Spend a day in the most beautiful part of North Georgia - Hiawassee and the stunning Hamilton Gardens. This magical botanical garden is filled with native wildflowers like trilliums, shooting stars, and trout lilies, and more than 1,500 rhododendrons and native azaleas making it the largest collection in the Southeast! During peak bloom time we will be celebrating our beautiful native flowers with a Rhododendron Festival. Enjoy live music, food, drinks, a plant sale, daily seminars and more! Admission: $6 donation requested to tour the gardens.

Plein air artists from all over the southeast will be competing for $2,000 + in awards. The public is invited to come and watch the artists as they paint in beautiful Hamilton Gardens, views of Lake Chatuge, or any thing that might strike a creative chord. Saturday afternoon, judging will take place with the awarding of prizes, then the Artists' Gallery will be open for viewing. Paintings will be for sale. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to watch these talented artists! Thursday, May 8, 2025 7:30am - 8pm Friday, May 9, 2025 6:30am - 8pm Saturday, May 10, 2025 6:30am - 5pm

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Thursday evenings from May 8 - May 29 May 8th | May 15th | May 22nd | May 29th Food Court & Wine Bar open at 5pm Live Music Starts at 6:00pm Admission: FREE! Donations appreciated!

Join Us for a Murder Mystery Weekend on Lake Chatuge! May 9-11, 2025 From $492 per person The Murder Mystery Weekend ™ Includes: • Accommodations for two nights • Friday welcome reception and hors d’oeuvres • Saturday breakfast, lunch, cocktail reception (cash bar) and dinner • Sunday breakfast and final solution with the awarding of prizes • All taxes and gratuities • Plus a unique and entertaining three day/two night Murder Mystery Weekend™ Adventure Click the link to learn more about what to expect during your Murder Mystery Weekend at The Ridges: https://www.murdermystery.com/weekend-itinerary

Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival Saturday, May 10th, 2025 11am-5pm Tickets: Advance Tickets: $40.00 At the Gate: $45.00 Age 16-20 $25.00 Age 15 and under free Wine by the bottle will be available to purchase. While there is an ATM on site, we do encourage you to bring cash to purchase wine by the bottle to take home with you. The Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival will be on Saturday, May 10th. Enjoy music by Wyatt Espalin & friends on two stages, arts and crafts, food trucks, and tours of the blooming Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens. Enjoy: 20 acres of a beautiful Rhododendron gardens 30+ Wineries offering Tastings Live Music all Day Photo Ops Mountain Views Lake Views Food Vendors Arts & Craft vendors Free Parking