Vacation Guide in the Mountains - Spring/Summer 2023

We can arrange unique shopping trips, vineyard tours, festival admission, hiking & biking adventures, horseback riding, fishing, boating and whitewater rafting trips.

With over 13 years experience in the hospitality industry, you can be assured that your stay with us and the customer service you receive will always be superior! Our goal has been, and always will be, to exceed your expectations so you will return time and time again.

Your Local Guide to the North Georgia Mountains. Let the Vacation Guide in the Mountains help you find Events, Festivals, and Recreational Activities. Find the best local places to Eat, Shop, and lodge with handy Maps to make getting around easy.

Just find the # - for the advertiser’s location on the Local City Map or Centerfold Area Map.

Every Issue we will feature a Community Spotlight and point you in the right direction of Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, or Scenic Road Trips in our area.

View our website at www.MountainLakeGuide.com to find everything Online & Links to find more about our Restaurants, Shopping, Lodging, and Area Recreation.

Short’s Mill

Hazel Creek

photo by Kathleen Painter

Habersham County It’s Happening Here!

If you ever need an excuse for a getaway in the mountains, Habersham County has plenty of activities, state parks, historical sites, and awardwinning restaurants will make your stay memorable.

Explore the towns of Clarkesville, Cornelia, Demorest & Mt. Airy, for a variety of lodging including hotels, cabins, and B&B’s. Walking friendly brick lined streets in these towns invite you to see shops, restaurants, galleries, and antique stores to experience that small town atmosphere.

Clarkesville was named after General John C. Clarke, governor of Georgia in 1819 – 1821. It was chartered in 1823 as the county seat of Habersham County and was the first of the major resort towns with wealthy families escaping the heat of the coasts of South Carolina & Georgia.

Visitors are welcome in the middle of May in the downtown square to enjoy the Mountain Laurel Festival that include activities for the whole family. Northeast Georgia’s Oldest Arts & Crafts event has a parade, duck race, live music, and food.

Historical sites in downtown Clarkesville usually start with the Mauldin House, at the corner of E. Waters & Jefferson St. It services as the Clarkesville’s Welcome Center and is the beginning of the towns walking

tour of the Greek, Gothic, Victorian, and Plantation style homes in this beautiful historical district.

Neighboring Sam Pitts Park located by the beautiful Soque River offers a place for walking trails and picnics. Travel down the road on Scenic Hwy. 197 that follows the river for trout fishing and the small community that feature many regional handmade arts and crafts.

Just South of Clarkesville is Demorest, home of Piedmont College which founding roots date back to 1897. The 266 acre campus welcomes the public to visit The Mason- Scharfenstein Museum and Johnny Mize Museum that commemorates the legendary baseball player. The Swanson Center for performing Arts holds periodical shows and events for entertainment.

The town of Cornelia was first settled around 1860 for transportation and the railroad along the East Coast. Visitors can now step back in time to downtown Cornelia and see the beautifully restored Train Depot. The museum includes early railroad memorabilia, model of the Talullah Falls train, and two restored cabooses by the depot. The nearby City Park also offers a Splash Pad and Club Canine for family fun.

The “Big Red Apple,” stands near the train depot as a monument that is seven feet tall, 22 ft. in circumference and weighs 5200 lbs. It was shipped from Virginia in 1926 to celebrate the apple industry.  The monument was donated by the Southern Railway and in celebration of harvest a Festival is held in the fall. Cornelia has since been known as the “The Home of the Big Red Apple.

The Habersham County Historical Society and Telephone Museum is on North Main Street and has history of the area. Other Places on the National Register of Historic places include the Loudermilk Boarding House on Foreacre St. built in 1908 and the Community House on Wyly St. built in 1936. The adjoining park features picnic areas, playground and walking trails.

The Chenocetah Fire Tower Built in 1936 is the last rock-constructed, working fire lookout tower in the east and stands 40 feet high. The overlook area from Chenocetah Mountain provides magnificent views of the lake and countryside.

