AWESOME APPALACHIAN DESTINATIONS

BY MEGAN HILL The spine of the Appalachian Mountains spreads north and south along the east coast, braiding with it small towns that make appealing destinations. Here’s a look at some of the best:

Boone, North Carolina

This Blue Ridge mountain town is a haven for both active and relaxing vacations. The town is the jumping off point for a slew of mountain adventures, including hiking, golf, ziplining, tennis, fly fishing, and snow sports in winter. There’s a robust spa and wellness scene here, too, for anyone opting to take it easy on their trip. Boone is home to several destination spas as well as day spas. Festivals, art galleries, and quiet mountain cabins round out the offerings here.

Ellijay, Georgia

Tucked near a nook in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Ellijay is known as the “Apple Capital of Georgia” for its high number of orchards and its annual Georgia Apple Festival, held every October. Apart from apples, Ellijay oozes mountain town charm. It sits near the famous Appalachian Trail, and welcomes scores of hikers taking on the long-distance adventure. The downtown historic district is home to restaurants and antique shops, and the town is a hub of activities like hiking and biking.

Awesome Appalachian Destinations

Helen, Georgia

The hamlet of Helen is home to just 430 residents, but it packs a big personality. It’s Georgia’s third-most visited city thanks to its Bavarian Village feel. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a gorgeous backdrop to the architecture. Visitors come for the charming hotels, cobblestone streets, Alpine-influenced food and drink, wineries, and festivals. A major draw is the annual Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race, the South’s oldest ballooning event, held each June.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

This northern Georgia mountain town is a haven for artists and creatives. The center of the action can be found at the town’s Art Center and the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Downtown is packed with craft breweries, outstanding restaurants, and enticing shops. Visitors can ride antique trains that visit other mountain villages along the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. And hikers have plenty of options, with nearby trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest visiting Long Creek and Fall Branch’s waterfalls. The Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area is another major draw.

Lewisburg, West Virginia

Dining and the arts are the major selling points of Lewisburg, West Virginia. The vibrant culinary scene focuses on farm-totable dining. The Greenbriar Valley Theatre hosts plays, poetry readings, and dance performances. Live music abounds here, thanks to festivals like the State Fair of West Virginia Concert Series and the West Virginia Winter Music Festival. Boutiques and art galleries round out the cultural offerings, as do a great crop of local breweries.

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Situated in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg has a slew of appeals. At the Explore More Discovery Museum, visitors can engage with exhibits recreating a television studio and science lab. At the 1856 Warren-Sipe House, you can view an impressive collection of antique quits through the Virginia Quilt Museum. Nearby, motorists can easily access the famed Skyline Drive, which wends through the forests and mountains of Shenandoah National Park.

Knoxville, Tennessee

The appealing university town of Knoxville, Tennessee will keep visitors busy for days. The thriving downtown is packed with bars, restaurants, and shops. Live music venues abound, too. The 19th century Market Square district is a charming place to wander. Festivals, historic sites, and museums offer plenty of options. And the town is a great launch point for outdoor adventures, like mountain biking, river and lake paddling, hiking, and road biking.

Romantic Spring Road trip

WATERFALLS, WINERIES, VIEWS AND DINING SET THE STAGE

Romantic getaways needn’t be built around a single red calendar day. Spring is perfect for warming up together in the North Georgia Mountains. Alpine Helen and White County, Georga, just an hour and a half north of Atlanta. Downtown Alpine Helen is a colorful storybook village with cobblestone alleys, gingerbreadlaced architecture and a lively, fun vibe. This mountain town welcomes visitors to its festive scene, where beer halls, pubs and dining stay open later in the evening, and charming accommodations are just a walk away. Here couples will find oneof-a-kind shopping including Christmas décor, German-made imports, jewelry, fashion and more. In addition to snacking, sweets and bakery shops, explore plenty of casual and fine-casual dining, from authentic German cuisine to classic Southern to American steakhouse favorites.

Surrounding the Alpine village, White County has what serious and amateur outdoor enthusiasts crave. It’s all so accessible, yet remote and rewarding that Alpine Helen and White County have been designated by the Legislature as “Georgia’s Official Outdoor Adventure Destination.” In every direction are protected national forests, designated wilderness areas, state park land, rivers, scenic highways, roads and trails for hiking, mountain biking, tubing, kayaking, fly fishing, zip lining and more. Close-by and remote

Mountain cabin rentals are plentiful, from tiny houses to lodges large enough for several couples, where fireplaces, fire pits, and hot tubs For a larger resort-style experience Valhalla Resort Hotel offers mountain views from king and VIP suites and the and the area’s true fine-dining restaurant, all within the Innsbruck Golf Community. Upscale amenities include concierge, valet, spa services, a relaxing pool and options for golf, hiking, fly fishing, winery tours and more are offered.

