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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
the mountain
Explore the mountains of Northeast Georgia
Fall/Winter 2015
TOP Spots
to play outdoors in Northeast Georgia
Where to... hike, bike, camp, shop, eat, stay
themountaintraveler.com The Clayton Tribune • The Dahlonega Nugget Dawson News & Advertiser The Northeast Georgian • White County News
8 BRANDS 1 LOCATION 5 MINUTES NORTH OF JAEMOR FARMS
Hwy 365 in Baldwin 1-866-262-7407
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Our aim is for renewal: of the child’s individual purpose and identity; of positive relationships among family members; and of hope for a more promising future for everyone we serve.
EagleRanch.org P.O.Box 7200 Chestnut Mountain Georgia 30502 p: 770.967.8500 f: 770.967.3757 FMT2015-183120
Working with the child and family members, our program uses an integrated approach that models homelife, emphasizes education, incorporates individual, group and family counseling, and is built on Christian principles.
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Table of Contents
Photo/Mark Callender
Regional Reach
Festivals and events............................................................6-8 Guide to area hiking...........................................................9-10 Unwinding with a mountain wine...................................48-50 Regional Map...................................................................68-69 Rocks of Ages....................................................................... 81 Guide to area waterfalls..............................................100-102 Index of Advertisers.....................................................109-110
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Destination Habersham County
Taste of Clarkesville......................................................12 Trick-or-Treat on the Clarkesville Square.................... 16 Big Red Apple Festival................................................ 20 Cheers to Christmas.................................................... 24 Inaugural Twin Rivers Challenge................................ 28
31
Destination White County
53
Destination Lumpkin County
71
Destination Dawson County
83
Destination Rabun County
Oktoberfest celebrates 45 years................................. 32 Get on the wine bus.................................................... 38 Fall is apple time in Northeast Georgia...................... 44
Mind the gap............................................................... 54 Geocache the hills of Dahlonega................................ 58 Where the rubber meets the road.............................. 62 Dig into Dahlonega’s Gold Rush history..................... 66
Trout populate Dawson’s waterways......................... 72 Mystery hints at War Hill Park.................................... 74 Art center thrives in historic space............................. 76 Families find fun at Burt’s Pumpkin Farm.................... 78
Fall festivals abound in Rabun ................................... 84 Looking over Rabun County........................................ 86 Rabun is Farm to Table Capital .................................. 90 On the hunt in Rabun.................................................. 96
103
Destination Hall County
Elachee:..................................................................... 104 Northeast Georgia History Center............................ 106
The Mountain Traveler is owned by Community Newspapers Inc., Athens, Ga. Community Newspapers retains the rights to all materials and photographs used in this publication. Copyright 2015.
About the cover: Peter McIntosh captured the splendor of fall in Rabun County with this view of Persimmon Valley. Mother Nature paints Northeast Georgia in vibrant colors as summer yields to the cooler temperatures of fall.
We’re glad you’re here
T
There is nothing like cool morning breezes after a blistering Georgia summer. Our high blue skies and gurgling mountain streams do help ease us through the hot months, but then here comes autumn. Folks, this is my favorite time of the year. Our green leaves magnificently transform into brilliant, almost magical, colors this time of year. And it is definitely when Northeast Georgia shines her brightest. Autumn is a time when you can put on that favorite longsleeved shirt and feel good about it. And fireplaces begin burning stacks of oak and hickory, which Alan NeSmith crackle, warm and soothe our souls. Welcome to Northeast Georgia, a charming place where people look you in the eye, ask how you’re doing and mean it. This publication is the combined effort of five community newspapers in this area. No one knows the pulse of these communities better than the reporters and editors who serve the residents. You’re digging into a guide for residents and visitors alike, while getting the inside scoop. The Mountain Traveler features interesting facts about the area, short stories, a map to meet the traveler’s needs and a calendar of events. And please pay close attention to the advertisements promoting our shops, fine restaurants and businesses. Many minds and hands contributed to this product. Please enjoy the efforts of all our writers, photographers and graphic artists who contributed.
Alan NeSmith Regional Publisher
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Trick or Treating on Dahlonega Square Photo/Mark Callender
Festivals and Events Sept. 25-Dec. 31 Ongoing • Saturdays through November — Simply Homegrown: A Farmers Market. Covered Bridge Shopping Center off U.S. Highway 441, 8 a.m.-noon, Clayton. Details: simplyhomegrown.org. • Third Fridays all year. Dawsonville Cruise-In car show around the square downtown, 5-8 p.m. • Tour the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and see Bill Elliott’s race cars and a movie on the history of racing in Georgia. Downtown Dawsonville. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday–Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sundays. Watch NASCAR races on the big screen during racing season. • Clarkesville Farmer’s Market. 9 a.m.noon Saturdays, May-Oct. 31, Old Clarkesville Mill, 583 Grant St. Stop by for a taste of fresh, organic, locallygrown produce and handmade items. Details: 706-754-2220. • Tallulah Falls Opry. Bluegrass jam in downtown Tallulah Falls, every Saturday night, April–Oct. 31.
Sept. 25-Nov. 1
• 45th annual Oktoberfest. German music, food, drinks and dancing.
Festhalle in Helen. Details: helenchamber.com.
Sept. 26
• Agri-Fest Country Market Festival & Pottery Comes to Town. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Freedom Park, Cleveland. • Outdoor Adventure Day. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Unicoi State Park near Helen. Learn how to fish, hunt, camp, etc. Details: 706-878-4738. • Sixth annual Experience A Taste of Clarkesville, noon-3 p.m., Downtown Clarkesville Square. Enjoy tastes from dozens of city’s favorite restaurants, local wineries and nearby breweries. Details: tasteofclarkesville.com or 706-754-2220.
Sept. 26-27
• Six Gap Century/Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride. Challenging mountain climbs and spectacular scenery over a 104-mile or 58-mile course is a favorite event for cyclists of all kinds. For those who want to stick closer to the Dahlonega Public Square there’s the spoke-spinning action of the downtown criterium.
Oct. 3
• 21st Annual Foxfire Mountaineer Festival. 10 a.m. until. Old-fashioned
fun, food, crafts and music. Rascal Race (soapbox derby), street dance. Behind Rabun County Civic Center and Clayton Municipal Complex. Details: foxfire.org. • Barker’s Creek Grist Mill. 1-4 p.m. at Hambidge Center, Bettys Creek Road, Rabun Gap. Details: hambidge.org. • 10th annual Sautee Jamboree. 4-10 p.m., Sautee Nacoochee Center. Outdoor music festival. Details: 706878-3300.
Oct. 10
• Great ARTdoors Festival at Hambidge Center. Bettys Creek Road, Rabun Gap. Full access is granted to the 600acre artist sanctuary, with hiking trails, waterfalls, food, music and entertainment. Details: hambidge.org. • Wayne Dutton Livestock. Rabun Arena. Details: rabunarena.com. • Annual Big Red Apple Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., downtown Cornelia. Come for festival fare, arts and crafts, beer and wine garden, activities, pony rides, a bounce house, hay rides to the historic Chenocetah Tower and more. Details: explorecornelia.com. • Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, 10 a.m.
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
from First Presbyterian Church, 469 N. Main St., Cornelia. Day-of registration: 9-9:30 a.m.; activities: 9:30-10 a.m. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes asks men to literally walk one mile in women’s high-heeled shoes in an effort to raise awareness of and stop domestic violence. While men are encouraged to walk, women, children and pets are welcome to join. Details: gacircleofhope. org. • Fall Celebration at Hardman Farm. Noon-4 p.m., Sautee Nacoochee. Traditional pioneer crafts, music, exhibits. Details: 706878-3087.
October 24 15th Annual Batesville Fall Festival. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., arts, crafts, music, food. Highway 197 at Memory Lane. Details: 706-947-0848.
Oct. 24-25
• 48th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival, Dawsonville, 9 a.m. Saturday,
• Trick-or-Treat on the Clarkesville Square. 5-7 p.m. Come dressed in your best Halloween costumes for candy and fun, put on by Clarkesville Main Street and the Clarkesville Business & Community Association, compliments of Clarkesville businesses. Details: clarkesvillega.com.
Nov. 1-3 • HemlockFest. Three-day fest of music, camping and all around good-natured tree hugging as the event raises funds to save the local Hemlock. Details: hemlockfest.org/ blog/.
Oct. 17
• Nature Hikes at Hambidge Center. Bettys Creek Road, Rabun Gap. Meet at Weave Shed Gallery at 10 a.m. $5 suggested donation. Details: hambidge.org. • Sky Valley FallFest. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Sky Valley. Crafts, food, music, rides to waterfall and Hay Bale Trail. Details: skyvalleyga.com. • 2015 Art-Oberfest. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Helen Arts & Heritage Center. Artists’ booths, attic treasures sale. Details: 706-878-3933.
Oct. 17-18
• Gold Rush Days. Dahlonega’s oldest and biggest festival features everything from bands to a best beard contest to booths as far the eye can see. Make sure you stay for the parade and the wrist-wrestling contest. Details: dahlonegajaycees.com/goldrush/.
Oct. 23-24
• Hillbilly Hog BBQ Throwdown & Fall Leaf Festival. Friday evening and all day Saturday, BabyLand General Hospital, Cleveland. Barbecue cooking contest, entertainment and more.
Oct. 24
• Soque River Ramble. Ninth Annual Soque 6K run/walk along a scenic route in Batesville to benefit the Batesville Community Association and the Soque River Watershed Association. Details: soqueriverramble. com. • Third Annual Clarkesville Kiwanis Zombie Run. Old Clarkesville Mill, Clarkesville. Runners will have to dodge zombies throughout the course in an effort to keep all of their survival flags. Details: clarkesvillekiwanis@gmail.com.
Nov. 5-7
• Cirque Performance at Rabun GapNacoochee School. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Rearden Theater. Details: rabungap. org.
Dawsonville Moonshine Festival. Photo/Mark Callender authentic moonshine running cars, vendors, live music around the square downtown. Car show, cruise-in and swap meet. Vintage car “moonshine run” Friday, 10 a.m. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Benefits KARE for Kids Inc. • Southern Mountain Arts Experience. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Enjoy art, food, music, pottery and wine at the Currahee Vineyard & Wineryhosted event on Cawthon Road at state Route 17, Toccoa. Details: Find event on Facebook or visit online southernmountainar.wix.com/ southernmountainarts.
Oct. 31
• Halloween Hay Day. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Clayton Municipal Complex. Details: downtownclaytonga.org. • Trunk or Treat. 5:30 p.m., Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls. • Twin Rivers Challenge. Fall cycling benefit for Tallulah Falls School. 115K, 72K and 37K routes, 9 a.m., starts and ends at Tallulah Falls School. Details: active.com, tallulahfalls.org, or 706839-2024. • Trick-or-Treat on the Square. Pintsized ghosts, goblins and Pokemons haunt Dahlonega’s Public Square as the downtown merchants treat children 12-years-old and younger to oodles of Halloween goodies.
Nov. 7
• Georgia Sky to Summit 50K. 6-10 a.m. Starts and finishes in Sky Valley, the highest city in Georgia. This is a qualifier for the Georgia Death Race. Details: runbumtours.com/#!georgia-sky-tosummit/c1log. • Whitewater Watching at Tallulah Gorge State Park. Hike down to Bridal Veil Falls to watch whitewater paddlers on the Tallulah River. $15 plus $5 parking. Details: 706-754-7981. • Barker’s Creek Grist Mill. 1-4 p.m. at Hambidge Center, Bettys Creek Road, Rabun Gap. Details: hambidge.org. • Folk Life Festival. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Unicoi State Park, Helen. Traditional Appalachian crafts, demonstrations. Details: 706-878-2201.
Nov. 14
• Second Saturday Artist Talks at Hambidge Center. Bettys Creek Road, Rabun Gap. Meet the artists in-residence beginning 7 p.m. at Lucinda’s Rock House. Details: hambidge.org. • Wayne Dutton Livestock. Rabun Arena. Details: rabunarena.com. • Lake Russell 5K & Fun Run, 8 a.m., Lake Russell Recreation Area in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, 304 Lake Russell Road, Mt. Airy. A portion of all proceeds will go toward ongoing construction of Habersham County Veterans Wall of Honor, Cornelia. Find the event on
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Facebook for more details. • Times and Places of the Cherokee People. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen. Celebrating Native American Heritage Month. Details: 706878-3087.
Nov. 14-15
• Civil War Expo. Helen Riverside Park. Historical re-enactments and demonstrations. Details: aplatt0021@ aol.com.
enjoy Christmas music and have a snack at the park. If you have a camera, you may take your own photos with Santa. Admission: $5 parking fee. Details: 706-754-7981. • Annual Christmas in the Mountains Festival and lighted parade. Downtown Cleveland. Holiday activities, 3-8 p.m.; parade, 7 p.m. Details: 706-8655356.
