DESTINATIONS & DAY TRIPS
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Explore beautiful settings filled with destinations and day trips.
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Explore Hwy. 515 Destinations & Day Trips
See centerfold for a detailed visitors map McCaysville 60
Blue Ridge
515
Young Harris
19 129
BLUE RIDGE LAKE
76
Ellijay
CARTER’S LAKE
75 17
LAKE BURTON SEED LAKE
60
Helen
SPRINGER MTN.
441
19
AMICALOLA FALLS S.P.
115 52
Talking Rock Hinton
17
75
129
52
515
Clarkesville
GA
Dahlonega
Cornelia
PICKENS 19
Jasper
Big Canoe Tate Marble Hill
53
Dawsonville
441
Nelson
Ball Ground
23
LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
575
365
Gainesville
985 75
LAKE RABUN
Suches
East Cartecay Ellijay GILMER
53
76
180
UNION
FANNIN
76
Clayton TOWNS
BRASSTOWN BALD
19 129
RICH MTN.
Dillard
Blairsville
Cherry Log 52
441
Hiawassee
515
NOTTELY LAKE
Morganton
LAKE CHATUGE
N
TO SOUTH CAROLINA
85
400
See ABOUT THE ARTIST on page 23
COURTESY OF BLAIRSVILLE-UNION COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Welcome to the
Georgia Mountain Parkway Of all North Georgia’s scenic highways, U.S. Highway 515, the Georgia Mountain Parkway, offers the greatest “escape” into the colorful and quaint communities tucked away in the state’s Blue Ridge Mountains heading northward into western North Carolina. Meandering through towns chocked full of unique stops, you’ll find some of the Southeast’s best antiquing, casual or fine dining, arts and crafts from quilts to pottery and hand-hewn furniture, plus outfitters for world class hiking, whitewater rafting, swimming, fishing, golfing or just strolling the trails of exceptional greenways. There’s almost too much to do! Festivals here are prolific, enjoining travelers in celebrations extending from spring through Indian summer. You’ll find music venues and one-of-a-kind cultural celebrations and showcases. Summer into mid-fall is the high season, and people who vacation here yearly book early, so look for accommodations in advance. Find the places that soothe your soul and inspire you to explore in this tranquil, diversely appealing mountain region along Hwy. 515. Our guide will accompany you to the best stops, natural wonders, must-see attractions and the rest! Year round.
– Sheila Brewington, Publisher Mountain Link
Contents ◗ PICKENS COUNTY 515 Georgia Mountain Parkway Pickens County................................................................................... 5 - 9 Natural Attractions & Outdoor Recreation.................................... 10 ◗ GILMER COUNTY 515 Georgia Mountain Parkway Gilmer County.................................................................................11 - 18 Natural Attractions & Outdoor Recreation............................ 22 - 23 ◗ FANNIN COUNTY 515 Georgia Mountain Parkway Fannin County.........................................................................................24 Natural Attractions & Outdoor Recreation....................................24 ◗ UNION COUNTY 515 Georgia Mountain Parkway Union County.................................................................................. 25 - 30 Natural Attractions & Outdoor Recreation.............................30 - 31 ◗ TOWNS COUNTY 515 Georgia Mountain Parkway Towns County..................................................................................32 - 33 ◗ AREA MAPS KEYED TO VISITOR INFO DIRECTORIES n Accommodations n Attractions n Dining n Real Estate n Services n Shopping • City of Ellijay....................................................................................... 14 - 15 • The Ellijay’s ........................................................................................ 16 - 17 • Hwy. 515................................................................................................ 1 9 - 2 1 • City of Blairsville.............................................................................. 28 - 29 ◗ ADVERTISER DIRECTORY n Accommodations n Attractions n Dining n Real Estate n Services n Shopping A complete list of all advertisers along with their name, address, phone and website .............................................................................. 34 - 39 ◗ VISITOR CENTER INFORMATION A list of area Chambers of Commerce with address, phone and websites .................................................................................................39 ◗ ABOUT THE ARTIST Wayne Hamby............................................................................................... 23
Pickens County
Jasper, Big Canoe, Talking Rock, Tate, Nelson and Hinton
B
ig Canoe is a scenic, 8,000-acre mountain residential development surrounded by over 8,000 acres of unspoiled woodlands, mountain lakes and streams, including 2,000 acres of passive recreation green space. Just an hour north of Atlanta, the community is convenient to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, via I-285 and Georgia 400, the “Hospitality Highway.” Big Canoe is also known as “the Enchanted Land,” after the first known people to inhabit the region, the Paleo Indians. The Cherokee Indians inhabited in the region, in later centuries, and suffered at the hands of white settlers after they sided with the British in the War of 1812. The town of Dahlonega formed the heart of the North Georgia Gold Rush, the first in America, until California gold prompted “Gold fever” due west. But at Big Canoe, marble deposits were discovered and another legacy emerged. The town of Tate dates back to before 1837-1838, years that saw the Cherokee Indians removed west. Taverns here were major stops on the Federal Road finished in 1805. Tate marble has been used in countless monuments, including the Lincoln and Alamo Memorials. Historic sites abound, including 114 on the National Register. Tours available, during the October Marble Festival. Gibbs Gardens is another day trip worth seeing, near Big Canoe. This is the sight built by architect Jim Gibbs, who traveled worldwide studying gardens of all styles. He built the extraordinary garden here after a six year search for a site with a strong source of water and mature trees in a rolling topography. The “dream come true” site is open March 1 through Nov. 30, closed major holidays and December through February. continued
A Gallery of Fine American Crafts 10061 Ball Ground Hwy. Ball Ground, GA
770.735.6923
wildcatonawing.com Hours: Wed-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 12:30-5pm 58
◗ Wildcat on a Wing evolved from a birdhouse workshop and studio into a unique American crafts gallery featuring pottery, wearables, sculpture and garden art, including hand-made jewelry, fine local crafts, hand-made clocks and purses. The colorful store takes pride in the uniqueness and high quality of works sold, from local and national artisans, including blacksmiths, glass blowers, leather craftsmen, pottery makers, woodworkers and more. A whimsical experience! Located in Ball Ground, just off of Hwy. 515. Tate House was built by Col. Sam Tate, Georgia Marble President, in 1925. Open for special events. Adjacent to the pink marble quarry. ◗ Millie’s is a classic diner on Hwy. 53 in Tate, offering fresh Southern grill fare in relaxed surroundings. Stop in for a delightful, unforgettable meal! ◗ Huddle House is a welcoming dining experience, also on Hwy. 53, for travelers and locals alike. Everyday has a friendly “hello”.
