North Georgia is proud to announce a show near you soon… thanks to many outstanding performances from our local and community theater groups, musicians, singers, and guest talent from the region.

If you are visiting the area for the weekend, plan to incorporate a show with your plans. You will be impressed with the professional quality productions and reasonable ticket prices.  This season’s performances bring a variety of Broadway productions from comedy to drama. Holiday classical favorites are also routinely attended by visitors and many locally who support the arts.

Applause and standing ovations go to the following plays, musicals, and shows for the upcoming 2011/2012 Season – so please call one of these fine theater’s to reserve your tickets now!

Anderson Music Hall
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
1311 Music Road, Hiawassee, Georgia 30546
georgiamountainfairgrounds.com  706-896-4191

Dobbs Theater
Goolsby Center, Young Harris College
1 College Street, Young Harris, GA
www.yhc.edu/tickets 706-379-4307

Rollins Planetarium
Young Harris College
1 College Street, Young Harris, GA
706-379-5195

Blue Ridge Community Theater
2591 East 1st Street, Blue Ridge, GA
www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com   706-632-9223

Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association
207 Dalton Street, Ellijay, GA 30540
www.gilmerarts.org 706-635-5605
Habersham Community Theater
1370 Washington Street, Clarkesville, GA. 30523
www.habershamtheater.org 706-839-1315

Swanson Center Mainstage Theater
Piedmont College
165 Central Avenue, Demorest, GA 30535
www.piedmont.edu/FA/ 706-778-3000 ext. 1355

Historic Holly Theatre
69 West Main Street , Dahlonega, GA
www.hollytheater.com 706-864-3759

Sautee-Nacoochee Center
283 Georgia Hwy 255 N, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
www.snca.org 706-878-3300

Rearden Theater
Rabun Gap Nacoochee School
339 Nacoochee Drive, Rabun Gap, GA 30568
www.rabungap.org 800-543-7467

Your Guide to Concerts, Festivals, Parades, Special Events & Shows

Hiawassee

• November 22 Festival of Trees  Holiday Gala, The Ridges Resort
• December 2 – 4 Mountain Christmas Tour of Homes, Hiawassee
• December 3 Christmas Parade, Downtown Hiawassee
• December 31 New Year’s Eve at the Ridges Resort
• February 11 Willie and Family Live in Concert, Anderson Music Hall Georgia Mtn Fairgrounds

Young Harris

• November 10-13 & 17-19 “Out of Order”, Dobbs Theatre, Young Harris College
• November 11 through December 9 Season of Light Special Holiday Presentation, Young Harris College
• November 18 and  December 2 & 9 Rollins Planetarium Shows, Young Harris College
• November 25 – 26 3rd Annual  Arts & Crafts Show, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
• December 10 Children’s Workshop, Breakfast w/Santa, Holiday Crafts, Gingerbread Village, Toy Train, Christmas Trees, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
• December 31 Annual New Years Gala, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
• February 16 – 19 & February 23 – 25 “Pride & Prejudice”, Dobbs Theatre, Young Harris College
• February 21-22 “Emotional Baggage”, Dobbs Theatre, Young Harris College

Blairsville

• November19 -20 12th Annual Mistletoe Market & Sugarplum Tearoom. Gifts, Crafts, Food & Fun, N. GA. Technical College
• November 19 Christmas Bazaar, Union County Senior Center
• December 2 & 9 North Georgia Chamber Symphony, Old Union County Courthouse
• December 3 Christmas on the Square Parade & Tree Lighting, Downtown Blairsville
• December 31 – January 1 New Years Eve “Viva Las Vegas Casino Night”, Copperhead Lodge
• February 11 Clergy Crock Pot Cook Off Fund Raiser to support The Hope House, United Community Bank

Clayton

• November 24 Clayton Cluckers Turkey Trot 5K Race to Benefit the Rabun County Food Pantry
• November 25 – 26 Festival of Trees & Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. Crafts, art, jewelry, food, and auction, Rabun Civic Center
• November 25 Christmas in Downtown, Live music, refreshments, Downtown Clayton
• November 26 Children’s Heritage Days, Foxfire Museum
• December 3 Christmas Parade & Carroling in the County, Downtown Clayton

Tallulah Falls

• December 9 Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Gorge

Clarkesville

• November 19 11th Annual Holiday Bazaar, Santa, handmade crafts, train rides, food & fun, Fulbright Aquatic Center
• December 3 Clarkesville Christmas & Parade, Downtown Clarkesville
• March 17 2nd Annual Clarkesville Shuffle 5K, Clarkesville

Demorest

• November 17 – 20 “A Christmas Carol” Swanson Center Mainstage Theater, Piedmont College
• December 2 – 3 23rd Annual Service of Lessons & Carols, Piedmont College Chapel
• January 6 Mathew Markham, Baritone, Piedmont College Chapel
• January 8 – February 5 Ceramics Art Show, Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art
• February 3 Athens Guitar Trio, Piedmont College Chapel
• February 10 Chanson, Piedmont College Chapel
• February 16-19 A Little Night Music, Swanson Center Mainstage Theater, Piedmont College

Cornelia

• November 24 – January 1 Christmas in Cornelia Light Display
• December 9 Christmas Tree Lighting, The Depot / Big Red Apple in Cornelia
• December 9 – 11, 16 – 18 Ice Skating, Cornelia City Park/Community House
• December 9-11 & 16-18 Holiday Fun & Games, Hayrides, Christmas Caroling, Cornelia City Park/Community House

Sautee

• November 19 Tellabration! Featuring Minton Sparks, Center Theatre
• November 19 Folk Pottery Demo, Folk Pottery Museum
• December 3 Holiday Extravaganza, Center Gallery
• December 9-11 Community Chorale Concert, Center Theatre
• January 14 & 28 / February 11 & 25 Tour de la Cave & Barrel Tasting, Yonah Mountain Vineyards
• January 28 Winter Wino Fest, Sautee-Nacoochee Vineyards