Dec. 11-13
• Sautee Nacoochee Community • Nature Hikes at Old Fashioned Christmas. Step back in time when you visit Dahlonega. Chorale Holiday Hambidge Center. Photo/Mark Callender Concert. Sautee Bettys Creek Road, Nacoochee Center. Rabun Gap. Meet 8 p.m. Fridayexplorecornelia.org. at Weave Shed Gallery at 10 a.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Details: 706$5 suggested donation. Details: Nov. 27-28 878-3300. hambidge.org. • Holiday Shopping Extravaganza & Dec. 12 Festival of Trees. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Rabun • Whitewater Watching at Tallulah • A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas. County Civic Center, Clayton. Proceeds Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls. Hike 6-8 p.m., downtown Clarkesville. benefit Rabun County Special down to Bridal Veil Falls to watch Details: clarkesvillega.com. Olympics. Details: Margaret Dunn, whitewater paddlers on the Tallulah 706-982-9432. • Helen Christmas Parade. 2 p.m. River. $15 plus $5 parking. Details: 706Details: 706-878-2181. 754-7981. Last week of November–Dec. 31 • Appalachian Christmas & Pancake Dec. 31 • Old Fashioned Christmas. Step back Breakfast with Santa. BabyLand • First Night New Years. You’ve heard in time when you visit Dahlonega General Hospital, Cleveland. Details: of the Apple Drop. Get ready for the during Christmas, from the decorated 706-865-2171. Nugget Drop. The North Georgia shop windows to the thousands of Interfaith Ministries fundraiser offers lights twinkling on the downtown Nov. 26 all kinds of entertainment on the way square and the old fashioned • Clayton Cluckers Turkey Trot 5K. to the big countdown in the middle of Christmas Parade. On weekends, 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race. the square. Santa himself even parks his sleigh on Thanksgiving morning race to benefit the square. Details: dahlonegadda.org. food pantry, costumes encouraged. • Dropping of the Edelweiss. New Details: fromageclayton@yahoo.com. Year’s Eve celebration in Helen. Dec. 4-6 Details: 706-878-1908. • Triple Peak Challenge, 5K at 6 Nov. 27 p.m. Dec. 4, 10K 8 a.m. Dec. 5, halfTBD • Walk off the Turkey. 10:30 a.m., marathon 7:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at River • The Ainsley Paige Higgins’ Dare To Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Vista RV Park, Dillard. Proceeds Hope Foundation-sponsored Trunk Falls. Guided hike through the gorge benefit Paws 4 Life. Details: or Treat, designed to provide specialfloor. $5 plus $5 parking. Details: 706rivervistahalfmarathon.com. needs children in Habersham County 754-7981. a positive Halloween trick-or-treating Dec. 5 • Christmas in Downtown Clayton. experience. The second annual event • Barker’s Creek Grist Mill. 1-4 p.m. at 5-8 p.m. Visit Santa Claus, Main will be held at 5 p.m., Habersham Hambidge Center, Bettys Creek Road, Street stores decorated for Christmas. Central High School parking lot. Come Rabun Gap. Details: hambidge.org. Luminaries, refreshments, strolling for treats, tricks, reptiles and a tour of musicians and carolers. Details: • Battle for Black Rock Run. 6 a.m.-4 a fire engine. downtownclaytonga.org. p.m. at Black Rock Mountain State • Demorest Christmas Tree Lighting, 7 Park, Clayton. 12-mile and 36-mile • Annual Lighting of the Village. 6 p.m., p.m., downtown Demorest. Gather at runs. Details: runbumtours.com. downtown Helen. Details: 706-878-2181. the pavilion for Christmas carolers, a • Rabun County Christmas Parade. 5 Nov. 26-Jan. 1 live Nativity, lighting of the Christmas p.m. downtown Clayton. Details: 706• Christmas in the Park, Cornelia. tree, hot cocoa and cookies. A visit 782-4812. Drive through Cornelia City Park for from Santa Claus himself closes the • Habersham County Christmas a spectacular light display. Open daily evening on a jolly note. Parade. Countywide parade, 10 a.m., from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s • Tallulah Falls Christmas Celebration. downtown Cornelia. Day, from dusk until 11 p.m. Special Potluck dinner, 6 p.m., 255 Main St., a events, such as ice skating and visits • Christmas at the Gorge. 1-3 p.m. visit from Santa Claus, caroling around from Santa Claus, planned in the Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah the bonfire, hayrides and lighting of park throughout the season. Details: Falls. Come see Santa, make crafts, the floating Christmas tree, 7 p.m. ■
Nov. 21
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Hikers head toward Unicoi Gap on the Appalachian Trail near the Towns-White county line. Photo/Billy Chism, White County News
Northeast Georgia hiking options abound
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Public access hiking trails are plentiful in Dawson, Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun and White counties in Northeast Georgia. The following is a county-by-county listing with directions provided.
Dawson County Inside Amicalola State Park Amicalola Falls East Ridge Trail. This is a steady, strenuous climb to the top of Amicalola Falls; Amicalola Falls Trail. This is a steep, staired descent along the face of the waterfall to the reflecting pool, with a return to the visitors center along the base of falls trail. Depending on how you’re feeling, you can start at the top of the stairs and work your way down, or start at the base and go up. Either way, the views of Amicalola Falls are spectacular; Amicalola Falls West Ridge Trail. Explore the western ridge of Amicalola Falls on this shaded, quiet trail that crosses a small bridge and winds its way along a foot path to the visitors’ center; Southern Terminus Approach Trail to the Appalachian Trail. The southern terminus access trail begins behind the Amicalola Falls Visitors Center, climbs to the top of Amicalola Falls, crosses the road to the lodge and then climbs through
the Amicalola watershed to Springer Mountain.
State Route 53, west of downtown Dawsonville Amicalola River Trail. Hike to the “Edge of the World” rapids, then up to explore the 10,000-acre Dawson Forest Wildlife Management area. This is a user fee area and requires a Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass. Call 1-800-366-2661 or go online to georgiawildlife.com/recreational-licenses in advance of your visit. Cost: $3.50 for a three-day individual pass or $19 annual.
Off Steve Tate Highway Wildcat Campground Trail. This features primitive campsites with no facilities and a flat, easy hike along Amicalola Creek. About one hour in, the terrain changes and a steep climb leads to Falls Creek Falls. Round-trip: approximately six hours. There is a wide water crossing with a hand rope for safety. Also, several steep rock climbs along the path.
Habersham County Broad River Trail. Take state Route 365 north from Cornelia. Take the Toccoa/Lavonia fork and stay on SR 365 for 1-1/2 miles. Turn right onto Rock Road. Drive 0.7 mile and turn left onto Dicks Hill Parkway. Travel
another 2.4 miles and turn left on Forest Service Road 87. Go 3 miles to reach the trailhead at Dicks Creek; Coleman River Trail. Take state Route 76 from Clayton for 8 miles. Turn right heading north on Persimmon Road (unnumbered) and drive 4 miles. Turn left heading northwest on Forest Service Road 70 and proceed 1.25 miles. The trailhead will be on your right; Lady Slipper Trail. Take U.S. Highway 441 (state Route 365) north from Cornelia to the first Clarkesville exit onto SR 197. From the exit, turn right onto SR 197. After reaching the second stop sign, turn right onto Dicks Hill Parkway. Travel 0.8 mile and turn left onto Lake Russell Road. Turn left toward Nancytown Lake and follow the signs to the parking area. The trailhead is located 0.2 mile behind the gate at a paved road; Lake Russell Trail. Take U.S. Highway 441 (state Route 365) north from Cornelia and exit at SR 197 toward Clarkesville. From the exit, turn right onto SR 197. At the second stop sign, turn left onto Lake Russell Road. Turn left toward Nancytown Lake and follow the signs for parking. The trailhead begins at the dam; Minnehaha Trail. Take U.S. Highway 441 north from Tallulah Falls for 3 miles to the Rabun Beach ▶
10 Recreation Area sign. Turn left on an unnumbered county road and follow the signs to the recreation area. Continue west for one mile past the recreation area before turning left onto Flat Creek Road across the river below Seed Lake Dam. Follow the left fork of the road for 1.7 miles until you reach a sign marking the trail on the right side of the road; Panther Creek Trailhead. Take U.S. Highway 441 north from Cornelia and stay on the main road for 16 miles. From the highway, turn left onto Glen Hardman Road, then right onto Old Historic Highway 441 for one mile to the parking area; Sourwood Trail. Take U.S. Highway 441/state Route 365 north from Cornelia to the Clarkesville exit at SR 197. Turn right onto SR 197. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Dicks Hill Parkway. Go 0.8 mile and turn left onto Lake Russell Road. Go two miles and turn left to Nancytown Lake. Follow the signs to the parking area. The trailhead begins at the dam; Tallulah Gorge Loop Trail. Hike into the 600-foot gorge. Kayaking and in-gorge hiking allowed with permit; Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap. Hike from Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway to state Route 75.
Lumpkin County The Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail, the grandaddy trail of them all, stretches more than 2,000 miles from Springer Mountain to Maine. It has several nearby access points including Woody Gap off state Route 60. Lake Zwerner Trail (Dahlonega Reservoir). From Dahlonega’s public square, take East Main Street to the Morrison Moore Parkway intersection and turn left. Dockery Lake Trail. From Dahlonega’s public square take East Main Street to the Morrison Moore Parkway intersection and turn left. Remain on that road until Stonepile Gap. At the fork in the road at the pile of stones, take state Route 60 straight ahead. The sign for Dockery Lake Recreation Area will be on the right side of SR 60; Yahoola Creek Park. From Dahlonega’s public square take East
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Main Street, then take a right on Memorial Drive. Go two blocks and turn right on Morrison Moore Parkway. Take the first left onto Mechanicsville Street.
Rabun County Bartram Trail. This 37-mile trail extends across the peak of Rabun Bald to the Chattooga River. Parts of the hike are steep and include strenuous water crossings. Coleman River Trail. With prime fishing access, this 1-mile trail begins about 150 yards north of the Tallulah River campground at the Coleman River bridge.
Minnehaha Trail. This 0.4-mile trail follows Fall Branch to Minnehaha Falls. Angel Falls Trail. A 1.6-mile hike that passes by Panther Falls to a lookout below Angel Falls. Hemlock Trail. Begins at Moccasin Creek State Park and follows an old railroad bed for about 1 mile. The hike, which offers good fishing access, ends at Hemlock Falls. Warwoman Dell Nature Trail. This is 0.4-mile loop begins at the end of Warwoman Dell picnic area. The hike offers views of a waterfall and wildflowers. Rabun Bald Trail. A 2.9-mile trail leading to the summit of Rabun Bald, which is Georgia’s second-highest peak. The hike up the mountain is steep. Willis Knob. This 15-mile hiking and horseback riding trail features rugged terrain and views of the Chattooga River. Chattooga River Trail. A 10.7-mile
hike beginning where state Route 76 East crosses the Chattooga River at the Georgia-South Carolina border.
White County Appalachian Trail. You can access the Appalachian Trail in several points in White County. The trails runs along part of the county’s northern border. Two access points with parking is Hog Pen Gap on
Richard Russell Scenic Highway and Unicoi Gap on Ga. Route 75.
Raven Cliffs Trail. This much-loved trail parallels a rushing creek the entire way. The 5-mile hike is relatively easy until the final climb up to the falls, which are hidden between two cliffs. But watch your step along the stream; injuries are common. The trailhead is located off Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway, 2.8 miles from Ga. Alternate 75. Dukes Creek Trail. This 2-mile hike is ideal at any time of year. Dukes Creek Trail starts out paved, descends down a tree-lined dirt path as wide as a road, then narrows to switchbacks before reaching the creek. From the observation platform, you’ll see impressive waterfalls from Davis and Dodd creeks, which intersect to form Dukes Creek. The trailhead is off Richard B. Russell, a half-mile east of the Raven Cliffs trailhead. Yonah Mountain Trail. You haven’t truly experienced White County until you’ve scaled its most distinctive summit, 3,166-foot Yonah Mountain. The 5-mile hike is a bit strenuous, but you’ll be rewarded with dazzling views. You may also see technical climbers ascending the granite rock face. But if you’re not roped up, stay away from the cliff’s edge. To get to the trailhead, turn off Ga. 75 North onto Tom Bell Road, then turn on Chambers Road. Unicoi Lake Trail. This 2.5-mile loop trail is the perfect family hike at any time of the year,and it’s especially enjoyable when the leaves change color. You’ll stroll through peaceful forests, cross a beach, and stop at several fishing platforms on the 53acre lake. The trailhead is on Ga. 356 north of Helen, near the Unicoi State Park entrance. ■
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Destination
Habersham County Find out more RabunTaste worships on water 40 of Clarkesville 12 Mountain Trick orbiking Treat 44 16 Rabun vineyards Big Red Apple Festival 48 20 a hike 50 Cheers toTake Christmas 24 Twin Rivers Challenge 28
In this photo... Tallulah Gorge State Park offers waterfalls and breathtaking scenery to visitors. Photo/File
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Visitors to the city of Clarkesville’s annual A Taste of Clarkesville event sample salsa provided by Abby J, owner and creator of Abby J’s Blackhawk Farm-to-Table salsas. Abby J is one of several vendors in and around Clarkesville that offer tastes of their most prized recipes at the event. Photo/Kimberly Brown,The Northeast Georgian
Taste of Clarkesville
Six years of culinary excellence
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What better way to discover a town than to taste food from its locallyowned restaurants and shop in its shops? The sixth annual A Taste of Clarkesville, noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, is just such an opportunity. A Taste of Clarkesville is a fund-
By Kimberly Brown/The Northeast Georgian
raiser for the Clarkesville Business and Community Association (CBCA), but it’s much more than that, said CBCA Treasurer Sherry Callahan. “It has always been about promoting local businesses, focusing on the eateries, and pulling in wineries as a complement to the excellent food people get,” Callahan said.
Since its launch, A Taste of Clarkesville has “mushroomed into this awesome event for the community, and one that benefits a lot of the downtown businesses, food related or not,” she said. Jeff Morris, chef at The Copper Pot, helped design A Taste of Clarkesville, calling upon his previous experience ▶
WORTH THE DRIVE TO HOMER! Rafters adjust mid-rapid to keep their vessel upright on the Chattooga River. Rafters come from across the county to shoot the legendary rapids. Photo/Submitted
David & Katie’s Amish Food, Spice and Grocery Store
• Premium GrillinG meat • Black anGus riBeyes • new york striPs • Fresh sausaGe ❖◆❖◆❖◆❖◆❖◆❖◆❖◆
12” suBs
$5 every Day 00
chips & Pickle included Enjoy your lunch on our enclosed porch ❖◆❖◆❖◆❖◆❖◆❖◆❖◆
kiDs ice cream
$100 everyDay Cone or Cup
Vendors selling culinary-grade cooking tools, such as topof-the-line knife sets, also have a presence at the city of Clarkesville’s annual A Taste of Clarkesville event. Photo/ Kimberly Brown, The Northeast Georgian
092214-106357
The unspoken theme of the annual A Taste of Clarkesville is “Eat, drink and be merry.” Photo/Kimberly Brown, The Northeast Georgian
969 Historic Homer Hwy., Homer, GA 30547
706-677-3646 Cell: 706-654-6370
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Students from The Little School in Clarkesville are always regular participants of the city’s annual A Taste of Clarkesville event, manning a lemonade stand as a popular school fundraiser. Photo/Kimberly Brown, The Northeast Georgian
The city of Clarkesville’s A Taste of Clarkesville also attracts a younger crowd. Shown, a young girl samples a sweet provided by Midtown Grill, located near the downtown square. Photo/ Kimberly Brown, The Northeast Georgian
with taste events in metro-Atlanta, which “really made a difference,” Callahan said. “We were head and shoulders above other first-year events when we started.” Morris is passionate about the way A Taste of Clarkesville brings together local restaurants, visitors and residents. For restaurants, he said, “It’s straight-up exposure. It makes all the difference in the world to look somebody in the eyes, shake their hand, let them taste your food, talk about your business … there’s a deeper, more intimate connection with that than you’ll get in print or social media.” And, he said, “Taste is a really great catalyst” for residents and visitors discovering Clarkesville restaurants. But the bottom line is, it’s a fun fall festival for people who love food, Callahan said. “People like being out in the sunshine, supporting local businesses, chatting, visiting and enjoying the music,” she said. This year, there will be at least 21 food vendors, five wineries and about 10 food-related vendors represented. There is no charge to enter the venue; taste tickets cost $1 each. ID is required to purchase wine or beer. For more information, visit tasteofclarkesville.com. ■
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Trick-or-Treat on the Clarkesville Square
a sweet steal
Dozens of Clarkesville business owners and employees participate in Trick-or-Treat on the Clarkesville Square, which attracts annually hundreds, if not thousands, of costumed children, teens and adults from Habersham and surrounding counties. Photo/Christina Santee, The Northeast Georgian
By Christina Santee/The Northeast Georgian
N
No, it’s no trick. The Clarkesville Business & Community Association (CBCA), partnered with the Clarkesville Main Street program, will again host Trick-or-Treat on the Clarkesville Square come Halloween night. Main Street Manager Mary Beth Horton said the event has remained a community favorite for the last 20 years, and continues to be a sweet treat for all parties involved. Horton said around 50 Clarkesville business owners and employees participate in the kid-focused affair, which attracts annually hundreds, if not thousands, of costumed and candy-hungry witches, zombies, heroes and mythical creatures, among other fictitious characters.
