5 minute read
Big Mountain Shuttles / Bear Mountain Outfitters
“My business has everything to do with having fun and moving people”, said Michael Crowe, the owner of Big Mountain Transportation Shuttles & Event Management and sistercompany Bear Gap Outfitters. The two businesses work well hand in hand. “There are so many moving parts to our businesses it can be difficult to explain,” he added. As the one trying to do just that, I must agree with Michael. His excitement about what he gets to do on a day to day basis can only be described as infectious, and before we finished our interview my wheels were spinning. I must start at the beginning. In 1992 Michael talked with a gentleman who was a close friend of his father, who owned a shuttle business in Atlanta. He told this man that he wanted to start his own shuttle service. Mr. So and So challenged Michael to buy a “bus” and he would give him the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel’s shuttle business. Michael did just that and began moving people. The business grew rapidly and served him well for a decade or more. “I wouldn’t change a thing about that time period because I learned so much,” he said. In 1949, Michaels grandparents bought a home on Lake Rabun. Many summers were spent “playing” on the lake. It was your traditional lake home enjoyed by generations of the Crowe family. Fast forward to 1998 and Micheal is married to Kim and they begin thinking about making the lake their home. Within a few years they had sold their shuttle business, started Bear Gap Outfitters and in 2002 became full time Rabun Countians. That leads to the birth of Big Mountain Shuttles and Event Management. Moving people from one location to another is Micheal’s forté. Still offering transportation into the City, for events or to and from the airport, they wanted to add transportation around north Georgia and event management services. Twenty years later, Big Mountain Shuttles offers winery tours, wedding and event transportation and even something as simple as a trip from the lake to Clayton or Highlands for dinner and an evening out. An excursion such as this could be followed by a moonlit cocktail cruise before returning to your dock. One of the stories that Michael shared with me was about a man who wanted to come to the lake to propose to his girlfriend. The couple had their first date 14 years earlier, which included a trip to beautiful Minnehaha Falls. He thought the falls would be the perfect spot to ask her to be his wife. He called to enlist Michael and Kim’s help. They choreographed the entire afternoon and evening. A bouquet of roses sat on a rock ledge at the base of the falls, and a photographer hid out nearby. After the proposal, they enjoyed a candlelit cruise on the lake and finished with a bonfire celebration. “It was such a pleasure to be part of this major life event for them. We have many stories like this one,” he said. A continuation of that story is that the couple now has three children and is building a home on the lake.
Bear Gap Outfitters supplies Lake Rabun, Seed Lake and Lake Burton with boat, jet ski, pontoon, canoe and paddle board rentals. This is another example of helping people have fun and enjoy life. These lake rentals can be guided or you can journey out on your own. The Crowes’ primary goal is that you have an outstanding lake experience. Floating on or paddling through still water surrounded by gorgeous mountain views is sure to erase the stress of everyday life and provide some time to recharge. The word concierge means “we handle all the details”, so all you have to do is enjoy yourself. Both Bear Gap Outfitters and Big Mountain Shuttles and Event Management provide that peace of mind for their clients daily. Weddings are one of the major “people moving” events where the shuttle business is utilized. From lake weddings to mountaintop ceremonies, Michael and his team excel at providing transportation from the airport for out of town guests, from lodging facilities to the chosen venue, for wedding parties, whoever needs to get from point A to point B. When it comes to shuttles, they have SUVs to 28 passenger mini buses. The hospitality and customer service is over the top, it helps that Michael is such a phenomenal person and expects nothing less from his staff. The services provided by both companies could be called “a la carte.” Whatever you need, it is taken care of. Other events that might utilize the shuttle service include corporate events, anniversary celebrations, family reunions, you name it and you can leave the driving in their hands. Bear Gap Outfitters also services lake Air BnB and VRBO rentals. So it is conceivable that you could book a stay, be picked up at the airport and transported to the lake, provided the watercraft of your choice, enjoy a cocktail cruise, a winery tour, venture to surrounding towns to shop and dine and return to the lake to sit on the dock and watch the sun set. “We are always looking for ways to serve the people of Rabun and visitors to the area. I am active in Rabun County Search and Rescue and in our local community. Kim, our daughter Elizabeth and I have loved being residents of Rabun and have met so many great people,” Michael remarked. He has been featured on GPB and is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the lakes. You’ll find 600-700 reviews on the web for both companies. Their reputation is stellar and for good reason. “I am honored to be part of people’s stories,” he said. I am as honored to share a bit of Michael and Kim’s story with you as well. www.bigmountainshuttles.com - www.beargapoutfitters.com October 2022 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - 87
