposable decorating bag and icing to pipe elongated beads on bottom of one cookie, following cookie shape. Sandwich two cookies together. Use tip 4, a cut disposable decorating bag and icing to pipe a dot in center of sandwich cookie. Top dot with either silver or gold sugar for 1 minute. Gently jiggle and lightly tap mold to smooth pearls. melted candy. Continue to microwave and tap at 30-second intervals until smooth and completely melted.
Sugar Cookie Candy Spoons Makes: 24 spoons
Wilton Sugar Cookie Candy Melts Candy (12-ounce bag) Wilton Christmas Candy Spoon Mold Wilton 12-inch Disposable Decorating Bags
Alternate melting method: Melt candy in disposable decorating bag according to candy package directions. Snip a small tip off end of bag and gently squeeze bag to fill cavities with melted candy.
Chill filled mold until candy spoons have hardened, about 10-15 minutes. Place mold on flat surface and gently push on Break 12 candy wafers in half and place in cavities of mold. Place bottom of cavities to release candy. mold in microwave and microwave at half power or defrost setting
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Festive Fun Chocolate Peppermint Spritz Sandwich Cookies Makes: 4 dozen sandwiches 2 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour 2/3 Cup cocoa powder 1/2 Teaspoon baking soda 1/4 Teaspoon salt 1 1/4 Cups (2 1/2 sticks) butter, softened 1 Cup granulated sugar 2/3 Cup firmly-packed brown sugar 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract 2 Eggs Wilton Peppermint Decorating Icing Heat oven to 350Ëš. In medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, mixing to make a smooth dough. Place dough into cookie press and press cookies onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. Cool cookies on pan on cooling grid 2 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on grid. Sandwich cookies together with Peppermint Decorating Icing.
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Makes: 4 cups 4 Cups milk 1 Cup Dark Cocoa Candy Melts 1/4 Teaspoon Wilton Treatology Salted Caramel Flavor Concentrate In large saucepan, cook milk on medium heat until hot; remove from heat. Whisk in candy and flavor concentrate. Continue whisking until candy is melted and mixture is smooth. Serve immediately.
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Chef Spotlight
- Tyler Williams
I
first met Chef Tyler Williams when he appeared at “Tourism Day at the Capital” in Atlanta in January 2015.On that day Rabun County was designated “Farm to Table Capital of Georgia” by the state legislature. Chef Williams joined in our celebration of this achievement. We had no idea this “designation” would be the draw for him to relocate to our corner of North Georgia. It was months later that I heard rumors of a “famous” Chef purchasing property in our area to develop a farm and build a new farm to table restaurant. We learned that that this mystery chef was making Pizza at “By Hand Pizza” at Lake Burton, so Gayle and I drove out to see for ourselves. Yep, it was Chef Tyler Williams who we had met at the capital. I asked if he would tell me his story and he agreed.
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We talked that evening and agreed to an interview. It was clear from the get-go that Chef Williams is vectoring sharply off his then career path to come to Rabun County. Here’s his recent history: Worked under famed Chef Thomas Keller at Bouchon; Graduated Grand Toque from Western Culinary Institute, Portland Oregon; Worked with Graham Elliot in Chicago; Recruited as Sous Chef by Annie Quatrano at Atlanta’s 5 Star Bacchanalia; Executive Chef at Abattoir where he was named Atlanta’s 2012 “Rising Star Chef” and Eater’s 2012 “Chef of the Year”; Executive Chef, Woodfire Grill and Awarded Eater’s “Chef of the Year” again in 2013. So these are some serious credentials for a chef who has moved to a region where most folks are looking for a good chicken fried steak. At Abattoir (literally defined as a slaughterhouse), Chef Williams created whimsical fun dishes like root beer barbecue sauce-laced wagyu beef belly and seafood sausage on monkey bread. My question to him was “so what exactly is going on for a chef with your back-ground relocating to this remote but beautiful corner of North Georgia?” Chef Williams said it’s kind of a long story. “I started loving food from my mom who was a mid-west cook in Okemos, Michigan. But I did not grow up with a small-town palate. As a child, I became friends with the son of a Lebanese family and quickly became enamored with the culture and cuisine. And as I grew up, I was enthusiastic about all things new and different in food and culture, eventually majoring in cultural geography at Arizona State University, maybe to satiate my inner wanderlust. I quickly learned that food is at the heart of all cultures. After college I decided to go to culinary school and had a real awakening at Portland’s “Western Culinary Institute.” I got rid of my television and immersed myself in the study of food. I ended-up graduating number one in my class (Grand Toque) and was awarded an internship to Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Restaurant in Las Vegas. Once there I was the lowest person on the totem pole; lived in a budget suite and worked a oneapron life. In Chef Keller’s program you have to learn to clean, organize and pay excruciating attention to every detail. There is authentic care for every single thing that happens in the kitchen, including the way you skim your stock. I did that for one-year then returned to Oregon. For awhile I worked at Salty’s on the Columbia River, a large resort/restaurant that typically served brunch to 1,000 people. I helped with pastries each morning. There I learned to multitask and work fast. We had to be done with desserts and turn
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the entire kitchen over to the savory staff. I was done by noon and took an evening job so I could cook savory. The Sous Chef for the evening job offered valuable advice. He said, ‘in order to someday be great you need to learn and perfect three new things every day. And you need to sacrifice.’ I heeded his advice and taught myself new things each day and practiced. That advice has stood the test of time and has set me apart.