Habersham County takes pride in it’s community by preserving history and natural resources of outdoor recreational parks. Lake Russell and Tallulah Falls State Recreational areas invite camping and RV sites.

Lake Russell Recreational Area is located in the beautiful community of Mt. Airy just past the Firetower. Hiking trails are available year-round and a 4.6 mile loop goes around the shore of this beautiful 100-acre lake. Lake Russell has a large grass-covered beach and swimming area plus; easy access to camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, and non-motorized boating.

Once known as the Niagara Falls of the South, Tallulah Gorge is the most breathtaking canyon in the eastern U.S. that stretches over two miles with 1,000+ foot plummets. Hike the trails rimming the Gorge and peek over to see how deep it really goes. Exhibits in the park’s Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center highlight the rich history of this Victorian resort town, as well as the rugged terrain and fragile ecosystem of the area. A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. Over 2,700 acres w/ lake & beach, playground, picnic areas + RV & tent campground sites.

With warm hospitality offered to visitors, the four seasons of nature plus attractions and festivals, you will want to keep Habersham on your list for everything that is happening in the mountains of North Georgia!

Beautiful Views and Towns in North Carolina

Just to the north of Georgia the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains continue across the border to North Carolina where the views seem to never end. Our neighbors to the north are just a short drive to visit the quaint towns of Hayesville, Murphy, Andrews, Robbinsville & Franklin in North Carolina.

If you enjoy beautiful overlook views and pristine rivers that flow beside the winding roads, then this road trip is your FREE ticket for a wonderful day trip of exploring. The Chattahoochee & Nantahala National Forest stretches from northern Georgia to the Smoky's and has vast areas of Ranger districts.

To see some of the best views, just pack a picnic lunch and fill up the tank to ride around some of these incredible Mountain Overlooks and picturesque winding highways to view flowing rivers in the National Forests of North Carolina.

Hayesville, N.C.

Located just north of Hiawassee, GA this charming small community shares Lake Chatuge and has many recreational areas like Jack Rabbit & Fires Creek. The old courthouse & downtown square offers shopping and dining plus host visitors to many weekend activities and Festivals.

Shooting Creek Scenic Overlook

Hwy. 64 East from Hayesville towards Franklin, N.C.

Perfect overlook area with tons of space to park and take in the scenery.

Murphy, N.C.

Blending historic preservation with friendly home-town atmosphere helps this town continue to be a popular destination for tourists. Historical courthouse, museum, churches, and theater mix with wonderful restaurants plus shopping. Stay & play at Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino or enjoy numerous hiking, lake and nearby recreational activities.

Murphy River Walk

Located in downtown Murphy off Valley River Avenue the 3 mile walk beside the river starts or ends behind the Hackney

Warehouse / Downtown Train Depot and Koneheta Park. A beautiful walk provides a mixture of shade and sun as it passes the trees along the river. Enjoy the park with playground for seating and picnic tables.

Franklin, N.C.

You must see the “Gem Capital of the World” as mining is at the top of this geo-graphical “Rich” town. Enjoy walking in downtown Franklin that is filled with shopping, galleries, antiques + more.

Home to the Scottish Festival, airing of the Quilts and numerous entertainment events located at the Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts, you'll love staying to be a part of the show.

Sky Valley & Blue Valley Overlook

Hwy. 441 North of Dillard, GA take 246 for the overlook at top of Mtn. on right. Same road turns into 106 as it continues in NC to pass Scaly Mtn. & pass Highlands to Osage, then Blue Valley Overlook. Just view the skyline for a breathtaking view of Georgia or further for North Carolina.

Andrews, Nantahala, & Robbinsville N.C.

Highlights of this region are separated but joined by nearby National Forest Land. Andrews shares Nantahala which is home to this small unincorporated area that has wildlife abound. Nantahala Lake is gorgeous and there are numerous recreational opportunities including boating and fishing.

Robbinsville shares the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest that is in the Nantahala & Cheoah Ranger District and has remained untouched by logging since 1936. Lake Santeetlah located just north of Robbinsville is a separate lake where visitors enjoy fishing and boating.

