Tallulah Gorge Grill - Closing January 4 for season - New Year's Day Menu

Tallulah Gorge closing January 4 and reopening April, 2010 - Stop by this weekend for Traditional Southern New Year’s Day meal

December 31st, 2009

Join friends at the Tallulah Gorge Grill
New Year’s Weekend for a
Traditional Southern New Year’s Day Fair…
being served Friday through Monday…

Spicy Hoppin’ John With Ham & Tomato Relish
Mustard Greens
Pan-fried Buttermilk Cornbread
Banana Pudding
Chocolate Cake
Sour Cream Pound Cake
NY’s Day Plate Special with a Dessert $11.95
~
Choices from the regular menu as well.
~
The Grill is open Thursday through Monday 11:00 - 3:00
706-754-9149

“Here’s to a bright New Year and fond farewell to the old; here’s to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold. . . “

TIGER MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS

You are invited to Tiger Mountain Vineyards this Sunday afternoon, December 13th for holiday cheer and to hear classical violinist Heather Strachen from 1pm to 3pm. You will be able to taste the latest exclusive varietal - Mourvedre, made from five special barrels of "05 wine. Come enjoy hot mulled wine and special cheeses from Clayton's very own Fromage and from Tiger's Goats on the Roof! The tasting room will be open until 5pm.

There is NO CHARGE. Come and enjoy some wonderful music and some terrific wines.

KINGWOOD COUNTRY CLUB & TOYS FOR TOTS

Kingwood Country Club & Toys For Tots have joined together for a special offer.
Now through December 21st Kingwood Country Club is offering a discounted Golf rate in exchange for a Toy valued at $15.00 or more.

Members 9 Hole Cart
Non Members $29 plus Toy

The main goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate kids that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

Kingwood Country Club is located in Clayton, GA. For more information or questions please call at 706-212-4120.

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza and Festival of Trees

Friday, December 4, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

*********FREE ADMISSION*********

Photos with Santa
Pets...........Friday Children..............Saturday

Christmas Gifts that will entice any holiday shopper!!!!!

Rabun County Civic Center
201 West Savannah Street

For more information contact: Margaret Dunn
706-212-2149 or email: mdunn@rabuncountygov.com

"Amal and the Night Visitors"

On Saturday December 5, 2009 the Peach State Opera group will present the Christmas Story "Amahl and the Night Visitors" at the Rearden Theater in Rabun Gap Georgia. The Rearden Theater is located on the campus of Rabun Gap Nacoochee School. The performance times are 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.. General admission is $15.00 and Student /Senior is $10.00. This is a great Christmas Story and enjoyed by both young and mature music lovers.

"Pickin' for the Park" Benefit Concert for Stekoa Creek Park

What: "Pickin' for the Park" Benefit Concert for the Stekoa Creek Park project
When: Saturday, December 5th at 6 p.m.
Where: Stekoa Creek Trading Post Concert Hall (located just off Hwy. 441 S, behind Checkers in Clayton).

Bring the family, join the fun, and support the Stekoa Creek Park Project!

Come hear music performed by:

THE FOXFIRE BOYS
MOUNTAIN HOODOO
BRAD BARRETT
JOHN OLIVER & CARMEL RIDGE

also, see a BUCK DANCING performance by Dale Oliver
SHINER'S RESTAURANT will be there too, serving a buffet supper of great food!

And, be prepared to bid on some great auction items!

Donations will be accepted at the door.

About the Stekoa Creek Park project:
The City of Clayton and the Chattooga Conservancy have teamed up to establish a new city park on a 2.9-acre tract donated by the United Community Bank, that's located next to Stekoa Creek and Hwy. 441, just north of downtown Clayton. The park is to include a nature trail, picnic tables, handicap access, playground equipment, and landscaping with native plants. When complete, the park will be a wonderful new place to enjoy in Rabun County!

Questions and for more info, call 706-782-6097 or email info@chattoogariver.org

Moving!!!

Thanks for checking in. . . please to www.explorerabun.com for the latest updates. I'll be taking this blog down soon.

All the best,

Mary

Winter Wine Highway Weekend - December 11, 12, 13

The Winegrowers Association of Georgia will hold its first Winter Wine Highway Weekend December 11-13. Plan ahead to take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and spend a few days in the northeast Georgia mountains where you can find unique and authentic "Georgia Made/Georgia Grown" items for everyone on your gift list!

For more information on the Wine Highway Weekend, please visit www.georgiawine.com

Foxfire Fall Heritage Festival

The fifteenth annual Foxfire Fall Heritage Festival next Saturday, September 26, features old-fashioned fun, food, crafts, and music.

The festival is set up at Dillard City Hall, next to the world famous Dillard House. From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., festival-goers will experience over 35 exhibits and demonstrations such as pottery, cornshuck dolls, crocheted and knitted items, berry basket making, woodworking, broom-making, flint knapping, blacksmithing, corn-shuck chair-bottoming, folk art painting, nature & wildlife photography, hand-made jewelry, stained glass, railroad history, and more. Foxfire Magazine students will also be present to autograph and sell their current and back issues.

A raffle of donated items by local and regional businesses will be featured along with great mountain music by The Foxfire Boys, as well as other bluegrass and gospel groups. Good food will also be available until sold out. Admission: $4, ages 11 up; children age six to ten, $2. All proceeds benefit Foxfire’s Local Educational Programs. www.foxfire.org

U-Pick Raspberries

Tiger Mountain Orchards in Tiger has raspberries at $2.00 per pint (u-pick). Sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Call 706-782-3290 for additional information.

HARVEST, HARVEST, HARVEST

In September, every weekend, come to Tiger Mountain Vineyards for the harvest. Call 706-782-4777 to help pick grapes and earn a bottle of wine! www.tigerwine.com

Fund Raiser at Mountain Lakes Med. Center

Jewelry Show: Mountain Lakes Medical Center, Tuesday, Sept. 1 9am-4pm. There will be a wide selection of stylish costume jewelry ($5.00 for each piece). This fundraiser benefits the hospital Auxiliary. For information on this event or how to become a Volunteer please call 706-212-0230.

Brain Basics Seminar

Misplacing things? Trouble concentrating?
Over 30 and wishing you could give your brain a tune-up?
Register today for BRAIN BASICS a Fit Brain, Fluid Mind Seminar

TUESDAY, August 18 — 10am to 1pm
Center on Warwoman
Clayton, GA
Program founder Karen S. Bentley, Ph.D., of Clayton, is a speaker, consultant and writer whose career is based on presenting practical solutions that help people build better lives.
Space is limited. Please register before 8/12/09 by mailing your $40 check and full contact information (name, email, phone, street address) to:
Karen Bentley, PhD
6398 Hwy. 76 West
Clayton, GA 30525
Fee is not refundable after 8/15/09, but may be applied to the next Fit Brain, Fluid Mind program. Additional information: OR 706-782-5945 (9am - 5pm).

Dark Sky North Georgia Meeting

The next meeting of Dark Sky North Georgia will be held at Tallulah Falls Lodge Monday August 17, 6:30 PM. An informative and educational presentation will be given, with Q&A and open discussion to follow. Scheduled to attend are Board members from HEMC, City Council members, GA Power representatives, members of Lake Burton Assn., and so on. If you only make one meeting this year, this is the one! Warm cookies and refreshments provided!

A Meditation Opportunity

Join us Monday, August 17, 9:45-12:00 noon, at the Center on Warwoman, Clayton <http://www.centeronwarwoman.com> ), for More Than MEDITATION, an opportunity to slow down and "come aside a while." Along with the day's discussion topic (based within a Medicine Wheel model of living) of Life's Three Invitations: Integrity, Presence and Decisiveness, there will be gentle breathwork and 2-3 meditation periods of some 20 minutes each, with both chairs and cushions available. All meditation/prayer forms will be taught and no prior experience is necessary. Your donation is appreciated.

Paper Mache Workshop at Globe Gallery!

Monday, August 10th, is your opportunity to "create a rainbow trout using refined paper mache techniques including finishing, painting and mounting for a wall plaque, shadow box or tabletop trophy!"