J
asper is a hub for fine dining, colorful specialty shops and the Pickens County marble courthouse. A stop on the original Federal Road, the Oglethorpe Memorial is on North Main Street. ◗ Daisy Clothes & Accessories in Jasper offers women’s clothing that reflects the colorful, casual elegance of mountain life. The boutique features shoes, jeans, handbags, and specialty items, including Brighton jewelry and Vera Bradley. ◗ Madeline’s Cafe & Bakery in Jasper is a gourmet restaurant serving an assortment of exceptional baked goods, as well as sandwiches, soups and desserts made fresh daily. The word is getting out on this restaurant’s “amazing” cakes.
Antique Shopping in Jasper
A Special Experience Jasper has a rich history to share with the preservation of the Old Pickens County Jail and the Kirby-Quinton Cabin downtown. Diversity and friendly attractive stores keep Antiquing in Jasper a popular destination.
Antiques & Treasures Antiques, Art and 706-253-7467 1227 B East Church St.
Collectibles. Open 7 Days
Junktiques
Something for everyone. “Put a little junk in your trunk”
Nana’s Outback
“Join us for a walk down memory lane.” Antiques, Glassware, and Collectibles.
Weeks Jewelry
Estate and Fine Jewelry.
706-253-2295 23 Mary St. 706-253-6214 12 Summit Dr. 706-253-9211 57 Main St.
41
Elegant Mountain Furnishings
‡ /DNRWD&RYH FRP 230 Old Mill White Rd. Ext. Jasper, Ga. 30143 Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 1 to 5
45
706.253.6996
www.daisyboutique.com 42 Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 140 E Mark Whitfield St., Jasper, GA IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN JASPER BEHIND THE OLD JAIL OFF MAIN ST.
Talking Rock is a picturesque town formerly booming in the late 1800s, and now a venue for gift and antique emporiums. Visit the Talking Rock Festival the third weekend in October. ◗ Lakota Cove is an exceptional destination for rustic home furnishings “gallery” celebrating the “western” spirit of the environs. The unique gallery specializes in hand-hewn, one-of-a-kind items and furnishings for every room in the home, and offers design services. Visit for ideas for your own home, which you’ll find in abundance. Regular exhibitors in log home and home shows, as well as horse shows year-round, enjoy the facility’s presentation of American artists and their great designs.
46 BBQ & COMFORT FOODS OF THE SOUTH
BREAKFAST LUNCH DESSERTS 56 4753 HWY 53 EAST, TATE,GA
(PREVIOUSLY CROSSROADS CAFE)
www.milliesdiner.com
54
Natural Attractions & Outdoor Recreation • Burnt Mountain Overlook and Dawson Forest Trail offer scenic views of the Long Swamp Valley. Tate, Jasper and Sharp Top Mountain are among mountain trails off Monument Road and Steve Tate Highway, developed by Mountain Stewards. Highway 515 ◗ North Georgia Mountain Outfitters is family owned and operated by veteran outdoor enthusiasts, who are on a mission to help explorers maximize their experience in North Georgia’s great outdoors. On hand here is everything needed to safely explore woodlands, trails, rivers, lakes, streams, rapids and mountains in the Appalachian foothills. Ready to equip you for your outdoor adventures! hikenorthgeorgia.com
10
21 11
E XPLORE THE E LLIJAYS
Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce 696 First Avenue, East Ellijay, GA 30540
706-635-7400
19
www.explorethemountains.com www.facebook.com/theellijays 12
Gilmer County
Ellijay, East Ellijay, Cherry Log
A
pple Orchard Alley & Georgia Apple Festival are appropriately located in Georgia’s “Apple Capital,” Ellijay. For over 40 years, the Georgia Apple Festival, has happened the 2nd and 3rd weekends of October. Apple Orchard Alley is along Hwy. 52 east from this picturesque town, toward Dawsonville and Dahlonega, but there are apple house and farm markets spread throughout the county. The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce welcomes visitors at its 696 First Avenue, East Ellijay location as well as its downtown Ellijay Welcome Center. Georgia’s officially designated mountain bike capital offers outdoor enthusiast of all varieties opportunities to set out and explore mother nature at her best. Stroll or bike through this Better Hometown designated community in which vibrant shops, galleries and eateries make for a colorful, bustling atmosphere in the heart of the Appalachian foothills. The local events draw crowds in summer, and feature music programs, live demonstrations of mountain arts and crafts, bike races, festivals and events at the lovely Cartecay Vineyards, the signature local winery that has optimal climate for exceptional varietal wines. You can also enjoy the water on Gilmer Counties three rivers–the Cartecay and Ellijay which converge to form the Coosawattee. The scenery in downtown Ellijay, is reminiscent of once-a-week towns of the early 20th century. Something is going on every day in this authentic mountain town that serves as a “jumpin off” spot for outdoor adventurists and apple hunters alike. Visitors are invited to shop, make jewelry, paint pottery, and enjoy the many parades Ellijay is known for –“St. Petrick’s” Day, Veterans Day, Apple Festival, plus night parades for Independence Day and Light Up Ellijay (Friday after Thanksgiving). On weekends, be sure to visit the Tabor House Civil War Museum and Library. Downtown, the atmosphere is friendly and the shops are filled with area antiques and crafts, unique gifts, and collectibles, and supplies for mountain living. The restaurants are exceptional, as are the friendly folks who work there. Traveling on Hwy. 515 through Gilmer County are two stops that will delight visitors. ◗ Satterwhite Log Homes offers “homes for the new millennium” featured in Texas and Georgia’s own Ellijay. ◗ Black Bear Antiques is great place to shop for antiques directly off of Hwy. 515. There’s a delightful department store appeal and displays in beautiful venues. 13
Ellijay
Downtown Ellijay Map Sponsored by ...
