Vacation Guide in the Mountains | Spring/Summer 2025 | 18.2
Making memories is what life is all about! North Georgia offers so many things to do regardless of the season! Book your getaway in one of our beautiful cabins, many on streams, rivers, lakes and discover nature at a whole new level. Hike one of our beautiful trails, go horseback riding, take the kids to one of the apple houses and experience picking your own apples or strawberries, visit one of our fabulous wineries, enjoy a delicious meal at one or our local restaurants, check out some of the many stores, antiques and boutiques for a unique shopping experience and don't forget to take the kids to the wellknown "Big Foot Expedition", that all ages enjoy! Take memory photos and share them with us!
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
Next Ad Copy Deadline: June 9th
Summer Edition, Volume 18, Issue 3
Need Advertising Info? Call Kathleen Painter: 706-896-2412 or office: 888.896.2412
photo by Kathleen Painter
The Enchanted Valley of Hiawassee & Young Harris, Georgia
Nestled in the picturesque North Georgia mountains, the towns of Hiawassee and Young Harris offer a perfect summer escape for those seeking outdoor adventures, breathtaking scenery, and a tranquil lakeside atmosphere. From hiking trails, water sports, vineyards, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone in this charming region.
Whether you’ve come for a weekend or want to stay longer, everyone is greeted with small town friendliness in the Enchanted Valley. With natural beauty surrounding the towns of Hiawassee and Young Harris locals are always ready to share their knowledge of the best hiking, fishing, and magnificent views from the highest mountain tops.
Surrounded by 50,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest, outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves with choices of hiking trails offering varying levels of difficulty. Head to Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia, for panoramic views of four states from the observation deck. The Brasstown Bald Visitors center, with museum is Located on Hwy. 180 and has a paved trail to the top or shuttle available.
For more views, take a drive up to Bell Mountain or more rugged road to High Shoal Falls. For a more leisurely stroll, explore Cupid Falls by Young Harris College, where a cascading waterfall awaits at the end of the path.
For hikers the famous Appalachian Trail crosses Unicoi Mountain at Hwy. 17 /76 west of town. This trail draws hikers nationwide to see nature at it’s finest.
Also known by many is that Towns County has another 7,000 acres of waterfront owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which built Lake Chatuge in 1941. Lake Chatuge’s many activities can be found at public parks, picnic areas and beaches. A variety of swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, & canoeing awaits.
Rent a pontoon boat and cruise along the serene waters, or try your hand at fishing for bass, trout, and catfish. For adrenaline junkies, jet skiing and wakeboarding offer thrills against the backdrop of majestic mountains.
Many accommodations can also guide visitors to outdoor time at one of the many golf courses, horseback riding stables or white water rafting adventures.
For many years, Hiawassee is known to be the home of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds that host numerous events throughout the year with Live Concerts, Shows at Anderson Music Hall, Pioneer Village & Local Craft Events. Treat the kids to a day of fun at the Georgia Mountain Fair in August, where they can enjoy carnival rides, petting zoos, and interactive exhibits. The nearby Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens are also open year round with more than 3,000 plants surrounding the shoreline of Lake Chatuge.
Enjoy summer evenings in the city of Hiawassee on the Square including First Friday Markets with live music, food, & games held the first weekend of the month May - October. Saturdays also offer Music on the Square for visitors to bring a lawn chair and listen to a variety of country, bluegrass, and easy listening for your enjoyment Memorial Day - Labor Day Weekend.
Star Gazers will appreciate Rollins Planetarium which is located in the Maxwell Center building at Young Harris College and during season public shows are offered in this 100 seat planetarium under a 40-foot-diameter dome. The college also has an observatory, located on Georgia state property near the Brasstown Valley Resort, only a short distance from campus.
Restaurants feature everything from fine cuisine to barbecue, country cooking, treats and sweets. Many surrounding wineries also offer tastings & musical entertainment.
You’ll feel relaxed with the wide variety of accommodations. Stay overlooking a mountain or lake view in our many hotels, resorts, cabins, B&B’s, or campgrounds. No matter where you stay, you will feel welcomed by a friendly community who enjoys all the beauty this area has to offer.
