Appalachian Country Living Magazine August/September 2016

WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Cartecay Vineyards celebrating the yearly grape harvest with the CRUSH FESTIVAL

OLD TOCCOA FARM, BLUE RIDGE’S ONLY GOLF & RIVER COMMUNITY

THREE ALL TIME SUMMER FAVORITESZUCCHINI, CORN & TOMATOES

OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE 2016 FABULOUS FALL FESTIVALS

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

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· 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

Making the patio your favorite room!

Patio furniture, lighting and decorative rugs to spruce up your patio or porch ...

We have new patio furniture with lower, everyday pricing.

Featuring seating collections and dining collections. Choose from Wicker, Marine Grade Polymer, Aluminum and Wrought Iron. Indoor and outdoor rugs to complete the look you want. Plus outdoor lamps rated for wet locations.

Transform Your Screened Porch ... ... into a beautiful three-season room with affordable Eze-Breeze sliding panels

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WELCOME TO AC MAGAZINE

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PUBLISHER | EDITOR IN CHIEF Alice Sexton

Whoa! Where did June and July go? Those two months zipped by so fast

I can’t even remember what I did except get eaten alive by chiggers and mosquitoes. With no AC I spend a LOT of time outside. The trees, fields and underbrush are so lush here on my woody mountain that all sorts of biting

GARDEN| LANDSCAPE EDITOR Kevin Johnson | growitgreen@etcmail.com

critters abundantly thrive. Luckily for Maxine and Billy Zoom we’ve seen very few ticks and (cross your fingers) no fleas– although I’m sure that’s mostly due to modern veterinarian medicine.

Speaking of which- Billy Zoom was misdiagnosed and does not have

HISTORY EDITOR Leslie Barker Thomas | PresHist@etcmail.com

terminal cancer, so that little bugger is probably gonna live to be 90 years old.

I sure hadn’t planned on that. But now that I’ve had him a year I guess he’s mine for keeps- unless anyone wants a super-cute-snuggly-happy-friendly little guy with… extreme separation anxiety… just let me know!

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EDITOR Greg Dunn | trainingdunnright@gmail.com

My Mom is here visiting with her 12 yr. old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Nantahala, aka Natalie who used to swim our part of the Toccoa like a boss.

These days she does a lot of sleeping and babysitting Billy. OMG- Mom

STYLE & DESIGN EDITOR Cindy Trimble | cindy@studiotrimble.com

(fiber artist/sculptor – www. peggysexton.com) is here because she has pieces in the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Exhibit “3-D Off The Wall.” Somehow the nest and real robin’s egg got knocked off her “Boogle Birdhouse,” and as soon as it landed on the floor Maxine thought, “Hey! You serving up lunch?” and ate the egg. Oh my! The search for a replacement a new egg was on.

With Natalie babysitting Billy, Maxine got to go on our big cover photo shoot at Cartecay Vineyards. She ran, ran, ran. And supervised as the adjunct art

ADVERTISING SALES Angela Huffstetler 706. 851. 8190 | adswithangela@gmail.com Tonia Sheppard 404. 784. 0620 | adswithtonia@gmail.com

director to Morgan Baumgartner & Alair Photography making the cover shoot

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Appalachian Country Living 706. 492. 5070

such a success.

In this issue we feature Cartecay Vineyards Crush Festival on Labor Day Weekend. Music, vendors, arts and lots of fun that you don’t wanna miss!

Also in this issue is our annual Fall Festivals Guide- the best listing in the area! Then take a visit to Old Toccoa Farm, Blue Ridge’s only Golf & River

LAYOUT/DESIGN Blue Ridge Media Group

Community, it truly is beautiful and a valued addition to the area.

So, what’s up for Fall? Our October/November issue, that’s what!

Mountaintop Cabin Rentals will be our cover feature. The Georgia Apple Festival, Arts in the Park, Covered Bridge Estates and– those famous Apple Recipes! So much to do this Fall. Keep a lookout for Maxine, Billy and I out and about- we’d love to meet you!

See y’all this fall!

Maxine– At Cartecay Vineyards

CONTRIBUTORS Alair Photography/Morgan Baumgartner, Stuart Borders, Angela Huffstetler, Jeanette K Jenkins, Peter Knutzen, Betty Kossick, Larry Lykins, Maxine, Darvin Poole, Peggy Sexton, Abigail Summer, 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.

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Look What’s New.

REDISCOVER LIVING.

LAKE ARROWHEAD. A Mountain, Lake, Golfing Community

New Community Amenities & Neighborhoods • Lakeside Park • Outdoor Wellness Fitness Center • Sanctuary Cove - Lakeside Living Homes 540-Acre Stream-fed Lake

Model Homes Now Open

Championship Golf Course

2400 Riverstone Blvd. | #5444 | Canton, GA 30114 770-720-2700 | www.lakearrowheadga.com

New Construction From The Low $200’s Presented By Majestic Lifestyle Builders.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

7/20/16 9:03 AM

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CONTENTS

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Spotlight, 7 Restaurant Poole’s Bar-B-Q All-American BBQ serving delicious options for locals and visitors alike

14 Feeding Youth, Fighting Hunger

Snack in a Backpack, providing students with healthy snacks for the weekend

18

Old Toccoa Farm

Blue Ridge’s Only Golf & River Community- Understated Elegance on the Toccoa River

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22 Cartecay Vineyards Crush Festival Held every Labor Day weekend, the Crush Festival is a joyful celebration of the yearly grape harvest

28 Summer Swan Song

Summer’s end provides a bounty of our favorite vegetables; zucchini, corn & tomatoes, yum

Most Complete Guide to 34 The the Area’s Fall Festivals

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It’s Fall Festival Time. Grab the kids and head for the hills!

IVINGMA WWW.ACL

ON THE COVER

GAZINE.COM

Cartecay Vineyards Annual Crush Festival– Featuring live music booths from local artists and vendors, exclusive wine tasting opportunities, delectable local food options, and that spectator favorite: grape stomping, done with bare feet in the ancient tradition of winemaking.

Photo: Alair Photography/ Morgan Baumgartner

| AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2016

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        IVAL ST RUSH FE

, OA FARM OLD TOCC E’S BLUE RIDG ESTYLE FINEST LIF ITY COMMUN _2016.indd

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LETE OUR COMPTHE 2016 E TO L TIME THREE AL VORITES- GUID LOUS FALL FA FABU SUMMER CORN , FESTIVALS ZUCCHINI ES & TOMATO

7/25/16

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

AC LIVING RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Poole’s Bar-B-Q

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

COL. POOLE’S Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri 11am-10pm Sat 11:30-10pm Sun Closed

Georgia Bar-B-Q

Like us on Facebook!

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

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

www.poolesbarbq.com

Dine on the River

Featuring Fresh Local Trout and Certified Black Angus Steaks Wednesday thru Sunday 11:30am - 9:00pm Fri & Sat ‘til 9:30pm

706.632.7891

8055 Aska Road Blue Ridge, GA 30513

www.ToccoaRiversideRestaurant.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

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 mac-n-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- that’s served after 4pm. 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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An amazing family adventure on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is only a short drive away. It all starts at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. The train winds alongside the beautiful Toccoa River on a four hour round trip with a stop in the twin border towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN.

Book now at brscenic.com or 1-877-413-TRAIN

241 DEPOT STREET • BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513

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MAKE ACE IN ELLIJAY THE PLACE FOR YOUR HOME SHOPPING!

7/21/16 10:10 AM

• Building Supplies • Hardware • Garden Center • Lumber • Furniture & Appliances • Outdoor/Hunting Clothing • Carhartt Clothing • Women’s & Children’s Clothing • Men’s & Women’s Boots

305 SOUTH MAIN STREET • ELLIJAY GA 30540 8

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706. 635. 2236 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

AC LIVING ADVENTURE

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY Outdoor Adventure Editor Greg Dunn Confirms that North Georgia Truly is a Trout Fishing Mecca

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One day while eating at the Iron Bridge Cafe Gene Rutkowski walked in. Gene is a longtime fishing guide and owner of Upper River Adventures, who specializes in guided fly fishing trips for trophy trout. I met Gene a couple times and we actually shared some fishing stories, but I never really considered a guided fishing trip. Like every other conversation I have had with Gene, I immediately started asking questions about fishing. Suddenly, it dawned on me that my next article, which happened to be on fishing, could use a “guest expert” so I asked Gene if he would mind answering some questions.

Gene responded, “You wanna go fishing?”

My immediate answer was “Hell yes!”

When I arrived, Gene was ready to go. He had all the gear I would need for the day including waders, fly rod, and lots of different flies. If you are new to fly fishing, he will show you how to cast. If you have some experience, he will show you how to improve.

After about five minutes of instruction, we did some “roll casting” to a deep hole in the bend of the creek behind his house. Ten minutes into the trip I landed my first fish. A two pound rainbow trout is a good fish in anybody’s book, but evidently not according to Gene. Within ten more minutes I landed my next (much larger) native rainbow. This was basically the trend over the next four hours with a total of seven fish landed, four of which were 20 inches or larger.

Each fish put up an incredible fight, but the greatest battle of the day had to go to the one that got away. About three fish in, I started fishing a dry fly, more specifically, an elk-hair caddis.

Gene’s choice of tackle paid off. I felt a quick tug and set the hook. Fish On! As the beast rolled completely out the water Gene yelled “let her run, let her run!” Run she did. For 15 minutes she ran and ran. Well saw a chances to get her in the net, but every time we got close she would shoot back to the deep pool. I started to worry about my line breaking and in an instant, poof!

She was gone. I couldn’t believe it! According to Gene the fish was at least 10 pounds. In fact, he said that the battle I just lost was probably the longest one he has seen on Big Creek.

This was indeed one of the best fishing trips I have ever had. In the words of Gene Rutkowski: “North Georgia is not just a trout fishing destination, it’s a trout fishing mecca.”

There’s every type of trout fishing experience available in north Georgia, from small creek stalking to drift boating in big water. Check out www.georgiawildlife.com for more information.

And welcome to the Trout Captital of GA. ACLM

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Easy day trips can take you to beautiful waterfalls, Carterʼs Lake, world class white water rafting, Civil War sites, apple farms and numerous wineries where you may sample the local wines.

Contact Dave and Jane for Your Reservation Today!

321. 848. 4247 djcvnwg@gmail.com

Campers sleep up to 4 adults and are fully equipped including outdoor table & chairs, gas cooker and fire pit.

Dogs less than 20lbs are welcome. Sorry no cats.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

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Gilmer Arts 207 Dalton Street Ellijay, GA 30540 706. 635. 5605

Gilmer Arts Players Proudly Present

Gilmer Arts Proudly Presents

B.E.S.T. Art Series Proudly Presents

B.E.S.T. Series Season Premiere

MURDEROUS CROSSING

LYNN CULLEN

BLACKBERRY CREEK ARTISTS ASSOCIATION

ATLANTA POPS ORCHESTRA Jason Altieri, Conductor

Dinner Theater

August 18, 20 & 21 September 8, 9, 10 & 11 Evenings at 6:30 pm Sundays at 2:00 pm Wine for your table available by donation

Award-Winning New York Times Best Selling Author of Mrs. Poe and Twain’s End

Opening reception on Friday November 11 5:00pm – 7:00pm The exhibit runs through December 14, 2016

September 10, 2016 11:00 am Gilmer Arts, Dalton St.

Gilmer Arts, Dalton St.

Gilmer Arts, Dalton St.

GEORGIA APPLE FESTIVAL ISSUE Ad Deadline Sept 1st

A program of salutes to veterans and holiday favorites November 12, 7:30 pm Ellijay Elementary Auditorium

For Tickets or Membership Call 706 635-5605 Or Visit www.GilmerArts.org

Where the food is scrumptious, the portions generous, the hospitality Southern, and the experiences priceless. We don’t just serve up Southern goodness.

We serve up Southern greatness. Let’s eat!

ADVERTISE IN THE

Our Apple Festival issue is handed out at the Georgia Apple Festival reaching over 40,000 readers!

