Appalachian Country Living Magazine August-September 2017

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

ENGELHEIM VINEYARDS SAVORING MOUNTAIN SERENITY

ABARNATHY’S CUSTOM THE MOST COMPLETE HOME FURNISHINGSLIST OF 2017 FALL CELEBRATING 127 YEARS FESTIVALS IN THE AREA AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

BLUEBERRY BLAST! SUMMER RECIPES THAT ARE BERRY COOL WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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Discover the NEW north Georgia mountains at Covered Bridge Estates in Ellijay, GA.

A peaceful mountain community less than a hour north of Atlanta!

Whether you’re searching for your first mountain home, vacation retreat or planning your retirement, Covered Bridge Estates is right for you.

Our community offers an abundance of lifestyle opportunities. Watch wildlife from your balcony. Take a leisurely walk on paved roads throughout the gated community. Covered Bridge Estates is just a stone's throw away from Carter's Lake and the entrance to the Appalachian Trail where recreation opportunities such as hiking, boating, and mountain biking abound. Enjoy the convenience of local vineyards, dining & antique shops. Visit the historic downtown square, and enjoy the Annual Apple Festival. Covered Bridge Estates... the next place you will want to call home.

Community Features · Professionally planned community · Gated entrance w/cameras · Homesites starting in mid 20's · 1 to 3-acre build-able homesites

Contact Mike Kunkel at 706-669-4177

NEW

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FEATURE HOMES ER

CO NSTRU

· Sales office open daily · Homes starting in mid 200's · Several home plans to choose from 1700 - 2500 sq. ft. of living area

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or mike@estatesatcoveredbridge.com Or Visit www.estatesatcoveredbridge.com

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

“You Marry the Girl– We’ll Furnish the Home!”

Rustic Cabin Furniture FINANCING DELIVERY 0 Traditional Home Furnishings E % L B A A VAILABLE FREE AVAIL Contemporary Home Furnishings Maytag, Whirlpool and KitchenAid Appliances Simmons Beautyrest Mattresses • Electronics • Wall Art & Accessories

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Must Present Ad. Not valid with any other offers.

Exclusions apply. See store for details.

Offer expires 9/30/17 APPLIVQ3 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

3310 Blue Ridge Drive Blue Ridge, GA 30513

706-492-3071 AbernathysFurniture.com APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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6.9 miles North of Blue Ridge on Hwy 5 toward McCaysville. | Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:30pm

WELCOME TO AC LIVING MAGAZINE PUBLISHER | EDITOR IN CHIEF Alice Sexton

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Yah well– bummer for me.

Been a tough couple of months. Mom’s Celebration of Life Party in Houston was fantastic. I got to meet so many of her friends that I’d not met before.

The turnout of artists was unbelievable with friends traveling hundreds of miles to attend. We all knew my Mom was cool- but this was over the top- she would have loved it.

While mourning my mother’s death and sorting of her affairs has sadly consumed a lot of my time, life here in Blue Ridge still drums a strong heartbeat for me. Maxine, Billy Zoom and I marched in the 4th of July Parade and friends of Maxine (of course) cheered us on. This is by far one of the treasures of living in a small town, which is how I grew up. There’s no other feeling than this of belonging. And then…

Boom! The Solar Eclipse! Yes we are very fortunate to be in the “Path of Totality” and folks Maxine and Billy getting will be coming from near and far to experience ready for the 4th of July this once in a lifetime event. Our small towns Parade in Blue Ridge. will be bursting. Let’s all cross our fingers for Thanks Rebecca Rhodes good weather, and don’t forget to check that for the photos! your viewing glasses are legit. Glasses should have the designated ISO 12312-2 international standard and the manufacturer’s name and address printed right on them. And no– dark sunglasses are not OK. Of course NASA has all the facts on their website: www. eclipse2017.nasa.gov. Hey-there’s even a phone app for that!

If you’re looking for a place to relax after the Eclipse, look no further than Engelheim Vineyards. Gary Engel and his family have created a perfect setting to enjoy beautiful mountain views and award winning wine. Open seven days a week, with live music on weekends, a great tasting room with a view and wine making tours (call ahead for info & reservations), Engelheim Vineyards is a place where people can come together, relax, and truly appreciate what a fabulous wine experience the state of Georgia has to offer.

In true mountain tradition, Abernathy’s Complete Home Furnishings is celebrating 127 years of true family service to our community. You’ll find everything here to furnish your mountain home or your rental cabin. With such a rich and colorful history you’ll see why the now famous slogan “You Marry the Girl, We’ll Furnish the Home,” can still be found at Abernathy’s Furniture to this day.

Yep. Here in the mountains it’s time to gear up for all of our Fabulous Fall Festivals.

We’ve compiled the most complete listing of festivals and fairs we can fit in these pages. You’ll find Blues & BBQ in Blue Ridge, a Sorghum Festival, GA Mountain Fall Festival, and a new Folk Art Festival in Ellijay. There’s a Pumpkin’ Express Train Ride and of course you won’t want to miss Arts in the Park and the Apple Festival. Maxine and Billy double-dog-dare you to try and get to them all!

Our next is issue will be all Apple- Apple Festival, apple events, apple recipes, and even gorgeous communities where you can build your dream home right here in GA Apple Country.

So until then- have a great end of summer.

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GARDEN| LANDSCAPE EDITOR Kevin Johnson | growitgreen@etcmail.com HISTORY EDITOR Leslie Barker Thomas | PresHist@etcmail.com OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EDITOR Greg Dunn | trainingdunnright@gmail.com STYLE & DESIGN EDITOR Cindy Trimble | cindy@studiotrimble.com ADVERTISING SALES NORTH Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Young Harris & Hiawassee, GA Murphy, Andrews, Brasstown & Hayesville, NC Angela Huffstetler 706. 851. 8190 | adswithangela@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES SOUTH Ellijay, Talking Rock, Jasper, Ball Ground, Canton & Woodstock, GA Tonia Sheppard 404. 784. 0620 | adswithtonia@gmail.com ALL INQUIRIES Appalachian Country Living 706. 492. 5070 | alice@blueridgemediagroup.com LAYOUT/DESIGN Alice Sexton Blue Ridge Media Group 706. 492. 5070 | alice@blueridgemediagroup.com DISTRIBUTION Arthur Pope Publication Marketing & Distribution, Inc. 770. 807. 3043 | publicationsinc@att.net CONTRIBUTORS Stuart Borders, Ralph Artigliere, U.S. Blueberry Council, Gary Engelheim, Tom Harper, Ray Higginbotham, Terry Maddox, Darvin Poole, Abigail Summar, Dustin Queen, Maxine & Billy Zoom

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE PO Box 1250, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706. 492. 5070 hello@blueridgemediagroup.com www.aclivingmagazine.com

PLEASE RECYCLE

Appalachian Country Living Magazine is published six times a year. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American copyright conventions. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Appalachian Country Living is printed in the United States of America. The articles contained in this magazine are works of journalism and do not represent the opinions or ideas of Appalachian County Living Magazine and the publisher assume no responsibility for the content of advertisements. While we welcome submissions, the magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Please do not send originals. The magazine is given away free by advertisers and at selected businesses in the region. A one year subscription is $20 per year for six issues. For renewals, new subscriptions, or any other correspondence, write to PO Box 1250 Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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CONTENTS Spotlight, Colonel 7 Restaurant Poole’s BBQ

A Home Town Favorite. World Famous for Great Food and Friendly Service

9 Fly Fishing in the GA Mountains

20

Members of Trout Unlimited Debunk a Few Myths About This Popular Sport

16 Abernathy’s Celebrates 127 Years

A Family Owned and Operated Business That’s Here to Assist You in Turning Your House into a Home

20

Engelheim Vineyards

In a Beautiful Setting, Engelheim’s Focuses on Outstanding Grapes and the Highest Quality of Wines

26 Blueberry Blast

16

Got the Summertime Blues? Cool Off With These Easy Blueberry Recipes.

32 2017 Fall Festivals!

Don’t Miss The Most Complete List of Festivals, Fairs and Shindigs in north GA

Blast

BLUEBERRY

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40 August / September Calendar

Your guide to Area, Arts, Events, Music, Theater, Beer & Wine Tastings

IVING WWW.ACL

ON THE COVER

MAGAZIN E.COM | AUGU ST/SEPTE MBER 2017

EIM ENGELAHRDS Y E VIN G SAVORIN TAIN MOUNIT Y SEREN

E COMPLET THE MOST 17 FALL Y’S CUSTOM LIST OF 20 IN THE AREA ABARNATH ISHINGSS AL TIV HOME FURN G 127 YEARS FES CELEBRATIN

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Y BLAST! BLUEBERR CIPES THAT RE SUMMER COOL Y ARE BERR

At Engelheim Vineyards, visitors are encouraged to savor the whole experience of tasting and enjoying locally produced Georgia wines. Engelheim has received numerous awards and medals from various wine competitions including a Double Gold, multiple Silver, and Bronze medals from the San Francisco Wine Competition with Engelheim estate grown and bottled wines.

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2017 FALL FESTIVALS

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

AC LIVING RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Breakfast & Lunch Served All Day! Open Seven Days a Week 8am - 2pm

Buzz in Daily for our...

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Specials

706.946.2337 5850 Appalachian Hwy / Rt.515 Blue Ridge, GA 30513 Diagonally Across from Ingles

www. bumblebeescafeblueridge.com

COL. POOLE’S Georgia Bar-B-Q

PO Box 727 East Ellijay, GA 30539 706. 635. 4100 Oscar and Edna Poole Darvin Poole

www.poolesbarbq.com

CABIN COFFEE DOWNTOWN BLAIRSVILLE

Fresh Roasted Coffee Everyday • PIZZA • SUBS • STEAK • SEAFOOD • DESSERT • FULL BAR

I-FI FREE W

Breakfast: Sandwiches, Pastries, Cinnamon Rolls & Bagels Lunch: Soup, Salad & Sandwiches Drinks: Coffee, Mocha, Latte, Cappuccino, Frappe & Fruit Smoothies

Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri 11am-10pm Sat 11:30-10pm Sun Closed

Like us on Facebook!

44A Town Square Blairsville, GA 30512

706. 745. 0073

CabinCoffeeCompany.com Like us on FB / CabinCoffeeBlairsville

15 West Cross Street/Hwy. 515 East Ellijay, Georgia 30540

Dine on the River

Featuring Fresh Local Trout and Certified Black Angus Steaks 289 Highland Crossing East Ellijay, GA 30540 In Front of Lowe’s

Wednesday thru Sunday 11:30am - 9:00pm Fri & Sat ‘til 9:30pm

706.632.7891

Poole’s Bar-B-Q

Colonel Poole knows about Barbecue and Quite a few Other Things to Boot!

What started as an eight by twelve shack with no indoor seating in 1989, Poole’s Bar-B-Q, is now world famous for its great food, friendly service, the Taj-Mah-Hog, the Hog-Rock-Cafe, The PigMoby-il and the Pig Hill of Fame.

Yes the Pig Hill of Fame. Rumor has it that state authorities would not allow Colonel Poole to put a sign by the highway, so instead he just up and planted pigs on the steep hill behind his restaurant. First it was just names of friends and family, but now the Pig Hill of Fame has over 4,000 little piggies. Want your name on a pig? For just five bucks, they paint your name on a pig and plant it somewhere on the hill. Then you have to come back and try to find it!

With the tourist attraction aside, Poole’s Bar-B-Q is a serious All-American BBQ establishment serving delicious options for locals and visitors alike. At lunchtime you’ll find fire fighters, policemen and women, and many other local workers partaking in the great home style foods. By evening, be prepared to stand in line because it’s just THAT good. Poole’s offers up beef, pork and chicken barbecue plates with Colonel Poole’s in-house barbecue sauce. There are a plenty of side dishes to choose from: barbecue beans, creamy macn-cheese, crisp coleslaw, potato salad, Brunswick stew, freedom fries, and onion rings. Many say the Brunswick stew is some of the best they’ve ever had. If you’re hankering for Brisket- get there early befor they run out! For the younger (or maybe just less hungry) crowd, Poole’s offers Junior plates. If you’re not in the mood for barbecue, Poole’s offers pork ribs, chicken strips, corn dogs and hot dogs.

Take some of Colonel Poole’s famous BBQ sauce home with you- Original or Sweet- or get both. And don’t forget to impress your friends with a Poole’s BBQ Pig Hill of Fame T-shirt.

Get ready to treat yourself to some great local Bar-B-Q! ACLM Colonel Poole’s BAR-B-Q – Open Thursday thru Sunday Highway 515 at 164 Craig Street East Ellijay, GA 30540 706. 635. 4100 www.poolesbarbq.com • Thursdays from 11am to 7pm • Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 8pm • Sunday from 11am to 7pm Just Look for the Pig Hill of Fame!

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8055 Aska Road Blue Ridge, GA 30513

www.ToccoaRiversideRestaurant.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

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305 South Main Street • Ellijay, GA 30540 706. 635. 2236 8

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

5/11/17 11:25 AM AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

AC LIVING ADVENTURE

Fly Fishing in the GA Mountains Local Trout Unlimited’s Ralph Artigliere Debunks Some Misconceptions About Fishing for Trout Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Biologist Damer enjoys a day off on the Cohuttas.

Left: Ralph Artigliere with stocked Rainbow Trout

M

Most folks don’t get it. Standing in a river thrashing a long pole with bugs on the end. It seems like a lot of work for little return, since many trout are small.

It is easier and cheaper to buy trout in the grocery store. They have a point, if that’s how they see trout fishing. But simply ask a trout fisherman why they fish, and the answers might change that perception. The answers will vary: a few fish for food, some for the thrill of connecting with a beautiful wild animal, some for the challenge of mastering techniques for fishing, some for the beauty of getting outdoors, some for exercise, some for fellowship with friends and loved ones, and some for several of those reasons. But the common denominator of all serious trout fishermen and women is they are passionate about trout, a magnificent fish that lives in cold, clean water in beautiful places.

Those who think trout fishing is beyond their means or ability to learn should know that is not the case. There are many ways to fish, from a cane pole with a worm to sophisticated and modern ultra-light fly or spinning gear.

If you know the right places to fish, expensive gear is not required; and the Appalachians have many good places for trout. Even fly fishing, which is arguably the most technical of trout fishing methods, can be mastered easily, as explained below.

So much has been written about trout and trout fishing, so many paintings AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

done, so many pictures taken, and so many stories told, that it is impossible to see, read, and hear them all in a lifetime. Why would trout be the subject of so much attention by scientists, outdoorsmen, artists and authors? In order to find out one needs to experience a trout in its environment. Take a hike or a drive to a mountain stream with a fly fisherman. Observe the surroundings where wild trout are found. Watch the artistry with which the fisherman plies techniques to place the fly in a location on the water where the trout may mistake it for natural food. Watch how the stream carries the fly in the current, like a bug trapped on or under the surface. The stream’s natural flow brings the fly over the trout, and the fish rises to take the lure. The fisherman, ever vigilant, tightens the line and sets the tiny hook. The trout scurries away, only to be stopped by the taut line. Next the trout leaps from water and somersaults back in the stream for another effort to flee. After another jump or two or a run downstream, the fisherman is able to

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

bring the fish to a soft rubber net before carefully unhooking the fish. Notice the joy of the fisherman and the care taken with the fish out of love and respect.

Observe the trout in the net.

Whether rainbow, brown or brook trout, each species has its own beautiful markings. The eyes are big and vibrant.

Wild trout frequently have bright colors, especially before and during spawning season. There is no doubt why this fish is loved by those who seek to make connections like this. With catch and release it is best to keep the fish in or close to the water when observing or photographing it, and then carefully release the fish back into the wild to live and multiply.