Class will run from 10 am - 2 pm; the fee is $40 and pre-registration is required. Participants will schedule a second class together for finishing touches at no charge.
Bring a sack lunch. Drinks and all supplies for the workshop are provided.

The Globe also has ongoing Book Arts classes, Mondays 6-8 pm, $20.

For more information, visit www.globegallery.net

Kickin' off August in the Mountains

Publicity Round Up

• The Tennessee Tribune ran a wonderful feature on Persimmon Creek Vineyards and the Cottages and Tallulah Gorge in the July 23 issue. The photography is stunning … As are the subjects being photographed! The Cottages at Persimmon Creek are a lovely upscale retreat.
• Georgia Trend magazine ran an outstanding feature story on Martha and John Ezzard in the July issue. Congratulations to the Ezzards!

THIS WEEKEND IN RABUN

Kick-off August at the 13th Annual Dillard Bluegrass and BBQ Festival, with two days of top bluegrass performers, plus the Georgia state championship KCBS cook-off, and beautiful crafts.

Seven Oaks Gallery in Lakemont opens a Photo Show featuring Bruce Schnaak, Rebekah Clay and Pat Terwilliger on Saturday, with the artists reception from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Tiger Mountain Vineyards has Music for a Summer Afternoon. Sip a glass of TMV’s latest Viogner and enjoy a concert by The After Five String Quartet on Sunday afternoon from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Light hors d'ouevres and gourmet cheeses afterwards in the tasting room. Admission, $5. Tasting room and reception open until 5pm. 706-782-4777

Saturdays in August have something for everyone!

· The Simply Homegrown Market is open from 9am – 2pm in Downtown Clayton.
· The Hambidge Center hosts a Picnic Lecture Series every Saturday at noon. While you're there, check out their Summer Pottery Show “Georgia Potters” which is ongoing through August, open Mon-Sat 10am – 5pm.
· The Dillard House offers complimentary horse drawn carriage rides on Saturday afternoons through September.
· For the night-owls and the music-lovers, enjoy Bluegrass on the Square every Saturday in Tallulah Falls, beginning at 7pm.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tallulah Gorge State Park invites you to experience the outdoors in their Full Moon Canoe Outing at Tallulah Gorge, August 7 at 8:30 pm. Enjoy a relaxing paddle around Tallulah lake as the full moon reflects off the water. This ranger-led event is an exciting way to get out in the evenings and enjoy nature. Space is limited, so register in advance. $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Special Concert will be in the Rearden Theater at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee school on August 9 at 4pm. The Concert series is presented by the Rabun County Music Festival. Tickets are $25.00 and are not included in the series tickets. Tickets may be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce in Clayton or Franklin. Please call 706-746-6226.

ONGOING EVENTS & EXHBITIONS

The Center on Warwoman has a full schedule of classes - look online for registration information
Summer Pottery Show at the Hambidge Center throughout August

August Picnic Lecture Series at the Hambidge Center Every Saturday

Hambidge offers an informative lecture each Saturday in August. They're free and open to the public. Bring your lunch and picnic on the grounds. The lectures begin at noon and last approximately one hour. Hambidge provides cookies and lemonade. Take a minute to browse through the outstanding collection of Georgia pottery in the historic Weave Shed Gallery.

August 1 - Robert Hill
Amphibian Specialist; Atlanta Botanical Garden
Robert will discuss the approximately 20 types of snakes that live in Rabun County and how to identify if they are venomous or non-venomous.

August 8 - Jeremy Dahl, PhD
Forest Conservationist, Educator, Martial Artist; Director, Deep Forest Field School, Inc.
Jeremy will share his expertise on invasive plants, their effect on the forest structure, and successful control measures.

August 15 - Gary Wein, PhD
Director, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
Gary will examine the history of land preservation in his lecture, "One Hundred Years of Conservation."

August 22 - Gerry Soud
Local Author and Humorist
Gerry will read essays from his book, "Life As I Slice It: Essays on Absurdities in American Life."

August 29 - Junco Sato Pollack
Associate Professor Art, Head of Textile Program at Georgia State University
Junco will discuss the history of kudzu weaving and demonstrate the beaufitul results that can be achieved.

Tiger Vineard Reception

A reminder of Tiger Mountain Vineyards' special summer afternoon of music and wine this Sunday, Aug. 2 from 1:30 - 2:45pm. Sip a glass of chilled Viognier while the After Five String Quartet plays Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, under the old oak trees behind the winery. Hors d'oeuvres, cheeses and wine tastings in the tasting room afterwards. Reception open until 5 p.m. $5 --pay at the door.

13th Annual Dillard Bluegrass & BBQ Festival

Kick up the heat with the 13th Annual Dillard Bluegrass and BBQ Festival July 31-August 1: two days of top bluegrass performers and the Georgia state championship KCBS cookoff! www.dillardbbq.org

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides - Complimentary !!!

The Dillard House offers complimentary horse drawn carriage rides on Saturday afternoons through September.

Classes at the Globe Gallery

Join in the fun classes at Globe Gallery!

"Learn how to create beautiful HANDMADE PAPER from dried KUDZU leaves!
Taught by Jo Oh – Basketweaver of Kudzu and other natural materials
Class is this Friday, July 24th ~ 1:00 - 4:00 pm ~ $30. Just drop in!

Book Arts class For June 27th will have to be rescheduled to Thursday, June 30th , 6-8 pm. Taught by Peggy McBride / Fee is $20. Just come and have fun! (Ages 13 and older)

Registration is required for the following 2 workshops:

• Whimsical Clay Birds with Jean Stewart
  August 6 / Thursday / 10-1:00 / Fee: $ 45
• Paper Mache Trophy Trout Workshop with Deborah Weinhelt
  2-days: Monday, August 10 & Friday, August 14 / 10-2:00 / Total fee: $40

"Rabun Gap Ramble" on GPB!

"On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we're on a "Rabun Gap Ramble", exploring the Rabun Gap Loop in the northeast mountains. After an appropriate safety course, Phil is experiencing the outdoors on a motorcycle. The famed Dillard House is our getaway and David finds family fun at Lake Burton. Keely and the guys learn to ride the rapids on the Chattooga River and Phil discovers food with a view at Isabelle's on the Gorge in Tallulah Falls.

Georgia Traveler 204 - Rabun Gap Ramble airs Friday, July 24 at 9 PM, Saturday, July 25 at 7 PM and Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30 PM on GPB.

For more information, check out our website at:

http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/"

Or visit http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/204 to see segments online!!

Auditions for North Georgia Players

The North Georgia Community Players announce AUDITIONS for their upcoming play( DEC. 5,6,11,12,&13)
"NUNCRACKERS" (the Nunsense Christmas Musical) by Dan Grogin. This is a musical-comedy.

Auditions w/be held Fri. August 7 @ 7:00 and Sun. August 9 @ 3:00. at the Dillard Playhouse.
Needed: 5 women, 1 man, 4 children (8 to 14 yrs) All cast members must be able to sing and dance.

For information: please call: Bronwyn Randel, Show Director
@706-78204492

BOOKSIGNING THIS SATURDAY!!!

Saturday - July 25th - 12:00 noon - 2:00 PM - Local Lake Burton Author, Jenny L. Cote and her Scottish Terrior "Max" will have a reading and will be signing her new pre-teen Christian series. Book one, The Ark, the Reed and the Fire Cloud**, has proven to be a hit and her new book The Dreamer, the Schemer, and the Robe is much anticipated. If you want to reserve a copy of either or both, please let us know. 706-212-0014 or praterbooks@windstream.net.

Children's Heritage Day at Foxfire

Where can your child go to forge their own hook with a blacksmith, learn how to make their own handmade broom, use a drawknife and shaving horse to create a walking stick, twist twine into their own handmade rope, learn how to play with a Gee Haw Wimmydiddle, a Button-on-a-string, marbles, Kick the Can, Hide the Hankie, and make their own climbing bear toy? AT FOXFIRE!

