Vacation Guide in the Mountains - Summer 2023 - 16.3

We can arrange unique shopping trips, vineyard tours, festival admission, hiking & biking adventures, horseback riding, fishing, boating and whitewater rafting trips.

With over 13 years experience in the hospitality industry, you can be assured that your stay with us and the customer service you receive will always be superior! Our goal has been, and always will be, to exceed your expectations so you will return time and time again.

Your Local Guide to the North Georgia Mountains. Let the Vacation Guide in the Mountains help you find Events, Festivals, and Recreational Activities. Find the best local places to Eat, Shop, and lodge with handy Maps to make getting around easy.

Just find the # - for the advertiser’s location on the Local City Map or Centerfold Area Map.

Every Issue we will feature a Community Spotlight and point you in the right direction of Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, or Scenic Road Trips in our area.

View our website at www.MountainLakeGuide.com to find everything Online & Links to find more about our Restaurants, Shopping, Lodging, and Area Recreation.

And remember to like us /MountainVacationGuide

/Mtnvacationguide

Tell them you “Found them in the Vacation Guide”

Lake Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge, GA

photo by Brittany McConnell

A SPECIAL GETAWAY Lake Blue Ridge

The town of Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. Blue Ridge was founded in 1886 as a result of the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. Because of the railroad, Blue Ridge developed as a center of business and in 1895 the county seat was moved from Morganton to Blue Ridge. Construction began on US Highway 76, in the early 1920’s which increased access to this once remote area.

The Lake was formed by the Toccoa and Ocoee River’s from the Blue Ridge Dam that is located 50 miles upstream. The Toccoa River feeds Lake Blue Ridge flowing soothingly for about 15 miles north of the dam and visitors can spend the day tubing, kayaking, or trout fishing. It is recommended that fishermen should only wade-fish the Toccoa River below the dam when TVA is not generating electricity as it can become hazardous when they release, so be sure to check the schedule before planning your trip. Tammen Park is a county managed recreation area on the Toccoa River below the Blue Ridge Dam. Access is at the bridge on Hwy. 515 and has picnic pavilions, playgrounds and ball fields.

The crystal clear aquamarine waters of Lake Blue Ridge make it one of Georgia’s most picturesque mountain lakes. The 3,290-acre lake and surrounding area offers boating, swimming, hiking camping, picnicking, water skiing and fishing. Eighty percent of the shoreline on Lake Blue Ridge is in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service.

Many points around the lake offer a way to have an adventure for the day including, Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area and Boat ramp is just off Hwy 76 and Aska Road. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it’s a passive recreation area with a nice view of the lake and free boat ramp.

Morganton Point Recreation Area is the place to take the kids to the “beach” on Lake Blue Ridge. Located off Hwy 60., go 1.5 miles into Morganton and turn right on Lake Drive for .5 miles. The recreation area offers a boat ramp, 43 unit campground and picnic area with covered pavilion.

Lake Blue Ridge Marina located on Old Highway 76, offers boat sales, storage, and a launching ramp. Pontoon boat rentals, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are also available to help provide recreation for your day at the lake. Stock up on

needed supplies at the marina store or eat at the bar and grill for lunch or dinner.

Spend some time exploring the Blue Ridge area and stay in a cabin, B& B, Inn, hotel or campground. The area has numerous accommodations to fit your family weekend or an extended stay and many cabin rentals offer additional services to help in arranging special activities.

The historical Main Street in Blue Ridge features shops and small eateries where visitors can sit a spell on the rockers and benches along the way. Spend a day exploring the many art galleries, antiques, and specialty shops that line the town. Eat in downtown or out on the river at Toccoa Riverside Restaurant.

The Blue Ridge Depot & Scenic Railway remains the central focus in downtown Blue Ridge in which you can enjoy a train 26 -mile scenic round trip from Blue Ridge to McCaysville as it passes through historic Murphy Junction along the beautiful Toccoa River.

Wether your in downtown or exploring the other areas of Blue Ridge, activities include Putt Putt Golf, gem mining, horseback riding, ziplines or visiting farms, like Mercier’s on Hwy. 5 located north

of town. Go tubing on the Toccoa Valley River, kayaking, or Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee.

Other Historical sites in downtown Blue Ridge can still be seen today including the Baugh House, now owned by the Fannin County Heritage Foundation located at 411 West First Street built by James Baugh in 1890. Baugh was a brick mason and the bricks were made out of clay from the back yard.