Better Hometown Ellijay 14 NORTH MAIN STREET (HWY. 5)
N. Dalton Street
8
4
2
6
13 1
5
9 Broad Street North Avenue
3
River Street
10 Church Street
Spring Street
11
SOUTH MAIN STREET (HWY. 5)
South to JASPER
E
J LLI
R AY
IVE
52
ELLIJAY MARKETPLACE MOUNTAIN RIDGE GARDEN SHOP
12
7
R
RIVER
CARTECAY
RIVER
COOSAWATEE
76 Industrial Blvd. 14
Ellijay Map Directory Map #
Ad Page #
n ATTRACTIONS 12 Ellijay Marketplace.................................. Page 39 2 Gilmer County Welcome Center........ Page 39 n DINING 3 Cantaberry Restaurant.......................... *Page 35
n SHOPPING 10 Antique Show.............................................Page 17 4 Boone’s Art and Antiques.....................*Page 37 14 Cartecay River Bicycle Shop...............*Page 36 1 Cartecay River Trading Co..................*Page 36 11 The Christmas House / Interiors.......*Page 38 5 Jumping Mouse Beads...........................*Page 38 13 Main Street Antiques.............................*Page 37 6 Misty Hollow Antiques.........................*Page 37 7 Mountain Ridge Garden Shop.............*Page 38 8 North Star Emporium............................*Page 38 9 Whistletree Pottery................................*Page 38 * Ad Directory Listing
Tea Time or Any Time, Join Us in
Downtown Ellijay
A True Mountain Village Just West of Hwy. 515 www.ellijay-ga.gov
fb Historic Downtown Ellijay twitter @ellijayeveryday email bht@ellijay.com 15
To Cherry Log CHAMOMILE RETREAT
16
515
Ellijay
22
ELL
5
YR IJA IVE R
North Main Street
76
River Street
Depot Street CA
52
52
RT EC AY
First Ave.
RI VE R
76
Industrial Blvd.
Maddox Drive
East Ellijay Yukon Road
19
Turniptown Road
Clear Creek Road
17 18
515
20
Ellijay Map Sponsored by ...
Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce
21 South to JASPER
16
The Ellijay’s Map Directory Map #
Ad Page #
n ACCOMMODATIONS 16 Chamomile Retreat................................*Page 34 n ATTRACTIONS 17 Cartecay Vineyards................................. Page 22 19 Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce . ......................................................................Page 12 18 Hillcrest Orchards.................................. *Page 35 n REAL ESTATE 22 Satterwhite Log Homes...........................Page 18 n SHOPPING 20 Black Bear Antiques.................................Page 17 21 North Georgia Mountain Outfitters..... Page 11 * Ad Directory Listing
ANTIQUE SHOW merchandise is housed in the beautifully restored local theatre built in 1920. Visit to discover antiques and collectibles. You may find locally made pottery and jewelry, primitives, a vintage gas stove and lovely quilts. Open 7 days. 5 Southside Square, Ellijay 10 706-698-SHOW (7469) www.ellijayantiqueshow.com
20
Natural Attractions & More on page 22 17
Ellijay
382
22 18
76
515
52
2
515
Highway 515 Map Directory Map #
Ad Page #
n ACCOMODATIONS 49 Big Canoe Conference & Lodging, The Chimneys........................................*Page 34 50 Big Canoe Golf Club Villas...................*Page 34 37 Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa......... Page 33 35 Comfort Inn & Suites.............................*Page 34 51 Petit Crest Villas at Big Canoe............*Page 34 n ATTRACTIONS 40 Cherokee Valley Ranch......................... *Page 35 n DINING 39 BIGuns Barbeque.................................... *Page 35 54 Huddle House........................................... Page 10 46 Madeline’s Cafe & Bakery....................... Page 9 56 Millie’s Diner............................................... Page 9 48 61 Main....................................................... *Page 35 n REAL ESTATE 52 Big Canoe Realty.....................................*Page 36 53 Vann Custom Homes.............................*Page 36 n SERVICES 47 Barkley Financial Group........................ Page 36 n SHOPPING 41 Antiques & Treasures Shop.................... Page 7 42 Daisy Boutique & Accessories............... Page 9 38 Hiawassee Antique Mall........................ Page 32 43 Jasper Drugs & Gifts..............................*Page 38 41 Junktiques.................................................... Page 7 34 Lady Sibylla...............................................*Page 38 45 Lakota Cove................................................. Page 8 41 Nana’s Outback........................................... Page 7 57 The Rusty Rooster..................................*Page 37 55 Shofar Designs.......................................... Page 37 44 Van Goghs Hideway..............................*Page 38 41 Weeks Jewelry............................................ Page 7 58 Wild Cat on a Wing................................... Page 6 36 Young Harris Watersports.................... Page 32 * Ad Directory Listing
Highway 515 Map on Next Page 19
TN
NC
1
19 129
McCaysville BLUE RIDGE RR 2
35
N
NOTTELY LAKE
60
76
Blue Ridge
Morganton
BLUE RIDGE LAKE
34
515
Cherry Log
FORT MTN. S.P.
