Discover North Georgia 2016-17 by The Times

DISCOVER

North Georgia Your guide to life and leisure

2016-2017

DISCOVER

North Georgia 4 8

12 4

Attend kid-friendly events that’ll create a lifetime of memories

Rechristened Lake Lanier Olympic Park has undergone a $1.6 million renovation

North Georgia residents are hungry for local produce

10 12

Communities with histories and claims to fame Georgia State Parks is celebrating its 85th anniversary

Welcome to Discover North Georgia Here is the annual leisure and information guide produced by the staff of The Times, offering tips on places to go and things to do in and around Lake Lanier and Northeast Georgia. We hope you find it fun and useful. If you have ideas to include in future editions, email us at kalbertson@gainesvilletimes.com. For more on Lake Lanier, see our sister publication LAKE Destination Lanier, and visit destinationlanier.com.

Community information �� 14 Resourcefulness in the Appalachians �� 26 Regional calendar of events �� 27 Discover North Georgia is a publication of The Times, 345 Green St., Gainesville, Ga. A Morris Multimedia Inc. property. Charlotte Atkins Publisher

Keith Albertson Editor

Michelle Jameson Art Director

Norman Baggs General Manager

Melisa Sizemore Retail Sales Manager

Steven Welch Graphic design

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Morris Multimedia Inc.

2016-17 | Discover North Georgia 3

Got kids? Family activities plentiful in North Georgia Story by Savannah King North Georgia has a lot to offer families. Each season has new reasons to get outside and enjoy the area’s natural beauty and attend kid-friendly events that’ll create a lifetime of memories.

Frances Meadows Aquatic Center in Gainesville.

Spring/summer

In the warmer months, Lake Lanier is a steady source of fun. With nearly 700 miles of shoreline, finding a nice sandy beach to play on is easy. Some of the more popular beaches in Gainesville include Lake Lanier Olympic Park on Clarkes Bridge Road, Little Hall Park on Dawsonville Highway and Don Carter State Park on Nopone Road. For those families who prefer to spend their summers poolside, there’s Lanier World at Lanier Islands in Buford. The resort offers guests a boardwalk and waterpark with slides, a wave pool and has recently added a large movie screen overlooking the beach. The Splash Zone at Frances Meadows Aquatic Center is another local hot spot during the summer. Children can play on the aquatic playground, get splashed by overhead drop buckets and zip down two three-story-high body slides. The facility also has two indoor pools for classes and competitive swimmers. A number of festivals and concerts also mark the spring and summer seasons in North Georgia. First Friday and Blue Sky Concerts on the square in downtown Gaines4 Discover North Georgia | 2016-17

ville offer families a chance to unwind and listen to local musicians. Many of the restaurants around the square offer specials during the events. First Fridays are held on the first Friday of the month during the summer and Blue Sky Concerts are held at noon on Wednesdays through May. Both events are free. The Cracker Fly In is a popular event both children and adults can enjoy. Hundreds of vintage and rare planes fly into the Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport in Gainesville during the annual July event. Many of the plane owners allow the public to climb inside the cockpit. Families can also purchase plane and helicopter rides. In the town of Alpine Helen, the annual Race to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival is held in June. Hot air balloons from all over the world launch from the picturesque town for an epic race to be the first balloon to

reach the Atlantic Ocean. Many of the balloonists who aren’t racing offer rides during the festival.

Fall/ winter

Families can also experience the thrill of taking off in a hot air balloon in the fall during the annual Harvest Balloon Festival at Sterling on the Lake in Flowery Branch. The event offers both tethered and untethered rides, allowing families the opportunity to see the autumn leaves from a new vantage. Fall is an ideal time to go outside and visit local parks and trails. There are several hiking trails as well as paved walking trails in the area. Elachee Nature Science Center in Gainesville offers several trail options, from a half-mile tail to a 41/2mile hike through the nature preserve. Visitors can learn about nature inside the science center or attend the

Most open toward the end of September and stay open into November. The holiday season is a magical time for children in general, but especially in North Georgia. Many of the historic downtowns have light displays throughout the season. Dahlonega, Helen and Gainesville are particularly charming. Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands features large, outdoor light displays throughout the resort. Families can pile into the car and enjoy scenes from holiday tales and songs in twinkling lights. The annual Christmas on Green Street parade and festival gives families a chance to explore some of the historic homes along Green Street in Gainesville. Many of the businesses host musicians, choirs and other entertainers during the event. There are many more familyfriendly events and activities in North

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Georgia throughout the year. Families can follow The Times (https://www. facebook.com/gainesvilletimes/) and Get Out (https://www.facebook.com/ GTimesGO ) on Facebook or online at gainesvilletimes.com to stay up to date all year. Other fun places to take the kids: n Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville n Wilshire Trails Park, Gainesville n Don Carter State Park, Gainesville n Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, Gainesville n Oaks miniature golf, Gainesville n Solar System Walking Tour, Gainesville n BabyLand General Hospital, Cleveland n North Georgia Zoo, Cleveland n Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo, Dahlonega

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center’s educational programs. The Solar System Walking Tour runs for about 2 miles from downtown Gainesville to Lake Lanier and provides children with an opportunity to grasp the distances between the planets. Several playgrounds are also located toward the end of the tour. Family Days at the Northeast Georgia History Center on Academy Street in Gainesville provide a free hands-on learning opportunity. The events are held on the second Sunday of each month beginning in September and continue through the school year. Each month focuses on a new theme. Another local fall tradition for many families includes a visit to a corn maze. There are several in the area to choose from, including Uncle Shucks Corn maze and Pumpkin Patch in Dawsonville, Jaemor Farms, and the Buford Corn Maze in Buford.

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2016-17 | Discover North Georgia 5

Olympic memories live on at

Lake Lanier venue Story by Keith Albertson

It was 20 years ago when the world came to North Georgia for the centennial Olympic Games in and around Atlanta. Two decades later, though, only a few vestiges of the Games are left in the metro area. The Olympic torch cauldron stands forlornly alongside Capitol Avenue, minus the fanfare that brought it there or held the flame lit by Muhammad Ali on July 19, 1996. Olympic Stadium became Turner Field, soon to be abandoned by the Atlanta Braves for the suburbs. Most of the other venues constructed for the Games were dismantled, repurposed or fell into ruin. All except one. The Lake Lanier course at Clarks Bridge Park, home of the Games’ rowing and sprint canoekayak competition, remains the only venue still being used for the same sport it entertained in 1996. And that facility has gotten a fresh lease on life to mark its 20th year as one of the world’s premier courses. The venue, rechristened Lake Lanier Olympic Park, has undergone a $1.6 million renovation through planning from the revitalized Gainesville Hall ’96 committee. The site is jointly owned by Gainesville and Hall County, with each government chipping in funds as well as special sales tax money for the project. The first phase of the renovation was completed this past spring in time for three key events: the U.S. Canoe/Kayak Team sprint team trials at the end of April; the Canadian Olympic team trials the following weekend in May; then the Pan American Championships in mid-May, which served as a qualify6 Discover North Georgia | 2016-17

Lake Lanier Olympic Park ing event for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The world has indeed returned to Lake Lanier. “I want to see this venue, in part, not only grow to be the best venue in the world, but I want to see it become a prime meeting spot through private events, outdoor activities and everyday recreation,” said venue manager Morgan House, himself a former worldclass LCKC competitor. The long-term project for the site is expected to cost some $7 million to $10 million. Completed this spring were ADA improvements for disabled access to the lower plaza and the Finish Tower via a new access ramp, and a handicapaccessible bathroom in the tower. Gainesville/Hall ’96 Chairwoman Mimi Collins said improving accessibility was a top priority. “Before, it was really hard to get down to the lake,” Collins said. “We had such a neat space because of the huge windows, but it wasn’t really accessible.”

The second phase includes park improvements, including a butterfly garden, walking trails, an outdoor pavilion and two new pavilions to be leased for events. The final phase will include improvements to the main boathouse. When the renovations are completed, the venue will have several multiuse spaces, including a reception room in the judging tower, and a concession building with improved bathroom facilities. “It’s not just dollars and cents,” U.S. Rep. Doug Collins said earlier this year when the project was unveiled. “It’s civic pride. When you look back on our community and some of the old pictures we were looking through in the old programs, it’s just a reminder of the continuity that makes Gainesville and Hall great. That’s the people, the tradition and the heritage here.” Aaron Mann, director of communications for the USA Canoe/Kayak National Team, calls Lake Lanier the slam-dunk choice for the U.S. trials “because it is a world-class facility.”

The venue at Clarks Bridge Park was built originally for some $12 million. The work transformed what was a sleepy park and boat ramp on the lake’s northern Chattahoochee River arm used mostly by bass anglers into the site it is now. The original venue included the boathouse, tower and 5 MINUTES NORTH OF JAEMOR FARMS temporary grandstands on the far shore of the lake that held 16,000 spectators during events, plus smaller grandstands on the near bank occupied by competitors and coaches. Gainesville earned the events after the original planned site for rowing and paddling events at Stone Mountain Lake was deemed unworkable. The original Gainesville Hall ’96 committee made its pitch and landed the event on Dec. 23, 1993. The Times’ front page the next day screamed “It’s Lanier!” As the Games opened, the Olympic torch made its way to town, carried in a relay by local volunteer runners. It was rowed partway across the lake in a rowing shell, then transferred to a canoe for the trip to the opposite shore. During the Games, some 180,000 spectators came to watch the competition, with Lake Lanier featured on worldwide television during the NBC telecast. Broadcaster Charlie Jones dubbed Gainesville “the hospitality capital of the world,” a badge of honor the city has celebrated since. Following the Centennial Park bombing and a brief halt to the Games, the competition began again the following day. An Olympic rower bowing his head in respect to the victims was a featured photo on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Since the Olympics left town, the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club and Lake Lanier Rowing Club have called the park home. Other national and international events have been held there, including the 2003 International Canoe Federation Flatwater Racing World Championships. Collegiate rowing crews from around the country have routinely used the course, considered ideal by those in the sport, as an offseason training site. Several members of the LCKC have gone on to shine in Third Generation of national and international competitions, including their Hayes Dealers first Olympian, Tim Hornsby, who took part in the London Olympics in 2012. “We have a wonderful reputation because of the ’96 Olympics and all of the other national and international events we’ve hosted in those 20 years,” said Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce president. “The water is Matt & Chad Hayes also just perfect. Of all the fancy places that could have it and host it, they really, really like this water.” Hwy 365 in Baldwin “I’ve seen almost every course in the world myself,” House 1-866-262-7407 said. “I personally have competed on them. And we have the B AI LN D. W I NM. C O M H A Y E S H O AF YB EAS LO DF W C O best. We really do.”