The Art Center, also known as the Historic Fannin County Courthouse, was built in 1937 after the previous courthouse burned in 1936. The courthouse is now the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s Arts Center where visitors can view the galleries see rotating exhibits.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, peace of mind, or a little excitement, Lake Blue Ridge area provides a great small town atmosphere that will keep you coming back for your vacation!

For more information contact Fannin County Chamber of Commerce 1-800-899-6867 or go to www.BlueRidgeMountains.com

• Vintage & Antique’s

• Furniture & Home Decor

• Local, Handcrafted Gifts

• Farmhouse & Repurposed Decor

• Porch & Garden

Premier Riverfront Dining

GRACIOUSLY SERVING SINCE 1992

Featuring Fresh Local Trout, Seafood, Angus Steaks, Ribs, & Signature Pastas

Enjoy the Peace of the River!

Now Carrying:

• Bearfoot in Blue Ridge Soaps

• Myra Bags & Accessories

• Georgia’s AwardWinning Local Honey

• Candles, Jewelry, & Gift Baskets

• Rethunk Junk Paint by Laura

We’re expanding and opening our newest section soon: The Hodgepodge Garage

Don’t miss the gardens, greenhouse, old trucks, great country porch, & enjoy our stress-FREE parking!

Look out for our special events: paint classes, live music, food trucks, and more!

Follow us on social media: @terristreasuretrove

10777 Lakewood Hwy - just minutes from downtown Blue Ridge Open 7 Days a Week - 706-900-2211

Biking

in the North Georgia Mountains

Mountain cycling in North Georgia offers the best views overlooking lakes, lush forests, streams, and rivers, in pristine State Parks/Wildlife Management areas.

Starting from rolling hills to steep mountain grades many trail rides offer a variety of degrees from the novice to experienced to go through the backcountry of these beautiful mountains.

It is highly recommended that all levels of skill be prepared for your trail ride. Complete information about the trail, which includes distance, terrain, weather conditions, plus good equipment and supplies for your excursion, will help to make the trip enjoyable.

Organizations such as IMBA, SORBA, SABA, NGCA, and NGBDA can tell you specifics about trails, races, and other group ride events. Visit a local bicycle shop, listed in our area directory for further information. Websites we like include www.trails. com and www.dirtworld.com

Listed are just a few of the numerous biking trails over a broad range of North Georgia’s eight counties to explore. Happy Trails…

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Discover one of Georgia’s best state parks for the outdoors enthusiast. Black Rock Mountain is often cooler than other Georgia parks. With an altitude of 3,640 ft., it covers almost 1,800 acres of Rabun County and is located North of Clayton, GA, on Highway 441.

Roadside overlooks provide spectacular 80-mile vistas, and four hiking trails that lead visitors past wildflowers, streams, small waterfalls and lush forests. Full slopes of blooming trilliums and other species among hidden boulder fields continue to astound botanists with rare flora finds.

Black Rock Mountain takes its name from the shear dark granite wall that is visible and easily identifiable from long distances. When local citizens sold the land to the state of Georgia in 1939, access to the park was limited by the lack of roads. Governor Herman Talmadge backed a plan to build a road to the Georgia Department of State Parks land near Clayton in the early 1950s, thus forming easy access to this incredible vista.

Within Black Rock Mountain State Park there are four scenic overlooks. The Cowee Overlook is first on the drive in, and actually sits almost directly above the Ada-Hi Falls, but the falls are not visible from the overlook. The Nantahala Overlook is located in RV parking circle. The Blue Ridge Overlook and Black Rock Overlook is adjacent to the Visitors Center and Trading Post.

Visitors are welcome to lodge in cottages, camp in tents, trailer, or bring their RV. The 17-acre lake offers canoeing and provides great fishing for bass, catfish, bream and trout. Hiking and backpacking, ranging from easy to difficult levels, offer wonderful views of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

Foxfire’s Museum & Heritage Center – located by the park in Mountain City is home to The famed “Foxfire” magazine, begun in 1966, is written and published quarterly by students at Rabun Gap –Nacoochee School. The museum offers a self-guided tour through an authentic village showing the trades of early settlers.

Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts – located just outside Dillard, GA. This artist community and residency program teaches basket weaving, offers visual art, design, writing, music, and dance. The Center offers visitors’ tours of Barker’s Creek Gristmill, artist talks, nature hikes, and many other special events.

Dillard, GA - is just a few miles north is famous for it’s family-style meals at the Dillard House Restaurant. Serving since 1917, the restaurant was established by the family that earned the title of the earliest documented white settlers in 1794. Shop in one of the many antique stores or discover the Hoojah Branch Indian burial mound, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places, located one mile east of Dillard.