Let’s Debunk Some of the Misconceptions About Trout Fishing

Quality trout fishing in America is only available in the west and Alaska.

WRONG. Brook trout are native to the east coast, including the southern Appalachians, and they have been a WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Top Left: Jay Campbell with a Toccoa River Brown Trout Above: Wild Brook Trout photo by John Damer Left : Hand tied fly sure to please the local trout

magnificent fishing quarry since men have lived here. Brown and rainbow trout were introduced to the U.S. in the last century, and, while technically exotic species, they thrive in the Appalachians and offer quality fishing. Fannin County, Georgia, is the state’s official Trout Capital because it has hundreds of miles of diverse trout streams and is surrounded within a 90 minute drive in all directions with first class trout waters. Also, the Trout Capital and surrounding areas exclusively offer quality year-round trout fishing with no crowds and a climate suitable for comfortable winter fishing.

Trout fishing is difficult to learn.

WRONG. With a little instruction and information, fundamental trout fishing can be mastered. And trout fishing has several layers of skill to master and many aspects and refinements to learn, so it never becomes boring. Once you catch a trout, you want to learn to catch bigger trout. You may learn fly tying and catch a trout on your own fly that you tied. One of our Project Healing Waters wounded veterans learned fly fishing for trout at our Trout Unlimited retreat a few years ago. Within a year he was tying his own flies and he made trout rods for himself and his wife. He was smitten… in a very good way, and he has a lifetime hobby.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Trout fishing is expensive. WRONG. It can be expensive if you overdo it.

But a complete beginner fly fishing outfit that includes everything you need to fish can be purchased for less than $100. A spinning outfit and lures can be purchased for even less. Starter gear can catch just as big a trout as the highend stuff. But, if you become hooked, then there is so much great gear to buy (or make), you will be dazzled.

Trout fishing is a solo sport.

WRONG. The fellowship is great.

Trout fishing for couples, friends, and family is terrific quality time. I learned trout fishing some 25 years ago along with my two teenaged sons, who travelled with me to Alaska and Montana.

Now I am in my late sixties, trout fishing is something we still do together, and next week I am spending a week at Georgia Trout Unlimited Trout Camp with my 12 year-old granddaughter.

The cycle repeats. Also, trout fishing is compatible with hiking, kayaking, canoeing, photography, and camping, so a significant other who does not fish can still enjoy the experience with you.

Trout Unlimited – Dedicated to Conservation

If conservation is your passion, trout fishing is ideal. Trout Unlimited (TU), a conservation organization, provides education, fellowship, and volunteer

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

opportunities for conservation projects and teaching kids and wounded vets (ProjectHealingWaters.org). TU volunteers build structures on streams, test water quality, and help landowners maximize their trout habitat. A TU chapter is a terrific place to make a few dozen quality friends.

If you are still skeptical about whether trout fishing is for you, just give it a try. Take a guided trip or visit a Trout Unlimited meeting. I have to warn you, trout fishing is so much fun that it is addictive. Today I stepped in a stream on the guise of showing the ropes to two folks who were renting the cabin next to me, and I found myself easing downstream toward fish rising in the river below me. Who was I fooling?

For more information about trout and fly fishing: Trout Fishing in Fannin County: www. blueridgemountains.com/trout_fishing. html Trout Unlimited: www.tu.org GA Trout Unlimited: www.georgiatu.org Ralph Artigliere is a legal writer and author who is hopelessly addicted to fly fishing. He is a member of Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited and Advocacy Chair for Georgia State Council of Trout Unlimited.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

AC LIVING LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

It’s Not a Rash – It’s Chiggers!

Landscape & Garden Editor Kevin Johnson Gives Us the Itchy & Scracthy on the Little Mite That Could

I

I met someone the other day that told me a story about his recent visit to his doctor. He’d broken out with what appeared to be a horrible irritating rash and was surprised when the doctor explained to him that it wasn’t a rash, but that he’d fallen victim to chiggers.

Over the years I’ve heard many myths about this pesky little insect and those of us who spend time outdoors have probably already become more familiar with chiggers than we’d like to admit. But, are chiggers really insects? In this article we’ll get familiar with chiggers and dispel one myth associated with them.

Chiggers or Red Bugs as they are sometimes called are actually not insects. Technically Chiggers are the immature stage of certain mites belonging to the family Trombiculidae. More closely related to spiders than to insects, chiggers belong to the class Arachinida, along with scorpions and ticks.

They go through 4 developmental stages: egg, larval, nymph, and adult. The larval stage is where we mammals experience their damage.

Chiggers measure no more than 0.3 millimeters long and without magnification they are difficult to see. They’re even more difficult to feel until it’s too late and you’ve become their favorite food.

Chiggers are found in most places out-ofdoors where we enjoy spending time. They lurk in our lawns and gardens, in forests, near lakes, streams and rivers, and grassy fields. They tend to stay clumped together and hitch a ride on us, and our pets, as we pass by. Unfortunately they want more than a ride. Chiggers hitch rides on people who walk through infested vegetation.

They grab onto shoes or clothing and typically explore a host for several hours before choosing a place to feed. Once on board, they crawl around until they find a hospitable patch of skin, often snuggling in along our waistband or under our socks. They have a few other prime spots they covet like armpits, crotches or the back of our knees.

Once chiggers find a suitable spot, they use their sharp jaws to pierce the skin and inject a digestive enzyme that breaks down our body AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

tissue. Chiggers then get a great meal by feeding on our liquefied tissues, “yummy!” They’ll spend several days feeding on their host and once they’re satisfied, they drop off and continue to develop into a nymph.

One myth that needs to be debunked is that chiggers burrow into the skin where they remain unless we take action. Another is that smothering them with nail polish will kill them.

Neither is true. Chigger bites will cause red bumps or even a hive like rash along with some swelling that leads to intense itching and causes a strong desire to scratch, which generally lasts several days.

As summer continues and we enjoy the outof-doors, most of us are likely to encounter chiggers. There are a few precautions one can take. Insecticides containing DEET are effective and for the naturalist there are some oils that may work. It’s also wise to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves if you can stand the heat.

Tucking your pants into your socks or even using duct tape to secure your leg opening will also help. However your best defense is to scrub off in a hot shower after spending time outdoors.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Top: Chiggers are small mites barely visible to the naked eye (less than 1/150th of an inch long).

Above Left: A common myth about chiggers is that they burrow into and remain inside the skin. This is not true. Chiggers insert their feeding structures into the skin and inject enzymes that cause destruction of host tissue.

Above Right: Your best defense is to scrub off in a hot shower after spending time outdoors.

So now that you’re more familiar with chiggers, I hope you all can be prepared and avoid becoming their tasty next meal! ACLM Kevin Johnson is the owner of Green Leaf Lawn and Ornamental, LLC, based in Blue Ridge. For more information about the devastating hemlock woolly adelgid and treatment options, Kevin can be reached toll free at 866. 883. 2420 or by email at growitgreen@etcmail.com.

Or check out his web site at www.wetreatlawns. com or visit www.hemlocks.org for more info.

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New 28-lot neighborhood featuring breathtaking views and offering individual deep water docks.

This beautiful master planned mountain, lake, golfing community is just 40 minutes from Atlanta, convenient to nearby Canton and minutes from the new, state-of-the-art Northside Cherokee Hospital. The vast list of amenities is much too long to list here and includes eight miles of walking/hiking trails, pickleball, championship golf and a crystal clear 540-acre lake surrounded by picturesque mountain views.

For the full list of amenities and much more information, visit www.lakearrowheadga.com.

MASTER ON THE MAIN TOWNHOMES COMING SOON.

2419 Lake Arrowhead Drive | Waleska, GA 30183 770.720.2700

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AC LIVING STYLE & DESIGN

Design Trend: 50+ Shades of Gray!

Style & Design Editor Cindy Trimble Explains why Gray is a Fantastic Backdrop for Almost Any Accent Color

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Interior Design trends come and go. Trends are driven by shapes, materials, colors and other elements. Of all elements, color trends have been very dominating. Do you remember the olive and gold look of the 60’s and the mauve and gray in the 70’s? The current infatuation with GRAY has dominated in a such a huge way that it has taken over architecture, fabrics, furnishings, lighting, materials and just about everything on the interior spaces. What is fascinating about the GRAY craze is the use of a multitude or “50+ shades of gray!” Designers are layering multiple shades of gray on top of each other creating so many beautiful visual and psychological effects.

The evolution of the gray trend is now focused on what accent color is going to be placed on top of the GRAY? Two years ago the accent color was gold, last year it was Turquoise. Now we are seeing dark purple and cobalt blue coming out in our supplier’s catalogues and markets we attend. Gray is a fantastic backdrop for all colors!

The emotional/subliminal and psychological impact of color has never been so dramatic than with the use of gray. The effect Gray has had on our clients has been astounding. The light warm grays have a calming, soothing spa like effect.

One client was ready to sell their huge log home because they could not sit in the great room area. All surfaces in the room were aged white cedar with aged polyurethane applied – both which had yellowed with the sun and age. They stated: “it was dreary, depressing and dark.” We bathed the huge log structure with a warm, light gray paint. They are once again in love with their home! We have also used reclaimed gray barn wood to give a textural gray look. We have incorporated gray concrete and tiles to play on textures and patterns.

Worth noting is that not all grays are equal in terms of impact. Warm light grays are much more soothing and inviting than cool dark grays.

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Gray is actually the absence of a color so it is important to blend other colors with the grays as accents to create a successful design.

This last week, I toured several of our client’s homes with my photographer Tom Harper to document all the different ways we are using gray in our projects. Tom captured images of multiple shades of gray evident in a wide range of materials. ACLM Cindy Trimble, ASID is owner of StudioTrimble, Inc. based in Blue Ridge. She is NCIDQ certified and a Georgia Registered Interior Designer. www.studiotrimble.com www.thenewrustic.com Photos: Tom Harper Photography. Contact Tom at: tom@tomharper.name

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ABERNATHY’S COMPLETE HOME FURNISHINGS 127 Years of Quality

While the Cherokee knew of the rich deposits beneath the Ducktown Basin- and had actually smelted copper from the Basin- their removal in 1838- opened the area for white settlement and copper mining speculators.

With the formation of the new Occoee District, discovery of copper became official in 1843. This spurred a copper rush to the Basin bringing a booming commerce to Ducktown, TN and the joint towns of Copperhill, TN and McCaysville, GA. Capitalizing on this boom Luther Abernathy opened a second location of Abernathy and Center Mercantile Business in Copperhill, TN selling a variety of merchandise ranging from nails and other hardware to furniture and coffins.

127 years later, family owned Abernathy’s Complete Home Furnishings still serves the region.

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WORDS : RAY HIGGINBOTHAM PHOTOS: ABERNATHY’S COMPLETE HOME FURNISHINGS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

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Modern-Day America can be described as a land that is always changing; a land that sees new innovations and ideas pop up on what seems to be a daily basis. Those innovations and ideas are part of what makes living in the United States so great. Indeed, there is always an opportunity to further oneself, so long as that person is willing to work hard to achieve what they desire.

While it’s true that we live in an ever-changing nation, there is one constant that acts as the backbone of America, and that backbone is small business.

Small businesses are the operating system behind free enterprise, and are described by some as the brains behind the modern-day innovations that we have come to love so much. They embody Americana, and are vital in keeping small and large communities alive.

Abernathy’s Furniture, located a little over an hour outside of Atlanta, Georgia in the heart of 18

the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the embodiment of one such business.

Their story starts in the late 1800s, when a man named George Abernathy began selling Singer sewing machines to farmers in Bear Paw, North Carolina. It quickly became evident to Mr. Abernathy that there was a need for a local commissary, and as such opened his establishment in Farner, Tennessee. After several successful years, George met a gentleman named Carl Center, and formed a business partnership that would see them open the Abernathy and Center Mercantile Business in Ducktown, Tennessee primarily. Though Abernathy and Center experienced success, in this location, it wasn’t until George died that his son Luther Abernathy followed in his footsteps with Mr. Center opening a secondary store in the more established town of Copperhill, Tennessee. During Luther’s time in Copperhill, he created two business

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Previous Page Top: Members of the Abernathy family outside the current location in Blue Ridge, GA, circa 1939.

Previous Page Bottom: Abernathy and Center Merchantile in Ducktown, TN during the early 1900s.

Above: Elizabeth, Carl Edd and Charles Abernathy with two of their employees at the Blue Ridge, GA location in 1949.

Above Right: Copperhill, TN location in the early 1920s. slogans: “Coffins, Caskets, and Dynamite,” and “You Marry the Girl, We’ll Furnish the Home”.

The second slogan, “You Marry the Girl, We’ll Furnish the Home,” is the most well-known to our community and still stands today as the slogan for Abernathy’s Complete Home Furnishings.

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Hard times fell on the Copperhill facility in 1925, as the great depression was in full swing and the facility was damaged by an arsonist. Ever the entrepreneur, Luther pushed through the difficulty and relocated his business to Abernathy’s current location in Blue Ridge. After relocating, Luther decided to focus his attention on selling only furniture and hardware.

After his passing in 1949, Luther’s wife Elizabeth began running day-to-day operations.

Elizabeth’s time overseeing the store was fraught with similar hardships that Luther had to endure, having to remodel the store after it was partially torn down in the 1950s. To make matters worse, Abernathy’s was the victim of another attempted arson attack in 1973. Thankfully, the local community came together to show support, and helped save a portion of the business by putting out the fire.

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Retiring years later, Elizabeth left her son, Carl Edd Abernathy, in charge as the sole proprietor.

Carl Edd played a crucial role in the early expansion of the business however in 1984 he sold out to a local entrepreneur named Wayne Queen and his wife Diane. It was under Mr. Queen’s management that Abernathy’s Furniture has added an additional 14,000 sq. ft. of showroom, a 2400 sq. ft. office building and over 16,000 sq. ft. of warehouse facilities. In 2006, Wayne retired putting the business in the hands of his children, who continue to manage the store to this day under the same name which has stood in the community for over 12 decades.

Over the last 127 years, Abernathy’s has become one of the most recognizable businesses in North Georgia, having experienced increased success with each decade that has passed.

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The story of Abernathy’s Complete Home Furnishings epitomizes the American Dream, and stands as a testament to hard work and the dedication its owners have to the community in which it resides. ACLM

Abernathy’s Complete Home Furnishings 3310 Blue Ridge Drive Blue Ridge, GA 30513 706.492.3071 www.abernathysfurniture.com info@abernathysfurniture.com Monday through Saturday 9:00am – 5:30pm Closed Sunday WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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EngelheimVineyards Savoring Mountain Serenity

WORDS: ABIGAIL SUMMAR FOR BLONDE ANARCHY & GARY ENGEL PHOTOS: TERRY MADDOX & EHNGELHEIM VINEYARDS

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North Georgia has become one of the most popular destinations to visit for folks who live and work in Atlanta or the greater metropolitan area. With a slew of outdoor activities, unique shopping opportunities and a laid-back lifestyle that can be infectious, it’s no wonder that cities like Ellijay come to mind when the term “getaway vacation” is brought up.

While cabin rentals and zip-line adventures are as popular as ever, local vineyards have quickly gained a loyal following by offering tours of their property, weekly events and the chance to try award-winning wines that can only be found in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

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Above: Our region’s “terroir,” which is created by site-specific soil conditions, climate, elevation, and topography is perfect for growing Traminette, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, seen here just before harvest.

Left: The tasting room, with Germanic touches to the decor, overlooks the vineyards.

Above Right: Cabernet Savignon grapes as they turn from green to purple, this stage of ripening is called Véraison.