“Come and stay where Georgia meets the Mountains”
For more information on Hiawassee & Young Harris visit: GoLakeChatuge.com
Road Trip To
The Backroads & Quite Communities of Blue Ridge, GAin Fannin County
Come experience the slower, more peaceful world. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills.these charming towns offer cozy country roads, friendly faces, and a deep connection to nature.
McCayesville / Copperhill
The area offers a delightful blend of history, nature, and adventure. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway provides a nostalgic 26-mile round trip along the Toccoa/Ocoee River, with a stop in McCaysville, GA, & Copperhill, TN where visitors can stroll the historic steel truss bridge connecting the two states. The Riverwalk Shops in McCaysville offer riverside dining, shopping, & entertainment to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Ocoee River near Copperhill is renowned for its whitewater rafting, featuring over 20 Class III and IV rapids, attracting adventurers from around the country. Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville is a popular spot for anglers and features the “Blue Line,” a painted line on the ground marking the GA-TN state border.
Mineral Bluff
Enjoy this charming mountain town known for its rich history and scenic beauty. The historic Mineral Bluff Depot, built in 1887 by the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad, served as a vital transportation hub until the late 1950s. Today, it houses the Tri-State Model Railroaders Club and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Epworth
The area is renowned for its natural beauty, offering access to the Toccoa River, which is popular for fishing and canoeing. Nearby, the Jacks River and Penitentiary Branch Loop Trail provides a challenging 13.5-mile hike through the Cohutta Wilderness, featuring river crossings and scenic views.
Morganton
The Morganton Point Recreation Area, located on Lake Blue Ridge, provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails and picnic areas within the Chattahoochee National Forest . Lake Blue Ridge also has Marina located on Old Highway 76, that has a launching ramp. Pontoon boat rentals, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are also available to help provide recreation for your day at the lake.
Aska Rd. / Dial
The Aska Adventure Area features a 17-mile trail system ideal for hiking and mountain biking, with routes ranging from 1 to 5.5 miles . These trails wind through mature hardwood forests, ascend to panoramic mountain vistas, and descend to the serene shores of Lake Blue Ridge .
For water-based fun, the Toccoa River is a popular destination for a hot summer day for tubing and kayaking. Family-friendly gem mining & fishing experiences provide fun activities. Dining can also be experienced beside the river to offer relaxation and great food.
Visitors also enjoy scenic drives along Dial Road to ride by historic sites like the Van Zandt House, built in 1834, and the Cochran-Davenport House, constructed in 1885, both reflecting the rich heritage of the region.
Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, these backroads blend natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
Visit: www.blueridgemountains.com or Call 1-800-899-MTNS (6867)
Terri’s Treasure Trove
Morganton’s Cutest Gift Shop
Shop for soaps, local honey, jewelry, vintage items, antiques, home decor, and many gift items. Our creative gift items include socks, candles, Myra bags, locally made jams, sauces, salad dressings, plus so much more!
Picture yourself on a wooded riverbank with sweeping mountain vistas on the horizon and wildlife frolicking just out of reach. Picture yourself at Coosawattee River Resort: a private, gated community nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
C 12 Miles of River Frontage
C Home Sites Available
C RV Lot Sales
C Meeting Facilities for up to 200
C Vacation Rentals (1, 2, & 3 Bedroom)
C Nightly Tent & RV Camping Available
C Year Round Indoor Heated Pool
C Two Outdoor Pools & Tennis Courts
C Fitness Center & Game Room
C Riverfront Parks & Playgrounds
C Vineyards, Hiking & Waterfalls Nearby
C Summer/Fall Concert Series
Welcome Boaters & Outdoor Enthusiasts, to Carters Lake
Nestled in the foothills of North Georgia, Carters Lake is a breathtaking destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its deep, clear waters and abundant fish population, the lake provides an ideal setting for recreational boating, fishing and cooling off on a hot day. Whether you’re chasing trophy-sized spotted bass, walleye, or crappie, it’s a good fishing opportunity.
Carters Lake Marina & Resort offers both lakeview and lakefront cabin rentals in addition to boat rentals to make it easy to enjoy the lake!