Then, by happen-stance, my brother moved to Atlanta after college with my two beautiful nieces. Next my Mother moved to Atlanta. Things were crazy in my life. Annie Quatrano hired me as a Sous Chef at Bacchanalia. She’s a genius and seeks only to produce the best product. When Chef Joshua Hopkins left Abattoir she encouraged me take the job as Executive Chef. Once there I started getting personal credit for food and I started establishing personal and rewarding relationships with farmers. I also started getting many personal accolades: ‘2012 Rising Chef of the Year’, Eater’s 2012 ‘Chef of the Year’. My head was spinning. When Chef Kevin Gillespie left Woodfire Grill he left some big shoes to fill. The owners’ recruited me. Woodfire Grill offered some changes from the “meat centric” Abattoir, with tasting menus and greater creativity. I enjoyed making new partnerships with even more farmers. More personal accolades came including Eater’s 2013 ‘Chef of the Year’. I left Woodfire Grill to pursue even more creative avenues such as pop-up dinners and art dinners. I got lots of offers but I wanted to explore further what I could do. A year later Woodfire Grill Closed. I was invited to go to Los Angeles to compete on “Top Chef.” I accepted and flew to California. I asked myself ‘Is this insanity? Did I do all this work just to become a celebrity?’ My life seemed out of control. Then after many hours of contemplation while sitting in my hotel room I had a ‘Robert Frost Moment’. I walked out of the hotel and flew back to Atlanta. Three days later while serving as a guest chef for a special dinner at Club Magnolia in Augusta, Georgia, during the Masters Golf Tournament, I met someone at the dinner. We hit it off from the start. We talked a long time and found we had much in common. Before I left for the evening he said with a smile, ‘I’m going to buy you a restaurant someday.’
My culinary experience really took off when I headed to Chicago. After working for several months in the front of the house at Homaro Cantu’s Moto, I took a position at Graham Elliot, where I was inspired by his whimsical and nostalgic style. Chef Elliott became my first true culinary mentor. He taught me menu construction, free thinking, that there are no constraints and how to banter off other talented people you work with to improve the whole experience. I later worked as chef de cuisine at Gemini Bistro, where I started to refine my own playful, global approach.
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Still reeling from my experience in California I actually hid in Mexico for two months. Three days after I returned from Mexico he called me out of the blue. He offered to help find and establish a new restaurant venue. We are now business partners. First we looked in Atlanta. But Atlanta is unreal. The city is being over-populated by ‘semi corporate farm to table restaurants’ and the truly unique boutique restaurants are being slowly squeezed. And the city is absurdly expensive. I love and respect Atlanta diners, but why try to compete in that environment? Friends from Rabun County encouraged us to get out of the city and look up here. Together we started driving around. We knew the area’s reputation for farms, wineries, orchards, mills, art and creativity. We felt bolstered by the county’s designation as ‘Farm to Table Capital of Georgia.’ This region has it together. We took
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some time and walked through the hills and valleys. After just one visit to Rabun County we stopped looking in Atlanta.
houses sprouting-up. We have already planted some cover-crops. We will have a professional farm manager.
Once we were shown the old farm on Highway 76 West of Clayton both of us fell in love with its diversity. Part old pasture, part steep hillside and divided down the middle by Timpson Creek. The property offers very unique bio-nooks. The land and stream fit perfectly into our intentions. We also know it will be a large investment to build a biodynamic organic farm. We are also committed to using local talent as much as possible.
The restaurant will also start small – and casual. We plan to open this coming spring in the old house we are restoring on Highway 76. Gradually we will add more dining venues on the property with pavilions and gazebos for events amongst the gardens and along Timpson Creek. Diners may even have the opportunity to harvest their own dinner.