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Gilmer County is famous for its luscious apples and its numerous outdoor activities; however, viticulturists and vintners also know that grapes grown in the rolling fields and valleys around Ellijay have unique characteristics which lead to beautiful wines. The climate of the Southern Appalachians, alternating from cool and cloudy to sunny and hot, creates a complexity of flavors that are fully released from the grapes and expressed in the wines created here. Winemakers call this delicate yet immediately recognizable quality a region’s “terroir”, which is created by site-specific soil conditions, climate, elevation, and topography. The infinite combinations of these elements, big and small, give every wine a particular character, which both the experienced sommelier and casual wine drinker can appreciate.

Experienced wine-sippers who prefer some wines over others, and wines from one region over another, can likely point to the wine’s terroir as a major reason why.

Georgians have been growing grapes and making wine since the colonial days of the 1700s. The uniquely Georgian terroir of our soil and climate AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

has always found its way into wineglasses around the world (except during Prohibition, of course). North Georgia is particularly friendly to viticulture and vintners, and Gary Engel of Engelheim Vineyards couldn’t be prouder or more thankful for Georgia’s burgeoning wine country.

At Engelheim Vineyards, visitors are encouraged to savor the whole experience of tasting and enjoying locally produced Georgia wines. Since revitalization after prohibition began in the 1970’s, the Georgia wine industry is booming. In fact, says Engel, 2016 produced the best vintage he has ever seen in Georgia. The dry weather, a consequence of recordsetting drought conditions across the Appalachian region, just so happened to create some spectacular wine grapes. The state of Georgia was once the sixth largest producer of grapes in the country, and Engel thinks we can get there again someday soon as more and more people flock to the Georgia wine country in search of the perfect bottle.

But why is Georgia so particularly suited to viticulture and winemaking?

It’s because the mountains in our state have excellent growing conditions combined with rich soil that closely resembles that found in Italy’s Piedmont region, an area that produces some of the most coveted wines on Earth. With our abundance of rolling pastoral mountain acres and longstanding history of growing wine grapes and producing delicious wines, the Georgia wine industry and quality of wines are continuously improving—and doing it very well. Engelheim has received numerous awards and medals from various wine competitions including a Double Gold, multiple Silver, and Bronze medals from the San Francisco Wine Competition with Engelheim estate grown and bottled wines.

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The diversity of winemaking styles is another thing that sets Georgia’s wine scene apart. Many of the vineyards and wineries here are run like old-fashioned farms, the methods not much different than they were 200 years ago. Others are more modernized, making copious use of the best techniques and machines current technology has to offer. All, however, as subject to the same intense scrutiny: that of the Georgia wine-lover in the winery’s tasting room. There’s an astonishing number of grapes that are grown in the state, too. Engelheim proudly produces eleven varietals including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Traminette, Chambourcin, Petit Manseng, and others. These grapes thrive in our sunny Southern climate, while our frequent cool and rainy spells, perfect drainage, fertile soil, and elevation give them a sophisticated character that expresses itself in the wine.

And because the Georgia wine country is also some of the most beautiful terrain found anywhere in the state, wine tours are immensely popular with tourists, especially couples on a romantic getaway. It’s no coincidence that North Georgia weddings are commonly held at or near wineries, and charming B&B’s are easy to find. Relaxing on an elegant patio with breathtaking views across green mountain vistas, a crackling fire nearby and a cool glass of delicious wine in hand, may just be the perfect way to experience this lushly beautiful slice of the state.

Engelheim Vineyards provides all this and more. As a Christian, faithbased, family-run company, they strive to honor God in everything they do while paying respectful homage to the Cherokee people who once inhabited their land. “Engelheim,” or “Angel Home” in German, makes use of German architecture as a celebration of the Engel family’s rich German heritage and history. But it’s anything but stodgy or stiff; 24

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Above: Arriving at the Engelheim (Angel Home)Vineyards tasting room.

Above Right: Enjoy the pastoral view of their first vines that were planted in 2009 and 2011.

Below Right: At the tasting room bar, the experienced staff will guide you through Engelheim’s varietals. children and pets are always welcome and guests are invited to share their knowledge—or lack thereof—of wine. Saturdays and Sundays usually feature live music, or special events like weddings, wine pairing dinners, corporate meetings/ dinners, and other celebrations. Above all, Engelheim Vineyards is meant to be a place where people can come together, relax, and truly appreciate what a fabulous wine experience the state of Georgia has to offer.

Gary Engel’s passion for wine stems from his time in the United States Army and his childhood in a farming community in South Alabama.

Though he comes from Alabama, he has spent extensive time overseas, in California, Virginia, and other grape producing regions and the processes of viticulture and winemaking still fascinate him. His mother made her own wine when he was a child, so being a vintner is in his blood. When he retired from the Army, now-Colonel Engel told his wife, Jan, that he wanted to grow grapes. The couple bought their lush, green acreage near Ellijay, Georgia in 2007 and planted their first vines in 2009, producing their first harvest in 2011. The vineyard’s success has continued to grow, and is now among the most prominent wineries in Georgia.

Wine tours and tastings have become so popular that several companies offer food, driving, and lodging packages similar to those found in the

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Napa Valley. Visitors from around the world can be whisked away on a multi-day tour of the vineyards and wineries that can be found everywhere from Ellijay to Helen, flitting from tasting room to tasting room with a uniformed driver as their sober, courteous escort.

However people choose to experience the Georgia wine country, Gary Engel is confident that the popular local wine industry is here to stay. It’s about more than wine; it’s about culture, history, hospitality, and the rich Southern farming heritage that makes Appalachia such a magical place to live and play. Engelheim invites you to “come and experience a taste of heaven.” ACLM Engelheim Vineyards 127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay, GA 30540 770-635-WINE sales@engelheim.com Engelheim.com Tasting Room Hours: 7 days a week from 12:30-6 pm.

Tour the vineyard and winery with the owner (Gary Engel). Tour lasts approximately 45 mins to an hour. Monday, Thursday, and Friday: By Appointment Only. Saturday and Sunday: We conduct 1 tour, usually around 3 pm. Please call ahead on day of tour to check for availability.

Group discounts available.

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Blast

BLUEBERRY

WORDS & PHOTOS: THE U.S. HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY COUNCIL 26

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AC LIVING RECIPES

Got the sweltering summertime blues?

Cool off with these easy blueberry recipes.

Blueberries are the definition of summertime, hassle-free eating. No stemming, seeding, peeling or chopping necessary, just rinse and go.

Blueberries are great in desserts or sweets, but they add depth to savory dishes too. Try adding them to salads, salsas, sauces and dressings, burgers, sandwiches and even pizza!

Blueberry Creamsicles

Fill popsicle molds a little over half full of coconut milk mixture. Spoon in blueberry mixture to each popsicle – about 1-2 Tbsp. per popsicle.

Place mold in freezer for 1 hour.

Remove molds and add popsicle sticks into each popsicle. Place mold back in the freezer for at least another 4 hours until ice pops are solid.

Number of servings (yield): 6 popsicles

Instructions In a small sauce pan over medium heat, combine blueberries, water, and maple syrup. Lightly crush blueberries with the back of your spoon and cook until liquid is syrupy and thick. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.

In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, coconut cream and grated lime zest.

Balsamic Blueberry Mascarpone Crostini

Ingredients 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 1 tbsp water 1 tbsp pure maple syrup 1 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk (from a carton) 3 tbsp coconut cream Âź tsp grated lime zest

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Ingredients 18 (1/4-inch thick) french baguette slices 1 Tbs. olive oil 12 Tbs. mascarpone cheese 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. sugar WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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blanc or pinot grigio) 10 oz. sparkling water 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 1 bunch fresh mint Instructions Combine mint and white wine in a large pitcher or punch bowl.

Muddle the mint into the wine. Add blueberries and put in the fridge for 4-6 hours or overnight.

When serving, pour sangria into glasses and top each serving with 1 oz. sparkling water.

½ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. freshly cracked black pepper 2 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh basil leaves Instructions Preheat oven to 375F. Brush bread slices with olive oil. Arrange on baking sheet and bake until crisp and toasted, 8-10 minutes, turning once.

Meanwhile, in medium non-stick skillet, heat blueberries, vinegar and sugar just until blueberries are tender and a sauce forms, 4-5 minutes. Set aside and let cool.

Top toasts with mascarpone cheese (about 2 teaspoons per toast) and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Top with blueberry mixture and fresh basil.

Three Ingredient Blueberry Ice Cream Ingredients 2 frozen bananas (Chop and peel bananas before freezing. Freeze for at least 2 hours) 1 cup frozen blueberries 2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Instructions Add bananas and blueberries into a powerful blender or food processor.

Scrape vanilla seeds in from the beans and process or blend until creamy. Be sure to scrape down the bowl or pitcher to make sure all the ingredients fully blend in for ultimate creaminess.

Blueberry White Wine Sangria

Blueberry Peach and Avocado Salad

Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon lime juice ½ teaspoon grated lime peel 1 teaspoon sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 2 cups fresh blueberries 2 large ripe peaches, pitted and cubed 1 avocado, pitted and cubed 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil

Ingredients 2 bottles dry white wine (sauvignon

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The Largest Yarn Shop in north Georgia!

Exquisite Specialty Yarns of all Fiber Types in Basics to Novelty DISCOVER FALL AT OUR STORE!

PLUS

It’s time for falling leaves and football games, hayrides and haunted houses. Fall is here! Stop in today to shop our new seasonal products.

40 Luxury Vacation Log Cabin Rentals

Knit & Crochet Classes for Beginners to Advanced

Store Hours: Monday- Saturday 10am - 6pm 35 South Main St. Jasper, GA 30143 706. 253. 6996

706.698.KNIT

Beautiful Scenery Full Amenities Pet Friendly Great Service Since 2003

Books • Patterns • Needles Notions • Purse Handles

Tues, Wed & Fri 10-5 • Thurs 10-7 • Sat 10-4

www.daisyboutique.com

www.stringsandstitches.com stringsandstitches@ellijay.com 449 Industrial Blvd. Suite 165 Spring Plaza • Ellijay, GA 30540

800.844.4939 1MyMountain.com BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA ACCEPTING NEW CABINS ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTY WITH NO START UP OR SIGN ON FEES

Rustic American Bar & Grill Regional & Seasonal Fare

Come Experience a Taste of Heaven Tasting Room Hours Thursday thru Monday: 12:30pm – 6pm Closed Tuesday & Wednesday 706. 635. WINE [9463] 127 Lakeview Road Ellijay, GA 30540 www.engelheim.com 30

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OPENING AT: MON–THURS 4pm | FRI–SAT 11:30am SUN 12:30pm

706. 258. 4907

733 EAST MAIN STREET, BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513

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Instructions In a large bowl whisk olive oil, lime juice, lime peel, sugar and salt until well blended.

Add blueberries, peaches, avocado and basil. Toss gently to combine.

available), cooked and drained 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 1 cup fresh blueberries 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil Freshly ground black pepper

Sparkling Blueberry Lime Tequila Punch

Ingredients 2 cups fresh frozen blueberries + more for garnish 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice + lime wedges for garnish 1/2 cup agave 16 ounces silver tequila (optional) 64 ounces sparkling water, sparkling wine or club soda Instructions In a large pitcher or punch bowl, muddle blueberries, lime juice, and agave.

Add in tequila (optional) and sparkling water, stirring to combine.

Add in a handful of berries and a few lime wedges.

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To serve, ladle into punch or low ball glasses and fill with ice. Garnish each glass with a few extra blueberries and a lime wedge.

Savory Blueberry Pizza

Ingredients 1 pound pizza dough 1-1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese 4 ounces diced pancetta (can also use bacon or ham if pancetta is not

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Instructions Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly flour a work surface.

Pat and stretch dough into a 10 x 14inch oval; place on a large baking sheet.

With a fork, pierce dough Leaving a 1-inch border, sprinkle dough with half the mozzarella, the gorgonzola, pancetta and red onion.

Bake until crust is golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes.

Sprinkle blueberries and remaining mozzarella over pizza; bake until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown, about 2 minutes longer.

Remove from oven; top with basil and pepper. ACLM Recipes and photos provided by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. Visit their website for more delicious recipes! www.blueberrycouncil.org

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IT’S FESTIVAL TIME! ROUND-UP THE KIDS AND HEAD FOR THE HILLS

Welcome to the most complete list of festivals and events in north Georgia!

There’s surely more to do this fall than humanly possible and we’re certain there’s something here for everyone.

While every attempt has been made to provide accurate event listings, we urge you to confirm the information provided before making travel plans. With that said, come and see all that north Georgia has to offer this fall season!

Gilmer County Fair August 8 – 13, 2017 Ellijay, GA. Old Time County Fair - Stop by & enjoy seeing old-time household items & farm implements exhibit. The Gilmer County Fair offers entertainment for the whole family including Peachtree Rides, live entertainment, and an exhibition featuring: Quilts, Agriculture, Crafts, Food, Canning, Baking, Sewing, Needlework, Art, Flowers, Photography, and more.

Gate Admission is $3 Adults, $2 Students, Free 6 and under. Bring a pair of eyeglasses, a hearing aid, or a cell phone for $1 off admission. (one per person) NO PETS PLEASE! Ride admission is $20 Armband EVERY NIGHT! At the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 South Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540.

For info visit http://www.ellijaylionsclub.com/ or call 706 635 5900.

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21st Annual Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo August 18-29, 2017 Blue Ridge, GA. Western rodeo event with bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and special events. Food and fun for all, 8 p.m. Gates open early.

Kiwanis Fairgrounds, Blue Ridge: Jones Street off of E. 2nd Street. 706-632-6644 or www.blueridgerodeo. com 1st Annual Tomato Daze Weekend Festival August 18-21, 2017 Crane Creek Vineyards, Young Harris, GA. Come join us as we celebrate the fruit of the other vine…all things “tomato.” Bring the entire family out for 3 days of wine, food and live music. Local food vendors, free samples of tomato products. Hayrides, live music, winery tours. Solar Eclipse Party on Monday from 1- 5pm. Tasting room hours: 11ma- 6pm. Come try our wines and enjoy a tomato themed lunch! Contact Crane Creek for times and ticket prices! For more information please visit cranecreekvineyards.com.

Contact Information: 706-896-4966.

Get Off the Grid Fest Solar Expo & Sustainability Fair August 18-20, 2017 Blairsville, GA. Get Off The Grid Fest celebrates, educates & collaborates with folks, homesteaders, renewable energy enthusiasts, performers, local & national organizations and vendors by providing a forum where people share tools, ideas, songs & stories about getting off the grid. The festival covers four themes: Energy and the Environment, Food and Agriculture, Health and Wellness & Arts

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and Community. No pets or coolers. Tickets $30 includes Music CD from some of the performers at the Festival! Union County Saddle Club, 401 Nottely Dam Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512. For info visit: https:// getoffthegridfest.wordpress.com Solar Fest August 20-21, 2017 Murphy, NC. Shop handmade local crafts -- Cool off with fun water activities -- Rent parking for the day or whole weekend -- Dine on delicious, nutritious breakfast, lunch and dinner options -- Buy SolarFest gear including eclipse jewelry, pottery and special t-shirts -- Learn about eclipses and astronomy the TLC! way in hands-on, Maker booths and more. The Learning Center Charter School -- 945 Conaheeta Street, Murphy, NC 28906. For info call (828)8357240 or visit www.naturallygrownkids.org 17th Annual Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival August 25-26, 2017 Kennesaw, GA. Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned competition, recognized as a GA State Championship event, as well as Backyard BBQ, Anything Butt , Peach Dessert contests and a Kids’ Que cook-off. Over $16,000 in cash and prizes. Shop, eat, drink. 200 vendors and exhibitors. Keep the little ones laughing and playing for hours in the Kid Zone — a family-friendly playground of inflatable jumpers, amusements and attractions. Free concerts every night. Fireworks Sat. night. Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm. Kennesaw’s Adams Park, 2753 Watts Drive in Kennesaw, GA. (770) 422-9714 or www. pigsandpeaches.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

2017 Young Harris Art Fest August 26-August 27, 2017 Young Harris, GA. Presented by Robin Roberts Promotions presents a Great Art Festival in the northeast Georgia Mountains. Held at Mayors Park, Young Harris, GA. Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Great art festivals in the northeast Georgia mountains. For more information please visit: www.robinrobertspromotions.com.