The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center is offering another Children's Heritage Day, for children ages 7-12, on Saturday, July 25 , from 9am-2pm - Rain or shine!
$30 per child; Snack and lunch are provided for children only. $5 discount for each additional sibling. Register by July 22.

Children will participate in hands-on activities and see demonstrations of daily living over a hundred years ago in Appalachia. Drop off and pickup is at the Foxfire Gift Shop up at the Foxfire Village located at 200 Foxfire Lane in Mountain City. Parents are welcome to stay and observe and assist at no extra cost. For further information, please call Michelle Bourlet 706-754-8734.

Please mail your payment to reserve your space to the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center
P.O. Box 541
Mtn City, GA 30562.
Call 706-746-5828 to obtain a registration form.

This Weekend in Rabun

It’s not too late to get your tickets for the hilarious comedy about Texas' third smallest town "Greater Tuna” presented by the North Georgia Community Players. The show runs Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 pm, and there’s a Sunday matinee at 3 pm.

Begin your Saturday at the Simply Homegrown Market in historic downtown Clayton, in front of Butler’s II on North Main Street, 9 am. – 2 pm. For this week’s market listing,

The Hambidge Summer Festival, Music, BBQ and Raku is this Saturday from 10-4. Begin your experience with glazing and firing your own pot. While you wait, have fun, enjoy some BBQ and experience other art! Music, wine tasting, silent auction and raffle, native plant sale, opening of the 5th Annual Georgia Pottery Show, and demonstrating artists throughout the day.

Crawl all over downtown Clayton to taste fabulous food, wine, and listen to great music! Join the fun at the first annual Clayton Crawl Saturday evening from 6 – 9 pm. Sample fabulous food from local restaurants set up at the Rock House and at Veterans Park. Taste local wines from Tiger Mountain and Persimmon Creek Vineyards along with featured wines from around the world on the wine lists of participating restaurants. Enjoy live music by jazz saxophonist David Fry in Rock House Park and Brian Sanders playing down by Butler’s II. Follow Rabun on Twitter for regular updates throughout the event!

There will also be live music at Prater’s Main Street Books from 6 – 8 pm, with William Prater on keyboard, and an artful gathering on the porch at the Globe Gallery. Well known artist, Jean Wilkes, will be onsite at Reeves Furniture painting some of her beautiful accessories and textiles. You don't want to miss it!

The 6th Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival at Glen Ella Springs & Meeting Place begins at 11:00 am Sunday and ends at 6:00 pm, with Twilight Supper in the pavilion. Along with creative tomato concoctions, enjoy music, fine arts and crafts! www.glenella.com

It’s Junior Ranger Week at Tallulah Gorge State Park, for ages 10-13. www.gastateparks.org/info/tallulah.

The Dillard House offers complimentary horse drawn carriage rides on Saturday afternoons through September. Check online for ongoing classes held at the Center on Warwoman and also at the Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts.

PLANNING AHEAD

“Greater Tuna” continues performances next weekend on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon.

Next Saturday, July 25, is filled with a variety of activities for all ages:

o Foxfire Children’s Heritage Day provides an opportunity for children ages 7-12 to participate in hands-on activities and make projects. www.foxfire.org
o Local Lake Burton author, Jenny L. Cote, and her Scottish Terrier Max, will be signing her new pre-teen Christian series at Prater’s Main Street Books from noon – 2 pm.
o The North Georgia Arts Guild hosts the 2009 Art at the Lake Show & Sale at the Lake Rabun Pavilion from 10-6, www.northgeorgiaartsguild.com
o Chef Virginia Willis will prepare a multi-course Southern spread featuring seasonal specialties from her book, Bon Appetit Y’all, at Persimmon Creek Vineyards, www.persimmoncreekwine.com
o Meet artists Salley Robbe, Millie Speeg, and Bev Rambo at the new Greenleaf Gallery location in Highlands from 4 – 6 pm.
o Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a Sock Hop at the Old Clayton Inn at 7 pm.

Finish out the month and kick off August with the 13th Annual Dillard Bluegrass and BBQ Festival July 31 – August 1, with two days of top bluegrass performers, plus the Georgia state championship KCBS cook-off, and beautiful crafts.

A calendar of upcoming August events is attached. Be sure to follow my Traveler blogs for details on these and other happenings. Become a fan of our Facebook page, and follow Rabun on Twitter for the latest!

Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival this Sunday

The 6th Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival at Glen Ella Springs & Meeting Place begins at 11:00 am Sunday and ends at 6:00 pm, with Twilight Supper in the pavilion. Along with creative tomato concoctions, enjoy music, fine arts and crafts! www.glenella.com

IT’S BERRY PICKING TIME!

Pick your own blackberries at Tiger Mountain Orchards sunrise to sunset, seven days a week!
Blackberries - $1.50/pint
Raspberries - $2.00/pint (available in about two weeks)
Call 706-782-3290 for additional information.

Pick your own blackberries at Hillside Orchard Farms
The cost is $2.00/pound. Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. (706) 782-0858

Pick your own blackberries at Hillside Orchard Farms
The cost is $2.00/pound. Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Schedule of Events for Hambidge Summer Festival Saturday, July 18

U-Do-Raku
10am - 4pm, Hambidge Campus

Begin your experience with glazing and firing your pot. After glazing, it takes about 45 minutes to fire your pot. While you wait, have fun, enjoy some BBQ and experience the other art!

BBQ
begins 11:30am in the Dining Pavilion

Music: Weave Shed Porch
10am - Noon: The Old Hippie Band
Noon - 2pm: Hank Belew & Carmel Ridge
2pm - 4pm: Mountain Hoodoo

5th Annual Georgia Pottery Show
Located in the historic Weave Shed (enter at back door), this show and sale features over 30 of the best potters in Georgia. Two woodturners are also represented.

Wine Tasting
11:30am - 2pm
Persimmon Creek Vineyards
Tiger Mountain Vineyards

Raffle Drawing
3:30pm, Weave Shed Porch
Silent Auction ends 3:30pm

Native Plant Sale
10am - 4pm, across from Weave Shed Back Door


Demonstrating Artists
11am - throughout the day
Drawing - Angus Galloway & Paul Rodecker
Cyanotype - Lynn Marshall Linnemeier
Iron Forging - Corrina Sephora Mensoff
Kudzu Weaving - Junco Sato Pollack
Traditional Weaving - Tommye M. Scanlin
Printmaking - Stephanie Smith
Painting - James Taylor
Large Art Installation - Jennifer Van Winkle

Concessions: Buy Tickets To Purchase!
Drinks, Hotdogs, Shaved Ice, Popcorn, Pretzels

"Winter Wine Highway" event

Plan ahead for the first annual "Winter Wine Highway" event, sponsored by the Winegrowers Association of Georgia. Friday 12:30pm - 5:00pm; Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm; Sunday 12:30am -5:00pm

Travel the Georgia Wine Highway this holiday season and enjoy unique open-house format events with wine and food pairings, music, barrel tastings, discounts, drawings and other special attractions provided by member wineries and Affiliate Members of the Winegrowers Association of Georgia. (813) 503-0550 www.georgiawine.com

Pick your own blackberries!

Hillside Orchard Farms is now picking blackberries. The cost is $2.00/pound, u-pick. Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Foxfire Children's Heritage Day July 25

Chilren can demonstrations of daily living over a hundred years ago in Appalachia including blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving, and more. Children will participate in hands-on activities, make projects to take home, participate in old-timey games and activities, and make a toy typical of the time period to keep.

Register early as space is limited to 12 children, ages 7-12. The fee is $30 per child, which includes a snack and lunch. Foxfire offers a $5 discount for each additional sibling. Drop off and pickup is at the Foxfire Gift Shop at 200 Foxfire Lane in Mountain City.

Parents are welcome to stay and observe and assist at no extra cost. Please mail your payment to reserve your space to the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center P.O. Box 541 Mtn City, GA 30562. Call 706-746-5828 for more information and to obtain a registration form. will also participate in old-timey games and activities and make a toy typical of the time period to keep.

