This issue celebrates our 25th anniversary publishing in North Georgia. North Georgia has grown a lot over 25 years, but we still fondly recall cherished places we loved years ago that are thankfully still kicking it, too! The list below is comprised of special memories from our staff at North Georgia Living, and we hope they stir your nostalgia or inspire you to explore.
1. Driving the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway in Blairsville
Hugged by the beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest, this amazing 40.6-mile national byway rolls through mountain gaps and valleys of the southern Appalachians, a particular favorite spot in fall. Here you can see vistas atop Brasstown Bald, hike to waterfalls, or even hike the Appalachian Trail to your heart’s content. Whatever your pleasure, wonders abound.
2. Bell Mountain Overlook, Towns County
We are so thankful the Hal Herrin Estate saw fit to donate 18 acres on the Bell Mountain Summit to Towns County, which has become Bell Mountain Park and Historical Site. If you have yet to visit, trust us, The view is awe-inspiring, and air-gliding from this perch is on many adventurers’ bucket lists. “The rock graffiti is either an eyesore or self-expression, however you look at it, but the expansive views of the valley are in my opinion the prettiest in Georgia,” said Publisher Julie Hostetter.
3. The Gourd Place, Sautee Nacoochee
If you’ve never met the “Gourd Girls” in Sautee Nacoochee, then you truly are missing this hidden jewel in the town. Priscilla Wilson began creatively experimenting with gourds and began selling her wares at local craft fairs. People just couldn’t get enough of her containers, planters, dolls, ornaments, utensils, drums, puzzles and anything you can imagine made from gourds. So, Wilson and her wife, Janice Lymburner, opened their store The Gourd Place at 2319 Duncan Bridge Road in Sautee. Today, the ladies are semi-retired but are open by appointment by calling 706-865-4048. Well worth a visit!
4. Museum City, Cartersville
A visit to Cartersville is a treasure trove of exploration as its array of museums are not only unique, but satisfy the inner nerd in all of us. First stop, the Booth Western Art Museum is one of the finest collections of Western art on this side of the Mason Dixon. Next stop, Tellus Science Museum has everything from gem panning and the amazing Weinman Mineral Gallery to displays of dinosaurs and even a replica of the Apollo 1 capsule and a mesmerizing planetarium. You’ll also want to do a few laps around the Savoy Automobile Museum and admire cars as works of art, such as a replica of Georgia Tech’s famous Ramblin’ Wreck. And if you have time, check out the Bartow History Museum, which covers Cherokee life and removal, the Civil War and strife, and the lifestyles of year’s past.
5 The Appalachian Trail Shoe Tree
It may be an eerie sight to experience, but it’s actually quite a powerful place to behold. Near Blood Mountain and the southern terminus of the more than 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail that starts in Maine and ends in Georgia, you will see hundreds of hiking boots hanging from trees outside the Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center. But have no fear, these are not the warnings of an angry Sasquatch but the revelry of hikers who have completed one of our country’s most epic hikes. The boots can be seen anytime you like, but we recommend a visit between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. when the Mountain Crossings store nearby is open for business. Ready to hike? Take the Springer Mountain hike on the Appalachian Trail, a two-mile adventure visiting the southernmost blaze and scoring some gorgeous summit views.
6. Minnehaha Falls
We have a lot of beautiful waterfalls in North Georgia, that is for sure, and we are definitely hard-pressed to pick our favorite, but there is just something about Minnehaha Falls near the banks of Lake Rabun that takes the cake. The short hike is perfect for families, just .4 miles roundtrip and only a few stairs. This waterfall near in Lakemont, Ga. cascades over a cliff and into a lush forest setting. Pure heaven.
7. Tallulah River Releases
Twice a year, water released in the Tallulah River Gorge to create the “Niagara Falls of the South” and attracts experienced kayakers and whitewater rafters from all over the world. But even if you are not that adventurous, it is still a beautiful sight to behold and something every Georgian needs to see once. This year the release is scheduled for Nov. 16 at midnight and will produce 3.4 miles of class IV-V whitewater. Then, head on over to the incredibly charming nearby town of Clayton for some fabulous dining and shopping.
8. Cloudland Canyon State Park
As the Grand Canyon of Georgia, Cloudland Canyon State Park is quite a sight to see. Its beauty might be due to the mining practices of long ago, but dang, they are still pretty to explore. Publisher Julie Hostetter’s favorite trail is the Waterfalls Trail that descends into the canyon to see Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls. “Climbing the 600 stairs on the way back up a are bit rough, but trust me the views are worth it,” she says.