Contact Information: 706-897-6179.

Sherriff’s Jeep Fest August 31- September 3, 2017 Jasper, GA. Gathering together Jeep enthusiasts from all over this great nation to help provide a place to live, food, clothing, supplies, love and anything else a child might need to prosper, while sharing a love for off-road. Enjoy 3 Days of Family Friendly Fun, jeep trails & obstacles, Pig Pen Family Mud Park, live music & much more. 60 Miles North of Atlanta: 8795 Hwy 53 East Jasper, GA 30143. Registration open now! For more information please contact the Pickens County Sherriff’s Office. Contact Information: 706253-8900 or visit www.sheriffsjeepfest.com Smokin’ Up The Mountains BBQ and Craft Beer Festival September 2, 2017 East Ellijay, GA. BBQ Competition sanctioned by the Georgia Barbecue Association BBQ Food Vendors Huge Craft Beer Selection. Live Music. Incredible Vendors. Free Kid’s Area. 12-8pm $5 Admission for adults. Children under 10 are free. East Ellijay, GA.* Portion of proceeds benefit the Gilmer County Rotary Club! BBQ & Brews: www.bbqandbrews.com Bluegrass Festival at the Calaboose September 2, 2017 Andrews, NC. Live music, craft beer and wine in the mountains. 1 – 8pm. Free! Andrews Brewing Company, 565 Aquone Road Andrews, NC 28901. For more info call (828) 3212006 or visit www.andrewsbrewing.com Cartecay Vineyards Crush Festival September 2 & 3, 2017 Ellijay, GA. Join the fun in our vineyard! Grape Stomping, Tastings and Cartecay Vineyards’ Logo Wine Glass. Food and Arts/Crafts Vendors on Site.

Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Live Music Saturday: Joseph Erwin 11:15 to 2:45 and The Gregg Erwin Band 3:15 to 6:45. Sunday: 12:30 – 6:00p.m. Live Music Sunday: Downtown Roy 1:00 to 5:00. Cost: $20.00 Pre-Sale, $25.00 Day of Event. Cartecay Vineyards, 5704 Clear Creek Road, Ellijay, GA 30536.

For info visit www.cartecayvineyards.com or call 706698-9463 (WINE) Fall Plein Air International Paint Out September 7 –10, 2017 Blue Ridge, GA. Fannin County is the perfect setting for the combination of nature and art to meet. With a multitude of opportunities to capture the spirit of plein air art, we celebrate the natural beauty of our area with the Fall Plein Air Paint Out. We invite artists from all over the country to enjoy in the countywide paint out, take part in a workshop, sign up for the quick draw event and enjoy networking with fellow plein air artists. Prizes totaling $1,000 will be awarded. Daily 9am-4pm. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For info: (706) 632- 2144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com or www. blueridgearts.net

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

47th Annual Oktoberfest September 7-10, 14-17 & September 28-October 29, 2017 Helen Festhalle, Helen, GA . Admission $8.00 Monday-Friday. $10.00 on Saturdays and FREE on Sundays. Weekdays 6:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Friday 6:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m., Saturday 1:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Beer, brats, bands and lederhosen—the Helen Oktoberfest is the longest running Oktoberfest in the United States. Every year the Helen Festhalle hosts the event. German-style bands from around the country and around the world play on the stage for your listening and viewing pleasure. Dogs welcome in the Beir Garden! Contact Information: 706-878-1908 or www.helenchamber. com.

Mountain Music & Arts & Crafts Festival September 9, 2017 Vogel State Park, Blairsville, GA. This popular event includes Appalachian, Bluegrass and Gospel music.

There will also be art and craft booths with handmade items for sale, and food concessions provided by Vogel Volunteers/Friends of Georgia State Parks. $2$5 plus $5 parking. Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, GA 30512 Located 11 miles south of Blairsville via U.S. Hwy. 19/129. For info call 706-745-2628 or visit http://georgiastateparks.org/ vogel.

5th Annual Dailey & Vincent LandFest in the Mountains September 14 – 17, 2017 GA Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawasse, GA. Dailey & Vincent LandFest in the Mountains will offer festival goers live music, camping, comedy, and down-home fun for all ages, making for an experience that’s sure to be an unforgettable weekend. The music portion of the festival will be held inside the air-conditioned 2,900 seat Anderson Music Hall at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, and the new venue boasts sprawling grounds with two playgrounds, a boat ramp, two tennis courts, playing courts, paved and shaded picnic areas, and splendid nature walking trails, all along beautiful Lake Chatuge. For tickets contact GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FAIRGROUNDS, 1311 Music Hall Road, P.O. Box 444, Hiawassee, GA 30546 or www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/(706) 8964191. For more info visit http://www.daileyvincentfest. com/ 7th Annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Music Festival September 15 - 16, 2017 Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, Blue Ridge, GA. The leaves start to change with cooler days and crisp evenings that invite outdoor activities! The sounds of Blues music and the sweet smell of BBQ from local and regional cookers will fill the air as families and groups of friends enjoy this unique setting. Kick off the 7th Annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival with a Pub Crawl & Jam Session on Friday night. Festival continues Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. This year’s band lineup includes, Frankie’s Blues Mission, from Atlanta, Barry Darnell & the Mobile Slim Band- Macon, The Crossroads Band – Macon (With special guest E.G. Kight- the Georgia Songbird), Ray Fuller & the Bluesrockers – Ohio, Big Bill Morganfield (son of blues legend Muddy Waters), and an All Star Tribute Jam to Muddy Waters. Event is $5.00 with children 12 and under being free. Lots of great barbeque and craft beer available on site. Special section full of fun stuff for the kids to do. No coolers are allowed, be sure to bring a blanket or chair, no umbrellas. Check out the website for a full listing of times and information.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Lodging Association @ info@blueridgelodgingassociation.com. Or visit www. blueridgebluesandbbq.com Cherokee Heritage Festival September 16, 2017 Hayesville, NC; Cherokee Heritage Village on Main Street. Join us for a fall celebration of the Cherokee culture of this region! Events include native storytelling, dancing, demonstrations and other related activities. Visit the Cherokee Village with its winter house and summerhouse, the Old Jail Museum, native plant walks through Native Botanical Gardens, World Champion Hoop dancer Eddie Swimmer, scavenger hunt. Native foods and other snacks available. 10:00am - 3:00pm. FREE! Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, 805 Hwy 64 Business, Hayesville, NC 28904. For information, call 828-3892121 or visit ccra-nc.org Tri-State Model Railroaders Annual Ride the Rails Festival September 16 – 17, 2017 Mineral Bluff, GA. A 5 mile round trip by railroad motor car traveling through the Iron Bridge over the beautiful Toccoa River, then returning over the bridge back to the beautiful and historic Mineral Bluff Depot. Motor Car Rides: Suggested Donation $10.00 for Adults, $5.00 for Children 2-12. Hand Pump Car Rides, $1.00 per person per round trip. A fun day for all! Visit the depot and see the progress being made on our large “HO” gauge model railroad based on the “Old Line” from Atlanta to Etowah, TN and through Mineral Bluff to Murphy, NC! Both days: 10am – 4pm. Mineral Bluff Historic Depot, 150 Railroad Avenue (Hwy 60 northbound, Railroad avenue is next street on your left after the 4 way stop sign at Spur 60), Mineral Bluff, GA 30559. For more information call 706-455-8903 or visit http://www.tsmri.org.

42nd Annual Rose Lawn Arts Festival September 16 & 17, 2017 Rose Lawn, Cartersville, GA. The annual arts festival, held on the grounds at Rose Lawn, features the works of artists from across the Southeast. Fine art and Heritage Craft exhibits include oils, watercolors, and pastels, sculptures in wood, brass, and glass, and many other unique handcrafted items. The American Association of University Women will hold their annual Book Sale during the festival, and the house will be open for guided tours. Contact Information: 770-3875162. Visit www.roselawnmuseum.com 6th Annual Pet Celebration September 23, 20167 Town Square, Hayesville, NC. Proceeds go to participating rescue groups/humane societies who will be offering “Adopt-a-Pets”. Come enjoy a full day of events celebrating the human/pet bond and the pure joy pets bring to our lives Activities include pet demonstrations, “Ask the Vet” live radio show, reduced cost pet vaccinations, games, entertainment, music, pet parade/costume contest, pet product vendors, all-day raffle, great food and refreshments, wiener dog race and much, much more. New this year: rally obedience course, pet/owner look-alike contest, pet talent show, yard sale. Free! 8am- 3pm.

For info visit: www.lakechatugeanimalhospital.com or call Lake Chatuge Animal Hospital 706-896-1244, Tri-County Animal Clinic 828-837-0050, or Clay County Chamber of Commerce 828-389-3704 or 877-389-3704.

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8TH ANNUAL BLUE RIDGE

HOME BUILDERS SHOWCASE Presented by the Georgia High Country Builders Association

LIVE, WORK, PLAY! Find Everything You Need to Make Your Dream Home in the Mountains Become a Reality.

Builders Developers Energy Consultants Heating & Cooling Home Furnishings Mortgage Lenders

Painters Remodelers Stainers Windows & Doors ...and Many More!

SATURDAY OCTOBER 7TH DOWNTOWN BLUE RIDGE CITY PARK 9AM – 5PM | FREE ADMISSION For More Information Contact Randy Marchman 706. 455. 7528 or b.i.a.secretary@icloud.com

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/blueridgehomebuildersshowcase www.facebook.com/georgiahighcountybuilders Facebook “f ” Logo

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

1st Annual Tiny Home Festival September 23 - 24, 2017 East Ellijay, GA. Welcome to North Georgia’s First Annual Tiny Home Mountain Festival. We are bringing the cultural of Tiny Home Living to the Beautiful North Georgia Mountains. We well be celebrating the lifestyle of the mountains by having wine, food, artist, music, tiny homes, solar, and guides to the great outdoors. Adults: $10, Kids: $8. 10am – 6pm.

Highland Crossing East Ellijay, GA. For Tickets and info visit www.tinyhomemountainfestival.com 33rd Annual Riverfest Arts & Crafts Festival September 23-24, 2017 NEW location, Etowah River Park, Canton, GA. The Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival, along the banks of the Etowah River, is the historic cornerstone of the Service League’s fundraising efforts. Now in its 32nd year, the festival has earned a notable reputation for its family-oriented approach and warm relationship with its vendors. Riverfest is a juried show, featuring original, creative, handmade work from artisans all over the region. Additionally, the event showcases incredible entertainment throughout the weekend - live music and dancing - as well as a fun-filled children’s area where children of all ages can participate in a number of kid-friendly rides and activities. Sat. 10am -6pm, Sun. 10am – 5pm. $5 admission. Proceeds benefit the needy children of Cherokee County. Contact Information: 770-704-5991 or www.serviceleague.net/riverfest-1 Arts Festival Monet Water Lily Festival September 23-24 and September 30 – October 1, 2017 Ball Ground, GA. Hundreds of water lilies in bloom!

Sept. 23-24: A French market will feature chocolates, flowers, soaps, produce and more. French influenced cuisine from Madeline’s Coast 2 Coast Catering.

Artists will be selling original works of art in all mediums. Adults $10 Kids $5. Enjoy live music by Butch and the Buckheads and food by Madeline’s Coast 2 Coast Catering. Adults: $20, Seniors: $18, Kids: $10 per child. Both days: 9am to 5pm. Gibbs Gardens, 1987 Gibbs Drive, Ball Ground, GA 30107.

Info: 770-893-1881 or www.gibbsgardens.com 1st Annual Dancing Goat FolkFest September 30, 2017 Ellijay, GA. harkening to the old mountain shindigs and a sharing of endangered art, music and oral traditions.

The juried folk art show will present the work of untrained artists, known and new. The music will be local and the storytelling will recall the old mountain tales. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There is no admission to the event on Ellijay’s unique downtown boardwalk. For information email dancinggoatsfolkfest@gmail.com or see facebook. com/dancinggoatsfolkfest.

Oktoberfest Andrews 2017 October 7, 2017 Andrews, NC. Once again! Join the millions of other beer and food lovers (just like you) who will be at Hall Park in Andrews at our Second Annual Oktoberfest jubilee! Beer, beer, and even wine! And it’s all legal.

Andrews Brewing Company, Hoppy Trout Brewing Company, and even Calaboose Cellars And the food will be the best you have ever tasted in your life! Music? Of course! Be warned that you will be snapping photos and maniacally sending them to your unfortunate friends who could not attend.

And you will gloat, satisfied with the knowledge that you chose wisely. Andrews, NC. Info: www. cherokeecountychamber.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

8th Annual Homebuilders Showcase October 7, 2017 Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge, GA. Exhibitors from the building industry; Architects, Builders, Cabinet Makers, Developers, Flooring, Glassworks, Heating/ Cooling, Home Furnishings, Insurers, Mortgage Lenders, Realtors, Security Systems, Stonework, Surveyors and more. Food vendors & prize drawings.

Fun for the whole family. Free! 9am – 5pm, rain or shine. Info: Randy Marchman @ 706-455-7528 Foxfire Mountaineer Festival October 7, 2017 Clayton, GA. The Foxfire Mountaineer Festival is a single-day celebration of the rich heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, featuring regional music from numerous performers, showcases and demonstrations of time-honored handicrafts and trades, and all manner of mountain-flavored games and challenges for young and old alike. The Festival also honors the people of Southern Appalachia, represented at the event by the kind folks who have shared their tales and their lives with Rabun County high school students since 1966 and allowed those stories to be shared with the world through the pages of Foxfire books and magazines. Admission $5. Raybun County Civic Center, 201 West Savannah Street, Clayton, GA. Contact Information: 706-7465828 or www.foxfirefund.org/festival.html Cherokee County Mountain Crafters Festival October 7-8, 2017 Murphy, NC. The festival showcases Cherokee County’s talented artisans, craftsmen, musicians, dancers, storytellers, quilters, restaurants, food vendors, and small businesses. Sat. 10:00am 4:00pm. Sun. 10:00am - 3:00pm. Free! Held at The Murphy Middle and Murphy High School Gymnasiums, Murphy, NC. Call 727-415-8563 or visit www. cherokeecountyncmountaincraftersfestival.com.

37th Annual Georgia Marble Festival October 7-8, 2017 Jasper, GA. Come Celebrate: The Marble Valley of Pickens County celebrate the history of Georgia Marble. A full weekend of activities begins with the Marble Festival 5K Run/Walk Road Race Saturday morning. The 5K starts at 8 a.m. followed by the 1 mile Run/Walk at 9 a.m. To register, visit jasperumc. org. Then, catch the festival parade down Main Street at 10 a.m. Participate in the guided tours of the marble industry and structures. Enjoy arts, crafts, demonstrations, marble carving and children’s activities throughout the festival grounds. Enjoy lots of great food while appreciating a vast array of weekend-long entertainment. Saturday 10:00 a.m.6:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 a.m.-56:00 p.m. Located at Lee Newton Memorial Park, 500 Stegall Drive, Jasper, Georgia 30143. For more information please visit: georgiamarblefestival.com. Contact Information: 706692-5600.