Register early as space is limited to 12 children per date: the fee is $30 per child, which includes a snack and lunch. Foxfire offers a $5 discount for each additional sibling. Drop off and pickup is at the Foxfire Gift Shop at 200 Foxfire Lane in Mountain City.

Parents are welcome to stay and observe and assist at no extra cost. Please mail your payment to reserve your space to the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center P.O. Box 541 Mtn City, GA 30562. Call 706-746-5828 for more information and to obtain a registration form.

Artists Reception at new Greenleaf Highlands Gallery

Greenleaf Gallery is having an Artists Reception (Wine and Cheese) at the new Highlands Gallery on Saturday, July 25th from 4-6pm. Meet Artists Salley Robbe, Millie Speeg, and Bev Rambo.
177 Main Street (Wrights Square), Highlands. Telephone Highlands Gallery 828/526-9333 / Clayton Gallery 706/782-5916. Please call ahead to RSVP.

Sky Valley on the Fourth!!

FRIDAY JULY 3RD

Poa Park BBQ Dinner 6-8 pm, Tickets - $17 Adults & $12 Children 10 and Under. Tickets must be purchased in advance, at City Hall, the Lodge, & the Timeshare Office.
Call Tom Payne 828-526-9585 or Lynda Brett 706-746-5676
BYOB, chairs, blankets, etc.
Fireworks begin at 9!!

SATURDAY JULY 4TH

POA Park, 10:30 am – Rubber Duck Race
Meet at Lodge for the Parade at 11:30 am
Cookout to follow at POA Park

Fun on the Fourth in the Georgia Mountains!

Photo: Peter McIntosh

The Fourth of July Celebrations start early in Rabun County, actually beginning on Friday, July 3rd, at 7:30 am with the 3rd Annual Rabun Ramble 5K and 10K Roadrace at Lake Rabun Pavilion. Participants can either run or walk as they enjoy all the breathtaking views of Lake Rabun Road.

The evening brings a Steak and Seafood Cookout at the Dillard House, lasting from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The Dillard House will also be hosting a free Patriotic concert by the Air National Guard Band of the South beginning at 7:00 pm.

The fun doesn't slow down on the 4th of July, as you have your pick of Saturday morning activities. Tallulah Gorge State Park is hosting a Gorge Floor Hike at 9:00 am, followed later by a Holiday Canoe Outing at 2:00 pm, so be sure to sign up in advance for both of these activities! Another way to celebrate for the athletically inclined is the Lake Burton Fun Run! This scenic course will open up to runners, joggers, and walkers at 9:00 am, with all proceeds donated to the Lake Burton Fire Department.

If all this exercise is making you hungry, you can relax and refresh at the Fourth of July Party and Wine Tasting hosted by Tiger Mountain Vineyards. They will be open from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm with live music, cheeses, and award-winning wines. The Dillard House will also be preparing an outdoor feast, beginning with an outdoor Hamburger Cookout at noon, a live band at 4:30 pm, followed with an outdoor Barbeque at 5:30 pm, and topping the evening off with a fireworks show!

Fireworks shows will be going on all around the county, so you can choose your spot and get settled in advance, or the brave adventurer can even attempt to see more than one show! Besides the visual treat at the Dillard House, the fireworks show at Lake Burton will begin at 8:45 pm, and the fireworks show on Lake Rabun will begin at dusk.

And why stop there? July 5th marks the 31st Annual Lake Rabun Wooden Boat Parade. Spectators can view this spectacular event at 10:30 am from the Methodist Church boathouse on Lake Rabun Road.

No matter which celebrations you choose to enjoy, you're guaranteed an exciting Fourth of July weekend in Rabun County!

4th Annual Habitat Hoedown

The fourth annual Habitat Hoedown, a family event, is scheduled for Thursday July 16, at The Dillard House restaurant from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm. A fantastic array of BBQ, side dishes and the special dessert table make this a feast worth attending!

Clogging dancers, a wonderful silent auction, and a special live auction during the dinner make the whole evening a very special affair. All proceeds directly benefit the building of a Habitat for Humanity Home in Rabun County. Tickets are $50 for adults and $20 for children. To reserve your spot, call Barbara Cantrell at 706-212-2101, Gail Hopper at 706-212-2103 or Milt Gillespie at 706-746-3595.

13th ANNUAL DILLARD BLUEGRASS & BARBEQUE FESTIVAL

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northeast Georgia, Dillard comes alive July 31 - August 1 with two days of top bluegrass performers, plus World Class Barbeque Teams competing in the Georgia State Championship Cook-off sanctioned by the KCBS.

Live entertainment begins with the opening ceremonies @ 3:00pm Friday and continues until 9:00 pm. Saturday offers a full day of music for bluegrass enthusiasts, beginning at 11 am and continuing until 9 pm.

Admission is $10.00 for ages 12 and over. Children under 12 are free. BBQ sandwiches and plates cooked by BBQ pros are on sale as well as food for all tastes. All food sale profits benefit community charities. Free parking and shuttle service is provided. Eau de barbeque air freshener priceless! www.dillardbbq.org

Sunflowers and Southern Fare Dinner

With mouths waterin’ and appetites rearin’ up, Persimmon Creek Vineyards is eager to welcome gourmand aficionados, Virginia Willis and Tasia Malakasis for the Sunflower and Southern Fare Dinner on July 25th at 7 PM! Chef Virginia Willis will prepare a multi-course Southern spread featuring seasonal specialities from her book, Bon Appetit Y’all, paired with Persimmon Creek Vineyards wines. In addition, the meal will feature Tasia Malakasis’ Belle Chèvre goat cheeses from Alabama. Elaborately decorated tables will celebrate the sunflowers grown on the vineyard property. www.persimmoncreekwine.com Cost is $95 per person, please call 706.212.7380 for reservations.

New Market at Lake Burton

WELCOME to FARMfare!!

FARMFare, located on Hyw 76 next to Timpson Creek Gallery, is a NEW family and friend operated market right on the shores of Lake Burton! Shelves are stocked full with some of the best and most delicious foods and beverages starting with the kitchen basics like fresh baked breads, pies and cakes, local eggs, goat cheese, bacon and of course produce. Best of all, most all of their products are grown or made locally! FARMfare also offers refreshing beverages, ice cream and a selection of gourmet indulgences that are sure to leave your mouth watering. After satisfying your appetite, take a moment to browse their selection of nature inspired art and other unique items. Store hours are Tuesday –Saturday 10:30am-5pm. Phone 706-982-5343.

Northeast Georgia Mountain Home and Garden Show

Special Events in Rabun County this weekend, in connection with the Northeast Georgia Arts Tour

3RD Annual Mountain Lakes Classic Antiques Show!
Rabun County Civic Center, Clayton , GA . June 18th – June 21th. Featuring antiques dealers from across the country. Returning again this year is J. Christopher Mitchell, 12 year veteran appraiser for the Antiques Road Show. New to the show this year is a restoration booth for
crystal repair, porcelain, painting, and gold leafing. The date are Friday, June 19, and Saturday,
June 20,10AM-5PM, and Sunday, June 21,12PM-5PM. Advance tickets $6.00 or $8.00 at the gate, Preview Party and Pre-Show Thursday, June 18, 6PM-8PM, Preview Party tickets can be reserved by Contacting Linda Nicholson at 706-746-7415 or linda@mountainlakesclassic.com.

Persimmon on the Square - June 20, 2009; 1-4 PM; Artist Bob Francisco will be doing
painting demonstrations at Persimmon on the Square. 28 East Savannah St, Clayton.
Enoteca-style tasting room, featuring tastings of Persimmon Creek Vineyards estategrown
wines. For more information call 706-212-7972

Lillian E. Smith Center for the Creative Arts/Foundation: Open for guided Tours Sun.
June 21 --2pm- 5pm 383 Hershey Lane, Clayton, GA. The Lillian E. Smith Foundation,
Inc., was established to honor the memory of the person whose name it bears. Lillian E.
Smith, acknowledged as a significant writer and humanitarian, held at the center of her
being her function as a creative artist. She also deeply valued the power of the arts to
transform the lives of all human beings. Visit her home site which now serves as an artist
retreat for quiet solitude and privacy. The LES Center is approximately one mile from the
76 EAST /441 intersection to Old Chechero Road, continue on that road for
approximately one-tenth mile to Carver's Chapel, take the gravel road (to the right) which
is Hershey Lane for approximately four-tenths mile up the hill until you reach the
Director's Cottage at the Center, 383 Hershey Lane.