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2016-17 | Discover North Georgia 7

Fresh flavor at your fingertips North Georgia produce easily available throughout the summer Story by Kristen Oliver As days grow longer and temperatures climb, North Georgia residents are hungry for local produce, something area farmers are eager to provide. Opportunities to buy local produce are available throughout the year, but are exponentially easier to find in the warmer months. Local residents flock to farmers markets and farms, to pick up fresh fruit for days on the lake or vegetables for summer grilling. Steve Thomas, manager of the Gainesville Farmers Market, said there’s a simple reason people want to buy local produce. “One word, and that is ‘flavor,’” he said. “Food that is grown naturally and on a small scale just tastes better. I think people are always looking for that memory of taste — you know, the way tomatoes used to taste. It’s a taste you can’t get in the grocery store.” The Gainesville Farmers Market, previously known as the Historic Downtown Gainesville Market on the Square, is set for 2:30-6:30 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 30 on the downtown square. Vendors are selected by Thomas, who said there are more than 20 total, eight of them North Georgia farmers. Other vendors sell locally made products from jams 8 Discover North Georgia | 2016-17

and jellies to goats’ milk soaps and lotions. Meanwhile, the Hall County Farmer’s Market opened May 10 and operates from 2:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 7 a.m. to about noon Saturdays at Jesse Jewell Parkway and Interstate 985. Michael Wheeler, Hall County Cooperative Extension coordinator, said Tuesdays afternoons are the most popular time for Hall County residents to shop for local goods. “Tuesday has gotten really popular,” he said. “People that are out-and-about are able to swing in, say after work, and get something quickly.” Wheeler said Saturdays are becoming more popular with young famJimmie Barlow of Mountain Earth Farms in Clarkesville ilies who want to pick up sets out his vegetables in fresh, local produce for downtown Gainesville. their children. The available crops change at the markets throughout the season. Early in the season, locally grown vegetables such as radishes, onions and greens are easily found at the Hall County market. As summer heats up, beans, squash, peaches, cucumbers, corn and tomatoes are added. Finally, field peas, butter beans, pumpkins, winter squash, sweet potatoes and apples typically end the season, while eggs, honey, baked goods and plants can be found throughout the summer.

Wheeler said there are several reasons people flock to local markets in summer. “It’s knowing the farmer,” he said. “You can sit there and ask questions. It’s knowing it was picked the day before, that it’s ripened properly. So the flavor is better and it’s much more fresh. The texture’s better. Everything’s better.” Many farmers also have options for purchasing onsite. Jaemor Farms’ roadside market at 5340 Cornelia Highway in Alto is open daily and specializes in homegrown produce plus jam, jellies, baked goods and products from local businesses. Jaemor also has set “U-Pick” dates, particularly for popular summer goods, including strawberries, blackberries, peaches, select summer vegetables and apples. But balmy summer weather and busy farmers markets aren’t essential when shopping for local food and

goods. In Gainesville, it’s possible to buy local produce year-round. One option for local eating is Northeast Georgia Locally Grown. The local food network allows customers to order online at www.north eastgeorgia.locallygrown.net each Friday through Monday. Customers can then pick up their orders 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St. “We moved to Gainesville in June 2014,” Andrew Linker with Locally Grown told The Times. “A lot of farmers in Northeast Georgia tend to be in rural landscapes, and we found a lot of them were driving all the way to Atlanta to sell their produce. When we were looking at the region and asking, ‘How can we keep the food more local?’ we saw that Gainesville was the closest sort of urban area to Northeast Georgia farmers.” Typically, the Locally Grown “mar-

ket” includes baked goods, organic eggs, variations of local honey, an assortment of meats and vegetables and handmade bath and beauty products. Home goods including candles, crafts and pet care are also available. For those who prefer the traditional shopping experience, Green’s Grocery at 971 Riverside Drive has local items for sale, including North Georgia honey, chicken, craft items and baked goods. There’s plenty of interest in Gainesville for purchasing local goods, Linker said, though it’s not as convenient as running to the nearest grocery store. “It’s different for people to have to get in the habit, instead of going to a Kroger or Publix where they can get everything else,” he said. “It doesn’t fit for everyone’s schedule, but it’s possible.”

2016-17 | Discover North Georgia 9

North Georgia communities embrace their own unique histories and claims to fame Story by Brandee A.Thomas

North Georgia is a the area’s agrarian history pretty interesting place. and how important the Hidden among the apple crops were in the more well-known lakes town’s economic survival and mountains are comin the. munities with histories and According to histoclaims to fame as diverse as rians, toward the end they are unique. of World War I, farmFor instance, tucked ers were encouraged to away in the foothills of the diversify their crops so Blue Ridge Mountains is if one failed, they’d still Dahlonega, site of the first have the others to rely on major gold rush in U.S. for income and resourchistory. According to the es. In Cornelia, the apple Dahlonega Gold Museum, became king, so when precious metal was found a boll weevil epidemic in the Lumpkin County Emory Dooley, left, and Dawsonville City Councilman Calvin decimated half of the town some 20 years before Byrd check out a racing simulator painted with the city’s logo cotton crops in Georgia, the California gold rush of on display at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. the town was still able 1849. In fact, more than $6 to thrive thanks in part million in gold was coined to the apple crops they by the U.S. Mint in Dahlonega between 1838-1861. were growing. The monument sits at the town’s old train Though the Georgia rush has come and gone, you can depot and was donated by the Southern Railway in 1926. still experience the history by panning for gold at one of Cornelia isn’t the only town with a monument to its several area attractions or even tour a former gold mine. farming roots, fittingly Gainesville has a chicken statue Dahlonega is also known as the heart of Georgia Wine in Poultry Park located on Jesse Jewell Parkway in the Country. With a dozen tasting rooms and nearly half a downtown corridor. dozen wineries producing their own libations, it’s not “After World War II a visionary named Jesse Jewell hard to understand how that claim came to be. Argustarted what was to become the state's largest agricultural ably there’s no bad time to have a sip of the local wares, crop — poultry — and put Gainesville on the map as the however the spirited legacy is really highlighted during ‘Poultry Capital of the World,’” says Catiel Felts, Gainessummer months with the Georgia Wine Country Festival, ville communications and tourism director. which is in June. “The building known today as Lee Gilmer Airport, Just east of Dahlonega in White County, you’ll get a a former Naval air station, was converted by Jewell into completely different flavor of North Georgia if you stop a research and quality control center for his Gainesville in Helen. The small town with its cobblestone walkways, chicken plant.” Oktoberfest celebration and architecture straight from His efforts helped turn poultry into a million-dollar the pages of “Hansel and Gretel” will give you the distinct industry. impression that you somehow stumbled into Bavaria. According to the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame, If you head next door to Lumpkin County, you’ll Jewell would go on to serve as the first president and find Cornelia. “The Home of the Big Red Apple.” The board chairman of the National Broiler Council, presi5,200-pound statue perched atop an eight-foot tall pedes- dent of the Southeastern Poultry and Egg Association, tal is located in downtown Cornelia and pays homage to director of the Institute of American Poultry Industries, 10 Discover North Georgia | 2016-17

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Hidden gems wait to be found at

Georgia State Parks Story by Kristen Oliver

Many Hall County residents have ventured to Amicalola Falls, gazed upon its 729-foot cascade and climbed its hundreds of steps to the top. But Amicalola Falls — and other Georgia State Parks — have some lesser-known “hidden gems.” Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is celebrating its 85th anniversary with a new Hidden Gems series. Each state park has a little-known location, artifact or historical feature waiting to be discovered by guests. “We wanted to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the state parks system in a way that engaged visitors and encouraged them to go explore somewhere new,” said Kim Hatcher, public affairs coordinator for Georgia State Parks. “So we asked park rangers to come up with the areas they like that visitors might typically miss.” More than 60 hidden gems can be found throughout the state. Most state parks have a description of the gems on their websites, but finding them can be tricky. “Quite often, people will go to their favorite state park or go to the parks that they’ve heard about the most, the ones people know about,” said Hatcher. “But we also wanted to encourage people to go somewhere new, somewhere different.” Some of the hidden gems can be found by visitors on their own, while others can be discovered through programs running throughout the 12 Discover North Georgia | 2016-17

For The Times

Don Carter State Park is part of the Hidden Gem series this year with the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. It’s the only state park on Lake Lanier. entire year. “It’s a mix,” Hatcher said. “In some cases you’d be on a ranger-led event. Sometimes they’re hikes, sometimes they are paddles. But some you can go on your own, you just have to know what to look for.” Amicalola Falls State Park’s unknown historic gem is an old blue moonshine truck from the Prohibition Era hidden on the trail to the falls. While drivers were racing to get away from “revenuers,” the truck slipped 200 feet down the steep incline to its current resting spot, according to the park.

Another nearby location is Don Carter State Park. Hatcher said it provides “new places to explore on the quiet end of the lake,” and its hidden gems are the lady slippers blooming in spring. A lesser-known nearby park is the Hardman Farm State’s Historic Site in Sautee Nacoochee. Adjacent to the well-known Nacoochee Mound is another gem. “People don’t realize that across from there is a beautiful, Italianstyle house that had been owned by a former governor of Georgia, and a huge dairy barn,” Hatcher said. “So it opened last year, and what they

picked for their hidden gem is an antique hand-crank phone. Not everybody had a phone back then, but because he was the governor, it was important for him to have one.” Smithgall Woods State Park is well known for its walking trails, but hidden along the Tsalaki Trail is a working apiary, or honeybee hives. Honey from these hives is for sale in the visitor center. Finally, Hatcher recommended Gainesville residents explore Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston. It’s hidden gem is an under-visited Beaver Pond observation deck, providing a view into a “haven for wildlife.” “Victoria Bryant has really nice hiking trails and a pretty, rocky stream that kids will play in, and people sit on the rocks there,” Hatcher said. “They also have a neat campsite with wooden platforms in the woods, and I guarantee few people in Gainesville have heard of it though

For The Times

The Hardman Farm State Historic Site in Sautee Nacoochee hides a “hidden gem” part of the Hidden Gem series this year with the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. it’s less than an hour away.” Check www.GaStateParks.org/ HiddenGems for a complete list of programs spotlighting these secrets.