43rd Annual John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival October 7-8, 2017 Brasstown, NC. This treasured annual celebration of Appalachian culture, held on the Folk School’s Brasstown, North Carolina campus. Over 240 fine craft exhibitors tucked along the school’s winding wooded paths. Artisans demonstrate traditional and contemporary crafts. Bluegrass, gospel, folk, and Celtic music on both days. Clogging, Morris, and Garland dance performances throughout the weekend. Pony rides, petting the alpacas, and visiting the animals at the Humane Society’s pet adoption

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

booth. Local non-profit vendors will offer tasty foods.

Please bring cash, no ATM on site. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Adults $5; Ages 12-17, $3; under 12, free. John C. Campbell Folk School, One Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC 28902. 1-800.FOLK.SCH (365.5724) or https://folkschool.org “The Valley Above the Clouds” Indian Summer Festival October 7 - 8, 2017 On the grounds of Woody Gap School, Georgia’s smallest public school, on GA Hwy. 60, between Dahlonega and Blue Ridge. Car show, crafts, music and dance performances, and family activities.

Saturday, the Run Above the Clouds 10K and a one-mile run will begin at 9 a.m. A Country Square Dance with a live band at 8 p.m. in the school gym.

Advance dance tickets are $6; $8 at the door. Enjoy performances by elementary students of Woody Gap School, the crowning of the King and Queen, clogging, an auction, Mountain Rangers hand-tohand combat demonstration, mountain music, and an archery demonstration. Food vendors will feature pork BBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, boiled peanuts, cotton candy, fried apple pies, homemade preserves and more. Visit the crafts tents for a variety of handmade items. 9am-5pm. Contact Information: 706-745-5789 or www.suches.com/festivalinfo.htm Cumming Country Fair & Festival October 5-15, 2017 Cumming, GA. The fair is an affordable family outing providing entertainment around every corner. There are free daily attractions, free concerts, discount days and free-living history exhibits in the Heritage and Indian Villages. Miss Cumming Fair Pageant. Bull Riding, American Bull Rider’s Tour, Chainsaw Carving Auction and much more! Hours: Monday - Thursday 4:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.; Friday 4:00 p.m.- Midnight; Saturday 10:00 am - Midnight; Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. No pets, alcohol or coolers. Cash only, ATM on site. Parking $5. Admission $7- cash. Cumming Fair Grounds, 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming, GA 30040. Contact Information: 770-781-3491 or www. cummingfair.net Annual Hay Day Festival October 7, 2017 Cumming, GA. Our annual Hay Day takes place on the farm @ SavetheHorses every October, and proceeds are used to purchase hay for the more than 130 horses and other animals to eat during the coming winter. There will be great activities for kids of all ages (including the adult variety) such as hay rides, horse rides, a cake walk, petting zoo, chili cook-off contest, arts & crafts vendors and stables where you could visit and get to know some of the beautiful horses who live on the farm. All proceeds go to savethehorses.org, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. 11am - 4pm. Save the Horses Rescue Farm, 1768 Newt Green Road, Cumming, GA 30028. For more info call 770.886.5419 Georgia Mountain Fall Festival October 13-21, 2017 Hiawassee, GA. With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. Each October, the 9-day event features exciting musical performances, Arts and Craft vendors, educational demonstrations, Pioneer Village, Old Ways demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention. New! Nerger’s Tigers-12 Bengal Tigers Including 2 White Tigers, 3 shows daily. Fall Festival: Daily 10am- 7pm, WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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Sunday until 6pm. Admission is $12, 3-Day Pass $33, 9-Day Pass $90. Kids under 12- free. Free parking.

Sorry no pets. Georgia Mountain Fair Grounds, Hiawassee, GA. Contact Information: 706-896-4191 or www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com 7th Annual Blue Ridge Mountain Marching Band Festival October 14, 2017 Blue Ridge, GA. More than 2,000 marching band members from nearly 24 area high school bands are expected to participate. Bands will range in size from 40 members to more than 150 members. Come for the day spend some time downtown at one of our art festivals. Beginning at 1 pm and continuing until 9:30 pm. Fannin County High School, 2346 East First St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513. For information call Band Director, Scott Barnstead 706-633-8595 or visit www. fannincountyband.org 2017 Annual Fall Arts in the Park October 14 -15, 2017 Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge, GA. Join us for the Fall Arts in the Park festival in the Downtown City Park in Historic Blue Ridge, GA. Enjoy nearly 100 fine art and fine craft artists, delicious food, and kid’s art zone. Take advantage of all the area has to offer– crisp mountain air, great arts & crafts and mother nature’s colorful array of fall splendor. 10am-5pm.

Weekend Admission: adults $5; children under 12 free. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For info: (706) 632- 2144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com or www.blueridgearts.net

46th Annual Georgia Apple Festival October 14-15 & 21-22, 2017 Ellijay, GA. Welcome to North Georgia! The Georgia Apple Festival brings two exciting weekends to Ellijay, Georgia every year with hundreds of vendors offering food, art, crafts, and more, as well visitors from all over. The Ellijay Lions Club, the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, the cities of Ellijay and East Ellijay, and Gilmer County invite everyone to come and enjoy the 46th year of the Georgia Apple Festival. There are over 300 vendors with handmade, handcrafted items, as well as many onsite demonstrations of how selected types of crafts are made. This year promises many new crafts as well as favorites from past festivals. The Apple Festival 5K & 1K is on Saturday October 14th at 8am and starts and ends at Ellijay Elementary School.

Apple Cake Contest & Apple Pie Contest on Saturday October 14th at 10am.The annual Apple Classic Auto Show (706-635-7400) is held at the Civic Center on Saturday October 14th. The annual Apple Festival Parade (706-635-7400) is Saturday October 21st and begins at 10 AM in historic downtown Ellijay. Festival entrance fee is $5. Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 South Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540. Visit www. georgiaapplefestival.org or Phone: 706-636-4500 Blairsville Sorghum Festival October 14-15 and October 21-22, 2017 Meeks Park, Blairsville, GA. In the Blairsville - Union County area of North Georgia, the Blairsville Sorghum Festival has been a part of Blairsville’s heritage for more than 40 years. Blairsville’s longest running festival celebrates the ancient art of cooking sweet syrup from Sorghum Cane. Visitors enjoy sorghum syrup making demonstrations in addition to contests such as “Biskit” Eatin’, Pole Climbin’, Log Sawin’,

Rock Throwin’, and Horseshoe Throwin’. Join us the 2nd & 3rd weekends in October. Parade reflects the Sorghum/Farming Theme and is on Saturday Oct 14th at 11am featuring cash prizes for floats! Both weekends: Sat. 9am -5pm. With Square Dance at the Old Middle School Gym at 8pm.

Sun. 9am – 5pm. Admission 13 and up $4. Free parking. For more information please visit: www. sorghumfestivalblairsville.org or call 706-745-4745.

Blue Ridge Fall Fest Arts & Crafts Sale October 15-16 & 22-23, 2017 Blue Ridge, GA. Annual Fall Fest Arts and Crafts show at the State Farmers Market. Arts and crafts vendors offering such items as pottery, woodcarvings, quilts, paintings as well as homemade snacks and canned goods. Music performances each day. FREE! From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 2 consecutive weekends. Sponsored

by Explorers Post 401. Blue Ridge Farmers Market, Blue Ridge, GA. Old Hwy. 76 near the Swan Drive- In. Contact Information: 423-761-9985.

Cherokee County Fair October 20 – 22, 2017 Murphy, NC. Opening daily at 10:00am. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Mountain Folk Center of Cherokee County, 9275 US 64 West, Murphy, NC 28906. Info: www.cherokeecountychamber.com Georgia Zombie Fest CarnEVIL & Food Truck Fair October 21, 2017 Downtown Woodstock, GA. Welcome the CarnEVIL! A vintage themed carnival complete with creepy carnival things. Zombie magicians, fire breather, jugglers, and carnival booths. Come play our favorite carnival games like ring toss on the severed limb and brain toss. Visit the Killing Booth, oops we mean the

2017 Blairsville Sorghum Festival

October 14 & 15 and October 21 & 22 Meeks Park, Blairsville

Featuring Dance Music by Stephen Phillips & Midnight Express Atlanta Puppet Both Weekends ARTS, CRAFTS, EXHIBITS, FOOD, PARADE, MUSIC, ACTIVITIES, SQUARE DANCE, BISCUIT EATING, POLE CLIMBING, LOG SAWING, HORSESHOE PITCHING, ROCK THROWING AND, OF COURSE, SORGHUM MILL GRINDING CANE & COOKING SORGHUM. FREE PARKING!

706. 745. 4745 www.blairsvillesorghumfestival.com

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Kissing Booth, get some Rotten Candy, oops again, we mean Cotton Candy. Zombie Transformation Center, Little Zombie Zone & Costume Contest, Zombie Response Unit Show, Brain Eating Contest, Food Trucks, Craft Beer. Noon – 9pm. Adults: $5, Kids Under 11: Free, Family of 6: $20. Proceeds to benefit Cherokee FOCUS: Cherokee Youth Works, Drug Free Cherokee, Hotel to Home, Volunteer Cherokee and the Cherokee Youth Connection & Council. For details and Zombie Events & Vendor registration visit www.georgiazombiefest.com, email zombie@ cherokeefocus.org or call (770) 345-5483.

11th Annual Paws in the Park October 21, 2017 Blue Ridge, GA. Mark your calendar and plan to come and enjoy a day with your favorite pet. Event includes parade, pet education and demonstrations, rabies clinic, micro-chipping, contests, prizes, photos with your pet, and much more!!! 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association and Love Dogs and Cats Too. Parade starts at 10:00 am - From Kitties to Llamas this parade is not to miss! Join the Annual 5K Race! Registration starts at 7:30 am - race begins at 8:30 am. Downtown Blue Ridge City Park.

For more information call 706. 633. 3103 or www. humanesocietyofblueridge.org Fall Hoedown at Vogel State Park October 21, 2017 Blairsville, GA. Celebrate autumn’s arrival with a 2pm cakewalk, 4:30 pm hay rides, 5pm chili & drinks for sale, 6:30 pm campfire & dancing, at 8pm a professional storyteller around a bonfire. 12noon7pm. Parking $5, hayrides $3. Vogel State Park US Hwy 19/129S (11 miles south of Blairsville) Blairsville, GA. Visit www.gastateparks.org or call Vogel State Park @ 706-745-2628.

Crane Creek Annual Harvest Festival October 21, 2017 Young Harris, GA. The Annual Crane Creek Vineyards Harvest Festival is a time to celebrate the end of another great harvest! Come celebrate with CCV staff with wine tastings, grape stomping, tours of the winery and live music! 11am-6pm. Admission $20.

Crane Creek Vineyards 916 Crane Creek Road Young Harris, GA 30582. http://www.cranecreekvineyards. com or 706-379-1236 23rd Annual Talking Rock Heritage Days Festival October 21-22, 2017 Talking Rock, GA. During the Annual Heritage Days Festival, our little town will be filled with booths featuring a wide variety of arts, crafts and antiques.

There will be interesting demonstrations for the young and old, Blue Grass and Southern Gospel Music and good food. Visit the restored 1877 Talking Rock Schoolhouse Teaching Museum or join hobbyists from all over the country in “riding the rails” in restored railcars. A caravan of railroad motorcars is expected to roll into town and stop at noon on Saturday. Enjoy a ride in a donkey cart, meet the Town Crier, relax with the kids in the park and check out our new Mural.

9am -5pm. FREE! Visit www.talkingrockga.com or call 706-253-5515.

Gold Rush Days October 21-22, 2017 Downtown Dahlonega, GA. Gold Rush Days are always held the third full weekend in October. It is a time for thousands to come and see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event. It is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 visit over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement! The Gold Rush Days Festival has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. For more information visit: https://dahlonegajaycees.com/ gold-rush-days/ Owl O’Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival October 27 - 28, 2017 Kennesaw State University Sports & Rec Park, Kennesaw, GA. Atlanta’s ONLY Hot Air Balloon Festival and LARGEST Costume Party! The Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival is a 2-day family friendly event, featuring Amazing Balloon Glows, Trick-or-Treating, Tethered Balloon Rides, Oktoberfest Beer Garden, Live Music, Vendor Marketplace, Sports Bars, Artist Market, Amazing Food Trucks, Roving Entertainment, Interactive Kids Area, a Main Concert Stage, and more. 3200 George Busbee Parkway, NW, Kennesaw, GA 30188. Contact Information: http://owl-o-ween. com/ or 470-578-4849.

50th Annual Moonshine Festival October 27-29, 2017 Dawsonville, GA. See the parade of moonshine and revenue cars to kick off festivities at 9:00 Saturday morning. Many great vendors – something for everyone. Two stages with live entertainment around the square in downtown Dawsonville. Car Show, Cruise-In and Swap Meet held at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Formerly known as “Thunder Road USA.” Moonshine Run on Friday, October 27th, leaving the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame at approximately 10:00 AM, registration to begin at 9:00 AM. Meet many legendary racecar drivers. See Vintage Race Cars and more Authentic Moonshine-Hauling cars than you’ll ever see gathered in one place anywhere in the US! Sorry no pets allowed. Benefitting KARE for Kids, Inc. Visit http://www.kareforkids.org/mountainmoonshine-festival.html or (706) 216-KARE (5273) or email at info@kareforkids.com 2nd Annual Appalachian Craft Brew, Stew & Que Festival October 28, 2017 Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds- Hiawassee, GA. Fall will be in the air and what a great time for the “2nd Annual Appalachian Craft Brew, Stew and Que Festival” featuring 20 breweries from Georgia & North Carolina. Live Americana, Folk, and Bluegrass music. Food vendors from local area restaurants. Regional arts & crafts vendors.

5:00 - 6:30: 2nd Annual Americana Jam Hosted by Wyatt Espalin! Hiawassee is centrally located, just two hours from Atlanta, Asheville, Greenville and Chattanooga. Saturday 11am- 7pm. $40.00 at the Gate, $35.00 Online. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds - 1311 Music Rd.- Hiawassee, GA. Info: www. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or 706-896-4191.

Vogel State Park Fall Festival October 28, 2017 Blairsville, GA. Come out and celebrate fall in the North Georgia mountains. There will be hay rides, a cake walk, Trunk or treating and storytelling. $5 parking. Vogel State Park US Hwy 19/129S (11 miles south of Blairsville) Blairsville, GA. Visit www.gastateparks.org or call Vogel State Park @ 706-745-2628.

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Japanese Maples Colorfest October 28-29, November 4-5 & 11-12, 2017 Ball Ground, GA. Experience the largest Japanese Gardens in America. View over 2,000 Japanese maples as they display brilliant fall color in shades of orange, red, yellow and gold. Sat 28th Japan’s oldest surviving martial arts system Katori Shinto Ryu Demonstration 11 am and 1 pm. Adults $10, Children $10. For a list of performances, cuisine, and activities that will take place during the Colorfest visit Gibbs Gardens, 1987 Gibbs Drive, Ball Ground, GA 30107.

Info: 770-893-1881 or www.gibbsgardens.com Pumpkin Express- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway October 29, 2017 Blue Ridge, GA. Join us for a trip to Farmer Brown’s field where children and adults can pick out a souvenir pumpkin, greet Farmer Brown, and then return to Blue Ridge. 1-Hour Trip Time. 1:00pm or 3:00pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged. For tickets and info: Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad, www. brscenic.com or call 706-632-8724.