Beyond fishing, Carters Lake is a paradise for recreational activities and people are welcome to bring thier Kayaks and paddle boards to explore its serene coves, while hikers can take in the stunning mountain scenery along the trails surrounding the lake. With picnic areas, campgrounds, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an excellent spot for families looking to escape into nature. Unlike some of Georgia’s busier lakes, Carters Lake offers a more peaceful, less crowded experience, making it a favorite for those seeking solitude and adventure alike.
For those looking to enjoy a weekend getaway, Carters Lake Marina & Resort provides all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Whether you’re docking your own boat or renting one from the marina, the convenience and hospitality make the experience even better. If you’re searching for a beautiful, well-maintained outdoor retreat with world-class fishing and scenic recreation, Carters Lake is undoubtedly worth a visit.
Dahlonega
The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, located in downtown Hayesville, is an outdoor exhibit which includes replicas of a 17th century winter house, summer house, corn crib, summer shelter, mound gardens, dugout canoe, and public art depicting elements of the Cherokee culture. The elements of the
HAYESVILLE
See centerfold map for more business locations.
Cherokee Homestead Exhibit
exhibit were researched and are as authentic and accurate as possible. Informational kiosks at the exhibit enable free self-guided tours at any time.
The winter house and summer house were constructed with upright locust poles which
support the rivercane woven sides and thatched roofs. Mud and straw daub create the plaster which was added to the woven sides of the winter house in order to enclose it against the cold winter weather. The circular fire pit would have been used for cooking, heat and light throughout the winter. The corn crib was constructed similar to the summer house and raised off the ground to prevent pilfering by animals. A shelter, located near the mound gardens, would have been used for a multitude of activities during warm weather, including basket making, flint knapping, and pounding corn kernels into corn meal. A dugout canoe constructed from the straight trunk of a poplar tree was placed under the summer house to shelter it from the elements.
Forged metal masks placed throughout the exhibit represent the seven Cherokee clans: bird, blue, deer, long hair, paint, wild potato, and wolf. A two-story wall mural shows representative elements of the Cherokee culture including petroglyphs, pottery, projectile points, tools, weapons, and woven baskets. The wall also contains plaques with Cherokee philosophical thoughts written in English and Cherokee Syllabary. Hand-forged metal disks have been placed on both sides of the fence atop the wall and contain iconic figures of Cherokee culture and legends.
Tours and workshops are provided by volunteers for public and private schools, colleges, adult classes and tour groups at the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit.
The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit is the site of the Cherokee Heritage Festival held from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on the third Saturday in September.
Sponsored by the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association, a non-profit 501C3 organization.
Please visit cccra-nc.org or write to PO Box 1533, Hayesville, NC 28904 for more information.
of North CaroliNa
Waterfalls
Fires Creek Falls aka Leatherwood Falls
This area has plenty of hiking trails, including a 25-mile Rim Trail. Fires Creek Falls is an absolutely beautiful waterfall with a sizable drop. It’s a must-see for waterfall enthusiasts.
From Hayesville, Hwy. 64 take Fires Creek Rd. to Fires Creek Wildlife Road. Follow road along Hiwassee River until you see the signs.
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.
Becky
Waterfalls
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.
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.
Dukes Creek Falls
BAVARIANFEST
May 24, 2025
Live Music and dancing all night. Food and beverages available for purchase. All Military (Active, retired and veterans) and a guest get in free with military ID. 6:00pm-11:00pm
BINGO
Tuesday and Friday Nights
April 4th until August 29th
$1,500 in cash prizes per night! Gates open at 6pm, games start at 7pm
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.
Minnehaha Falls
Blairsville
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.