“Gainesville is really pretty fortunate,” she said. “You guys are so close to so many beautiful parks.”

2016-17 | Discover North Georgia 13

Community information Here’s a look at each county in Northeast Georgia and what resources are available. Find information on services, schools, government and fun facts about individual counties.

TOWNS UNION WHITE

HALL COUNTY Government County Offices 2875 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville, 770-535-8288, www.hallcounty.org Chamber of Commerce 770-532-6206, www.ghcc.com; Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, 770-536-5209, www.discoverlakelanier.com Gainesville City Hall 770-535-6865, citycouncil@ gainesville.org, www.gainesville.org; police, 701 Queen City Parkway, 770-534-5252; fire, 725 Pine St., 770-534-3612; municipal court, 770-531-2668 Clermont City Hall 109 King St., Clermont, 770-983-7568, www.clermontga.com

Hall County Health Department 1290 Athens St., Gainesville, 770-531-5600

Hall County Library System

127 Main St. NW, Gainesville, 770-532-3311; Blackshear Place branch, ext. 151; Murrayville, ext. 171; North Hall, ext. 181; Spout Springs, ext.191 Gainesville City Schools 508 Oak St. NW, Gainesville 770-536-5275, www.gcssk12.net Hall County Schools 711 Green St., Gainesville 770-534-1080, www.hallco.org

Day Care ABC Early Learning Center 1025 Morningside Circle, Gainesville; 770-536-1970

Gillsville City Hall 6288 Ga. 52, Gillsville, 770-869-9000

Brenau Child Development Center 125 Smithgall Lane, Gainesville 770-534-6105

Oakwood City Hall 4035 Walnut Circle, Oakwood, 770-534-2365, www.cityofoakwood.net

Challenged Child and Friends Inc. 2360 Murphy Blvd., Gainesville 770-535-8372

Emergency Services Hall County Sheriff ’s Office 610 Main St., Gainesville, 770-531-6885 Hall County Fire Department 470 Crescent Drive, Gainesville, 770-531-6838

Community Resources Northeast Georgia Medical Center 743 Spring St. NE, Gainesville, 770-219-9000

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LUMPKIN DAWSON

HALL

BANKS

JACKSON

Schools

Flowery Branch City Hall 5517 Main St., Flowery Branch, 770-967-6371, www.flowerybranchga.org

Lula City Hall 6055 Main St., 770-869-3801, www.georgia.gov/cities-counties/lula

HABERSHAM

Chestnut Mountain Academy 4720 Winder Highway, Flowery Branch 770-967-7105 Chestnut Mountain YMCA Kids’ Time 4841 Union Church Road, Flowery Branch 770-297-9622 Chicopee Woods YMCA Kids’ Time 2029 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville 770-536-2057 Discovery Point No. 65 4016 Winder Highway, Flowery Branch 770-967-4170

E.E. Butler Head Start/Pre K 1300 Athens St., Gainesville 770-536-1816 Elachee Nature Preschool 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville 770-535-1976 Faith Christian Academy 2000 Candler Road, Gainesville 770-535-7220 First Baptist Day School 751 Green St. NW, Gainesville 770-535-2329 First Presbyterian Church Child Development Center 800 S. Enota Drive, Gainesville 770-532-8188 Flowery Branch YMCA Kids’ Time 5544 Radford Road, Flowery Branch 770-532-3191 Friendship Learning Center 4952 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford 678-546-9002 Friendship YMCA Kids’ Time 4450 Friendship Road, Buford 770-932-7697 Gainesville Academy 105 Carrington Park Drive, Gainesville 678-971-5505 Joyland Child Development Center 1080 Rainey St., Gainesville 770-534-5267

Joyland Child Development Center North 5273 Cleveland Highway, Clermont 770-983-1011 Kids of Covenant Childcare and Development Center 5818 Atlanta Highway, Flowery Branch 770-965-6055 Kid’s World Early Learning Center 286 Crescent Drive, Gainesville 770-297-1500 Lakeview Academy 796 Lakeview Drive, Gainesville 770-532-4383 Lanier Academy Child Development Center 5325 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford 770-831-9441 Lanier YMCA Kids’ Time 4782 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville 678-878-9343 Little House Academy Lanier 5760 Wade Whelchel Road, Murrayville 770-532-1925 Lowman Nursery 5460 Lowman Road, Murrayville 770-532-8490 Magic Years of Learning (Gainesville) 438 Prior St. NE, Gainesville 770-536-4681

Miss Jennifer’s Playschool 3753 White Sulphur Road, Gainesville; 770-561-9224

Tadmore YMCA Kids’ Time 3278 Gillsville Highway, Gainesville 678-878-9355

Mount Vernon YMCA Kids’ Time 4844 Jim Hood Road, Gainesville 678-878-9343

The Academy Child Development Center 4187 Continental Drive, Oakwood 770-287-7023

Myers YMCA Kids’ Time 2676 Candler Road, Gainesville 770-536-0814 Oakwood Learning Center 5006 McEver Road, Oakwood 770-536-4671 Oakwood YMCA Kids’ Time 4500 Allen Road, Oakwood 770-532-1656 Primrose School of Gainesville 2171 Sandridge Court, Gainesville 770-297-9977 Providence School Inc. 7355 Tribble Gap Road, Alto 770-869-3422 Sardis YMCA Kids’ Time 2805 Sardis Road, Gainesville 678-878-9343 Smart Starts Day School 711 Dorsey St., Gainesville 770-533-4455 Sugar Hill YMCA Kids’ Time 3259 Athens Highway, Gainesville 770-503-1749

The Goddard School of Flowery Branch 5989 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch 770-967-6737 White Sulphur YMCA Kids’ Time 2480 Old Cornelia Highway, Gainesville 770-287-9622 Winnford Academy 5796 Hog Mountain Road, Flowery Branch 770-945-3338 World Language Academy YMCA Kids’ Time 4670 Winder Highway, Flowery Branch 678-622-3913

Elementary Schools Centennial Arts Academy 852 Century Place, Gainesville 770-287-2044; www2.gcssk12.net/schoolsites/ cesweb

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Chestnut Mountain Creative School of Inquiry 4841 Union Church Road, Flowery Branch 770-967-3121; cmcsi.hallco.org

Lanier Elementary School 4782 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville; 770-532-8781; lanier.hallco.org Lula Elementary School 6130 Chattahoochee St., Lula 770-869-3261; lula.hallco.org

Chicopee Woods Elementary 2029 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville 770-536-2057; cwes.hallco.org Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy 1340 Enota Ave. NE, Gainesville 770-532-7711; www2.gcssk12.net/ schoolsites/eesweb Fair Street International Baccalaureate School 695 Fair St., Gainesville 770-536-5295; www2.gcssk12.net/schoolsites/ fsesweb

Lyman Hall Elementary School 2150 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville 770-534-7044; lhes.hallco.org Martin Technology Academy of Math and Science 4216 Martin Road, Flowery Branch 770-965-1578; mta.hallco.org McEver Arts Academy 3265 Montgomery Drive, Gainesville 770-534-7473; mcever.hallco.org

Flowery Branch Elementary School 5544 Radford Road, Flowery Branch 770-967-6621; fbes.hallco.org Friendship Elementary School 4450 Friendship Road, Buford 770-932-1223; fes.hallco.org Gainesville Exploration Academy 1145 McEver Road, Gainesville 770-287-1223; www2.gcssk12.net/ schoolsites/gesweb

Mount Vernon Exploratory School 4844 Jim Hood Road, Gainesville 770-983-1759; mves.hallco.org Myers Elementary School 2676 Candler Road, Gainesville 770-536-0814; myers.hallco.org New Holland Knowledge Academy 170 Barn St., Gainesville 770-287-1095; www2.gcssk12.net/schoolsites/ nhesweb

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5518 Main Street, Flowery Branch, GA 770-965-5577 www.Liberty-Candy-Company.com

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Oakwood Elementary School 4500 Allen St., Oakwood 770-532-1656; oes.hallco.org Riverbend Elementary School 1742 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville 770-534-4141; res.hallco.org Sardis Enrichment School 2805 Sardis Road, Gainesville 770-532-0104; ses.hallco.org Spout Springs School of Enrichment 6640 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch 770-967-4860; sses.hallco.org Sugar Hill Elementary School 3259 Athens Highway, Gainesville 770-503-1749; shes.hallco.org Tadmore Elementary School 3278 Gillsville Highway, Gainesville 770-536-9929; tes.hallco.org Wauka Mountain Multiple Intelligences Academy 5850 Brookton-Lula Road, Gainesville; 770-983-3221; w mmia.hallco.org White Sulphur Elementary School 2480 Old Cornelia Highway, Gainesville; 770-532-0945; wses.hallco.org World Language Academy 4670 Winder Highway, Flowery Branch 770-967-5856; wla.hallco.org

Middle Schools The Academy at Wood’s Mill 715 Wood’s Mill Drive, Gainesville 770-287-2021; www2.gcssk12.net/schoolsites/ wmaweb

C.W. Davis Middle School 4450 Hog Mountain Road, Flowery Branch 770-965-3020; dms.hallco.org Chestatee Academy of Inquiry and Talent Development 2740 Fran Mar Drive, Gainesville 770-297-6270; cms.hallco.org

East Hall High School 3534 East Hall Road, Gainesville 770-536-9921; ehhs.hallco.org

Jubilee Christian Academy 1221 Harmony St., Gainesville 770-531-7576

Flowery Branch High School 6603 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch 770-967-8000; fbhs.hallco.org

Lakeview Academy 796 Lakeview Drive NE, Gainesville 770-532-4383; lakeviewacademy.com

Da Vinci Academy 3215 Poplar Springs Road, Gainesville 770 533-4004; dva.hallco.org

