Dining guide

Holiday Boat Parade registration open; benefits Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes

By Pamela A. Keene

Bring your best creative ideas and register now for the 8th Annual Holiday Boat Parade at Lake Lanier. Registration is now open for the Saturday, Dec. 10, event that raises money for The Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes.

Information is posted on the Holiday Boat Light Parade at Lake Lanier Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lanierholidayboatparade.

“This year we’re focusing on the kids at Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes just in time for the holidays,” said Richard Pickering, event coordinator for the nonprofit organization. “Links to registration and to the youth homes will connect participants to pertinent information.” The Facebook page will include this year’s marshalling and parade route, as well as links to the safety video and previous year’s parades.

“Over the years, the parade has been building its participation and we hope for a good turnout this year,” Pickering said. “Let us know you’re coming to support this incredible children’s charity.”

The event’s rain date is Sunday, Dec. 11.

For information or to register: Facebook/lanierholidayboatparade.

A scene from a previous Holiday Boat Parade.

PHOTO: SAVANNAH HUNTER PHOTOGRAPHY

• Outdoor calendar

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Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760. o Cravin’ Bacon Walk, Braselton. Walk and explore downtown Braselton, stop at participating shops for bacon, VIP tickets for bourbon tasting. 4-9 p.m. Dec. 1, Downtown Braselton. www.braselton.net. o Dash Away 5K, Dawsonville. 8:30 a.m. Dec. 3, Veterans Memorial Park, 186 Recreation Rd. $30-$35. www.fivestarntp.com. o Dirty Spokes Fort Yargo Cannonball Run, Winder. 3.10/8.75-mile trail running race, 8 a.m. Dec. 3, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $35-$50. www.dirtyspokes.com. o Riverside Group Run, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, 8:30 a.m. Nov. 20, Riverside Military Academy, 2001 Riverside Dr. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

On-Going o Jaemor Farms 15th Annual Corn Maze, Alto. Farm extravaganza with hayrides, apple cannon, pumpkin train, farm games, duck race, and more through Nov. 6: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 5, 1-6 p.m. Nov. 6. 5340 Cornelia Hwy, Ga. 365. $15 ages 3 and older. No pets. www.jaemorfarms.com, 770-869-3999. o Burt’s Farm, Dawsonville. Pumpkins galore, scenic hayrides, pumpkin pies and seasonal decorations greet patrons at the Burt family farm near Amicalola Falls. Pumpkin patch & store 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 10. See website for hayride information. Burts Farm Rd. No pets or firearms. www.burtsfarm.com. 706 2653701. o Uncle Shucks Corn Maze/Pumpkin Patch, Dawsonville. Through Nov. 13: 4-10 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, gem mining, kids’ activities, wagon rides, bonfire and more, 125 Bannister Rd. $15-$25, free to kids 4 and younger. www.uncleshucks.com, 770-772-6223. o Buford Corn Maze. Maze, hayrides, kids’ farm fun, pony rides, farm animals through Nov. 13: 6-10 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 4470 Bennett Rd. $16-$28. www.bufordcornmaze.com, 678-835-7198. o Group Runs, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta Hwy. www.lanierrunningclub.org. o Canoe/Kayak/SUP Rentals, Gainesville. Canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals, reserve via email 48 hours in advance for paddling Monday, Tuesday Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $20-$30 per hour, $10 for additional hours, maximum 4 hours. info@lckc.org. o First Visit Tour, Helen. Guided van tour of Smithgall Woods State Park to see covered bridge, Duke’s Creek, park cottages and more, 10-11 a.m. first Saturdays, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. Donations welcome. Reservations required. www.gastateparks.org, 706-8783087. o Farmers Market, Braselton. 4-7 p.m. third Fridays October, March and May; 4-6 p.m. November, January, and February. Patio next to Town Green on Davis Street. www.braselton.net. – compiled by Jane Harrison

North Georgia Water Planning District recognized by EPA conservation awards

By Pamela A. Keene

For the fifth year, The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District has received the US Environmental Protection Agency’s 2022 WaterSense Sustained Excellence Award for helping people save water. It was given at the WaterSmart Innovations (WSI) Conference and Exposition in Las Vegas last month.

It was one of three north Georgia water organizations to be recognized at the conference; the other two were Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department and Cobb County Water System.