“A lot of the business owners get into it and they dress up themselves,” she said. “Businesses spend hundreds of dollars on candy to give out.” Horton said candy will be handed out to trick-or-treaters from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at businesses on and near Washington Street. “And this year it (Halloween) falls on a Saturday, so that makes it a little more fun because people can go out and eat afterward,” she said, not having to rush home on a school night. Horton said she believes the event gains popularity every year because of what it offers both children and their parents. “It’s become where everybody
knows Clarkesville hosts trick-ortreating Halloween night,” she said. “It’s become so popular and become such a big event now because people feel safer,” rather than children going door to door in neighborhoods. “This is a much safer environment and parents feel like their kids are protected, but still get the full benefits of a trick-or-treat experience.” Although the square is not shut down during the event, Horton confirmed law enforcement personnel with the Clarkesville Police Department and Habersham County Sheriff’s Office assist with traffic control and ensure trick-or-treaters are able to cross roadways safely. For more information, visit clarkesvillega.com. ■
17
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
The city of Clarkesville’s annual trick-or-treat event on the downtown square is not only a treat for younger children, but a sweet time for teens and adults. Photo/Christina Santee, The Northeast Georgian
Even trick-or-treaters who aren’t of walking age reap the sweet benefits from the annual Trick-orTreat on the Clarkesville Square. Photo/Christina Santee, The Northeast Georgian
Oct. 17
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Big Red Apple Festival a fall highlight By Donald Fraser/The Northeast Georgian
Jaycee Silva, 3, of Clarkesville, paints a pumpkin with mother, Jennifer Silva, during the 27th annual Big Red Apple Festival Saturday in downtown Cornelia. Jaycee Silva was one of many children who honed her artistic abilities using a pumpkin. Photo/Christina Santee, The Northeast Georgian
W
What’s big and red and fun all over? The easy answer to this not-sodifficult puzzle is the 28th annual Big Red Apple Festival, set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in downtown Cornelia. The fourth annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” an awareness event to help raise the profile of the problem of domestic violence, kicks off the festival. Last year over 100 adults participated, either as wobbly walkers in high heels or those encouraging
them along the mile-long stroll. The festival includes its annual Key Club Apple Festival Car Show, featuring antique cars. Hayrides are being offered to the historic Chenocetah Tower, offering a spectacular view of Lake Russell and the nearby area. Fun activities for kids of all ages include pumpkin painting and an airbrush tattoo artist. The Kid Zone will help use up energy from the younger set. There will be live entertainment and music at the historic Cornelia
Depot, tons of tasty festival concessions, including corn dogs, barbecue and cotton candy. Plan on visiting booths featuring local artisans and their wares. Local shops and restaurants will also be open. “Obviously, it’s our marquee event,” said Donald Anderson, Cornelia city manager. “It’s the city’s biggest festival and it’s been going on for... 28 years now.” “We put all our efforts into it,” Anderson said. “We really like to showcase our city." ■
21
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
The city of Cornelia’s annual Big Red Apple Festival also attracts visitors of the four-legged kind. Pictured, a vendor’s puppy sits patiently in a red wagon while the 2014 festival gets in full swing. Christina Santee/ The Northeast Georgian
The city of Cornelia’s annual Big Red Apple Festival is always family-friendly, offering everything from live entertainment, a beer and wine garden, activities, games, arts and crafts, festival fare and more. Pictured are trampolines, a popular attraction for the festival’s younger crowd. Photo/Christina Santee, The Northeast Georgian
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
O
By Christina Santee/The Northeast Georgian
October is Domestic Violence the men in heels a bit bawdy, the Awareness Month (DVAM), topic at hand bears serious attenand Habersham County is tion. again doing its part to raise Domestic violence affects 1 out awareness surrounding a of 4 women at some point during monstrous issue that affects her lifetime, according to the women across the globe. Georgia Coalition Against DoThe Walk a Mile in Her Shoes mestic Violence. Men can also be event returns Oct. 10, during victims of domestic violence, but the city of Cornelia’s annual women make up about 97 percent Big Red Apple Festival. Presentof domestic violence survivors. ed by the Mountain Judicial According to the Circle of Hope, Justin Smith, 27, of Cleveland, right, trades Circuit Family Violence Task day-of registration will take place his worn work boots for a pair of sparkly silver Force and Circle of Hope, a from 9-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 5-inch platform pumps in support of the third core group of men, along with at First Presbyterian Church, 175 annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event, held in women and children, march Pine St., Cornelia. Activities will downtown Cornelia. Photo/Christina Santee, The to heighten the community’s be held from 9:30-10 a.m., includNortheast Georgian knowledge during DVAM. ing a fashion show, and the walk Walk a Mile in Her Shoes asks men to literally walk will step off at 10 a.m. from the church to the festival in one mile in women’s high-heeled shoes in an effort to downtown Cornelia. raise awareness of and stop domestic violence. While Participants who register before Sept. 27 will receive a men are encouraged to walk, women, children and complimentary T-shirt. even pets are welcome to join. For more information or to register, visit gacircleofWhile the event is high-spirited and the behavior of hope.org. ■
A portion of the proceeds benefit the Habersham County Veteran’s Wall of Honor Presenting Sponsor Fun Run Sponsor
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24
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Emma Grace Allen, 3, of Mt. Airy, gives in to the glow of a candle-lighting shared with her grandfather, Paul Skelton, 74, of Demorest, after the annual lighting of the tree in downtown Demorest. Photo/Christina Santee, The Northeast Georgian
Cheers to Christmas in Habersham
H
Happy holidays are at the center of Habersham County during the Christmas season, with an abundance of cheery activities to keep everyone in the Yule Tide mood. In many ways, the season begins with a long-running and treasured Habersham tradition, the Christmas Parade. Three cities now share the
By Donald Fraser/The Northeast Georgian privilege of hosting the parade and this year Main Street in Cornelia is the place to be at 10 a.m Saturday, Dec. 5. Cornelia also hosts several other holiday spectaculars to enjoy after the parade and through the Christmas season, including the Christmas Light Spectacular in City Park,
which takes place in the evenings between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. The Community Christmas Tree Lighting takes place at 6 p.m. at the city’s Cornelia Depot, site of the famous Big Red Apple. Adding to the city excitement at Cornelia is ice skating, from Dec. 1620, at The Community House.
▶
25
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
A plethora of activities take place in Cornelia City Park during the holiday season. While the city’s annual “Christmas in the Park” takes place, complete with a drive-thru light display from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day, children can also enjoy other holiday activities such as ice skating, visits from Santa and crafts in an elves’ workshop. Photo/File
Memory Lane
Nearly 100 people braved inclement weekend weather to participate in the 2014 Habersham County Christmas Parade in downtown Clarkesville. The annual event featured around 15 holiday-themed floats, only half the number signed up, but still attracted dozens of children, their parents and others. Pictured, Cleveland mother Kellen Jenkins cradles smiling newborn, Luke, at his first Christmas parade. Photo/Christina Santee, The Northeast Georgian
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Vintage cars are always a crowd favorite that contribute to the nearly 100 entries featured in Habersham County’s annual Christmas Parade, hosted in 2015 by the city of Cornelia. Photo/Christina Santee, The Northeast Georgian
Santa Claus will be visiting Dec. 17-20, for photo opportunities at his Elf Workshop and there will also be many other activities. Clarkesville continues its traditional treats with A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas, which includes Windows at Woods, montages presented in the display windows of Woods’s Furniture. The Clarkesville event is from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. The Christmas spirit will spread across the county with other Christmas tree lightings, including Baldwin, Demorest, Mt. Airy and Tallulah Falls. ■
Pictured, from left, are Clarkesville sisters Audrey Chambers, 3, and Ella Chambers, 5, as they peer through the fence of an outdoor pony ride post-Habersham County Christmas Parade. Photo/Christina Santee, The Northeast Georgian
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28
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Inaugural Twin Rivers Challenge
‘a new adventure’
T
By Kimberly Brown/The Northeast Georgian
This October, bicyclists will have a new opportunity to enjoy the mountains and lakes of Northeast Georgia, with the inaugural Twin Rivers Challenge, hosted by Tallulah Falls School (TFS). Riders can choose from three routes. A 115K ride goes through the Tallulah River and Soque River watersheds, a 72K takes riders along Seed Lake and Lake Rabun, and a 37K ride for “novice cyclists” goes from Tallulah Falls to Tiger and back. All rides begin and end on the Tallulah Falls School upper school campus, providing a final climb to the finish line. The Twin Rivers Challenge, led by the TFS Board of Trustees, is a fundraiser for student scholarships. TFS President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy called the ride
“a new adventure, which we believe will bring riders from across the region.” Peevy said he hopes the event continues to grow, helping students at
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TFS and the economies of Habersham and Rabun counties. “Most importantly it will bring, over the years, hundreds of people from Georgia and surrounding states to our community and introduce them to the most beautiful vacation and recreation opportunities in the entire country,” he said. All rides will begin 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Registration on the day of the event will be in the TFS upper school classroom lobby. SAG stops will be available at regular intervals along the selected route. A post-ride meal will be provided for all riders. Registration for all rides is $45, with $55 late registration after Oct. 10. To register, go to active. com and search for “Twin Rivers Challenge.” For route details go to ridewithgps.com. ■
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29
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Joey Brown, co-chairman of the Twin Rivers Challenge committee, tries out the one of the Challenge routes. The Twin Rivers Challenge, to be held Oct. 31, will raise funds for Tallulah Falls School scholarships. Photo/Brian Boyd, Special
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The Northeast Georgian 706-778-4215 thenortheastgeorgian.com
The Dahlonega Nugget 706-864-3613 thedahloneganugget.com
The Mountain Traveler is a publication of these newspapers, which form the Northeast Georgia Region of Community Newspapers, Inc.
31
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Destination
White County Find out more Oktoberfest celebrates 45 years 32 Get on the wine bus 38 Fall is apple time in Georgia 44
In this photo... This field lay fallow last winter in the Mossy Creek community of White County. Photo/Billy Chism, White County News
32
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Oktoberfest offers fun for everyone. Photo/Linda Erbele, White County News
Oktoberfest celebrates 45 years
T
The Alpine village of Helen will hold its 45th annual celebration of Oktoberfest this fall. The festival, described by the Helen Chamber of Commerce as the longest Oktoberfest in the world, runs from Wednesday, Sept. 9, through Sunday Nov. 1. “We’re as authentic as can be without a passport,” said Renee Chacon, Helen Chamber of Commerce director. She said the center of the festivities is at the Helen Festhalle, located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Visitors have a chance to do the polka while enjoying German wursts, sauerkraut, potato salad, Bavarian pretzels, beer cheese and, of course, cold German beer. “We’re always family-friendly and children are welcome at the Festhalle,”
By Linda Erbele/White County News
Chacon added. “There’s a separate dance floor for children.” She said people come from around the country to Oktoberfest, and for many, it’s an annual tradition. “We’ve got people coming now who are the children of families that came in the beginning,” she said. “Now we’re staring on our third generation. People come year after year. Last year we had a toddler in lederhosen on the dance floor at the Festhalle.” City commissioner Jeff Ash said the first event was held in the parking lot of the old city hall. “As it grew, Paul Westmoreland Jr. allowed us to put up tents in the parking lot of Paul’s Steakhouse,” he said. “The Festhalle was built early in the 1980s.” Ash added that while the festivities
Catherine Cleiman, owner of the Helendorf Inn, poses with her little friend J.T. Head, 3, at last year’s Oktoberfest. Photo/Billy Chism, White County news ▶
33
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Participants offer a toast to the band at Oktoberfest. Photo/Billy Chism, White County News
Oktoberfest at the Festhalle in Helen is a great opportunity to taste authentic German wursts and sauerkraut. Photo/Linda Erbele, White County News
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
are held in the Festhalle, Oktoberfest spreads to every restaurant in town. “It is considered a city-wide event,” he said. “It’s our biggest season.” Among the groups scheduled to play at the Festhalle this year are Pros’t, a EuroAmerican party band from Ohio; Liab und Schneid, from Washington D.C.; and Squeezebox with Molly B of RFD-TV. Admission to the Helen Festhalle on Edelweiss Strasse is $8 during the week, $10 on Saturday, and free on Sundays. Locals with ID are free every Monday night. Hours are 6-10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursdays, 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays, 1 p.m.-midnight Saturdays, and 1-7 p.m. Sundays. ■ Oktoberfest has something for everyone – including a separate dance floor for children. Photo/Linda Erbele, White County News
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Tickets are on sale now For more information, call
5
$
per person
706-778-4215 or go to northeastgeorgiabridal.com
Hosted By Northeast Georgia Region, Community Newspapers, Inc.
Dawson News & Advertiser
The Northeast Georgian
White County News
Helen CHamber of CommerCe 2015 Calendar of events
A favorite for generations!
(dates and prices are subject to change)
SEPTEMBER 10-13, 17NOV. 1 45th annual OKTOBERFEST at the Festhalle SEPTEMBER 12 OKTOBERFEST parade (noon) Downtown Helen NOVEMBER 27 LIGHTING OF THE VILLAGE Downtown Helen (6 p.m.)
706-878-1908 helenchamber.com Oktoberfest Festhalle Friends
DECEMBER 5-6, 12-13 8th annual CHRISTKINDLMARKT DECEMBER 12 CHRISTMAS PARADE (2 p.m.) Downtown Helen DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENT at the Festhalle (8-midnight) 3rd annual DROPPING OF THE EDELWEISS
OPEN DAILY
706-865-3666 inside dining or casual dining on the porch, catering Mon and Tues 11am-3pm Wed, Thurs and Sun 11am-8pm Fri and Sat 11am-9pm 16 Old Nacoochee Rd. • Cleveland, Ga (Hwy 129, North of the Square) www.restaurantsclevelandga.com
Betty’s Country Store
Helen’s Oldest and Most Unique Store
established in 1973 in the quaint little Alpine Village of Helen
We are Open EVERYDAY 7am-9pm
open daily
Best Fresh Cut Meat • Full Line of Groceries Beer & Wine • Homemade Baked Goodies Best Produce in North Ga • Thoughtful and Unique Gifts Lunch Specials Everyday Chicken & Dumplings Every Wednesday & Friday
Main Street • Helen, Georgia • 706-878-2943
Betty’s Country Store
Mountain Fresh Creamery
141524
“Milk so fresh the cow doesn’t even know it’s gone!”
