Dawson Living June/July 2024

June/July 2024

Rediscover local hot spots with STAYCATION and DAYCATION ideas around North Georgia!

Lanier Home Restoration is a family owned and operated business that works directly with homeowners during tragedy of flood, fire, or storm damage to their homes. We are a Georgia Licensed General Contractor with 20 years combined experience. Our team understands the fears and frustrations that come with damage to your home. We stand ready to create the correct plan of action to restore your property back to its pre damage condition. We are a turn key solution that offers the complete package to restore your home, with our end-to-end client experience that includes client consulting as you work through the insurance claim process. Our team is skilled at working with insurance carriers and can answer all your concerns during the restoration of your home. We are also a preferred vendor for most insurance companies. Our services include: personal client relations representatives, client negotiations and free estimates, full mitigation services (including mold), a superior contents team, contents cleaning, and a fully trained reconstruction team. Lanier Home Restoration and its owners, Jake and Leslie Corley, are proud to be part of the Dawson County Community.

Thank you to our community for always supporting us and voting us the best

and air company SEVEN

in a row. As a lifelong resident of Dawson County, this recognition is such an honor. We look forward to continuing to serve you.

~Tim & Lindsay White

JUNE/JULY 2024

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Apocalypso waterslide coaster

Now open to the public!

Dawson Places

Fall in love with North Georgia all over again by experiencing all the amazing places to hike, walk, and explore.

8 Dawson Wellness

Stay healthy while traveling this summer.

11 Christine Hinton Paycheck tax tips.

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DAWSON LIVING

A Division of Dawson County News Dawsonville, GA

A Metro Market Media Inc. property www.dawsonnews.com

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PUBLISHER

Stephanie Woody

MANAGING EDITOR

Erica Jones

ADVERTISING SALES

Jessica Shirley, Advertising Director

Meghan Hernandez, Multimedia Sales Representative

CREATIVE SERVICES

April Seymour, Chelsea Sunshine, Courtney Smith

PHOTOGRAPHY

Erica Jones, Scott Rogers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sudie Crouch, Greg Finan

Boys and Girls Club of Lanier members get to be the first riders of the Apocalypso waterslide Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Lanier Islands. The waterslide is part of the newly re-branded Fins Up! Falls at Lanier Islands. In addition to Apocalypso, three other waterslides are attached to the same tower offering varying intensities for riders.

Apocalypso WATERSLIDE COASTER is now open!

By Greg Finan Jr.

DCN Regional Staff

“Apocalypso is the only waterslide coaster of its kind in Georgia,” said Alvin “Bucky” Perry. “It is a cutting-edge waterslide experience with the most significant drop in the U.S. which leads to a dramatic final descent.”

The Apocalypso waterslide, part of a 418-foot four-slide tower, sends riders at speeds up to 30 mph through hills and valleys towards an exciting final drop.

Janiyah McNeal, 14, and Layanna Promise, 14, were the first to officially ride Apocalypso.

“The second drop that goes up Fins Up Falls was my favorite part,” said McNeal. “On a scale of 1-10, I’d give it a 10.”

“It was never boring,” said Promise. “The whole slide was fun beginning to end.”

Fins Up Water Park celebrated the event by donating $1,500 to the Boys & Girls Club of Lanier before allowing the middle and high schoolers time to partake in all the thrills of the park’s four waterslides.

“This is not just a donation, but an investment in our youth,” said Katie South, administrative assistant to the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Lanier.

South also expressed how thrilling it was for both her and the members of the Boys & Girls Club to be able to be the first to officially get to slide down the newest attraction.

“We are thrilled that our kids will be the first ones to experience and enjoy the exhilarating rush of the new Apocalypso and all the other slides,” South said.

The Fins Up Water Park and the new Apocalypso waterslide coaster opened to the public on Saturday, May 18.

Boys and Girls Club of Lanier members get to be the first riders of the Apocalypso waterslide Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Lanier Islands. The waterslide is part of the newly re-branded Fins Up! Falls at Lanier Islands. In addition to Apocalypso, three other waterslides are attached to the same tower offering varying intensities for riders.

Explore IN THE MOUNTAINS

Travel north and you’ll reach the windy roads that lead deeper into the mountains of North Georgia. Hiking, waterfalls and picturesque vistas await.

AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK

With gorgeous waterfalls and nearly 830-acres of wilderness nestled at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, this state park is easily one of the most popular in Georgia. It features Amicalola Falls, a 729-foot waterfall, but also miles of hiking trails, a mountainside lodge, camping, archery, zip lining and event spaces.