1
FANNIN 4
52
Ellijay
RICH MTN.
60
3
East Cartecay Ellijay Chattahoochee
CARTER’S LAKE
National Forest
SPRINGER 11 MTN.
GILMER AMICALOLA FALLS S.P.
515
52
Talking Rock
Hinton 53 PICKENS
47 42 44 46 41 43 48 40 45 Jasper
39
53 54
Nelson 75 575
Appalachian Trail State Park National Forest Waterfall Winery
75
49 50 Big 51 52
Canoe
Marble Hill Tate
Dawsonville 53
55 56
57 Ball Ground 58
WATERFALLS 1 - Falls Branch Falls 2 - Jacks River Falls 3 - Little Rock Creek Falls 4 - Sea Creek Falls 5 - Helton Creek Falls 6 - Horse Trough Falls 7 - Dukes Creek Falls 8 - Anna Ruby Falls 9 - High Shoals Falls 10 - Desoto Falls 11 - Long Creek Falls
20
TO ATLANTA
400
AT LA NT A
5
A.T. TRAILHEAD
TO
76
85
74 129
Hayesville
64 17
Young Harris
36
LAKE CHATUGE
75
Hiawassee
37
38
515
515
76
Blairsville UNION
Clayton 76
BRASSTOWN BALD
75 17
TOWNS LAKE BURTON
9
19 129
180
441
6
SEED LAKE
8 7
VOGEL S.P.
Suches
Chattahoochee National Forest
LAKE RABUN
Helen
5
Sautee Nacoochee
LAKE WINFIELD SCOTT 10
129
75
19
Cleveland
Clarkesville
115
441
52
Cornelia
Highway 515
Dahlonega 19
GEORGIA’S MOUNTAIN PARKWAY
City Maps listed below Ellijay page 14 East Ellijay page 16 Blairsville page 29
LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
441
Gainesville
85 TH
985 NV
U , SO ILLE
REE
G TO
CAR
A LIN
O
TO ATHENS
441
85
TO MADISON
21
706-698-9463 (WINE)
5704 Clear Creek Rd., Ellijay, GA 30536
cartecayvineyards.com
facebook.com/CartecayVineyards 17
Gilmer County Natural Attractions & Outdoor Recreation • The Appalachian Trail (AT) - Perhaps the most famous hiking trail in the U.S. has its trailhead is at Springer Mountain on the Gilmer-Fannin County line and leads hikers 2,000 miles along the eastern ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, through 14 states, Nearly 80 miles of the AT runs through North Georgia. • Amicalola Falls State Park is located 25 minutes east of Ellijay on State Hwy. 52. The popular park and lodge is the site of the 729-foot Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading falls east of the Mississippi River. Nature displays and a gift shop complement the beautiful lodge and cabins. • River Park on the Coosawattee River - This beautiful recreation center on the Coosawattee has picnic areas, tennis courts, a walking trail, ball fields and an Olympicsized pool. • Fort Mountain State Park is among the picturesque and accessible north Georgia state parks that book up well in advance for camping. Visit by traveling 25 minutes due west of Ellijay on Hwy. 52. An ancient 855-foot rock wall here is thought to have been built by early native Americans. A 17-acre lake, cottages and beach are also featured. • Carter’s Lake, the deepest manmade lake in the southeast, offers 62 miles of shoreline and is perennially popular for fishing, camping, swimming, boating and water sports. • Rich Mountain Wilderness is a 9,000-acre black bear preserve popular among unmarked trail enthusiasts, located within the Chattahoochee National Forest. 22
• The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests are federally protected lands. Chattahoochee National Forest covers 749,689 acres and combined with the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest offers 37 developed recreation areas, beaches and over 530 miles of trails. • Cohutta Wilderness/Lake Conasauga comprise 35,268 acres of national forest lands, designated as wilderness. Elevations range from 950 to 4,200 feet on Big Frog Mountain. Lake Conasauga has the highest elevation of any lake in the state. Hiking trails, picnicking, fishing and wilderness camping are available.
ABOUT THE ARTIST: Wayne Hamby, is a self-taught artist. He also painted the art on the inside front cover. As a young boy he learned to put what he saw and lived on paper using his fingers and watercolors. He now paints his memories on canvas with acrylic paints. He has over 900 paintings in the US and abroad. www.waynehamby.com • 678-746-2601 23
WAYNE & MARGARET HAMBY
Fannin County
Blue Ridge, McCaysville and Morganton Blue Ridge - The mineral-rich waters in local streams and springs make Blue Ridge a popular health spot with vibrant shops, art galleries and eclectic dining spots. Blue Ridge City Park offers a playground, picnic facilities and free-range chickens roam the turf. • Blue Ridge Scenic Railway surveys winding hills along the Toccoa River, taking passengers along 26 miles to McCaysville and into Tennessee. For more information or tickets, visit www.brscenic.com or call 706-632-9833. McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee are “twin” towns that share spectacular views of the scenery at the Georgia/Tennessee state line, a.k.a. the “Blue Line.” Historic buildings, unique culinary spots and a great River Park.