I took over the Pizza Place at LaPrades just keep my hand in cooking. At Woodfire Grill I would often make hand-made pizzas for the crew. It is something I really enjoy doing – especially using local farm ingredients – something you don’t find at most pizza parlors. And by using local ingredients I am quickly building connections to this area’s local farms and gardens Our plan is to develop the 26 acres into an organic farm and make it not only productive but also a showplace and teaching experience. It will start out small but in time will grow, and then grow again. Not too long from now, passers-by will see hoop
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Our farm to table dinners will be enhanced with local foraged ingredients from North Georgia’s coves and mountains. I chose the name for the pizza restaurant ‘By Hand’ because we pick the foods by hand. I am proud to now be living in the oldest mountain range offering some of the greatest bio-diversity in the world. I also feel this is my life’s plan, to be connected with the land, the farmers and the weather. Most of all I really feel welcomed by the North Georgia community. http://www.cheftylerwilliams.com/home/ As retold by Chef David Darugh, Beechwood Inn.
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The Brown Home - A Big Job Taken in Stride
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N
o job is too big or complex for local builder Kurt Cannon. After twenty-six years in the business, he can build a new home from the ground up, or he can make an old home look and feel brand new with a complete renovation. Such was the case with the Lake Rabun home of Carolyn and Mickey Brown. The Brown’s original home on the Pigeon Mountain Run section of the lake was a bright-yellow farm house in need of an update. Cannon began on the dock, replacing and upgrading the original structure. When he was done, he’d created a space that visually ties in to the home sitting at the top of a grassy hill by finishing both with cedar shake shingles and matching accents. The upper level of the boathouse leads directly to a flight of Crab Orchard Stone slab steps. The Tennessee stone appears throughout the home’s exterior, tying together the walkways and outdoor fireplaces with its rust and peach tones. Looking up from the lake, a boulder retaining wall adds visual interest to the sodded lawn while creating a level place for a large outdoor patio and fire pit. Entering the home from the newly-installed porte chochere, the dining room and kitchen appear just inside the front door. Straight ahead, cozy seating and an expanse of large windows let in a sweeping view of the lake. The upgraded kitchen provides plenty of light and room to work. A granite-topped island sets itself off with a different shade of paint than the cabinets. Cannon worked closely with the Brown’s designer to unify the construction and finishes. The main floor also features a guest room to the left of the dining area, while the master suite sits to the right. The master bath boasts heated floors, a spacious his-and-hers walk-in closet with outdoor windows to provide natural light and a door-less walk-in shower. A large window over the soaker tub lets in a view of trees and deep green. Off the central vaulted living space, a door leads to the wrap-around porch. Cannon removed the original flat roof and replaced it with exposed beams and slanted ceilings to give the porch a more rustic look. Around the corner, a stacked-rock fireplace of
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Crab Orchard Stone features comfortable seating for the ladies to gather. A cook shed down the hill a few steps, nicely blocked from view by the fireplace, gives the men their own space to gather and create. Upstairs, two children’s bedrooms are joined by a walkway open to the vaulted living room. Cannon removed the old popcorn ceiling and replaced it with warmly-toned boards. Just off the kitchen, a French door reveals the staircase leading to the lakelevel living spaces. Two bedrooms here come equipped with a kitchenette tucked behind a barn door. This type of door is also used upstairs off the kitchen to access the laundry room and pantry. On the lake level, each room features doors that open onto the patio area. Around the corner outside the home, just at the top of the stairs coming up from the lake, Cannon tucked a bathroom and shower
for convenience. Using corrugated tin and weathered barn wood, Cannon created the perfect space for wet swimmers to dry off before heading indoors. Homeowner Carolyn Brown says Cannon and his team were dedicated to the project and easy to work with. His effect on the Brown’s home was so transformative that even long-time lake residents no longer recognize the place. The complete renovation has given the Brown’s home a completely new look – a big job Cannon made look easy. By Heather Leigh Johnson Photos by Peter McIntosh - mcintoshmountains.com
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Autumn Overlook
ADVENTURE OUT - Autumn Road Trip O
n this adventure we’re leaving the beauty of our mountain lakes and hitting the road for a leaf peeper loop tour that takes us from Rabun County to White County to Towns County and back to Rabun. And since this is a loop, you can start anywhere, Helen/Robertstown, Hiawassee, Clayton or any community nearby. I’m starting in Clayton, with all the roads being major thoroughfares so you can follow this route with a simple map or GPS. And you hikers fear not, there are several great hiking excursions along the way.