Sky Valley, GA – provides a spectacular scenic drive on Highway 246 to look back over the Chattahoochee National Forest lands covering more than sixty acres of Rabun County and get a taste of the aerial perspective from several roadside or trail lookouts. Georgia’s highest city, with an average elevation of 3,500 ft., is home to Sky Valley Golf and Country Club, which features an 18-hole championship public golf course.

Clayton, GA - offers that “Hometown Feeling” that every visitor will enjoy. Stroll leisurely through the local shops that feature the best in art, antiques, books, furniture, gifts, wine and so much more! Dine at one of the fine restaurants and stay at cozy in town accommodations or golfing resorts.

Every year, between March 15 and May 1, two to three thousand hikers begin a 2,184 mile long journey on the Appalachian Trail. They will hike from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Their trek will take five to six months and cross fourteen states. Only about ten percent of all who begin will finish the entire length of the trail. But everyone who attempts this journey will leave the trail a changed person.

The Appalachian Trail does not care about one’s physical qualities, it is truly a test of mental fortitude.

If you can, you will be rewarded with spectacular vistas, amazing wildlife encounters, and deep, genuine friendships with people you would never have met in your normal life. You will find waterfalls, caves, and rock formations that most people never get to see. You will get a glimpse of the vastness of creation and the tiny miracles that keep it all running. You will develop the soul of a poet, the eye of an artist, and the determination of… well, of a hiker. You will develop a quiet confidence that comes from knowing that you have already done the most difficult thing you will ever have to do in your life. It's all down hill from there.

Easy trail access from several points in North Georgia.

Springer Mtn. at Amicalolah Falls

Hwy. 129 at Blood Mtn.

Hwy. 75 at Unicoi Mtn.

Hwy. 76 between Towns/Rabun Counties

For a nice waterfall viewing drive the whole family can enjoy, start from Highlands and go west on Hwy 64 toward Franklin.

Bridal Veil Falls: 2.5 miles west of Highlands on Hwy 64. Watch for the brown and white forest service sign on the right hand side of the road. You can use the road side pull off to actually drive under this waterfall!

Dry Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Dry Falls: Continuing west on Hwy 64, just past the intersection with Hwy 106, look for the brown and white forest service sign for Dry Falls and turn left into the parking area. There is a wheelchair accessible viewing area for an easy viewing as well as stairs and a short trail down to the waterfall for a close up look and the ability to walk behind the falls. This waterfall is stunning and the photo opportunities are plentiful.

Cullasaja Falls

Cullasaja Falls: 5.5 miles past Dry Falls heading west on Hwy 64, is Cullasaja Falls. This road side area is small with a lot of passing traffic, so be cautious and pull off the road completely. There is a very steep trail that leads to the bottom of the falls, but in heavy flow conditions, the trail can be wet and slippery. Again, please use caution.

Summer Season

Summer time lake fun is one of the reasons visitors travel to North Georgia. Thousands of visitors enjoy boating, jet sking, kayaks, canoes, tubing or paddle boards to cool off on a hot summer day.

The Department of Natural Resources wants to caution everyone about being prepared and using the appropriate equipment before you get on the water. Your preparation could prevent a fatality, injury or a fine while operating a (PWC) (Personal Watercraft).

By following some simple rules & paying attention to your surroundings you can help family, friends, & guests to enjoy water time.

Life jackets are Essential and at the core of safe boating, whether using a motorized or non-motorized vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard reports 81% of boating deaths in 2021 were due to drowning, and 83% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.

Life preservers are mandatory on all motorized & non-motorized PWC in the State of Georgia Jet skiers & boats pulling tubes, wakeboards, etc. should make sure all life jackets fit properly and are fastened!

Be prepared Before setting out:

Check equipment for good working order. Thoroughly understand boating laws and rules of the road. Many states impose stricter age restrictions on personal watercraft use. Check local boating laws for the specifics in your area. Different size PWC have different passenger and weight capacities; exceeding either could negatively affect the handling of the craft.

Review a checklist for what you need, including a tool kit and first-aid kit. Before you leave, always file a float plan with someone you trust Dress properly and bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet. Don’t forget sunscreen & know signs of heat illness.

Use Good Judgement - Don’t Drink & Drive a Boat, alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination.

Once on the water, use common sense; in a split second, a situation can arise or weather can turn. If you notice storm clouds, a sudden temp drop, or wind speed increasing, play it safe & get off the water.