Natural Attractions & Outdoor Recreation • Lake Blue Ridge is a picturesque mountain lake offering fishing, camping, picnicking and boating, and for those not equipped pontoon rentals and jet skis from the lake Blue Ridge Marina. lakeblueridgemarina.com • Aska Adventure Area is a 17-mile hiking and mountain biking trailway in National Forest lands that includes portions of the Benton-McKaye Trail. Choose short or longer trails. Open to the public. • Toccoa River Canoe Trail offers superior trout fishing along 17.3 miles of river from Deep Hole Recreation Area to Lake Blue Ridge. Rapids make for excitement, and are tame enough for beginners. • Waterfalls of the Toccoa Ranger District qualifying as must-sees include Fall Branch Falls, Long Creek Falls and Sea Creek Falls, accessible from short easy hikes, or long meandering and challenging hikes. 24
Union County - Blairsville
THE TOBACCO DEPOT
281B Young Harris St. Blairsville, GA
28
706-781-1911
www.TheTobaccoDepot.com ◗ The Tobacco Depot in Blairsville is a fantasy come true for cigar lovers, offering fresh tobacco products, quality cigars, roll your own supplies, unique gifts and friendly service. Great selection and reasonable prices. The Depot also has a “make your own cigarettes” selection of merchandise. ◗ Mike’s Seafood Market & Grill in Blairsville has offered the best inland seafood in North Georgia since 1995. The popular restaurant is open Monday through Saturday for lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and for dinner (5 to 9 p.m.). Mike’s encourages take-out customers to call ahead.
Seafood Market & Grill EST. 1995 OPEN MON-SAT GRILL: LUNCH 11AM-2PM & DINNER 5 PM-9PM MARKET: 10AM-9PM
Call ahead for Take Out
706-745-9519
29
513 A Murphy Hwy. • Blairsville, GA 25
Union County
Blairsville and Suches
W
ith the reputation of being “the” place to see when the autumn leaves begin to blaze red, orange, yellow and burnished colors only found in Georgia’s Blue Ridge mountains, Blairsville is the scenic destination for thousands every summer and fall. Situated on the state’s “rooftop,” Blairsville is the home of Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak. The pride of the community is the new multi-use Union County Community Center, the Blairsville Chamber of Commerce and the Welcome Center – all located at 129 Union County Recreation Road with a panoramic view of the Butternut Creek Golf Course. Walkable or ridable, the 18-hole par 73 golf course has GPS equipped golf carts and is open to the public. People seeking locations for conferences, meetings, wedding receptions and more will find all the amenities they need in this new Community Center, which has a 2,503 square-foot conference room as well as three smaller breakout meeting rooms and a wedding preparations room. Full-service catering is available through The View Grill, which is the onsite restaurant, or through one of many outstanding local caterers. The Community Center also houses a new tourism shop, where souvenir items and products of Union County artisans are on display. Union County Historic Courthouse on the downtown square is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a unique Romanesque brick and granite 1899 structure functioning as a local history museum. Concerts in the restored courtroom offer music from bluegrass to gospel in summer through fall. ◗ Union County Historical Society is dedicated to restoration and preservation of historic resources in Union County, and operates the Courthouse Museum, which features Mountain Life Exhibits replete with Native American wares and artifacts, antique quilts and tools, vintage items and other remnants of the county’s history. One block south of the Courthouse Square, visit the Mountain Life Museum which is sponsored by the Historical Society. ◗ The Seasons Inn is a popular destination proximal to the Union County Courthouse. It often books up through summer, and well in advance during the town’s very busy fall color season. 26
25 27
Union County Historical Society Free Friday Night Concerts
Bluegrass - Country - Gospel - Easy Listening May - October - starting at 7 pm at the
Old Courthouse Museum
Open Monday - Friday 10 am - 4 pm (Jan. - April) Monday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm (May - Dec.)
Mountain Life Museum
Open Wednesday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm
includes Tours of Mock House, Payne Cabin & Pioneer Farm
23
706-745-5493 unioncountyhistory.org
Blairsville Map Directory Map #
Ad Page #
n ACCOMMODATIONS 31 Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages.........*Page 34 24 Seasons Inn................................................ Page 28 n ATTRACTIONS 25 Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce - Community Center, Butternut Golf Course, The View..... Page 27 26 Old Union Golf Course.......................... *Page 35 23 Union County Historical Society........ Page 28 n DINING 29 Mike’s Seafood Market & Grill............. Page 25 n SHOPPING 30 Sundance Gallery....................................*Page 38 28 The Tobacco Depot................................. Page 25 27 The Wine Shoppe.....................................Page 30 * Ad Directory Listing
A 25 room familyowned motel in the heart of lovely downtown Blairsville. Conveniently located on the Town Square and across from the Union County Historic Courthouse.
800-901-4422 or 706-745-1631 www.seasons-inn.com 94 Town Square, Blairsville, GA 30512 28
24
Blairsville Pat Haralson Drive
28
Plott Street
School Circle Young Harris Street
24
515
TOWN SQUARE
23 Chandler
Young Harris Street
129 19 25 29 26 27
Wellborn Street
Cleveland Street
Rogers Street BLUE RIDGE STREET
School Street
Reid Dockery
Hunt-Martin Street
129 19
Ed Mauney
Town Mountain Rd.
