MOUNTAIN MEALS

Try these acclaimed restaurants in Georgia and North Carolina when you head for the hills

The Sawmill Place ▲

Blairsville residents and visitors alike swear by the big breakfast served at The Sawmill Place. We’re talking homemade biscuits, bacon, baked apples and much more. You can also grab lunch there, too. 1150 Pat Haralson Drive, Blairsville. Information: thesawmillplace.com.

Beechwood Inn ►

Check in for the weekend and enjoy panoramic views of Black Rock Mountain from your room and the restaurant, which offers award-winning cuisine prepared from local food and the inn’s own wine list. 220 Beechwood Drive, Clayton. Information: beechwoodinn.ws.

◄ Harvest on Main

Consistently named one of North Georgia’s best restaurants, Harvest on Main uses seasonal products from local farmers ¬–grass-fed beef, veggies and trout – to craft its menu. 576 E. Main St., Blue Ridge. Information: harvestonmain.com.

Jim’s Smokin’ Que

If it’s barbecue you’re hankering for, head to Blairsville for smoked baby back ribs and expertly smoked pork, chicken and turkey. Don’t forget the Brunswick Stew! 4971 Gainesville Highway, Blairsville. Information: jimssmokinque.com.

Hofer’s Bakery ►

Enjoy breakfast and lunch in the Bavarian dining room, featuring entrees specially prepared European staff and breads baked in a stone hearth oven. Deli sandwiches are perfect to pick up for picnics or hikes and there’s also an outdoor biergarten. 8758 N. Main St., Helen. Information: hofers.com.

La Pizzeria at Cucina Rustica

If you’re in the Blue Ridge Mountains but craving a taste of Italy then La Pizzeria’s menu of wood-fired pizzas will take you there. 76 Forge Mill Road, Morganton. Information: lapizzeria-ga.com.

61 Main ▲

This farm-to-table restaurant serving up quail, grouper, rabbit and shrimp is located inside the historic Jasper Theater building. 49 S. Main St., Jasper. Information: 61main.com.

Wild Thyme

This gourmet restaurant in Highlands, NC serves up an American menu with Asian influences, not to mention a wine list praised by Wine Spectator magazine three-years running. 343-D Main St. Information: wildthymegourmet.com.

The Orchard ▲

Set in a century-old farmhouse, this Cashiers, NC favorite serves up local fish, beef and a big selection of wine and beers to enjoy while gazing out over the orchard. 905 Highway 107 South, Cashiers Valley. Information: theorchardcashiers.com.

The Black Sheep

The restaurant serves up new American dishes, including local beef and veggies, with private label wine and a giant outdoor patio with raw bar and craft cocktails. 480 W. Main St., Blue Ridge. Information: blacksheepblueridge.com.

Table 64

If you’re in Sapphire Valley, be sure to have dinner at Table 64 with its unique tapas menu and diverse wine selection. 3093 Highway 64E, Sapphire Valley, NC. Information: tablesixtyfour.com.

Mountain Events

Music, tennis, wine and more things to do in August in North Georgia and North Carolina

2019 Events

Blood, Sweat&Tears August 2

Vince Gill August 9

Sawyer Brown and Exile August 31

2019 Dail ey&Vincent Landfest Sept. 12-14

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival October 11 -19

Appalachian Brew, Stew&Que October 26

Mountain Country Christmas in Lights Opens Thanksgiving Night

Highway 76 West I Hiawassee, GA 706-896-4191 www.GEORGIAMOUNTA1NFA1RGROUNDS.COM

Concerts at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Head to Hiawassee for an August full of music featuring concerts by The Gaither Vocal Band (Aug. 1), Blood, Sweat & Tears (Aug. 2), Vince Gill (Aug. 9) and Sawyer Brown & Exile (Aug. 31). For tickets and information: georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

Mountain High BBQ Festival and Car Show

This two-day event, Aug. 10-11, featuring authentic, mouth-watering BBQ, live entertainment, a car show, crafters and tastin’ tent will be held in Franklin, NC. Information: VisitFranklinNC.com.

Georgia Mountain Tennis Championships

The 9th annual tournament will be held at Young Harris College Aug. 23-25. Divisions will include singles, doubles and mixed doubles for juniors, adults and seniors. Brackets will be determined by age and skill level. Information: mountaintennis.com.

Helen’s 50th Celebration Street Dance ▲

Head to Helen, GA on Aug 24 to mark the Alpine village’s 50th anniversary with a host of events including a big street dance in downtown from 6 to 8 p.m. Information: helenga. com.

Crush Festival ►

Head to Ellijay’s Cartecay Vineyards on Aug. 24-25 for grape stomping, live music, vineyard tours, food, fun and more. Information: cartecayvineyards.com.

Village Square Art & Craft Show

Now in its 14th year, the Aug. 25 event features regionally-made fine art, crafts and rustic furniture. The festival is held in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park in Highlands, NC. Information: highlandschamber.org.

Blairsville Mountain Heritage Festival

Mountain music, arts and crafts, and living history activities are featured at the Heritage Festival held Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 on the town square. Information: unioncountyhistory.org.