The North Georgia district, which includes Hall, Forsyth and Gwinnett counties, was honored for: • Promoting EPA’s Fix a Leak Week through a High School Public Service Announcement Video Contest where students demonstrated how families can check for leaks, save water, and reduce their water bills; • Partnering with Georgia Public Broadcasting to host Live Exploration: Georgia’s Water during national Drinking Water Week. The one-hour live televised and online event reached nearly 80,000 elementary school students, teachers, and parents in schools and homes across the state. Participants learned about Georgia’s river systems, the water cycle, the water treatment process, and how to protect and conserve water; • Sponsoring the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Spring Native Plant Sale where participants received water-saving giveaways such as faucet aerators, toilet flappers, hose spray nozzles, and a WaterWise Landscape Guide; and • Proposing new efficiency requirements for new construction indoor plumbing fixtures and outdoor landscape irrigation systems to take effect in 2024.

Comprising 15 counties in the metro Atlanta region, the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District develops regional and watershed-focused water resources plans to be implemented by local governments. Plans help conserve public water supplies, protect water quality and recreational values, and minimize potential adverse effects of development on waters in the region and downstream.

Georgia is one of three states to mandate high-efficiency plumbing fixtures in all new developments – exceeding federal standards.

For more about WaterSense, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.

Lakeside Dining Guide

Bullfrogs Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner daily. This Southern Gastro Pub features reimagined traditional Southern fare and variety of drink options from full-service bar. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. 770-945-8787. Fish Tales Lakeside Grille – Casual lakeside dining featuring grouper fingers, signature salads and much more. Full service indoor and outdoor bar with live music. Hideaway Bay Marina. 770-967-3775, www.fishtaleslakelanier.com Pelican Pete’s – Picturesque dining on the water at Port Royale in open-air thatchedroof building. Selection of sandwiches, burgers, fish and more. 70-887-5715 ext 5., www.pelicanpetes.com Pig Tales - Casual lakeside dining featuring BBQ, burgers, wings and more. Great customer service, full service bar with draft beer, wine & mixed drinks, live music on weekends. Aqualand Marina, Flowery Branch. 678-828-7676, www.PigTalesLakeLanier. com. Sidney’s Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort and overlooks Lake Lanier. Only serving breakfast. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. 770-945-8787, www.lanierislands.com. Skogies – Made from scratch seafood, BBQ and American fare with a great view served in a laid back pet friendly environment. A full Sunday breakfast menu includes eggs benedict served five ways, Omelettes, shrimp & grits, cathead biscuits & gravy, breakfast sandwiches & more. Call from your boat & they will pick you up. Gainesville Marina. 678 450-1310; www.skogieslakefrontrestaurant.us. The Twisted Oar - Holiday Marina. Offering fresh seafood to savory chicken and steak; casual dining. Full bar service, tropical and frozen drinks. Live entertainment, trivia, indoor/outdoor flat screen TVs. Open year round. www.thetwistedoar.com, 678 714-7572.

Recreation Guide for Lake Lanier

Provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The Corps of Engineers welcomes you to beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier. Located just 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, the lake offers some of the finest camping opportunities in the South. The Corps operates 7 campgrounds at Lake Lanier. Info: www.lakesidenews.com/camping.

n MORE INFO:

Water release schedules - 770 945-1466 Lake information - 770 945-1467 Corps of Engineers - 770 945-9531 www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil Works/Recreation/LakeSidneyLanier.aspx

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in the holidays with milk, cookies, crafts and pictures with Santa, plus shopping in Kids Shopping Market. This event will be held 4-7 p.m. (no 3-5 p.m. play block this day). Reservations are required by Nov. 16. Admission: nonmember adults: $10, non-member children, $15; INK member adults, $5, INK member children, $8; under 2, free. o Nov. 24 – INK will be closed on Thanksgiving but will open again on Nov. 25. o Nov. 28-Dec. 4 – Native American Craft Week, learn about native Americans while making a fun craft. Time/Play Blocks: Mon.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-noon; 12:30-2:30 p.m.; 3-5 p.m.; Sun.: 12:30-2:30 p.m.; 3-5 p.m. Info: $1 with paid admission to museum; INK Members, free. Info: 770-536-1900; www.inkfun.org.