Blalock To TRACK ROCK and BRASSTOWN BALD
BLUE RIDGE STREET
Town Creek School Rd.
30 31
Blairsville Map Sponsored by ...
Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce (Map is not to scale)
29
Best Selection Of Fine Wines North Of Atlanta
Domestic & Imported Wines from $10.00 - $200.00 • Meursault • Riesling • Bourgogne • Caymus • Opus • Smith & Hook • Mer Solei • Sherry • Port • Vermouth
• Champagne • Wine Glasses • Flutes • Gift Bags • Wine Aerators
Present this AD at time of purchase to receive a 10% DISCOUNT
Call For Information
706.745.WINE (9463) Free Wine Tasting Most Saturdays (21 Years of Age Required)
27
305 Murphy Highway, Suite 2 • Blairsville, GA 30512 ◗ The Wine Shoppe in Blairsville offers tastings free to the public of featured wines, and a selection of outstanding vintages from local vintners. Up and coming wines from the Appalachian region are highlighted.
UNION COUNTY Natural Attractions and Outdoor Recreation • Benton MacKaye Trail is just one of innumerable mountain trails in the Blairsville and Suches region. The AT trailhead is at Springer Mountain close to Bald Mountain and continues to the 265-foot Swinging Bridge Trail. The trail ascends Brawley Mountain. • Brasstown Bald is Gerogia’s highest peak, at 4,784 feet, and draws visitors to an observation tower with a 360degree view of four states, a museum on the region and the mountain, and hiking and picnicking areas. The visitor center is open May through October, and parking is available year-round for those who can negotiate the corkscrew pass leading up to Brasstown Bald in icy weather. • The Old Union Golf Course is a popular spot for public golfing and golf outings amid the scenic surroundings of this mountain community. 30
• Meeks Park is a spectacular recreation complex off 515 in Blairsville, featuring picnic facilities, playgrounds, ball fields, a pool, tennis courts and a paved walking trail network that meanders through scenic woodlands. An 18-hole disc golf course and dog park are onsite, too. • Lake Nottely is a 4,180 acre impoundment with 106 miles of shorelines offering boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking and camping, plus two marinas and public boat ramps. • Poteete Creek Park and Campgrounds feature 95 acres of shoreline camping via 59 campsites on Lake Nottely. Open to the public April 1 through October 15 yearly. • Suches and Lake Winfield Scott are locally known as the “valley above the clouds” and the site of Georgia’s smallest public school, Woody Gap, with an enrollment of under 100. The lake offers 18 acres of sandy beaches, swimming, a freestanding pier and picnicking. • Vogel State Park is among the oldest and most popular of Georgia’s state parks, with tent and trailer sites, cottages and a 20-acre lake with miniature golf, a beach, picnic shelters, pedal boats and 17 miles of trials. 706-745-2628. • Helton Creek Falls lies just beyond the Vogel State Park entrance. Set in a pristine hardwood forest, these unusual “double” falls have a vertical drop of over 100 feet, following a 300-foot trail trek. • Walasi-Yi Center is a historical stone structure completed by the CCC in 1937, and offers the only covered stop on the Appalachian Trail’s 2100 miles. Outdoor outfitter onsite. • Trackrock Archaeological Area - Trackrock is a unique archaeological dig site reached via Hwy. 76 East to Trackrock Gap Road. Find preserved petroglyphs of native origins, amid six table-sized soapstone boulders. A site rich in native American lore and ancient carvings. Misty Mountain Inn and Cottages offer accommodations nearby in a lovely, tranquil setting, close to the Misty Mountain Model Railroad, a must-see regional attraction, as the largest privately owned “o-gauge” model railroad in the country. Alexander’s Department Store is an eclectic renovated country store. Sundance Gallery is a shop filled with most decorator items from local artisans. Stalwart terriers also “people” the shop. 31
Towns County
Young Harris and Hiawassee
Y
oung Harris College is a gorgeous liberal arts college where visitors can catch performances in Clegg Auditorium, visit the Rollins Planetarium and art exhibits in the Gate Gallery. • Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds -The Georgia Mountain Fair held in July and the Fall Festival, in October, are celebrations of crafts, concerts, food and unique mountain activities. The Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens bloom in spring and summer.
Hiawassee
Antique Mall
12,000 sq. ft. of Antiques & Collectibles 60 Dealers D Open Year Round Mon-Sat. 10-5, Sun 12-5
706-896-0587
460 N. Main St., Hiawassee, GA 30546 38 www.hiawasseeantiquemall.com
◗ The recently renovated Hiawasee Antique Mall is Northeast Georgia’s largest antique mall, featuring 60 dealers in over 12,000 square feet of space. Here you’ll find high quality antiques, collectibles, primitive and fine furniture, pottery from Southern potters, crystal, china, glassware, vintage items, books, toys, linens and more. Very knowledgeable staff, gift ideas and unusual finds. ◗ Young Harris Water Sports outfits visitors with equipment needed to pursue water sports of all kinds, including boat and jet ski rentals, equipment, wakeboarding lessons, camps and more. Offering services to five states – Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. 36
2683 Hwy. 76, Ste. A, Hiawassee, GA 30546
706-896-0834
Boat & Jet Ski Rentals / Cable Parks Wakeboard Camps / Board Shop
www.mtnwake.com • www.yhwatersports.com 32
Fine Dining Full Service Spa Guided Mountain Trail Rides Championship Golf Meeting & Banquet Rooms Weddings - Reunions
www.brasstownvalley.com Young Harris, GA
706-379-9900
37
◗ Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa is an elegant, spacious resort and hotel occupying 503 scenic mountain acres surrounded by pastoral North Georgia countryside that turns every conceivable color as autumn progresses. With 5-star accommodations and dining, spa services, luxury amenities and conference facilities, the resort is completed by an outstanding 18-hole championship golf course and guide-escorted horseback riding on miles of mountain trails. • Lake Chatuge is a haven for long summer days skiing, fishing and camping amid dark blue mountain waters. One of the most picturesque lakes in the Eastern U.S., it is surrounded by exceptional trout streams. • High Shoals Falls are a succession of five waterfalls that drop an estimated 300 feet vertically within a 170-acre scenic area flanked by High Shoals Creek. Enjoy observations decks beside two of the pristine streams that cascade out of High Shoals Scenic Area. A hiker’s dream.