Helen

• November 22 Guided Hike to Chunanee Falls, Smithgall Woods
• November 25 Annual Lighting  of the Village, Downtown Helen
• November 25 Festival of Trees, Unicoi State Park
• November 25-27 & December 3-4 4th Annual Christkindlmarket. Unique gifts, decorations, food & fun, Downtown Helen
• December 3 Annual Christmas Parade, Downtown Helen
• December 3 Deck the Halls – crafts, hayrides, & music, Unicoi State Park
• December 10 Nacoochee Village Christmas, Helen
• January 10 & February 14 History of Helen Event, Helen Arts & Heritage Center
• January 14 33rd Annual Hogpen Hill Climb, Benefit for N.E. GA Habitat for Humanity
• January 15 &  February 19 Chat with an Artist, GHAA Art & Fine Crafts
• January 21 Beginning Bee-Keeping, Smithgall Woods, Helen
• January 28 Dulcimer-Making Class, Smithgall Woods, Helen
• February 1 Hemlock & Winter Botany, Smithgall Woods, Helen
• February 10 Fasching Party, Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant
• February 11 Fasching, Helendorf River Inn
• February 18 37th Annual Fireside Arts & Crafts Show, Unicoi State Park
• February 25 Helenblitz Mini Cooper Car Shop, Helendorf River Inn

Cleveland

• November 19 Appalachian Christmas, Babyland General Hospital
• December 3 11th Annual Christmas in the Mountains Celebration, Downtown Cleveland
• February 11 Valentine’s Celebration, Babyland General Hospital

Dahlonega

• November 18 &  December 18 Old Fashioned Christmas & Lighting of the Square, Downtown Dahlonega
• November 19 & 26 / December 2, 10, 24, & 31 Dixieland Jazz Jam, Crimson Moon Café
• November 19-20 “Babes in Toyland”, Holly Theater
• November 21 Jazz Band Performance, N. GA College & State University
• November 29 Symphonic Band Concert, N. GA College & State University
• December 3 Real Home-town Parade, Downtown Dahlonega
• December 4 Traditional Music Jam, Roots, Blues, & Rock Jam, Crimson Moon Café
• December 11 Holiday Tour of B&B Inns of Dahlonega
• December 11 “Old Time” Music Jazz Jam, Crimson Moon Café
• December 16 Holly Holiday, Dahlonega Marketplace
• December 18 Traditional Music Jam, Greybeard’s Acoustic Session, Crimson Moon Café
• December 25 Traditional Music Jam, Sinatra Sunday, Crimson Moon Cafe

Blue Ridge

• November 19 – January 13 Art Center Members’ Holiday Show & Sale, Blue Ridge Art Center
• November 24 Blue Ridge Turkey Trot 5K Run, Downtown City Park
• November 25 – 27 / December 2, 9, 16 “It’s a Wonderful Life”, Blue Ridge Community Theater
• November 25, December 3, 10, 17 Blue Friday Shopping & Entertainment, Blue Ridge Bus. Assoc.
• November 25-27 / December 3-4, 9-11 Santa Train, Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad
• November 26 Light up Blue Ridge, Downtown Blue Ridge
• December 3 Kiwanis Christmas Parade, McCayesville
• December 10 The Sock Hops, The Arts Center, Downtown Blue Ridge

Ellijay

• November 25 Christmas Parade & Light Up Ellijay, Downtown Ellijay
• December 2-4 Winter Wine Highway, Cartecay Vineyards
• December 8 Cherry Log Pickin’ Bluegrass, Cherry Log Community Clubhouse
• December 10 Reindeer Rally 5K Road Race/Walk & 10 Mile, Downtown Ellijay
• December 11 Another Evening with Sherlock Holmes, Gilmer Arts & Heritage Assoc.
• December 12 Chamber Chili Challenge, Downtown Ellijay
• January 12 Cherry Log Pickin’ Bluegrass, Cherry Log Community Clubhouse
• February 9 Cherry Log Pickin’ Bluegrass, Cherry Log Community Clubhouse

Warm yourself by a cozy fire in the indoor fireplace or the riverfront outdoor chiminea. Enjoy walks along the banks of the river and view wildlife like deer, groundhogs, Canadian Geese, and also an occasional winter visitor of the bald eagle. Hiking trails provide magnificent long range views of mountains, that your unable to see when foliage is in bloom spring through fall. If you enjoy the outdoors, most activities are open year round, including golf, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, picnicking, birding, geocaching, nature photography, and wildlife environmental education.  Some winter outdoor fun also includes snow tubing, sledding, ice skating, and holiday parades. If you like the coziness of indoors you’ll be sure to find a variety of activities to enjoy the day. Downtown has quaint cafés and shops that include art galleries,  antique stores, pottery, handmade furniture and crafts. Wintertime is always a great time for sales in clothing, gift shops, and where you will find that most stores have reasonable prices. Wine tasting is also popular where visitors can enjoy views at the wineries from the covered balcony, deck, or inside by the fire. Special winery dinners and events at premises or nearby facilities allow visitors to relax while enjoying a wonderful meal. Menus range from slow-roasted meats, fish, vegetables, soups, salads, and cheeses. Transportation is also available for winery tours.
Experience staying in a rustic cabin and spend a cozy romantic evening in the North Georgia Mountains cuddling by the crackling fire. You can also lodge in a hotel that has a variety of amenities including fireplaces, hot tubs and kitchenette area. Many facilities have packages to pamper you at spas with facials, massages, saunas and fitness center. Nightlife is found in downtown areas of the larger towns and offers community theater shows and music performers. Restaurants, pubs, and small cafés have good food with a small town atmosphere. Mom-and-Pop operations serve hot sandwiches, soup, and country cooking that warms you up on cold winter days.