Lake Lanier Islands Resort o Nov. 19-Feb. 26 – License to Chill Snow Island opens. Winter Chill Season Passes start at $79.99. Pass includes unlimited Snow Tubing, Amusement Rides, Ice Skating, Gate Fee Access and more. Times: 5-10 p.m. Daily admissions: $54.99 reg.; $39.99, child (age 3-7), military, seniors and groups). o Nov. 19-Jan. 3, 2023 – Lakeside Lights Spectacular, Lake Lanier Islands’ Margaritaville’s nights offering nostalgic wintry magical walks through a lighting extravaganza. Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights admission: $24.99 reg.; $19.99, child (age 3-7), military, senior and groups. Info: 770-945-8787; www.lanierislands.com. Northeast Georgia History Center o Nov. 5 – Holiday Quilts & Crafts with the Hall County Quilt Guild features ongoing demonstration from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: 770-297-5900; www.negahc.org.

Piedmont University o Nov. 1 – Piedmont Conservatory Strings perform 7:30-9 p.m. in the University’s Chapel. o Nov. 10 – Wind Ensemble Partnership, 7:30-9 p.m., in the Chapel. o Nov. 17 – Piedmont University Singers perform 7-9 p.m. in the Chapel. Info: 800-277-7020; piedmont.edu.

Quinlan Arts Center o Thru Dec. 10 – 75th Annual Members Exhibition showcases the work of member-artists from Gainesville and surrounding North Georgia communities, Atlanta and the Southeast. Info: 770-536-2575; www.quinlanartscenter.org.

Tannery 7Row Artist Colony o Thru Nov. 17 – Fall Juried Art Exhibit 2022 at 554 West Main St., Buford. Visit and enjoy this colony of artists and their work. Info: 470-326-6656; tanneryrowartistcolony.net

University of North Georgia o Nov. 3, 4 – “Trouble,” presented by the Music Theatre Ensemble, offers songs and scenes from various musicals including Music Man, Shrek the Musical and many more in the Nix Fine Arts Center, Gloria Shott Auditorium, Dahlonega. Times: 7:30-8:30 p.m. o Nov. 4, 5, 6 – Heathers: The Musical presented by the UNG Theatre guild, 6-9 p.m., in Hoag Student Center, Auditorium. Times: Nov. 4-5, 6-9 p.m.; Nov. 6, 3-5 p.m. o Nov. 7, 10 – A Little Night(hawk) Music Concert Series’ second performance presented at Performing Arts Center, 3040 Landrum Education Dr., Oakwood by Dr. Sanghie Lee, piano. Performance will include works of Prokofiev, Rachmaninov, and other early 20th century masters. o Nov. 15 – Voice Division Recital, 7:30-8:30 p.m., in Performing Arts Center, 3040 Landrum Education Dr., Oakwood, features An Evening of Song performed by the voice students of the Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses. Info: 678-717-3930; www.ung.edu.

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Voices of North Georgia o Dec. 2, 3 – O Holy Night concert held at St. Paul United Methodist Church of Gainesville. Times: 7:30 p.m. o Mar. 11 – Gala: America’s Top Ten Hits concert held in the Banquet Hall of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville. Time: 6 p.m. o Apr. 28, 30, 2023 – This is My Country concert held at First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville. Times: 7:30 p.m., Apr. 28; 2 p.m., Apr. 30. Info: www.VoicesofNorthGeorgia.com.

• Bhutan

Continued from Page 43 their group make the descent by walking her backward down the trail.

At the end of our walk, an elegant picnic awaited, with fresh and dried fruits and nuts, dishes of chicken and pork, fresh vegetables, all served on fine china using crystal glasses and real utensils. It was a welcomed juxtaposition from the trek and a lovely way to cap our trip.

Time passes quickly when you’re limited on a journey, but in Bhutan, it also passes more slowly and mindfully. The people aren’t rushed by the demands of the day; the worst traffic challenges are the intermittent horses, mules, donkeys and cows along the roads and trails; and the foibles of Western civilization are slow in coming.

My hope is that Bhutan will, while welcoming tourists from around the world, retain its distinctive culture, deep spirituality and the charm of its people.

Next month: The journey continues with five days in Bangkok, new experiences and a reunion.

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Continued from Page 31

Lynch said the venue provided room for the cooking teams to spread out and there was plenty of space “for the guests to sit, eat and enjoy the views of Lake Lanier. The bonus was the beautiful weather.”

HAPPY THANKSGIVING GREETINGS FROM LAKESIDE!

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