St. James Flower and Liturgical Arts Festival. - Third Annual Flower Festival. 260
Warwoman Rd, Clayton, GA 30525. Floral arrangements will be on display by members
of the Flower Guild as well as hand-made Church Vestments. Flower arranging
demonstrations will be held 11am-2pm on June 19 and June 20. Noted speaker, writer
and gardener, Peter Loewer of Asheville, to speak on Friday afternoon June 19th. For
information contact: jht1938@windstream.net

Tallulah Falls Station: Newly reopened Tallulah Station located in Rabun County at 105
Moss Street in Tallulah Falls, Ga. is now home to Wild Wood Works Studio, Idyllwood
Gallery and Depot Delights. Featured events during the tour on Saturday June 20th:
Blacksmithing demonstrations by Chris Smith, and Rustic furniture making by Don
Bundrick from noon through 5 p.m. Idyllwood Gallery and Wild Wood Works Studio
will be open to the public from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. with the works of Regional artists
Sandy Webster (multimedia), Jim Couper (landscape paintings), Katherin Weber-Scott
(fabric) and Don Bundrick (rustic furniture) on display. In the focus gallery, local artists
Chris Smith, Victor Eller, Susie Schnurr, Nancy Garrett, and Anthony Morgan will be on
display as well. Depot Delights will be open 9a.m.-6p.m. serving sweet treats including
ice cream, fudge, truffles, candy, boiled peanuts, old fashioned sodas and more. Come
out and support the arts in Tallulah Falls! Call 706 839-1906 for more info.

Main Street Gallery features two demonstrating artists

Main Street Gallery in Clayton features several demonstrating artists this weekend in conjunction with the Northeast Georgia Arts Tour -- painter, Jennifer Knighton; wood turner, Travis Barnes; and bird sculptor, Kathy Kimmel.

New art on display in the gallery includes pottery by Roger Corn, paintings by Dorethey Gorham, fused glass jewelry from Israel -- and more. The front window is full of cedar critters created bJ.L. Nipper in Tennessee -- great fun and conversation pieces for any home, garden or deck. Come see!

Oak Ridge Boys open Smoky Mountains Center

Visitors to Rabun can now experience world class performances at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, located just across the state line in Franklin, NC. Destined to become a premier venue, this 1,500 seat state-of-the-art facility opens July 3 with the Oakridge Boys in concert.

An exciting line-up includes: Billy Crash Craddock, Alda, Folkmoot, Charlie Daniels, Mark Schultz, Shenandoah, The Foreigner, Sawyer Brown, David Phelps, Ronnie Milsaps and more!

Visit their website, greatmountainmusic.com, for concert details and ticket information. Another great reason to plan a getaway to the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Call the Rabun County CVB or visit our website at www.gamountains.com for information on lodging, dining and other attractions in the area.

Chef Louis Osteen comes to the Lake Rabun Hotel

The Lake Rabun Hotel and Restaurant welcomes award-winning Chef Louis Osteen.

Talented and personable, Osteen has won the James Beard Award for Best Southeastern Chef and solidified his place as a legendary southern chef. One of Charleston's originals, he is author of Louis Osteen's Charleston Cuisine, and is credited by some for establishing low country cooking as a tourist draw in Charleston. Osteen has been a part of the Southern food renaissance from it's beginning. He helped found the Southern Foodways Alliance and has been featured on numerous television shows and in several magazines.

He visited the Lake Rabun Hotel 30 years ago and has come back! Look for wonderful delicacies from this iconic Southern Chef in the days to come. Call 706-782-4946 for reservations, and start planning your getaway to the Northeast Georgia Mountains!

As always, the Rabun County Convention & Visitors Bureau, is happy to help you plan your stay in the Northeast Georgia Mountains!

Zell Miller Book signing at Prater's Main Street Books

Northeast Georgia Arts Tour June 19-21

Open House Weekend -- June 19th - 21st

The Northeast Georgia Mountains are alive with creativity! At last count, over 150 Artists are scheduled to demonstrate art-in-the-making at our 38 Art Zone Tour locations. To See who's where....Plot your own course....and Set your own pace click here

Meet painters, potters, folk potters, jewelry makers, glass, wood, stone, fiber artists and more as they share their creative techniques-- many of whom are emerging,internationally known and collected artists. There are just too many names to name drop!

Plus Special Events!
In addition to demonstrating artists, several special events are scheduled throughout the weekend. Highlights include: Middle Eastern Dance, Folk Pottery Festival, Mountain Lakes Classic Antique Show, St. James Flower Festival, special gallery events and more!!!!
Check out More Fun Things To Do

Dine, Wine and Relax!

In the mood for Italian, Burgers, Pasta, Seafood, delectable sandwiches or a decadent dessert?
Plan to sample our regional cuisine and wines while touring. Our dining guide features something for everyone's taste and budget. Tour Eats And, after a busy day of seeing the sights, rest your head at one of our charming country inns or B&B's. Wake up refreshed and ready to cover more creative ground! Tour Lodging

Our Next Open House Weekend: Nov 13th - 15th
You can Join Us Anytime! Most venues on the Tour are Open Year Round!

Email us if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you!

Children's Heritage Days at Foxfire

The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center presents Children's Heritage Days this summer on Saturday, June 27 and Saturday, July 25, from 9 am - 2 pm, rain or shine. Children ages 7-12 will participate in hands-on activites and make projects to take home. They will see demonstrations of daily living over a hundred years ago in Appalachia including blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving, and more. Children will also participate in old-timey games and activities and make a toy typical of the time period to keep.

Register early as space is limited to 12 children per date: the fee is $30 per child, which includes a snack and lunch. Foxfire offers a $5 discount for each additional sibling. Drop off and pickup is at the Foxfire Gift Shop at 200 Foxfire Lane in Mountain City.

Parents are welcome to stay and observe and assist at no extra cost. Please mail your payment to reserve your space to the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center P.O. Box 541 Mtn City, GA 30562. Call 706-746-5828 for more information and to obtain a registration form.

RAINS BRING CHATTOOGA RIVER HIGH WATER

For the last several seasons we have enjoyed exploring the rocks and the many secret swims of the Chattooga's low water side. Now that the rains have returned the river is back and roaring. Rapids are big and fast and the long wave trains offer exciting splashes and roller coaster rides.

Rainy day? No problem. Splash jackets, wetsuits and wetsuit booties are available free of charge.
While everyone envisions a bright sunny day of rafting, the rainy mist rising off the water and settling amidst the trees offers some of the most surreal and magical scenes imaginable.

Reserve your spot www.noc.com and enjoy a weekend in the Georgia Mountains. Rabun County offers plenty of cozy places to rest your head and enjoy a delicious meal after a day on the river.

Wild Edible Medicine

Wine Weekend Stimulus package at Spendor Mountain

The 2nd annual Georgia Fine Wine Festival returns to Black Stock Vineyards and Winery the weekend of June 6-7. Reserve your tickets today! It's a weekend festival of the finest food, wine, music, and art in the beautiful Georgia Mountains.

Splendor Mountain in Tiger (Rabun County) offers a wine weekend stimulus package. Enjoy the wine weekend and rest in a comfortable luxury cottage, perfect for a family or group of couples, for only $500/weekend. This is a real deal! Splendor Mountain also offers a romantic suite for two at the Shadow Rock Pavilion for just $300/weekend.

Bring your Georgia wine and relax on the wraparound porch and enjoy the 8 o'clock Saturday night movie showing of "The Good Year" at Sunrise Lodge.