Call TODAY! 706. 492. 5070

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

AC LIVING LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

HEMLOCK WOOLLY ADELGID Landscape & Garden Editor Kevin Johnson Talks About The Importance of Saving the Eastern Hemlock Top: Hemlock forest devastation. With hemlocks covering 19 million acres in the eastern U.S., we’ll lose a lot of habitat.

Bottom Left: A hemlock woolly adelgid infestation.

The best time to treat your hemlocks is now! Spring, summer and fall are all great times to stop the adegid.

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Several years ago, while serving as grounds supervisor at a college in north Georgia, I became aware that our beautiful eastern hemlocks were under serious threat by the sap-sucking insect Adelges tsugae, known commonly as the hemlock woolly adelgid. Within a couple months, I discovered the hemlocks on campus had become infected– the hemlock woolly adelgid had invaded Georgia. After researching how to combat an adelgid infestation, and how to save our trees, I found that there were a few different treatment options available.

The goal of this article is to provide some basic information about both the importance of hemlock tree and how to protect it from the woolly adelgid. An educated public is critical when dealing with any environmentally destructive insect, and this is no different. I’ve met so many people that have hemlocks growing on their properties and didn’t know their trees were infested and dying. Experts compare the potential loss of the hemlock to the loss of billions of chestnut trees due to an Asian bark fungus in the early 1900’s. While there wasn’t any treatment for the Chestnut, we can treat and save our hemlocks.

Hemlocks. There are two species of eastern North American hemlock: Tsuga canadensis and Tsuga caroliniana. Both are pyramid shaped evergreens that grow in hardwood forests, and are often found growing in coves and along creeks and rivers. Reaching heights of 60-80 feet, they thrive on north facing slopes, which are cooler and shadier. The eastern hemlock range encompasses an area from north Georgia all the way into Canada, following the Appalachian mountain range.

Hemlocks are extremely important in our ecosystem as they provide shade for our streams and rivers, which helps keep the water cool enough to support our native trout species. For some birds the trees are more than beautiful, they’re essential. Wherever hemlocks grow, their dense evergreen canopy creates a cool, shady habitat that’s used by 90 species of birds. Those most affected by the loss of hemlocks are black-throated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Bottom Right: A healthy eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis.

green warblers, blackburnian warblers ovenbirds, hermit thrushes, blue headed vireos and acadian flycatchers, with some populations declining as much as 93% where the woolly adelgid takes its toll. Warblers, wood thrushes, brown creepers, winter wrens, and many others also depend on hemlocks for nesting and foraging. Other species including native reptiles, squirrels, bats, butterflies and bear are part of the ecosystem supported by hemlock-hardwood-pine forests.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. In the 1950s, the hemlock woolly adelgid was accidentally introduced in Virginia and quickly spread to several states along the Eastern United States. Related to aphids, this non-native insect, measuring about 1.5mm long comes from eastern Asia, where there– it is only a minor pest. Sadly here, the same is not true.

We typically identify infestation by the appearance of cottony nests that the adelgids produce. As infested hemlocks decline, this cottony nest becomes harder to detect. The woolly adelgid reproduces prolifically causing trees to die within just a few years of infestation. Birds, wind, people, deer and other wildlife as well as nursery stock can spread the insect. Regrettably, the woolly adelgid has no natural predators that might otherwise keep this insect in check. The adelgid is a cool season insect feeding on hem-

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

locks generally from October through the winter months and this is when their nesting becomes evident. During the hot summer months, the in-sect enters a state of dormancy, so an infestation can be more difficult to detect by the homeowner. Having an expert locate, identify and treat your hemlocks sooner rather than later may just save your trees.

With hemlocks covering 19 million acres in the eastern U.S., we’ll lose a lot of habitat– and wildlife– if we do nothing to combat the hemlock woolly adelgid.

As I mentioned at the opening, the good news is a hemlock woolly adelgid infestation is treatable and there are a couple different systemic insecticides that provide several years of woolly adelgid control. In the August/September issue I’ll provide several tips for keeping your lawns healthy and growing during the challenging summer months. 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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And our new arrivals!

We’ve got great news; fall has arrived! And it’s brought with it some of your favorite things. That means falling leaves, cooler nights and autumn staples like apples and farmer’s markets. But it also means new products in our store. Stop in to see our bountiful new arrivals and fall in love all over again!

Daisy Boutique

Store Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10:00 to 6:00

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140 Mark Whitfield Drive Suite E Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-6996

www.daisyboutique.com

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

AC LIVING STYLE & DESIGN

Incorporating Vintage Pieces Style & Design Editor Cindy Trimble Uses Vintage Pieces to Add Interest & Bring Back Cherished Memories

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A desire to live in a nostalgic environment has attracted many homeowners to the log and timber design styles. Living in a world where change is constant, the design direction for retirement and vacation homes is leaning more towards “the way things use to be.” Rustic Mountain living is a wonderful way to experience older times, but furnishing in that genre can be a challenge.

Vintage furnishings are charming and add to the historical flavor. But they can also create interior design challenges in terms of fitting in with newer furnishings and supporting modern creature comforts. Antiques come to us from many sources and many of us bring vintage pieces with us that have been in our families for years.

We have fond memories from our childhood of being at our grandparents where we were surrounded by vintage pieces. The styles may vary, but vintage pieces add so much interest to a home’s interior and can help bring back cherished memories. They make great focal points and conversation pieces. My father passed a delightful Victorian Settee down to me several years ago that has been in our family for at least 4 generations, if not more. It came from my great grand-parents home in Hamilton, Georgia where dad remembered at one point the settee was moved to their front porch where the pet coon-hounds slept. A cherished family memory that I will pass to my children and grandchildren along with the settee!

Victorian décor has never been part of my personal design style, but I could never let go of this family treasure. When I moved from Atlanta to the North Georgia Mountains, this settee came with me and had to fit in! Victorian settees were traditionally upholstered in either a dark green or dark red mohair or velvet. The fabric upholstery on my settee when I got it was solid, olive green cotton velvet that was not the original, but changed by my grandmother. I gave it a fresh look with a faux cowhide fabric.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Other concerns with using antiques or vintage pieces relates to their size and construction methods. Most 18th century furniture was designed for people who were smaller and “proper.”

Many antiques, especially Victorian pieces were not designed to hold larger people or sit sideways in with your legs over the arms like we sit today. When reworking a vintage piece, you will need to check the “bones” of each piece to make sure it will be safe for use. You may need to add additional or restructure the internal supports and framing. When we reupholstered my settee, I was told by my upholsterer that it had been reupholstered at least 8 or 10 times. The wood had been weakened greatly by so many nail holes that it required substantial restructuring.

The below bed was also passed down through our family that is American from around the turn of the century. The original mattress was cotton cover stuffed with real horse hair, supported by ropes that were woven or laced between pegs on the foot and head boards and side rails. The original bed was an irregular size that did not allow for a larger, modern mattress.

We fabricated new side rails that matched the original side rail design but were longer to accommodate a new full size mattress. The original foot and head boards were preserved in their original state. The bedding shown in the photo is a handmade, brightly colored quilt and bed skirt which gives the bed an updated look. This bedroom shows how nicely vintage pieces blend with hickory bark and other traditional furnishings so popular for mountain homes.

Another area where vintage pieces are used quite a lot are in bathrooms. Charming vintage dressers can easily be converted into a powder room vanity by raising the legs and cutting a hold for a sink.

Tips for buying Vintage Pieces • Not all vintage pieces should be altered from their original state. If you find or inherit a piece that has great value, you may dramatically reduce the value by changing it.

• Consider the scale and ergonomics of the piece if you are intending to use it. As mentioned above, pieces from the 18th century were smaller for the smaller physiques of the day and will not be comfortable for most people today.

• There are so many resources available for finding unique vintage pieces and the search can also

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

The author’s family heirlooms. A vintage settee, before and after reupholstering, has been passed down through 4 generations.

Her turn-of-the-century American made bed, restored to fit a modern sized mattress. be very entertaining and exciting. When I moved to the north Georgia Mountain area, I made a map of all the flea markets and antique shows in the surrounding towns and states. When it is market time, it is a lot of fun going on field trips across the countryside, hopping from town to town and shop to market in search of treasures for special places. You can establish a network of valuable contacts from these markets and shows that are glad to help you find that special piece.

It is amazing how many of these vendors travel the countryside from market to market and can be great resources for finding unique pieces.

• Last but not least, don’t be afraid to have some fun with mixing the old with new. 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

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FEEDING YOUTH FIGHTING HUNGER

WORDS & PHOTOS: SNACK IN A BACKPACK

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

AC LIVING COMMUNITY

The mission of the Snack in a Backpack program is to reduce childhood hunger in Fannin County and inspire our community to do the same by sharing our passion with integrity and respect.

Snack is a unique program specifically focused on children who are in need of nutrition on the weekends. Behind the scenes, volunteers prepare bags of food to be distributed every Friday to the high school, middle school, and elementary schools. On any given Wednesday you can find from 12 to 20 volunteers packing approximately 400 bags of food for the kids. Each bag weighs about 3 pounds so 1,200 Left: Snack in a Backpack Board of Directors work to make sure that the students of Fannin County schools have healthy snacks to carry them through the weekend. From Left: Diane Pruett, Carl Pruett, Angela Huffstetler, and Ann Lam. Right: Snack’s youngest volunteer, Elijah Robinson AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

pounds of food gets prepared for distribution. Every 2 months we receive a delivery of 4 tons of food which is loaded onto 10 pallets by hand. Each pallet gets stacked shoulder high for easy access. That is $8000 worth of food every 2 months.

Nutritious ready to eat or easily prepared items are accessible for the children so if they are hungry they can eat these things immediately.

They get 2 non-perishable milks (usually 1%), 2 bowls of crispy rice or toasted oat cereal, a can of protein (meat), pudding, an easy mac-n-cheese meal (that is made with water in the

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

microwave), 4 fruit and grain bars, and 2 fresh apples which are donated

by Mercier Orchards when in season.

So each child gets 7 different foods comprised of 13 items that contain an approved amount of nutrition for 2 days. The cost to Snack in a Backpack to prepare these bags is approximately $2.95 for each child. We accomplish this through your donations and purchase our food from the food bank.

The Chattanooga Food Bank has an entire wall exclusive to the backpack programs. These items have to be individual servings of food and nonperishable.

The program takes allergies very seriously so we do our best to accommodate those children as well.

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Blue Ridge Coin Shop and Collectibles

Rustic American Bar & Grill Regional & Seasonal Fare

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

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

706. 258. 2539

733 EAST MAIN STREET, BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513

chestersblueridge.com

www.BlueRidgeCoinShop.com

WWW.TRINITYCUSTOM.COM COLUMBUS $166,200 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths 2,376 Square Feet Under Roof

CARTECAY $210,200 4 Bedrooms, 2½ Baths 3, 640 Square Feet Under Roof

4 SIDES BRICK TRINITY CUSTOM HOMES:

OTHER BUILDERS:

2X6 EXTERIOR WALLS

2X4 exterior walls

ZIP SYSTEM SHEATHING R-22 WALL INSULATION CHEROKEE FARMHOUSE $165,900 4 Bedrooms, 2½ Baths 2,520 Square Feet Under Roof

TRIPLE 2X12 GIRDERS 2x10 FLOOR JOISTS 40oz CARPET with 8 POUND PAD ZIP SYSTEM ROOF DECK LOW E 450 SERIES DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS

MILLEDGEVILLE $207,500 4 Bedrooms, 2½ Baths 3,452 Square Feet Under Roof

NASHVILLE $143,800 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths 2,192 Square Feet Under Roof

MANCHESTER $352,300 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths 4,852 Square Feet Under Roof

STOP

OVERPAYING FOR HOMES BUILT ON YOUR LAND!