Warwoman Road
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Let’s get started. From downtown Clayton, we’re heading south on Main Street which is also Old Hwy 441. in 2.5 miles we come to Tiger Mountain Vineyards where you can stop in for a wine tasting or a snack at the Red Barn Cafe. 1/2 mile further we come to the four way stop in Tiger. The Tiger Food Mart here serves up some very tasty burgers. We now turn right on Bridge Creek Road and in a little over three miles we come to another roadside attraction, the Bridge Creek Fresh Market where Pat Crunkleton serves up lots of delicious
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goodies. A little further down there’s Stonewall Creek Vineyards, another terrific local winery. Bridge Creek Road dead ends into Burton Dam Road where we take a right and head over to Hwy 197. We turn left on Hwy 197, heading south for 3 miles to the intersection with Hwy 356. We turn right on Hwy 356 following the signs to Unicoi State Park. (Please keep in mind this adventure is about the journey, not a destination, so take it easy, pull over to take photos, etc.) After 9 miles on Hwy 356 we come to Unicoi State Park, crossing over Unicoi Lake. There’s a parking area on the far side of the lake that offers access to the Lake Loop Trail, a 2.5 mile footpath circling the lake with some nice bridges and fishing docks along the way. Anna Ruby Falls is also nearby if you’re so inclined. We continue on Hwy 356 to its end at Hwy 17/75. Just before this intersection, look for Fred’s Famous Peanuts on the right, a great place to stop for a snack. We turn right on Hwy 17/75 and go north for 1/2 mile to the intersection with Alt. Hwy 75 on the left, crossing over the Chattahoochee River. There’s a flea market here and a zip line course that takes you back and forth across the river. We turn left on Alt 75 and go a little over 2 miles to the intersection with Hwy 348 on the right, aka the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. This is a really beautiful stretch of road, and freshly paved I might add. In 1.7 miles on Hwy 348, look for the Dukes Creek Falls parking area on the left. (another hiking opportunity, 1/2 mile each way) Continuing on, it’s about a mile to the Raven Cliffs parking area, also on the left. (This is a moderate trail, 2.5 miles each way, leading to Raven Cliffs Falls. This is a beautiful footpath with several cascades along the way.) Onward and upward we come to a scenic overlook on the left but go just a little further to a much better overlook, offering the same view of Mount Yonah and the foothills below. Higher up we go and soon come to the high point on the road, Hog Pen Gap and the Appalachian Trail. Now the road descends down to its termination point at Hwy 180. (Lots of pretty views on this section of road.) We turn right on Hwy 180 following the signs to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain. In a little less than 9 miles, we reach the access road to Brasstown Bald on the left. It’s
Bridge Creek barn
Batesville Barn
Unicoi Lake
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Brasstown Bald 3 miles to the parking lot and a 6/10 mile steep hike to the observation tower at the top. During the day, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, there is a shuttle to the top. There is a visitors center/gift shop and restrooms at the parking area. There are restrooms and a theater at the top. The 360 degree view from the platform on the top of this 4,784 foot mountain is spectacular. Now back down to Hwy 180 where we go left, heading back to Hwy 17/75. (The sign says Helen but we’re
not going that way.) At Hwy 17/75, we turn left again, going north to Hiawassee and then right on Highway 76, heading east back to Clayton. We ascend to Dick’s Creek Gap where we again cross the Appalachian Trail and then descend. After about 5 miles look for the Popcorn Overlook on the left, one of my favorites. Now back on the road and back to the lakes or maybe to Clayton where you can celebrate your adventure at one of the town’s many fine eateries. Happy driving! And as the leaves now are turning, I’m sure it’s my poem for you are yearning: The cool autumn breeze blows through the trees, And the bright colored leaves start to rustle. The leaves that are falling are just nature calling, A journey with no need to hustle! Unicoi State Park: http://www.gastateparks.org/Unicoi Brasstown Bald Info: 706.896.2556 If you want to see more of Peter’s photos or have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com
Fred’s store
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by Peter McIntosh
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Mountain Happenings December 4th - 6th Mountain Wine Country Holiday Wine Tour 14 participating wineries in North Georgia and Western North Carolina Info: 877.745.7483 STEPHENS COUNTY October 3rd and each Wednesday and Saturday through October Farmers’ Market Stephens County Farmers’ Market Building, Toccoa Info: 706.282.3309 October 10th Sage Market Corner of Pond & Tugalo Streets Toccoa Info: 706.282.3309 October 10th / November 14th December 12th Southern Gospel Jubilee Concert The Schaefer Center, Toccoa Info: 706.297.7121 October 24th - 25th Southern Mountain Arts Experience Cawthorn Road at Hwy. 17 Toccoa Info: 706.778.4654 October 30th Costume Parade Downtown Toccoa Info: 706.282.3309 October 31st Martin Fall Festival Downtown Martin Info: 706.356.3573; 770.861.1955 November 7th Tour de Tugaloo Yonah Dam Park, Toccoa Info: www.tourdetugaloo.com