Tips for Water Skiers, Tubers, & Wake boarders – Skiing, tubing & wake boarding are popular water sports, but they also can be dangerous at high speeds. Take the following steps to minimize risks:

- Learn how to get up out of the water and how to safely use the tow rope.

- Always have a spotter in the boat, and go over basic hand signals.

- Make certain the towline is not caught in the propeller or wrapped around you prior to beginning

- Wait for the propeller to stop before getting back on the boat! Never attempt to board when the engine is running, and keep loose clothing and long hair clear of the pump intake.

- Always give other boaters ample space, as well as stay a safe distance from shore.

- Never follow directly behind another watercraft, jump boat wakes, or attempt to spray other boaters, swimmers or beachgoers. Falls can & will happen, especially during the learning process. Should you start to fall, don’t be tempted to hang on. It’s safer to get clear of the watercraft. Reboard only with engine off, with driver boarding first & then passengers.

- Enjoy these activities during daylight hours only!

Keeping these best practices in mind will make for a serene summer of lake fun & Remember: safety first, relaxation second!

Georgia Mountain’s Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center

Byron Herbert Reece, often called “Hub,” was born on September 14, 1917, in the Choestoe District of Union County, Georgia. In the 40 plus years of his life, he worked hard as a subsistence farmer on his family’s Appalachian homestead. His love of literature and gift for writing emerged in childhood, and over the course of his life, Reece produced four volumes of poetry and two novels to critical acclaim. He also received numerous awards for his writing, including American Poet’s magazine award in 1943.

In 2005, the Georgia General Assembly officially titled him “Georgia’s Appalachian Poet/Novelist,” and named the stretch of U.S. Highway 129 from Blairsville to the crest at Neels Gap “The Byron Herbert Reece Memorial Highway.”

The Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center, located on the remaining 9.3 acres of his family property, is holds events year round. It seeks to honor his legacy as an Appalachian farmer and an American writer of distinction. Persons who visit this site will learn much about the man, farm life in the first half of the 20th century, and the literature produced by a master poet and novelist.

Open Wednesday - Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Hwy 129 South Blairsville, Ga 30512

(1 mile north of Vogel State Park) www.byronherbertreecesociety.org

Welcome to The Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center to celebrate the life of this famous poet who lived in the rural North Georgia Mountains.

Written in

Track Rock Gap Archaeological Area is the location of a series of soapstone boulders covered with petroglyphs made by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago. There are hundreds of carvings in a wide range of figures. It’s one of the most significant rock art sites in the Southeastern United States.

Track Rock was a place of power within the sacred landscape of the American Indian Nations where the activities of ancient humans were influenced by spirit beings. It sits at the threshold of the spirit world. Rocks carved with footprints and tracks signified a doorway into the domain of dangerous spirit beings. Depictions of footprints and tracks are physical testimony that spirit beings were there at some time in the past, that they could still be lingering somewhere close by in the present, and that they may return unexpectedly at any time in the future.

As early as 3,600 years ago, Native Americans were removing pieces of the soft but durable soapstone to make bowls which were particularly well suited for cooking as they held and radiated heat without breaking. The picture carvings were made by Native Americans during repeated visits over several hundred years beginning around A.D. 1,000. Most likely, the Cherokee, Catabwa and/or Creek tribes made the carvings. In the 1800’s, early American explorers discovered the Track Rock site and it has fascinated people ever since. Recording, studying and preserving of the site began in earnest in 2009.

The carvings at Track Rock were made in one of two ways. Many of the figures were created by repeated blows in the same spot using hammer stones to create the desired

shape. Some of the figures were created by rubbing a hard stone back and forth to carve the design into the rock. Although soapstone is considered a soft rock, it is still rock and rather hard to carve. It took a lot of time and effort to create these figures that have lasted a thousand years. Some of the shapes that can be seen include: 252 cupules, 22 oval shapes, soapstone bowl extraction scars, deer, horse, bird, squirrel, and bear tracks, cross-in-ring motifs and nested ring design, human figures, human footprints (one with 6 toes!), and one giant’s, footprint, maze-like networks, squares, tridents, zigzags, curved and straight lines, and scalloped edges. Unfortunately, signs of vandalism can be seen throughout the area in the form of square shaped depressions with flat topped pedestals in the middle that are left behind when looters chisel out the petroglyphs. There are also several areas when vandals have carved their initials over the top of the ancient marks forever destroying those petroglyphs.