DeSoto Falls
Spring / Summer calendar of Events
Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling
Andrews
May 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30
Andrews Farmers Market
Old A&P Parking Lot
June 6, 13, 20, & 27
Andrews Farmers Market
Old A&P Parking Lot
Blairsville
July 4
July 4
May 2 – 3, 9 – 10, 23 – 24 & 30 – 31
4th of July
Meeks Park
Exclusive Winery VIP Tours
Paradise Hills, Winery Resort and Spa
May 2 & 3
North Georgia Hot Rod
Reunion & GM Truck Invasion
Meeks Park
May 24 – 25
Spring Arts, Crafts & Music Festival
Downtown Blairsville
May 24
Memorial Day Parade
Downtown Blairsville
June 6 – 7, 13 – 14, 20 – 21, & 27 – 28
Exclusive Winery VIP Tours
Paradise Hills, Winery Resort and Spa
June 7, 14, 21, & 28
Union County
Farmers Market
Union County Farmers Market
Annual Boat Parade
Lake Nottely
July 5
Union County
Farmers Market
Union County Farmers Market
Blue Ridge
May 2
Sugar Creek Races
Sugar Creek Raceway
May 8 – 25
Ripcord
Blue Ridge Community Theater
May 10
Georgia Mountain Classics
Annual Car Show
Downtown Blue Ridge City Park
May 24
Spring Arts in the Park
Downtown Park
June 7, 14, 21, & 28
Downtown Market Blue
Ridge
Downtown Park
July 4
Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks
Lake Blue Ridge Dam
Old Timers’ Parade
Downtown Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Freedom 5K
Downtown Blue Ridge
Brasstown
June 6 – 8
Arts Tour
Various Locations
Cherry Log
May 2
5th Annual Clay Shoot
Noontootla Creek Farms
Clarkesville
May 6
PickleSham Palooza
Ruby C Fullbright Aquatic Center
May 10
Classic Belles Car Show
Habersham County Fairgrounds
May 18
Mountain Laurel Festival
Downtown Clarkesville
June 6 – 8
Arts Tour
Various Locations
June 18
9th Annual Car Show
Miles Through Time
July 5
Lake Burton Fun Run 2025
Laprade’s Marina
Clayton
May 3
Clayton Farmers Market
Covered Bridge Plaza
Spring / Summer calendar of Events
Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling
May 10
Of These Mountains
Spring Marketplace
Rabun County Civic Center
Clayton Farmers Market
Covered Bridge Plaza
May 17
Armed Forces Day 5k
Currahee Brewing Company
May 17, 24, & 31
Clayton Farmers Market
Covered Bridge Plaza
June 6 – 8
Arts Tour
Various Locations
June 7
Ramshackle Street Festival
Cornelia
May 17
Cornelia Music Festival
Amphitheater
Dahlonega
May 3, 10, 17, 14, & 31
Downtown Farmers Market
Hancock Park
May 17 – 18
June 6 – 8
The Cottage - A Comedy Behind Closed Doors
Dillard Playhouse
Ellijay
May 2 – 4
Bearhoti Bike Fest
Mulberry Gap Adventures Base Camp
May 3
Downtown Clayton
June 7, 14, 21, & 28
Clayton Farmers Market
Covered Bridge Plaza
July 12 – 13
Painted Fern Festival
Rabun Civic Center
Copperhill / McCaysville
July 4 – 5
Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival
Public Square
May 31
Day in the Life of a Miner
Dahlonega Gold Museum
State Historic Site
June 6 – 8
Arts Tour
Various Locations
June 7, 14, 21, & 28
2025 Run for the Son 5k
Gilmer Scout Hut
May 3, 10, 17, 14, & 31
Ellijay Farmers & Artisans
Market
Downtown Ellijay
May 8 – 11
2025 Ellijay Songwriters
Festival
Downtown Ellijay
May 30 – 31
Mountain Mayhem
Pickleball Tournament
River Park
June 7, 14, 21, & 28
Ellijay Farmers & Artisans
Market
Downtown Ellijay
Hayesville
Annual Great American Rodeo
On the River
Downtown Farmers Market
Hancock Park
Dillard
May 30 – June 1
The Cottage - A Comedy Behind Closed Doors
Dillard Playhouse
June 6 – 8
Arts Tour
Various Locations
May 9 – 18
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Peacock Performing Arts Center
May 10, 17, 24, & 31
Hayesville Farmers Market
Hayesville Square
May 24
Peacock Rhythm & Arts Festival 2025
Peacock Performing Arts Center
May 31
Songwriters Showcase 53
Peacock Performing Arts Center
June 6 – 8
Arts Tour
Various Locations
June 7
Tell Me Lies
Peacock Performing Arts Center
June 7, 14, 21, & 28
Hayesville Farmers Market