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November 7th - 8th Toccoa Harvest Festival Toccoa Info: 706.282.3269 December 4th - 5th ChristmasFest Downtown Toccoa Info: 706.282.3269 December 4th - 5th Festival of Trees Stephens County Courthouse Toccoa Info: 706.282.3269 December 5th Christmas Parade Downtown Toccoa Info: 706.282.3269 HABERSHAM COUNTY October 10th Big Red Apple Festival Downtown Cornelia Info: 706.778.8585 October 10th Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Downtown Awareness Walk Main Street, Cornelia Info: 706.778.4654 October 24th Soque River Ramble 6K Run & Walk Marlan Wilbanks Farm Clarkesville Info: 706.778.4654 October 24th Batesville Fall Festival Batesville Info: 706.778.4654
October 31st Twin Rivers Challenge Tallulah Falls School Tallulah Falls Info: 706.839.2024 October 31st Trick or Treat on Washington Street Downtown Square Clarkesville Info: 706.778.4654 November 7th Run with the Rams 5K Hazel Grove Elementary School Mt. Airy Info: 706.968.5244 November 14th Lake Russell 5K & Fun Run Lake Russell Recreation Area Mt. Airy Info: 706.778.4654 November 26 - January 1, 2016 Christmas in the Park Cornelia City Park Cornelia Info: 706.778.4654 December 3rd - 6th, 10th - 13th “Stocking Stuffers” Habersham Community Theatre Clarkesville Info: www.habershamtheater.org December 5th Habersham County Christmas Parade Downtown Cornelia Info: 706.778.4654
WHITE COUNTY October 1st - November 1st Oktoberfest Helen Info: 706.878.1908 October 10th Fall Celebration at Hardman Farm Sautee Info: 706.878.1077 October 31st Hallowine Fest Sautee-Nacoochee Vineyards Sautee Info: 706.878.2056 November 6th - 8th Civil War Reenactment Helen Riverside Park Helen Info: 706.878.2181 November 14th The Barefoot Movement SNCA Theater, Sautee Info: 706.878.3300 November 21st Appalachian Christmas & Pancake Breakfast with Santa BabyLand General Hospital Cleveland Info: 706.865.2171 November 27th Annual Lighting of the Village Helen Info: 706.878.2181
December 5th Annual Christmas in the Mountains December 12th Downtown Cleveland A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas Info: 706.865.5356 Downtown Clarkesville October 24th December 5th - 6th, 12th - 13th 3rd Annual Kiwanis Zombie Run Info: 706.754.2220 8th Annual Christkindlmrkt Old Clarkesville Mill Art & Marktplatz, Helen Antique Mall, Clarkesville Info: 706.878.1908 Info: 706.754.9231
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Mountain Happenings December 12th Annual Christmas Parade Helen Info: 706.878.2181 December 31st Dropping of the Edelweiss Helen Festhalle, Helen Info: 706.878.1908 Helen Arts and Heritage Center Helen Info: 706.878.3933 October 17th – 20th Art Ober-fest November 10th History Program - Old Time Music Traditions in White County Yonah Mountain Vineyards Cleveland Info: 706.878.5522 October 10th - 11th and each Saturday and Sunday Tour de la Cave and Barrel Tasting October 10th and each Saturday Live Music Saturdays October 11th and the 2nd Sunday of the month Reserve Wine Tasting Unicoi State Park, Helen Info: 706.878.2201 October 10th - 11th and each weekend through mid November Visiting Artists Series October 10th and each Saturday until mid November Saturday Evening Music Concert Series November 26th - December 12th Festival of Trees
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North Georgia Zoo Cleveland Info: 706.348.7279
RABUN COUNTY
October 10th and each Saturday through November 21st October 3rd - 31st Simply Homegrown Pumpkin Fest Farmers’ Market Covered Bridge Shopping Center October 10th - 11th and each Clayton Saturday and Sunday in October Info: www.rabunmarket.com Scarecrow Trail October 12th Celebrating Columbus Day October 18th / November 22nd Behind the Scenes Tour October 24th - 25th BOO at the ZOO November 21st - 22nd Santa is Coming November 27th - 29th Holiday Celebration November 10th Mommy & Me at the Zoo November 14th - 15th Pumpkin’ Smashin’ Fun December 25th - 30th Winter Break & Tree Toss Smithgall Woods Helen Info: 706.878.3087 October 3rd and the first Saturday of the month First Visit Tours November 7th Bags to Baskets
October 10th and each Saturday in October Oktoberfest Stonewall Creek Vineyards Tiger Info: 706.212.0584 October 10th and each Saturday through November Bluegrass on the Square Main Street allulah Falls Info: 706.754.6040; 706.212.0241 October 10th Dale Woodruff, Native American Dance, Music and Sorytelling 12 Spies Vineyards & Farm Rabun Gap Info: 813.335.2886 October 10th / November 14th December 12th Wayne Dutton Livestock Roping Rabun Arena Tiger www.rabunarena.com October 15th and the third Thursday of each month through November Rabun Trout Unlimited Meeting The TU/Scout Hut Clayton Info: rabuntu.org October 17th Sky Valley’s Annual FallFest Sky Valley Info: www.skyvalleyga.com