OSB and foam board R-13 (astromonical heat and air bills)

DAWSON CREEK $188,700 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths 2,764 Square Feet Under Roof

Double 2x10s 2x8 joists (bouncy, creaky floors) 26 oz carpet with 6 pound pad (mobile home grade) 7/16 roof decking (wavy roof) 150 Builder Grade Window (Standard Builder Grade)

WOODBURY II $180,700 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths 2,782 Square Feet Under Roof

Office Locations:

Ellijay 706-273-7139 • Bremen 770-537-5337 • Lavonia 706-356-1015 Augusta 706-855-5227 • Cullman, AL 256-737-5055 Montgomery, AL 334-290-4397 • Warner Robins 478-953-0601 Waynesville, NC 828-456-3309 Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm Visit one of our Models or Showrooms Today, Don’t Be Overcharged For Your New Home!

OAKRIDGE $130,800 3Bedrooms, 2 Baths 1,542 Square Feet Under Roof

Price does not include land improvements. Prices subject to change. Some of the homes shown have options not in the base price.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Top Right: Snack Angel, Lynn spreads the word about the program by participating in community events.

Center Right: Snack Angels (volunteers) stuff backpacks every Wednesday at 9:30 am, stop by and join the fun.

Bottom Right: From left, Joe Brandon, Mike Nunnally, Angela Huffstetler, Bill Young, Rick Sailors

We purchase nutritious items locally that include no peanut type granola and non-dairy milk products.

Snack also raises money through fundraising efforts like our annual event Bringin’ the Blues to Blue Ridge.

The 2017 Event will be held at Willow Creek Falls & Vineyard on February 26, 2017. So Save the date. All the details are TBD. We have the $365 Elite Club for businesses and individuals. This donation level helps run the program for $1 a day. We spotlight these businesses with a plaque presentation in the newspaper. The $110 Club feeds one child for an entire school year and helps us purchase food from the food bank. Each person who joins receives a nice certificate.

Snack is always looking for dedicated volunteers that have a passion for helping children. Just show up on Wednesday morning at 9:30AM to help pack bags at 2460 East 1st Street, Blue Ridge. We are located behind Pete’s Restaurant. ACLM

Contact

For more information, contact Angela Huffstetler, Director Snack in Backpack P.O. Box 2123, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 Phone:706-851-8190 Email: backpackfannin@gmail.com Webste: www.snackinabackpack.org AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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Blue Ridge’s Only Golf & River Community

Understated Elegance on the Toccoa River | Blue Ridge, GA

Top: #8 The Old Barn Hole Center: British Columbian log home

by Paradigm Living Bottom: Scenic walking trail heading through the “Valley of Ferns”

WORDS & PHOTOS : OLD TOCCOA FARM

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Top: Looking back from hole # 9 towards the bunker Center: Beautiful view of the mountains from a custom homesite

A

As you pull into the beautifully landscaped entrance at Old Toccoa Farm and make your way to the understated cedar shake and stone gatehouse, you know immediately this is not your typical North Georgia mountain community. A smiling gate attendant welcomes you and politely directs you to your scheduled property tour or to the Golf Shop for your round of golf.

As you pass through the stone and wooded gates, you realize you have arrived at a very special place – a mountain community rooted in simplicity, quality and beauty.

Old Toccoa Farm, Progress Continues

A steady pace of progress over the past twelve months has positioned Old Toccoa Farm as a “must see” community. When you compare Old Toccoa Farm to other communities in the Blue Ridge area, it’s difficult to find a better value. Where else can you drive a short five miles from charming downtown Blue Ridge and arrive at a 400+ acre planned community with a secured Gate House, underground utilities (sewer and city water), gently rolling homesites offering long range mountain, golf course and river views, over 4,000 feet of frontage on the Toccoa River and a golf course that is challenging, fun and well maintained? The answer to that question is you can’t find anything like it in North Georgia. And the offering also includes miles of well-maintained walking trails, an expansive driving range with practice putting and chipping greens and a soon to open family par-3 course. To say Old Toccoa AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Farm is special is an understatement. What’s being done here is going to redefine mountain living in the Blue Ridge area.

Living at Old Toccoa Farm

Old Toccoa Farm’s Preferred Builders and Architects provide property owners with all the assistance they need to design and build their mountain home. One custom cottage and one spec home are now dried in and are targeting the fall for completion, while six additional custom cottages and homes are making their way through the design review process and should be under construction by Labor Day. Soave Custom Homes and Paradigm Living have construction starts ranging from 2,200 square feet to 3,200 square feet in addition to a series of smaller-footprint cottages which offer owners overnight rental flexibility. Design elements include heavy use of low maintenance board and batten, cedar shake, natural stone, tin accent roofing, and native landscaping. All

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

of which provides the blueprint for homes that cooperate with the natural order of the land, yet take advantage of the gently sloping topography, long and short-range mountain view corridors, and golf course and river views.

If you find yourself drawn to the Blue Ridge area, Old Toccoa Farm should be on your list of communities to preview. The overall value being created here for property owners and members is astonishing. With more and more homes and cottages slated to come out of the ground, early development pricing will not last forever.

Current price points at Old Toccoa Farm are consistent and comparable to other communities with a value proposition that is second to none.

“We had been evaluating mountain communities for several years, and while we knew Blue Ridge was where we wanted to be, we just could not find a community that aligned with our complete list of requirements. That all changed when we were introduced to Old Toccoa Farm by our agent at Harry Norman, Realtors. Their vision and development principles, along with the quality of work and progress that has been made, gave us the confidence to move forward with a purchase, and now we are days away from breaking ground on our beautifully designed cottage. The beauty of the property and river, the attention to detail on work completed to date, and the relationship we established with the Managing Partners, convinced us that this was indeed “the place” for us.

–Cottage Site Buyers Ted & Cathy Day – Atlanta

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Fun for the Entire Family!

B L U E

36TH ANNUAL

G E O R G I A

Subject to availability— Call for dates & details

Bakery

OCTOBER 1-2, 2016

R I D G E

Hard Cider

MERCIERORCHARDS.COM

Deli

Farm Market

800-361-7731

JASPER, GEORGIA

706. 692. 5600

>Arts, Crafts & Food Vendors >Georgia Marble Quarry Tours >Live Music & Entertainment >Children’s Area >Parade & 5K Run/Walk Road Race >Sponsor Showcase >Marble Sculptor >Chainsaw Carving

Come Experience a Taste of Heaven

www.GeorgiaMarbleFestival.com 20

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Top: Members enjoying a morning round of golf Left: Old Toccoa Farm partners with Blue Ridge Fly Fishing Guides

dam and ride an afternoon release back to the property by kayak, canoe or paddleboard.

With a variety of routes and releases, the experience is unique every time one takes to the water.

Embrace the Active Lifestyle

Fly Fishing– The ancient Cherokee double fish weir at the southern end of the property stands testimony to the Toccoa’s abundance.

Old Toccoa Farm’s sustainably managed trout fishery includes a 100-foot-wide stretch of riffles, rapids and shady pools treasured for its abundance of native brown and rainbow trout.

Lessons, classes and guided fishing can be arranged, or enjoy the therapy of being alone on the water.

Paddling, Kayak or Canoe– Slip out in the morning mist for a gentle paddle to a downstream takeout, passing under trestles, bridges and stands of hardwood. Or put in below the AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Trails– There is room to roam at Old Toccoa Farm. Gentle footpaths and wooded trails meander through forests of trillium, fern, lady slipper and flame azalea. Osprey and hawks are your guide along Sammy’s Run — a grassy, zero-grade trail that hugs the banks of the Toccoa River.

Or, venture into the heart of the community, up the Valley of Ferns, passing over streams and brooks and a hardwood forest shared with deer and abundant wildlife. Those who wish to ramble further afield can join curated adventures along the nearby legendary Appalachian Trail or Benton MacKaye Trail.

uled for late summer and fall. Membership is designed to bring family and friends together around activities and experiences both on and off the Farm. ACLM

To Learn More About Old Toccoa Farm Sales – 706.946.HOME (4663) Golf – 706.946.GOLF (4653) Email: info@oldtf.com Old Toccoa Farm - Golf & Property Tours 596 Curtis Switch Road Mineral Bluff, GA 30559 706.946.GOLF (Tee-Times/Pro Shop) 706.946.HOME (Sales and Property Tours) Web: oldtoccoafarm.com Follow us on Facebook!

Memberships

There is certainly a buzz in the air about all that is going on at Old Toccoa Farm.

Membership sales have been brisk this past year with over 150 Members now enjoying rounds of golf, long walks on the trails, fly fishing in the Toccoa and social activities are sched-

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Photos By: Chris Hefferen, FStop...a photo shop, incorporated. chris@fstopaphotoshop.com 706-632-6200 www.fstopaphotoshop.com WWW.ACLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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Cartecay Vineyards Annual Crush Festival, held every Labor Day weekend, is a joyful celebration of the yearly grape harvest. Featuring live music on the patio’s covered stage, booths from local artists and vendors, exclusive wine tasting opportunities, delectable local food options, and that spectator favorite: grape stomping, done with bare feet in the ancient tradition of winemaking. This year, the Crush Festival begins on Saturday, September 3 at 10:30am, and ends at 12:30pm the following day.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

WINE TASTING & GRAPE STOMPING AT

CARTECAY VINEYARDS

WORDS : ABIGAIL SUMMAR FOR BLONDE ANARCHY PHOTOS: CARTECAY VINEYARDS

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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Sweet, earthy, chocolately…all words used to describe the array of wines from north Georgia’s own Cartecay Vineyards. Wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts will be converging in Ellijay, Georgia this September for the vineyard’s Annual Crush Festival. One of the highlights of Gilmer County, Cartecay Vineyards has the distinction of being the first wine-producing vineyard in the County. The land is blessed with natural springs and creeks that supply the gift of water to the vines.

Acres

of vines

and mountain beauty create an almost surreal backdrop to the

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Crush festival.

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Georgians are no strangers to wine or winemaking. Since the colonial days of the 1700s, we’ve been perfecting viticulture and bringing the uniquely Georgian terroir of our soil and climate to wineglasses around the world, with the notable exception of that dark time in American history; Prohibition. North Georgia is particularly friendly to viticulture and vintners, and one vineyard in particular is the talk of the Southern Appalachians. Set on a lovely and historic home site in the Cartecay Region of Ellijay, Cartecay Vineyards serves as a beautiful example of the emerging winemaking culture in the region. “Cartecay” is a Cherokee word meaning bountiful “bread valley,” and today, the bounty produced in Cartecay is grapes and wine.

Owners Larry Lykins and his wife, Shay purchased a fallow farm in 2007, which included sloped hillsides, a home site with a chimney and a barn, all built in the 1800s. The original farm grew corn and hay, grazed cattle, and raised hogs and mules. The once working farm proved to be the perfect site for growing wine grapes.

The Chimney Patio, the vineyard’s outdoor venue for live music, weddings and wine celebrations, is built on the exact footprint of the original farm’s home site. A popular spot for wedding ceremonies and concerts, it offers beautiful views of the mountain landscape and vineyard.

The chimney has been refurbished and sits on its original site, giving historic flair to the many events held there. The functional chimney helps to knock the chill out of the air in the cooler months; often having a fire burning to help warm guests and add more than a little ambiance to the site. The chimney is an important center piece of Cartecay Vineyards, so much so that every bottle has its emblematic design on the label. The historic chimney truly is the beating heart of the vineyard.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

The Tasting Barn is exactly what it sounds like: a tasting room fashioned out of the original barn. The refurbished barn boasts original 1800’s barn wood, Black Walnut bar and Cherrywood handrails, both made from trees harvested on the farm. The Hayloft is a private events room upstairs in the tasting barn, which has hosted countless rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, private parties, and live music performances. The Hayloft can seat up to 40 people, making it ideal for intimate gatherings in authentically historic surroundings. The Lykins are very proud of the Tasting Barn and always eager to show it off to visitors.

While Cartecay Vineyards welcomes year-round guests with their famous hospitality, certain events are always guaranteed to draw big crowds. The annual Crush Festival, held Labor Day weekend, is one such example. A joyful celebration of the yearly grape harvest, the Crush Festival features live music on the patio’s covered stage, booths from local artists and vendors, exclusive wine tasting opportunities, delectable local food options, and of course; grape stomping, done with bare feet in the ancient tradition of winemaking. This year, the Crush Festival begins on Saturday, September 3rd at 10:30AM, and ends at 6:00PM the following day, September 4th.