Hayesville Square
June 28
Songwriters Showcase 54
Peacock Performing Arts Center
June 5 – 7
52nd Annual Helen to Atlantic Balloon Race
Various Locations
June 6 – 8
Arts Tour
Various Locations
Hiawassee
Through May 11
May 16 – 17
Georgia Mountain Fire & Smoke Cooking Festival
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
May 24 – 25
Hiawassee Pro Rodeo
The Rhododendron Festival
Hamilton Gardens
May 2
Hiawassee Night Market
Hiawassee Town Square
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
May 30
Night Ranger
Anderson Music Hall
June 6
Happy Together Tour 2025
Anderson Music Hall
May 8 – 10
Helen Harp Festival
Hofbraunhaus Restaurant & Pub
May 10
Blooming Ridge Hike
Smithgall Woods
May 24
BavarianFest
Helen Festhalle
Top of Georgia Plein Air Fine Arts Festival
Hamilton Gardens
May 8 , 15, 22, & 29
Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton
Gardens - Summer Series
Hamilton Gardens
May 9 – 11
Murder Mystery Weekend on Lake Chatuge
The Ridges Resort
May 10
Hiawassee Highlands
Wine Festival
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Gary Allen
Anderson Music Hall
Hiawassee Night Market
Hiawassee Town Square
June 6 – 8
Arts Tour
Various Locations
June 7
Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Travis Tritt
Anderson Music Hall
June 13 – 14
Greater Atlanta British
Motorcycle Association
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
June 14
Miss Georgia Mountain Fair Pageant
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Spring / Summer calendar of Events
Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling
June 19
Hiawassee Rod Run
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
June 21
Revisiting Creedence
Anderson Music Hall
June 28 – 29
Made in Georgia Festival
Towns County Rec & Conference Center
July 4
July 4th Fireworks!
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
McCaysville
July 5
McCaysville and the Copper Basin / Independence Day
Celebrations & Fireworks
McCaysville/Toccoa River Park
Mineral Bluff
April 26
Open House
Mineral Bluff Railroad Depot
July 5 – 6
Ride the Rails
Mineral Bluff Railroad Depot
Murphy
May 3
Murphy Spring Festival
Tennessee Street
May 10, 17, 24, & 31
Murphy Farmers Market
L&N Depot
June 7, 14, 21, & 28
Murphy Farmers Market
L&N Depot
July 5
Murphy Farmers Market
L&N Depot
Sautee Nacoochee
May 3
Hwy 255 Blues Club
Sautee Nacoochee Center
May 4, 11, 18, & 25
Sautee Nacoochee
Farmers Market
Sautee Nacoochee Center
May 17
Fiber Festival in the Valley
Sautee Nacoochee Center
June 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29
Sautee Nacoochee
Farmers Market
Sautee Nacoochee Center
June 6 – 8
Arts Tour
Various Locations
Tallulah Falls
May 9
A Tour and Tea at Tallulah
Tallulah Gorge State Park
May 11
Full Moon Hike
Tallulah Gorge State Park
June 6 – 8
Arts Tour
Various Locations
June 10
Full Moon Hike
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Toccoa
May 1 – 4
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Historic Ritz Theatre
May 8
Swan Lake
The Historic Ritz Theatre
May 9
Andy Gross
The Historic Ritz Theatre
May 10
Sounds of Jericho
The Historic Ritz Theatre
May 16
Brotherhood:
Doobie Brothers Tribute
The Historic Ritz Theatre
May 17
The Nashville Imposters: A Night at the The Ryman
The Historic Ritz Theatre
May 18
Meet Loaf:
Ultimate Meatloaf Tribute
The Historic Ritz Theatre
May 24
Strait Country:
George Strait Tribute w/ Special Guest David Wills
The Historic Ritz Theatre
May 30
Eagles/Journey Tribute
May 31
Zach Rushing
The Historic Ritz Theatre
June 6
Don’t Be Cruel: The Elvis Presley Experience
The Historic Ritz Theatre
June 13
Southern Gospel
The Historic Ritz Theatre
June 20
Heroes of Southern Rock
The Historic Ritz Theatre
June 27
Steve Hostetter
Young Harris
May 2
Pink FloydDark Side of the Moon
Rollins Planetarium and YHC Observatory
May 4
Musical Theatre Review Dobbs Theatre in the Goolsby