Gainesville High School 830 Century Place, Gainesville 770-536-4441; www2.gcssk12.net/ schoolsites/GHSweb

Maranatha Christian Academy 5135 McEver Road, Oakwood 770-536-6334; mcageorgia.com

East Hall Middle School 4120 East Hall Road, Gainesville 770-531-9457; ehms.hallco.org

Johnson High School 3305 Poplar Springs Road, Gainesville 770-536-2394; jhs.hallco.org

North Georgia Christian School 5285 Strickland Road, Flowery Branch 678-828-8350; northgeorgiachristian.org

Gainesville Middle School 1581 Community Way, Gainesville 770-534-4237; www2.gcssk12.net/schoolsites/ gmsweb North Hall Middle School 4856 Rilla Road, Gainesville 770-983-9749; nhms.hallco.org South Hall Middle School 4335 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch 770-532-4416; shms.hallco.org West Hall Middle School 5470 McEver Road, Oakwood 770-967-4871; whms.hallco.org

High Schools The Academy at Wood’s Mill 715 Wood’s Mill Drive, Gainesville 770-287-2021; www2.gcssk12.net/schoolsites/ wmaweb Chestatee High School 3005 Sardis Road, Gainesville 770-532-1162; chs.hallco.org

Lanier Charter Career Academy 2327 Tumbling Creek Road, Gainesville 770-531-2330; lcca.hallco.org North Hall High School 4885 Mount Vernon Road, Gainesville 770-983-7331; nhhs.hallco.org West Hall High School 5500 McEver Road, Oakwood 770-967-9826; whhs.hallco.org

Private Schools Chattahoochee Christian School 640 Main St., Clermont 770-983-9433; chattahoocheechristian.org Gainesville Homeschool Academy P.O. Box 894, Gainesville 770-765-5442; www.gainesville homeschoolacademy.com

Riverside Military Academy 2001 Riverside Drive, Gainesville 1-800-462-2338; www.riversidemilitary.com

Colleges/Universities Brenau University 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville 770-534-6100, www.brenau.edu Lanier Technical College, Oakwood campus 2990 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood 770-533-7000, www.laniertech.edu University of North Georgia, Gainesville campus 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood 678-717-3639, ung.edu

Heritage Academy 2001 Cherry Drive, Braselton 706-658-3020, www.heritagea.org

HABERSHAM COUNTY Government

Baldwin City Hall 130 Airport Road, 706-778-6341

Fire Department 706-839-0570

County Commission 555 Monroe St., Unit 20, Clarkesville; 706-839-0200 www.habershamga.com

Demorest City Hall 579 Georgia St., 706-778-4202

Sheriff ’s Office 1000 Detention Drive, Clarkesville, 706-839-0500

Chamber of Commerce 706-778-4654 www.habershamchamber.com Cornelia City Hall 181 Larkin St., 706-778-8585 Clarkesville City Hall 123 North Laurel Drive, P.O. Box 21, 706-754-4216 Alto City Hall 162 Grant St., 706-778-8035

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Mount Airy City Hall 869 Dick’s Hill Parkway, 706-778-6990 Tallulah Falls City Hall 255 Main St., P.O. Box 94, 706-7546040, info@tallulahfallsgeorgia.org

Emergency Services Central Dispatch 706-754-6263, 706-778-3911 Emergency Medical Services 706-754-6263

Schools Habersham County School System P.O. Box 70, 132 W. Stanford Mill Road, Clarkesville, 706-754-2118, www.habershamschools.com

Community Resources Day Care Habersham County Medical Center: 541 U.S. 441 N., 706-7542161, www.habershammedical.com Clarkesville Library 178 E. Green St., Clarkesville, 706-754-4413 Cornelia Library 301 N. Main St., Cornelia, 706-778-2635

Ark Angels Christian Learning Center 565 Hoyt St., Cornelia Contact: 706-778-2270 Habersham County Pre K 291 Light St., Baldwin Contact: 706-778-7809 Kandy Kane Pre-School 1323 Historic Highway 441 N, Clarkesville; 706-754-4035

Kuddle Bugs 2505 Old Historic Highway 441 N, Clarkesville; 706-754-2292 Little Dreamer’s Academy 176 Finis Springs Drive, Cornelia 706-894-2606 Ms. Gayla’s Play House 435 Old Habersham Mills Road, Demorest; 706-754-8991 Steppin Stones Preschool Academy 107 Lovell Lane, Clarkesville 706-754-7090 The Right Start Development Center Inc. 174 Charlie Batson Road, Demorest 706-894-2402

Elementary Schools Baldwin Elementary School 894 Willingham Ave., Baldwin 706-778-6435, baldwin.ga.hce.schoolinsites.com Clarkesville Elementary School 6539 Ga. 115 W, Clarkesville 706-754-2442, clarkesville.ga.hce.schoolinsites.com Cornelia Elementary School 375 Old Cleveland Road, Cornelia 706-778-6526, cornelia.ga.hce. schoolinsites.com

Demorest Elementary School 3116 Demorest-Mount Airy Highway, Demorest 706-778-4126, demorest.ga.hce.schoolinsites.com Fairview Elementary School 2925 Cannon Bridge Road, Demorest 706-778-2030, fairview.ga.hce.schoolinsites.com Hazel Grove Elementary School 6390 Dicks Hill Parkway, Mount Airy 706-754-2942, 706-754-3455, hazelgrove.ga.hce.schoolinsites.com Level Grove Elementary School 2525 Level Grove Road, Cornelia 706-778-3087, levelgrove.ga.hce.schoolinsites.com

North Habersham Middle 1500 Wall Bridge Road, Clarkesville 706-754-2915, northhabersham. ga.hcm.schoolinsites.com

Habersham Success Academy 171 Raider Circle, Mount Airy 706-894-3056, habershamcounty. ga.hca.schoolinsites.com

South Habersham Middle 237 Old Athens Highway, Cornelia 706-778-7121, southhabersham. ga.hcm.schoolinsites.com

Colleges/Universities

High schools

Habersham Central High School 2059 Ga. 197 S, Mount Airy 706-778-7161, habershamcentral. ga.hch.schoolinsites.com

North Georgia Technical College, Clarkesville campus 1500 Ga. 197 N, Clarkesville 706-754-7700, northgatech.edu Piedmont College 1021 Central Ave., Demorest 1-800-277-7020, www.piedmont.edu

Habersham Ninth Grade Academy 171 Raider Circle, Mount Airy 706-778-0830, habershamninth. ga.hca.schoolinsites.com

Woodville Elementary School 911 Historic Hwy 441 N, Clarkesville 706-754-4225, woodville.ga.hce.schoolinsites.com

Middle Schools Hilliard A.Wilbanks Middle School 3115 Demorest-Mount Airy Hwy, Demorest; 706-894-1341 wilbanksmiddle.ga.hcm. schoolinsites.com

For The Times

Tallulah Gorge visitors admire the view.

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relax in luxury... and allow us to offer you the very finest care.

678.450.1570 • spaongreenstreet.com 635 Green Street N.W. Gainesville, GA 30531 2016-17 | Discover North Georgia 17

BANKS COUNTY Government Board of Commissioners 150 Hudson Ridge, Suite 1, Homer, 30547; 706-677-6800 Chamber of Commerce 706-677-2108, bankscountychamber@windstream. net, www.bankscountyga.biz; Convention and Visitors Bureau 706-677-2108 Homer City Hall 706-677-3510

Emergency Services County Sheriff ’s Office 706-677-2248

Clerk Of Court 706-677-6240

Day Care

Fire Chief 706-677-1812

Banks County Pre K/Head Start 335 Evans St., Homer Contact: 706-677-2963

Community Resources Banks County Public Library 226 Ga. 51 S., Homer, 706-677-3164 Health Department 706-677-2296

Homer Baptist Learning Center and Afterschool 1170 Historic Homer Highway, Homer; 706-677-0065

Northridge Medical Center 70 Medical Ave., Commerce: 706335-1000

Savannah’s Sitters Club 1259 Historic Homer U.S. Highway 441, Homer 706-677-1080

Schools

Elementary Schools

Banks County School System 102 Ga. 51 S., Homer, 30547, 706677-2224, www.banks.k12.ga.us.

Banks County Primary School 266 Ga. 51 S, Homer Contact: 706-677-2355, www.banks.k12.ga.us/bcps

Banks County Elementary School 180 Ga. 51 S, Homer Contact: 706-677-2308, www.banks.k12.ga.us/bces

Middle Schools Banks County Middle School 712 Thompson St., Homer Contact: 706-677-2277, www.banks.k12.ga.us/bcms

High Schools Banks County High School 1486 Historic Homer Highway, Homer; 706-677-2221, www.bankscountyhigh.com

FORSYTH COUNTY Government Board of Commissioners 110 E. Main St., Suite 220, Cumming, 770-781-2101, www.forsythco.com Administration Building 110 E. Main St., Cumming, 770-781-2101 Chamber of Commerce 770-887-6461, www.cummingforsythchamber.org Cumming City Hall 100 Main St., 770-781-2010; police, 770-781-2000

Emergency Services County Sheriff ’s Department 475 Tribblep Road, Cumming, 770-781-2222; www.forsythsheriff.org Fire Department 3520 Settingdown Road, Cumming, 770-781-2180

Community Resources Northside Hospital 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming, 770-844-3200, www.northside.com

Libraries

Cumming branch 585 Dahlonega Road, 770-781-9840;

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Sharon Forks branch 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, 770-781-9840

School System Forsyth County School System 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, 770-887-2461, www.forsyth.k12.ga.us

Day Care Building Blocks Child Development Center 1011 Canton Hwy., Cumming Contact: 770-889-1020 Carrington Academy at Windmere 4410 Front 9 Drive, Cumming Contact: 770-888-8011 CreekStone Academy 5415 Settingdown Rd, Cumming Contact: 678-455-9292 Elm Street Head Start 136 Elm St., Cumming, Contact: 678-947-0274 Forsyth County Head Start 133 Samaritan Drive, Cumming, Contact: 678-513-8611 Kids ‘R’ Kids 20 Satellite Blvd, Suwanee, Contact: 770-476-3877 Stepping Stone Montessori 820 Sanders Road, Cumming, Contact: 678-883-8329