Track Rock Gap is open to public visitation and no fee is charged. When visiting the site, remember that the intensity of natural lighting can influence how much you are able to see. Bright mid-day sun makes it hard to see most of the figures, and the best times to visit are early or late in the day, when the light is at a low angle. Please be respectful of other visitors and the people who made these carvings. Previous visitors removed pieces of the boulders, thus depriving future visitors of the chance to see what they thought was so special.

For more information about Track Rock, including a printable fact sheet with drawings of the petroglyphs, please visit: fs.usda.gov/goto/conf/trackrock

Cool Places...

Summer is the best time to explore some of North Georgia largest lakes & recreational facilities.

The many activities range from fishing, boating, swimming, sailing, tubing, water skiing, wake boarding, and canoeing. Many Georgia State and county parks offer camping or picnic facilities with beaches and playgrounds. You can also vacation at one of the resorts that have everything from lodging, restaurants, and packaged activities. Real estate and rental companies also offer cabin or house rentals for a weekend stay.

No matter what time you spend exploring North Georgia’s lakes, several marina’s offer everything you need from fishing equipment, to rentals of pontoon boats, jet ski’s, or paddle boats. You can also take a relaxing Sunset Lake Cruise to cool off from the hot summer day.

Smaller lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, in the Georgia State Park facilities are worth the trip for a quiet day of fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, or a day to picnic by a cool mountain stream in the National Forest.

This season’s rainfall has helped all lakes to be at full capacity and is the perfect time to getaway for a summer destination. Just a short driving distance from Atlanta, GA; Chattanooga, TN; Asheville, NC; or Greenville, SC – spend an affordable vacation that is fun for the entire family.

Please use this guide to help you plan your trip to North Georgia Lakes in the Mountains.

LAKE NOTTELY is a 4,180 acre TVA lake with 106 miles of shoreline and is popular with those who love boating, fishing and jet skiing. Marinas and several public boat ramps offer access at different points. County-maintained Poteete Creek Park offers lake access, a white sand beach swimming area, campground, boating ramps and picnic facilities. Travel nine miles north on US Highway 19/129, turn left onto Georgia Highway 325, two miles to view 184 foot dam.

Cozy Cove Marina & Cabin Rentals ............................ 706-745-2468

Lake Nottely Campground............................................ 706-745-4523

Nottely Marina ................................................................... 706-745-3638

Poteete Creek Campground ......................................... 706-439-6103 also: Deaver, Canal Lake, and Jacks Creek Boat Ramps

LAKE CHATUGE is a 7,050-acre Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir located on the North Carolina border. Sport fishing is popular at Chatuge, both in the reservoir and in the Hiwassee River below the dam. Wade fishing for trout is popular. Check with the State for all Fishing and boating regulations.

Boundary Waters Resort & Marina .............................

Chatuge Dam Reservation ............................................

Clay County Park ..............................................................

Jackrabbit Mtn Recreation Area ..................................

Lake Chatuge Recreation Area ....................................

Towns Co. Park/Georgia Mtn Fair ................................

706-896-2530

423-876-6706

828-389-3532

828-837-5152

706-745-6928

706-896-2600

LAKE BLUE RIDGE - Located on the Toccoa River in the Chattahoochee National Forest in north Georgia. It stretches 11 miles southeast from the Blue Ridge dam. The river flows northwest into Tennessee, where it’s called the Ocoee River. TVA operates this 3,290-acre reservoir on the Toccoa River near Blue Ridge, GA. The river is noted among fishermen for its sunfish, trout, and bass. There’s a scenic overlook above the dam and a shaded picnic area near the powerhouse. The canoe and kayak launch site below the dam gives non -motorized boaters access to the Toccoa River.

Blue Ridge Dam Reservation ........................................

Blue Ridge Recreation Area ..........................................

Lake Blue Ridge Marina ..................................................

Lakewood Landing Ramp .............................................

Morganton Point Recreation Area

423-876-6706

706-632-3031

706-632-2618

706-632-3031

706-632-3031

LAKE BURTON/ LAKE RABUN is a 2,775-acre reservoir near Clayton featuring beautiful scenery and large lakeside homes. Its source is the Tallulah River, where the lake is formed by concrete gravity dam managed by the Georgia Power Company, Lake Burton, has 62 miles of shoreline and holds an impressive quality spotted bass fishery.

LaParades Marina .............................................................

Moccasin Creek State Park ............................................

Tallulah River Boat Ramp ...............................................

Lake Rabun Marina ..........................................................