VISIT EXPLORESOUTHEAST.COM 33
Advertiser Directory A C C O M M O D AT I O N S n BED & BREAKFAST
n RENTALS
Chamomile Retreat 166 Ames Lake Lane, Ellijay • 404-909-9303
BIG CANOE CONFERENCE & LODGING The Chimneys 10591 Big Canoe, Jasper 706-268-3178 BigCanoe.com
Georgiacountryretreat.com n INNS/LODGES
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa • P33 6321 Hwy. 76, Young Harris 706-379-9900 Brasstownvalley.com + ◗ ATTRACTIONS + ◗ DINING
BIG CANOE Golf CLUB Villas 90 Steve Tate Highway, Marble Hill 770-893-1919 golfclubvillas@tds.net
COMFORT INN AND SUITES 83 Blue Ridge Overlook, Suite 1, Blue Ridge 706-946-3333
Black Bear Cabin Rentals 21 High Park Dr., Suite 7 Blue Ridge 706-632-4794
comfortinnofblueridge.com
blackbearcabinrentals.com
Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages 55 Misty Mountain Lane, Blairsville • 706-745-4786 jwww.com/misty
Petit Crest Villas at Big Canoe Big Canoe, Jasper 706-268-3600 Petitcrestvillas.com
COURTESY OF GILMER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Seasons Inn • P28 94 Town Square, Blairsville • 706-745-1631 Seasons-inn.com
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Advertiser Directory AT T R A C T I O N S CARTECAY VINEYARDS • P22 5704 Clear Creek Rd., Ellijay • 706-698-9463 cartecayvineyards.com
HILLCREST ORCHARDS 9696 Highway 52 East, Ellijay • 770-273-3838 hillcrestorchards.net + ◗ SHOPPING
+ ◗ SHOPPING + ◗ DINING
Old Union Golf Course 78 Scores Point, Blairsville 706-745-4653 olduniongolf.com
Cherokee Valley Ranch 909 Upper Salem Church Rd., Jasper • 706-692-9277 cherokeevalleyranch.com
UNION COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY • P28 1 Town Square, Blairsville 706-745-5493 unioncountyhistory.org
ELLIJAY MARKETPLACE • P39 518 River St., Ellijay 706-686-4084 ellijaymarketplace.com + ◗ SHOPPING
D I N I N G n BBQ
BIGuns Barbeque 362 Carnes Mill Road, Talking Rock 706-253-7675 bigunsbbq.com
MILLIE’S DINER • P9 4753 Hwy. 53 East, Tate milliesdiner.com Mike’s Seafood Market & Grill • P25 513A Murphy Highway, Blairsville • 706-745-9519
+ ◗ SERVICES
Cantaberry Restaurant 51 River St., Ellijay 706-636-4663 cantaberry.com
+ ◗ SHOPPING
61 Main 49 South Main Street, Jasper 706-253-7289 61main.com
Huddle House • P10 Highway 53, Marble Hill 770-894-4684 huddlehouse.com Madeline’s • P9 1052 East Church Street Suite 1, Jasper 706-253-1052 Madelinecafebakery.com + ◗ SERVICES + ◗ SHOPPING
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Advertiser Directory R E A L
E S TAT E
BIG CANOE REALTY Big Canoe, Jasper 706-268-3333 706-268-2349 bigcanoe.com
Vann Custom Homes 88 North Gate Station, Suite 101, Marble Hill 770-853-6084 vanncustomhomes.com + ◗ BUILDERS
SATTERWHITE LOG HOMES • P18 14378 Hwy. 515 North, Ellijay • 800-918-6881 Slh.net + ◗ BUILDERS
S E R V I C E S Barkley Financial Group • P36 P.O. Box 1631, Jasper 770-893-4570 Barkleyfinancialgroup. com
Barkley
P.O. Box 1631 Jasper, GA 30143
FINANCIAL GROUP
Tax Preparation Financial Planning Insurance Consulting 770-893-4570 • Barkleyfinancialgroup.com
Jim Barkley • Jim.Barkley1209@gmail.com
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S H O P P I N G n ADVENTURE, ANTIQUES, GALLERY & MISC. SHOPPING
Better Hometown Ellijay • P15 197 North Main Street, Ellijay 706-635-4711 x 5 • www.Ellijay-ga.gov n ADVENTURE
Cartecay River Trading Co. 42 N. Main St., Ellijay 706.635.2783 cartecayrivertrading company.com
Cartecay River Bicycle Shop 123 North Main St., Ellijay 404-909-9303 cartecaybikes.com
+ ◗ SERVICES 36
Advertiser Directory S H O P P I N G & Inspirational Unique Furnishings. Custom Window Valences and Lampshades. Interior Design Service too! Highway 53, Tate, GA
770-894-7094 55 Boone’s Art and Antiques North Square, Ellijay 706-669-4415 facebook.com/Boones ArtAndAntiques
n ADVENTURE continued
North Georgia Mountain Outfitters • P11 583 Highland Crossing, Suite 230, East Ellijay 706-698-4453 hikenorthgeorgia.com
Hiawassee Antique Mall • P32 460 North Main Street, Hiawassee • 706-896-0587
+ ◗ SERVICES
Young Harris Watersports • P32 2683 Highway 76, Suite A Hiawassee • 706-896-0834 yhwatersports.com
Hiawasseeantiquemall.com
Junktiques •P7 23 Mary Street, Jasper 706-253-2295