Elementary Schools Big Creek Elementary School 1994 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, 770-887-4584 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/bigcreek Brookwood Elementary School 2980 Vaughan Drive, Cumming, 678-965-5060 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/brookwood Chattahoochee Elementary School 2800 Holtzclaw Road, Cumming, 770-781-2240 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/ chattahoochee Chestatee Elementary School 6945 Keith Bridge Road,inesville, 770-887-2341 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/chestatee Coal Mountain Elementary School 3455 Coal Mtn. Drive, Cumming, 770-887-7705 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/ coalmountain Cumming Elementary School 540 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, 770-887-7749 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/cumming Daves Creek Elementary School 3740 Melody Mizer Lane, Cumming, 770-888-1222 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/davescreek Haw Creek Elementary School 2555 Echols Road, Cumming, 678-965-5070 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/hawcreek

Johns Creek Elementary School 6205 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee, 678-965-5041 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/johnscreek Kelly Mill Elementary School 1180 Chambleep Road, Cumming, 678-965-4953 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/kellymill Mashburn Elementary School 3777 Samples Road, Cumming, 770-889-1630 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/mashburn Matt Elementary School 7455 Wallace Tatum Road, Cumming, 678-455-4500 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/matt Midway Elementary School 4805 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta, 770-475-6670 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/midway Sawnee Elementary School 1616 Canton Highway, Cumming, 770-887-6161 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/ sawneeElementary School Settles Bridge Elementary School 600 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, 770-887-1883 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/settlesbridge Sharon Elementary School 3595 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee, 770-888-7511 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/sharon

Shiloh Point Elementary School 8145 Majors Road, Cumming, 678-341-6481 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/shilohpoint

North Forsyth Middle School 3645 Coal Mountain Drive, Cumming, 770-889-0743 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/nfms

Silver City Elementary School 6200 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, 678-965-5020 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/silvercity

Otwell Middle School 605 Tribblep Road, Cumming, 770-887-5248 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/oms

Vickery Creek Elementary School 6280 Post Road, Cumming, 770-346-0040 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/ vickerycreekelem

Piney Grove Middle School 8135 Majors Road, Cumming, 678-965-5010 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/pineygrove

Whitlow Elementary School 3655 Castleberry Road, Cumming, 678-965-5090 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/whitlow

Middle Schools Lakeside Middle School 2565 Echols Road, Cumming, 678-965-5080 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/lakeside Liberty Middle School 7465 Wallace Tatum Road, Cumming, 770-781-4889 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/libertyms Little Mill Middle School 6800 Little Mill Road, Cumming, 678-965-5000 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/lmms

Riverwatch Middle School 610 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, 678-455-7311 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/riverwatchms South Forsyth Middle School 4670 Windermere Pkwy, Cumming, 770-888-3170 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/sfms Vickery Creek Middle School 6240 Post Road, Cumming, 770-667-2580 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/vcms

High Schools Academies of Creative Education 1130 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/ forsythacademy

North GeorGia

Wineries This may be the Peach State, but Georgia has a passion for grapes. North Georgia is home to numerous wineries with vineyards and tasting rooms serving up a broad slate of wines from old-world-style varieties to fresh and fruity.

Country Wine for the Country Kind Hall County’s First Winery sweetacrefarms.com

7584 Bill Wilson Rd., Alto, GA • 678-769-5335

ightower Creek Vineyards welcomes you to our family-owned farm winery. We’ve been crafting award-winning North Georgia wines since 2011 and are sure to have a wine to please your palate. Relax with a glass of wine on our covered deck overlooking vineyards and ponds with a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains – a perfect setting for receptions, bridal showers, and private events. Join us for live music every Saturday from 2-5pm and a special evening concert the 1st Saturday of each month from 6-9pm. Check out hightowercreekvineyards.com for a complete schedule!

Come visit Hightower Creek Vineyards….a sense of home! Mention coupon code DNG16 for a free tasting of our award winning wines.

7150 Canaan Drive, Hiawassee, GA

www.hightowercreekvineyards.com • 706-896-8963

2016-17 | Discover North Georgia 19

Forsyth Central High 520 Tribblep Road, Cumming, 770-887-8151 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/fchs

South Forsyth High 585 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, 770-781-2264 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/sfhs

Lambert High 805 Nichols Road, Suwanee, 678-965-5050 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/lhs

West Forsyth High 4155 Drew Road, Cumming, 770-888-3470

North Forsyth High 3635 Coal Mountain Drive, Cumming, 770-781-6637 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/nfhs

Private Schools Cornerstone School 4888 Browns Bridge Road, Cumming, 770-205-8202 www.cornerstonesch.com/School

Covenant Christian Academy 6905 Post Road, Cumming, 770-674-2990, www.covenantrams.org Fideles Christian School 1390 Weber Ind. Drive, Cumming, 770-888-6705, www.fideles.net Friendship Christian School 3160 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee, 678-845-0418, www.fcsga.org Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, 770.888.4477 www.pinecrestacademy.org

Colleges/Universities Lanier Techinical College, Forsyth Campus 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Cumming, 678-341-6600 www.laniertech.edu/default2.aspx University of North Georgia, Cumming Campus 300 Aquatic Circle, Cumming, 470-239-3102

JACKSON COUNTY Government

Commerce Police Department 706-335-3200

Board of Commissioners County Administrative Building, 67 Athens St., Jefferson, 706-367-6312, www.jacksoncountygov.com.

Commerce Fire Department 706-335-2190

Courthouse 706-387-6255

Commerce Library 1344 South Broad St., 706-335-5946

Chamber of Commerce 706-387-0300, www.jacksoncountyga.com

Hoschton City Hall 79 City Square, Hoschton, 706-654-3034, www.cityofhoschton.com.

Jefferson City Hall 147 Athens St., Jefferson, 30549, 706-367-5121, www.cityofjeffersonga.com;

Maysville Town Hall P.O. Box 86, Maysville, 706-652-2274;

Jefferson Police Department 706-367-5231, www.cityofjeffersonpolice.com Jefferson Fire Department 706-387-7400 www.jeffersonfd.com Jefferson Library 1000 Washington Street 706-367-8012, jefferson.prlib.org Arcade City Hall P.O. Box 417, Jefferson, GA 30549, 706-367-5500, cityofarcade@ windstream.net; Jefferson Police Department 706-367-1821 Jefferson Fire Department 706-367-4488 Braselton Town Hall 4982 Ga. 53, P.O. Box 306, Braselton, 706-654-3915, www.braselton.net; Braselton Police Department 706-658-2852. Commerce City Hall P.O. Box 348, 27 Sycamore St., Commerce, 706-335-3164, www.commercega.org;

20 Discover North Georgia | 2016-17

Maysville Police Department 706-652-3494 Maysville Fire Department 706-652-2050 Maysville Library 9247 Gillsville Road, 706-652-2323. Nicholson City Hall 175 Lakeview Drive, Nicholson, GA, 706-757-3408, www.nicholson-ga.com; Nicholson Fire Department 706-757-3912 Nicholson Library 5466 U.S. 441 S., 706-757-3577 Pendergrass City Hall 75 Glenn Gee Road, Pendergrass, GA 30567, 706-693-2494, www.cityofpendergrass.com Pendergrass Police Department 706-693-2386 Pendergrass Fire Department 706-693-2701 Pendergrass Library 706-693-4450.

Talmo City Hall P.O. Box 70, 45 AJ Irvin Road, Talmo, 706-693-2325, talmo-ga.com Talmo Library 706-693-1905.

Emergency Services Jackson County Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office 555 Stan Evans Drive, Jefferson, 706-367-8718 Fire Department West Jackson, 706-654-2500

Day Care Bright Beginnings of Jefferson 1988 Washington St., Jefferson 706-367-5437 Candy Castle Christian Childcare 370 Broad St., Nicholson 706-757-2699 Easter Seals Child Development Center in Jackson 215 General Jackson Drive, Jefferson 706-367-1060

Community Resources

Elite Academy 67 Boone Road, Hoschton 706-658-2343

Jackson County Superior Court 5000 Jackson Parkway, Jefferson, 706-387-6255.

First Steps Childcare of Braselton 9234 Ga. 124 W, Braselton 706-658-4075

Jackson County Health Department and Clinic 341 Stan Evans Drive, Jefferson, 706-367-5204, publichealthathens.com

Fletcher Academy #2 2895 Maysville Highway, Commerce 706-335-9400

Commerce Health Clinic 623 South Elm St., Commerce, 706-335-3895

Schools Jackson County Board of Education 1660 Winder Highway, Jefferson, 706-367-5151, www.jackson.k12.ga.us. Jefferson City Schools Board of Education 575 Washington St., Jefferson, 706-367-2881 www.jeffcityschools.org. Commerce City School System 270 Lakeview Drive, Commerce, 706-335-5500, www.commerce-city.k12.ga.us.