Rabun Beach

Tallaulah Point

706-947-0010

706-947-3194

706-947-3112

706-782-4936

706-947-3112

706-947-3112

CARTER’S LAKE embraces a spectacular tract of foothills scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Carters Lake is popular for camping, fishing, picnicking, boating, and mountain biking. Located between Calhoun and Ellijay on the Coosawattee River, this reservoir that was developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers is Georgia’s deepest, has 3,220-acres, with steep bluff banks and undeveloped shoreline.

Carters Lake Marina & Resort .......................................

Doll Mtn. Campground ..................................................

Damsite Areas ....................................................................

Woodring Campground

706-276-4891

706-276-4413

706-334-2248

706-334-2248

/

EXPANDED FACTORY LOCATION with TWO VIEWING WINDOWS!

custom chocolate bars and apples made to order!

Lake Russell Recreational Area

Situated along the peaceful shore of the 100-acre Lake Russell, this developed recreation area offers 42 campsites that accommodate both tent and RV camping and a picnic shelter with seating for 30 is available on a first come first serve basis.

Hiking trails are available year-round and a 4.6 mile loop goes around the shore of this beautiful 100-acre lake. The Ladyslipper Trail is a nice 6.2 mile hike that loops through the forest behind Nancytown Lake. The Sourwood Trail is a 2.7 mile loop trail which features “Nancytown Waterfalls” at the 1.5 mile mark.

The Facility has a large grass-covered beach, swimming area, two paved campground loop roads for easy access, plus camping, swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, and boating (non-motorized/electric watercraft only), this ideal getaway is sure to become an outdoor destination for the entire family! From Cornelia, take Hwy. 13 or Dicks Hill Parkway onto the paved Lake Russell Road, where you will see the entrance.

Nearby Cornelia, GA sites include: The Chenocetah Fire Tower is the last rock-constructed, working fire lookout tower in the east. Built by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) in 1936 for the Chattahoochee National Forest, the stone tower is 40 feet high and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tower is open to visitors one day a year during the “Big Red Apple Festival.” The city of Cornelia provides hayrides to the tower during daylight hours. Guests may climb to the top for the tower for a spectacular panoramic view of horizons.

Downtown Cornelia Train Depot as the original terminal was damaged in a fire, and rebuilt in 1914 to it’s current appearance. Inside the terminal is a museum of early railroad memorabilia, model of the Tallulah Falls train, and two restored cabooses by the depot.

The “Big Red Apple,” stands near the train depot as a monument that is seven feet tall, 22 ft. in circumference and weighs 5200 lbs. It was shipped from Virginia in 1926 to celebrate the apple industry.

The Community House on Wyly Street is a handsome stone & log structure built by the CCC in 1936 and listed on the National Register. Hilliard Wilbanks memorial and the adjoining park that features picnic areas, playground equipment and walking trails.

Loudermilk Boarding House on Foreacre St. Built in 1908 and listed on The National Register of Historic Places features Joni Mabe’s Panoramic Encyclopedia of Everything Elvis

Habersham County Historical Society and Telephone Museum is on North Main Street. The building houses an extensive collection of telephone equipment, area information, historical maps, and a telephone receiver that was patented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876.

Stroll through downtown Cornelia with shops and restaurants that uphold the small town atmosphere that takes pride in the community by preserving history and natural resources.

For more information on Habersham County, visit www. habershamchamber.com.

The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, located in downtown Hayesville, is an outdoor exhibit which includes replicas of a 17th century winter house, summer house, corn crib, summer shelter, mound gardens, dugout canoe, and public art depicting elements of the Cherokee culture. The elements of the exhibit were researched and are as authentic and accurate as possible. Informational kiosks at the exhibit enable free self-guided tours at any time.

The winter house and summer house were constructed with upright locust poles which support

Cherokee Homestead Exhibit

the rivercane woven sides and thatched roofs. Mud and straw daub create the plaster which was added to the woven sides of the winter house in order to enclose it against the cold winter weather. The circular fire pit would have been used for cooking, heat and light throughout the winter. The corn crib was constructed similar to the summer house and raised off the ground to prevent pilfering by animals. A shelter, located near the mound gardens, would have been used for a multitude of activities during warm weather, including basket making, flint knapping, and pounding corn kernels into corn meal. A dugout canoe constructed from the straight trunk of a poplar tree was placed under the summer house to shelter it from the elements.

Forged metal masks placed throughout the exhibit represent the seven Cherokee clans: bird, blue, deer, long hair, paint, wild potato, and wolf. A two-story wall mural shows representative elements of the Cherokee culture including petroglyphs, pottery, projectile points, tools, weapons, and woven baskets. The wall also contains plaques with Cherokee philosophical thoughts written in English and Cherokee Syllabary. Hand-forged metal disks have been placed on both sides of the fence atop the wall and contain iconic figures of Cherokee culture and legends.