Nantahala River

From Murphy go East on Hwy. 74 to travel past Andrews where the 4-lane Hwy. narrows to a 2-lane and winds through the Nantahala Mtns. & NFS. Enjoy the beautiful Nantahala River that winds along side this 10 mile stretch with roads that lead to waterfalls and whitewater rafting.

Explore North Georgia State Parks

North Georgia State Parks include a variety of recreational activities besides camping and welcome travelers to explore “Our Neck of the Woods”. Enjoy your passion to see a waterfall, go horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, or just have a picnic. The great State Parks of North Georgia are waiting for you to watch nature at it’s best!

Black Rock Mountain State Park Park (706) 746-2141

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Black Rock Mountain State Park, named for its sheer cliffs of dark-colored biotite gneiss, has the highest altitude of 3,640 feet. Numerous scenic overlooks provide spectacular 80mile vistas of the Southern Appalachians, and several hiking trails lead visitors past wildflowers, cascading streams, small waterfalls and lush forests. RVs exceeding 25 ft. are not recommended, as the park has a two-mile climb with a 10% grade and tight turns.

Moccasin Creek State Park Park (706) 947-3194

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Known as the park “where spring spends the summer,” Moccasin Creek is located on the shores of lovely 2,800-acre Lake Burton. Accessibility offers easy navigation for large RVs, children’s bicycles and wheelchairs. This also includes a fishing pier that sits above a trout-filled creek open only to physically challenged visitors, senior citizens and children.

Tallulah Gorge State Park Park (706) 754-7970

Camping (706) 754-7979 / Picnic (706) 782-4014

One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. A suspension bridge sways 80 ft above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. Visitors can hike rim trails to several overlooks, or they can obtain a permit to hike down to the gorge floor. The Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center highlights the rich history of this Victorian resort town and is open daily.

Fort Mountain State Park Park (706) 422-1932

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Fort Mountain derives its name from an ancient 855-foot-long rock wall, which stands on the highest point of the mountain. The mysterious wall is thought to have been built by Indians as fortification against other more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies. The State Park encompasses over 3,712 acres with a 17-acre lake and swimming beach. Many site are available for tent, trailer, RV, or primitive horse-camping. Trails lead to spectacular views in this pristine high country North Georgia area.

Smithgall Woods State Park Park (706) 878-3087

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Dukes Creek, one of North Georgia’s premier trout stream, runs through this spectacular mountain property and has become known for it’s catch-and-release fishing. Eighteen miles of roads and five miles of trails allow hikers and bicyclists to explore hardwoods, streams and wildlife. Dukes Creek Falls has a direct trail for cottage guests to view.

Vogel State Park Park (706) 745-2628

Reservations (800) 864-7275

Vogel State Park is located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Cottages, campsites and primitive backpacking sites provide a range of overnight accommodations. The park’s twenty-acre lake is open to nonmotorized boats. During summer, visitors can cool off at the scenic lakeside beach. Hikers can choose from a variety of trails, including the popular four-mile Bear Hair Gap loop, an easy one-mile lake loop, and the challenging thirteen-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail.

Amicalola Falls State Park Park (706) 265-4703

Reservations (800) 864-7275 / Lodge (800) 573-9656

Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters,” is an appropriate name for this 729-ft fall, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Springer Mountain, the well known start to the famed Appalachian Trail, is just 8.5 miles from Amicalola by trail. There are numerous other trails are available for shorter journeys along with cottages and campgrounds. Amicalola lodge is located at the top of the mountain for those who prefer traditional hotel comforts, with a restaurant that provides diners with a spectacular view.

Unicoi State Park Park (706) 878-2201

Reservations (800) 864-7275 / Lodge (800) 573-9659

Unicoi State Park, named from the turnpike that was the early means of transportation, is over 1,050 acres of beautiful nature trails. It includes a 53 acre lake for nonmotorized boats and a swimming beach. Enjoy flora, fauna and abundant wildlife as you picnic or hike a trail. Campsites and Cottages provide campers with many accommodations, including a 100 Room Lodge and Conference Center with a restaurant.