Just outside the historic village of SauteeNacoochee stay in a romantic luxury bed and breakfast like Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn & Spa with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Sautee Valley.

Cozy restaurants

Bodensee Restaurant offers fine German dining in a setting reminiscent of the Alps. Bodensee is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Café has a warm ambience and serves a variety of authentic German and Central European cuisine, including the Czech specialty of savory ham-stuffed cheeses. Executive Chef Zdenek Muller trained at the Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management Institute in Prague and his talent shows here in exciting and satisfying specials. Sit inside or out on the deck while noshing on Southern specialties at the livelier Cowboys & Angels Restaurant and Bar. Choose from soups and salads, steaks or a crazy good bison burger. Choose a craft brew, your favorite wine or have the bartender mix up a premium cocktail. A charming Southern cottage and gardens in the North Georgia hills sets the stage for a romantic dining experience at Bernie’s Restaurant. Step into to a home filled with antique sideboards, linen-topped tablescapes, china, sterling silver and fresh flowers. Waterfalls and Wine

After peak leaf season through early spring, waterfalls and trails are even less traveled and the views open up, offering a totally different perspective on the landscape. Don’t miss the twin waterfalls known as Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest adjacent to Unicoi State Park, but there are plenty more to be discovered. White County wineries are the perfect setting for views. Enjoy spectacular panoramas while sipping in the tasting rooms or out on the decks at one of seven boutique wineries. Check out the listings for several transportation companies in the link above for a fun, safe and informative multi-vineyard experience.

Visit www.HelenGa.org for more information.

Tour Georgia’s Wine Country in a Weekend

Good news: Wine country is not just “out there” anymore. It’s right here in North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains not far from the Appalachian Trail—the Dahlonega Plateau is officially a wine region, suitable for grapes made famous in France and Italy.

Helen is the Bavarian-styled vacation getaway. Nowhere else brings together Blue Ridge scenery, a mighty river intersecting the town, waterfalls and protected natural land, fly fishing, history, and artisan crafts and foods. It is also the undisputed Oktoberfest capital of the South. As the third most visited location in Georgia, they are big on Southern hospitality with a Bavarian twist.

You can get to Georgia wine country next weekend, while in town you can explore Helen on a whim, and from here you have so many other options besides wine to decide how big your new pastime will become. Wine Tours

VIP Southern Wine Tours has cultivated relationships with many of the top vineyards in the region to offer full days of transported tasting.

Their recurring Classic VIP tour features a combination of 3 of the wineries below: • The Cottage Vineyard & Winery • Cavender Creek Vineyards • Serenity Cellars • CeNita Winery • Yonah Mountain Vineyards • Kaya Vineyards & Winery • Habersham Vineyards • Serenity Cellars • Sylvan Valley Tasting Rooms • Stonewall Creek Tasting Rooms • Frogtown Cellars

After scheduling a tour online, you will be picked up in a comfortable 1216 passenger mini-bus from downtown Helen (custom pickup options can be arranged). A regional expert will chauffeur you to each location where you’ll spend just over an hour on average.

Visit www.HelenGa.org for more information on vineyards and other outdoor adventures awaiting you in Alpine Helen/ White County. Georgia’s Official Outdoor Adventure Destination.

BOONE

NORTH CAROLINA

Known for “Inspiring Awe since 1849,” Boone, North Carolina, is nestled high in the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by the Southeast’s most stunning vistas. A vibrant community, driven by the youthful energy of Appalachian State University and the passion of year-round residents, ensures Boone is one of the best small towns to visit in the South.

Boone has undergone a culinary renaissance with one of the country’s most dynamic and welcoming food scenes. The region’s long-held traditions of sourcing small farm, locally produced, and wild gathered ingredients combine with a new generation of skilled chefs and innovative restaurateurs. Adding energy to this epicurean revival are award-winning breweries and wineries that blend tradition with experimentation to produce outstanding vintages.

While the food and drink scene is more than enough to justify putting Boone on your getaway radar, the glorious mountain views, secluded cabins, and outdoor recreation make Boone an absolute mustvisit destination. For those who prefer more casual outdoor experiences, promenade through the ultra-quaint downtown with a plethora of boutiques and the stylish Horton Hotel at its center. Luxurious and stress-busting services in local spas and yoga studios will maximize your relaxation and wellness.