Annual Hemlock Fest November 1 – 3, 2017 Dahlonega, GA. All ages! Lots of musical entertainment, including fire dancing and after-hours acoustic jam. Knife throwing and archery. Canoeing, fishing, and pond discovery on Lake Merlin. Arts and crafts demonstrations. Interactive presentations and exhibits, including live birds of prey. Medicine wheel walks, morning bird walks, plant walks, and interpretive nature walks Birds of prey demo and live snake and furs & skulls demo. Silver smith demo. Camping, Canoeing, Story Telling. Benefitting research efforts to save our hemlocks. Starbridge Farm is located off Hwy 52E between Dahlonega and Cleveland. For more information call The Lumpkin Coalition 706-864-9003 or visit http://hemlockfest. org.

Mountain Country Christmas Festival of Lights November 23, 2017 - January 1, 2018 Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds- Hiawassee, GA. “Mountain Country Christmas in Lights”, a holiday treat for the entire family at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, GA along the shores of beautiful Lake Chatuge in the Northeast Georgia mountains. The fairground will be transformed into a spectacular and magical holiday light show, with special Christmas music provided local churches, art & craft vendors, holiday food, a visit and pictures with Santa, and of course hot chocolate and s’mores. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 1311 Music Rd.- Hiawassee, GA. Website: www. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or 706-896-4191.

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Saturday Sept. 30th & Sunday Oct. 1st 9am to 5pm On the Boardwalk, Downtown Ellijay, GA

An Old Mountain Shindig Celebrating Endangered Art, Music & Oral Traditions. Free!

Juried Folk Art Show • Live Music • Storytelling Facebook “f ” Logo

facebook.com/dancinggoatsfolkfest dancinggoatsfolkfest@gmail.com

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Light Up Ellijay- Return to Whoville November 24, 2017 Historic Downtown Ellijay. Return to Whoville and stop the Grinch from stealing Christmas! Live music, craft vendors, and food from local restaurants on the square beginning at 4 p.m. Lighted parade ushers in Santa Claus at 6 p.m. Lighting of the tree immediately afterward. For more information visit www. gilmerchamber.com or call 706-635-7400.

Light Up Blue Ridge November 23, 2017 Blue Ridge, GA. Visit Historic Downtown Blue Ridge for the annual arrival of Santa and Lighting of the big tree. Beginning at 10:30 at the Downtown City Park, there will be music on the Main Stage, The Parade line up begins in front of the Baptist Church at 11:00 am, Santa arrives on the train at 11:30 am and the parade starts at 12:00! Through the afternoon and evening there will be new music on the Main Stage for your enjoyment until the lighting of the tree around 7:00 pm. You won’t want to miss the live reindeer pulling Mr. and Mrs. Claus! For information email: cindy@trimblekellystudios.com or pam@ lgwebconsulting.com.

Santa Express Train Ride- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway November 24 – December 23, 2017 Blue Ridge, GA. Featuring “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Daytime fun-filled trip with Santa.

While on board your family will hear the “Twas the Night Before Christmas” Christmas story, sing Christmas Carols, visit with Christmas characters and of course visit with Santa. Each child receives a traditional BRSR memento, BRSR Christmas Activity Book and a candy cane. Approximately 1-Hour Trip

Time - Enclosed Climate Control ONLY. Please check the TRAIN SCHEDULE for various dates and times.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. For tickets and info: Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad, www.brscenic.com or call 706-632-8724.

Blairsville Tour of Trees December 1- 31, 2017 Stop by the Blairsville Chamber of Commerce and Community Center to view over 30 beautifully decorated trees and wreaths on display! M-F 9:00am - 5:00pm. Free! Union County Community Center 129 Union County Rec Rd Blairsville, GA. For more info visit www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com or call Blairsville Union County Chamber of Commerce- 706-745-5789.

Murphy Hometown Christmas Celebration December 1-2, 2017 The Murphy Hometown Christmas Celebration begins at 6 pm Friday with a tree lighting ceremony, music and entertainment. Saturday enjoy crafts, food, entertainment, and parade, with events beginning at 2 pm with a parade and Santa strolling around town and merchants offering incentives to shoppers such as sales, snacks, etc. For more information call: Barbara Hughes: 828-837-6821 Blairsville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on the Square December 2, 2017 Historic Downtown BLairsville Square. Come early and get your photo taken with Santa from 1 – 3pm. Enjoy the parade at 4pm, then stay for the tree lighting ceremony afterward. Presented by the Union County Historical Society. Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm. Free! Visit www.unioncountyhistory.org or call 706-745-5493.

Blue Ridge Coin Shop and Collectibles

Night of Lights Celebration and Parade December 2, 2017 Downtown Jasper, GA. Live music, tons of vendors, and pictures with Santa Claus all starting at 4pm. The Parade of Lights begins promptly at 6pm with lots of awesome floats celebrating the Christmas spirit and the flavor of living in Pickens County.

58th Annual Kiwanis Hometown Christmas & Parade December 2, 2017 McCaysville, GA / Copperhill, TN. 58 years of floats and candy and bands and horses! Lighting of the Bridge. Come enjoy this spectacular small-town parade. Santa brings up the rear! Festivities begin at 2pm and continue though out the day. Sponsored by the Copperhill Kiwanis Club. For more info call 706964-6531.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting December 9, 2017 Vogel State Park, Blairsville, GA. Come enjoy hayrides, caroling, a visit from Santa Claus, bonfires, and watch as we light our 35 foot Blue Spruce. Please bring an unwrapped gift for a child up to 12 years of age to help the Union County Sheriff’s Office toy drive.

Festivities begin at 4 PM. $5 parking. Vogel State Park US Hwy 19/129S (11 miles south of Blairsville) Blairsville, GA. Visit www.gastateparks.org or call Vogel State Park @ 706-745-2628.

While every attempt has been made to provide accurate event listings, we urge you to confirm the information provided before making travel plans.

Abigail Summar

THE LITTLE STORE THAT PAYS YOU MORE!

We Buy and Sell Coins and Collectibles Coins • Gold • Silver • Jewelry • Currency Free In-Store Appraisals

1901 Appalachian Hwy Blue Ridge, GA In the Dogwood Plaza

706. 632. 3127 www.BlueRidgeCoinShop.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

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INSIDE Welcome to our Calendar! While every attempt has been made to provide accurate event listings, we urge you to confirm the information provided before making travel plans. With that said, come and see all that north Georgia and the southern Appalachians has to offer!

ARTS First Fridays Murphy Art Walk Murphy, NC. Stroll through historic downtown Murphy for an exquisite visual, culinary, and performing arts experience.

Presented by The Valley River Arts Guild 5-8 pm. Visit http:// www.valleyriverarts.com or call Tim Ford (828) 360-3038 1st & 3rd Thursdays Plein Air Painters of Hiawassee Hiawassee, GA. Meet at ArtWorks and leave at 2pm for a local scenic spot to spend a fun afternoon painting with other artists. All media welcome.

Bring supplies and equipment you can carry. Some walking on uneven ground may be required.

Remember to bring some water and a hat. Free! ArtWorks Gallery & Gifts, 232B Chatuge Way, Hiawassee, GA. Info 706-896-0932 or http://www. artworksgalleryga.com 7/29 thru 8/26 7th Annual 3-D Off the Wall Blue Ridge, GA. Opening reception will be July 29, 2017 from 5pm to 7pm in our Studio Gallery. This three-dimensional only art show, “Off the Wall,” takes the works off the gallery walls and lets you see the beauty of three-dimensional works.

The exhibit is open to all threedimensional artists. Blue Ridge

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Mountains Arts Association, 420 Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA. For info visit www.blueridgearts.net or BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com or call 706-632-2144.

Thru 9/30 Artist in Residence Paula Van Huss Blue Ridge, GA. Enjoy the fascinating Native American / western watercolors as well as unique contemporary collages of Paula Van Huss whose style combines realism with a contemporary feeling to traditional subjects. Opening reception will be July 29, 5-7pm. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA. For info visit www.blueridgearts.net or BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com or call 706-632-2144.

8/4 thru 8/26 Pin Up Show All Works are on Paper and Pinned up to the wall with clips & push pins! Come check out a wide variety of works done on paper with all kinds of mediums.

There will be work from people of all ages and everyone from the community. It will be a sight to see! Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm, Saturday 12pm - 5 pm, Closed Sunday & Monday Cherokee Center for the Arts, 94 North St., Canton, GA 30114. http://cherokeearts.org or 770.704.6244 8/12 & 9/9 Art Pickens ‘’Artist Gathering” Jasper, GA. Art Pickens “Artist Gathering” is an opportunity for local artists to gather and network with fellow artists as well as meet and talk with residents and other art lovers from around North Georgia. Demonstrations are encouraged! 11am – 4pm.

Weather permitting. Peace Park, 141 North Main Street, Jasper, GA. 9/2 – 9/30 BRMAA National Juried Photography Show Open to both amateur and professional photographers in film or digital photography. Cash prizes totaling $4,000 will be

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NORTH GEORGIA'S GUIDE TO AREA

ARTS | DINING & DANCE | EVENTS & SHOWS | MUSIC | THEATER

awarded. Opening reception and awards ceremony will be September 2, 5-7pm. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For info: (706) 6322144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail. com or www.blueridgearts.net 9/7 - 9/10 Fall Plein Air International Paint Out We invite artists from all over the country to enjoy in the countywide paint out, take part in a workshop, sign up for the quick draw event and enjoy networking with fellow plein air artists. Prizes totaling $1,000 will be awarded. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For info: (706) 6322144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail. com or www.blueridgearts.net 9/12 – 10/15 Fall Plein Air International Paint Out Exhibit A spectacular exhibit filled with images from local scenery painted during our Fall Plein Air International Paint Out in our Studio Gallery. All artwork on display will be exhibited during our Fall Arts in the Park festival, which is estimated at over 7,000 attendees in two days. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513.

For info: (706) 632- 2144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com or www.blueridgearts.net 9/16 – 9/17 5th Annual Celebrate Autumn Arts & Crafts Show Young Harris, GA. This is a juried arts and crafts show, with inside and outside booths.

Sandwiches, salads, desserts and beverages will be available. 9am – 4pm. Free! Towns County Recreation Center located at 150 Foster Park Road, Young Harris, GA. Info: Artworks @ 706-896-0932 or www.artworksgalleryga.com.

ADVENTURE Saturdays Blue Ridge Motorsport Races Blue ridge, GA. Come enjoy the races at the Blue Ridge Motorsports Park! Pit Gates Open: 4:30 pm Gates Open: 5:00 pm Drivers Meeting: 6:50 pm Hot Laps: 7:00 pm Racing Starts: 8:00 pm Adults: $12, Kids $8. Track: 2252 Sugar Creek Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Visit www. blueridgemotorsportspark.com 8/11 Folds of Honor Golf Tournament Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, GA. Format: 4 person scramble (handicaps required).

8am. $200 per team. Benefitting Folds of Honor Foundation, providing scholarships to the children and spouses of our fallen & disabled service members. Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Golf Course, 6321 Hwy 76, Young Harris GA 30582. Info: Steve Phelps, Director of Golf 706-379-4613.

8/19 Crane Creek Dash to The Vineyards 5K Young Harris, GA. Trophies/ wine glass to first overall male and female; master’s male and female; and top finishers in all age groups. Ribbons and commemorative wine glass to second and third place finishers in each age group. Pre-registered (before 8/11) $25. Registration (after 8/11) $30. 7:30 am. Crane Creek Vineyards, 918 Crane Creek Rd., Young Harris 30582. www.cranecreekvineyards.com 8/25 - 8/27 7th Annual Georgia Mountain Tennis Championships Young Harris College, GA. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. Trophies for champions, finalists and consolation winners. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters charity.

Register at www.mountaintennis.com. Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Info: http://mountaintennis. com

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9/9 Inaugural MountainQuest OCR & Mudrun Enjoy this challanging 5K OCR and mud run in the beautiful mountains of North GA with traverse mountain trails that end with the obstacles at the Jeepfest course 795 Hwy 53 East Jasper, GA 30143. Cost $50. Info: 706-253-9348 or www.firebreathercrossfit.com 9/12 Gilmer Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament Ellijay, GA. 4 person modified scramble/best ball format.

Registration 8:00am until 8:50 am at Pro Shop Deck. 9:00 am Shotgun start. Lunch provided.

Prizes for Low Gross and Low Net, Closest to the Pin on all Par 3’s and Longest Putt. Benefitting local Gilmer High School Seniors with scholarships. $50.00 per person, $200.00 per team 4 golfers or $300.00 with Corporate Sponsorship, $100.00 for Hole Sponsorship. White Path Golf Club. Contact Patrick McVey 706-889-4031 or Dale Cochran 706-273-4941.

9/23 Open Horse Show - Gilmer County Saddle Club Ellijay, GA. 1- 8pm. 1727 South Main Street, Ellijay, Georgia 30540. For info call: (706) 6363779.

9/30 Tortoise and the Hare ULTRA 50K / 30k Trail Run Blue Ridge, GA. Our slogan is “Fast or slow…just go!” The beauty of this race is that it welcomes runners of all paces.

Race will begin at your selected hourly wave start time, as early as 6 am but no later than 10 am. The goal finishing time is 3 PM, so you will estimate the length of time it will take you to complete the course (online calculator HERE). The unique event that is the Tortoise and the Hare 50K™ will only be successful if all participants choose an honest starting time relative to their ability. During online registration you will select your starting time. Info: Phone: 678AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

AC LIVING CALENDAR 400-9050. Email: info@tortoiseandthehareracing.com Website: www.tortoiseandthehareracing. com

10/14 Georgia Zombie Fest 5K Run, Walk, Creep or Crawl & 1 Mile Fun for All Canton, GA. Race through the woods and don’t let the zombies catch you! Registration opens at 5:30PM. 1 Mile Fun starts at 7 PM. 5K starts at 7:30PM. Etowah River Park, Canton, GA. For registration and info: Call 770-345-5483 or visit www.georgiazombiefest.com

EVENTS First Fridays Canton First Fridays Downtown Canton, GA. Food, music and fun for all. 6-9 pm.

For info visit www.canton-georgia.com or call 770.704.1552 2rd Saturdays Second Saturday Block Party, Merchant Walk Downtown Blue Ridge. Enjoy a stroll through town exploring the beautiful shops. Stop in the courtyard at Sycamore Crossing and listen to live music. Many shops will be running specials.

Free. 6pm-9pm. Call 706-2582432 or visit www.bestofblueridge.biz.

3rd Saturdays Cruise In on the Square Blairsville, GA. Blairsville Cruisers car club presents their Cruise In on the historic downtown Blairsville square. Anything on wheels welcome!Local restaurants will be open for dinner.

4-7pm. Free! Info: Pete Barley 678-773-5934 or http://blairsvillecruisers.com/ Mondays Garden Tours Blairsville, GA. Guided Tours of the Cannery Interpretive Center, Ethnobotanic Gardens and Woodland Medicine Trail.

The southern Appalachians have an astounding array of native flora, many of which are highlighted in these Gardens.

Tours at 12:30pm. University of Georgia’s Mountain Research & Education Center. The GMRE Center is located 3 miles south of Blairsville, on Hwy 19/129.

Follow the signs to the gardens.

Info: 706-745-2655 or www. gmrec.uga.edu

2nd Thursdays Gilmer County Genealogical Society Meeting Ellijay, GA - Tom Cox, author of “Before the Cherokee; Evidence of Colonization Before the Cherokee and Creek.” Free!

Everyone is welcome. Meetings at the Gilmer County Library, 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, Georgia, 30540. For info contact gcgs@etcmail.com or visit www.gcgsi.org or find us on FB: www.facebook.com/ Gilmer-County-GenealogySociety-Georgia 4th Fridays Georgia Mountain Classics Car Club Cruise-In Cruising season is upon us!

6pm – 8pm at The Blue Ridge Dairy Queen. Free! We are classic car enthusiasts from Blue Ridge, Georgia, who enjoy getting together to share our love for vintage cars. We raise money during the year to help our neighbors in Fannin County.