Georgia Kids Academy 4336 Ga. 53, Hoschton 706-654-5437 Smith Day Care Group Day Care Home 501 Wheeler Lane, Maysville 706-652-2990 Sunshine Early Learning Center 3955 Ga. 53, Hoschton 706-684-0775 The Academy of Jefferson LLC 695 Lynn Ave., Jefferson 706-367-2222 The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place at New Liberty 59 Charlie Smith Road, Braselton 706-870-2838 World of Kids Academy 5780 Mount Olive Road, Commerce 706-423-9777

Elementary Schools Benton Elementary School 5488 U.S. 441 S, Nicholson 706-757-2211, www.jackson.k12.ga.us/be East Jackson Elementary School 1531 Hoods Mill Road, Commerce 706-336-7900, www.jackson.k12.ga.us/eje Gum Springs Elementary School 600 Gum Springs Church Road, Jefferson, 706-654-5580, www.jackson.k12.ga.us/gses Maysville Elementary School 9270 Highway 82 Spur, Maysville 706-652-2241, www.jackson.k12.ga.us/me North Jackson Elementary School 1880 Old Gainesville Highway, Talmo, 706-693-2246, www.jackson.k12.ga.us/nje South Jackson Elementary School 1630 New Kings Bridge Road, Athens 706-543-8798, www.jackson.k12.ga.us/sje West Jackson Elementary School 391 E. Jefferson St.,Hoschton 706-654-2044, www.jackson.k12.ga.us/wjes

Middle Schools East Jackson Middle School 1880 Hoods Mill Road, Commerce 706-335-2083, 706-423-5105, www.jackson.k12.ga.us/ejm

West Jackson Middle School 400 Gum Springs Church Road, Jefferson Contact: 706-654-2775, www.jackson.k12.ga.us/wjm

High Schools East Jackson Comprehensive High School 1435 Hoods Mill Road, Commerce 706 336-8900, www.jackson.k12.ga.us/ejchs Jackson County Comprehensive High School 1668 Winder Highway, Jefferson 706-367-5003, www.jackson.k12.ga.us/jcchs

Private Schools Celebration Academy 5560 Thompson Mill Road, Hoschton 770-967-5529, www.celebrationfamily.com/ academy

College/Universities Lanier Technical College, Jackson campus 631 South Elm St., Commerce Contact: 706-335-1931, www. laniertech.edu

Government

Emergency Response 706-896-6254

County Government 48 River St., Suite B, Hiawassee, 706-896-2276

Ambulance 706-896-7460

Tax Commissioner 48 River St., Suite G, Hiawassee, 706-896-3984, taxmen@windstream.net Hiawassee 50 River St., 706-896-2202 Young Harris P.O. Box 122, 706-379-3171

Emergency Services Sheriff ’s Office 4070 Ga. 339, Young Harris, 706-896-4444

TREATING PAIN

Relieve Pain • Restore Function • Renew Life

Innovative procedures using your own body’s ability to heal...

Jackson Trail Christian School 371 Hope Haven Road, Jefferson 706-367-9418, jacksontrailchristianschool.com

TOWNS COUNTY

Chamber of Commerce 706-896-4966, www.mountaintopga.com

The Latest Advances in

Fire 706-896-2090, 706-379-3060

Community Resources Health Department 706-896-2265 Mountain Regional Library Young Harris,706-379-3732 Library 99 South Berrong St., Hiawassee, 706-896-6169 Board of Education 67 Lakeview Circle, Suite C, Hiawassee, 706-896-2279, www.towns.k12.ga.us

• Stem Cell Therapy with Your Own Cells • Platelet Rich Plasma • Prolotherapy

Treatment for... • Discs • Tendons • Ligaments • Joints

Dr. Givogre has more than 20 years experience in Regenerative Medicine techniques and injection treatments.

Lanier Interventional Pain Center

John L. Givogre, M.D.

2335 Limestone Overlook Gainesville, GA 30501 Just off Limestone Parkway at Windward

770-297-0356 • lanierpain.com 2016-17 | Discover North Georgia 21

TOWNS COUNTY

Day Care

Catalyst Beginnings Preschool 1460 U.S. 76, Hiawassee 706-896-9293 Towns County Child Development 1112 Jack Dayton Circle, Hiawassee 706-896-4040

Towns County Head Start/Pre-K P.O. Box 475, 1150 Konahetah Road, Hiawassee, 706-896-4272, www.towns.k12.ga.us/tcs/schools/ tcprek

Schools

Towns County Elementary School 1150 Konahetah Road, Hiawassee, 706-896-4131, www.towns.k12.ga.us/tcs/schools/tces

Towns County Middle School 1400 U.S. 76 E, Hiawassee 706-896-4131, www.towns.k12.ga.us/tcs/schools/ tcms Towns County High School 1400 U.S. 76 E, Hiawassee 706-896-4131, www.towns.k12.ga.us/tcs/schools/ tchs

Colleges/Universities Young Harris College 1 College St., Young Harris 800-241-3754, www.yhc.edu

WHITE COUNTY Government

Commissioners Office 1235 Helen Highway, Cleveland, 30528, 706-865-2235, www.whitecounty.net Chamber of Commerce 122 North Main St., Cleveland, 30528, 706-865-5356, www.whitecountychamber.org Planning Commission 1241 Helen Highway, Cleveland, 706-865-6768 Cleveland: 85 S. Main St., Cleveland, 706-865-2017 Helen City Hall 25 Alpenrosen Strasse, Helen, 706-878-2733; Chamber of Commerce 706-878-1908, helenchamber.com; Welcome Center, 800-858-8027, www.helenga.org

Emergency Services County Sheriff ’s Office 1210 Hulsey Road, Cleveland, 706-865-5177 Cleveland Police 85 S. Main St., Cleveland, 706-865-2111

White County Fire Dept. 706-865-3855 Helen Fire Dept. 706-878-3676 Emergency Communications Office 706-865-0911

Community Resources White County Health Department 1331 Helen Highway, Cleveland, 30528, 706-348-7698

Resurrection Preschool 1755 Duncan Bridge Road, Sautee Nacoochee Contact: 706-865-9682 Small Wonder Academy 2081 Westmoreland Road, Cleveland Contact: 706-348-1445

High Schools White County High School 2600 U.S. 129 N, Cleveland 706-865-2312, wchs.white.k12.ga.us

Elementary Schools

White County Ninth Grade Academy 328 Old Blairsville Road, Cleveland, 706-865-0727, academy.white.k12.ga.us

Jack P. Nix Primary School 342 West Kytle St., Cleveland 706-865-6935, ps.white.k12.ga.us

White County Library 10 Colonial Drive, Cleveland, 706865-5572; Helen branch, 90 Petes Park Road, Helen, 706-878-2438

Mossy Creek Elementary School 128 Horace Fitzpatrick Drive, Cleveland 706-865-5000, mossy-creek.white.k12.ga.us

White County School System 136 Warriors Path., Cleveland, 706865-2315, www.white.k12.ga.us

Mount Yonah Elementary School 1161 Duncan Bridge Road, Sautee 706-865-3514, mtyonah.white.k12. ga.us

Kidz Korner 173 Honeycomb Terrace, Cleveland Contact: 706-865-3088

White County Middle School 283 Old Blairsville Road, Cleveland 706-865-4060, wcms.white.k12.ga.us

White County Head Start 676 Claude Sims Road, Cleveland Contact: 706-865-4947

Ambulance Service White County EMS, 1331 Helen Highway, Cleveland, 706-865-7475

Day Care

Middle Schools

White County Intermediate School 2696 Tesnatee Gap Valley Road, Cleveland, 706-865-1037, wcis.white.k12.ga.us

Mountain Education Charter High School 65 Kenimer St., Cleveland 706-219-4664, www.mymec.org

Private Schools White Creek Christian Academy 67 Academy Drive, Cleveland 706-865-1917, www.whitecreekchristian.org

Colleges/Universities

Truett-McConnell College 100 Alumni Drive, Cleveland 706-865-2134, truett.edu

UNION COUNTY Government

Community Resources

County Commissioner 65 Courthouse St., Blairsville, 706439-6000, unioncounty@uniongov. com, www.unioncountyga.gov

Library 303 Hunt-Martin St., Blairsville, 706-745-7491

Chamber of Commerce 877-745-5789, www.blairsvillechamber.com

Emergency Services Sheriff ’s Office 378 Beasley St., Blairsville, 706-439-6066 Fire and Rescue 706-439-6095

22 Discover North Georgia | 2016-17

Union County School Board 706-745-2322, www.ucschools.org

Day Care

Ms. Julie’s Child Care & Learning Center 93 Laurel Ridge Road, Blairsville 706-781-1575 Shannon’s Kids 36 Triple H Drive, Blairsville 706-745-5437

Union County Head Start 226 School St., Blairsville 706-745-4200

Schools

Union County High School 153 Panther Circle, Blairsville 706-745-2216, ucschoolshigh.ss5. sharpschool.com

Union County Primary School 592 School Circle, Blairsville 706-745-5450, ucschoolsprimary.ss5. sharpschool.com

Woody Gap School (K-12) 2331 Ga. 60, Suches 706-747-2401, ucschoolswoody.ss5. sharpschool.com

Union County Elementary School 165 Elementary Way, Blairsville 706-745-9615, ucschoolselementary. ss5.sharpschool.com

Colleges/Universities

Union County Middle School 367 Welborn Street, Blairsville 706-745-2483, ucschoolsmiddle.ss5. sharpschool.com

North Georgia Technical College, Blairsville campus 121 Meeks Ave., Blairsville 706-439-6300, northgatech.edu

DAWSON COUNTY Government

County government 25 Justice Way, Dawsonville, 30534, 706-344-3501, fax 706-344-3889, www.dawsoncounty.org. Chamber of Commerce 706-265-6278, info@dawson.org, www.dawson.org Dawsonville City Hall 706-265-3256; www.dawsonville-ga. gov, cityhall@dawsonville.com Clerk, Superior Court 706-344-3510

Emergency Services

Dawson County Sheriff ’s Dept. Dawsonville, 706-344-3535, www. dawsoncountysheriff.org Ambulance Service 706-344-3666 EMA 706-344-3666 County Fire Chief 706-344-3666

Community Resources Health Department 706-265-2611

Dawson County Library 342 Allen St., Dawsonville, 706-3443690, libraryd@chestateelibrary.org

Jan’s Family Day Care Center 8455 Ga. 53 E, Dawsonville 706-216-6372

School System

White Oak Learning Academy No. 2 281 Prominence Court, Dawsonville 706-216-5437

Dawson County School System: 706-265-3246, www. dawsoncountyschools.org

Day Care

Elementary Schools

Beyond the Bell (Blacks Mill) 1860 Dawson Forest Road, Dawsonville, 706-216-5437

Black’s Mill Elementary School 1860 Dawson Forest Road E, Dawsonville, 706-216-3300, www.dawsoncountyschools.org

Beyond the Bell (Kilough) 1005 Kilough Church Road, Dawsonville, 706-216-5437 Beyond the Bell (Robinson) 1150 Perimeter Road, Dawsonville 706-216-5437 Beyond the Bell (Riverview) 370 Dawson Forest Road, Dawsonville, 706-216-5437

Kilough Elementary School 1063 Kilough Church Road, Dawsonville 706-216-8595, www.dawsoncountyschools.org Riverview Elementary School 370 Dawson Forest Road W, Dawsonville 706-216-5812, www.dawsoncountyschools.org