BIKE OR HIKE Hardman

Heritage Trail

The Hardman Heritage Trail is a paved one mile path that travels along the Chattahoochee River from Hardman Farm State Historic Site to Alpine Helen. Interpretive panels along the way share about the beautiful native plants, animals and historical influences that have shaped the forming of this area.

From the southern entrance at Hardman Farm to the northern entrance at Edelweiss Strasse and Kollock Strasse near the Helen Water Park. Free Parking is located at both ends of the trail is open from dawn to dusk. The trail is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers and is open to dogs and bikes. Please practice “Leave no Trace” by packing out litter and picking up after pets.

If starting from the historic farm, the 173-acre Hardman Farm is located in historic Sautee Nacoochee, just south of Helen, Georgia. It is best recognized by a gazebo-topped Indian mound and cow pasture. The house, built in 1870 by Captain James Nichols and has Italianate architecture.

Nora Mill can be seen across the river from a viewing area. The mill was established in 1876 by John Martin, a gold miner who stayed in the area permanently after the gold ran out. In 1902, Dr. Lamatine Hardman, who would later become the governor of Georgia (1927-1931), purchased the mill. Today, the mill continues to work, still using the 1500-pound French Burr Stones to grind corn & wheat. A small dam with

a waterfall can be seen on the Chattahoochee River just behind the mill.

Beside the historical marker on the trail is the original whistle used by the lumber company to end each work period. The whistle was last used in 1931 when the sawmill was closed permanently. Some of the original tracks from the Gainesville & Northwestern Railroad can be seen embedded into the concrete pathway. The old depot is now the site of the visitor’s center at Hardman Farm State Historic Site.

Finally, at the northern entrance, right after crossing the river over the pedestrian bridge, take the gravel path to the left. The remnants of the mining operation of the Plattsburgh Mining Company of New York can be seen. Plattsburgh bought a section of land in 1895 and began mining for gold in 1896. Much of the Nacoochee Valley was rich with gold into the early 1900s.

The Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail is one of the nicest walking/hiking trails and the State of Georgia is proud to preserve for visitors to enjoy for years to come. Just wear your walking shoes, breathe in the crisp clean air and follow this relaxing path beside the Chattahoochee River.

Free parking is available at each entrance.

For More information see: www. gastateparks.org/HardmanFarmTrails

Amicalola Falls

The highest waterfall in Georgia, falling 729 feet in seven cascades. At the base of the falls, there is a parking area, a reflection pool, and 3/10-mile paved trail leading to an observation deck at the top of the falls.

Directions: from Dahlonega, Amicalola State Park’s entrance is on GA Highway 52, east of Ellijay or west of Dahlonega.

Anna Ruby Falls

Curtis Creek falls 153 feet and York Creek drops 50 feet down the slopes of Tray Mountain in twin waterfalls. The very steep 4/10 mile Anna Ruby Falls Trail is paved and has benches along the trail for sitting or resting while enjoying the beauty of the area.

Directions: from Helen, take GA 75 North one mile. Right on GA 356 for 1.5 miles, left on the entrance road to the falls.

High Shoals Falls

A succession of five waterfalls graces this 170-acre scenic area. These falls have an

of North GeorGia

Waterfalls

estimated total vertical drop of 300 feet.

Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 11.4 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 283 at the High Shoals sign. Go 1.5 miles on this road to the High Shoals Scenic Area.

Becky Branch Falls

The 20 foot Becky Branch Falls is easily observed from a wooden bridge which crosses the stream. Becky Branch Falls is accessed via the Bartram Trail.

Directions: From Clayton, Georgia go east on Warwoman Road (County Rd. 5) for just less than 3 mile to Poll Creek Road. Park on left side of road by a small branch. Follow the trail on the right side of the branch for about 200 yards to a bridge at the base of the falls.

Blood Mountain Falls & Falls on Waters Creek

This beautiful waterfall is located on Blood Mountain Stream. The stream flows almost 20 feet through a rock cut, creating a churning sluice of water.