Gilmer County may be most famous for its apples, but wine grape growers have quickly realized that grapes grown in its fields and valleys have special characteristics all their own. The environment of these Southern mountains, alternating from cool and cloudy to sunny and hot, creates a complexity of flavors that is fully released from the grapes and expressed in the wine created here. Vintners call this mystical quality a region’s “terroir” (TEHR-wah), which is created by site specific soil conditions, climate, elevation, and topography. The innumerable

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Cartecay Vineyards currently offers eight wines, made from six varieties of grapes, all grown onsite. Vidal Blanc, Merlot, Traminette and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are used to produce varietal wines, as well as blends, while Catawba grapes are used to make Chimney Noel and Sassy Sisters.

Norton grapes are used to make the soon to be released “Chimney Dessert” wine, a sweet, dessert-style wine, and both Norton and Catawba grapes are used to create the soon to be released “Chimney Sangria” wine, a sweet, light Sangria-type wine.

A precious gem nestled in the stunningly beautiful mountains of North Georgia; Cartecay Vineyards is an integral part of Georgia’s Southern Appalachian winemaking culture. Its orderly rows of vines and trellises are both charming and functional, reminding all who visit that despite the advances of a fast-paced, high tech world, some traditions are worth continuing. Growing wine grapes, celebrating their harvest, and crafting them into award-winning wines is the tradition that Cartecay Vineyards elegantly preserves for the rest of us to savor and enjoy. ACLM differences and combinations of elements, subtle and major, give every wine a particular character, which both the experienced sommelier and the casual wine drinker alike 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 major reason.

At Cartecay Vineyards, the terroir is heavily influenced by its westernfacing slopes, elevation and loamy soil. The loamy soil, in combination with the elevation of the vineyard, 1650 – 1750 ft., and the Western facing slopes provides the ideal climate for growing grapes of the highest quality.

Cool nighttime temperatures coupled with hot sunny days ensure that the grape vines will thrive, providing properties needed to create wines with intense colors, flavors, and tannins, as well as uniquely Cartecay characteristics.

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Join us September 3 & 4, 2016 for our Annual Crush Fest!

Cartecay Vineyards 5704 Clear Creek Road Ellijay, GA 30536 706-698-9463 www.cartecayvineyards.com

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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SwanSong SUMMER

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

AC LIVING RECIPES AS THE LONG DAYS OF SUMMER COME TO A CLOSE, WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE

Zucchini Corn & Tomatoes?

So Glad It’s Summer Zucchini Fritters If you have an abundance of zucchini hanging on the vines in your garden this summer, try an easy fritter recipe that everyone will love.

Serve these fritters hot or prepare them ahead and offer them at room temperature for a late morning brunch buffet.

Ingredients 1 lb of zucchini (about 3 medium sized), coarsely grated 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup sour cream (can sub Greek yogurt) 1 clove garlic, minced, about 1 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon juice Pinch of salt 1 large egg 1/2 cup all purpose flour 3 green onions, minced 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme 1 teaspoon minced fresh basil 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 cup of olive oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil Preparation Salt and drain zucchini: Salt the grated zucchini with about 1 teaspoon of salt. Place in a sieve or colander over a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes.

Press down with a wooden spoon to push out more of the water. Wrap in paper towels and squeeze out more liquid.

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Make dipping sauce: While the zucchini is releasing its liquid in step one, make the dipping sauce. Whisk together the sour cream, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt into a medium bowl and set aside.

Mix zucchini with egg, flour, green onions, herbs, zest, salt, pepper: Whisk egg in a large bowl. Add the grated zucchini, flour, minced green onions, thyme, basil, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Mix to combine well.

Fry zucchini fritters: Heat oil in a large skillet (we recommend a 10-inch cast iron skillet) over medium high heat until the oil is shimmery and hot. Test the oil by flicking a little flour into it.

If the flour sizzles it’s ready.

Cook the fritters in batches. Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the skillet. Flatten slightly with the back end of a spoon or spatula.

Cook, turning once, until browned, 4-6 minutes on each side.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt. Repeat with remaining batter.

Serve immediately, with sour cream dipping sauce. Fritters can be reheated by placing on a sheet pan under a broiler for a minute or two.

This recipe by Elise Bauer for Simply Recipes

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FALL HAS ARRIVED AT

North Georgia Furniture & Home Decor It is our goal to deliver comfort, style and quality furniture, bedding and accessories at very competitive prices.

We pride ourselves in delivering American made products whenever possible!

Like many good things in life, NORTH GEORGIA FURNITURE & HOME DECOR is a little hard to find, but certainly worth the effort!

2142 Tails Creek Road, Ellijay GA 30540

My Paw Paw Will Save You Money!

Located 2 miles from Dairy Queen on Highway 282 in Ellijay

706. 635. 4202 Visit us on the web at: http://ngfh.net

“Black Chick by Cornbread”

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Super Summer Sweet Corn Chowder

Savory Summer Tomato Pie

Although served hot, this light chowder made with sweet corn right from the cob will have you wishing the corn season would last all year.

Ingredients 5 cups water 1 small yellow onion, peeled and fine diced 1 carrot, peeled and fine diced 1 stalk celery, fine diced 1⁄4 cup parsley, minced 6 cups corn kernels (takes 8-10 ears) 1 teaspoon sea salt black pepper Preparation In a large pot bring the water to a boil, then add the onion, carrot, celery and parsley. Turn heat down and simmer, uncovered for 25 minutes.

Add the corn and cook 5 more minutes.

Transfer half the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return to the pot.

Add the salt and pepper, taste for flavor. Add the maple syrup if you want a sweeter soup.

Enjoy.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Homegrown tomatoes and garden fresh basil make this dish a summer favorite. If you want to take it up a notch, you can caramelize the onions while prepping the other ingredients.

Ingredients 1 9-inch pie shell, homemade or prepared 1/2 yellow or red onion, chopped, 1 whole onion if caramelized 3-4 tomatoes, cut in half horizontally, squeezed to remove excess juice, roughly chopped, to yield approximately 3 cups chopped tomatoes 1/4 cup sliced basil (about 8 leaves)* 2 cups grated cheese (combination of sharp cheddar and Monterrey Jack, or Gruyere or Mozzarella) 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon (or more to taste) of Louisiana Hot Sauce (or your favorite) Salt and freshly ground black pepper *To slice basil, chiffonade them by stacking the leaves on top of each other, roll them up like a cigar, starting at one end slice the “cigar” crosswise in thin slices.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Preparation Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pie shell in oven and cook for 8-10 minutes or longer until lightly golden. If you are starting with a frozen crust, you’ll need to cook it a little longer. If you are using a homemade crust, freeze the crust first, then line the crust with aluminum foil and pre-bake it for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Squeeze as much moisture as you can out of the chopped tomatoes, using either paper towels, a clean dish towel, or a potato ricer.

Sprinkle the bottom of the pre-cooked pie shell with chopped onion. Spread the chopped tomatoes over the onions. Sprinkle the sliced basil over the tomatoes.

In a medium bowl, mix together the grated cheese, mayonnaise, Tabasco, a sprinkling of salt and freshly ground black pepper. The mixture should be the consistency of a gooey snow ball.

Spread the cheese mixture over the tomatoes.

Place in oven and bake until browned and bubbly, anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes.

Enjoy the last days of summer ! ACLM

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Above the Rest Luxury Cabin Get-a-Ways PRIVATE

PAMPERED

PERFECTION

WORDS: BETTY KOSSICK PHOTOS: JEANETTE K JENKINS

D

Draw in your breath and sigh as you discover a Georgia mountain paradise, just 10 miles from North Carolina and Tennessee: Above the Rest Luxury Cabins.

The owners of this magnificent enterprise, a place for those who seek quietude and relaxation or who look forward taking in the recreational experiences offered by the area, are Jeanette and David Jenkins. They aim to please the most finicky of us with the amenities of personal indulgence.

Choose from 28 luxury rental mountain homes for an unparalleled encounter in vacationing. Experience luxury mountain log cabin living, located just ten miles from the historic town of Blue Ridge on My Mountain, a private, 1,500 acre preserve in Fannin County encircled by breath-taking views.

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To understand the captivation of this mountain paradise is to know that the Jenkins duo vacationed here for many years, then left their professions as chemistry professors at Georgia Southern University to purchase the company founded in 1993 for themselves.

Talk about being completely charmed. They

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now live and breathe their very own mountain retreat 24/7, and it is one they desire to share with you.

So exactly what does set this exceptional geta-way to the mountains above the rest? First of all the Jenkins’ pamper their guests with the luxury touch. Jeanette is quick to reply, “Absolutely!” to the pampering definition, “From the moment guests walk into one of our cabins, they feel stress wash away. We work very hard to create that atmosphere: lights are appropriately adjusted, welcome gifts abound throughout the home, and luxury spa robes hang in the closets.

“Service, cleanliness and attention to detail are our hallmarks. As we have so many homes within easy reach of each other, we do get quite a few weddings/church retreats/corporate AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

AC LIVING LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

getaways/family reunions, but we also love catering to couples seeking a romantic getaway.

We offer standard packages and will also cater a package to a guest’s needs. We do not charge for our concierge service; it’s part of being Above the Rest.”

Jeanette explains, “Since we live and work on the mountain where the majority of our homes are located, we are physically here to ensure your stay is as good as it can be. If an issue comes up, we will effectively deal with it, and it is the company owners who are dealing with it, without farming out to others.”

The Jenkins, with their Above the Rest Luxury Cabins, serve their welcome guests throughout every season of the year from springtime’s gorgeous display of dogwoods to

Custom Remodeling

winter snow and the cozy comfort of a fireside.

They emphasize, “No matter the season, time spent in the mountains puts you intimately in touch with nature. There is no better salve for the stress of daily life.” ACLM For more information or to make your cabin reservations contact Above the Rest Luxury Cabins 1662 My Mountain Road, Morganton, GA 1-877-374-2057 toll free or 706-374-2057 Hours: 9 a.m. -7:30 p.m.

Website: www.abovetherestcabins.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ AboveTheRestCabins/

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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!

20th Annual Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo August 19-20, 2016

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

9th Annual Tomato Festival August 20, 2016

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 a day of wine, food and live music. Local food vendors will be here giving out samples of food. There will be a

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kids art tent as well as a fishing rodeo and hayrides.

Come try our wines and enjoy lunch prepared by Chef David and his Culinary Team! 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

TICKETS: Tickets are $20 for 21 and over or $10 for under 21. Your ticket price includes your entry, wine tasting, souvenir glass, lunch and admission to all of the festivities. For more information please visit cranecreekvineyards.com. Contact Information: 706896-4966.

Southern Camp Ground for kids with Add& ADHD and the Georgia Racing Hall of fame Downtown Dawsonville. For tickets and info: Visit www. dawsonvillemusicandbeerfestival.com or Contact the Dawsonville Music & Beer Festival. 415 Highway 53 East. Dawsonville, GA 30534 (behind City Hall). Phone 404-851-7768.

5th Annual Dahlonega Wine Trail August 20-21, 2016

Ellijay, GA. A celebration of wine, mountain cuisine and music set in the picture-perfect mountain town of Ellijay. Presented by the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the festival will feature wines, fine food and live music. Start on Friday with an elegant Dinner in the Vines at Engelheim Vineyards, Saturday a VIP wine tasting and a grand wine tasing at Deep South Farms and then Sunday Bluegrass brunch at Fainting Goat Vineyards. Music includes Gretchen Peters, Laughlin, Taylor Loren and the Accomplices. For tickets to one event or the entire weekend visit www.deepsouthfest.org. Contact Nancy Whaley at nwhaley@alz.org or 706-264-1599, or Chris Waters at cwaters@alz.org or 912-660-0102

Downtown Dahlonega, GA. Visit all 5 Dahlonega & Lumpkin County Wineries, including Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery, Frogtown Cellars, Montaluce Winery & Estates, Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy weekend-long festivities at Dahlonega’s award-winning wineries and beautiful vineyards, as well as the always-relaxing visit to Dahlonega and Lumpkin County’s destination amenities and attractions. Historic Downtown Dahlonega also offers wine tasting rooms featuring other regional Georgia wines. Hours: Sat 12 – 5pm, Sun 12:30- 5pm. $30 includes wine glass. Contact Information: 706-8673767.