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October 31st Fall Farm Day Hillside Orchard Farms Tiger Info: 706.782.2776 October 31st Halloween Hay Day Clayton City Hall Complex Clayton Info: www.downtownclaytonga.org November 5th - 7th Cirque Performance Rearden Theater, RGNS Rabun Gap Info: www.rabungap.org November 26th Turkey Trot for Clayton Cluckers 5K Fun Run Registration at Fromage Earl Street, Clayton Info: 706.982.1284 November 27th Christmas in Downtown Clayton Christmas Tree Lighting Downtown Clayton Info: 706.782.1520 November 27th - 28th Festival of Trees and Holiday Arts & Crafts Shopping Extravaganza Rabun County Civic Center Clayton Info: 706.212.2149 November 28th Santa on Saturday at the Rock House Main Street Clayton Info: 706.782.1520 December 3rd, 5th - 7th “Eb Scrooge: A Southern Fried Carol” North Georgia Community Players Dillard Playhouse Dillard Info: 706.212.2500
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December 5th Christmas Parade Main Street Clayton Info: 706.782.4812 North Georgia Arts Guild Artist Program UGA Extension Rabun County Conference Room, Clayton Info: www.northgeorgiaartsguild.com October 15th Alice Berg, Fiber Artist November 19th Dianne Mize, Painter Tallulah Gorge State Park Tallulah Falls Info: 706.754.7981 October 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th October 21st, 23rd, 31st November 1st Aesthetic Water Releases October 26th - 27th Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike October 31st Trunk or Treat for Halloween November 7th, 15th, 21st Whitewater Watching Hike November 7th - 8th, 14th - 15th November 21st - 22nd Whitewater Releases November 27th Walk off the Turkey Hike December 5th Christmas at the Gorge Hambidge Center Rabun Gap Info: www.hambidge.org October 3rd and the first Saturday of the month First Saturday Gristmill Visits October 10th and the 2nd Saturday of the month Second Saturday Artists’ Talks
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October 10th Great ARTdoors Festival October 17th and the 3rd Saturday of the month Nature Hikes TOWNS COUNTY October 10th and each Saturday through October Vino and Vibes Hightower Creek Vineyards Hiawassee Info: 706.896.8963 October10th and each Saturday Towns County Farmers’ Market Across from Georgia Mountain Fair Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4966 November 28th Towns County Sheriff’s Office Empty Stocking Christmas Parade Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4444 December 5th Mountain Country Christmas Tour of Homes Homes in Hiawassee & Young Harris Info: 706.896.4966 Crane Creek Vineyards Young Harris Info: 706.379.1236 October 24th Harvest Festival December 21st Winter Solstice Celebration December 31st New Year’s Eve Party Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Young Harris Info: 706.897.6179 November 27th - 29th Brasstown Holiday Show
The Ridges Resort Hiawassee Info: 706.896.2262 October 25th 7th Annual Fall-a-Bration December 1st - 25th Happy Holly Days Celebration December 31st New Year’s Eve Celebration Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Hiawassee Info: 706.896.4191 October 9th - 17th Georgia Mountain Fall Festival October 9th The Osmonds October 10th Mickey Gilley October 11th Isaacs, Jim Brady Trio October 13th John Berry October 13th Sammy Kershaw October 14th Ricky Skaggs October 17th Fiddlers’ Convention October 24th Gene Watson December 12th Three Dog Night UNION COUNTY October 8th and each Thursday through November Trivia at the View Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 706.439.6092
December 5th - 6th, 12th - 13th, December 19th - 20th Brasstown Valley Crafters Holiday Weekend
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October 8th - 12th Vietnam Veterans - The Moving Wall Meeks Park Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789 October 9th and each Friday through October Friday Night Concert Series Old Courthouse Blairsville Info: 877.745.5789 October 9th / November 13th Writers’ Night Out Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 877.745.5789 October 10th - 11th, 17th - 18th Blairsville Sorghum Festival Meeks Park Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789 October 13th and each Tuesday Smoky Mountain Melodies First United Methodist Church Blairsville Info: 706.379.3836 October 14th and each Wednesday Bingo Haralson Memorial Civic Center Blairsville Info: 706.300.5722 October 17th Cruize In on the Square On the Square Blairsville Info: 706.897.2501; 706.897.5857 October 17th Good Neighbors Car Show United Community Bank Parking Lot Blairsville Info: 828.837.8539; 706.745.3985 October 18th November 8th, 29th December 20th Sunday Evening Singing Shady Grove Methodist Church Blairsville Info: 706.781.2906