Directions: From US 19/129 (Turners Corner), go west on US 19 for approx. 1/2 mile to Waters Creek Recreation Area. Turn right, go approx. 2.8 miles and park in the lot to the right. Across the road is a path to the viewing area.

Cowrock Creek Falls

Cowrock Creek Falls is ab out 30 feet high.

Directions: From the junction of Hwy 19 and 129, travel 1.4 miles on Hwy 19/129 North to FR 443 and turn right. Travel 2.3 miles on FR 443. Park & walk on the old logging road for 0.6 miles.

DeSoto Falls

Three falls along a 3 mile section of the DeSoto Falls Trail are maintained for the hiker’s viewing convenience, and are designated as the lower (cascading 20 feet), the middle (falls about 80 feet) and the upper (about 200 feet) DeSoto Falls.

Directions: From Dahlonega travel north on US 19 for 13.5 miles to Turners Corner. At this intersection, turn left and proceed on US 129 for 4.2 miles. Shortly after the Walasi-yi Center is a left turn for the park.

Dukes Creek Falls

A well-designed trail winds its way into Dukes Creek Gorge, ending at the base of the falls which drop about 150 feet down sheer granite canyon into Dukes Creek.

Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left on GA 356 (75 Alternate) for 2.3 miles to the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. Turn right, go 2 miles to Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area.

Estatoah Falls

Estatoah Falls is a large, open waterfall that may be viewed from the highway.

Directions: It is about 1/2 mile beyond Dillard. Turn right on Highlands/Sky Valley Road (GA 246). Start looking for the falls on the right after 1 mile. There is a pull-out vantage point near the falls about 1 mile up the mountain.

Helton Creek Falls

Two waterfalls, one small, and one large, are located on Helton Creek.

Directions: Go to Helton Creek Road and Forest Service Rd 118, just 1 1/2 miles north of Neel’s Gap off Highway 19/129. The road is on the right as you travel north. It is just south of Vogel State Park. You have only .2 mile trail leading from the parking area on Helton Creek Road, to the base of the larger upper falls.

Hemlock Falls

The scenic two-mile trail leading to Hemlock Falls teases visitors with the sounds of rushing water during the entire hike.

From Clayton: take 76W to HWY 197. Follow HWY 197 to Moccasin Creek State Park/ Lake Burton Fish Hatchery, turning right onto Andersonville Lane, the gravel road across from the hatchery. Continue 0.5 miles until the road dead ends at the trailhead. Follow the trail along Moccasin Creek. You will cross a bridge above one set of falls and will pass another small set of falls on your left before continuing up the trail to the larger Hemlock Falls.

Horse Trough Falls

A succession of five waterfalls graces this 170acre scenic area. These falls have an estimated total vertical drop of 300 feet.

Helen/Hiawassee Area: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 11.4 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 283 at the High Shoals sign. Go 1.5 miles on this road to the High Shoals Scenic Area.

Martin Creek Falls

This two-tier waterfall is 35 feet high with aquatic plants covering the weeping rock wall on the left. This 20-minute walk (.5 mile) follows the Bartram Trail along the west side of the creek.

Clayton/Rabun County Area: From Clayton, go east on Warwoman Road for 3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 152, and drive past the Game Checking Station. The park drive is .5-mile. Park in

a small cleared camping area on the left bend in the road. Walk west from the camping area. Cross Martin Creek, then travel uphill for about .4 mile to the top of the falls.

Mill Creek Falls

The first waterfall drops about 150 feet into Mill Creek. The second plunges another 150 feet, into a series of rapids through the Mill Creek Gorge. Directions: from Hiawassee, take U.S. 76 east, go right on Hwy. 75 for 3.5 miles, left on Mill Creek Rd (FSR 26) for 2.5 miles.

Minnehaha Falls

The Minnehaha Trail, .4-mile in length, follows Fall Branch until it dead ends at Minnehaha Falls. This waterfall is approximately 100 feet high (falling and shoaling).