3rd Annual Dawsonville Beer & Music Festival August 21 & 22, 2016 [Tentative]

Dawsonville, GA. Come for this two day festival and enjoy local musicians, food, crafts and beer! Fun for all ages! Come party with Rock 100.5 & KICKS 101.5 and enjoy giveaways! Benefitting Zac Brown’s

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Deep South Wine & Music Festival August 26-28, 2016

Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival August 26-27, 2016

Kennesaw, GA. The festival features a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned competition, recognized as a Georgia State Championship event, as well as Backyard BBQ, Anything Butt and Peach Dessert contests. New for 2016 is a Kids’ Que cook-off for budding young pitmasters. Over $16,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to contest winners.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Shop, eat, drink and interact with over 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. 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

2016 Young Harris Art Fest August 27-August 28, 2016

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

September 1-4, 2016 Jasper, GA. Gathering together Jeep enthusiasts from all over this great nation to offer a chance to support some amazing causes while sharing a love for offroad. JeepFest is not only a place for them to gather, but it is an experience that we hope many will take home memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy 3 Days of Family Friendly Fun, jeep trails &obstacles, live music & bonfire. Helicopter Rides, and much more. 60 Miles North of Atlanta in Jasper, GA. Registration open now! For more information please contact the Pickens County Sherriff’s Office. Contact Information: 706253-8900 or visit www.sherfiffsjeepfest.com

Cartecay Vineyards Crush Festival September 3 &4, 2016

46th Annual Oktoberfest September 8-11, 15-18 & September 22-November 30,2016

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. Contact Information: 706-878-1908 or www.helenchamber.com.

5th Annual Pet Celebration September 10, 2016

Town Square, Hayesville, NC. A full day of events celebrating the human/pet bond and the joy pets bring to our lives. Proceeds go to participating rescue groups / humane societies who will be offering “Adopt-a-Pet”. Demonstrations, live radio show, reduced-cost pet vaccinations, games, entertainment, music, pet parade & costume contest, pet products vendors, raffle, silent auction, BarBQ, wiener dog race and much more. FREE! 8am- 3pm. For info visit http:// 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.

Rotary Blues Train - Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad September 16, 2016

Ellijay, GA. Join the fun in our vineyard! Crush Festival Cartecay Vineyards $30.00 includes Grape Stomping, Live music with Dr. Paul 11:30 to 2:45 and Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk 3:15 to 6:30, Tastings and Cartecay Vineyards’ Logo Wine Glass. Food and Arts/Crafts Vendors on Site. 10:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Cartecay Vineyards, 5704 Clear Creek Road, Ellijay, GA 30536.

For info visit www.caretcayvineyards.com or call 706698-9463 (WINE)

Downtown Blue Ridge GA. Held in conjunction with the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Pub Crawl on Friday night as a prelude to the festival on Saturday. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is proud to roll out the Rotary Blues Train. Come join us for an evening of entertainment with the Buckner Brothers Band, great food and adult beverages. 5:30pm. $60 per Person & $120 per Couple. Rolling Beer & Wine Partycomplementary beer, wine & blues on the train (6pm 7pm) - Dinner & Street Dance (7pm-11pm). Must be 21 to attend. Tickets online at www.brscenic.com

Smokin’ Up The Mountains BBQ and Craft Beer Festival September 3, 2016

6th Annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Music Festival September 17, 2016

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

Fall Plein Air International Paint Out September 8 –11, 2016

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 2016

Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, Blue Ridge, GA. 6th Annual Blue Ridge Blues & Bbq Festival, Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. This year’s headliner is the Markey Blue Band. They are bringing back some past favorites as well, Rollin’ Bones, Mudbone Turner Band with Sugarlips Shields, No Komment and Breaking Point. 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. Blue Ridge Lodging Association @ info@blueridgelodgingassociation.com

Cherokee Heritage Festival September 17, 2016

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, and the Cherokee History Trail including the Botanical Gardens and the Quanasee Path, a two-

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

mile historical self-guided walk. Native foods and other snacks available. 9:00am - 4:00pm. For more information, call 828-389-2121.

4th Annual Celebrate Autumn Arts & Crafts Show September 17-18, 2016

This is a juried arts and crafts show, with inside and outside booths. Sandwiches, salads, desserts and beverages will be available. September 17th 9am - 4pm, September 18th 1pm - 4pm. Free! North Georgia Technical College, 121 Meeks Ave, Blairsville, GA. Contact Information: Artworks @ 706-896-0932

Folk Art Heritage Center & World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition September 17-18, 2016

Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC. The annual Heritage Weekend will be held at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. This free festival sponsored by the Southern Highland Craft Guild features traditional music, dancing and heritage craft demonstrations.

Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4 p.m. & Sunday 12:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. Contact Information: 828-298-7928. www. southernhighlandguild.org

41st Annual Rose Lawn Arts Festival September 17 & 18, 2016

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

32nd Annual Riverfest Arts & Crafts Festival September 24-25, 2016

Boling 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 familyoriented 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. Contact Information: 770-704-5991 or www.serviceleague. net/riverfest-1

Monet Water Lily Festival September 24-25 and October 1-2, 2016 Ball Ground, GA. Hundreds of water lilies in bloom ! Music, Food and Family Fun, including Mimes.

Purchase French influenced cuisine from Madeline’s Coast 2 Coast Catering or delicious sandwiches and salads from the Arbor Café. Artists will be selling original works of art in all mediums. Saturdays enjoy Accordion music and Sundays Strolling Musicians will serenade you. $10 for Adults and Seniors and $5 for Children. Saturdays: 10 am to 5pm and Sundays: 11 am to 5 pm. Gibbs Gardens, 1987 Gibbs Drive, Ball Ground, GA 30107. Info: 770-893-1881 or www. gibbsgardens.com

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7TH ANNUAL BLUE RIDGE

HOME BUILDERS SHOWCASE Presented by the Fannin County Building Industry Association

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

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 1ST DOWNTOWN BLUE RIDGE CITY PARK 9AM – 5PM | FREE ADMISSION For More Information Call Keith Jensen 706.851.5530 or 706.632.2030

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Foxfire Mountaineer Festival October 1, 2016

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. Raybun County Civic Center, Clayton, GA. Contact Information: 706-7465828 or www.foxfirefund.org/festival.html

36th Annual Georgia Marble Festival October 1-2, 2016

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 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Across from the Jasper Middle School, Pickens County, GA. For more information please visit: georgiamarblefestival. com. Contact Information: 706-692-5600.

42nd Annual John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival October 1-2, 2016

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 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

Indian Summer Festival October 1 & 2, 2016

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 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

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 6-16, 2016

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. Parking $5. Admission $7- cash. Cumming Fair Grounds, 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming, GA 30040. Contact Information: 770-781-3491 or www.cummingfair.net

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival October 7-15, 2016

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 everpopular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention.

Daily 10am- 7pm, Sunday until 6pm. Admission is $12.Georgia Mountain Fair Grounds, Hiawassee, GA. Contact Information: 706-896-4191 or www. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

2nd Annual Free Time Hobbies Fall Festival October 8, 2016

Blue Ridge, GA. Join Free Time Hobbies for their 2nd Annual Fall Festival. Model Show, Model Instruction, Classic Car Cruise-In and More! Fun for the kids and the whole family! 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Free Admission. Free Time Hobbies, Dunbarton Farm Road, Blue Ridge, GA. 706-946-1120

45th Annual Georgia Apple Festival October 8-9 & 15-16, 2016

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 45th year of the Georgia Apple Festival. There are over 300 vendors with handmade, handcrafted items, as well as many on-site demonstrations of how selected types of crafts are made. This year promises many new crafts as well as favorites from past festivals. There is a parade and antique car show each year. The antique car show is held at the Civic Center on October 8th. The parade is on October 15th and begins at 10 AM in historic downtown Ellijay. Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 South Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540. Visit www. georgiaapplefestival.org or Phone: 706-636-4500

7th Annual Fall Arts in the Park October 8 & 9, 2016

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

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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) 6322144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail.com or www.blueridgearts.net

Blairsville Sorghum Festival October 8-9 & 15-16, 2016

Meeks Park, Blairsville, GA. 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 Saturday Oct 8th at 11am. Admission 13 and up $4, Frees parking. For more information please visit: www.sorghumfestivalblairsville.org.

Fall Hoedown at Vogel State Park October 15, 2016

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.

Cherokee Zombie Fest October 15, 2016

Downtown Canton, GA. Zombies will take over the town. Haunted Ghost Tour, the Brain Eating Contest, the Costume Contest, the Zombie Transformation Stations, Little Zombie Zone, Zombie Movies and all the other stuff that we know you are dying to come out to the Cherokee Zombie Fest and be a part of!!!!!

Zombie Fest Motorcycle Ride, Zombie Fest 5K Walk, Run, Creep and Crawl, Zombie Response Unit Show and other exciting new events within the EVENT!!!!

4pm – 9pm. Proceeds to benefit: Cherokee Youth Works, Drug Free Cherokee, Volunteer Cherokee and the Cherokee Youth Connection & Council. For details and Zombie Events & Vendor registration visit www.cherokeezombiefest.com, email zombie@ cherokeefocus.org or call (770) 345-5483.

10th Annual Paws in the Park October 15, 2016

Blue Ridge, GA. Every year, the Humane Society of Blue Ridge hosts Paws in the Park, an event that invites our community’s rescue groups, pet owners and animal lovers to participate in a variety of events, including a pet parade, costume contest, pet photos, and our main attraction: the Paws in the Park 5K, a USATF-certified 5K race course that runs through the streets of downtown Blue Ridge. 10 AM to 2 PM. 5k Race and Mutt Mile start times 8:30AM. Downtown BLue Ridge City Park. For more information call 706.

633. 3103 or www.humanesocietyofblueridge.org

Crane Creek Annual Harvest Festival October 15, 2016

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

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22nd Annual Talking Rock Heritage Days Festival October 15-16, 2016

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.talkingrock.com or call 706-253-5515.

Gold Rush Days.

October 15-16, 2016

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 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: daholonegajaycees.com.

Cherokee County Mountain Crafters Festival October 15-16, 2016

Murphy, NC. The festival showcases Cherokee County’s talented artisans, craftsmen, musicians, dancers, storytellers, quilters, restaurants, food vendors, and small businesses. 10:00am - 5:00pm.

The Murphy Middle and Murphy High School Gymnasiums. Call 727-415-8563 for more info.

Blue Ridge Fall Fest Arts & Crafts Sale October 15-16 & 22-23, 2016

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.

69th Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands October 20-23, 2016 Asheville, NC. Featuring Craftspeople who are masters in their media. The variety of craft ranges from contemporary to traditional in works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media, and jewelry. After a curation process of two juries, over 150 makers from the Southern Highland Craft Guild will carry on the legacy of these Fairs. General Admission, $8.00 and Children under 12 free. Thursday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm pm + Sunday, 10 am to 5pm. US Cellular Center, 87 Haywood Street | Downtown Asheville, NC. Contact Info: 828-298-7928. www.southernhighlandguild.org

49th Annual Moonshine Festival October 21-23, 2016

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 21st, 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 kareforkidstiffany@gmail.com.

Owl O’Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival October 21-22, 2016

Kennesaw State University Sports & Rec Park, Kennesaw, GA. 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 United States 30188.

Contact Information: www.hotairballoon.com or 470-578-4849.

