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!

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!

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.