Best Biscuit Best Breakfast Best Tea Best Family Restaurant 286 S. Main St. • Cleveland
706-865-7850
Glenda & Mark Taylor, owners
Milk • Chocolate Milk Buttermilk • Ice Cream • Butter Fresh Ground Beef & Sausage
770-983-1MOO
www.mountainfreshcreamery.com
Contact us to book your farm tour or field trip Travel to our dairy farm. the mountains Hours Monday-Saturday 10-6 Sunday 1-6
in a Ford
Come see our new and pre-owned trucks, Mustangs, SUVs and cars Serving the mountains for over 26 years
Visit our store and processing plant at 6615 Cleveland Hwy., Clermont
Also, Quicklane available for those road trip checkups
l
706-865-2168 •jackyjones.com 2742 Hwy 129 South
COUNTRY BAKE SHOPPE 951 Helen Hwy. Cleveland, GA
Functional Stoneware Locally Made & Fair Trade Gifts
thewillowspottery.com 7273 S. Main Street • Helen • 706-878-1344
Gabby’s Country Cabins
Southern Pecan Pies and a wide variety of other pies and cakes
Home of the Heart Shaped Jacuzzi! Pets Welcome • Free WIFI
Often Imitated, Never Duplicated
Deli-to-Go Boar’s Head meat and cheese • homemade breads
www.gabbyscabins.com 706-865-6772 | 3083 Helen Hwy. Cleveland, Ga
For special orders, call:
706-865-9584
Find yourself at unicoilodge.com
| 800-573-9659 Helen, gA
$99 weekday room for two including breakfast October-December 2015
* Offer is for Lodge reservations Sunday through Thursday. Number of rooms at this rate are limited.
38
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Get on the wine bus By Linda Erbele/White County News
B
Beth and Phillip Black had been living full-time in North Georgia for about a year when some friends came to visit. The two couples went on the VIP Southern Wine Tour. “We thought that would be a great way to showcase our community to our friends from Florida and do something that would be fun,” said Beth. “And we all like wine.” They toured wineries and enjoyed
Wine bus participants savor the tour. Photo/Linda Erbele, White County News
the gourmet lunch. “We had a blast,” she said. “There were two other couples on the bus and they didn’t know each other. By the time we got done with the second winery, we were all cheering each other, chatting and got to know each other.” Christina Ernst, owner of VIP Southern Tours, said the six-hour tour, conducted by a driver with
ample local knowledge, includes sightseeing, visits to four wineries and a gourmet lunch. “Since our community has so many wonderful options, we rotate among the various wineries and tasting rooms,” she said. “Our drivers really make the tour memorable.” Each vineyard has its own personality – from Habersham Winery, the
▶
These precisely laid out vineyards invite a closer look on the Southern VIP Wine Tour. Photo/Linda Erbele, White County News Discover the hidden voices of almost 200 years at the...
FOLK POTTERY MUSEUM
Honoring Northeast Georgia’s past, present and future in The Arts – The Folk Pottery Museum, The Heritage Site, Center Gallery, Center Gift Shop and Center Theater For information, please call 706-878-3300 or visit www.snca.org
Visit the only museum in the Southeast dedicated exclusively to this unique art and its history. Visit us online for calendar of events
FOLK
pot t ery
283 Highway 255 North, Sautee Nacoochee, GA at the OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA Sautee Nacoochee Center 706-878-3300 www.folkpotterymuseum.com
40
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
oldest and largest winery in North Georgia, to the Cottage Vineyard and Yonah Mountain Vineyards, both of which have spectacular views. Each tasting room and vineyard on the tour has a specialty that makes it memorable. Other stops on the tour can include Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards, Serenity Cellars and Sylvan Valley Lodge. Ernst added that a trip through Rabun County vineyards has been added as an additional tour. The VIP Southern Tours recently received a TripAdvisor Certificate of excellence. “We have only ever received 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor,” Ernst said. The tours are operated Wednesday through Sunday. A minimum of six people are required and the maximum for a tour is 15. Prices range from $99 to $129, depending on the season. Ernst said she provides local discounts and often runs specials. Ernst added her team is happy to work with groups to make special events or celebrations. ■
Winemaker Joe Smith talks about taste with Fox News staff at Serenity Cellars Winery. Photo/Linda Erbele, White County News
So Good It’s
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Dawson News & Advertiser The Northeast Georgian
White County News
123 Helen Hwy. Cleveland, Ga. 706-865-2213
Located on the Square in Gainesville
The Cottage Vineyard and Winery, popular for weddings, offers a spectacular view of the mountains. Photo/Billy Chism, White County News
Avocados Restaurant
BANQUETS • CATERING • WEDDINGS 8669 N. Main Street Helen, GA 30545
706.878.2357
lindenhausimports.com Unique Items from all over the World
New Owner New Management
Great Food Great Service 8426 S. Main Street
Sunday Brunch Buffett 10 a.m.-2p.m. Tuesday through Thursday Lunch 11a.m.-3p.m. Dinner 5p.m. till Late
Monday Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and Saturday Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 8 a.m. till Late
770-532-0001
Helen, Ga. 706-878-3202
Come in & relax with family and friends at Huddle House.
Live Music Thursday, Friday, Saturday night, Full Bar
avocadoseats.com 109 Bradford St., SE • Gainesville, Ga.
Nora Mill Granary
ADMISSION IS
FREE
Grist Mill & Country Store
Working Grist Mill powered by the Chattahoochee River. Est. 1876
Stone Ground Grits & Cornmeal, Biscuit & Gravy Mix, Pioneers Porridge, Pancake Mix, Bread & Muffin Mixes, Whole Wheat Flours, Old-Fashioned Candies & Sweets, Jams, Jellies, Preserves & Local Honey, and many more Gourmet Foods and County Store Gifts & Novelties. 7107 South Main St.
706-878-2375
FREE Samples Daily www.noramill.com
Located in historic ‘Nacoochee Village’ 2 miles south of Helen on Hwy 75
Nora Mill General Store
VOTED TOP 10 TOYL AND IN USA Open: Mon-Sat 9-5 & Sun 10-5 UPCOMING EVENTS: • • • •
OCT. 23 & 24TH – HILLBILLY HOG BBQ & FALL LEAF FESTIVAL NOV. 21-37TH APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS- ACTIVITIES ALL DAY PANCAKES WITH SANTA, $10* PHOTOS WITH SANTA & HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES *Reservations Required, 706-865-2171, “O”.
COME SEE AND ADOPT OUR EXCLUSIVES AVAILABLE ONLY AT BABYLAND AND ON OUR WEBSITE. 300 N.O.K. Drive, Cleveland, GA 30528 • 706-865-2171 www.cabbagepatchkids.com f: Cabbage Patch Kids Fan Page • T: @cpkusa © 2015 O.A.A., Inc.
265 Laurel Ridge Rd. • Cleveland 706-348-1277 serenitycellars.com
Our large, new store features bath & body apothecaries, unique jewelry & accessories, home & garden decor, candles & wax warmers, gifts for everyone & every occasion, hand crafted items, and so much more! 7275A South Main St • 706-878-0151 • www.noramillgeneralstore.com Located in historic ‘Nacoochee Village’ 1 3/4 miles south of Helen on Hwy 75
591 Dock Dorsey Rd. • Cleveland (706)219-1870 cenitawinery.com
5050 U.S. 129 • Cleveland 706-865-0053 cottagevineyardwinery.com
Old Heidelberg German Restaurant & Pub Open daily
Historic
Old Sautee StOre An original general store serving locals and travelers alike with Quality Goods since 1872
11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Extensive selection of beer
Sports bar closes at 1 a.m.
706-878-2281
Old Sautee Market
Offering a unique menu of sandwiches, wraps, baked goods, cheeses, ice cream & much more.
8660 N. MaiN Street, HeleN | 706-878-0061
Authentic Mexican Food Prepared Fresh Daily
Open Daily 706-878-2281
www.oldsauteestore.com • Hwy 17 & Hwy 255 • Sautee
33 Munich Strasse • Helen, Georgia 30545 Operated by U.S. Military Brat • Est. 1973
Try our new lite menu 0% Carbs
Full bars in all locations *Fresh Margaritas* Free Parking • Open 7 days a week Owned & Managed by: The Valadez Family
CONTACT US TODAY TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS!
706.878.2271
• Downtown • Free Wifi • Complimentary Continental Breakfast • Enclosed Heated Pool • Ideal Meeting, Wedding & Events Destination
FIVE GREAT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU HELEN 8160 S. Main Street 706-878-3456 DILLARD 706-746-0058
8520 S. Main Street 706-878-8412
CLAYTON 706-212-2834
LAVONIA 706-356-0747
Helendorf
• VisitUs@Helendorf.com
44
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Northeast Georgia is the only area of the state with a climate suitable for growing apples. Freshly picked apples are sold at area farmers’ markets from September through November. Photo/Submitted
Fall is apple time in
G
North Georgia By Debbie Gilbert/White County News
Georgia is known the world over for its peaches, but few people are aware that apples grow here, too. However, only the highest elevations of the Northeast Georgia mountains have the proper climate for cultivating apples. The town of Ellijay, in Gilmer County, is nicknamed the “Apple Capital” of Georgia. Apple orchards also thrive in Fannin and Rabun counties, both near the North Carolina border. But even in Northeast Georgia counties that don’t produce much of their own fruit, you can find regional apples
in the local stores or farmers’ markets. “Probably October is our biggest month of the year,” said Jimmy Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms on the border of Hall and Habersham counties. “A crisp, cool day in the fall makes people want to buy apples, or anything made with apples.” Jaemor, one of the largest produce markets in the area, has its own bakery on site, serving up fresh apple pies and deep-fried apple fritters. Hillside Orchards, in Rabun County, is known for its
▶
45
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
huge canning operation. Apples are processed into jams, jellies and other jarred food items that are popular as gifts. And Mercier Orchards (also referred to as the “Apple House”) in Blue Ridge is the area’s largest producer of nonalcoholic cider. Visiting one of the major orchards can be a fun seasonal outing for the family, because these places usually offer “agri-tourism” activities such as hayrides, corn mazes or pumpkin patches. But for serious “foodies,” it’s all about the apples. Local orchards usually offer varieties that are seldom found in supermarkets, such as Empire, Stayman, Winesap and Arkansas Black. Bill Stephens, produce manager at Nana’s Farmers Market in Helen, buys an assortment of apple varieties from Hillside and stocks them from September through November. “The tourists come in and buy these apples by the box,” he said. ■
The town of Ellijay is known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, but apple orchards can be found throughout the Northeast Georgia mountains. Photo/Submitted
• AAA Three Diamond Hotel • Luxurious guest rooms and suites • New Fitness room • Seasonal pool
• Walking distance to Helen restaurants and shopping • Free in-room Wi-Fi • Pet friendly rooms available
• Complimentary hot breakfast
• Expanded continental breakfast
• Meeting room for up to 75 people
• Enclosed seasonally heated pool
8220 South Main Street 706-878-2111 • 800-435-3642 www.bestwestern.com
8369 S. Main Street 800-535-1251 www.super8.com
46
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
As Seen on Travel Channel
A Real Mining Adventure
Store 4616 260 Donald Thurmond PKWY Cleveland, GA 30528 T 706.219.2304 F 706.219.2351
White County’s full service bookstore So much more than just used books –– a great shopping destination for gifts for the whole family
Mt. Yonah
Book Exchange
Customer Loyalty Program • Complimentary Coffee Bar Comfy Reading Room Tie-dye apparel • Handmade walking sticks Local art • Cross-stitched bookmarks Art jewelry and more
706-219-1565
3779 Helen Hwy, Cleveland (located at the green locomotive train) mtyonahbookexchange.com Hours: Mon-Sat 10-4 We accept MasterCard, Visa and Discover
North Georgia’s only commercially operating gold mine!
Gold & Gemstones Custom Mine By the Bucket or Right in the Creek! Jewelry Have your finds cut and set in hand-crafted jewelry
OPEN DAILY 9 a.m -5 p.m.
Mining Camping 75 Gold Nugget Lane • Cleveland, GA 30528 www.goldngem.com • 706-865-5454
See all our Adoptable Pets... sanganimalrescue.org
North Georgia’s most talked-about golf course. * open to the public * special senior rates * student and junior rates * golf instruction available
Book your tee time online:
innsbruckgolfclub.com or by calling 800-642-2709 664 Bahns Innsbruck, Helen, GA
MONDAY: Buy 1 Get 1 Free 12” Pizza TUESDAY: Buy 1 Get 1 Free Sandwich WEDNESDAY: $1 Pizza Slices THURSDAY: 1/2 off Draft Beer SUNDAY: $4 Bloody Marys open 7 days a Week Sun-ThurS: noon-9pm • Fri-SaT: noon-10pm
7275-B South Main St. • Helen 706-878-0199 • villagetavernpizza.com
Real People • Real Pizza • Real Good
Voted Best Bar and Pizza in White County 2015
“Where the locals meet”
A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words!
Weekend Breakfast Bar
Bountiful Country Bar
• Senior Discounts • • Hickory Smoked Meats on the Buffet • • FlameKist® Steaks available as menu items • • Private Dining Room Available • • Call ahead for large parties •
Western Sizzlin Cleveland 1963 Tom Bell Road • Cleveland 706-348-1997 • westernsizzlincleveland.com
Get a great night’s sleep on a new mattress from the
lermont Overstocks
Name Brands You Know & Trust Full-size mattress set starting at $299 Queen-size mattress set starting at $399 King-size mattress set starting at $499
Designer Clothing!
Brand Name Overstocks!
Western Boots! Hand Bags! Jewelry!