For reservations, call 706.212.2897

Memorial Day Weekend In Rabun

FRIDAY/SATURDAY: 6th Annual Lakemont Art Walk
Friday 9 am – 8 pm; Saturday 9 am – 6 pm; Artists’ demonstrations and a trunk show of unusual one-of-a-kind jewelry by Barbara Wilkes; refreshments and live music. Gallery theme “Putting on the Dog,” featuring art about dogs; Grand opening of Annie’s at Alley’s.

SATURDAY: Platters for Pooches at the Lake Rabun Pavilion
Annual fundraiser for Boggs Mountain Humane Shelter, from 6-9 p.m. Hand painted ceramic platters by local artists, art auction, and the biggest burgers in the South. Western wear; $50 per person; reservations required. Call 706-782-2825

SATURDAY: Artist Reception at the Root Seller Gallery at Timpson Creek. Opening of Michael Woodside Exhibit (through June 20)
Artist reception May 23 from 3-5 pm Michael Woodside combines photography, graphic design and sketches to produce wonderfully fantastical nature scenes of our mountains.

SATURDAY: Memorial Holiday Canoe Outing at Tallulah Gorge State Park
9:30 am; sign up in advance!

SATURDAY/SUNDAY: Memorial Day Cook-out & BBQ at the Dillard House
Tickets available at the front desk

SATURDAY & MONDAY: Annual Americana Memorial Weekend Auction at Golden Memories Auction Company

SATURDAY: Afternoon Wine & Cheese Social at the Dillard House
With special music, featuring Georgia wines, every Saturday afternoon through the first weekend in October.

SUNDAY/MONDAY: Memorial Holiday Gorge Floor Hike at Tallulah Gorge State Park
10 am; sign up in advance!

Stay connected for more info and updates!

Facebook fan page: “Rabun County Convention & Visitors Bureau”
Twitter: Rabun
Blogs: Rabun Traveler, Georgia Mountain Traveler, Bulletin Board, Connecting Rabun
YouTube: Visit Rabun
Community social network: www.gamountains.ning.com

Creative Writing Classes

Have you ever dreamed of writing a novel? A children’s book? Even a memoir? This class could be the first step in making that dream come true!

Author Donna Ball (www.donnaball.net) will offer a series of creative writing classes beginning Tuesday June 9 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at The Center on Warwoman in Clayton. Day classes are also available beginning Wednesday June 24 from 1:00-3:00. Each class will meet twice a month through August. The cost is $20 per class. Register by e-mailing DonnaABall@aol.com Or by calling 706-746-5838.

Beginner and experienced writers of all interests are welcome, but YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER by JUNE 1.

Tallulah Gorge Grill features Leckie Stack as guest chef on Saturday, May 16

The Tallulah Gorge Grill is now open for dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights until 9 p.m.
Guest Chef, Leckie Stack, co - founder of Tiger Mountain Winery & Stack Farms will be cooking & sharing her knowledge of food and wine pairing on Saturday, May 16.

~
Leckie's Menu
salad
Spinach salad with Brie & Strawberries from Osage Farms
Arugula with Kalamata Olives, Pancetta & Parmesan shavings
entree
Slow cooked Tuscan Hunter's Chicken in Georgia Red Wine Sauce
Cumin & Cilantro Encrusted Spring Lamb Chops
vegetable
Yukon Gold smashed Potatoes &
Grilled Organic Asparagus from Stack Farms
dessert
Trio of Italian Gelato with Fresh Osage Strawberries & a Cookie

Wine Recommendation
Malbec 1922 from Argentina
Beau Jouert Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa
Reservations 706-754-9149

"Awakening of the Vines"

The annual "Awakening of the Vines" at Tiger Mountain Vineyards is coming up on Saturday May 16, from noon to 3 p.m.. Join Tigerwine Tasters and the Abominable Seed and Feed Band for a gourmet picnic, with great entertainment and great wine! E-mail tigerwine@windstream.net or call 706-782-4777 to make your reservations by Monday, May 11.

Reception for artists Smith and Jones at GHCA

Reception for B. Wayne Smith and Wes Jones will be held Sunday May 17th at the Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts in Tallulah Falls from 2p.m. to 4 p.m. Smith is an acrylic artists who resides in Buford and Jones is a wood turner from Lawrenceville. The show in the main Gallery is "We all Wear Masks" and there is a wide variety of masks on display.

Smith retired from the restaurant business in Atlanta to pursue his dream of painting. Many of his friends from the restaurant business will be catering the reception. For more information please call 706-754-5989. The Gallery is located at the Northwest Corner of "the Bridge" and the entrance to the Tallulah Gorge Day Use Park in Rabun County.

Greenleaf opens second gallery

Greenleaf Gallery of Clayton opens second gallery at 177 Main Street in Highlands this week, featuring original art work, pottery, jewelry, and custom picture framing.

BEECHWOOD INN FEATURES GUEST CHEF ROSEMARY RUTLAND

On May 16, the Beechwood Inn in Clayton, GA, will feature guest chef Rosemary Rutland of the Chef's Table in Atlanta.

Rosemary Rutland's true passion involves all aspects of food. During her career, she visited over 30 countries, sparking a love of travel, foreign cultures, local cuisines, and their ingredients and preparation. Leaving the corporate world, she embarked on a culinary path that led first to the Art Institute of Atlanta. Rosemary graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2004, earning a Culinary Arts degree with emphasis in baking and pastry (CPC). After a baking internship at the Ritz-Carlton Downtown Atlanta and a restaurant internship with Woodfire Grill, she started Chef's Table Personal Chef Service in 2005. As a personal chef, she teaches cooking & baking classes, creates dining memories for special occasions and makes multi-meal service for a broad range of clients. Rosemary has worked for Bold American Catering and was previously a pastry chef at Trois in midtown Atlanta. She is a member of the American Culinary Federation, Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, Pastry Atlanta, and the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA). Rosemary serves as President of the USPCA Atlanta Chapter and taught classes at their 2006 annual conference. http://www.chefrosemary.com

Plan your weekend getway to the Northeast Georgia mountains! For menu and reservations, at the Beechwood Inn, Georgia's premier wine country inn, www.beechwoodinn.ws

the Clayton Crawl: wine, food and music

A great combination for a VERY FUN event planned for Saturday, July 18, from 6 - 9 pm. Crawl all over downtown Clayton to taste fabulous food and wine and listen to great music!

Taste local wines from Rabun County's award winning vineyards, Tiger Mountain Vineyards and Persimmon Creek Vineyards, along with wines from around the world that are featured on the wine lists of local restaurants

Sample great food from Rabun County's best Restaurants in Rock House Park and Veterans Park

Live music by Robert Ray and David Fry

Buy your Clayton Crawl T-shirt for just $10. The $10 charge includes a souvenir glass (while supplies last). Get your tickets at Prater's on Main Street, Fromage & Other Fine Foods and Grapes & Beans. For more info, please contact Linda or Jenny at Fromageclayton@yahoo.com or call 706.982.1284.

Remember Don't Drink and Drive. . . Crawl (to your favorite accommodations)

Jewelry Sale May 4

Mountain Lakes Medical Center Auxiliary-Volunteers welcomes everyone to the fundraising Jewelry Event, Monday, May 4, 2009, in the Lobby of Mountain Lakes Medical Center Hospital in Clayton, GA.

This gigantic sale of an amazing fashionable collection of magnificent costume jewelry features all jewelry at $5.00 or less! Hundreds of all types of quality jewelry will be presented by Phantasia Jewelry for purchase. The public is warmly invited.

The MLMC Auxiliary, a non-profit organization raises funds to purchase needed equipment for the Hospital. One of the current projects is to purchase wheel chairs for the Hospital. The Auxiliary also donates countless hours of free work in the hospital all to better serve Clayton, Rabun County and the surrounding communities.

The jewelry extravaganza runs from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm on Monday, May 4th. Credit cards. debit cards, check and cash are welcome.

Mountain Lakes Medical Center is located in Clayton, on Ridgecrest Circle off Highway 76 West and Germany Road. For further information, please telephone 706 212-0230.