SUMMAR & SHAND Piano and violin for weddings, private events, and other celebrations PHOTO BY GRANTLAND R. TOMAN

Sundance Gallery

S S

American-Made Pottery! Gifts, Jewelry, Crafts, Garden & Home Decor

706-781-3938

4397 Town Creek School Rd. Blairsville, GA 30512 (Across from Alexander’s Store) SundanceGalleryGifts@yahoo.com SundanceGalleryGifts.com 38

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Abigail Summar and Art Shand are classically-trained musicians with years of experience as performers for both public and private events in North Georgia and beyond. Visit our website for repertoire and booking information.

40 Luxury Vacation Log Cabin Rentals Beautiful Scenery Full Amenities Pet Friendly Great Service Since 2003

800.844.4939 1MyMountain.com BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA

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www.summarandshand.com CMYK / .eps

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

ACCEPTING NEW CABINS ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTY WITH NO START UP OR SIGN ON FEES AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

1st Annual Appalachian Craft Brew, Stew & Que Festival October 22, 2016 Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds- Hiawassee, GA. Fall will be in the air and what a great time for the “1st 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. Hiawassee is centrally located, just two hours from Atlanta, Asheville, Greenville and Chattanooga. Saturday 11am- 8pm. $40.00 at the Gate, $35.00 Online. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds - 1311 Music Rd.- Hiawassee, GA. Info: www. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or 706-896-4191.

Japanese Maples Colorfest October 22-23, 29-30 & November 5-6, 12-13, 2016

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. The Michael Allen Radio Show band will entertain you on Saturday, October 22 and Williamson Bros. BBQ will provide food. 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 23, 2016

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.

2016 Fall Hammer-In & Metalwork Event October 28-29, 2016 Don’t miss this great family event! Activities include bladesmithing, hawk forging, leather crafting and forge building. Watch, meet and talk with several talented bladesmiths. See what it takes to transform old discarded steel scrap metal into functional works of art. Fine craftsmen from several states attend, some collectors bring their collections to display, knife making supply vendors participate and others come just like to look and talk knives. Friday, 8am until 5pm Saturday, 8am until 6pm. FREE! Trackrock Campground & Cabins 141 Trackrock Camp Road Blairsville, GA. More info at www. georgiaknifemakersguild.com or 706-745-2420.

Taste of Pickens November 12, 2016

Jasper, GA. Taste food from the best restaurants in Pickens County. Silent Auction and Cake Auction.

Vote for the best savory or sweet food in Pickens County. Bragging rights will be up for grabs. 11:00am -1:30pm. Chattahoochee Technical College, 100 Campus Drive, Jasper, GA 30143. Call 770.528.4545

16th Annual Mistletoe Market Arts & Crafts Show November 19-20, 2016

Blairsville, GA. Start your holiday shopping at the Mistletoe Market. Juried Arts and crafts will be available for sale to spark the holiday season.

Homemade soups, sandwiches, goodies. November AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

19th 9am - 4pm November 20th 11am - 4pm.

FREE! North Georgia Technical College 121 Meeks Ave Blairsville, GA. For more info visit http://www. artguildstore.com or call Artworks @ 706-896-0932.

Mountain Country Christmas Festival of Lights November 24, 2016 - January 1, 2017

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds- Hiawassee, GA. Enjoy outdoor Mountain Country Christmas Festival of Lights. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds - 1311 Music Rd.- Hiawassee, GA. Website: www. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or 706-896-4191.

Light Up Ellijay- Return to Whoville November 25, 2016

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

Santa Pavilion Night Train November 25 – December 17, 2016

Blue Ridge, GA. Late afternoon departure (4:00 PM) on various dates from the Blue Ridge Depot for the 4 hour train ride while Santa visits with the children in each car and gives each child a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas memento and candy cane. Santa will pose with the passengers for pictures on the train or in the Christmas Pavilion during the 2-hour layover.

Take time to eat and shop the little stores and antique shops in McCaysville/Copperhill. Depart: 4:00 PM Returns: 8:00 PM. 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.

Light Up Blue Ridge November 26, 2016

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 llbeanery@etcmail.com Entertainment: kcarey@tds.net or 706-889-7415

Santa Express Train Ride- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway November 27 – December 24, 2016

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.

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Tour of Trees December 1- 31, 2016

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 2-3, 2016

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 3, 2016

Enjoy the parade 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.

Night of Lights Celebration and Parade December 3, 2016

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 3, 2016

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.

Holly Jolly Christmas and Tour of Trees December 10, 2016

Beautiful decorated trees, face painting, storytelling, children’s crafts, musical performances, and refreshments. 3:00pm - 6:00pm. 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

23rd Annual New Year’s Eve Possum Drop December 31, 2016 - January 1, 2017

Clay’s Corner in Brasstown, NC. Ring in the New Year with a Miss Possum Contest, bluegrass music, Little Brasstown Church Choir, the Blessing, cider and good clean fun. For more information call: 828-837-3797.

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!

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INSIDE ARTS Thru 8/27 M. Camille “Candy” Day: Elements Summit Studio Resident artist Camille ‘Candy’ Day’s newest exhibition entitled “Elements”.

Camille will present her vision of the four elements of fire, water, earth and air. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For info: (706) 6322144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail. com or www.blueridgearts.net Thru 8/27 3D Exhibit: “Off the Wall” The 6th Annual 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. This exhibit is open to all three-dimensional artists of all genres only. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For info: (706) 6322144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail. com or www.blueridgearts.net Thru 10/9 AIR 3rd Qtr – Rhonda Roddy Expressionist painter and mixed media artist, Rhonda Roddy presents artwork that is truly one-of-a-kind, filled with brilliant colors, fantastic imagery, compelling themes and engaging textures. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For info: (706) 6322144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail. com or www.blueridgearts.net 8/3 – 8/24 Kristina Laurendi Havens Art Show Kristina Laurendi Havens is a full time professional artist living and working in Woodstock, GA. She recently had a portrait acquired by the LaGrange Art Museum Purchase Award as part of their annual National Juried Exhibition.

Opening reception Aug 5th, 5-7pm. Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street Canton, GA 30114.

For info: www.cherokeearts.org or 770.704.6244

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8/18- 9/22 Nora Hartlaub Pieces ranging from sculptures, installations, drawings, paintings and videos that often juxtapose items of individual or collective significance with subversive and/or puckish observations.

Opening Night Reception Thursday, August 18 6:00 PM. Regular gallery hours, MondayFriday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Campus Gate Art Gallery, Young Harris College, Young Harris, GA 9/3 – 10/9 BRMAA National Juried Photography Show Open to both amateur and professional photographers in film or digital photography. Cash prizes totaling $4,000 will be awarded. Opening reception and awards ceremony will be September 3, 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 9/5- 9/30 Maya Heritage Exhibit Reception TBA. Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street Canton, GA 30114. For info: www.cherokeearts.org or 770.704.6244 9/8 - 9/11 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 9/13 – 10/9 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

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APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

NORTH GEORGIA'S GUIDE TO AREA

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

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 9/10 Lynn Cullen Award-Winning New York Times Best Selling Author of Mrs. Poe and Twain’s End. 11:00 am.

Gilmer Arts 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. 706-635-5605 or www.gilmerarts.org 9/23- 9/25 Quilt Show and Competition McCaysville, GA. Inside the Toccoa River Mall located at 124 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville GA. Visit the “Quilt Depot” for more information or Call 423716-4753 10/8 & 9 7th Annual Fall Arts in the Park Join us for the Fall Arts in the Park festival in the Downtown City Park in Blue Ridge, GA. Enjoy nearly 100 fine art and fine craft artists, delicious food, kid’s art zone and mother nature’s colorful array of fall splendor. Weekend Admission: adults $5; children under 12 free. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge GA 30513. For info: (706) 6322144, BlueRidgeArts@gmail. com or www.blueridgearts.net 9/17 & 9/18 4th Annual Celebrate Autumn Arts and Crafts Show Hosted by the Mountain Regional Arts and Crafts Guild.

This is a juried art show with many artists from the mountain communities. Sat. 9am-4pm and Sun. 11am-4pm at North Georgia Technical College on Highway 515 in Blairsville, GA. For information call: 706-8960932.

9/21 – 10/27 Cathy and Coulter Fussell Quilt Show Cathy Fussell has been quilting for almost 50 years. She works out of her home studio in Columbus, Ga., where she produces hand-quilted and machine-quilted pieces. Fussell

makes traditional, art and modern quilts, and often collaborates with a family member during the design phase. This exhibit will showcase this unique motherdaughter collaboration. Regular gallery hours, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Young Harris College Campus Gate Art Gallery. Young Harris, GA. http:// www.yhc.edu/about/newsmedia/events

EVENTS Every First Friday Canton Main Street First Fridays Enjoy a different theme each month. Music, vendors and shops open late. 6pm – 9pm.

Free! Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton, GA 30114.

Historic Downtown Loop, 770704-1548. Visit www.cantonhdl. com/calendar Every 3rd Friday CRUZ-IN Downtown Dawsonville Park in town and enjoy the evening looking at cars and seeing friends. Everyone welcome!

Free! Downtown Dawsonville, GA. 5pm – 9pm Every 4th Friday 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.

Every Monday Nature Inspires Garden Tour Learn how to use native plants in your landscape, through seeing the plants at work in our gardens. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The Ethno Botanic Gardens, 195 Georgia Mountain Experiment Station Road, Blairsville, GA 30512. For info: Clare Johnston at 706-745-2655 or http://www. gmrec.uga.edu

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

Every First Friday Canton Main Street First Fridays Enjoy a different theme each month. Music, vendors and shops open late. 6pm – 9pm.

Free! Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton, GA 30114.

Historic Downtown Loop, 770704-1548. Visit www.cantonhdl. com/calendar Every Saturday Summer Mountain Market Outside of Three Monkeys Antiques in Blue Ridge. 9am -4pm For more info and vendor info call Jessica at 239-2930772 or email at www.mountainmom768@gmail.com Saturdays Summer Mountain Market Outside of Three Monkeys Antiques in Blue Ridge. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. 3 Monkeys Antiques, 2380 E 1st St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Contact Jessica about vendor and more info mountainmom768@gmail.com 239293-0772 8/6 Hot Summer Nights Now in our 14th year, Hot Summer Nights is a FABULOUS evening of entertainment featuring live musical performances by WYATT ESPALIN. David Goldhagen demonstrates the fine art of glass blowing.

Tantalizing selection of gourmet desserts! 7 pm - 10:30 pm. Goldhagen Art Studio 7 Goldhagen Studio Dr. Hayesville, NC. Visit http://www.goldhagenartglass.com 8/6 Drama Queen Ride The toughest Mountain Bike Ride in North Georgia. Save the Drama for your Mama. 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT. Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-A-Way-400 Mulberry Gap Road, Ellijay, GA 30540. North Georgia Mountain Bike Association (NGMBA) http:// www.northgeorgiamountainbiking.org 8/6 Georgia Mountain Bridal Show An exciting day that will inspire brides and grooms to plan their unique destination wedding in AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

AC LIVING CALENDAR the North Georgia Mountains.

Beautiful fashions, elegant gifts, and classic menus presented by talented area businesses will be showcased throughout the day.

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM EDT. Union County Community Center, 129 Union County Recreation Rd. Blairsville, GA 30512. Contact: Ashleigh Stephens (706) 4396092 8/27 Early Fall Tractor Show The local folks bring in their tractors and show them off!

Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors and $4.00 tractor tours for the family. Event is from 9-3. No admission price to see the tractors. Mercier Orchards, open daily 7am - 6pm, 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA. (706) 632-3411 www.mercierorchards.com 8/31 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Dave Johnston Classic.

Benefiting Georgia High Country Builder’s Association. We ask that each Hole Sponsor bring a “Door Prize.” Whitepath Golf Course in Ellijay, GA. Contact: Dave 706-273-4013 or Scott 706-636-3030 or Jack 706633-9396. www.golfwhitepath. com 9/10 5K Color Run Blue Ridge Blue Ridge, GA. Fun for everyone! Bring the family for a day of fun $30.00 entry fee. First 100 will receive a goodie bag Discounted price for Military $20.00 No Refunds.