Hours: Monday-Friday 10-6 | Saturday 10-5 770-983-3006 5089 Cleveland Highway (Quillians Corner), Gainesville
48
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Tiger Mountain peeks through a gap between the vines at Tiger Mountain Vineyards. The vineyard is the oldest operating vineyard in the county and has gained critical acclaim in the international wine community. Photo/Mat Payne, The Clayton Tribune
Unwinding with a mountain wine
L
By Mat Payne and Michael Leonard/The Clayton Tribune
Looking to relax on a crisp fall afternoon in the North Georgia Mountains? Try spending a few hours sitting at and sipping the wines of the region’s varied local wineries while nature’s brush goes to work coloring the hillsides. Visitors to Northeast Georgia are never more than
a 30-minute drive to some of the most scenic and friendly vineyards anywhere. Most have tasting rooms and some also offer tours. Below is a list of Northeast Georgia wineries and vineyards waiting to enchant you. Call or check websites before visiting. ▶
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
From left, Betty Kendall-Jones and Phil Schmidt of Otto, North Carolina, talk to vineyard owners Lisa Romanello and Mike Brown over a glass of wine at 12 Spies Vineyards. Photo/Mat Payne, The Clayton Tribune
Lumpkin County Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery 3610 Cavender Creek Road Dahlonega, GA 30533 cavendercreekvineyards.com — 770-823-9255
Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery 180 Wolf Mountain Trail Dahlonega, GA 30533 wolfmountainvineyards.com — 706-867-9862
Rabun County
Frogtown Cellars 700 Ridge Point Drive Dahlonega, GA 30533 frogtownwine.com — 706-865-0687
12 Spies Vineyards 550 Black Branch Road Rabun Gap, GA 30568 12spiesvineyards.com — 813-335-2886
Montaluce Winery and Estates 946 Via Montaluce Dahlonega, GA 30533 montaluce.com — 706-867-4060
Stonewall Creek Vineyards 323 Standing Deer Lane Tiger, GA 30576 stonewallcreek.com — 706-212-0584
Three Sisters Vineyards and Winery 439 Vineyard Way Dahlonega, GA 30533 threesistersvineyards.com — 706-865-9463
Tiger Mountain Vineyards 2592 Old Highway 441 Tiger, GA 30576 tigerwine.com — 706-782-4777
Towns County Crane Creek Vineyards 916 Crane Creek Road Young Harris, GA 30582 cranecreekvineyards.com — 706-379-1236 Hightower Creek Vineyards, LLC 7150 Canaan Drive Hiawassee, GA 30546 hightowercreekvineyards.com — 706-896-8963
White County The Cottage Vineyard and Winery 5050 U.S. Hwy. 129 North Cleveland, GA 30528 cottagevineyardwinery.com — Phone: 706-865-0053 Cenita Winery 591 Dock Dorsey Road Cleveland, GA 30528 cenitawinery.com — 706-219-1870 ▶
50
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Habersham Winery 7025 S. Main St. P.O.Box 808 Helen, GA 30545 habershamvineyards.com — 706-878-9463 Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards 1299 Hwy. 17 Sautee, GA 30571 sauteenacoocheevineyards.com 706-878-1056 Serenity Cellars 265 Laurel Ridge Rd Cleveland, GA 30528 serenitycellars.com — 706 348-1277 Yonah Mountain Vineyards 1717 Highway 255 S Cleveland, GA 30528 yonahmountainvineyards.com — 706-878-5522 ■ The view of the vines at Stonewall Creek Vineyard on a quiet Sunday afternoon in mid-August. The vineyard has been in business since 2012. Mat Payne/The Clayton Tribune
Hofer’s of Helen Bakery • Café • Biergarten
Mountain Laurel Antique Mall
Visit us in the big yellow building! Over 8,000 square feet of Antiques, Collectibles and Consignment furniture Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day open until 6 p.m.
706-865-0575
Hwy. 129 South • 233 Friendship Road, (4.3 miles south of Cleveland, look for the big yellow building)
Authentic Bavarian Bakery and Café
European Cakes, Pastries and Old World Breads
Breakfast and lunch served daily Serving German Beer and Wine
outdoor Biergarten. live Music on weekends. Located just past the Gazebo At 8758 North Main Street www.hofers.com 706-878-8200
hofbrauhaus
Lyra Brooke’s Vintage & More Kimberly Sarbon - Owner
Restaurant & G.I. Germany Pub • Dine where the locals dine. Established in 1976 Oldest German Restaurant in Helen.
4418 Highway 115W • Cleveland
Meaders Pottery • Metal Art • All kinds of unique items 706-969-9071 • Open daily until 5 p.m.
Tanglewood Cabins Lodge & Conference Center
Plenty of FREE PARKING River Dining
We would love to manage your property!
Non-Smoking Environment
All locals receive a special discount. Take advantage of our Loyalty Program.
Sun.-Thurs. 11a.m. - 9p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11a.m. - 10p.m. 9001 N. Main Street, Helen 706-878-2248
3387 Highway 356, Sautee, GA
Fully furnished kitchens • Grills • Fireplace • Creek • Hot Tubs 1-866-634-1686 (706) 878-3286
Come in and satisfy your sweet tooth
www.TanglewoodCabinRentals.com
A wide assortment • Made fresh daily Handmade chocolates • Chocolate covered strawberries Try our famous Chattahoochee Snappers *We also offer a great assortment of sugar free chocolates. WE SHIP •
Free parking at the chocolate factory
2 locations to serve you! 8651 N. Main St., Helen • 8078 S. Main St., Helen 706-878-2443 • 800-524-3008 hanselandgretelcandykitchen.com
52
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Destination
Lumpkin County Find out more Mind the Gap 54 Geocache the hills of Dahlonega 58 Where the rubber meets the road: 62 Dig into Dahlonega’s Gold Rush 66
In this photo... The Dahlonega Gold Museum is the centerpiece of the bustling Public Square in the heart of town. Photo/John Bynum, The Dahlonega Nugget
53
54
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
All you need are wheels to reach the scenic overlooks of Lumpkin County’s Appalachian foothills. Photo/Matt Aiken, The Dahlonega Nugget
Mind the Gap
S
Sometimes you just have to stop and enjoy the scenery. And on the scenic highways of the Appalachian foothills, you just might have to stop a lot. That’s especially the case during the fall season, when every twist and turn of a Dahlonega roadway offers another stunning vista. “We have such a long stretch of beautiful color here,” said Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber President Amy Booker. It’s with these views in mind that certain roadway rest-stops are strategically placed to draw the biggest “oohs” and “aahs” for
road trip to Lumpkin County’s scenic stops
By Matt Aiken/The Dahlonega Nugget
scenery-seekers. In Lumpkin County, one of the more popular roadside gathering points is Woody Gap (north of town on state Route 60). It’s there country drivers can stop to stretch their legs or stay for a while with a picnic lunch to accompany the expansive view. For those who want to delve in the woods, the Appalachian Trail is ready and waiting as it leads to the popular sun-drenched precipice known as Preacher’s Rock – or, for the more adventurous, to Maine. A journey to Woody Gap is a
simple drive from Dahlonega as you head north on state Route 19/60 and keep going straight at Stonepile Gap until you get to the Lumpkin-Union county line. Closer into town (and still on SR 60) you’ll find the Chestatee Overlook, which offers a grand view on the Chattahoochee National Forest as it stretches as far as the eye can see. For a closer look at driving routes in the Appalachians, check out dahlonega.org. Then get ready for the kind of roadside stops that can make the journey the destination. ■
55
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Elena Comperatore and Sophie enjoy an afternoon on Preacher’s Rock. Jamie Taylor/Special
Woody Gap Recreation Area is a popular stop for motorists looking for a bit of peace and quiet in the mountains. Photo/Matt Aiken, The Dahlonega Nugget Striking scenery is just a short drive away from the Public Square of Dahlonega. Photo/Matt Aiken, The Dahlonega Nugget
R-Ranch in the Mountains
Your Mountain Haven
R-Ranch in the Mountains is an eight hundred acre private ranch in the North Georgia mountains. Become an owner and enjoy horseback riding, a salt water pool, RV sites with leasing opportunities, rental cabins, a beautiful lodge for special events, a chapel and many other amenities. (706) 864-6444 www.rranch.com sales@rranchga.com
56
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
North Georgia’s Every Day Low Price Leader!
2016 CHEVY TAHOE The Best Gets Better
MSrP from $
47,000*
Where Price Sells Cars... And Service Keeps Customers!
2016 CHEVY iMPALA LS Always Make An entrance
MSrP from $
27,920* Dawsonville, GA Service HOurS: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat. 8am-4pm SAleS HOurS: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm
57
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Where Folks Come To Buy Not To Shop!
2015 CHEVY SiLVErADO 1500
For the long Haul
MSrP from $
26,520*
We Service ALL Makes And Models! Our No. 1 Service Department Will Match Any Competition’s Coupons
2015 CHEVY CAMArO Z/28 legendary Performance
MSrP from $
Sta
Hw y. 5 3
te 1 Mile South of the North Georgia Premium Outlets on Dawson Forest Rd. E GA 400
400
N
23,705*
*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Destination freight charge is $1,195 for 2016 Tahoe, $1,195 for 2015 Silverado 1500, $825 for 2016 Impala and $995 for 2015 Camero Z/28 ***The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Includes destination freight charge and gas guzzler tax.
706-265-5400 1-800-347-5930 visit us online at: www.
MegelChevy.com
58
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Geocaching is an action-packed, treasure hunting way to see the woods of Dahlonega. Photo/Margo Booth, The Dahlonega Nugget
I
Geocache the hills of Dahlonega
It’s a family adventure. It’s a history lesson. It’s a treasure hunt. It’s geocaching. And chances are, if you aren’t addicted, you know someone who is. With 445 geocaching locations within 10 miles of Dahlonega, Lumpkin County is a great place for it. “This is an exciting activity that allows people to travel from historic site to historic site,” said
By Margo Booth/The Dahlonega Nugget
Dahlonega Gold Museum tour guide Jason Belcher. “Kids love it.” The museum is home to one of the more popular downtown geocaches. It’s a puzzle search. Which means treasure-seekers search to answer four questions to get the combination to an ammo box. For the challenge-seeking geocachers there’s the hunt titled: “Unleash The Kraken!!!” Located in
downtown Dahlonega, this cache has a difficulty rating of 3.5 and has stumped a lot of people. Geocaching is really easy to get into. You can decide how challenged you want to be – caches are rated with levels of difficulty and difficulty of terrain, and you can preview caches by reading comments from folks who have already been there.
▶
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104 Public Square N, Dahlonega GA www.gigglemonkeytoys.com
Family Owned & Operated Since 1982 From left, Deacon, Kaila and Dylan Innes, having found a cache located at the Lumpkin County Library, now have to make decisions about which toys to take from the cache box and which ones to leave. Photo/Margo Booth, The Dahlonega Nugget
14 Varieties of fudge Hand dipped CHoColates Pralines • Divinity • Brittles Mail order
Dipping locally grown apples Some careful hunting can uncover this secret box at the Lumpkin County Library. Photo/Margo Booth, The Dahlonega Nugget
on the Square in Dahlonega
706-864-2256 www.dahlonegafudgefactory.com
60
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Here’s how to get started: 1. Navigate: After logging in to geocaching.com or the geocaching app on a phone or tablet, navigate to a location. 2. Search: When you are within about 20 feet of the site, start looking around for the geocache. 3. Find it, and sign your name in the notebook. 4. Trade something you have for something in the container, or not. 5. Replace the geocache where you found it. 6. Log your find on the web. 7. And remember, when it comes to geocaching, GPS marks the spot. ■ Young Deacon Innes, with the help of his dad Gary, makes sure he checks out every toy in the cache before selecting one to keep and replacing it with one of his own. Photo/Margo Booth, The Dahlonega Nugget
Welcome Friends! Donna Minnich, Agent
Over 40 Years Of Making
Fine Chocolates
3043 Morrison Moore Parkway Dahlonega, GA 30533 Bus.: 706-864-2532 www.donnaminnich.com
Please stop by and say, “Hi!” Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.
(706) 864-6333
102 Public Square North • Dahlonega, GA 30533 www.paulthomaschocolates.com
1001013.1
State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL
Millions of Items to Shop!
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Spoke-spinning enthusiasts from all around have plenty of options in Dahlonega as numerous cycling choices are available for pedal pushers of every kind. Pictured, Six Gap Criterium riders lean into a tight turn around the Dahlonega Gold Museum in the annual event that’s billed as “NASCAR on two wheels.” Photo/Mark Callender
Where the rubber meets the road:
best of both worlds for
Dahlonega cyclists
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Whether you are a bicyclist looking for an off-road adventure or a roller-coaster ride on the pavement, Dahlonega and Lumpkin County have a variety of bicycle trails and routes to quench your thirst for bicycling bliss. For those interested in cycling off the beaten path, the Jake and Bull Mountain Trail System offers approximately 36 miles of recreational trails for mountain bikers. The two trail systems join to form a complex system of scenic trails
By Greg Finan Jr./The Dahlonega Nugget
within a four square mile area of the Chattahoochee National Forest’s Blue Ridge Ranger District. The interconnecting dirt trails and gravel roads are located in western Lumpkin County, less than 10 minutes from downtown Dahlonega. The breathtaking scenery combined with challenging trails make the Jake and Bull Mountain Trail System an ideal spot for mountain biking enthusiasts. If you’re looking to put the rubber on the road, Dahlonega is a
treasure trove of road courses that range in length and experience levels. Check out some of the University of North Georgia’s campus before heading up state Route 19’s winding mountain roads with a 13.8-mile course that runs from UNG to Woody Gap near Suches. Or, for those looking for a shorter trek, start your biking adventure at the legendary Stonepile on SR 19. The Stonepile is said to house the remains of a Cherokee woman ▶
092115-186887
Just about anywhere you travel in Lumpkin County is bicyclefriendly, making the area a prime spot for cycling enthusiasts. Photo/John Bynum, The Dahlonega Nugget
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
named Trahlyta underneath generations of rocks dropped upon her grave that are supposed to bring good luck. From the Stonepile, it is a 5.3-mile journey to Woody Gap. This course forgoes the downtown Dahlonega area to offer pure mountain road cycling. “My favorite part is descending from Woody Gap,” said David Hoff of Decatur. “The combination of an amazing downhill ride with views of valleys are the things of bucket lists.” No matter your cycling preference, Dahlonega has the course for you. ■
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The rock at Lumpkin County High School serves as the starting point for the Six Gap bicycle race in Dahlonega in mid-September. Photo/John Bynum, The Dahlonega Nugget
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
With no shortage of bike routes, on or off road, in Lumpkin County, any day can turn into a bike race. John Bynum/The Dahlonega Nugget
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Dig into Dahlonega’s Gold Rush history at the Gold Museum
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From photographs of mines and miners to complete sets of gold coins minted at Dahlonega’s U.S. Branch Mint, the Dahlonega Gold Museum affords visitors a look into Dahlonega’s Gold Rush history while touring the oldest courthouse in the state of Georgia. The Dahlonega Gold Museum is the second most-visited State Historic Site. The building itself, constructed in 1836, served as Lumpkin County’s courthouse until 1965. Built with bricks made of clay from nearby Cane Creek, the bricks themselves have been certified to contain flecks of gold. “It’s the Gold Museum’s secret treasure,” says docent Tom Hub-
By Margo Booth/The Dahlonega Nugget
bard, opening a door in the secondfloor courtroom to show visitors the glimpse of the glimmering grains of gold that can be seen in the interior walls. On the museums first floor, visitors can see a lot more gold. Displayed in a 2,500-pound antique safe used by the county from 1886 until 1965 are several gold nuggets and a rare set of coins minted right here in Dahlonega at the U.S. Branch Mint. The mint burned in 1878. Its granite footings were used to construct Price Memorial Hall on the nearby campus of the University of North Georgia. Artifacts from the mint, a display of other local rocks and minerals,
photos and relics of mining equipment, including a “water cannon” used in hydraulic mining, are all on permanent display, as well as rotating exhibits of items from the past ranging from antique children’s toys to items from the nation’s wars. A documentary film on the Gold Rush and the mining that took place well into the mid-1900s is shown to visitors in the secondfloor theater, with seating dating from 1889. The Dahlonega Gold Museum is located in the center of the Public Square, five miles west of state Route 400. It is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ■
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Displays upstairs vary month to month. Here, toys of the Gold Rush era make an appearance. Photo/Sharon Hall, The Dahlonega Nugget
The
Artifacts from several different methods of mining are on display at Dahlonega’s Gold Museum, including this water cannon that shot highpressure jets of water to dislodge ore-bearing rock from the mountainsides. Photo/Sharon Hall, The Dahlonega Nugget
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
On the cutting edge of, “Grandpa’s here!”