Clayton/Rabun County Area: Take U.S. 23/441 north from Tallulah Falls for three miles to the Rabun Beach Recreation Area sign. Turn left onto Old 441. Go 2.5 miles and take a left on Lake Rabun Road. Go 1 mile past Recreation area. Take a left on Low Gap Road. Follow Bear Gap road which forks to the left. Go 1.5 miles to the sign marking the trail on the right side of the road.

Mud Creek Falls

This great waterfall is approximately 100 feet high with an impressive spouting fume down the middle.

Directions: Take Highway 441 north to Dillard. Turn right on GA Hwy 246 and follow signs to Sky Valley. At Sky Valley’s entrance gate, turn left. Turn right on Tahoe Rd and follow the trails.

Raven Cliff Falls

The first fall drops 60 feet, then rushes through a split in the face of a solid rock outcropping and drops 20 feet into a deep pool, and then falls another 20 feet to Dodd Creek. 3 other waterfalls can be found on Dodd Creek.

Directions: from Helen, take GA 75 north for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto GA 356(75 Alternate) and travel 2.3 miles to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway. Turn right and travel 2.8 miles to the trailhead and parking area.

Sea Creek Falls

In the Cooper Creek Scenic Area, Sea Creek Falls are an easy walk of less than .1 miles. Two steeply cascading falls flow into a large, shallow pool at the base which is popular as a wading pool.

Directions: (Four wheel drive vehicle recommended) From Hwy 515 just past Blue Ridge, take Highway 60 south toward Morganton. At Cooper Creek Store turn left on Cooper Creek Rd. After 3.3 miles the road makes a dramatic turn back on itself and FS 264 is to the left. Travel .3 miles to a campground, park and walk .1 miles further up the creek.

BE BEAR WISE

NEVER Feed or Approach Bears

SECURE Food, Garbage, and Recycling REMOVE Bird Feeders when Bears are Active NEVER Leave Pet Food Outdoors

ALERT Neighbors to Bear Activity

CLEAN and Store Grills

BEARS ARE BIG AND CUTE, BUT THEY ARE ALSO: as intelligant as primates; semi-arboreal – trees are their safe space; protective of their cubs; opportunistic feeders; typically shy and evasive; and naturally active around dawn & dusk“crepuscular”.

They can smell 2,000X times greater than a human; hear a camera shutter 50 yards away; and out-run, out-swim, & outclimb a human.

A bears’ intelligence only lends to their danger. Bears can reason, remember, and solve problems; open car and home doors; crawl through open windows; balance on high tree limbs and deck railings; see in color as well as humans; and travel 5 to 15 miles per day.

So, here are some tips and tricks from the Appalachia Georgia Friends of the Bears to reduce Human-Bear conflict.

OUTDOOR SAFETY

• DO NOT APPROACH ME!

• DO NOT surprise me!

• NEVER run from me!

• Leave me an escape route!

• Quietly move away and leave the area and don’t turn your back!

• Hike in groups and stay together!

• Keep kids within site!

• Carry Bear Spray and know how to use it!

DOGS ARE MY NATURAL ENEMY AND SCARE ME!

• DO NOT let dogs chase or interact with me!

• If you encounter me while with your dog, back away and leave!

• Keep dogs on a leash or leave them at home! Watch for signs of me while you hike!

• Look for my footprints, scat, overturned rocks, shredded rotted logs, fresh claw marks up the side of the trees, dug out insect nests, or where I rubbed my back and butt and left fur!

IF YOU SEE ME...

• I DO NOT want to be held, handled, or hugged!

• DO NOT get between me or near me and my cubs!

YOU’RE TOO CLOSE IF...

• I stop feeding, change my direction of travel, or begin watching you!

• I huff, blow, swat the ground, slap at vegation, moan, yawn, salivate, or bluff charge. I am telling you YOU’RE TOO CLOSE TO ME, BACK OFF!

TAKE NOTE...

• If I stand up on my hind legs, I am trying to better see, hear, and smell to identify what you are. I am not being aggressive.