If you are lucky, you may experience the pristine beauty of snow in the North Georgia Mountains. Although the snow will not last very long, you will be treated to a sparkling winter wonderland– even if it is temporary.
Temperatures during winter months are usually variable. Oftentimes, stretches of relatively mild weather will alternate with cold snaps. Winter highs are in the 40’s & 50’s with below freezing temperatures overnight on an average of 3 months of the year.  Snow may blanket the mountains about once or twice a year from light dustings up to 3 or more inches in higher elevations. The peace of waking up to find the ground covered by a thick, white blanket will bring a smile as you enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate and a roaring fire. It is so serene; it seems to be in hibernation, quietly conserving its reserves for the coming spring.
North Georgia’s wonderland of beauty always manages to retain its charm and attraction for all seasons. Come experience… a special vacation in the Mountains and treat yourself to quiet comfort.

Hiawassee, Georgia
Sept. 24 – 25: Summer’s Last Kiss – An Affair with the Arts, Hiawassee  Downtown Square
Oct. 7 – 15: Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Oct. 31: Halloween on the Square , Hiawassee Downtown Square

Young Harris, GA
Sept. 23  & 30: Earth, Moon & Sun, Rollins Planetarium at Young Harris College
Oct. 21 & 28: Fright Light Laser Concert, Rollins Planetarium at Young Harris College
Oct. 28 – 29: Haunted Hike & Hay Ride, Brasstown Valley Stables – Young Harris
Nov. 4 & 18: Skies over Georgia/ Season  of Light, Rollins Planetarium at Young Harris College
Nov. 25 – 26: 3rd Annual Arts & Crafts Show, Brasstown Valley Resort

Blairsville, GA
Sept. 23 & 30: Friday Night Concert Series, Union County Historic Courthouse
Oct. 1: Blairsville 1st Sat. Cruise-in, Downtown Courthouse Square
Oct. 1 -2:  The Valley Above the Clouds Festival, Suches, GA – Woody Gap School
Oct. 1,  4, 7: Union County Farmer’s Market, next to Home Depot
Oct. 7, 14, 21, & 28: Friday Night Concert Series, Union County Historic Courthouse
Oct. 8, 9, 15, & 16:  Sorghum Festival, Meeks Park
Oct. 21: 2nd Annual North Georgia Fall Bass Fishing Tournament, Lake Chatuge & Lake Nottely
Oct. 23:  Northeast Georgia Harvest Run, Meeks Park

Clayton, GA
Sept. 23 – 24: Barrel Race Show, Rabun Arena
Sept. 24: Kickin’ It Country, Sky Valley
Sept. 26: Historical Rock Hike, Tallulah Gorge
Oct. 1: Foxfire – Mountaineer Festival, Rabun County Civic Center
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29: Tallulah Falls Bluegrass on the Square
Oct. 7: 1st Friday Fests – local musicians, Downtown Clayton
Oct. 10 – 11: Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Gorge
Oct. 15:  The Great ARTdoors Festival, Hambridge Center
Oct. 22-23: Haybales and Harvest Time, Sky Valley
Oct. 29: Halloween Hay Day, Downtown Clayton
Oct. 29-30: Rabun Leaf Arts and Craft Show, Clayton Civic Center
Nov. 5: Tallulah Falls Bluegrass on the Square
Nov. 11 – 13: Northeast Georgia Arts Tour, Rabun County
Nov. 11:  Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Gorge

Clarkesville, GA
Sept. 24:  Taste of Clarkesville, Downtown Clarkesville
Oct. 1: Worldwide Photo Walk, Downtown Clarkesville
Oct. 22: Batesville Celebration, Batesville General Store
Oct. 29 & 30: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, Habersham Community Theater
Oct. 31: Trick or Treat on the Clarkesville Square
Nov. 5 & 6: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, Habersham Community Theater
Nov. 11 – 13: Northeast Georgia Arts Tour,  Habersham County
Nov. 19: 11th Annual Holiday Bazaar, Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center

Demorest, GA
Sept.29 – Oct. 2: “South Pacific”, Swanson Center at Piedmont College
Oct. 6: Tiberius String Quartet, Piedmont College Chapel
Oct.14: Terry Lowe, Piano, Piedmont College Chapel
Nov. 1, 5, 10, & 15: Musical Performances/ Singers, Piedmont College Chapel
Nov. 17, 18, 19: “A Christmas Carol”, Swanson Center at Piedmont College

Cornelia,  GA
Oct. 1: Big Red Apple Festival, Downtown Cornelia
Oct. 8: Hills of Habersham 2nd Annual Bike Ride

Sautee- Nachoochee, GA
Sept. 23 – 24: Sautee Jamboree Music Festival, Sautee Nacoochee Center
Oct. 1 & 29: Community Contra Dance,  Sautee Nacoochee Historic Gym
Oct. 7 & 15: Fabulous Fall Show Art Exhibit, The Center Gallery
Oct. 7: First Friday Music Pickin on the Porch, Sautee Village
Oct. 15: Georgia Literary Book Festival, Sautee Nacoochee Center
Oct. 15: Lilies of the Valley, Sautee Nacoochee Historic Gym
Oct. 22: Hillbilly Hog BBQ Throwdown, Sautee Nacoochee Center
Nov. 11 – 13: Northeast Georgia Arts Tour, White County
Nov. 18: Annual Holiday Extravaganza Art Exhibit, The Center Gallery
Nov. 19: “Tellabration” Storytelling Event, The Center Theatre

