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Thursday, June 28, 2012 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout
Tour region’s food chain Local farms to show off their wares From staff reports Looking for a fresh way to spend a weekend in the mountains? The inaugural Georgia Mountains Farm Tour will showcase some of the farms, farmers, markets, community gardens and restaurants that supply food in Northeast Georgia. Held by the Georgia Mountains Farmers Network and the Soque River Watershed Association, the event is set for 1-6 p.m. Saturday June 30 and Sunday, July 1. It will feature 14 farms in Hall, Habersham, Rabun, White and Stephens counties, two community gardens and optional meal stops with foods prepared by local chefs. Participants can purchase one weekend pass that allows entry to any farm both days. Amongst the products featured are numerous fruit and vegetables; a dairy cow creamery with milk, cream, butter and ice cream; pastured eggs; certified organic beef; and water wheel milled grains and associated baked goods. Other highlights include a demonstration of horsepowered equipment, an aquaponic farm for tilapia production and several farms using hoop houses for season extension.
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“Northeast Georgia has developed an organized, energetic and expanding farming community in just the last few years,” says Justin Ellis, SRWA director and organizer for the new farmers network. “We felt like the time was ripe to share our unique food and farming experience with as many people as possible.” The cost is $35 per carload for weekend passes and can be purchased online at www.soque.org. All weekend passes include a $5 gift certificate to the Locally Grown or Simply Homegrown markets. Proceeds of the event will help benefit the new farmers network. Farms and gardens
Georgia Mountains Farm Tour When: 1-6 p.m. June 30-July 1 Where: 14 farms in Northeast Georgia How much: $35 per vehicle for weekend More info: 706-754-9382, soque@windstream.net
included on the tour include: Hall County, Cedar Hill Enrichment Center; White County, LoganBerry Heritage Farm, Mountain Fresh Creamery, Nacoochee Valley Farm, Cairn Rock Farm; Habersham County, Indian Ridge Farm, Royal Oaks Farm, Melon Head Farm, GreenWay Community Garden, Copper Pot Gardens; Rabun County, Burton
Mountain Farm, Sylvan Falls Mill, Old School Garden, Lake Rabun Hotel and Restaurant; plus Jan and Zen’s Garden (Franklin County), Taylor Creek Farm (Stephens County), Gibson Farms (Westminster, S.C.) and Leah Lakes Farm (Macon County, N.C.) For more information, visit www.soque.org, email soque@windstream.net or call 706-754-9382.
‘Northeast Georgia has developed an organized, energetic and expanding farming community in just the last few years.’ Justin Ellis, Soque River Watershed Association director and organizer
outdoors events This week
Fun at the Fort, Winder. 7-9 p.m. June 29, July 13, 20 and 27. Antique methods including candle dipping, brick oven bread baking, card loom. Fort Yargo State Park, 210 South Broad St., Winder. $3, $5 parking. 770-867-3489. Wildlife Show, Winder. 6-7 p.m. June 30 and July 7, 14, 21 and 28. Live wildlife demonstration featuring native and exotic animals. Amphitheater in Campground 1. Fort Yargo State Park, Winder. $3, plus $5 parking. 678-963-8891. Holiday Gorge Floor Hike, Tallulah Falls. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 30. 3.5 miles. No pets; wear appropriate footwear; children must be 10 or older; bring food and water. Tallulah Gorge State Park. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981. Bike ride, Dahlonega. 9 a.m. June 30. 36-plus miles up in the Dahlonega area. Ride leaves promptly from the Greenbrier Shop Center just off Dahlonega’s courthouse square. No ride in precipitation, or if high predicted to be above 92 degrees. Chicken City Cyclists 770-534-7075, or UNNOLDL@Charter.Net. Holiday Gorge Floor Hike, Tallulah Falls. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 1-3, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 6-7. This is a strenuous trek, include hiking down 531 stairs, a river crossing jumping from rock to rock, and climbing boulders along the side of the river to Bridal Veil Falls where you can swim. Total miles are 3.5. No pets; wear appropriate footwear; children must be 10 or older; bring food and water. $5 plus $5 parking. Tallulah Gorge State Park. 706-754-7981. Full Moon Hike, Tallulah Falls. 8:50-10:50 p.m. July 3, 9:30-11:30 p.m. July 4. Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. The hike will begin at the Interpretive Center, following the North Rim Trail, with a descent of the Hurricane Falls Trail staircase to the suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls. This is considered a strenuous hike, approximately 1.5 miles and 1,099 steps. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. Tallulah Gorge State Park. 706-754-7981. Independence Day at Vogel, Blairsville. 8:30 a.m. July 4. Flag-raising ceremony, bicycle parade, pedal boat races, sandcastle building competition, watermelon eating, sack races, egg tosses and greased pole climbing. $5 parking. Vogel State Park 706-745-2628.