• ALL food and beverages, including canned food, garbage, pet food, candy, crumbs in car seats, and scented toiletries are an attractant to me.

• Keep your windows and doors locked in both your car and home.

• Store all livestock/pet feed and other attractants inside a sturdy building. Your screened-in porch is not secure from me!

Morganton’s Newest Specialty Shop!

We’re expanding and opening our newest section soon: The Hodgepodge Garage Don’t miss the gardens, greenhouse, old trucks, great country porch, & enjoy our stress-FREE parking!

82 SITES WITH FULL

Spring / Summer calendar of Events

Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling

Blairsville

May 20

Blairsville Cruisers - Cruise-In at the Farmer’s Market

Historic Square

May 27

Blue Ridge

April 8 - May 19

Georgia Watercolor Society

National Exhibition

Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association

May 6

Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby

Fannin County Middle School

2nd Annual Sydnie’s

Sunset Fun Run & Skate

Downtown Blue Ridge

May 20

Empty Bowls

John C. Campbell Folk School

June 5

Shape Note Singing

w/ Stefani Priskos

John C. Campbell Folk School

Clarkesville

May 20

Spring Arts, Crafts & Music Festival

Downtown Blairsville

Memorial Day Parade

Blairsville Square

Jun 10

Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Meeks Park

June 17

Blairsville Cruisers - Cruise-In at the Farmer’s Market

Historic Square

12th Annual Blairsville Pro Rodeo

Union County Saddle Club Arena

July 1

Lake Nottely Boat Parade Lake Nottely

July 4

Red, White & Blairsville4th of July Fireworks

Meeks Park

Independece Day at

Vogel State Park

Vogel State Park

July 15 & 16

23rd Annual Butternut Creek Festival

Meeks Park

May 13

North Georgia Master Gardeners Plant Sale

Fannin County School System

Agricultural Center

Georgia Mountain Classics

Annual Car Show

Downtown Blue Ridge

May 27

Spring Arts in the Park

Downtown City Park

May 29

Annual Memorial Day Ceremony

Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park

July 1

Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks

Lake Blue Ridge

Independence Day Parade

Downtown Blue Ridge

Brasstown

May 6

Friends & Family Day

John C. Campbell Folk School

Mountain Laurel Festival

Downtown Clarkesville

Clayton

May 6

Fishing Rodeo

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Artisan’s Market

Tiger Drive-in

May 13

Of These Mountains

Spring Market

Rabun County Civic Center Pavillions

June 2-3

North Georgia Sing

Rabun Civic Center

June 9 - 10

Heritage Days

Foxfire Museum

July 1

Rabun Ramble 5K/10K

Lakemont , Lake Rabun Pavillion

July 4th

4th of July Celebration

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Spring / Summer calendar of Events

Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling

July 8

Painted Fern Art Festival

Civic Center

Cornelia

May 20

Cornelia Music Festival

Downtown Cornelia

May 25

June 3, 10, 17, & 24

Appalachian Jam on the Square

Mainstreet Dahlonega

June 3

Peace of Woodstock

The Holly Theatre

June 17 & 23

James & the Giant Peach Jr.

The Holly Theatre

June 30 - July 2

The Big One-Oh!