418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, amicalolafallslodge.com

BRASSTOWN BALD

Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the state of Georgia, tops out at 4,784 feet above sea level. Throughout the Brasstown Bald complex in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, there are several trails to the summit, including a 9-mile out and back via the Jacks Knob Trail and a shorter Summit Access Trail from the Brasstown Bald

parking area. Conquer the summit and reward yourself with magnificent 360-degree views from which four states reportedly can be seen.

2941 Ga. Highway 180 Spur, Hiawassee

HIGH SHOALS FALLS

A short hike north of Helen will bring you to the base of this waterfall, a pool surrounded by rocks beneath the viewing platform. The trek also passes by Blue Hole Falls, where some venture into the chilly waters for a dip. The road to the trailhead requires fording a shallow stream. And bring your hiking boots for this one, roots and rocks can trip you up. This trail also features primitive campsites.

1333 Indian Grave Gap Road, Hiawassee

MOUNT YONAH

A steep trail meandering through boulders will bring you to the summit of Mount Yonah in about 2 miles. It’s also a popular area for rock climbing. The mountain itself is recognizable in the Cleveland area by its bare rock face.

1900 Chambers Road, Cleveland

Amicalola Fall State Park Visitor Center

PREACHER’S ROCK

A short hike from Woody Gap Trailhead on Ga. 60 in Lumpkin County will bring you to Preacher’s Rock, a large outcrop near the summit of Big Cedar Mountain. The trail is part of the Appalachian Trail, and sits 18 miles from Dahlonega and about 2 miles from the small town of Suches. Ga. 60, Suches, fs.usda.gov

RAVEN CLIFFS FALLS

This 40-foot waterfall gushes from the towering cliff face into a picturesque pool tucked into the hill side. And for those who want to extend their day trip into an overnight camping experience, primitive sites can be found throughout the hike to the falls.

Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway, Helen

SMITHGALL WOODS STATE PARK

This trout-fishing haven on Dukes Creek has 5 miles of trails, 18 miles of road and six cottages ready for hikers, day-trippers and anglers. Fishing is tightly controlled in the 5,664-acre park — so be sure to call ahead and schedule your trip to the park well in advance.

61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, gastateparks.org/SmithgallWoods, 706-878-3087

TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK

Crowds flock every year to see this 2-mile-long, 1,000-foot deep gash along Georgia’s forested terrain. People can hike to different overlooks or obtain a permit to hike to the gorge’s floor. Only 100 people are allowed per day when water isn’t being released from the dam at Tallulah Falls Lake. Visitors can brave the suspension bridge, which sways high above the gorge and provides views of its six waterfalls. For a closer view of the Hurricane Falls waterfall, travel to the park’s observation deck within the gorge. The 2.8-mile roundtrip Shortline Trail follows along the shores of the Tallulah River.

338 Jane Hurt Yarn Road, Tallulah Falls, gastateparks.org/ tallulahgorge, 706-754-7981

UNICOI STATE PARK

Unicoi State Park’s breathtaking views lie only a couple of miles away from the Alpine village of Helen near Unicoi Lake, the headwaters for the Chattahoochee River. This park offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, zip-lining, camping, hiking and picnicking. It borders the Chattahoochee National Forest, which is home to Anna Ruby Falls — one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Georgia. Camping is available on site along with a lodge. 1788 Ga. 356, Helen, gastateparks.org/unicoi, 706-878-2201

VOGEL STATE PARK

This park lies in the Chattahoochee National Forest and sits at the base of Blood Mountain, which is the highest summit on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Hike to the peak during the fall and see the Blue Ridge Mountains ablaze in autumn colors. Trekking on land not your thing? Enjoy the park’s 22-acre lake in a non-motorized boat or visit during the summer when the mountain-view beach opens. Check out the park’s rich history at the CCC Museum built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, gastateparks.org/vogel, 706-745-2628

Staying healthy on vacation

by Sudie Crouch Health & wellness columnist

With vacation season officially in full swing, one of the questions I get asked the most as a health & wellness coach is how to go on vacation and maintain healthy habits.

A vacation is just that – a vacation – and sometimes, especially if you’ve been working on losing weight, the thought of focusing on calories or steps can take away from the carefree fun.

But the worry of “Will I undo all of my progress” is a real and valid concern as well.

Many people find themselves experiencing weight gain while on vacation for a number of reasons. Wanting to try new, different foods if you’re visiting a new area is one; we sometimes find ourselves over-indulging a bit in both food and alcohol. If traveling long distances, sitting may also cause fluid retention and limit our ability to get in steps. If it’s a road trip, sometimes there are a lot of stops for fast food. But there’s always ways to adapt and make sure your vacation doesn’t put you back at square one when you get home.

EAT, DRINK, ENJOY!