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Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is working to prevent cancer through generations of family members. Northside’s hereditary counseling helps determine cancer risks and options for you and your children. Working with Northside’s team gives people a chance to prevent cancer or find it early. Which can mean more family get-togethers as well as lots and lots more hugs. For help finding a cancer specialist, call 404-531-4444.
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Destination
Dawson County Find out more Trout Populate Dawson’s waterways 72 Mystery hints at War Hill Park 74 Art center thrives in historic space 76 Families find fun at Burt’s Pumpkin Farm 78
In this photo... Pumpkins are shown in the sun, ripening just in time for the opening of Burt’s Pumpkin Farm, Sept. 1. Photo/Kimberly Boim, Dawson News and Advertiser
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Trout populate Dawson’s waterways By Denise Ray/Dawson News and Advertiser
With or without waders, Amicalola River provides trout fishers plenty of opportunity from Steele Bridge Road. A nearby cement table offers a convenient place to sort tackle, tie knots and just relax after an enjoyable day on the river. Photo/Denise Ray, Dawsonville News & Advertiser
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There’s more to Dawson County than race cars and moonshine: there’s trout fishing. Nestled at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, Dawson County offers several locations including Amicalola Creek (Steele Bridge Road downstream to state Route 53), Anderson Creek watershed, Amicalola State Park and Long Swamp Creek watershed to try your luck at angling. “The best part about trout fishing in Dawson County to me is getting to spend time on the Amicalola River,” said Christie Haynes of
Dawsonville. “The scenery is picturesque and it is the perfect way to relax.” Dawson’s waterways are home to brook, brown and rainbow trout. Amicalola Creek provides accessible trout fishing for anglers with disabilities. This portion of the creek is catch and release only from November to mid-May, so head west on SR 53 for six miles and turn right just before the crossing bridge. “From the serenity of the Amicalola Falls State Park reflection pool to the rough and tumbling waters
of Amicalola Creek, this county has a diversity of trout fishing experiences that await visiting anglers,” said Jeff Durniak, Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Some trout streams are located on private property, so make sure you have permission before setting out on your next fishing adventure in Dawson County. Licensing and user fees may be required. From beginners to the more experienced anglers, Dawson County has several spots to catch trout and create tales about “the one that got away.” ■
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
The steel bridge offers a way to get to both sides of the Amicalola River, where trout fishing is year-round. Photo/ Denise Ray, Dawsonville News & Advertiser
The sun-dappled river is home to trout in Dawson County. Pictured is the Amicalola River downstream at Steele Bridge Road. Photo/Denise Ray, Dawsonville News & Advertiser
First-time fisherman Jake smiles broadly as he poses with his catch as held by his grandfather. The 3-1/2-year-old recommends salmon eggs as bait. Denise Ray/ Dawsonville News & Advertiser
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Stroll out to the end of the pier to fish or picnic in the gazebo. Either way, War Hill Park on Lake Lanier beckons you. Photo/Denise Ray, Dawson News and Advertiser
Mystery hints at War Hill Park
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War Hill Park is located just north of state Route 53 in Dawson County and offers visitors recreational activities, relaxing settings as well as the opportunity to ponder its past. The history of the 108-acre park on Lake Sidney Lanier has befuddled local historians, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and area residents. Tales of Indian mounds and Civil War skirmishes rank high among possible theories of its origin. What is known is that the Corps of Engineers named the various parks surrounding the lake after something in the area, according to author David Coughlin. For example, “Shoal Creek Park
By Denise Ray/Dawson News and Advertiser
is named for the creek that feeds into the river,” Coughlin said. But what about War Hill Park? “Nobody knows for sure,” local historian Helen Taylor said. Until now, maybe. According to lifelong War Hill Park area resident Elizabeth Bettis Nix, the park is aptly named after a hill and a Cherokee Indian battle. “As you travel War Hill Park Road, you’ll build elevation and go around the curves, and eventually you can see a view of Lake Lanier on the right,” Nix said. “On the left above you, is a hill. War Hill.” Nix explored the battle and burial grounds on the hill as a youngster, often finding arti-
facts. “As a child we’d go up on War Hill and explore,” she said. “There were old Indian graves, and we used to love going there and see what we could find.” The name also reflects a conflict, according to Nix. “I know that there was a battle and the Indians were involved,” Nix said. “The Indians were driven out of Dawson County.” What’s certain is the uncertainty. It is not fully understood which Native Americans were engaged in the battle at War Hill or which ones fled. Just something to think about as you enjoy the scenic campgrounds, beaches and fishing piers. ■
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Take a break from strolling around the park and swing under the shade of the pines. Photo/Denise Ray, Dawson News and Advertiser
The tranquility of Lake Lanier awaits visitors at War Hill Park. Denise Ray/Dawson News and Advertiser
s...
Whether you swing, fish or lay in the sand, War Hill Park offers something for everyone. Photo/Denise Ray, Dawson News and Advertiser
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
The Bowen Center is off of state Route 9 and is within walking distance to one of its replacements - Dawson County Middle School. Photo/Denise Ray, Dawson News & Advertiser
Art center thrives in historic space
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The Ralph and Ludy Bowen Center for the Arts is housed in one of the most unique, historic buildings in Dawson County — the Old Rock School House. Construction began on the building in 1934, using local labor and rocks, and was completed in February 1935. While small by today’s standards for schools, it was much larger than the one-room schoolhouses common in the 1930s and had multiple rooms. For nearly 30 years, the building housed classrooms where the majority of Dawson residents at the time were educated. Then on Jan. 16, 1962, a fire destroyed everything in the building, leaving only its outer block walls standing.
By Joey Argento/Dawson News and Advertiser
The building was reconstructed in 2000, with encouragement from the Dawson County Historic Society and the county’s arts council, which expressed a strong interest in renovating the building. Its vision included classroom space for art instruction, wall space to accommodate ongoing art exhibits from local artists as well as guest exhibitors. “The natural lighting against white walls and new floors and window coverings have made the whole center absolutely charming,” said Bowen Art Center President Nancy McNeil. “I think what makes this place special and unique is the building itself. People really enjoy it and its history.”
Today, the Bowen Center for the Arts hosts local juried photography exhibits (Sept. 8-25, $30 to participate), the Georgia Heritage Quilt show (through Dec. 6), clay and pottery pieces, and showcases the works of local artists. In 2015, it hosted a reception for the Wild West show, a gallery reception for “The Great Outdoors,” a Black Eagle Leather Purse workshop, raffled off a local handmade quilt, and brought together local folks for a Mrs. Santa Pie Contest and Tasting. The center has become the heart of art and community in Dawson County. For more information, dawsonarts.org, 706-216-2787. ■
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Bowen Art Center hosts a works in clay gallery that features work of local Dawsonville artists. Shown is a female face done in clay and wood. Photo/Kimberly Boim, Dawson News & Advertiser
A clay dog waits patiently for its treat at the Bowen Art Center. Photo/Kimberly Boim, Dawson News & Advertiser
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge
Located 17 mi. from downtown Dawsonville, 19 mi. west of Dahlonega, and 23 miles from Ellijay on Hwy. 52, Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge is home to the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, the southern end of the Appalachian Trail Approach Trail, numerous day hiking trails, The Lodge Hotel, cabins, camping, open and enclosed picnic shelters, The Maple Restaurant, The Visitor’s Center, and two unique gift shops. New Adventure Park Activities with Reservations 57 Lodge Rooms, 14 Cabins & 24 Campsites Free Georgia Birds of Prey Shows, most Saturdays & Naturalist’s Choice Shows, most Sundays @ 1pm in The Lodge lobby. Friday Night Surf and Turf Buffet - $16.95 Crab legs are featured the 1st and last Friday of each month for an additional cost.
Saturday Night Prime Rib and Italian Buffet - $16.95 Sunday Brunch Buffet - $19.95
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Call The Visitor’s Center @ 706-265-4709 for details & reservations.
For Information & Reservations Call 706-265-8888 or 800-573-9656. A $5.00 per vehicle park pass is required.
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Whether you use a wheelbarrow or a wagon to carry your special selection, pumpkin sizes range from baseball to thigh-high masterpieces. Photo/File
Families find fun at Burt’s Pumpkin Farm
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By Joey Argento/Dawson News and Advertiser
With fall comes Halloween and with Halloween comes jack-o’-lanterns. If you’re trying to find a great pumpkin to be your jack-o’-lantern, look no further than Burt’s Pumpkin Farm. Many North Georgia families share this tradition and take the drive to Burt’s Pumpkin Farm to find pumpkins and also to take a ride on the farm’s hay wagon. Burt’s Pumpkin Farm is located in the northern part of Dawson County, less than a mile from the breathtaking Amicalola Falls State Park. The farm opened in 1987, but the Burt family has owned the property where the farm is located for generations — going back to the 1800s, according to its Facebook page.
And with 49,000 “likes,” which is more than twice the population of Dawson County, it shows families from all over North Georgia come to Burt’s to purchase their pumpkin for the Halloween season and start or continue family traditions. Locals enjoy it, too. Dawson resident Mary Jo Payne said her three grown daughters come home to visit the farm. “It’s something they wouldn’t miss,” Payne said. “After all these years, we never got tired of it, and they still fight for the best seat on the hay wagon.” The farm is open Sept. 1-Nov. 10. Hours are: Sept. 1-Oct. 30, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Oct. 31-Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission costs $5 for adults; kids aged 1-12, $4; kids under 1, free. ■
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Burt’s Pumpkin Farm was established in 1992 and continues to delight generations of families who enjoy the fresh mountain air, wide selection of pumpkins, fried pies, hayrides and other activities. Photo/Kimberly Boim, Dawsonville News & Advertiser
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
In these boulders along the Raven Cliffs trail, you can easily see veins of minerals such as quartz. Photo/Debbie Gilbert, White County News
Rocks of ages Georgia’s mountains have stories to tell
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The Raven Cliffs trail ends at these massive, 100-foot-tall granite towers, with an unusual waterfall hidden within the split between the two cliffs. Photo/Debbie Gilbert, White County News
By Debbie Gilbert/White County News
Even if you’ve never thought much about rocks, a drive or hike through Northeast Georgia should pique your curiosity. “It’s a very interesting geological area of the country,” said Katayoun Mobasher, associate professor of geology at the University of North Georgia. “The Blue Ridge province was formed by the collision of Africa and North America, about 500 million years ago.” Most of the rock in the area had been granite, which originates from lava or magma inside the Earth. But the pressure of two continents smashing against each other caused the granite to metamorphose into a different type of rock, granitic gneiss (recognizable by its banded layers of minerals). For a prime example of this rock, look at White County’s iconic landmark, Yonah Mountain. Its round dome is mostly forested, but there’s a distinctive exposed rock face just below the summit. Mobasher said Yonah is a monadnock – an isolated hill that rises up out of level ground. Blood Mountain (near Vogel State Park) and Atlanta’s Stone Mountain are other examples.