Tours and workshops are provided by volunteers for public and private schools, colleges, adult classes and tour groups at the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit. Arrangements for a guided tour or workshop may be scheduled by calling (828) 389-3045.

The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit is the site of the Cherokee Heritage Festival held from 10:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m. on the third Saturday in September.

Sponsored by the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association, a non-profit 501C3 organization. Please visit http://cccra-nc.org/ or write to PO Box 1533, Hayesville, NC 28904 for more information.

Summer calendar of Events

Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling

Andrews

July 14 & 28

Food Truck Fridays

Downtown Andrews

August 5

Cruise in on the Square

Farmers Market

August 18 – 19

Gospel Music Fest

Downtown Blairsville Square

August 19

Cruise in on the Square

Downtown Blairsville Square

August 11 & 25

Food Truck Fridays

Downtown Andrews

August 18 – 19

Wild West Show & Rodeo

Andrews Recreation Park

September 8

Food Truck Fridays

Downtown Andrews

Blairsville

July 8, 22, & 29

Saturday Night Music in the Park

Vogel State Park

July 15

Cruise in on the Square

Downtown Blairsville Square

July 15 – 16

August 24 – 26

Gazers of the Galaxy

Brasstown Bald

September 2 & 9

Saturday Night Music in the Park

Vogel State Park

September 2 – 3

August 8 – 13, 17 – 20, & 24 – 27

the Hallelujah Girls

Blue Ridge Community Theater

August 5, 12, 19 & 26

Downtown Market Blue Ridge

Downtown Blue Ridge

August 18 – 19

23rd Annual Butternut Creek Festival

Meeks Park

July 29

The Mountain Music & Moonshine Festival

Downtown Blairsville Square

Mountain Heritage Festival

Downtown Blairsville Square

Blue Ridge

July 6 – 9, 13 – 16, & 20 – 23

Big Fish the Musical

Blue Ridge Community Theater

July 8, 15, 22 & 29

Downtown Market Blue Ridge

Downtown Blue Ridge

July 27 – 30

Six Dance Lessons in 6 Weeks

Blue Ridge Community Theater

August 8 – 6

Six Dance Lessons in 6 Weeks

Blue Ridge Community Theater

27th Annual Rodeo

Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge

September 2 & 9

Downtown Market Blue Ridge

Downtown Blue Ridge

September 14 – 16

Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival

Downtown Blue Ridge

Brasstown

July 7

Summer Concert Series

John C. Campbell Folk School

July 13, 20 & 27

Community Old-Time Jam

The Crown Restaurant

August 8

28th Annual Folk School

Shape Note Singing

John C. Campbell Folk School

Summer calendar of Events

Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling

August 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31

Community Old-Time Jam

The Crown Restaurant

September 4

Shape Note singing w/ Stefani Priskos

Keith House Community Room

September 7

Community Old-Time Jam

The Crown Restaurant

Clayton

July 7

First Friday Fests 2023

Main St

July 8 – 9

August 31

Catch Me in Cornelia:

Summer Nights Festival

Cornelia Historic Entertainment District

September 23

August 5, 12, 19, & 26

Dahlonega Farmer’s Market

Hancock Park

August 5

Art in the Park

Hancock Park

August 12

80’s Walkman

The Holly Theatre

September 1

Painted Fern Art Festival

Civic Center

August 4

First Friday Fests 2023

Main St

September 1

First Friday Fests 2023

Main St

Cornelia

July 27

Catch Me in Cornelia:

Summer Nights Festival

Corneilia Historic Entertainment District

July 29

Cornelia Farmers Market

Apple Tree Alley

Big Red Apple Festival

Downtown Cornelia

Dahlonega

July 8, 15, 22, & 29

Dahlonega Farmer’s Market

Hancock Park

July 8

First Friday Night Concert - Radford Windham & Step Back Cadillac

Hancock Park

First Friday Night ConcertAcross the Wide

Hancock Park

July 15, 22, & 29

Appalachian Jam on the Square

Mainstreet Dahlonega

July 21 – 23 & 27-30

Matilda

The Holly Theatre

August 3 – 6

Matilda

The Holly Theatre

August 5, 12, 19, & 26

Appalachian Jam on the Square

Mainstreet Dahlonega

First Friday Night ConcertUgly Cousin

Hancock Park

September 2 & 9

Appalachian Jam on the Square

Mainstreet Dahlonega

Dahlonega Farmer’s Market

Hancock Park

September 2

Art in the Park

Hancock Park

Dillard

July 7 – 9

Four Old Broads on the High Seas

Dillard Playhouse

August 4

26th Annual Dillard

Bluegrass Festival & B’bque Cookoff

Dillard City Hall

Ellijay

July 23

Stevie Ray Vaughn

Tribute Band

Talona Ridge Luxury RV Park.