Helen, GA
Sept. 22  – Oct. 30: 41st Annual Oktoberfest, Helen Festhalle
Sept. 24: Oktoberfest Parade, City of Helen
Sept. 24: Outdoor Adventure Day, Unicoi State Park
Sept. 24: Adult Artist Competition, Helen  Arts & Heritage Center
Oct. 1: Hiking in Helen, Unicoi State Park
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Saturday Evening Concert Series, Unicoi State Park
Oct. 8: Miss Ocktoberfest Pageant, Helen
Oct. 8: Fall Celebration, Smithgall Woods
Oct. 8: 2nd Annual Indian Cultural Festival, Helen Riverside Park
Nov. 5 & 12: Saturday Evening Concert Series, Unicoi State Park
Nov. 5: Visiting Artist Series, Unicoi State Park

Cleveland, GA
Sept. 24: Agri-Fest/Country Market & Pottery, Downtown Cleveland
Nov. 19: Appalachian Christmas, Babyland General Hospita

Dahlonega, GA
Sept. 24: Appalachian Jam, Downtown Dahlonega
Sept. 24: Dahlonega’s Famers Market, Downtown Dahlonega
Sept. 24 & 25: “Pump Boys & Dinettes”, Holly Theater
Sept. 25: Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride
Oct. 1 & 8: Appalachian Jam, Downtown Dahlonega
Oct. 1, 2, 8, & 9: “Pump Boys & Dinettes”, Holly Theater
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29: Dahlonega’s Famers Market, Downtown Dahlonega
Oct. 15 & 16: Gold Rush Days, Public Square
Oct. 15 & 16: Dahlonega Rock & Mineral Show
Nov. 4 – 6: Hemlock Festival
Nov. 10 – 13: Literary Festival & Writers Conference
Nov. 11 – 13: Northeast Georgia Arts Tour, Lumpkin County

Blue Ridge, GA
Sept. 23: The Sixth Annual Great Train Event, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Sept. 23 & 30: “Postmortem”, Blue Ridge Community Theater
Sept. 24: Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market, Downtown Blue Ridge
Sept.29: Pickin’ in Horseshoe Bend Park, McCaysville, GA
Oct. 1 & 2: “Postmortem”, Blue Ridge Community Theater
Oct. 6 – 9: “Grace & Glorie”, Blue Ridge Community Theater
Oct. 8 & 9: Fall Arts in the Park, Downtown Blue Ridge
Oct. 15, 16, 22 & 23:  40th Annual Mountain Arts and Craft Sale, Blue Ridge Farmers Market
Oct. 15 & 16: Home Builders Showcase 2011
Oct. 22: Paws in the Park, Downtown Blue Ridge
Oct. 28: Classic Cars Cruise In, Dairy Queen
Oct. 31: Halloween Safe Zone, Downtown Blue Ridge
Oct. 31: Halloween Costume Parade & Trick or Treat, McCaysville/Copperhill
Nov. 25 – 27: “Annie”, Blue Ridge Community Theater

Ellijay, GA
Sept. 23: Ellijay Under the Stars, Mountain Vista Amphitheater
Sept. 23: Porcelain Dolls Exhibit, Gilmer Arts Heritage Museum
Sept. 30: GAHA Autumn Art Show, Gilmer Arts Heritage Gallery
Oct. 1: Hiking Event, Benton McKaye Trail
Oct. 1, 8, 15: Cherry Log Fall Festival, Cherry Log
Oct. 7: GAHA Charity Golf Tournament, Whitepath Golf Course
Oct. 8 & 15: 40th Annual Georgia Apple Festival Arts & Craft Show, Fairgrounds
Oct. 8: Antique Car Show, Civic Center
Oct. 15: Antique Car Show Parade, Downtown Ellijay
Oct. 15:  Apple Arts on The Square, Downtown Ellijay
Nov. 10: Cherry Log Pickin & Bluegrass Pickin, Downtown Ellijay

It was situated near the old boundary lines between the Cherokee and Creek Indian tribes that had beautiful virgin forestland.

As transportation was building along the East Coast, there was a settlement at the junction of railroads that was known as Tom Paine’s Post Office.  Mr. Henry Smith, a judge, who was the attorney for the Blue Ridge Railroad had the junction of the two railroads moved to form blocks and subdivided building lots that helped sell lots to form the central business district of Cornelia.

Blaine Station was the original name of the railroad depot and was named for the Republican presidential candidate James Gillespie Blaine. When the attorney representing the railroad, Pope Barrow, secured the first charter of the town in 1887 the name was changed to Cornelia in honor of his wife.

Visitors can step back in time to downtown Cornelia and see the beautifully restored Train Depot as the original terminal was damaged in a fire, and rebuilt in 1914 to it’s current appearance. Inside the terminal is a museum of early railroad memorabilia, model of the Talullah Falls train, and two restored cabooses by the depot.

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 for many years a festival was held in celebration of the apples grown in the area. Cornelia has since been known as the “The Home of the Big Red Apple.

Several sites throughout Cornelia lure history buffs to discover some old time architecture like the Loudermilk Boarding House on Foreacre St.  Built in 1908 and listed on The National Register of Historic Places features Joni Mabe’s Panoramic Encyclopedia of Everything Elvis. The Elvis Museum contains over 30,000 Elvis items and is listed in Guinness’ World Book of Records for being the most unique.  There is also a Big E Festival held first Saturday in August for Elvis fans.

The Habersham County Historical Society and Telephone Museum is on North Main Street.   The building houses an extensive collection of telephone equipment and information as well as historical maps of the county and surrounding areas.  The telephone equipment is from Standard Telephone and encompasses the years 1876 to present. One of the special items is a telephone receiver that was patented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876.