For info: Annette Long - georgiamountainclassics@hotmail.com or 706-838-4701.

8/12 & 9/9 Save the Horses Open House Open House Sundays are a great opportunity to bring your family out to the barn for an extended tour of our facility and a personal introduction to our residents at the Rescue. Arrive anytime between 1pm to 4pm.

Park in the driveway and walk in through the gate. Email Melissa: openhouse@savethehorses. org. Save the Horses, 1768 Newt Green Road, Cumming GA 30028. Info: www.savethehorses.org or 770.886.5419 8/17 Fundraising Dinner to Support the Mountain Conservation Trust Join us at 61 Main in Jasper to help conserve the natural resources and scenic beauty of the North Georgia foothills and mountains! Attendees will enjoy music by local guitarist Curtis Jones as well as a farm-to-table style dinner that will include three-courses: Kale Caesar Salad, choice of 61 Main Steak or Parchment Wrapped Trout each with two sides, dessert, and a glass of beer or wine. 6 -9 pm. Tickets are $75 per person and can be reserved before August 13th by calling MCT at 706 253 4077 or online at www. mctga.org.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

8/18 & 8/19 21st Annual Kiwanis Rodeo Blue Ridge, GA. Western rodeo event with bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and special events. Food and fun for all, 8 p.m. Gates open at 6 pm. $12 in advance - $15 at the gate.

Kiwanis Fairgrounds, Blue Ridge, Jones Street off of E. 2nd Street Info: www.blueridgerodeo.com or 706-632-6644.

8/19 Denim & Diamonds Blue Ridge, GA. Georgia Mountains Hospice & Woodmen Life/Richard York welcome you to this year’s Denim and Diamond event at Willow Creek Falls Vineyard. Put on your favorite Jeans, Boots & Fabulous Bling! A Spectacular Evening of Dinner, Music, Dancing, and Silent Auction. 6:30pm -11:00pm. They are offering a discounted price for early ticket sales, so reserve your table today. Willow Creek Falls & Vineyard, Blue Ridge, GA. Tickets & Info: Website georgiamountainshospice.org/events/, Email gpendley200@ellijay.com, Phone 706-253-4100.

8/19/17 & 9/9/17 Homeward Bound Pet Rescue Open House Blue Ridge, GA - Adoption counselors will be available to introduce you to the many dogs and cats who live at Homeward Bound. From 1 – 4pm. 215 Wishon Rd Blue Ridge 30513. For more information on our pets, please go to hbpr.org or call 706698-4663.

SOLAR ECLIPSE! 8/21 Experience Totality at approximately 2:30pm.

Andrews, Murhpy & Brasstown, NC. www.eclipsewise.com 8/21

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Solar Eclipse Train Blue Ridge, GA. Departs @ 11am, with a 3 hour 15 min layover in McCaysville, GA and will return to Blue Ridge @ 4:15 pm Reservations are strongly suggested. Call 800934-1898 or 706-632-9833, or visit www.brscenic.com

8/21

The Great American Eclipse Celebration in Andrews!

Andrews, NC. Andrews, North Carolina is on the center line of the path of totality and will see 2 minutes and 39 seconds and first touches Andrews at 2:33 p.m. EDT and exits at 2:49 p.m. EDT. There will be many activities planned in town, including food, music, beer, and wine at Hall Park on First Street!

Organized by Andrews Brewing Company, Calaboose Cellars, and Hoppy Trout Brewing Company! Info: www. cherokeecountychamber.com 8/21

Food Truck Festival & Viewing Party Meeks Park, Blairsville, GA. Spend the day at Meeks Park with your friends and family.

Food trucks will be onsite for your dining pleasure.

FREE admission. Sponsored

by Rotary of Union County.

11am – 4pm. Info: www. visitblairsville.com 8/23 Vintage Camper Rally Hiawassee, GA. More than 100 vintage trailers and cars, owners on hand to give tours and answer questions. Live music and vendors! 2 – 4pm. Free!

Riverbend Campground, 2626 Streak Hill Road, Hiawassee, GA. Info: www.riverbendcamping. com or 706-896-1415.

9/3 -9/5 North Georgia Community Flower Show Blairsville, GA. The show is open to the public, admission is free and there is no charge to display your plants. Entries: Thursday, Aug. 3 - 1:00-5:00PM Friday, August 4 - 9:00 - 11:00 AM Open to the public Friday Aug. 4 - 2:00-5:00 Saturday, Aug. 5 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Haralson Memorial Civic Center in Blairsville, 165 Welborn Street, Blairsville, GA. For info: Jo Anne Allen at (706) 400-8139 or Barbara Baumgardner at (706) 897-5348.

9/9 Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association Meeting of the Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association (GA TOTA) will be held at 10:30 am at the Sequoyah Regional Library in Canton, GA. Speaker

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will be Michael Hitt and the topic will be “Cherokee Lands Along the Chattahoochee.” Meetings are free and open to the public.

Sequoyah Regional Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton, GA. For info: 770-4793090 or contact Tony Harris at harris7627@bellsouth.net.

9/23 17th Annual “Puttin on the Dog” Fundraiser Blairsville, GA. Annual Fundraiser raising money for the Humane Society Mountain Shelter, lots of silent auction and live auction items. Catering

by Amazing Graze, beer & wine available. Music provided by Borrowed Time. Reservations can be made at Blairsville and Hiawassee thrift Stores and at the shelter. $35 non-members. $30 members. North Georgia Technical College, Blairsville, GA. Info: 706- 896-7548 or www. pawsga.org 9/23 3rd Annual Be Our Guest Daddy Daughter Dance Murphy, GA. The theme this year is Beauty and the Beast with some surprise guests from this beloved fairy tale! Sweep your daughters off their feet by showing them that there is adventure in the great wide somewhere! 6pm to 8:30pm. Tickets $50 ($10 per additional daughter) are available at The Hackney Warehouse! 11 Railroad Street Murphy, NC 28906. Info: Lydia Gray 828-837-8376, http://thehackneywarehouse.com 9/29 thru 11/12 Fall Foliage Train Ride, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Blue Ridge, GA. Fall Foliage trips begin and run throughout October, check the train schedule for exact dates and times.

These trips sell out fast. The regular 4 hour, 26 mile round trip winds along the beautiful Toccoa River in vintage climate controlled or open air railcars.

Reservations are strongly suggested. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Call 800-934-1898 or 706-632-9833, or visit www. brscenic.com 9/30/17 Gilmer County Genealogical Society Special Meeting Ellijay, GA - Special Saturday meeting to introduce Kenneth Thomas, Genealogist & Columnist from the Atlanta Journal who will speak about genealogy and DNA. Free!

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From 2-3:30pm. Refreshments served at 1:30. Gilmer County Library, 268 Calvin Jackson Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540. For info contact gcgs@etcmail.com or visit www.gcgsi.org or FB: www. facebook.com/Gilmer-CountyGenealogy-Society-Georgia 10/7 6th Annual Homebuilders Showcase Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge, GA. Exhibitors from the building industry; Architects, Builders, Cabinet Makers, Developers, Flooring, Glassworks, Heating/ Cooling, Home Furnishings, Insurers, Mortgage Lenders, Realtors, Security Systems, Stonework, Surveyors and more.

Food vendors & prize drawings.

Fun for the whole family. Free!

9am – 5pm, rain or shine. Info: Randy Marchman @ 706-4557528

FARMERS MARKETS Friday Mornings Trash & Treasures at Union County Farmers Market Blairsville, GA. 7:30am - 1pm Union County Farmers Market 148 Old Smokey Rd (Off Weaver Rd), Blairsville, GA Saturday Mornings Downtown Market Blue Ridge Blue Ridge, GA. Across from the Courthouse. Email contact: Linee2@tds.net. Vendors contact 706-258-4552 Union County Farmer’s Market Blairsville, GA. 148 Old Smokey Road, Blairsville, GA 30512, (706)439-6043.

Ellijay Farmers Market Ellijay, GA. 8am – Noon. Broad Street (adjacent to Gilmer County Court House) Ellijay, GA off the round-about. Contact 706-273-0406.

Jasper Farmers Market 7:30am – Noon. Lee Newton Park, Jasper, GA 30143.

Downtown Canton Farmers Market 9 am – 1pm. Cannon Park, Canton, GA 30143.

HWY 515W) Blairsville, GA. www.visitblairsvillega.com

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KIDS STUFF Wednesdays $1 Summer Kids Movie Series Canton, GA. Fun movies kids will love at the Historic Canton Theatre presented by Canton Main Street. Two shows: 10:30am & 2pm. For info visit: www.canton-georgia.com 8/5 – 8/6 Junior Ranger Two-Day Camp Vogel State Park, Blairsville, GA. Learn how to identify different plant and animal species, go on hikes and boat rides, learn how to be safe in the wilderness, and so much more. $20 plus $5 parking.

Vogel State Park US Hwy 19/129S (11 miles south of Blairsville) Blairsville, GA. Visit www.gastateparks.org or call 706-745-2628.

8/19 Solar Saturday at the Murphy Arts Center Murphy, NC. Fun and FREE kid’s eclipse projects, eclipse seminars. All things Solar Art exhibit, Fine Art Raffle, refreshments. 11am – 3pm.

Murphy Art Center (The MAC) 33 Valley River Ave, Murphy, NC 28906. Info: http://www. valleyriverarts.com or 760974-6583 8/19 & 9/16 Tri-State Model Railroaders Open House The model railroad layout depicting Copper Basin Railroading in the early 1950’s is developing nicely.

Learn how railroads played an important role in the development of the Tri-State area and the unique history of the restored brick depot.

Constructed over 100 years ago, it is the oldest public building remaining in Fannin County. From 10 am until 2 pm. Mineral Bluff Historic Depot 150 Railroad Avenue, Mineral Bluff, GA 30559. Call 828-361-2210 or visit www. tsmri.org.

9/9 Lego Club Ellijay, GA. The Lego Club has a different theme each month.

Children can work alone or in teams to make their special

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creation, which will be displayed in the library until next month’s meeting. All ages, under 9 years of age with an adult please. 2 - 3pm. FREE! Gilmer County Public Library.

Info: 706-635-4528.

MUSIC Every Evening Bell Music from the Tower 7:00pm – 7:30pm. At the Historic Courthouse on the Square in Downtown Blairsville, GA. Free! Contact (706) 7455493 or www.unioncountyhistory.org Thursdays Pickin in the Park Horeseshoe Bend Park, McCaysville, GA. May through September. Live music jams and pickin’ on the banks of the Toccoa River. Free Admission.

Wheelchair accessible. Come out, bring the whole family to enjoy the experience. Picnic tables available, and a nice grassy lawn, bring a blanket or chair. Fannin County Parks and Recreation: 706-632-7696 Fridays Andrews Brewing Company Patio Series Great music, craft beer and a good time. 6pm – 8pm. Andrews Brewing Company, 14 Miles for Harrah’s Casino, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews, NC 28901.

For info: 828-321-2006 or www. andrewsbrewing.com Saturdays Andrews Brewing Company Bluegrass Concert Series Great music, craft beer and a good time. 6pm – 8pm. Andrews Brewing Company, 14 Miles for Harrah’s Casino, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews, NC 28901.

Andrews is a beautiful, peaceful, vibrant small town located within the heart of North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. For info: 828-321-2006 or www. andrewsbrewing.com Sundays WYYZ’s Live Music at Rocco’s Rocco’s Pub is a family friendly restaurant serving the highest quality, local and fresh ingredients. Noon - 11PM. Reservations accepted. Rocco’s Pub, 47 Mountainside Village Parkway, Jasper, GA. Contact 706.253.1900 or visit http://roccosjasper.com

Thursdays - Saturdays Live Music at Blue Ridge Brewery Serving great food, craft beer, fine wine and top shelf alcohol.

Dog friendly outdoor patio. Open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm. Blue Ridge Brewery, 187 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA . 706. 632. 6611 or www. blueridgebrewery.com Fridays Concert Series at the Old Courthouse Blairsville, GA. Free! 7pm. Old Historic Courthouse, 1 Town Square, Blairsville GA. For info: Union County Historical Society 706-745-5493 or http://www. unioncountyhistory.org/ 3rd Friday Every Month Live Music Acoustic Blends Listen to a Variety of Quality Music Acts … or Join the Jam! Bring your own libations and munchies, or you purchase water, sodas and snacks while you enjoy some eclectic, spontaneous and fun music! 7 pm. Free & Public Invited. For info please contact Gilmer Arts 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. 706-6355605. Visit www.gilmerarts.org Weekends LIve Music at Engelheim Vineyards Overlooking the beautiful vineyards. Tasting Room Hours: Thursday – Monday 12:30 to 6:00 P.M. Engelheim Vineyards 127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay, GA 30540. Call 706-635-WINE (9463) or visit www.engelheim. com.

Weekends Fannin Brewing Company Live Music in the Bier Garden Brewery Hours: Thursday 4-8 Friday 4-8, Saturday 12-6.

Fannin Brewing: 3758 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. www.fanninbrewingcompany. com or 706.258.2762 8/11 & 9/22 Drum Circle Blue Ridge, GA. Sponsored by The Herbiary of Blue Ridge, this gathering is for all ages. Come join us near the gazebo and spend a warm summer evening under the stars in a free form rhythmic percussion experience.

Bring your own form of percussion and play, dance, or just enjoy a Friday evening in town.

7:00 pm. Herbiary of Blue Ridge (702) 907-4372

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

8/5 Big Gus and the Swampadelic Blue Ridge Community Theater Live Music is Better Series Bayou, Honky Tonk, Soul. A strong dose of blues combined with classic soul and swampy Cajun rhythms, strong and memorable songs, soulful singing, with powerful grooves.

Big Gus creates a sound that satisfies the heart and mind.

7:30pm. For Tickets: Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

(706) 632-9223 or www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com 8/11 Oak Ridge Boys Hiawassee, GA. Theirs is one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. 7:00PM. Tickets On Sale June 30. Level 1: $45.00 + Handling. Level 2: $35.00 + Handling. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, P.O. Box 444 Hiawassee, GA 30546. gamtfair@windstream.net, 706-896-4191 or www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com 8/19 Summer Concerts in the Park Canton, GA. 5:30- 10pm. Brown Park: 223 E Marietta St Canton GA 30114. For info visit www. canton-georgia.com or call 770.704.1552 8/26 Johnny Cash Returns Ellijay, GA. Fund raiser for Kids Ferst of Gilmer County. $20 admission - proceeds to benefit the Kids Ferst of Gilmer County.

Doors open at 6pm and entertainment begins at 7pm. Ellijay Elementary School Auditorium, 32 McCutchen Street, Ellijay, GA. Info: 706 847-0869 or 706 8890421 or https://www.facebook. com/kidsferst/ 9/1 Banks and Shane Ellijay, GA. Banks and Shane is a high-energy, hard-kicking, blow-the-roof off band that has had capacity crowds around the world dancing in the aisles to party favorites. No matter what age, Banks and Shane transports fans back to Spring Break.

Two Shows at 6:30 pm and 9 pm. Fee: $25. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse, 135 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. For tickets & info: gilmerarts.org or 706-635-5605.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

AC LIVING CALENDAR 9/2 Georgia Mountain String Band Ellijay, GA. Original/ Traditional Bluegrass Georgia Mountain String Band is a bluegrass project started by Jason C. Waller. The guys work from a central playbook of Country and Bluegrass songs as well as original material. City Slickers tippin their hats to the old sounds and exploring new territories. Time: 7:30pm. Fee: $15. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse, 135 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. For tickets & info: gilmerarts.org or 706-635-5605.

9/2 Hank Williams Jr. Saturday Hiawasee, GA.Tickets On Sale June 16. Reserved Seating: $77.00 + Handling. Outside Standing: $57.00 + Handling.