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Mountain Happenings October 24th North Georgia Motorcycle Show North Georgia Technical College Blairsville Info: 877.745.5789 October 31st Hometown Halloween on the Square Downtown Blairsville Info: 706.347.3503 November 4th MNRG Mountain Holiday Fest Pat Haralson Memorial Civic Center Blairsville Info: 706.633.3396 November 28th - 29th Mistletoe Market & Sugar Plum Tearoom Arts & Crafts Show Blairsville Technical College Blairsville Info: 706.896.0932 November 30th - December 31st Tour of Trees Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789 December 5th Breakfast with Santa Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 706.745.2151 December 12th Holly Jolly Christmas and Tour of Trees Union County Community Center Blairsville Info: 706.745.5789
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Vogel State Park Blairsville Info: 706.745.2628 October 17th Fall Hoedown December 12th Christmas Tree Lighting Paradise Hills Vineyards Blairsville Info: 706.745.7483 October 10th and each Saturday Summer Concert Series October 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st Fireside Music Saturdays Union County Farmers’ Market Blairsville Info: 706.439.6043
October 10th Hot Summer Nights Goldhagen Art Glass Hayesville Info: 828.389.8847
John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown Info: 828.837.2775; 800.FOLKSCH www.folkschool.org
October 16th Chili-Cookoff and Pumpkin Carving Contest On the Square, Hayesville Info: 877.389.3704
October 3rd, 17th, 31st November 21st December 5th, 19th Contra and Square Dances
October 17th Wine Under the Stars: Raven & Red Eagle Fork Vineyard, Hayesville Info: 828.389.8466 October 17th - 18th Punkin Chunkin Festival 811 Settawig Road, Brasstown Info: 828.389.3704
October 24th / November 28th December 19th Hayesville Evening Market October 8th - 9th and each Hayesville Square Thursday and Friday in October Info: 828.389.8931 Trash and Treasures Info: 877.745.5789 October 31st Trick or Treat on the Square October 10th and each Downtown Hayesville Tuesday and Saturday in October Info: 877.389.3704 Farmers’ Market October 12th and each Tuesday in October Farmers’ Market General Auction December 4th - 5th Kris Kringle Mountain Market CLAY COUNTY, NC October 9th and each Friday Night in October Friday Night Jam at Clay’s Corner Brasstown Info: 828.837.3797
Licklog Players Community Theatre 34 Creek Side Circle Hayesville Info: 828.389.8632 October 30th - 31st November 1st, 6th - 8th “Let’s Murder Marsha” December 10th - 13th “Sanders Family Christmas”
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October 6th and each Tuesday Tuesday Night Contra & Square Dances October 9th Lee Knight Concert October 16th Molasses Creek Concert October 23rd Djoukil Concert November 7th Blacksmith & Fine Craft Auction November 13th Butternut Creek Concert December 6th Fireside Sale December 11th Brasstown Ringers Holiday Concert Peacock Performing Arts Center Hayesville Info: 828.389.2787 October 9th - 11th, 16th - 18th “A Sting in the Tale” November 7th War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of WWII December 18th “It’s A Wonderful Life Concert”
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MACON COUNTY, NC October 8th - 10th Autumn Leaves Craft Show Macon County Fairgrounds Franklin Info: 828.349.4324 October 9th and each Friday through October Friday Night Live Town Square, Highlands Info: 828.526.5841 October 9th - 11th Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival Village Green Cashiers Info: 828.743.8428 October 10th Highlands Own Arts and Craft Show Highlands Civic Center Highlands Info: 828.526.2118 October 10th Town of Highlands Hometown Day Kelsey-Hutchison Park Highlands Info: 828.526.2112 October 10th Oktoberfest Lazy Hiker Brewing Company Franklin Info: 828.369.5299 October 15th - 18th Gem Show Corner of 441 and Lake Emory Franklin Info: 828.371.9618 October 16th - 18th Leaf Lookers Gemboree Macon County Community Building Franklin Info: 866.372.5546
October 17th Art League of Highlands Fine Art Show Highlands Civic Center Highlands Info: 828.526.2112 October 17th Highlands School Fall Festival Highlands School Highlands Info: 828.526.2112 October 24th 19th Annual Pumpkinfest Main Street Franklin Info: www.pumpkinfestfranklin.com October 24th Pumpkin Run 5K-Run/Walk Tassee Park Franklin Info: www.active.com October 31st Highlands Downtown All Hallows Eve Celebration Main Street, Highlands Info: 828.526.2112 November 5th - 9th Highlands 9th Annual Culinary Weekend Highlands Info: www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com November 11th Veteran’s Day Parade Downtown Franklin Info: 828.524.2516 November 28th Highlands Annual Tree Lighting Main Street, Highlands Info: 828. 524.3161 November 28th / December 5th Winter Wonderland Downtown Franklin Info: www.HolidaysinFranklin.com
November 29th Franklin’s Christmas Parade Downtown Franklin Info: 828. 524.3161 December 5th Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade Main Street, Highlands Info: 828.526.2112 Historic Cowee School Franklin Info: CoweeSchool.org October 6th and each Tuesday Cowee Farmers’ Market October 17th and the third Saturday of each month SEBA Jam October 17th Tellico in Concert December 5th Christmas at Historic Cowee School Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts Franklin Info: 866.273.4615; 828.524.1598 www.GreatMountainMusic.com October 17th An Evening with Jeanne Robertson October 23rd - Josh Turner November 6th - 7th, 13th - 14th The Addams Family Musical