The Community House on Wyly Street is a handsome stone & log structure built by the CCC in 1936 and listed on the National Register.  Also on the property is the Hilliard Wilbanks memorial honoring Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Captain Hilliard A Wilbanks.  The adjoining park features picnic areas, playground equipment and walking trails.

The Chenocetah Fire Tower is the last rock-constructed, working fire lookout tower in the east and has been preserved through a cooperative effort between The U.S. Forestry and citizens groups. Built by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) in 1936 for the Chattahoochee National Forest, the stone tower is 40 feet high and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tower is open to visitors one day a year during the “Big Red Apple Festival.” The city of Cornelia provides hayrides to the tower during daylight hours. Guests may climb to the top for the tower for a spectacular panoramic view of horizons.

Cornelia is also adjacent to the Lake Russell Recreational Area in the Chattahoochee National Forest.  It has hiking trails available year-round and a 4.6 mile loop that goes around the shore of this beautiful 100 acre lake.  The Ladyslipper Trail is a nice 6.2 mile hike that loops through the forest behind Nancytown Lake.  The Sourwood Trail is a 2.7 mile loop trail which features a nice little “Nancytown Waterfalls” at the 1.5 mile mark. 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.

Today, Cornelia is a pleasant, picturesque small town at the gateway to the North Georgia Mountains.  Stroll through the downtown area with shops, restaurants that uphold the small town atmosphere that takes pride in the community by preserving history and natural resources.

Originally, Young Harris College was named McTyeire Institute; after Bishop Holland McTyeire. Artemas Lester, a circuit riding Methodist minister who wanted to provide the residents of the Appalachian Mountains with an education, established the school in 1886.  A wealthy local resident named Judge Young Loftin Gerdine Harris became the benefactor of the college and kept it open during it’s earlier years and it was renamed Young Harris College.   Celebrating 125 years of education, Young Harris College is accredited by (SACS) and offers associate and baccalaureate degrees.

The Rollins Planetarium, which does many shows for the public, is located in the Maxwell Center building on the campus of Young Harris College. The planetarium was opened in 1979 through the philanthropy of Wayne and Grace Rollins and seats 100 people 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.

Young Harris started growing in 1960 because Lake Chatuge became known as North Georgia’s vacation destination as people starting building homes. Further growth continued in the 1990’s as condos and retirement homes were developed around the lake. When Brasstown Valley Resort was developed in 1995 by the State of Georgia it promoted the facility as a luxury lodging, dining, and conference center.  Known as North Georgia’s premier getaway with over 100 lodge guest rooms/cottage suites, it features a 18-hole championship golf course, luxury spa, riding stables, and picturesque mountain views at every turn.

Lake Chatuge’s many activities range from fishing, boating, swimming, sailing, tubing, water skiing, wake boarding, and canoeing. The 7,050-acre Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir is located on the North Carolina border. Sport fishing and wade fishing for trout is popular at Chatuge, both in the reservoir and in the Hiwassee River below the dam.

In addition to the marinas, there are State and county parks that also offer camping or picnic facilities with beaches and playgrounds by the lake.

Young Harris also boasts unique countryside activities just outside the city.  The School of Lapidary Arts holds classes for beading, basket making, stained glass, and related arts.

Harold Sparks, founder was president of the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies and with his wife, Mary Lou, called upon many rock and gem associates to build this unique campus and lodging facility.

Award winning Crane Creek Winery also allows visitors to stroll through vineyards, tour their winemaking process and taste the fruited blends of sparkling whites or bold red wines.  Special events, like the Tomato Festival held in August are open to the public for wine tastings, food, and musical entertainment.

This Enchanted Valley started with the Cherokee Indians and visitors can still see  petroglyphs, made by Native Americans at Track Rock Gap that consists of six table-size, soapstone rock boulders containing more than a hundred carvings, beginning about 1,000 years ago. Track Rock Gap was the site of the Cherokee village of “Brasstown,” from which the Georgia High Point took its name. This spot is the start to the Arkaquah Trail, a 5.5-mile hike that is moderately difficult to Georgia’s highest peak.

Beautiful Brasstown Bald, rising 4,784 feet above sea level, is Georgia’s highest mountain. On clear days, the spectacular 360-degree view from atop the mountain allows you to see four states, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The surrounding area is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. At the top is a Visitors Center with an extensive museum and various presentations on forestry in North Georgia. Plan on spending a few minutes to see the exhibit; as it is well worth the time. It is open daily from May to October and on weekends through November.

Visitors can travel to Brasstown by car from State Rd. Hwy. 180 that can be accessed either coming from Helen or Hiawassee on 17/75 or by Blairsville on Hwy. 129.  Once to the parking facility there is a steep, paved trail to the Visitor Information Center at the summit. Frequent stopping places along the difficult trail path make it achievable for even the most out-of-shape hikers.  A shuttle in the visitor parking also provides access to the summit; in addition to a picnic area for the public.

The surrounding Young Harris region is an antique shopper’s dream because the area is so beautiful to drive through.  Art stores throughout the local area display the work of many well known painters, potters and sculptors along with a colorful array of Appalachian folk art.

A visit to this “Valley of Beauty” keeps many people coming back to stay for more relaxing & enchanting experiences in Young Harris, Georgia.

Just outside of Clarkesville, GA is the Scenic drive of Hwy. 197 that travels along the banks of the Soque River.  As this winding road leads to Lake Burton, you will find many picture perfect opportunities to stop and admire the scenery.

From Hwy. 441 take Hwy. 17 or Hwy. 385 into Clarkesville just North of the square turn onto Hwy. 197 and let your journey begin.  If you are traveling from Clayton or Hiawassee, turn just off of Hwy. 76 by Lake Burton.   From either direction, take your time and enjoy this twenty mile drive through the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.