In a dream world, vacation calories wouldn’t count. If you currently use a meal tracker (like My Fitness Pal, Lose It, etc) to log meals, that’s fantastic, but it’s also understandable you may not want to spend the time logging your meals. Two of my favorite tools are portion size and moderation.

One way to watch portions is to share your appetizer or meal with your travel companions. You can also ask for half of the meal to immediately be boxed to take with you, but having access to a

fridge may not always be possible. Sometimes you can also have the option to order a half-size or lunch size portion and that can save calories as well.

Moderation may seem impossible if you’re exposed to a lot of delicious food that you don’t normally have. But moderation doesn’t just mean eating it every now and then; moderation can also mean thinking about your overall meals. If you have something heavy and rich at dinner, then aim to have lighter, more nutritious meals to bring some balance. Or, if you have a fried appetizer, try to avoid having an entree that’s fried and add an extra vegetable.

When traveling on the road to your destination, it can be tempting to stop for fast food, especially if you need a break from the car. Taking some fresh fruit with you – apples, oranges/Cuties, bananas, grapes – paired with some healthy fats, like nuts, can be a helpful strategy to avoid getting burgers and fries. Most grocery stores offer pre-cut fruits and veggies, along with small individual dips, along with options for fresh salads and sandwiches. There may even be an area to sit and enjoy the meal, too.

It may not feel like vacation without enjoying some alcoholic beverages, but those can be one of the sources of extra hidden calories and sugars – especially if it uses a sweet mixer or has a lot of fruit juice, which can be high in sugar too. Another way to make sure you don’t have too many calories from your drinks is to opt for light beer, dry wine (white or red), and to alternate your drinks with a glass of water. The water also helps you make sure you stay hydrated as well, something you may want to be aware of if out in the sun.

GETTING IN MOVEMENT

Another valid concern when going on vacation is wondering how to keep up with the workout routine that’s been created. Since building a routine can be challenging, most people know that a week or two off it can make them feel like they are starting over at the first workout. But there are different ways to keep moving when on vacation!

Many hotels offer a gym. It may not be as fully equipped as your regular one, but should have some basics to help you get in a workout. You can always inquire about the availability when you book your room, or you can ask if there are any gyms nearby. A lot of gyms will offer a visitor’s pass for a week or a small fee so you can still workout.

Sightseeing is a great way to get in a lot of steps, and often you may not realize how many you’re getting in because your focus is elsewhere!

Swimming, if you’re at the beach or have a hotel pool, is also great exercise as well.

You can still have an amazing vacation and maintain your healthy habits – it just takes a small bit of planning ahead!

THE PAYCHECK TAX TIP –A Great Place to Lower Your Taxes

The tax code has plenty of ways to reduce your taxable income, and many take place on your paycheck. If you haven’t already done so, now is a great time to conduct a thorough review of your paystub.

Here are some tips:

Review insurance withholdings. Many employers adjust the amount you contribute for your insurance at the start of each year. Check to ensure the proper amount is being withheld. This includes medical, dental, short-term disability and long-term disability. Every extra dollar hits your pocketbook!

ACTION: Compare the withholding amount with your employer documentation. Double check whether the dollars withheld are pre-tax or after tax. Most of these benefits should be pre-tax.

Check elective pre-tax benefits. These elective benefits typically include

Health Savings Account (HSA) pre-tax contributions if you are in a qualified high deductible health plan or an FSA contribution if you are in this pre-tax health benefit. Remember that there are annual contribution limits, so double check you are taking full advantage of this tax benefit.

ACTION: Correct any errors as soon as possible with your employer and maximize your contributions to get your full tax benefit, but be careful with FSA contributions as part of the balance in this account does not carry over into the next year like HSA contributions.

Retirement Plans. Review to ensure contributions for employer-provided retirement plans are properly noted. If there is an employer contribution to your plan, make sure this is noted and properly calculated as well.

ACTION: If your employer is making

a contribution to your plan, ensure you are maximizing this tax-deferred benefit.

Update your withholdings. Determine if enough is being withheld for Federal and State tax purposes. File a new W-4 with your employer if you need to adjust how much is being withheld for these taxes.

ACTION: Cost of living adjustments made by the IRS are impacting the tax rate being applied to your income. This is because the tax brackets are expanding while tax rates are remaining unchanged. Either use the new IRS withholding estimator (not for the faint of heart) or look at last year’s tax return and make adjustments accordingly.

Your paycheck is often one of the best sources of information to figure out how you can reduce your tax obligation. So keep it on your radar and come back to it for a quick review a few times during the year.

“Thank

you for making us Best of Dawson for six years in a row. We are known for the quality of our service and the high standards we set for ourselves. Our primary goal is to help our clients make informed financial decisions.”