Char’s Family Daycare Inc. 3276 Dawson Forest Road, Dawsonville, 706-265-2427

Robinson Elementary School 1150 Perimeter Road, Dawsonville 706-265-6544, www.dawsoncountyschools.org

Dawson County Pre K 407 Allen St., Dawsonville 706-265-2980

WE HAVE IT

Middle Schools

Dawson County Middle School 332 Ga. 9 N, Dawsonville 706-216-5801, www.dawsoncountyschools.org Riverview Middle School 5126 Ga. 9 S, Dawsonville 706-216-5812, www.dawsoncountyschools.org

High Schools

Dawson County High School 1665 Perimeter Road, Dawsonville 706-265-6555, www.dawsoncountyschools.org Hightower Academy 175 Tiger Circle, Dawsonville 706-265-1244, www.dawsoncountyschools.org

Colleges/Universities Lanier Technical College, Dawson campus 408 Ga. 9 N, Dawsonville 706-216-5461 www.laniertech.edu

IN HALL

Visit us at hallcounty.org

Look for our new App available at the App Store 2016-17 | Discover North Georgia 23

LUMPKIN COUNTY Government

Lumpkin County 99 Courthouse Hill, Suite H, Dahlonega, 706-864-3742; www.lumpkincounty.gov, commissioner@lumpkincounty.gov Chamber of Commerce 706-864-3711, www.dahlonega.org. Dahlonega City Hall 465 Riley Road, Dahlonega, 706-864-6133; dahlonega-ga.gov

Emergency Services Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office 385 E. Main St., Dahlonega, 706-864-0414

Chestatee Regional Hospital 227 Mountain Drive, Dahlonega, 706-864-6136; www.chestateeregionalhospital.com

Community Resources Lumpkin County Library 342 Courthouse Hill, Dahlonega, 706-864-3668, libraryl@ chestateelibrary.org Lumpkin County Board of Education 56 Indian Drive, Dahlonega, 706-864-3611; www.lumpkin.k12.ga.us

Day Care

Kidz Korner 89 Long Branch Road, Dahlonega 706- 864-8431 Little Stars Learning Center LLC 4930 Auraria Road, Dawsonville 706-482-2211 Long Branch Day Care 2745 Long Branch Road, Dahlonega 706-864-0400 Lumpkin County Pre K 300 Mechanicsville Road, Dahlonega 706-864-3456

Schools

Blackburn Elementary School 45 Blackburn Road, Dawsonville 706-864-8180, blackburn.ga.lce. schoolinsites.com Long Branch Elementary School 4518 Ga. 52 E, Dahlonega 706-864-5361, longbranch.ga.lce. schoolinsites.com Lumpkin County Elementary School 153 School Drive, Dahlonega 706-864-3254, lumpkin.ga.lce. schoolinsites.com Lumpkin County Middle School 44 School Drive, Dahlonega 706-864-6189, lumpkin.ga.lcm. schoolinsites.com

Dahlonega Country Day School 619 Buckhorn Tavern Road, Dahlonega 706-867-6290

Lumpkin County High School 2001 Indian Drive, Dahlonega 706-864-6186, lumpkin.ga.lch. schoolinsites.com

Dahlonega Day Care 75 Martin St., Dahlonega 706-864-5437

Colleges/Universities

Hobbie Horse Baby Care 217 Hawkins St., Dahlonega 706-864-6335

University of North Georgia, Dahlonega campus 82 College Circle, Dahlonega 706-864-1400, ung.edu

For The Times

The Historic Square in Dahlonega, Georgia 24 Discover North Georgia | 2016-17

Rev. Rodney A. Lackey, Sr., Pastor 1010 Mill Street / PO Box 2725 Gainesville, GA 30503

770.536.3916

• Sunday ServiceS •

“Inclusive of all, redemptive in message, gracious in approach, loving in spirit.”

United Methodist Church

FBC is a welcoming congregation that seeks to honor God through active learning, service and worship. WORSHIP WITH US!

8:30AM IN THE CHAPEL • 10:50AM IN THE SANCTUARY

Worship with us on Sunday

751 GREEN STREET NW GAINESVILLE, GA 30501

770-534-7354 WWW.FBCGAINESVILLE.ORG

8:45am & 11:00am

Sunday School for All Ages 10:00am

—Nursery Provided— __________________ 404 Washington Street Gainesville, GA 30501

770-532-2977

www.stpaulumcgainesville.org

St. Francis of Assisi ACC www.stfrancisacc.com

1750 Thompson Bridge Rd. • Gainesville, GA 30501

678-989-0006

…Experience the Excitement!

Sunday Service Times 9:30am - Life Groups 10:30am - Worship Riverbend exists to CONNECT people with God and one another, to GROW together in our relationship with God, to SERVE God by serving others and to HONOR God with our lives. Lead Pastor Mike Dorough 1715 Cleveland Highway Gainesville, Ga. 30501 Phone: 770-532-1125 Fax: 770-532-1466 www.rbbc.net

North GeorGia

St. Paul

Worship

Hour of Power 7:45am Sunday School 9am Worship Service 10am • WedneSday Service • Bible Study 6pm

Mountain heritage: From Foxfire to the Appalachian Trail Story by Hailey Van Parys Resourcefulness in the Appalachian Mountains is just as important now as it was almost 200 years ago, whether you plan to hike the Appalachian Trail or just live like a pioneer for a day. The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center hopes to teach its guests about the resourceful nature of the people who used to inhabit the area, as well as the richness of their culture. “Life and work was much harder than today and we take so much for granted,” said Barry Stiles, interim executive director and museum curator for the Foxfire. The museum is designed to teach its guests the ways of the early American pioneers, especially those from the mountains. “(A guest) can gain a better understanding of the hardships and perseverance of the people from the 1800s,” Stiles said. But the museum is only one facet of the site. It is also home to relics of the Foxfire book series, and is a “must” place to visit for fans of the books, Stiles said. A structure that was built around 1820 sits on the 106 acres of land. The house has only one room, which housed three generations. Each of these generations had 10 kids to squeeze into the tight space. Nineteen other replica and authentic buildings make up a “village” on the grounds. “It is amazing to visit something that is almost 200 years old,” Stiles 26 Discover North Georgia | 2016-17

Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center

said. That’s not the only amazing thing they have to show off. The museum also owns the only known wagon leftover from the Cherokee removal of 1838-39, also known as the Trail of Tears. “This is an important part of our history not to forget,” Stiles said. “It has changed our culture forever.” Another aspect of American culture is on display some days of the year at the center. Family Heritage Days, set for July 9, 25, 29 and Aug. 6, encourage families to try out Appalachian activities like blacksmithing, woodworking, rope making, candle making and animal tracking. The Appalachian Trail is about five miles from the heritage center. Hiking the trail takes a lot of prep work and resourcefulness to complete. Here are a few tips for the brave who wish to complete it:

Do your homework

Preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail should feel like you’re planning a wedding. Every little detail counts, from what you wear on your feet to what covers your head at night.

Where: 98 Foxfire Lane, Clayton Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday $6 admission for ages 11 and older, $3 for ages 7-10, and 6 and under are free Call 706-746-5828 for more information or visit www.foxfire fund.org. Determining which items to take with and which to leave without are crucial to your wellbeing on the trail.

Bring backups

Extras of certain items should come along. If affording extras is a problem, be sure to have a backup plan in mind in case something you need, like a sleeping bag or portable stovetop, disappears or stops working.

Expect the unexpected

This item might go without saying, but you should always be prepared for anything that might come your way. A few weeks of rain would be fine if you’re under a roof, but out in the open it can cause an unpleasant trek quickly.

Bring your best self

If the A.T. is your version of an “Eat, Pray, Love” self-discovery quest, this tip especially applies to you. The difference between a positive and negative experience can be the attitude you bring to the trail.

Regional calendar of events Summer Jefferson Farmers Market, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon June through September, www.mainstreetjefferson. com Braselton Farmers Market, Fridays from 4-7 p.m. June and July, www. downtownbraselton.com 43rd annual Helen-Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race, June 2-4, Helendorf River Inn, Helen. facebook.com/pages/Helento-the-Atlantic-Hot-Air-Balloon-Race/ Dragon Boat Challenge, June 4, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, www. lakelanierolympicvenue.org Georgia Wine Country Festival, June 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 26-27, Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery, 439 Vineyard Way, Dahlonega. www.ThreeSistersVineyards. com John Jarrard Foundation Lake Show, June 4, Lake Lanier Olympic Park. www. johnjarrardfoundation.com

Pooches in the Park, June 11, Braselton Park, www. downtownbraselton.com Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games, June 11-12. www. blairsvillescottishfestival.org Movies Under the Stars, June 11, Braselton Park, www.facebook.com/ Braselton-Park Appalachian Wine & Jazz Festival, June 11, Hiawasee, georgiamountainfairgrounds.com R-Ranch’s Mountain Top Rodeo, June 17, Dahlonega, www.mountaintoprodeo. com Mountain Fling, June 25-26, Blairsville. www.artguildstore.com Cracker Fly-In, July 9, Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport, Gainesville American Street Rodders car show, July 2, Hoschton City Square, www. americanstreetrodders.net Braselton Flood Run, July 4, Mulberry RiverWalk, See event page on Facebook Fourth of July Festival, Parade and Firework, July 4, downtown Braselton,

www.downtownbraselton.com Dahlonega’s 4th of July Celebration, July 4, downtown square. www. dahlonega.org Beach Bash at the Splash Park, July 9, Cornelia, www.corneliageorgia.org Movies Under the Stars, July 9, Braselton Park, www.facebook.com/ Braselton-Park Pirates of Lanier Poker Run, July 1416, Lanier Partners of North Georgia, lanierpartners.org Butternut Creek Festival, July 16-17, Blairsville. www.butternutcreekfestival. com Georgia Mountain Fair, July 15-23, Hiawasee.georgiamountainfairgrounds. com John Jarrard Foundation Summer Songwriters Show, July 30, Brenau University, Gainesville. www. johnjarrardfoundation.com American Street Rodders car show, Aug. 6, Hoschton City Square, www. americanstreetrodders.net