+ ◗ SERVICES
Main Street Antiques 66 North Main St., Ellijay 706-635-8567
n ANTIQUES
Antique Show • P17 5 Southside Square, Ellijay • 706-698-7469
Misty Hollow Antiques 34 N. Main St., Ellijay 706-276-1644
Antiques & Treasures • P7 1227-B East Church Street, Jasper • 706-253-7467
Nana’s Outback • P7 12 Summit Dr.,Jasper 706-253-6214
Black Bear Antiques • P17 240-B Old Orchard Square, Ellijay • 706-635-2327 shopblackbear.com
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The Rusty Rooster 310 Gilmer Ferry Road, Hwy 372 / Main Street Ball Ground • 404-789-8719 facebook.com/TheRusty RoosterTheGreenHen
continued
Advertiser Directory S H O P P I N G n ANTIQUES continued
n MISC. SHOPPING
SHOFAR DESIGNS • P37 Highway 53, Tate 770-894-7094
The Christmas House/Interiors 98 River Street, Ellijay 706-276-7000 interiorsofEllijay.com
+ ◗ SERVICES
Weeks Jewelry • P7 57 Main Street, Jasper 706-253-9211
+ ◗ SERVICES
Daisy Boutique • P9 140 Mark Whitfield St., #E, Jasper • 706-253-6996 daisyboutique.com
n GALLERIES
Artsmith Pottery Studio 120 South Main Street, Jasper • 770-595-1977
JASPER DRUGS & GIFTS One North Main St., Jasper 706-692-6427 jasperdrugs.com
Sundance Gallery 4397 Town Creek School Road, Blairsville 706-781-3938 Sundancegallerygifts.com
+ ◗ SERVICES
Jumping Mouse Beads 52 N. Main St., Ellijay 706-276-1215 jumpingmousebeads.com
VAN GOGHS HIDEAWAY 14 Mark Whitfield St., Jasper • 404-580-5013
Lady Sibylla 723 A Main Street, Blue Ridge 706-946-0022
+ ◗ ATTRACTIONS
Lakota Cove • P8 230 Old Mill White Road Extension, Jasper 770-893-3495 LakotaCove.com
Whistletree Pottery 10 N. Main St., Ellijay 706-698-1223 facebook.com/pages/ Whistle-Tree-PotteryCompany/43357290652
+ ◗ ATTRACTIONS + ◗ SERVICES
Mountain Ridge Garden Shop 746 River Street, Ellijay 706-698-2815
Wildcat On A Wing •P6 10061 Ball Ground Highway, Ball Ground 770-735-6923 wildcatonawing.com
mountainridgegardenshop.com
North Star Emporium 10 Northside Square, Ellijay • 706-697-7827 northstaremporium.com 38
Advertiser Directory S H O P P I N G n MISC. SHOPPING continued
The Tobacco Depot • P25 281B Young Harris Street Blairsville • 706-781-1911 Thetobaccodepot.com
The Wine Shoppe • P30 305 Murphy Hwy., Blairsville 706-745-9463
V isitor ’ s C enters Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce 129 Union County Recreation Road, Blairsville, GA 706-745-5789 • www.visitblairsvillega.com Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center 152 Orvin lance Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 706-632-5680 • www.blueridgemountains.com Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center 696 First Avenue, Ellijay, GA 706-635-7400 • www.gilmerchamber.com Pickens County Chamber of Commerce 500 Stegall Drive, Jasper, GA 706-635-7400 • www.gilmerchamber.com Towns County Chamber of Commerce 1411 Jack Dayton Circle, Hiawassee, GA 800-984-1543 • www.mountaintopga.com
ELLIJAY marketplace
518 River Street Ellijay, Georgia
CONSIGNMENT WAREHOUSE 9,000+ Sq. Ft. (Closed Wed) Antiques, Boutique and more!
706.847.4531
AUCTIONS
Compe lore! x and E
WEEKEND FLEA MARKET
Mondays, 6:30 Fun, Great Food, Bargains!
Fri, Sat & Sun, Open at 9 am Fun, Arts & Crafts, Great Deals! 12 www. ellijaymarketplace.com 706.847.4531 ©2012 MOUNTAIN LINK PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CALL 678-654-2324 FOR MORE INFORMATION. REPRODUCTION WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED BY COPYRIGHT LAW. EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF ALL INFORMATION PRESENTED. MOUNTAIN LINK DOES NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ERRORS CHANGES AND/OR OMISSIONS. 39
For Serenity Adventure
&
Visit Blairsville & The Ellijays Blairsville-Union County
Visit rushing waterfalls. Hike the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy a family outing at Vogel State Park. Relax on serene Lake Nottely. A world of outdoor adventure awaits in Blairsville-Union County.
877-745-5789 VisitBlairsvilleGA.com
Gilmer County
Explore The Ellijays – Georgia’s Apple Capital, where our apples are as crisp as the cool, fresh mountain air.
706-635-7400 gilmerchamber.com
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