SECOND ANNUAL WILD AND WOOLLY WINE TASTING & AUTHOR-FIDDLER FESTIVAL

An intriguing and stellar line-up of writers, photographers, fiddlers and poets will help celebrate the month of May and the real beginning of spring in the Southern Appalachians with the 2009 Wild & Woolly Wine Tasting & Author-Fiddler Festival.

A benefit for the Georgia ForestWatch forest conservation organization, the festival is set for 10-5 p.m., Saturday, May 2, at Tiger Mountain Vineyards in Rabun County.

Count on a daylong appreciation of nature, local folkways, fine food and award-winning wine. And get set to lend your ears to presentations from colorful authors and some of the hottest mountain fiddlers in three states. Here is the line-up:

11 a.m. -- Mildred Greear, an environmental activist fierce in her love of family, the earth, and its diverse peoples. Moving Gone Dancing: A Book of Poetry that Took 87 Years to Write.
11:45 a.m. – George Ella Lyon, a “word weaver” and an activist in the fight to resist mountaintop coal removal. She found writing could be exciting, joyful, and comforting in itself. Don’t You Remember?
12:30 p.m. – Thomas Rain Crowe, one of the “Baby Beats,” and a most prolific Appalachian bard, translator, editor, publisher, recording artist and author of twelve books of original and translated works. The End of Eden: Writings of an Environmental Activist.
1- 3 p.m. – Wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and fiddling by Scottish-style fiddler Marie Dunkle, Tiger, Georgia; old-timey fiddler Kelly Smith, Salem, South Carolina; and John Harper Duncan, maker of down-home Appalachian music, Asheville, North Carolina. Sampling of local and regional food fare, breads, butter, jam and cheeses coordinated by Cindy Halbkat of Sah-ka-na-ga Gardens.
3 p.m. – Kathryn Kolb, another dedicated environmental activist, seen by some critics as one of the best nature photographers in the country, brings us a timeless collection fine art images of natural forms and landscapes, mostly from the Southeast, in both color and black and white. Kathryn Kolb Photographs.
3:45 p.m. – John Lane, expert kayaker and educator who uses wilderness as a critical theme in his poetry, personal essays, and fiction. The Best of the Kudzu Telegraph.
4:20 p.m. – Janie P. Taylor, a Rabun County native who grew up in the lee of the vineyards, relates tales of days gone by. The Storyteller – Tales of Tiger Mountain.

See www.gafw.org for greater detail on the authors and their work and directions to the vineyards.

ForestWatch views this event as an “affordable fundraiser,” and asks for a $20 entry fee per each adult, good for the plant sale or authors and fiddlers, or both. Various items also will be raffled off, including art prints from local artist/photographers Pat Calderone and Peter McIntosh and outdoor gear from Patagonia. Signed copies of authors’ books also will be available for sale.
For further information and to secure advance tickets, call 706-635-8733 or click info@gafw.org, or review the website information at www.gafw.org or www.tigerwine.com.

dance to a Latin beat - Zumba!

Herbs of Spring

Herbs of Spring
Saturday May 9 , 2009, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Spend a glorious spring day with Patricia Kyritsi Howell in the forests of the Southern Appalachian Mountains learning about the many medicinal herbs that thrive in cool spring weather. An herb walk at a nearby forest trail will be followed by a lecture explaining the uses of the herbs seen. This a great class for herbal beginners, experienced herbalists and anyone interested in native plants of our region.

You will learn:

About the ecology of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Basic field botany techniques for identifying plants.
The medicinal uses of over twenty herbs of spring.

For more details about this and other classes, visit www.wildhealingherbs.com
Location: The Center on Warwoman, Pinnacle Drive and Warwoman Road, Clayton, GA 30525.
Cost is 45.00. Pre-registration is required. Visa/MasterCard accepted. Call 706-746-5485 or e-mail info@wildhealingherbs.com

RGNS MADFest April 24-25

Barbara Taylor Brown Book Signing

Sat April 25th
Noon to 2PM, during Celebrate Clayton

Barbara Brown Taylor will be signing An Altar in the World

Rev Taylor was at Prater's 3 years ago with her book Leaving Church. Rev Taylor spent fifteen years in parish ministry and was named one of the twelve most effective preachers in the English speaking world by Baylor University in 1996. She became a professor of religion at Piedmont College in 1998 and also teaches spirituality at Columbia Theological Seminary. Still a priest in the Episcopal church, Taylor has traveled the world in pursuit of sacred wisdom, finding most of what she needed in her own backyard. She lives on a working organic farm in Habersham county with her husband, Ed.

Prater Books
34 N Main St
Clayton GA
706-212-0014

Spring Wildflower Hike at Hambidge

Enjoy an easy hike led by Louis Schweizer in the beautiful Cove Forest and learn about the native wildflowers of Rabun County. Meet at Hambidge at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21. The hike will take approximately 2 hours. Cost is $5 per person. Free for Hambidge members. www.hambidge.org
Call Debra Sanders 706.746.7324 to register for the hike or for more information.

Spring Classes at the Globe Gallery

Join the fun!

April 20th - BOOKBINDING for Art books - 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Monday – Fee: $20.
Instructional workshops on a variety of techniques for making handmade books with Peggy McBride.
All tools and basic materials supplied. Bring your own tools/paper, if desired.
May 9th - CLAY BIRDS II Workshop - 2:00-5:00 pm – Saturday – Fee: $45.
Whimsical Birds-on-a-Stick for your garden with local artist, Jean Stewart
April 20th – MOLDMAKING FOR PMC – 2:00 -4:00 pm – Monday – Fee: $25.
Debi Snyder will assist us in making cold molds for use in future Precious Metal Clay (PMC) classes and experiment with non-metal
clays to learn new layering, rolling and cutting techniques to incorporate into silver clay in a future class.
May 7 - BRONZE PMC - 5:30-7:30 pm – Thursday - Fee: -$65.
May 14 - BRONZE PMC - 5:30-7:30 pm – Thursday - Fee: -$65.

PMC classes are all taught by Debi Snyder, local silversmith. Fee includes all supplies, clay and small kit of tools to make a unique silver jewelry piece. We will sculpt, mold, fire and finish our pieces. The kit is yours to keep for future classes. (Previous PMC students get a reduced rate.)
NOTE: Please call ahead for the silver and bronze classes so we will have enough supplies for everyone.

Globe Gallery is located just off 76 East at the corner of Highway 441. Look for the round Globe sign and green steps. Hours open: Thursday-Saturday 10-6 & Sunday 10-4

2nd Annual "Tee Off for CASA" Golf Tournament

The 2nd Annual "Tee Off for CASA" Golf Tournament to benefit Mountain Circuit CASA will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at the Orchard Golf and Country Club.
Call (706) 886-1098 to register to play, sponsor a hole, or contribute gifts for tee bags or prizes.

Tallulah Gorge Grill opens for season!

The Tallulah Gorge Grill
is opening for our Third Season!
April 2
Thursday - Monday
11:00 serving Lunch
706-754-9149
Dinner
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
will begin in May

Rabun Ramble Road Race July 4

Join runners from across the US for the 3rd annual Rabun Ramble Road Race, which will be held on Saturday, July 4 2009 at 7:30 a.m. at the Lake Rabun Pavilion (1897 Lake Rabun Road, Lakemont Ga. 30552) 475 runners entered the 2008 race, with 250 race day entrants alone -- so come on out, even on race day, and enjoy the run!

Applications and information available are at www.rabunramble.com or you can call Sandy O’Brien at 706-782-7043.

Spring Pottery Show and Sale at Hambidge:Clay Works from Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau

Hambidge Presents Clay Works from Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau

Pottery lovers can head to the Hambidge Center in the Northeast Georgia mountains beginning in April to enjoy the Spring Pottery Show & Sale, from April 18 – June 20. This year’s exhibition, Clay Works from Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, starts on Friday, April 17 with an Opening Reception from 5 to 7 p.m. and runs through June 20.