PETS INN SUITES

Luxury Pet Lodging and Full Service Professional Grooming Services Full Service Boarding & Suites Playtime Activities including Nature Walks, TLC Time, Park Play & Water Play Full Service Grooming Salon Dedicated, Professional Staff • Current vaccines required, no exceptions Dogs: CHLP-P, Rabies & Bordetella Cats: FVRGP, Rabies & Feline Leukemia • 2 day min. stay/ Holidays subject to min. stay req. • Toys, treats & small blankets are welcome • We welcome special needs and senior guests • Multiple pet and extended stay discounts

STAY & PLAY WITH US! “Very simply, We $25 off your first boarding stay love what we do, and with this coupon! do what we love.” Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One per customer. Offer expires 6/30/2017

770-995-9122 • www.petsinnsuites.com

Monday - Friday 9am-6pm • Saturday 9am - 4pm • Sundays 6pm-7pm (one hour evening only)

Located just off Interstate 85 (exit 129 at Ga. Highway 53) in Braselton, Georgia 2016-17 | Discover North Georgia 27

Olympics 20th anniversary celebration, regatta, Aug. 5-6, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, www. lakelanierolympicvenue.org. Movies Under the Stars, Aug. 13, Braselton Park, www.facebook.com/ Braselton-Park Destination Helen Motorcycle Rally, Aug. 18-21, Helen Riverside Park. www. facebook.com/gotohelenga/timeline Braselton Centennial Celebration, Aug. 20, Town Green, www. downtownbraselton.com and www. facebook.com/BuyLocalBraselton Braselton Bash, Aug. 20,YearOne, www.hotrodderschildrenscharity.org Rabun County Fair, Aug. 25-27, Rabun Arena, 100 E. Boggs Mtn. Rd., Tiger. 706212-0452

Fall Chattahoochee Mountain Fair, September, Clarkesville, www. chattahoocheemountainfair.org A Taste of Clarkesville. Noon to 3 p.m. September, downtown Clarkesville. www.tasteofclarkesville.com. Crush Fest at Yonah Mountain Vineyards, Sept. 3,Yonah Mountain Vineyards, Cleveland. 706-878-5522, www.yonahmountainvineyards.com Mountain Heritage Festival, Blairsville, Sept. 3-4. www.unioncountyhistory.org American Street Rodders car show, Sept. 3, Hoschton City Square, www. americanstreetrodders.net Grape Stomp Fest 2016 at Paradise Hills Resort & Winery, Blairsville. Sept. 3. www.paradisehillsresort.com Oktoberfest, Sept. 8-Oct. 27, Helen. 706-878-1908, www.helenchamber.com Dahlonega Trail Fest, Sept. 9-11, downtown square. dahlonegatrailfest.org Movies Under the Stars, Sept. 10, Braselton Park, www.facebook.com/ Braselton-Park Dragon Boat Festival, Sept. 10, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, www. lakelanierolympicvenue.org, www. dragonboatatlanta.com John Jarrard Foundation Concert, Sept. 17, Brenau University Front Lawn. www.johnjarrardfoundation.com Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride, Sept. 24-25, Lumpkin 28 Discover North Georgia | 2016-17

County High School, 2001 Indian Drive, Dahlonega. www.6gap.com Petit Le Mans road races, Sept. 28-Oct. 1, Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Highway Braselton, www.roadatlanta. com Taste of Gainesville, Sept. 30, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, www. lakelanierolympicvenue.org American Street Rodders car show, Oct. 1, Hoschton City Square, www. americanstreetrodders.net Harvest Balloon Festival, October, Flowery Branch, www. harvestballoonfestival.com Indian Summer Festival, October, Suches. www.suches.com/festival.htm Sorghum Festival, October, Blairsville. www.sorghumfestivalblairsville.com Fall Hoedown at Vogel State Park, October Cumming Country Fair and Festival, October. Cumming Fairgrounds, Cumming. www.cummingfair.net Big Red Apple Festival, October, downtown Cornelia. www. corneliageorgia.org Foxfire Mountaineer Festival, Oct. 1, Rabun County Civic Center, 201 W. Savannah St., Clayton. 706-746-5828, http://www.foxfirefund.org Mule Camp Market, Oct. 7-9, downtown Gainesville. www. gainesvillejaycees.org Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Hiawassee. Oct. 7-15. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com Haints & Saints Walking Tour, Oct. 14-15, downtown Jefferson, www. crawfordlong.org Gold Rush Days Festival, Oct. 15-16, downtown square. Dahlonegajaycees. com Hoschton Ghost Tour, Oct. 15, downtown Hoschton, www. cityofhoschton.com Harvest Festival at Crane Creek Vineyards,Young Harris. Oct. 15. www. cranecreekvineyards.com Hoschton Fall Festival, Oct. 2023, downtown Hoschton, www. cityofhoschton.com Appalachian Brew, Que and Stew Festival, Hiawassee. Oct. 21-22. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com Mountain Moonshine Festival, Oct.

21-23. downtown Dawsonville. www. dawsoncounty.org Braselton Antique & Artisan Festival, Oct. 21-23, downtown Braselton, www. countrysideantiques.net Halloween Walk, Oct. 31, downtown Jefferson, www.mainstreetjefferson.com Trick-Or-Treat Dahlonega, Oct. 31, downtown square.

Winter Nov. 4-6, Holiday Market, Jefferson Civic Center, www.mainstreetjefferson. com Wine Olympics, Nov. 5, Sautee Village Park, 706-878-0144, www. insideoutsautee.com Vineyard Fest, Nov. 6, Chateau Elan, www.ChateauElan.com Festival of Trees, Helen, Nov. 9-Dec. 10, 706-878-1084, 800-439-4745, www. holidayinn.com/helen Veterans and Military Appreciation Event, Nov. 12, downtown Braselton, www.downtownbraselton.com and www.facebook.com/BuyLocalBraselton Lighting of the Tree, Nov. 12, downtown Braselton, www. downtownbraselton.com Nov. 18, One Stop Holiday Shop, Hoschton Depot, www.cityofhoschton. com Holiday Festival & Parade, Nov. 19, downtown Braselton, www. downtownbraselton.com Christmas in Braselton car show â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Braselton Bash, Nov. 19,YearOne, www. hotrodderschildrenscharity.org Holiday Show & Sale Exhibit, Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, Blairsville. Nov. 19-Jan. 3. www. blueridgearts.net Dahlonegaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Old Fashioned Christmas, Nov. 25-Dec. 31. www. DahlonegaChristmas.com Appalachian Christmas Celebration, BabyLand General, Cleveland. www. babylandgeneral.com Lighting of the Village, Nov. 25, Helen, 706-878-2181, www.helenga.org Christmas parade, Blairsville, Dec. 3. www.unioncountyhistory.org Lighting of the Tree, Dec. 2, Marlowe Park in downtown Jefferson, Christmas Parade, Dec. 3 www.mainstreetjefferson. com

2016-17 | Discover North Georgia 29

Santa at the Depot by Hoschton Women’s Civic Club, Dec. 3, Hoschton Depot, www.cityofhoschton.com Christmas Market, Dec. 9-11, 16-18, Helen Arts & Heritage Center. 706-8783933, www.helenarts.org Let’s Go Caroling, Dec. 10, downtown Braselton, www. downtownbraselton.com Christkindlmarkt, Dec. 10-11, Helen. 706-878-1908, www.helenchamber.com Christmas Parade, Dec. 10, Helen, 706-878-2181, www.helenga.org Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 17, Hoschton Depot, www.cityofhoschton. com Open House and Mistletoe Market, Christmas in Cornelia, Dec. 15-17, downtown Cornelia, www. corneliageorgia.org Dropping of the Edelweiss, Dec. 31, Helen Festhalle. 706-878-1908, www. helenchamber.com Midnight in Paris New Year’s Eve celebration, Dec. 31, Chateau Elan, www. ChateauElan.com Cornelia Tacky Apple Drop, Dec. 31, Cornelia, www.corneliageorgia.org

Polar Bear Plunge, Unicoi State Park, January Fasching Festival, Helen, February

Bridge Park. rubberduckberby.com Mountain Laurel Festival, May, Clarkesville WineFest, May, Habersham Winery, Helen. www.habershamwinery.com Habersham WineFest, Helen, May, www.habershamvineyards.com Trout Tournament, March, Helen Springtime Festival at North Georgia Georgia Mountain Eggfest, Hiawassee, Zoo March-April, Cleveland, 706-348May, www.mountainegg.com 7279, www.northgeorgiazoo.com 26th Annual Great Grown-Up Taste of the Town, March, Unicoi Spelling Bee, May, Gainesville/Hall State Park County Alliance for Literacy, 770-531Easter Eggstravaganza, March, 3358, www.allianceforliteracy.org Babyland General, Cleveland. White County Chamber of Commerce, 706Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival, 865-5356 May, downtown Dahlonega. www. Spring Chicken Festival, April, chestateeartists.org downtown Gainesville. www.gainesville. Bavarianfest 2016, Helen Festhalle, org/spring-chicken-festival May, 706-878-1908, www.helenchamber. Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, com April. www.bearonthesquare.org Flowery Branch Spring Festival, April, Blairsville Arts, Crafts & Music Flowery Branch. Festival, May, www.unioncountyhistory. Antique and Artisan Festival, April, org Braselton. www.downtownbraselton. Memorial Day parade, Blairsville, May, com www.unioncountyhistory.org Strawberry Festival, May, Jaemor Clusterfest at Crane Creek Vineyards, Farms. www.jaemorfarms.com Rubber Duck Derby, May, Clarks May, www.cranecreekvineyards.com

Spring

North GeorGia

Pet Care

Breeders, walkers, veterinarians, special parks, groups, adoption & rescue, exotic pets and services in North Georgia. clermontveterinaryhospital.com

www.hsjc.com

Clermont Veterinary Hospital FRED INGLE, D.V.M. LINDA K. INGLE, D.V.M.

5243 Cleveland Hwy., Clermont, GA 30527 Phone 770-983-7851 • Fax 770-983-9086

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Since 1960

Your Pets Are Our Family 30 Discover North Georgia | 2016-17

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We WelCome ContributionS for our SHelter, being built on our land in JefferSon. 706-367-1111 HSJC1111@gmail.com

Wh ere Moth er Nature com es to Play An outdoor adventure every day

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