Preregister before 09/07/2016 to receive your free shirt. Profits to Benefit: Semper Fi Fund.

For info: Tracie Griffith Email: blueridgefcm@gmail.com or www.5kcolorrunblueridgega. weebly.com 9/14 Appalachia Lake Paddle Trip & North Shoal Creek Falls Hiawasse River Watershed Coalition. We’ll put in below Hiwassee Dam and paddle the upper section of the lake down to North Shoal Creek. Please register early as this outing has a 12 boat limit! We can provide up to 14 people with a seat in a canoe. $15/person for a seat in a canoe; Free if you bring your own boat. Please register: cmoore@hrwc.net or 828-8375414. Detailed directions will be provided when registration is confirmed.

9/16 Come Play Golf in Ellijay Golf Tournament Come Play Golf in Ellijay Golf Tournament benefiting the Ellijay Downtown Development Authority. 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT. 3 Man Scramble beginning at 10a.m. $60/per player. $180/threesome. Sponsorships available from $50 to $500.

Players and sponsorships needed. Whitepath Golf Course, 1156 Shenandoah Dr., Ellijay, GA . Contact Kathy Robinson: karob97@ellijay.com or www. golfwhitepath.com 9/16 - 9/18 Weekend in the Woods: Yoga Retreat at Mulberry Gap A weekend yoga retreat in the woods! Leave your urban environment behind and settle into the serene landscape of the northwest Georgia mountains.

Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-A-Way, 400 Mulberry Gap Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540. Contact: www.mulberrygap.com/mountain-biking-events-clinics/ or 706-698-2865 9/24 Gilmer County Saddle Club Open Horse Show 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT. Saddle Club Arena next to the Lions Club Fairgrounds, Ellijay, GA. Website: http://www.gilmercountysaddle.club 7/28 thru 7/30 8th Annual Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on beautiful Lake Chatuge. Camping is available.

Enjoy three fun filled days of good ole mountain hillbilly fun. See a Pioneer village, real moonshine still in the works, mountain crafts, and plenty of hot classic cars, trucks, bikes, rat rods, swat meet and more!

Info: 662- 587- 9572 or www. gammoonshinecruizin.com

KIDS OF ALL AGES Ongoing Misty Mountain Model Railroad Tours America’s largest, privatelyowned O-guage Train Display with 14 Lionel trains traveling over a mile of track through a 4,000 square foot fantasy layout of Southern Appalachia.

Tours are promptly at 1:30p.m.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 1:45 - Tour of Train Collection 2:00 - MM Model Train Overview 2:30 - Tour of Train Layout Children – Free, Adults - $5.00. 16 Misty

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Mountain Lane, Blairsville, GA 30512. 706-400-2085, www. mistymtnmodelrailroad.com Weekends U-Pick Apples Beginning the 2nd weekend in August take a trip to Mercier Orchards to pick your own apples! Fun for everyone!

Mercier Orchards, open daily 7am - 6pm, 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA. (706) 632-3411 www.mercier-orchards.com 6/2 thru 9/30 Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Enjoy a 4-hour, 26 mile round trip winds along the beautiful Toccoa River in vintage climate-controlled or open-air rail cars. The relaxing ride starts at the historic depot, built in 1905 in downtown Blue Ridge, then stops for a two-hour layover in the quaint sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Weekdays and Saturdays Departs: 11:00AM Returns: 3:00PM. Sunday: Departs: 12:00PM Returns: 4:00PM (Check Schedule).

Cars are assigned- seats are not. Visit http://www.brscenic. com for tickets and pricing.

For Ticket Office (General Information, Group Information and Purchasing Tickets): 877413-8724 Option 1 or email us at: info@brscenic.com 8/6 Toccoa River Fun Day McCaysville, GA Kayak/Raft Regatta, Fly Fishing and Fly Tying. Vendors. Have a family fun day on the river.

Sponsored by TCBA and Toccoa River Outfitters & Fly Shop.

11am -3pm. For info call 706964-6531 8/20 & 9/17 Tri-State Model Railroaders Open House Mineral Bluff, GA. The model railroad layout depicting Copper Basin Railroading in the early 1950’s is developing nicely and the Tri-State Model Railroaders invite you to come enjoy the depiction, learn how railroads played such an important role in the development of the Tri-State area and to learn the unique history of the restored brick depot. Enjoy history, model railroading, and great conversation about this Tri-State Region’s railroading history. 10 am -2pm.

Tri-State Model Railroaders Mineral Bluff Historic Depot 150 Railroad Avenue, Mineral Bluff, GA 30559. For information call 828-361-2210 or visit www. tsmri.org.

8/26 & 9/23 Kids Art Party Each event has a different theme. Instructor Rachel Hines, holds a BFA in Media Arts and Animation from the Art Institute of Atlanta. She has taught classes at Michael’s for both adults and children.. Friday 5pm-7pm. $22/$20mbr. Gilmer Arts 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540. 706-635-5605 or www. gilmerarts.org 9/3 U-Fish at Mercier Orchards Come out and learn to catch and release at the ponds in our orchards! Fun for the whole family! Poles, bait and instruction are provided. FREE! 9am - 2pm.

Mercier Orchards, open daily 7am - 6pm, 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA. (706) 632-3411 www.mercier-orchards.com 9/17 The Woodsmen and The Fairy Fred Register Endowment for Children’s Theatre. Based on one of Aesop’s famous fables, Henry is a simple and happy woodsman. Every day, he chops trees down and sells them at the market. One day, his friend Jim startles him and Henry drops his axe into a pond. Lily, the water fairy of the pond, appears and retrieves Henry’s axe.

Lily gives Henry a test to find out his honesty and in return for his honesty Lily presents Henry with two ornate axes. Jim finds out Henry’s good fortune and decides to drop his axe into the pond. Lily gives Jim the same honesty test—he fails miserably and to punish Jim for lying Lily turns him into a tree. 2:00 PM. Young Harris College, The Recreation and Fitness Center, Young Harris, GA. www.yhc.edu/ about/news-media/events

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 Horseshoe Bend Park Live music jams and pickin’ on the banks of the Toccoa River at the Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville. Free Admission.

And the park is wheelchair accessible. Come out, bring the whole family to enjoy the experience. Picnic tables available, nice grassy lawn but you are

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

also welcome to bring a blanket or chair. Free! 6:00pm – dusk.

Hwy 5 (Blue Ridge Highway) north till it ends, then right on Hwy 60 and then right on River Road, follow to the park entrance. For Info: Fannin County Parks and Recreation 706-6327696 Thursdays - Fridays 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 Free! 7pm. Old Historic Courthouse, 1 Town Square, Blairsville GA. For info: Union County Historical Society 706745-5493 or http://www.unioncountyhistory.org/ 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 3rd Friday Every Month Live Music Acoustic Blends Listen to a Variety of Quality Music Acts … or Join the Jam! You’re welcome to bring your own libations and munchies, or you can purchase water, sodas

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BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS

The LasT Romance

A crush can make anyone feel young again—even a widower named Ralph.

August 18th thru Sept 4th, 2016 Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM

The WiLd Guys

Four men set off to find a cabin on a “wildman” weekend.

Sept 29th thru Oct 16th, 2016 Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 PM Sundays at 2 PM Powerful Performance by the Blue-Eyed Soulstress:

DIANE DURRETT Saturday August 6th 7:30 PM Award Winning Artist and Songwriter

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. 706635-5605 www.gilmerarts.org 8/6 Diane Durrett and Soul Suga Band Known as the ‘Blue-eyed Soulstress’ Durrett has opened shows for Tina Turner, Faith Hill, Little Feat, Delbert McClinton, Jimmy Hall and Derek Trucks. As well lending her vocals to recording sessions for Grammy award winning producer Brendan O’Brien, Durrett has long reflected the musical passions that inspired her while growing up in Atlanta, GA. 7:30 pm. Blue Ridge Community Theater , 2591 E. First Street (Directly across from The Swan Drive-In Sign). For tickets call: 706-632-9223 or visit them online @ www.blueridgecommunitytheater. com 8/11 An Evening Celebrating Ronnie Milsap, ‘64 Join Young Harris College for an evening celebrating country music superstar Ronnie Milsap, ‘64, recipient of YHC’s 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Career Achievement. $2,500 Platinum Sponsor: Tickets for six to reception, dinner and award ceremony & MORE. $1,500 Gold Sponsor: Tickets for four to reception, dinner and award ceremony & MORE. $500 Silver Sponsor: Tickets for two to reception, dinner and award ceremony & MORE. $50 Ticket: $50 per person for dinner and award ceremony. 5:30 p.m. Dinner and Award Presentation: 6:30 p.m.

Rollins Campus Center, Young Harris College, Young Harris, GA 8/20 Live Music with High Tea Join us at Fox Mountain for another great concert under the stars! High Tea will be performing around 9:00

KURT THOMAS Saturday Sept 10th 7:30 PM

pm. Potluck before the show! Friday night movie under the stars! $20/ person for 1 night camp + concert; $10/person music only; $10/person extra camp nights (all prices are + sales tax) reserve a spot with your online tix purchase. Fox Mountain Camp and Artist Retreat. 350 Black Ankle Way, Cherry Log. For tickets and info: www.foxmtncamp.com/ or (404) 502-3538 8/26 Jana Kramer & Tracy Lawrence Tickets On Sale June 24th. Level 1: $46.00 + $2.00 Handling. Level 2: $36.00 + $2.00 Handling. 7:00PM. Georgia Mountain Fair Grounds, Hiawassee, GA. Contact Information: 706-896-4191 or www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com 9/10 Kurt Thomas Band Kurt Thomas, a small town country boy from Dahlonega, GA has recorded four CD’s and opened for some of the biggest names in country music including Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker, and The Zac Brown Band. Kurt went on to win CMT’s Music City Madness - a nationwide contest that lead to Kurt’s doing an Unplugged Studio 330 session on CMT as well as a mentorship with Grammy-award winning singer, Randy Travis. 7:30 pm. Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 E. First Street (Directly across from The Swan Drive-In Sign). For Tickets and Info call 706-632-9223 or visit www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com 9/24 Charlie Daniels Band GA Mountain Fairgrounds. Tickets On Sale June 24th. Level 1: $46.00 + $2.00 Handling. Level 2: $36.00 + $2.00 Handling. 7:00PM. Georgia Mountain Fair Grounds, Hiawassee, GA. Contact Information: 706-8964191 or www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

THEATER 8/12 – 8/21 I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Jasper, GA. A delightful but biting musical about the foibles of love and marriage. This musical comedy is a funny, fast-paced series of songs and vignettes about the trials and tribulations of people trying to connect in the modern world. Sunday shows 2PM, all others 7:30 PM. Tickets $18 adults, $16 seniors, $14 students. Tater Patch Players, 95 Old Philadelphia Rd, Jasper, GA 30143.

For tickets and info call 706-2532800 or visit www.taterpatchplayers.org 8/18 – 8/21 Dinner Theater: Murderous Crossing Ellijay, GA. Last year we were sold out, so don’t delay! Menu: 30 min. hors d’oeuvres & refreshments, followed by dinner of salad, pot roast, loaded mashed potatoes, and dessert (vegetarian option available by request). Evening Productions at 6:30 p.m. Sunday Production at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $35.00/Mbr. $31.50. Tickets & Info: Gilmer Arts 207 Dalton St. Ellijay, GA 30540.

706-635-5605 www.gilmerarts.org 8/18 – 9/4 The Last Romance Blue Ridge, GA. A crush can make anyone feel young again—even a widower named Ralph. On an ordinary day in a routine life, Ralph decides to take a different path on his daily walk—one that leads him to an unexpected second chance at love.

Thur - Sat - 7:30 pm; Sun - 2:00pm.

Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 E. First Street (Directly across from The Swan Drive-In Sign). For Tickets and Info call 706-632-9223 or visit www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com

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Blue Ridge Community Theater’s mission is to enrich the cultural life of residents and visitors through performances,productions and education of all aspects of contemporary and classic theater.