The Clay Works show is curated by Maggie McMahon and features the works of TJ Edwards, Sharon Farrelly, Ginger Freeman, Robert Harvey, Megan Kieffer, Kay Livesey, Jessica Lowe, Maggie McMahon, Victoria Minor, Vince Pitelka, Jean Pitts, Marisa Recchia, Claire Reishman, Archie Stapleton, Merissa Tobler, Nancy Wallace and Jody Windus.

Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Directions:
From Clayton take Highway 441 north to Dillard. Just inside the city limits, take a left on Betty’s Creek Road and proceed 3.5 miles to the sign and entrance on your right. 105 Hambidge Court, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568. The mailing address is PO Box 399, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568. call 706-746-5718 or visit online

Art & Soul

GHCA April 4 Reception for Artist Patti Petit

Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts in Tallulah Falls features artist Patti Petit during the month of April. Petit is a very creative potter and has developed two separate themes, showing how clay can be used in its many different forms. On display are Petit's sculptured international dolls in their traditional clothing and also replica designs of purses from the past.

There will be a reception Saturday April 4th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Center in Tallulah Falls. Petit’s work will be on display until April 29th.

April is the perfect time to enjoy “Splendor in The Grass or Out on a Limb” the theme shows that are in the main gallery. As usual the artists have been very creative in the treatment of this theme show, which continues until April 18th.

The Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts is located at 11785 Hwy 441 N in Tallulah Falls.
For information please call 706-219-2510. www.GeorgiaArtists.org

Dance Party this Friday

JOIN THE FUN ! LATIN DANCE PARTY this Friday, March 27, at the Center on Warwoman in Clayton. BEGINNER lessons in salsa, tango, rumba, cha cha, etc. ... plus open dancing. The fun starts at 7 p.m.; $5 per person; everyone invited.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Art & Soul performance showcase to benefit “Power House for Kids” child advocacy center

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School’s Rearden Theatre will be the scene of a spectacular arts extravaganza on Friday, May 15 to benefit FAITH’s Power House for Kids child advocacy center located in Toccoa. The benefit will feature a variety of music, dance, theatre, visual and industrial arts and include the best of both RGNS student and faculty talent.

Tickets for the Art & Soul benefit are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Kids under 5 will be admitted free. Tickets soon will be available at the Rabun, Habersham, and Stephens County Chambers of Commerce, the FAITH Thrift Store in downtown Clayton, and at the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School bookstore. Doors will open at 6:30 PM on Friday, May 15 for the showcase.

Wine Highway Weekend

It's a great weekend to visit the Georgia Mountains! Visit our Northeast Georgia wineries and taste award winning wines grown and produced in our region.

The Winegrowers Association of Georgia sponsors it's fourth annual Wine Highway Weekend this Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22. There is a $20 charge per person, which is collected at the first winery visited. Travelers receive a "Wine Highway Weekend" collectors' glass, which gives admission to all participating wineries. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 - 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Stay and dine! Many restaurants are offering exceptional dining opportunities, including the Beechwood Inn and Lake Rabun Hotel, with overnight packages available at these properties and others. Please call for more information.

Take your camera along and capture the beautiful sights and views along the rolling countryside of the Northeast Georgia Mountains. We'd love to hear your comments.

PRECIOUS METAL CLAY JEWELRY WORKSHOP with Debi Snyder

Thursday ~ March 26
6:00-8:00 pm at the Globe Gallery
Make your own Earrings or Pendant!!

No Experience Necessary!~ Students will be introduced to Precious Metal Clay in this class learning basic techniques while creating a pendant or a pair of earrings. Every student will leave with a finished work of art! As a pliable material, PMC can be formed, rolled, surface textured...then fired to the melting point of metal. $ 65. includes PMC Kit plus clay & firing. Reserve your space by March 19th!! (706) 782-0071

"Crimes of the Heart" opens March 27

The North Georgia Community Players presents the play, "CRIMES OF THE HEART," a Pulitzer Prize winning play by Beth Henley, March 27-29 and again April 3.5. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 3:00 p.m.

It is a rare and enjoyable mix of adult comedy and melodramatic situations. Tickets for the show are $10 adults, $5 for children 11 and under. For ticket information, please call (706) 212-2500, e-mail: ngcptickets@windstream.net, or visit the website www.ngcommunityplayers.com

The Dillard Playhouse Theatre is located @ 892 Franklin Street, off #441 N (turn on Henry Dillard St., @ "The Dillard House" restaurant sign.)

Rick Claridad on FLYFISHING

A wonderful evening at the Globe with Rick Claridad

Come out on Friday, March 13, from 6-8 pm to hear Rick's stories about the art of casting as he demonstrates and shares his expertise with you. Rick will show his Vintage Travelogue/Slide Show, featuring flyfishing excursions around America, to Patagonia, and beyond.

Wine and Hors d'oeuvres will be served. Please RSVP to the Globe Gallery, 706.782.0071. The cost is $15 per person.

Handbuilding Clay Class at the Globe

Whimsical Birds-on-a-Stick

with area artist, Jean Stewart

Sunday, March 8 / 2-5 pm $45

No experience is necessary. Call the Globe Gallery at 706.782.0071 to reserve your space.

Antique & Estate Auction Saturday, March 7th, 2009

Coins: Gold from Dahlonega and Charlotte, other Gold Coins, Silver Dollar Collection, Paper and Good American Coins, Nice Gold Estate Jewelry.

Furniture: Country Jelly Cupboards, Step Back Cupboards, Country French Sideboard, Three 6-Stack Oak Bookcases, 4-Stack Oak Bookcase, Coca-Cola Vendo Junior, Polychrome Game Wheel, 6 Beautiful Painted Chairs, Maple Butchers Block, Hanging Pie Safe, Mahogany Game Tables, Mountain Lion, 4 Fireplace Mantles, 1-Drawer and 2-Drawer Stands, Mahogany Sideboard and China Cabinet, Oak Claw and Ball Center Table, Marble Top Washstand, Oriental Rugs, Oak Wall Telephones, Stain Glass Windows

Smalls: Great Selection of Glassware, Victorian Portraits on Porcelain, Cast Iron Bank, Country Pottery, Art Pottery, Paintings and Prints

Visit www.goldenmemoriesauctions.com to view the full catalog and to make your seat reservations. The auction begins at 5 p.m.

Dinners at Persimmon Creek Vineyards

Welcome the arrival of spring with a Vernal Equinox Celebration on March 21st. The dinner will be held at the vineyard (where better?). Come and enjoy the first asparagus of spring!

Lavender’s Blue Dinner ~ Lavender is versatile in the kitchen and is prized by creative chefs as a culinary herb. Come and find out why! Saturday, June 27th

Sunflower Celebration Dinner ~ Please join Tasia Malakasis of Belle Chèvre cheeses and guest chef Virginia Willis for a Celebration of Sunflowers and Southern Fare! Saturday, July 25th

A Cornucopia of Flavors ~ a celebration of Persimmon Creek grown heirloom corn featuring Chef Hilary White of The Hil at Serenbe. Saturday, August 15th

Please call 706.212.7380 to make a reservation.

New Theater Opening

Destined to become a premier venue for top-notch performances, the new Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, NC plans to present the finest in performing arts in an atmosphere of stunning architecture, technical facilities and impeccable acoustics. The 1,500 seat state-of-the-art facility provides a creative environment for both performers and audiences. Look here for the schedule, and more to come! The Center opens July 3 with the four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of the Oak Ridge Boys.

Cirque: Baggio opens at RGNS

Follow the journey of a clown in Rabun Gap Nacoochee School's original production entitled Cirque: Baggio. It is modeled after the very popular international Cirque du Soleil. This is the school's eighth Cirque-style production.

A cast of 5o students perform in a high energy show combining arobatics, gymnastics, theatre, dance, juggling and character acting and using a variety of apparatus including trapeze, silks, lyra, net, plies and rola rola.

The show opened Thursday evening to a packed house in the Rearden Theater on the RGNS campus. Performances are tonight at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Performances are nearly always sold out, so call ahead to purchase tickets (706) 746-7716. Tickets for adults are $12. Students, children and senior citizens tickets are $8.