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, P.O. Box 444 Hiawassee, GA 30546. gamtfair@windstream.net, 706-896-4191 or www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com 9/9 Frederick Johnson Blue Ridge, GA. Fred Johnson is an accomplished writer, vocalist and percussionist and is recognized internationally as one of the world’s greatest vocal jazz improvisers and has been honored as one of the worlds most passionate and versed chanters of sacred text. 7:30pm. For Tickets: Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513. (706) 6329223 or www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com 9/15 Blues Crawl Downtown Blue Ridge. Crawl through 8 different restaurants enjoying live music, food, and drinks as we celebrate the start of our Blues Weekend in the mountains. GET INTO THE FESTIVAL FREE: Pick up your Official Blues & BBQ Festival Rack Card from your Blue Ridge lodging provider, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce or participating Crawl restaurant.

Carry it with you on Friday night as you Crawl. Get all 8 stars punched and you can get into the Blues & BBQ Festival free the next day. www.blueridge-

bluesandbbq.com

9/16 Bobby Randall and Melissa Lee Ellijay, GA.This special acoustic duo show features two Nashville stars. Bobby Randall was a founding member for Sawyer Brown, playing guitar and singing on all their early hits.

And Melissa Lee, a fresh new Nashville Country music artist.

Two Shows at 6:30 pm and 9 pm. Fee: $22. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse, 135 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. For tickets & info: gilmerarts.org or 706-635-5605.

9/30 Trinity River Band Concert Doors Open at 6:30PM, Concert Begins at 7PM. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased on Tix.com & the Arts Center Office. Cherokee Center for the Arts, 94 North St., Canton, GA 30114. http://cherokeearts.org or 770.704.6244

THEATER 8/17 – 9/3 One Slight Hitch Blue Ridge, GA. It’s Courtney’s wedding day, and her mom is making sure that everything is perfect. The groom is perfect, the dress is perfect, and the decorations will be perfect.

Then, like in any good farce the doorbell rings. And all hell breaks loose. So much for perfect. Thursdays- Saturdays 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm. For Tickets: Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513. (706) 6329223 or www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com 9/11 thru 9/27 Man of La Mancha Jasper, GA. Tater Patch Players.

A stirring musical about a delightful madman. Come tilt at windmills with us. Thurs-Sat: 7:30pm. Sun: 2pm. Tickets $18 adults, $$16 seniors, $14 students. Buy Flex Passes and save even more. Tater Patch Players 95 Philadelphia Lane in Jasper, GA. Tickets and info: www. taterpatchplayers.org or call 706-253-2800.

9/23 The Comedy of Jerry Farber His unique style of hip piano finesse and warm-blooded humor endears him to fans.

Best of all, he personalizes each performance, weaving his audience into each routine.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

Fans have voted Jerry One of the Top Five Celebrities in Atlanta in an Atlanta Constitution / WSB Radio Poll. He was elected Entertainer of the Year by Atlanta Magazine three times in recent years. Time: 7:30- 9:00 Fee: $20. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse, 135 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. For tickets & info: gilmerarts.org or 706-6355605.

9/28 – 10/15 Calendar Girls Blue Ridge, GA. When Annie’s husband John dies of leukemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow WI members to pose nude with them for an “alternative” calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence.

Thursdays- Saturdays 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm. For Tickets: Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513. (706) 632-9223 or www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com 9/30 The Magic of Arthur Atsma An award winning sleight of hand artist, corporate entertainer, educator, and motivational speaker. Called the “Laughter Magic Therapist” Arthur Atsma’s family friendly performance is one not to miss. Time: 7:309:00 Fee: $15. George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse, 135 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. For tickets & info: gilmerarts.org or 706-635-5605

WINE & BEER TASTINGS Ongoing Thurs - Mon Engelheim Vineyards Located near Ellijay, Georgia in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, focuses on growing outstanding grapes to produce the highest quality of wines.

And honoring the original residents of Engelheim, the Cherokee Nation. Live Music weekends. Tasting Room Hours: Thursday – Monday 12:30 to 6:00 P.M. Engelheim Vineyards 127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay, GA 30540. Call 706-635-WINE (9463) or visit www.engelheim. com.

Ongoing Fridays Chocolatasm!

The Vine Wine Bar and Bistro in Blue Ridge and Chocolatasm are proud to present a special wine and chocolate pairing Friday evenings at 6pm (reservations only). Reservations required.

Call Leann Martin at 706-9468463 or email your RSVP to Leannhmartin@gmail.com by the Thursday before the date to reserve your place. There will also be regular wine tastings every day with no reservation required. www.thevineofblueridge.com Ongoing Mon - Sat Cartecay Vineyards Wine Tastings on the Chimney Patio or the Nealey Barn Loft if bad weather. $10.00 includes 5 Tastings and Cartecay Vineyards’ Logo Wine Glass. 1:30 – 5:30. Mon – Sat 11:00am to 6:00pm. Sun 12:30pm - 5:30pm. Live Music Weekends. Cartecay Vineyards, 5704 Clear Creek Road, Ellijay, GA 30535. Call 706. 698. 9463 (WINE) or visit www.cartecayvineyards.com Ongoing Wed - Sat Blue Ridge Brewery Serving great food, craft beer, fine wine and top shelf alcohol.

Dog friendly outdoor patio. Open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm. Blue Ridge Brewery, 187 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA . 706. 632. 6611 or www. blueridgebrewery.com Ongoing Fri - Sat Fannin Brewing Company Everyone’s welcome (including dogs, kids and non-drinkers!) but bring your ID - you must be 21 to taste. Join us to sample both production beers and works in progress - there’s always something fun going on, and we’re pretty sure you’ll make a friend or two while you’re with us! Fri 5:307:30pm, Sat 2:00 – 6:0pm.

3758 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. 706.258.2762 or www.fanninbrewingcompany. com Ongoing Thurs - Sat Grumpy Old Men Brewing If we don’t like it, we don’t drink it. If we don’t drink it, we don’t sell it. The Brewery it is small.

We are small on purpose. Dog & kid friendly. 1:00pm – 5:00pm.

1315 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA. 770-331-8870/404966-2665, www.grumpyoldmenbrewing.com

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Ongoing Thurs - Sun Reformation Brewery Tour & Tasting Hours Thurs 5:30-8pm, Fri 5:30-9pm, Sat 1-9pm, Sunday 2-4pm500 Arnold Mill Way, Woodstock, GA 30188. info@reformationbrewery.com, (678) 341-0828 or www.reformationbrewery.com Ongoing Mon- Sun Valley River Brewery & Eatery Featuring 15 of our own Craft Beers, Wood Fired Pizza made with fresh toppings, Outstanding Burgers, Homemade Desserts.

Located in Historic Downtown Murphy, NC at 71 Tennessee Street. Mon - Sat 11am - 10pm, Sun 12pm - 10pm. 828-837BEER or www.valleyriverbrewery.com Ongoing Tues - Sun Crane Creek Vineyards Young, Harris, GA. Fridays 6 - 8pm: Vineyard View Tapas & Acoustic Music on Holly Hill.

Reservations recommended.

Saturdays 11am until gone: Vine Keepers Kitchen. Saturday Wine Tours: 2pm $25. Winery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11am to 6pm, Sunday, 1pm to 5pm.

Crane Creek Vineyards, 916 Crane Creek Road, Young Harris, GA. 706.379.1236 www.cranecreekvineyards.com Daily Chateau Meichtry Talking Rock, GA. Wine tastings daily! Live music on weekends from 1:30- 5:30 pm.

Saturday winery tours at 2pm by reservation - $30. Winery Hours: Mon- Sat 11am - 6pm.

Sun 12:30 - 5:30pm. Chateau Meichtry, 1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, GA 30175. Info: (706) 502-1608 or www. chateaumeichtry.com.

Saturdays Out Of The Blue Wine Tasting Blue Ridge, GA. Drinking alcohol is just drinking. Wine is a lifestyle. It’s about a sense of place; it fires up our memories and makes an ordinary day special.

Gourmet Living. We sell fine wine, cheeses, and beer along with specialty kitchen items.

Wine tastings Saturdays at 1:00 pm. Out of the Blue, 647 E. Main Street, Blue Ridge, 706-2582750. Visit www.outofzbleu.com

Please send calendar entries to: alice@ blueridgemedaigroup. com

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AC LIVING SHOP LOCAL BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS

Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides & Blue Ridge Mountain Canopy Adventure AT HELL’S HOLLOW ADVENTURE OUTPOST

ZIP LINES! TRAIL RIDES!

One sliGht hitCh The perfect wedding and the doorbell rings – like in any great farce– all hell breaks loose!

August 17th - September 3rd Thursday - Saturday 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM

Saddle: 706.408.RIDE & Soar: 706.946.1010

www.blueridgemountaintrailridesathellshollow.com | www.blueridgecanopyadventure.com

Save the Date!

Snack in a Backpack Presents The 7th Annual

Bringin’ the Blues to Blue Ridge Featuring the Fabulous

Calendar Girls Based on a true story, women pose for a nude calendar to raise money for the local hospital.

September 28th - October 15th Thursday - Saturday 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM Bayou, Honky Tonk, Soul.

BIG GUS & SWAMPADELIC Saturday, Aug 5th 7:30 PM

Back by Popular Demand!

Alterna-Grass Favorites.

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Dr. Leigh Griffeth Dr. Spencer Griffeth A Full Service Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Practice Emergency & New Patients Welcome Interest Free Payment Plans

Saturday February 24, 2018 5:00 - 9:00pm Willow Creek Falls & Vineyard Benefitting Snack in a Backpack.

Feeding Youth.

Fighting Hunger.

FOR MORE DETAILS!!

Email backpackfannin@gmail.com or call 706-851-8190

ROXIE WATSON Saturday, Nov 11th 7:30 PM

706. 692. 2646

JasperFamilyDentistry@ellijay.com

391 N. Main Street • Jasper, GA

CONSIGNING WOMEN

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

VACATION RENTALS

Ray Higginbotham 678. 314. 5434 Branded Copywriting Articles & Features Blogging for Business SEO Writing Social Media Management

BLUE RIDGE & ELLIJAY WHITEWATER RIVER & TROUT STREAM LAKE & MOUNTAIN VIEWS HOT TUBS ACCEPTING NEW CABINS CONTACT JOY 706. 635. 3952 / 404. 791. 4388 stressbuster@ellijay.com www.stressbustercabinrentals.com

higginbotham7786@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/rayhigginbotham

OCT NOV 2017 ISSUE

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AUGUST 31

Please support our local markets, communities and let our advertisers know that you saw them in Appalachian Country Living!

REACH 30,000 READERS

CALL TODAY! 706. 492. 5070 alice@blueridgemediagroup.com

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AC LIVING HISTORY

history of indian georgia

– The Red Stick War

History Editor Leslie Barker Thomas Digs Deep Into Our Rich Cultural Past with This Ongoing Series About Our Native Ancestors

Fighting to Keep Their Indian Lands

Above Left: William Henry Harrison an American adversary of Tecumseh’s at the battle at Fort Detroit in Ohio. Harrison became the ninth President of the United States and died of pneumonia 31 days into his presidential term.

Above Right: Tucumseh wearing the British Red Coat.

Left: Hawkin’s responsibilities included teaching agricultural practices by starting a farm on his property in Georgia.

U

US agencies to manage Indian tribes were created as early as 1796 with these agencies becoming permanently established by 1800. The Creek Agency, run by Benjamin Hawkins, in the eastern part of the United States was located principally east of the Flint River near Knoxville, Georgia. In 1796 Benjamin Hawkins was also appointed by George Washington to the office of General Superintendent of Indian Affairs dealing with all the tribes south of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River.

Hawkins responsibilities included teaching agricultural practices by starting a farm on his property in Georgia. He brought in slaves to help, establishing mills and a trading post. His expert negotiating with the various chiefs under his jurisdiction, resulted in over twenty years of peace visited upon these Georgia lands during his tenure.

Under Hawkins tutelage the local Muscogee chiefs acquired slaves and began their own cotton plantations, gristmills and trading posts all along the Federal Road by 1805. At this time the Shawnee occupied lands in several parts of Ohio.

When the “Great Comet of 1811” appeared– Shawnee leader Tecumseh aka “The Prophet,” whose very name means “Shooting Star”– told Muscogee Creeks in Georgia that the star proved that the Great Spirit had sent him to the tribes as a warning to not allow white encroachment onto their lands. Not long after the comet appeared, the New Madrid earthquake occurred in southern Illinois, shaking the entire southeastern continent with aftershocks. Although some contend it was a meteor that crashed in Arkansas 46

rather than an earthquake, to all the tribes of this area the shaking earth meant that something ominous was to come.

As the War of 1812 broke out between the US and the British on the Canadian border over a supposed threat to the British supremacy in maritime trading practices, the British sought collaboration with tribes who were fighting to keep their lands from white encroachment.

During this time, certain Muscogee factions joined forces with the Shawnee and became known as the “Red Sticks” (sticks painted red were a symbol of war). Between 1813-1814 a Creek War known as the “Red Stick War” began as a civil war with those Muscogee who chose not to join forces with the Shawnee. US Government officials felt this war to be an extension of the War of 1812 because of British intervention.

The Red Stick faction joined forces with the British to capture Fort Detroit in Ohio August of 1812. Hawkins learned of this invasion and that in addition a raiding party led by “Little Warrior” had killed two families near Nashville.

Hawkins demanded the surrender of those responsible but tribe elders merited out their own punishment, executing those at fault. The elders’ decision ignited a civil war among the

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Muscogee tribes. Battles raged from mid Georgia to Florida and extended to the American soldiers occupying Fort Mims near Mobile, Alabama killing 300-500 across the Southern frontier.

Andrew Jackson entered the fray as battles waged on through 1814 ending with the Treaty of Fort Jackson that required the Creeks to cede their 20 million acres of land and forced them out of Georgia by 1827. Many of those Muscogee who refused to surrender ended up with other remnant tribes in Florida, thus becoming the Seminole Tribe. ACLM Visit the Gilmer County Historical Society Historic Tabor House & Civil War Museum 138 Spring Street, Ellijay, Georgia 30540 706. 276. 1861.

Open Thursday–Saturday 10am to 2pm www.gilmercountyhistoricalsociety.org/ Leslie Barker Thomas is a resident of Ellijay and the President of the Gilmer County Historical Society, President, Georgia Chapter Trail of Tears Association.

“When history is erased, people’s moral values are also erased.” –Ma Jian AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

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Come visit our Showroom in Jasper ...

447 Harmony School Rd., Jasper, GA Showroom Hours: Wednesday-Friday 10-4 or by appointment Business: 706-301-5698 Website: www.myenclosedporch.com

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Visit our showroom... ask about our patio furniture, accent rugs and accessories.

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Blue Ridge’s Only Golf & River Community Fronting over 4,000 feet of the Toccoa River and located five miles from charming downtown Blue Ridge,Old Toccoa Farm offers exceptional value along with architectural controls, and lifestyle amenities. Semi-private golf - a family par-3 course - walking trails - gathering areas – fly fishing – kayaking – and more!

Homes & Homesites Mountain, River & Golf Course Views Gentle Topography Cottage & Cabin plans starting at $250,000 and Home Sites starting at $65,000.

New Homes & Cottages now under construction.

CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A PROPERTY TOUR

706.946.4663 (Sales Office) Mon-Thur.

706.900.4006 (Gate House) Fri-Sun. BOOK YOUR TEE TIME TODAY PUBLIC PLAY WELCOME

Well Manicured Zoysia Fairways & Tees Bentgrass Greens 706-946-4653 (Golf Shop)

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