Starting from Clarkesville you will pass Historic Homes, pasturelands, and the large campus of North Georgia Technical College.  The route then follows the Soque River before reaching historic Batesville. An interesting feature on the road is a small ford (locals call “the dip”), where, during wetter times of the year, water crosses over the road before it joins the Soque River.

A must-stop off-the-main-road destination for lovers of pottery is Mark of the Potter where the original 1930’s Watt’s Mill was built for local farmers to grind corn. This favorite mill still makes local regional pottery, while displaying the turbine system from the natural flow of the Soque River.  Visitors look at the trout from the porch (Sorry, no fishing…just feeding with trout chow at 25 cents/handful.)

Many shops off Hwy. 197 not only display Regional arts including pottery, painting, stained glass, woodcarving, rustic furniture, but many other works of local artisans.

As Batesville, S.R. 197 is joined by S.R. 255, you must stop by the old Historic General Store, have lunch and visit the Art Galleries.  The beautiful scenery of the North Georgia Mountains reflects in the outstanding artwork from these fine paintings and photography that you will want to take home.

The winding highway climbs higher into the mountains towards Lake Burton, where you can dine at the Marina, camp at Moccasin Creek State Park, or visit Lake Burton’s Fish Hatchery.

The drive of Scenic Hwy. 197 will help the whole family appreciate where time slows down and many treasures can be found in the sites and sound of nature.

Many of the waterfalls in North Georgia are

Here are just a few of the beautiful waterfalls to see…..

Angel-Panther Falls
The trail parallels the west side of Joe Branch. You will come to Panther Falls after hiking .6-miles. To reach Angel Falls, hike another .3-miles.
Clayton/Rabun County Area: From Clayton, take U.S. 441/23 south for 7 miles. Turn right on unnumbered country road for .1 mile, then turn left on GA Hwy. 15 for 2 miles. Turn right on County Road 10 for five miles. Enter Rabun Beach Campground #2 entrance, go .2 mile to parking area on right. Trailhead is 80 feet to the north.

Becky Branch Falls
This 20-foot cascade is located just five minutes from downtown Clayton and is easily accessible.
Clayton/Rabun County Area: From Clayton, drive east on Warwoman Road for 2.8 miles and park on the left side of the road. Walk up the right side of the branch on the trail for about 200 yards to a bridge at the base of the falls.

Dick’s Creek Falls
This waterfall is about 60 feet high and makes a sheer drop over a granet mound into the Chattooga River.
Directions: From Clayton, drive east on Warwoman Road to the Junction of Dick’s Creek Road (or Sand Ford Road).  Go .5 mile, then take a left across the creek.  Go 3.5 miles and cross the second ford, and park at Bartram Trail Sign.  Follow the trail north to Dick’s Creek.  Follow the creek to viewing area at the top of the falls.

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.

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 170-acre 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.

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.

July 23 – Annual Appalachian Pottery Festival
Bald Mountain Camping Resort

Aug. 11th – 13th – 3rd Annual GA Mtn. Moonshine Cruiz-In
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Sept. 8th – 10th – GA State H.O.G. Rally
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Sept. 24th – 25th – Summer’s Last Kiss: An Affair with the Arts
Hiawassee Downtown Square

Young Harris, GA
August 5th – Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens
Rollins Planetarium at Young Harris College

August 27th – The Young Harris Art Fest
Mayors Park – Young Harris

Blairsville, GA
July 22nd & 29th – Friday Night Concert Series
Union Co. Historic Courthouse at 7pm

July 23rd – 13th Annual Butternut Creek Festival
Meeks Park

July 23rd – July 24th – Annual Saddleclub Rodeo
Union County Saddle Club

July 30th & 31st – Green Bean Festival Pageant on the 29th

Aug. 5th, 12, 19, & 26th – Friday Night Concert Series
Union County Historic Courthouse 7 pm

August 6th – Blairsville 1st Saturday Cruise-in
Downtown Courthouse Square

Aug. 18th – 20th – 3rd Annual Union County Farmer’s Market Flower Show
Haralson Memorial Civic Center Auditorium

Sept. 2nd – Blairsville Cruisers Block Party
O’Reilly’s Auto Parts

Sept. 9th, 16, 23, & 30th – Friday Night Concert Series
Union County Historic Courthouse 7pm

Sept. 10th – Mountain Music, Arts, & Crafts Festival
Vogel State Park

Sept. 24th – Northeast Georgia Harvest Run
Meeks Park

Clayton, GA
July 30th – Witches Head Excursion
Hike to bottom of the dam – Tallulah Gorge

July 30th – Tallulah Falls Bluegrass on the Square

Aug. 5-6th – Dillard BBQ & Bluegrass Festival
Dillard House

August 5th – 1st Friday Fests Local musicians.
Downtown Clayton

August 13, 20, & 27th – Tallulah Falls Bluegrass on the Square

August 19th – Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Tallulah Gorge

August 20th – Rabun County Farm Winery Day
Tiger & Persimmon Creek Winery

Aug. 20th – Elvis in the Valley
Sky Valley

Aug. 28th – Emile Pandolfi Rabun County Music Festival
Rheardon Theatre – Rabun Gab Nachoochee School

Sept. 2-5th – Labor Day Weekend Gorge Floor Hike
Tallulah Gorge

Sept. 3rd – Rockin Revelry Last Days of Summer Festival
Sky Valley

Sept. 3 – 4th – Dillard Art Fest
Dillard City Hall Grounds

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24th – Tallulah Falls Bluegrass on the Square

Sept. 11th – Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Tallulah Gorge

Sept. 12th – 20th Annual “Rhapsody in Rabun”