9. Mark of the Potter
Just 30 minutes from Clayton is a shopping mecca for local pottery and art. The Mark of the Potter is housed in a scenic 1930s mill to make a visit even more special. Opened in 1969, Mark of the Potter is the oldest-running pottery gallery in Georgia. “Much to my surprise, my husband fell in love with a huge piggy bank that he simply had to buy. He sits proudly in our pool cabana and makes me smile every time I look at him,” said Publisher Julie Hostetter.
10. Biking the Big Creek Greenway
What better way to enjoy a beautiful fall day then biking on the Big Creek Greenway that traverses 9 miles through Alpharetta, Cumming and Roswell. The 12-foot-wide paved path is perfect for biking, walking, roller blading and even bird and fauna watching. “This is a great spot to explore natural wonders with kids in a safe, easily accessible setting,” said contributing writer Bre Humphries. Various trailheads with ample parking are available in Forsyth and Fulton counties.
11. Music Under the Stars
There is something magical about listening to live music under the stars, and we have two personal favorite venues for the perfect, romantic evening. Matilda’s Under the Pines in Milton and West Milford Farm in Cumming are our personal favorites. “I have so many good memories with my friends and family, sitting, talking, sipping wine and listening to amazing music,” said Publisher Julie Hostetter. “I definitely have many cherished memories at Matilda’s.”
12. Rock Garden, Calhoun
For wonderful whimsy and with the hopes of seeing a fairy or two, a visit to the magical Rock Garden in Calhoun is a must-see for the young and young at heart. Volunteer built, this folk-art display is simply one-of-a-kind. Guests are captivated by the more than 50 diminutive buildings, all lovingly crafted from stones, pebbles, shells and odd pieces of broken glass, china and other odds and ends. There are churches, castles and houses suitable for the most discriminating wee folk. And a “real-person-sized” music pavilion towers over it all, offering live musical performances.
13. Visit Rock City
Rock City in Lookout Mountain, Ga. is favorite for families, especially around the holidays. “We go to their Nights of Lights each Christmas, but it is beautiful year-round … even on rainy days,” said our Art Director Shannah Smith. The beautiful rock formations and stunning scenery are well worth the trip, and the magical fairy tale caverns tickle our nostalgia. Seerockcity.com
14. Visiting Vogel State Park.
Our Art Director Shannah Smith makes this park in Blairsville her family’s fall camping tradition. Shannah recommends you make your reservations as soon as they become available, which is 14 months in advance. “They have really great camping spots and clean restrooms. It’s great to take the bicycles and just chill for the weekend,” said Shannah. All levels of hiking are available right from the park, and they even have a church service on Sunday mornings. And with a lake and an easy hike to a nearby waterfall, it’s the perfect getaway for families.
15. North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park.
“This may be my favorite zoo in our area simply because you see the animals on a guided tour, which means you get to enjoy stories and info about the specific animals that they have,” said Art Director Shannah Smith. “They have a huge petting zoo, feeding area, and my kids loved the cockateels when they were little.” And Publisher Julie Hostetter will always remember the “Sloth Encounter” with her sloth-obsessed 8-year-old daughter. There are many magical encounters you can enjoy like Capybara and Penguin Yoga. northgeorgiazoo.com
16. Searching for the Stars
For the best stargazing, may we suggest Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth. This ridge-top park sits in the Appalachian foothills, with stargazing opportunities along open trails and near the old stone fire tower. Though not an official dark-sky site, it’s about 90 miles from Atlanta, and the elevation helps reduce urban glow. On clear nights, the western overlooks give wide views toward the horizon-especially impressive during meteor showers.
17. Shopping and Dining in Downtown Alpharetta and Roswell
“My oh my has Alpharetta grown,” said Publisher Julie Hostetter. “I moved to the area in 2000 when it had a little charm, but mostly old buildings with promise and not much to see and do. But today, it’s so walkable, with fabulous restaurants, local shopping and so many music events.” And historic Roswell has been heavy on the charm but has done more to make it a trendy, fun night out for Northside couples. On Sept. 20-21, the annual Roswell Arts Festival returns featuring talented artists.
18. Oktoberfest in Helen
This months-long celebration has been going on for more than 50 years, and if you haven’t cheered your frosty mugs during Oktoberfest, then it’s time to get cracking! Held in the city’s riverside Festhalle, the celebration is the longest of its kind in the United States! Revelers will dress in traditional attire, lederhosen and dirndls, while dancing the polka … and drinking fine German beer. Helen’s Okoberfest runs from Thursday to Sunday through September and daily from Sept. 25 to Nov. 2. We’ll drink to that!