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319 Hell’s Hollow Road 30513 | 706. 408. 7433 www.blueridgemountaintrailridesathellshollow.com APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

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AC LIVING CALENDAR 9/15 – 10/2 Mama Won’t Fly Jasper, GA. Mama needs to get to her only son’s wedding on the distant West Coast. Daughter promises her brother she’ll get Mama there safely. Surprise!!

Bride to be decides to join them on the trip to “get to know each other.” Sunday shows 2PM, all others 7:30 PM. Tickets $18 adults, $16 seniors, $14 students.

Tater Patch Players, 95 Old Philadelphia Rd, Jasper, GA 30143. For tickets and info call 706-253-2800 or visit www.taterpatchplayers.org 9/28- 9/29 Sylvia When Greg brings home a dog he found in the park, the pet becomes a major bone of contention between Greg and his wife. A series of hilarious and touching complications, and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives. 7pm. Some Mainstage Series tickets (marked $) are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors 65+ or with YHC ID. “Pay What You Can” Previews. Glenn Auditorium, Clegg Fine Arts Building, Young Harris College, Young Harris GA. www.yhc.edu/academics/finearts/theatre-young-harris/season 9/29 – 10/16 The Wild Guys When four men set off to find an isolated cabin in the forest on a “wildman” weekend, a la Robert Bly, everything that can go wrong does! Thur - Sat - 7:30 pm; Sun - 2:00pm. Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 E. First Street (Directly across from The Swan Drive-In Sign). For Tickets and Info call 706-632-9223 or visit www. blueridgecommunitytheater.com

WINE & BEER TASTINGS Daily Cartecay Vineyards Cartecay Vineyards is located in Ellijay, GA, where The Southern Appalachians in North Georgia are ideal for growing wine grapes. The elevation, the soil and the climate combine to produce wine grapes of the highest quality and subsequently,

fine wines. Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12:30- 5:30pm. 5704 Clear Creek Road, Ellijay, GA 30536 706-698-9463 (WINE) or www.cartecayvineyards.com 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. 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 706-946-8463 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. 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

Serving Children of Southern Appalachia • Delivered free music & storytelling to 19 schools last year • Gave away over 4,700 books to children last year • Loaned 2,000 books to 207 children last summer

PO Box 69 • Cherry Log, GA 30522 • 706. 632.1772

Ongoing Fri - Sat Fannin Brewing Company Everyone’s welcome (including dogs, kids and non-drinkers!) when we throw the doors open, 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 5:30- 7:30pm, Sat 2:00 – 6:00pm. 3758 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

706.258.2762 or www.fanninbrewingcompany.com

6/10 thru 6/12 Plein Air at the Vineyards Ellijay Wine Country and Gilmer Arts are proud to host the second annual “Plein Air at the Vineyards” event. Regional artists will be working outdoors “En Plein Air” in and around the vineyards over a three day weekend with a reception featuring live auction of participating artists’ works created over the 3-day event.

Proceeds of the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Ellijay organization. Info: http://ellijaywinecountry.com/ pleinair2016.html

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. 770-331-8870/404-9662665, info@grumpyoldmenbrewing.com or www.grumpyoldmenbrewing.com

6/11 Appalachian Wine, Music and Art Festival A great day of fun - wine, music and art at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, GA. Twelve local Georgia Vineyards. For info visit: http://www. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Ongoing Thurs - Sun Reformation Brewery Tour & Tasting Hours Thurs 5:30-8pm, Fri 5:30-9pm, Sat 1-9pm, Sunday 2-4pm, 500 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.

828-837-BEER or www.valleyriverbrewery.com Ongoing Sat & Sun Montaluce Wine Hikes ‘Wine Hikers’ are guided by our trained outdoor staff along our nature trails, to the headwaters of the Etowah River, and through the vineyard. After the 1.8 mile hike on our outdoor trails, you’ll be taken to our beautiful upper terrace to overlook the vineyard while enjoying a ‘mixed flight’ of 5 Montaluce Estate wines. Price: $45 Per Person. Time: 10am – 1pm.

To schedule your wine hike please email matthew@montaluce.com or call 706.867.4060 today! Or visit www.montaluce.com Ongoing Saturdays Vine Keeper’s Kitchen and Winery Tours Crane Creek Vineyards Each Saturday a single, simple, farmfresh lunch option will be available.

As always, we offer a selection of Sweetwater Valley Farm cheeses and a selection of crackers daily. Crane Creek Vineyards, 916 Crane Creek Rd, Young Harris, GA 30582. For info: 706-379-1236 or www.cranecreekvineyards.com

Visit us at www.craddockcenter.org

The Craddock Center is non-profit, your donation is tax deductible

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

APPALACHIAN COUNTRY LIVING

8/19 & 9/16 Come to Your Senses Blind Wine Tasting Event Join us as we use the Vinicode System to explore wine in a series of Blind Taste tests. Learn about wine style by relying solely on your five senses. Every third Friday, Time 6:00 - 8:00 pm - $30 per person or $50 per couple. August 19 Chardonnay. September 16 - Unusual Grapes. And Every 3rd Friday. Out of the Blue, 647 E. Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Call 706-258-2750 9/1 End of Summer Wine Tasting & Lakes Celebration Benefitting the Hiawasse River Watershed Coalition. The evening will feature tastings of local wines offered by Crane Creek Vineyards, as well as amazing hors d’oeuvres, the food for which will be mostly locally-sourced! Save the date to join us for a lovely evening at the vineyard! 5-7 pm. $20 and $15 for members, Crane Creek Vineyards, Young Harris, GA. For info: 828-837-5414 or info@ hrwc.net.

9/17 Jazz in the Vines Engelheim Vineyards & Kharisma Entertainment presents “Jazz in the Vines” featuring Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk on June 18th starting at 7pm!

Join us at Ellijay’s premier winery and vineyard for an evening of wine and jazz.

Please see the Engelheim Vineyards website or contact Mike (mike@engelheim. com) for more details. ACLM

Visit our Downtown Local Farmer’s Markets Saturday Mornings thru September for Homegrown Food, Arts & Crafts!

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Winery, Casino & Party Bus SERVING THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS SINCE 2001

• WINERY TOURS • CASINO SHUTTLES • PARTY BUS • AIRPORTS

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CONTACT JOY 706. 635. 3952 / 404. 791. 4388 stressbuster@ellijay.com www.stressbustercabinrentals.com

Classic Transportation

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Brighten up your table with one of our new Tiffanys

Let your lighting be the jewelry of your home.

Georgian Lighting Gallery, Inc. 2331 Old Hwy. 5 South Ellijay, GA 30540 3 miles south of Dairy Queen Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat - 9am - 3pm

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Williams Tire Co. Since 1955 – Now in Two Locations Tires • Wheels • Oil Changes • Alignments

Visit Our r o Website Fl ia c e p S Offers!

Williams Tire 5140 Appalachian Hwy. Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Ellijay Tire 583 Maddox Drive Ellijay, GA 30540

williamstireco.com 706. 946. 2322 706. 635. 2322 44

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Summer Fun Time at Lake Blue Ridge Marina Swing by to rent a pontoon boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or paddle boat!

Hire a local fishing guide, get your watercraft serviced, or just browse the showroom and pick out a watercraft for yourself!

Don’t forget to stop by the Boat Dock Bar and Grill and enjoy the best view in town!

706-632-2618

Blue Ridge Mountain Canopy Tours at Hells Hollow Adventure Outpost Call to Reserve Your Flight Today!

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Jasper Family Dentistry

CONSIGNING WOMEN Gently Pre-loved ClothinG at a FraCtion oF the oriGinal PriCe

706. 253. 6905 29-B Cove road • JasPer

The Largest Yarn Shop in north Georgia!

Specializing in Family, Cosmetic & Emergency Dentistry

Dr. Leigh Griffeth Dr. Spencer Griffeth A Full Service Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Practice

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Books • Patterns • Needles Notions • Purse Handles

Knit & Crochet Classes for Beginners to Advanced

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

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

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AC LIVING HISTORY

history of indian georgia

– Cherokee Removal

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

M

May 26, 1830 the National Congress passed the Indian Removal Act. Andrew Jackson was adamant and worked ever diligently toward this end signing it on June 30th.

In late 1830 Governor George Rockingham Gilmer requested that certain individuals of “good character” be exempted from the Removal Law provided they take an oath of allegiance to the State of Georgia and relinquish their rights under the Cherokee Nation. He declared there were two types of Cherokees, one ruled by the elite mixed bloods and one aboriginal that were easily corrupted by the vices of the white men infiltrating their presence with alcohol and other vulgarities.

Some of the early white settlers who had Indian wives and mixed blood families were given permission from the Cherokees to farm the land. Several Cherokee families were given a reservation for life. This meant they could use the land and plant it for profit but they could not sell it or give it away. At the reservist’s death, the land was to revert back to the state of Georgia.

Those granted the status of “fee simple” could sell the land or give it away as they so chose.

In 1837 Adiel Sherwood 1791-1879, one of the most powerful Missionary Baptist minister pioneers in the state of Georgia was reported to have come through Indian Territory of Georgia.

He listed townships and detailed the features of the various towns, such as stores, doctors, and houses. This listing became of the first Gazetter for the Georgia. These records indicate that in 1837 various militia officers were ordered to set up and erect huts, stables and other buildings as necessary towards the removal, under the auspices of protecting the Cherokees from the intruders.

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now under the mistaken notion that the troops Prior to the militia taking up residence, all are there to protect them. The militia does slaves and Indians had to have a note from not tell them otherwise. The Indians have a white man or be accompanied by a white begun planting and are making repairs to their person in order to purchase any items from buildings. the local mercantiles or trading posts. Some The last week of May, 1838 the roundup effort counties have old store records that show begins with earnest. Militia officers solicit local activities and purchases made during the time men to assist them in rounding up the Cherokees prior to the 1837-38 removal efforts. Gilmer and whatever straggling Creeks may be found in county library in Ellijay Georgia has a copy of each county. They attributed whatever successes the Coke Ellington Store ledger detailing the they were having to the fact influx of the militia for they had “broken up families the establishment of Fort and had not given any of Hetzel. them time to gather up their December 1837 saw belongings.” Troops moved requisition for supplies their wards ever northward coming in from Fort Cass towards Moccasin Creek in near Charleston S.C., in Tennessee. the form of 36 barrels Many of those removed of flour. Dr. Sarah Hill, have very American independent researcher sounding names; Alberty, working with the Georgia Berry Crittenden, Dobbins, Chapter of the Trail of Keith, Hendricks, Owens Tears Association and and Sanders to name a few.

National Park Service Others bear names that sound found records at the very Indian; Wolf, Jaybird, National Archives detailing Squirrel, Terripin, etc. These some of the militia efforts are listed in a book by James to establish some five W. Tyner called THOSE actual forts and several WHO CRIED; The 16,000. removal encampments.

This book is available at most Records indicated that libraries in the south. ACLM more flour was sent in January of 1838 and by Visit the Gilmer County the end of the month it Historical Society was noted that there were Historic Tabor House & Civil rations available for 30,000 War Museum with 7,500 bushels of 138 Spring Street, Ellijay, corn and a proportionate Georgia 30540 amount of hay and fodder.

706. 276. 1861.

Orders were sent to Open Thursday–Saturday start foraging for the local 10am to 2pm ponies in order to use them as packhorses. It is noted gilmercountyhistoricalsociety.org in letters that the Indians and citizens are becoming George Rockingham Gilmer much alarmed at the events. Indians are saying Leslie Barker Thomas is a resident of Ellijay and they would rather fight than go and the Creeks the President of the Gilmer County Historical living in the area that had been essentially hiding Society, President, Georgia Chapter Trail of Tears out since their own removal efforts in 1827 had Association. taken up with the Cherokees resistance. The militia requests more arms and ammunition be “When history is erased, people’s moral values sent immediately. are also erased.” –Ma Jian In February 1838 it is noted in the letters from the quartermasters that the Indians are

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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 Homes Now Under Construction Starting in the mid $300’s Homesites start at $60K.

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

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