Sept. 24th – Kickin’ It Country
Sky Valley

Sept. 26th – Historical Rock Hike
Tallulah Gorge

Clarkesville, GA
July 22nd, 24th, & 28th – “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Habersham Community Theater

August 8th – Friday Night Flicks – “Secretariat”
Under the stars at Pitts Park

August 19 – 21st – Northeast Georgia Antique Car Show
Habersham County Fairgrounds

Sept. 9th – 17th – 36th Annual Chattahoochee Mountain Fair
Habersham County Fairgrounds

Sept. 24th – Taste of Clarkesville
Downtown Clarkesville

Demorest, GA
July 22nd – Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band
Piedmont College

Sautee-Nacoochee, GA
July 23rd – Folk Pottery Demo
10:00am-2:00pm – Folk Pottery Center

July 23rd – Contra Dance
Sautee Nacoochee Historic Gym – 6:30-11:30pm

Aug. 6th – “All Fired Up” Gallery Exhibit
Sautee Nacoochee Center

Aug. 13th – Art Walk
Sautee Village

Aug. 26th – “The World of Glass” Art Exhibit
The Center Gallery

Aug. 27th – Folk Pottery Demo
10: 00am-2:00pm – Folk Pottery Center

Aug. 27th- Community Contra Dance
Sautee Nacoochee Historic Gym

Sept. 3rd – Folklife Festival & Folk Pottery Sale
Sautee Nacoochee Community Center

Sept. 17th – Community Contra Dance
Sautee Nacoochee Historic Gym

Sept. 23 – 24th – Sautee Jamboree Music Festival
Sautee Nacoochee Community Center

Helen, GA
July 23rd – Christmas in July
Heritage Center for the Arts & Fine Craft Gallery

July 23rd – River Mist Concert Series
6:00pm – River Mist Lodge

July 29th – Bingo
Helen Chamber of Commerce Festhalle

July 29-30th – Folklife Festival
Unicoi State Park

July 29th – Annual Car Show & Shine for Cystic Fibrosis
Remember When Theater

Aug. 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, & 26th – Bingo
Helen Chamber of Commerce Festhalle

Aug. 13th – River Mist Concert Series
6:00pm – River Mist Lodge – Helen

August 18th – Destination Helen Motorcycle Rally

Sept. 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 19, & 20th – Bingo
Helen Chamber of Commerce Festhalle

Sept. 22nd – Oct. – 41st Annual Oktoberfest
Helen Chamber of Commerce Festhalle

Sept. 24th – Oktoberfest Parade
Downtown Helen

Sept. 24th – Outdoor Adventure Day
Unicoi State Park

Sept. 24th – Adult Artist Competition
Helen Arts & Heritage Center

Cleveland, GA
Sept. 17th – Fall Festival
Babyland General Hospital

Sept. 24th – Agri-Fest & Country Market
Downtown Cleveland

Dahlonega, GA
July 23 & 30th – Dahlonega’s Farmers’ Market
8:00am-4:00 pm – Downtown Dahlonega

July 23, 30th – Appalachian Jam
Downtown Dahlonega – 2:00 – 5:00pm

Aug. 5th – First Friday Night Concert Series
Downtown Dahlonega

Aug. 6th – Walk in the Woods
Medicine Bow – naturalist study

Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27th – Dahlonega’s Farmers’ Market
8:00am-4:00 pm – Downtown Dahlonega

Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27th – Appalachian Jam
Downtown Dahlonega – 2:00-5:00pm

Aug 20 – 21st – Fools Gold Mountain Bike Race and Festival
Downtown Dahlonega

Aug. 21st – Play it Again Sam
Historic Holly Theater

Sept. 2nd – First Friday Night Concert Series
Downtown Dahlonega

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24th – Dahlonega’s Farmers’ Market
8:00am-4:00 pm – Downtown Dahlonega

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24th – Appalachian Jam
Downtown Dahlonega – 2:00-5:00pm

Sept. 3rd – Mountain Music & Medicine Show
Historic Holly Theater

Sept. 17th – Rita Graham Blues Concert
Historic Holly Theater

Sept. 25th – Six & Three Gap Bike Ride
Dahlonega Square

Blue Ridge, GA
July 22nd – Classic Cars Cruise-In
Dairy Queen Parking Lot

July 22nd – Movies in the Park
Blue Ridge City Park

July 23rd & 30th – Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market
Downtown Blue Ridge

July 28th – 31st Little Shop of Horrors
Blue Ridge Community Theater

July 28th – Pickin’ in Horseshoe Bend Park
McCaysville, GA

July 29th & 30th – Maxwell Taylor
The Blue Ridge Mountains Art Center

Aug. 4, 11, & 25th – Pickin’ in Horseshoe Bend Park
McCaysville, GA

Aug. 6th – Sept. Invitational 3D Exhibit
Blue Ridge Mtns. Art Assoc.

Aug. 6, 13, 20 & 27th – Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market
Downtown Blue Ridge

Sept. 1, 8, 15, & 22nd – Pickin’ in Horseshoe Bend Park
McCaysville, GA

Sept. 3, 10, 17, & 24th – Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market
Downtown Blue Ridge

Sept. 23rd – Classic Cars Cruise-In
Dairy Queen Parking Lot

Sept. 8, 16, 23, & 30th – Postmortem
Blue Ridge Community Theater

Sept. 9th – 11th – International Plein Aire Paint
Blue Mtn. Arts Assoc.