19. Burt’s Pumpkin Farm
Visiting Burt’s Pumpkin Farm in the fall is like a North Georgia’s family’s rite of passage. The 40-acre farm features the sweetest strawberries and thousands of homegrown pumpkins, popcorn, Indian corn, ornamental gourds, and we haven’t even mentioned the hayrides yet! “This is no ordinary hayride,” said contributing writer Bre Humphries, recalling the delight her family felt the first time they rode along the ambling path through fields of pumpkins and wildflowers. “There’s even some unexpected entertainment in the form of animated jack-o-lanterns along the way!” The Patch and Store are open daily in September and October and up until Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. burtspumpkinfarmgeorgia.com
20. Touring Wine Country
North Georgia has more than 70 wineries and is still growing, and picking our favorite is like picking a favorite child. Some of our most memorable outings include Cavender Creek Vineyards and Wolf Mountain Vineyards in Dahlonega, Tuscan-inspired Montaluce Winery for its fabulous events and Tiger Mountain Vineyards in Tiger. The proximity of vineyards in areas like Dahlonega and Ellijay makes it easy to visit more than one in an afternoon—consider booking a trip with a company like North Georgia Wine Tours for safe travels. “Many vineyards host food trucks on the weekends so you can nosh while you sip, and Roo Mountain Vineyards in Ellijay boasts some of the most delicious sandwiches made with locally baked bread, which pair perfectly with their variety of wines,” said contributing writer Bre Humphries.
21. Most Relaxing Spas
Is anything more divine than a spa day in the mountains? Our personal favorites are the destination spas of North Georgia, which not only offer amazing treatments but an experience in and of themselves. Our favorites are the Equani Spa at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris, Serenity in the Mountains Spa and Luxury Suites in Blue Ridge, the Spa at Chateau Elan in Braselton and the Spa at Barnsley Resort in Adairsville. Pamper yourself soon, you’ll thank us for the suggestion!
22. Visit the Indian Seats at Sawnee Mountain
It’s a little longer hike than we usually recommend but the views are stunning. This 4-mile round trip hike up the summit of Sawnee Mountain in Cumming will reward you with long range views of the North Georgia Mountains. “This is my go-to hiking trail for a beautiful, inspiring view. Tip: Go in the morning to grab one of the coveted ‘seats’ on the mountain,” said Managing Editor Rachel Brown.
23. Cumming Country Fair & Festival
Southerners just love their county fairs. “I have been to several, but for some reason the one I most enjoy is the Cumming Country Fair and Festival. I love the permanent sky bucket ride that whisks you from one side of the fair to the other. Plus, it offers great views at night when all the rides are lit up,” said Publisher Julie Hostetter. The popular event attracts more than 250,000 from all over Georgia. This year’s event is celebrating its 30th anniversary will run from Oct. 2 – 12 at the Cumming Fairgrounds.
24. Sliding rocks at Poole’s Mill (Cumming) and BlackBerry Mountain/Clear Creek (Ellijay)
The natural water rockslide at Historic Poole’s Mill Bridge Park is one of nature’s gifts to children and adults alike. Skip the water park and enjoy the adventure of trekking down a small trail into an oasis of fun. “My kids enjoyed this park for years — and yes, I admit sliding down the rocks myself. A word to the wise — bring a donut float,” advised Managing Editor Rachel Brown. Similarly, the Blackberry Mountain Trailhead in Ellijay will steer you onto an easy hike to the banks of Clear Creek, where you’ll find various rockslides and rapids. “Pack some water shoes and a towel,” suggested contributing writor Bre Humphries. “And maybe even a picnic!”
25. Apple Orchards
“There’s nothing quite as iconic of fall in North Georgia as locally grown apples,” said contributing writer Bre Humphries. And at this time of year, our Appalachian foothills are ripe with them. The “Apple Capital of Georgia,” Ellijay’s orchards boast more than 22 varieties of apples harvested from June to November, with everything from familiar favorites like Gala and Golden Delicious to more obscure options like Ozark Gold. Make a day of it at U-Pick farms like Hillcrest Orchards and BJ Reece, which also offer family fun in the form of petting zoos, farm slides and more, or pop into roadside stands like Penland Farm Market for a quick fix (“Their homemade pork skins are also addictive!” Bre said.) A bit farther North, Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge offers U-Pick apples and one of the best farm markets in the state, with everything from apple cider donuts to apple wine and hard cider.