The Holly Theatre

July 1 & 8

Run for the Son 5k

Gilmer County Scout Hut

May 6, 13, 20, & 27

Farmers & Artisans Market,

May 25 - 28

Ellijay Songwriters

Festival 2023

George Link Jr, Gilmer Arts

Playhouse

May 27

CARS and COFFEE in Ellijay

SmokeHouse Country Grill

June 3, 10, 17, & 24

Farmers & Artisans Market

Ellijay Farmers Market

Summer Nights Festival

Downtown Cornelia

June 25, 29

Summer Nights Festival

Downtown Cornelia

Dahlonega

May 5

The Spitfire Grill

The Holly Theatre

May 13

A Tribute to the music of John Denver

The Holly Theatre

May 20

Steve Kelly’s Country

Music Roundup

The Holly Theatre

May 27

Paper Airplane Olympics

Dahlonega Gold Museum State

Historic Site

Appalachian Jam on the Square

Mainstreet Dahloneg

Appalachian Jam on the Square

Mainstreet Dahlonega

Demorest

July 4

July 4th Celebration

Downtown Demorest

Dillard

May 28

Memorial Day Celebration

Dillard House

July 7 - 10

Four Old Broads on the High Seas

North Georgia Community Players

Ellijay

May 6

Georgia Apple Blossom Festival

Gilmer Chamber

June 24

Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival

White Path Creek Farms

July 1 & 8

Farmers & Artisans Market

Ellijay Farmers Market

Hayesville

May 6

John Ford Coley

Peacock Performing Arts Center

May 13

Song Writer’s Showcase 40

Peacock Performing Arts Center

May 19 & 26

Bedroom Farce

Peacock Performing Arts Center

June 3

The Return - Beatles Tribute

Peacock Performing Arts Center

June 10

Song Writer’s Showcase 41

Peacock Performing Arts Center

June 23rd

June 3rd

First Visit Tour

Smithgall Woods State Park

June 10

Hike on Ash Creek Trail

Smithgall Woods State Park

Shriners Parade

Downtown Helen

June 17

Early Morning Tweets

May 13

Hiawassee Highlands

Wine Festival

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Josh Turner - Long Black Train

20th Anniversary Tour

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

May 19

The Beach Boys

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

May 26 - 28

Harvest Moon - Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Peacock Performing Arts Center

June 24

Tribute - A Celebration of the Allman Brothers

Peacock Performing Arts Center

July 8

Sail On - Beach Boys Tribute

Peacock Performing Arts Center

Helen

May 6

First Visit Tour

Smithgall Woods State Park

Spring Bierfest

Helen Festhalle

May 11, 18, & 25

Wine & Roses

Smithgall Woods State Park

May 13

What’s Blooming on the Ridge

Smithgall Woods State Park

May 27

Be Safe Out There

Smithgall Woods State Park

June 1

50th Annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race

Downtown Helen

Smithgall Woods State Park

Bays Bridge Hayride

Smithgall Woods State Park

July 1

First Visit Tour

Smithgall Woods State Park

July 4

Annual 4th of July

Celebration & Fireworks

Downtown Helen

Hiawassee

May 4

Lake Chatuge Lady Bass

Anglers Association

Fairground Boat Ramp

May 5

The Rhododendron Festival

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

May 11

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - Spring Series

Hamilton Gardens

Hiawassee Pro Rodeo

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

June 3

Happy Together Tour 2023

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Jun 9

British in the Blue Ridge Rally

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

June 10

Travis Tritt

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

June 29

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - Spring Series

Hamilton Gardens

July 4

July 4th Fireworks!

Hamilton Gardens

July 6

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - Spring Series

Hamilton Gardens

July 8

Zach Williams

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Spring / Summer calendar of Events

Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling

McCaysville, NC /

Copperhill, nc

May 11, 18, & 25

Pickin’ in the Park

Horseshoe Bend Park

June 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29

Pickin’ in the Park

Horseshoe Bend Park

July 6

Pickin’ in the Park

Horseshoe Bend Park

July 1

Sautee Nacoochee

May 13

Tallulah Falls

May 5

Full Moon Hike

Tallulah Gorge State Park

May 27

Saturday Night Bluegrass Jam

Downtown Tallulah Falls

June 2

Walk the Line 5k

McCaysville City Park

Old Fashioned Fourth in

Falls to Farm Hike

Hardman Farm Historic Site

June 1 & 8

Valley VoicesOutdoor Theater

Hardman Farm Historic Site

June 3

Summer Music Festival

Outdoor Stage - Sautee

July 1

Summer Music Festival

Outdoor Stage - Sautee

Full Moon Hike

Tallulah Gorge State Park

June 3, 10, 17, & 24

Saturday Night Bluegrass Jam

Downtown Tallulah Falls

July 1

Full Moon Hike

Tallulah Gorge State Park

July 1 & 8

Saturday Night Bluegrass Jam