Sept. 10 – Oct. – Photographer’s National Juried Nature & Fine Art Exhibit

Ellijay, GA
July 23 & 30th – Farmer’s Market
Downtown Gilmer County Courthouse Parking

Aug. 5th – Ellijay Under the Stars
Mountain Vista Ampitheater – 7:00 pm

Aug. 11th – Cherry Log Pickin’ Bluegrass Pickin
Downtown Ellijay

August 6, 13, 20, & 27th – Farmer’s Market
Downtown Gilmer County Courthouse Parking

Sept. 3rd – Three Rivers Music Jam

Sept. 3, 10, 17, & 24th – Farmer’s Market
Downtown Gilmer County Courthouse Parking

Sept. 8th – Cherry Log Pickin’ Bluegrass Pickin
Downtown Ellijay

Sept. 16-17 – 9th Annual Flea Market
Good Samaritan Catholic Church -
For more information, call 706-636-2772

Sept. 23rd – Ellijay Under the Stars
Mountain Vista Ampitheater – 7:00 pm

From just outside of Dahlonega, the road forks Left off Hwy. 19 going North over beautiful mountain vista. Woody Gap is where one enters the “Valley above the Clouds” as Suches is called. The Appalachian Trail crosses Hwy. 60 where hikers have started 20 miles to the south on Springer Mountain.
Dockery Lake is halfway between mileposts 19 and 20 on the Lumpkin County (Dahlonega) side of Woody Gap. Well marked roads lead to overnight camping and the lake provides ideal area to fish.

Spectacular vistas of the incredible Appalachian Mountains can be seen from Preacher’s Rock, a half-hour’s walk off the pavement. Just past milepost 21, park at the Woody Gap scenic view maintained by the U.S Forest Service. Follow the trail to the right, towards Neil’s Gap and Blood Mountain. Look for trail markers, as beginning of hike is easy, although inexperienced hikers need to proceed with caution for steep inclines at the top of Preachers Rock that is solid granite.

For a cool getaway on a hot summer afternoon consider Lake Winfield Scott, which is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The 18 acre lake is quiet for camping or hiking and has a swimming and pavilion area. In Suches turn right onto Hwy.180 – go 7 miles and look for signs on the right.
Sea Creek Falls is another side excursion off Coopers Creek Rd. This trail runs parallel to Coopers Creek and has a 10 minute walk to the waterfall. Take Cooper Creek Road for 2.9 miles. Turn left on forest highway 264. Continue until it ends in about 1/10 mile.

Ranger Arthur Woody who served from 1911 to 1945 was a key figure in the early development of the Chattahoochee National Forest to promote conservation. Unwise land and resource use had caused the deer and trout populations to virtually disappear in the North Georgia Mountains and Woody brought trout and deer back to the area. Woody also purchased fawns with his own money, and fed them until they could be released on what became the Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area. Many landmarks bear Ranger Woody’s name in tribute to his work. Sosebee Cove, a 175-acre tract of prize hardwood along GA 180 is set aside as a memorial to Woody who negotiated its purchase for the Forest Service.

Woody Gap School was built in 1940 from the old Brown family homestead. Joseph Brown moved to Union County from South Carolina and entered Yale Law School, practicing law in Canton after graduating. Brown became a State Senator 1849 and was elected Governor, 1857. He became Chief Justice of Georgia’s Supreme Court in 1868 and served in the U.S. Senate until 1891. The Woody Gap School was built with local timber and quarried stone from nearby Woody Lake to help build the rural school. The school provides classes from Pre-K through 12 and is isolated, because of the curvy mountain roads, in the small community of Suches.  The campus also has recreated the early 1800s farmstead, complete with cabin, outbuildings, and gardens. Each fall during the first full weekend in October, the Indian Summer Festival is held at the school featuring arts and crafts, antiques, pottery, jewelry, folk art, handcrafted furniture, and homemade goodies. Entertainment includes musical groups, square dancing, auction, plus a Cherokee drama. All profits from the festival are donated to the school to provide assistance and scholarships.

One of the remote wonders of the Suches area is known simply as ‘the swinging bridge.’ It is a 265 foot long suspension foot bridge, the longest one east of the Mississippi. It was built to allow hikers on the Benton MacKaye trail to easily cross the rushing Toccoa River. The bridge really does gently swing and sway underfoot as you cross it. From Suches on Hwy. 60 after entering Fannin County, go another 5.8 miles. Take the dirt road to the left with the trail marker and a rough 3.1 dirt road, (4-wheel drive recommended) and then end of the road, a trail leads you to the bridge, about one-third of a mile.

Skeenah Creek Campground is the home to The Old Skeenah Mill, which was built in 1848 by Willis Woody, who brought his family to the Skeenah Valley (named after the Cherokee word for “black bear”) in 1839. The Mill is listed on the National Register. A water-powered sawmill was also located on the creek. The Skeenah Mill was a popular place for neighbors to gather and chat as they waited for their wheat or corn to be ground.

Dial, Georgia is a picturesque farm community along the banks of the Toccoa River ain the region in 1834. Dial Road intersects with GA Highway 60 and the scenic beauty to this community has been unchanged for a century with small farms, modest homes, barns, and quaint Victorian farm house that dot the fields, countryside, and river banks.

Traveling back on Hwy. 60 North will lead you to Morganton as it passes Lake Blue Ridge and connects to Hwy. 515. Although to continue this stunning drive for a must see Dial Rd. connects to Newport Rd. on left and then take a right on Aska Rd. which continues your winding journey beside the Toccoa River. Visitors can both dine on the river or in summer go tubing, picnic, and relax.

The Aska Trails Area is a 17-mile hiking-mountain biking trail system in the National Forest near Deep Gap on Aska Road in Blue Ridge. Trails range from one to 5.5 miles and vary in difficulty. Trails climb to 3,200 feet with views of mountain ridges and descend to the shores of Lake Blue Ridge.

So if you’re looking for peace and beauty for your next trip to the North Georgia Mountains, take the back roads instead of the highways to experience more adventure.