“They are deeply rooted underground, and resistant to erosion,” she said. “They stick out because the rocks all around them have worn down.” Granite or granitic gneiss forms the basis for many beautiful rock formations in the area, including at Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls and Raven Cliffs. The latter, located near Helen, features two 100-foot towers of rock, so close together that you can barely see the small double waterfall between them. To observe a different type of rock, visit the spectacular Tallulah Gorge in Habersham County. The top of the canyon is lined with quartzite, a metamorphosed version of quartz. But the mineral that visitors most want to see in North Georgia is gold, which was discovered in White and Lumpkin counties in the early 19th century. Remnants of gold mining can still be seen at Smithgall Woods State Park near Helen, or you can tour an actual, well-preserved gold mine in Dahlonega. To learn about these sites and much more, get the essential reference book, “Roadside Geology of Georgia,” by Pamela Gore and William Witherspoon. ■
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Destination
Rabun County Find out more Fall festivals abound in Rabun 84 Looking Over Rabun County 86 Rabun is Farm to Table Capital 90 On the hunt in Rabun 96
In this photo... A boatsman idling down the Tallulah River toward Lake Rabun pauses to enjoy and shoot a photo of the glorious fall color lining the shore. Photo/Deborah Leonard, Special
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Local bluegrass group The Foxfire Boys performs during the 2014 Foxfire Mountaineer Festival street dance. This year’s event will be Oct. 3 at the Rabun County Civic Center. Photo/Megan Studdard, The Clayton Tribune
Fall festivals abound in Rabun
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By Megan Studdard/Clayton Tribune
Visitors to Rabun County can enjoy all the colors and activities of autumn during three annual festivals this October. “It is the most beautiful time of year in North Georgia,” said Tony Allred, Rabun County Chamber of Commerce president, of the fall festival season. The 21st annual Foxfire Mountaineer Festival kicks things off Oct. 3 at the Rabun County Civic Center. An ode to the heritage of Southern Appalachia, the event features crafts, demonstrations and field games, including the wildly popular children’s greased pig chase. Organizer Lisa McCall said there will be more pig chases this year, and an added greased pole climb to a long list of field events. There’s also a soap box derby starting at 5 p.m., followed by a street dance in down-
town Clayton. Tickets will be available at the festival gates. Festivalgoers can get artsy Oct. 10 during The Great ARTdoors Festival at The Hambidge Center in Rabun Gap. The 600-acre artist sanctuary opens to the public each year to celebrate everything creative. There will be make-your-own pottery, studio tours and live music. Tickets can be purchased at hambidge.org/ festival-tickets. A celebration of the season begins Oct. 17 up scenic state Route 246 and into Georgia’s highest city. Sky Valley’s second annual Fallfest will feature craft vendors, the Hay Bale Trail and a lively collection of scarecrows. The event will go on 10 a.m.-4 p.m. behind the clubhouse in Sky Valley. Visit skyvalleyga.com for more information. ■
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
The Great ARTdoors Festival drew a crowd of 550 last October to enjoy demonstrations, installations, tours of the facility and more. This year’s event is slated for Oct. 10. Photo/Megan Studdard, The Clayton Tribune Haley Small of Highlands, North Carolina, paints a pumpkin and enjoys cotton candy at the Sky Valley Fallfest last October. Photo/ Megan Studdard, The Clayton Tribune
Attendees at the 21st annual Foxfire Mountaineer Festival try their hand a crosscut sawing last October. Photo/Megan Studdard, The Clayton Tribune
Lula Roberts, 3, of Atlanta, paints a mask during The Great ARTdoors Festival at the Hambidge Center. Megan Studdard/The Clayton Tribune
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
A gristGap milland andparts the first building where electricity generated in Dawson County Rabun of Dillard are visible from the was Sky Valley Overlook on state Routecan be viewed carwith whileyellows, traveling on Howser Mill Road. 246. The from valleyyour shines oranges and reds as summer gives way to fall. Photo/Kimberly DawsonTribune News and Advertiser Photo/Klark Byrd,Boim, The Clayton
Looking Over
R
Rabun County
Rabun County, nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains, has an earned reputation each fall as the place to be when summer’s greens give way to autumnal hues of orange, yellow and red. “If you haven’t been to the mountains, this is the prime time to do it,” said Rabun County Chamber of
By Klark Bryd/The Clayton Tribune
Commerce President Tony Allred. While the view from virtually any spot in the county is a celebration of color, there are a few places that might take the breath away with sights that stretch as far as the eye can see. Scenic overlooks are sprinkled throughout the county, providing those who stop an op-
portunity to take in what only nature can provide — a breath of fresh air and nature’s last hurrah before winter. Sightseers might enjoy the view of North Georgia and North Carolina mountains from Popcorn Overlook on state Route 76 West. Open all year, Popcorn Overlook offers
▶
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Popcorn Overlook, situated on U.S. Highway 76 West, is a year-round sightseeing spot maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. Photo/Klark Byrd, The Clayton Tribune
Some foliage has started to change from summer green to fall red at the U.S. Forest Service’s Popcorn Overlook on Highway 76 West. Photo/Klark Byrd, The Clayton Tribune
Some foliage has started to change from summer green to fall red at the U.S. Forest Service’s Popcorn Overlook on Highway 76 West. Photo/Klark Byrd, The Clayton Tribune
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
informative signs, picnic tables and benches. It is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. Another popular spot sits along state Route 246 between Rabun Gap and Sky Valley. Visitors of the Sky Valley Overlook can look Rabun Gap and see as far away as Chestnut Mountain, a range more than 10 miles in the distance. Black Rock Mountain State Park is home to two overlooks with views over Mountain City and rural Rabun County. And Georgia Power’s Jones Bridge Overlook on SR 76 West offers a glimpse of forested lake scenery, which comes to colorful life during the fall season. ■
Georgia Power’s state Route 76 West Jones Bridge Overlook offers a view of Lake Burton. While some of the conifers around the lake remain green year-round, other large-leaf trees will change into fall colors. Photo/Klark Byrd, The Clayton Tribune
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
This dish is one of the many farm-to-table options available at Fortify Kitchen and Bar in downtown Clayton. Photo/Submitted
B
Rabun is Farm to Table Capital
Foodies rejoice ‚ Rabun County is the place for local farm-fresh eats with some of the nation’s most talented chefs cooking them up. The Georgia House of Representatives officially named Rabun County the Farm to Table Capital of Georgia on Jan. 23. The farm-totable movement has been a staple of Rabun County living. Boarding
By Megan Studdard/The Clayton Tribune
houses and restaurants such as The Dillard House and the nowclosed Bynum House brought produce straight from the garden to the plate nearly a century ago. Today, hungry visitors can find a farm-to-table stop anywhere from Rabun’s lakes and mountains to downtown Clayton. Josh Addis, manager at Lake
Rabun Hotel, said the restaurant was the first modern farm-to-table eatery in the county. It pioneered the featured farmer dinner concept which several local restaurants continue today. Lake Rabun Hotel also spawned many chefs who opened their own farm-to-table restaurants, including Chef Jamie Allred of Fortify Kitchen and Bar in
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
91
Jamie Allred, co-owner and head chef at Fortify Kitchen & Bar, one of many restaurants in the county that embody the farm-totable spirit. Photo/Megan Studdard, The Clayton Tribune
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Chef Tyler Williams, owner of pizzeria By Hand, picks out heirloom tomatoes with farmer Terri Jagger Blincoe of Ladybug Farms. Williams is a proponent of the farm-to-table movement From left, Chrissy Hite of Atlanta, Darlene Warren of Lake Rabun, Nancy and plans to open his own farm and another restaurant in Tiger Paulette of Atlanta and Kendle Campbell of Atlanta enjoy Featured Farmer soon. Photo/Megan Studdard,The Clayton Tribune Thursday at Lake Rabun Hotel. Photo/Megan Studdard, The Clayton Tribune
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Clayton. “(Farm-to-table) has really become a movement,” Addis said. Terri Jagger Blincoe, owner of Ladybug Farms in Persimmon, sells to five local restaurants. “The mountain soils and really clean water support some of the healthiest and best tasting food,” she said. Local chefs and farmers said diners can expect to see okras, radishes and squashes on menus this fall. Rabun visitors can also taste the talents of six Best Chefs America, Allred, Gayle and Dave Darugh of Beechwood Inn, James Reaux of The Chophouse at LaPrade, Tyler Williams of By Hand and Jenny Wilson of Fromage. ■ Farmer Terri Jagger Blincoe and Chef Tyler Williams of By Hand examine beans at Ladybug Farms in Persimmon. Williams buys tomatoes and fresh flowers from Jagger Blincoe. Photo/Megan Studdard, The Clayton Tribune
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Whitetail deer like the one shown are one of many species that hunters can test their abilities against in Rabun County. Though once more available, in recent years the whitetail population has declined in the county. Georgia Department of Natural Resources/Special
On the hunt in Rabun
W
With the vast majority of land in Rabun County being owned by the U.S. Forest Service, hunters have seemingly endless opportunities to put food on the table. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division helps maintain the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area, and, according to biologist Kevin Lowery with DNR, it’s one of the best places in the county to hunt. Despite a decreasing deer population, Lowery said the management area provides a better opportu-
By Mat Payne/The Clayton Tribune
nity than many other areas in the county to bag a whitetail deer because of the amount of management attention it receives. Although there are fewer deer, Lowery said the county’s bear population is slowly increasing. Unable to explain why, Lowery said his office received more reports of bear activity in areas west of U.S. Highway 441. He added that hunters killed about 200 bears in the 16-county region last year. Aside from big game, Lowery said squirrel and raccoon were the two
most popular types of small game to hunt in the county. As with all other hunting activities, Lowery said hunters should be aware of the laws regulating when and where various animals could be killed. According to information provided by the DNR, deer can be harvested via archery from Sept. 12-Oct. 19, using primitive weapons Oct. 10-16 and firearms Oct. 17-Jan. 10. Bears can be taken with bows from Sept. 12-Oct. 9, primitive weapons Oct. 10-16 and firearms Oct. 17-Jan. 10. ■
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
A seasoned hunter assists a younger hunter to secure a harness that could be used in a tree stand. With more than half of the county comprised of land where hunting is permitted, opportunities abound for hunters to hone their craft. Georgia Department of Natural Resources/Special
A sign designating the Warwoman Management Area off Sarahs Creek Road is one of many throughout the Warwoman Community.
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Waterfalls saturate
Northeast Georgia landscape
Northeast Georgia has scenic wonders to enjoy in its forests and along its rivers and streams. Many of its picturesque waterfalls have relatively short and easy trails, while others require a more strenuous effort. Some of the waterfalls are close to each other and can be visited on
one trip. Many of the waterfalls offer breathtaking views and quiet places for contemplation. Access and degree of difficulty varies. Included below is a county-by-county guide to many of the waterfalls in Dawson, Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun and White counties.
Cascade Falls is below Chenocetah Fire Tower in Cornelia near a path down to Lake Russell. Photo/File
Dawson County
Amicalola Falls The stunning Amicalola Falls, located in Amicalola Falls State Park, is 729 feet tall. It was named Amicalola, which means “tumbling waters,” by the Cherokee. Amicalola Falls State Park is located on state Route 52. Bearden Falls Bearden Falls is in the Chattahoochee National Forest. There is no designated trail. From Dahlonega, take state Route 52 West for 8 miles to Nimblewill Church Road on the right. Follow Nimblewill Road for 4.5 miles to the national forest boundary and continue on FS28-2 for 2 miles, where the road begins to climb the side of Frosty Mountain on the way to Nimblewill Gap. Pull off to the right to begin the hike to the falls.
Cochrans Falls Cochrans Falls cascades approximately 600 feet from peak to base. The falls descend from Frosty Mountain and cascade before changing to a series of smaller cascades. Go west on state Route 52 from Dahlonega 14.5 miles to the second entrance for Wesley Chapel Road, just inside Dawson County. Turn right on Wesley Chapel Road and, after nearly a mile, turn left on Dan Fowler Road. Go 1.2 miles, turn left on Blackhawk Road and go about 2 miles. Fall Creek Falls Fall Creek Falls, located in Dawson County, is a set of four waterfalls, the second and largest of which is more than 75 feet high. Follow state Route 136 to the Dawson/Pickens County line and turn south on Monument Road.
The trailhead is 3 miles on the left at the kiosk. Follow Tobacco Pouch Trail 0.3 mile to the junction with Fall Creek Trail, then go 3.3 miles.
Habersham County
Cascade Falls A moderate-to-difficult one-way hike, Rhododendron Trail starts at the historic Chenocetah Fire Tower in Cornelia and descends down to Lake Russell in Mt. Airy. The trail to the almost hidden Cascade Falls is 1.75 miles in. The complete trail to Lake Russell is approximately 2.6 miles. From Cornelia’s Main Street, turn onto Wyly Street. Across from Cornelia City Park, turn onto Chenocetah Drive and follow road to the top of the mountain. The trail starts on the left, across from the marble entrance sign. Follow the blue blazes.
Panther Creek Trail and falls Ace Hardware) and go 1 mile to the This 6.6-mile trail begins across parking area near the bottom of the highway from the Panther the falls. Swimming is not permitCreek Recreation Area on Historic ted and fishing is permitted on a Highway 441. The trail is on steep catch-and-release basis. slopes that fall to the creek below. DeSoto Falls There are scenic views, including Two waterfalls can be viewed wildflowers, cascading portions of from the DeSoto Falls Trails. the creek, then Panther Creek Falls. Trout fishing in Frogtown Creek Remember, the falls is 3.3 miles in. is allowed and camping is availDo not be fooled by the high shoals that are 2.3 miles in. Panther Falls is near the USFS Minnehaha Falls Located just south of Lake Rabun, Minnehaha is a 100-foot falls down a stair-step ledge to the pool below. Minnehaha can be reached from Habersham either from U.S. Highway 441 to Lake Rabun Road, or by a picturesque drive along New Liberty Road to Bear Gap Road, then Lake Rabun Road. Head north on U.S. Highway 441 past Tallulah Falls, turn left onto Lake Rabun Road and drive around the north side of the lake. Turn left about one mile past the Rabun Beach Recreation Area, crossing Seed Lake Dam and following Bear Gap Road around the lake for about 1-1/2 miles. Hike Fall Branch Trail about a half-mile to the falls.
Lumpkin County
Lake Rabun Recreational Area and is on the same trail as Angel Falls, which is 600 yards farther. Photo/File
Cane Creek Falls Located on the grounds of Camp Glisson, Cane Creek Falls is open to the public during daylight hours except when camp is in session. You must check in at the visitors center prior to visiting the falls. From Dahlonega, follow Business U.S. Hwy. 19 and state Route 60 north for 2 miles. Turn left at the sign for Camp Glisson (across from
National Forest. Take U.S. Highway 19 13.7 miles to Mt. Piscah Church Road and turn left. Travel 2.6 miles to the falls, which will be on the left. Parking is available on the right. Black Falls Black Falls is on the Etowah River and is on the property of Camp Frank D. Merrill, 11 miles north of Dahlonega. Access may be restricted. Check with the visitors center before attempting to visit the falls. To reach the camp, travel north on U.S. Highway 19 for 2 miles and turn left onto Camp Wahsega Road. Follow road for 9 miles to the entrance. Blood Mountain Creek Three falls flow from Blood Mountain Creek. Take U.S. Highway 19 north 13.7 miles and turn left onto Mt. Piscah Church Road. Travel 3.3 miles to the ford across Crow Mountain Creek. Continue for 1 mile to Blood Mountain Creek. A difficult and unmaintained, but well-used trail follows the left side of the creek. The lower falls are about 100 yards from the road. The middle falls are another 50 yards upstream.
Rabun County
able. From Dahlonega travel north on U.S. Highway 19 for 13.5 miles to Turners Corner. Turn left and proceed on U.S. 129 for 4.2 miles. Turn left after you pass the Walasiyi Center. A sign at the trailhead lets visitors know the history of the discovery of a plate of armor in the 1880s. Dicks Creek Falls The falls are located at the convergence of Dicks Creek and Waters Creek in the Chattahoochee
Hemlock Falls This 15-foot falls is on a scenic trail directly across from Moccasin Creek State Park. Children may be interested in the Lake Burton Fish Hatchery next door to the campgrounds. From Clarkesville, take state Route 17 to Alternate SR 255. When this road dead ends, turn right onto SR 255. In Batesville, turn left onto SR 197, driving past LaPrade’s at Lake Burton to Moccasin Creek State Park. You might also drive SR 197 North all the way from Clarkesville and
102 stop at public portions of the Soque River, which both starts and ends in Habersham County. Panther Falls/Angel Falls These falls are close to the Rabun Beach Recreational Area. Turn right into Area 2 of the recreation area. Drive back along the loop road to the sign designating the trailhead. Panther Falls is located about a half mile up the trail, while Angel Falls is another 600 yards farther down the trail. Becky Branch Falls (Tallulah Ranger District) This 20-foot cascade is located just five minutes from downtown Clayton and is easily accessible. From Clayton, drive east on Warwoman Road for 2.8 miles and park on left side of road by branch. Walk up the right side of branch on the trail for about 200 yards to a bridge at base of falls.