August 12

Carey Durham Band

Gilmer Playhouse

August 18

Acuoustic Blend

Gilmer Playhouse

September 2

Kool Breeze featuring Jim Richter

Gilmer Playhouse

Hayesville

July 8

Sail On - Beach Boys Tribute

Peacock Performing Arts Center

July 15

Song Writer’s Showcase 42

Peacock Performing Arts Center

July 16

Switched on Piano A Classical Music Concert

Peacock Performing Arts Center

July 22

An Evening of Magical Comedy with Bruce Gold

Peacock Performing Arts Center

July 29

An Evening of Appalachian Tales

Peacock Performing Arts Center

August 2

Interstellar Echoes

Peacock Performing Arts Center

August 5

Song Writer’s Showcase 43

Peacock Performing Arts Center

August 11 – 13 & 18 – 20

Hiawassee

June 24 - August 26

Gazers of the Galaxy

Brasstown Bald

July 8

Zach Williams

Anderson Music Hall

Concert on the Hiawassee Square

Hiawassee Square

July 13, 20, & 27

Young Frankenstein Peacock Performing Arts Center

August 26

The Ray Howard BandTribute to Earth, Wind & Fire! Peacock Performing Arts Center

Helen

July 15

Bays Bridge Hayride

Smithgall Woods State Park

August 5

First Visit Tour

Smithgall Woods State Park

August 19

Bays Bridge Hayride

Smithgall Woods State Park

August 19 – 20 & 26 – 27

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - Spring Series

Hamilton Gardens

August 18 – 26

Sunflowers & Selfies

Smithgall Woods State Park

September 2

First Visit Tour

Smithgall Woods State Park

Georgia Mountain Fair

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

August 19

Brotherly Love Tour with John Michael Montgomery & Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

August 26

Casting Crowns

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

August 31

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - Spring Series

Hamilton Gardens

September 2 – 3

Hiawassee Pro Rodeo

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Summer calendar of Events

Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling

September 7

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - Spring Series

Hamilton Gardens

McCayesville

July 13, 20 & 27

Pickin’ in the Park

Horseshoe Bend Park

August 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31

Pickin’ in the Park

Horseshoe Bend Park

September 7

Pickin’ in the Park

Horseshoe Bend Park

Murphy

July 7

Murphy Art Walk

Downtown Murphy

July 8, 15, 22, & 29

Murphy’s Farmers Market

L&N Depot

July 11

Food Truck Fridays

L&N Depot

July 21

Community Carving Night

Olive’s Porch

August 4

Murphy Art Walk

Downtown Murphy

August 5, 12, 19 & 26

Murphy’s Farmers Market

L&N Depot

August 8

Food Truck Fridays

L&N Depot

August 18

Community Carving Night

Olive’s Porch

September 1

Murphy Art Walk

Downtown Murphy

September 2 & 9

Murphy’s Farmers Market

L&N Depot

September 12

Food Truck Fridays

L&N Depot

Sautee Nacoochee

July 7 –

November 3

Roger Corn: Folk Art Pottery

Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast

Georgia

July 19

Sautee Summer Music Fest

Sautee Nacoochee Art Center

July 22

Harvest Festival 143 Hwy 17

August 12

Hollywood at Hardman

143 Hwy 17

September 2

Sky Valley

July 26

Garden Club Arts & Crafts Fair

Sky Valley Country Club

Tallulah Falls

July 8

Sunset Hike

Tallulah Gorge State Park

July 22

Short-Line Trail Hike

Tallulah Gorge State Park

July 22

Mushroom Hike

Tallulah Gorge State Park

July 31

Full Moon Hike

Tallulah Gorge State Park

August 30

Full Moon Hike

Tallulah Gorge State Park

September 4

Folk Pottery Show & Arts Festival

Sautee Nacoochee Center

Tal-luau

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Toccoa

July 8, 15, 22, & 29

2023 July Ida Cox

Music Series

Historic Downtown Toccoa

July 15,

Cruzin’ Down Doyle

Historic Downtown Toccoa