Spring arrives in April, and Boone comes alive with wildflowers best enjoyed from the trails that trace their way through the nearby mountainsides. This time of year, the streams, cascading waterfalls, and babbling brooks are at the peak of their Instagram-worthiness. Visiting in the spring revives the spirits as the natural world awakens from winter, revealing the splendors of blossoms, crisp fresh air, and warmer days. In kitchens throughout Boone, you’ll enjoy the appearance of ramps – a type of wild onion that embodies the taste of the land. Springtime imparts this delicious native ingredient that goes back to colonial times in Appalachian cuisine.

Boone’s 3,333-foot elevation brings summer weather that is blissfully cooler than the majority of the South; average highs are in the upper 70s, with lows in the upper 50s. This idyllic climate makes the summer a prime season to travel to the High Country. Summers in Boone are a paradise of engaging outdoor adventures for the entire family. Spend your days hiking the abundant trails, ziplining through the treetops, riding a historic steam locomotive, and swimming in a lake by your cabin. Finish off the day dining outside – perhaps with one of Boone’s award-winning ice-cold brews. Those seeking a bit more adrenaline-filled experiences will find some of the Southeast’s best bouldering, and you will not want to miss crossing Grandfather Mountain’s pulse-racing mile-high swinging bridge.

NORTH CAROLINA

Nature’s interlude between summer and winter produces a feast for all of your senses. When autumn arrives in the High Country, Boone becomes a jewel as Appalachian forests explode in color. The invigoratingly brisk fall evenings set the stage for gathering fireside to enjoy one of the bold red wine vintages from the nearby vineyards. With ample options for heated outdoor dining, a late-season alfresco lunch or dinner is also a must. The climate not only graces us with the splendor of the autumn leaves, but this season also brings the richness of the harvest to kitchens throughout Boone. While the summer months are unbeatable for outdoor recreation and family time, the fall offers endless possibilities for a romantic getaway to a secluded cabin with stunning views and plentiful options for best-in-class dining experiences. Winter brings the slopes and lodges to life as Boone earns its moniker as “Ski Cap-

ital of the South.” With three major ski resorts within half an hour of the town, Boone is ideally situated to be your basecamp to explore the very best in winter adventure. From ice skating to skiing and snowboarding, the region has tailored experiences that are sure to please the novice to the skillful enthusiast. By staying in town, a ski vacation is transformed into one that also includes access to Boone’s arts, culture, and abundant dining and drinking options.

Imbibed in Southern hospitality, Boone, North Carolina, brings rugged outdoor adventures and mountaineering spirit to a level of refinement, unlike any other destination. An ever-evolving culinary, brewing, and viticulture community, paired with small farmsteads and bespoke producers, makes Boone a foodie’s paradise – one that happens to be set within the natural wonderland of the Appalachian High Country.

BOONE

NORTH CAROLINA

Nestled high in the Appalachian Mountains, Boone, North Carolina, offers stunning Instagram-worthy vistas, award-winning breweries, and genuinely exceptional restaurants that capture the essence of this Alpine escape.

The earliest pioneers first noted the richness of the soil and abundance of edible plants growing in the wilds of the High Country. Those colonial roots grew into the numerous small farms surrounding Boone, and the breathtaking slopes and mountainsides produce a mouth-watering variety of epicurean delights.

And still today, Boone’s chefs and restauranteurs capture the richness of locally sourced ingredients and pair them with exceptional skill and creativity -- resulting in a plethora of remarkable dining experiences for all to enjoy.

Beyond the extraordinary culinary world that is flourishing in Boone, there is a thriving beer and wine scene that is recognized nationally for its quality. Award-winning breweries tout best-in-class IPAs, stouts, and ales, and even boast unique honey, fruit, and wheat varieties. Boone’s breweries always seem to have something special on tap, and you’ll find no lack of hidden gems to explore. And for the bespoke travelers in the group, you can experience truly outstanding old-vine zinfandel aged in Jack Daniel’s barrels from Boone’s Grandfather Mountain Vineyard. There are varieties for every palette, and plenty of seasonal assortments to please even the most discerning of taste buds.

Whether you’re traveling to Boone to enjoy the renowned “Ski Capital of the South,” or simply to enjoy some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the Appalachians, the warm, Southern hospitality of Boone’s kitchens, breweries, and wineries await you.