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
north to Dick’s Creek. Follow creek to viewing area at top of falls. Holcomb Creek Falls (Tallulah Ranger District) The Holcomb Creek Trail (1.3 miles in length) begins at the in-
small cleared camping area on the left at a sharp left bend in the road. Walk west from the camping area. Cross Martin Creek, then travel uphill for about 0.4 mile to the top of the falls. Mud Creek Falls Also known as Little Estatoah, the falls have a vertical drop of 100 feet and flow into Estatoah Falls in Dillard. Take U.S. Highway 441 north to Dillard. Turn right on state Route 246 and follow signs to Sky Valley. At Sky Valley’s entrance gate, turn left. Turn right on Tahoe Road and follow to the falls.
White County
Anna Ruby Falls Known as the Chattahoochee National Forest’s most popular attraction, 50,000 people come from all over the world to view the falls. Located off state Route 356 north of Helen and adjacent to Unicoi State Park, Anna Darnell Creek Falls Ruby Falls tumbles down A waterfall tucked away in the Lake Russell Wildlife A pretty little waterfall that the side of 4,430-foot Tray Management Area. Photo/Ashley Williams is easy to get to, and not far Mountain. off the main road. It’s actually two falls: Curtis From Clayton, drive north on U.S. Creek (153 feet high) and York tersection of Hale Ridge Road (F.S. Highway 441 to the Rabun Gap Post Road 7) and Overflow Road (F.S. Creek (50 feet) drop to a plunge Office. Turn right onto Kellys Creek Road 86) and follows a short loop pool to form Smith Creek. Start Road. Go 1 mile and turn right on at the visitor center and climb to its end on Hale Ridge Road. The Darnell Creek Road. Continue 0.4 a half-mile paved trail along the trail passes Holcomb Creek Falls mile, bear left at the fork with the whitewater creek. Charge is $3 per and Ammons Creek Falls, where private Chestnut Mountain Road. person, ages 16 and up. Kids age 15 there is an observation deck. Drive across the bridge and bear and under are admitted free. Take Warwoman Road east from right for another 0.3 mile. Park at Clayton for 10 miles. Turn left on Dukes Creek Falls the fork and take the right fork F.S. Road 7 (Hale Ridge Road) and Seeing Dukes Creek Falls takes a onto the old wood road. Hike is drive 9 miles. Park to the east of bit of legwork, but it’s worth the efabout 0.25 mile to the falls. intersection with Overflow Creek fort. Park at the Dukes Creek Falls Road (F.S. 86). Dick’s Creek Falls (Tallulah Recreation Area, off Richard B. Ranger District) Russell Scenic Highway ($4 fee per Martin Creek Falls This waterfall is about 60 feet vehicle). A handicapped-accessible This two-tier waterfall is 35-feet high and makes a sheer drop over a high with aquatic plants covering path takes you to an overlook, but granite mound into the Chattooga after that, you’ll descend steep the weeping rock wall on the left. River. From Clayton, drive 6 miles stairs and continue on a dirt trail This 20-minute walk (0.5 mile in east on Warwoman Road. Turn for almost a mile down to the falls. length) follows the Bartram Trail right onto Dick’s Creek Road or There, you’ll see not one but two along the west side of the creek. Sand Ford Road. Go 0.5 mile, then cascades, fed by Davis and Dodd From Clayton, go east on Wartake left across the creek. Go 3.5 creeks. The Davis falls is high (200 woman Road for 3 miles. Turn left miles. Cross second ford and park feet) and narrow; the Dodd falls is onto F.S. Road 152 and drive past at Bartram Trail sign. Follow trail the Game Checking Station. Park in shorter, but wide and thundering.
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Destination
Hall County Find out more Elachee: An Oasis of Nature 104 Northeast Georgia History Center 106
In this photo... Picking a pumpkin is one of the treats for children available at Jaemor Farms. Photo/File
104
The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Elachee:
E
Photo/Special
An oasis of nature
Elachee has a beautiful campus that consists of a 1,400-acre forest nature preserve with 10 miles of hiking trails. The preserve serves as a plant and animal sanctuary and wonderful woodland area and outdoor learning laboratory for all forms of nature education, whether formal or informal. The center houses an interactive museum that will excite and educate visitors of all ages. More than 35,000 students from more than 25 school systems and an
additional 30,000 visitors enjoy Elachee’s educational programs every year. Elachee offers a variety of learning opportunities, themed and seasonal to the public. Elachee has trail options that range from a 0.5-mile handicapped accessible loop to several woodland hikes ranging from 0.35 mile to 2.25 miles, and the popular and moderate lake trails at 4.5 miles round trip. â–
Elachee Nature Science Center Photo/Special
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Upcoming events and programs: First Saturday Hikes: Take a hike through the amazing Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. Hikes cost $5 per person and are led by a staff naturalist. The hikes are from 10-11:30 a.m. Dress according to weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Nightfall: Oct. 17, 4-8 p.m. – Don your favorite costume if you so desire, and come enter the nighttime forest for a fun, non-scary adventure. Highlights include a trickor-treat trek on the trail where visitors will meet animal-costumed Elachee staff members with lots of treats and stories to share. Other features of the evening will include a telescope tour of the night sky with Elachee astronomers, face painting, crafts and concessions.
If by chance the forecast calls for clouds and rain, don’t let that keep you away – the center will have an alternate plan for indoor fun. General admission fee is $5/person. Elachee members and children under 2 admitted free. Trick or Trek Trail Run: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 31. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and come on out and run the trails. If you don’t have a costume, don’t worry – it’s optional. The trail run offers varying-length courses, walk-run 5K and a 10K run. Fees are as follows: $25 (5K) and $35 (10K). Race day registration will be $10 higher per person.
Marketplace: Nov. 6-7. Elachee will reprise a booth at this year’s Marketplace event, held at the Civic Center in Gainesville. Stop by and pick up some great natureinspired gifts for Christmas.
Starlight Adventure Auction Fundraiser: 6-9 p.m., Nov. 21, at the Brenau University Downtown Center. Come and try out a sampling of activities students experience during this annual fundraiser. It’s
Rucksack Military Surplus
a casual and fun evening featuring beverage and appetizer bars, lowcountry boil dinner, live and silent auctions and the opportunity to socialize with friends and supporters of children, nature education and the environment. Tickets cost $70/person. Sponsor tables are available.
Trails are open dawn to dusk 365 days a year and use is free. Fall museum hours are: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday through November. Museum tickets cost $5/adult and $3/child (2 years-up). For more information, call 770-5351976 or visit website at elachee.org or email elachee@elachee.
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Northeast Georgia History Center Photo/Special
Northeast Georgia History Center:
more than a museum
T
By Ken Johnston, special
The Northeast Georgia History Center’s tagline is “More than a Museum,” and the line-up of programming this fall and winter prove that those aren’t just words. When most people hear the word museum, a “do-nottouch” or a “locked in a display case” world comes to mind. But at the NGHC, organizers put you in the action with hands-on activities, living history demonstrations, museum theater productions and musical performances. ▶
Northeast Georgia History Center Photo/Special
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
Northeast Georgia History Center Photo/Special
Northeast Georgia History Center Photo/Special
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▶
Highlights for fall 2015 and winter 2016 events Oct. 11 – Family Day: Battle of Hastings A full-size replica of the 230-footlong Bayeux Tapestry comes to the History Center and is brought to life with period interpreters demonstrating 11th century arms and armor; Oct. 23-24 – Haunted History An evening of fun and frights as spirits of the past tell their ghostly
Northeast Georgia History Center Photo/Special
stories throughout the galleries for Halloween; Nov. 9-13 – Veteran’s Day Exhibit Try on the gear and hear the stories of America’s veterans; Dec. 13 – Family Day: Victorian Christmas Celebrate the holiday season and the Victorian era origins of our modern Christmas traditions;
Northeast Georgia History Center Photo/Special
Feb. 14, 2016 – Family Day: War for Independence Explore the Revolutionary War in Georgia on the anniversary of the Battle of Kettle Creek. To plan your trip to the Northeast Georgia History Center, visit negahc.org or call 770-297-9798. NGHC is located at 322 Academy St., N.E., Gainesville, on the campus of Brenau University.
Northeast Georgia History Center Photo/Special
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
A special thanks to our advertisers... Habersham County
Carolyn’s Fine Jewelry..................................... 4 Country Boy....................................................... 4 Elizabeth & Company....................................... 4 North Ga Shutters............................................. 4 David & Katies................................................. 13 Grant Street Music Room/Clarkesville Lanes.... 15 Nest, The.......................................................... 15 Perry Gas.......................................................... 15 Liberty Car Wash............................................. 17 Attic, The.......................................................... 18 Bumbleberry.................................................... 18 Copper Pot ...................................................... 18 El Jinete ........................................................... 18 Gresham Planning & Development ............. 18 Headwaters Realty - Dale Holmes .............. 18 Liberty Car Wash............................................. 18 Southern Bank & Trust................................... 18 A To Zinc........................................................... 19 Chiropractic Spine Center Of North Ga Inc..19 Clarkesville Classics ...................................... 19 Clarkesville Mainstreet.................................. 19 Duncan Square Cafe & Yogurt Shoppe....... 19 Erin London Apparel Inc................................ 19 Medlink............................................................. 19 North Ga Floors............................................... 19 Soque River Ramble....................................... 19 Sutton Tire........................................................ 19 Tucker’s Café................................................... 19 Woods Furniture.............................................. 19 Red Hound Antique Market........................... 21 Glen Ella Springs............................................. 22 Hartford House................................................ 22 Mark Of The Potter......................................... 22 Woods Furniture.............................................. 22 Habersham Chamber Of Commerce............ 23 Art-Full Barn.................................................... 25 Memory Lane................................................... 25 Roots N Remedies.......................................... 25 Ocm Antiques & Mall..................................... 26 A Bead Garden................................................ 27 Cornelia Florist ............................................... 27
Piedmont College ........................................... 27 Stew & Que Restaurant................................. 27 Wild Berry Cottage......................................... 27 Forest Lane Inc................................................ 28 Hawg Wild Bbq............................................... 28 Country Wood Works..................................... 30 Homestead House.......................................... 30 Mainstreet Cornelia........................................ 30
White County Cenita Winery, Llc........................................... 33 Tim’s Wooden Toys......................................... 33 Betty’s Country Store...................................... 35 Creekside Deli................................................. 35 Helen Chamber Of Commerce...................... 35 Glenda’s Restaurant....................................... 36 Jacky Jones Ford............................................ 36 Mtn Fresh Creamery....................................... 36 Southern Charm.............................................. 36 Country Bake Shoppe.................................... 37 Gabby’s Cabins................................................ 37 Unicoi Lodge/Conference.............................. 37 Willows Pottery............................................... 37 Hillbilly Hog Bbq Throwdown....................... 39 Sautee Nacoochee Arts & Community Center.. 39 Dairy Queen..................................................... 40 Avocados.......................................................... 41 Huddle House.................................................. 41 Lindenhaus Imports........................................ 41 Nora Mill Granary........................................... 42 Oaa/ Babyland General.................................. 42 Serenity Cellar................................................. 42 Helendorf River Inn & Towers....................... 43 La Cabana Mexican Restaurant................... 43 Old Heidelberg German Restaurant............. 43 Old Sautee Store............................................. 43 Best Western Motel....................................... 45 Gold N Gem Grubbin....................................... 46 Innsbruck......................................................... 46 Mt Yonah Book Exchange.............................. 46 Walmart............................................................ 46 Clermont Trading Company........................... 47
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015
A special thanks to our advertisers... Nacoochee Village Tavern............................ 47 Western Sizzlin................................................ 47 Hofer’s Bakery................................................. 50 Mtn Laurel Antique Mall................................ 50 Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen.................... 51 Hofbrauhaus.................................................... 51 White County Chamber Of Commerce........ 52
Lumpkin County Eagle Ranch....................................................... 3 R-Ranch Association...................................... 55 B&M Metals.................................................... 59 Fudge Factory Of Dahlonega ....................... 59 Giggle Monkey................................................ 59 Donna Minnich Insurance............................. 60 Paul Thomas Chocolates............................... 60 Bratzeit, Llc...................................................... 61 Tomato House.................................................. 61 Walden & Co. Realty....................................... 61 Ung Bookstore Campus Connection............ 63 Wolf Mountain Vineyards.............................. 63 B&M Metals.................................................... 64 Cavender Creek Cabins................................. 64 Consolidated Gold Mines.............................. 65 Jayne Hanlon Realty Llc................................ 65 Smith House Management............................ 65 Dahlonega Chamber Of Commerce............. 67 Gold Shop, The................................................ 67 Northside Hospital-Forsyth........................... 70
Dawson County Hayes Chevrolet................................................ 2 Big D’s Bbq....................................................... 73 Dawsonville Antiques.................................... 75 Mb Resources Llc........................................... 75 Amicalola Falls................................................ 77 Etowah Valley Sporting Clays....................... 79 Dawson County Chamber Of Commerce.... 80
Rabun County City Of Sky Valley............................................ 82 River Vista Mtn Village................................... 82
Moonrise Distillery......................................... 87 Blue Ridge Honey Company.......................... 88 Dillard Market.................................................. 88 Maggie Valley Club & Resort........................ 88 Parker Ranch................................................... 89 Rabun County Convention & Visitors Bureau.... 89 River Falls At The Gorge................................ 89 Dillard Tourism Association.......................... 91 Abc Liquor........................................................ 92 Reeves Hardware........................................... 92 Fire Place......................................................... 93 Ga Mountain Fairgrounds.............................. 93 Hillside Orchard Farms.................................. 93 Mishima Express............................................. 93 Days Inn............................................................ 94 North Ga Community Player.......................... 94 Prater’s Main St Books.................................. 94 Rabun River Cabins........................................ 94 U Joint............................................................... 94 Butler Galleries............................................... 95 Daniel’s Discovery Tours............................... 95 Dillard House, The.......................................... 95 Foxfire............................................................... 97 Lake Rabun Hotel............................................ 98 Mama G’s.......................................................... 98 Pepper, Kelly.................................................... 98 Smitty’s Spirits................................................. 98 Foxfire............................................................... 99 Mtn Aire Cottages........................................... 99 Wild Bill’s Army Navy Store.......................... 99 Outdoor Depot............................................... 105
Hall County Outdoor Depot............................................... 105 Rucksack Military Surplus.......................... 105 Southern Ladies Plantation......................... 107 City Of Gainesville......................................... 108
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1957 Hwy 441 S., Clayton, GA
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The Mountain Traveler // Fall 2015