December 19th Rockapella Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center Highlands Info: 828.526.9047 October 11th Bolshoi Ballet: Giselle October 15th - 18th, 22nd - 25th Highlands Cashiers Players “Over the River and Through the Woods” Info: 828.526.8084 October 17th MET Opera: Verdi’s Otello New Production October 31st MET Opera: Wagner’s Tannhauser November 7th National Theatre Live: Hamlet November 14th National Theatre Live: The Beaux Stratagem November 21st MET Opera: Lulu - New Production November 27th Christmas in New York: Frank D’Ambrosio
November 20th Lysa Terkeurst
December 6th Bolshoi Ballet: The Lady of the Camellias (Live)
December 5th Dailey & Vincent a Bluegrass Christmas
December 17th Highlands Players Holiday Reading
December 6th Raleigh Ringers Christmas Celebration
December 20th Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker (Recorded in 2014)
December 11th, 18th “It’s a Wonderful Life”
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December 12th Christmas with the Lettermen
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The Smith Home A Designer’s Touch
A
good designer’s work blends into its surroundings. In a great interior, the designer’s hand becomes such a seamless part of a home that one loses sight of the designer’s presence – like a fawn in the forest. That’s the case with the Lake Rabun home of Veanne and Tim Smith designed by Rabun Martin. Martin came to the project to expand and update a kitchen and add a master bedroom suite. When that part was complete, the Smiths agreed that the rest of the house needed to be brought up to the same refined style. Rabun worked closely with her husband builder Ashley Martin to transform the home and update its interior.
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Wide pairs of Jeld Wen pull-apart patio doors let in a stunning lake view from the front door. The screens on the porch are the wide-expanse type that allow for big views with very few interruptions. The seating out there is plush and comfortable, chosen with an eye for casual conversation. An intimate dining set provides the perfect spot for a quiet breakfast. Inside, the living room and dining rooms share one large space. The two areas are unified with white-washed ship-lap boards and a vaulted ceiling with dark stained beams. Custom furniture in the two spaces provides visual unity and utilitarian function. The coffee table and buffet pieces anchor each room while serving their specific purpose. The open-concept kitchen looks onto the living and dining rooms. Custom-made cabinets with distressed stain finishes blend with the furnishings in both rooms. A glass back-splash flows along the back wall in natural, river-like colors. That’s part of Martin’s intent, to design the spaces using colors from the outside on the inside of the home. The resulting palette of greens, browns and creams provides her with plenty of shades to use for highlights and contrasts.
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Martin draws inspiration from many sources, and she finds many of her pieces from a variety of places as well. Her over-arching desire is to design an interior that features different textures and tones while creating a seamless whole. A vintage wooden propeller, antique Chinese rice bowls, glass-globe light fixtures and one-of-a-kind art pieces work together under her keen eye to create a unified design even when combining various materials, colors and treatments. For the Smiths, Martin found a green petrified-wood sink to use on the main floor powder room as a perfect signature piece. There’s a jute-wrapped chandelier in the stairwell that leads to the lower level. Downstairs, the fun details continue. In the basement rec room, a hand-painted map of the lake was commissioned from local artists Holli Watts and Barbie White. It takes pride of place in the comfortable space with its leather furniture and rustic accents. The two bedrooms on this floor were specifically designed with
the Smiths’ children in mind. Those rooms manage to exude masculine charm without becoming too fussy or typically country style. Upstairs, the master bedroom suite offers an oasis-type retreat. The soothing shades of green on the ship-lap walls were created by Rabun and Ashely specifically for this room. The pair mixed and painted shade after shade, one board at a time, until they found the unique color for the Smiths. The finished look is both refreshing and relaxing. The large and comfortable home with its palette of light and natural colors becomes the perfect backdrop for an eclectic interior design that unifies the space. With her deft touch, Rabun Martin combined numerous decisions, serious renovation and countless hours of work into an interior so successful and subtle one hardly knows she was there. But she is, in every detail. By Heather Leigh Johnson Photos by Peter McIntosh - mcintoshmountains.com
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