Arts & Antiques Weekend in the Mountains - June 19-21

The upcoming Arts & Antiques Weekend in the Mountains, June 19-21, is an ideal time to plan your mountain getaway. Find a cozy place to rest your soul, get a taste of fresh and local cuisine, and head out for a full day of arts and antiques.

Many of the finest antiques dealers from across the United States exhibit at the Mountain Lakes Classic Antiques Show, held annually at the Rabun County Civic Center. Antique enthusiasts will find superlative displays featuring Antique Wireware, Transferware, French Oil Paintings, Painted Furniture, Fruitwood Furniture, 18th/19th Century English Ceramics, 19th Century Swiss Wood Carvings, 17th/18th/19th Century Antiques and Decorative Items, Period Antique Furniture, Mid Century Modern Furniture, Art, Prints, Vintage Silver, Silver Plate and other exceptional antiques. Show hours for the Third Annual Mountain Lakes Classic Antiques Show are Friday, June 19, from 10 am – 5 pm; Saturday, June 20, from 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday, June 21, from noon – 5 pm. Plan to arrive early for the special Preview Party held on Thursday, June 18, from 6-8 pm, which provides an chance for early buying opportunities and conversing with dealers and other collectors over hors d’oeuvres and local wines. For complete information, www.mountainlakesclassic.com

Ready to get out and explore the mountains? Plot your course and set your own pace as you traverse the scenic highways and byways of Habersham, Rabun, White and Stephens counties. There are many miles of creative ground to cover during the Northeast Georgia Arts Tour. Meet regional artists who will be demonstrating their talents and techniques at every venue on the arts tour Friday, June 19 from 1-5 pm; Saturday, June 20, from 10 am-5 pm; and Sunday, June 21, from 1-5 pm. Because you may not be able to get to everything, there is a second demonstrating artist open house weekend scheduled for November 13 – 15. For complete information, www.artstour.org

You’ll want to include a stop at St. James Episcopal Church in Clayton, for the annual
St. James Flower Festival June 19 -20. In addition to flower arrangements demonstration, you’ll discover a wonderful collection of hooked rugs.

The Lake Rabun Flea Market on Saturday, June 20, at the beautiful new Lake Rabun Pavilion features a bit of everything from small appliances to boats, furniture, and home accessories. There is a bargain barn, sporting equipment, a great raffle with vacation home getaways, and a silent auction.

The Rootcellar at Timpson Creek Gallery is featuring an evening with Linda Anderson, Georgia’s premier memory painter. Linda will discuss the stories behind her work following a picnic dinner on the grounds at 6:30 p.m. and will have her work on exhibit throughout the weekend as a part of the Northeast Georgia Arts Tour.

A popular stop along the tour is Tiger Mountain Vineyards, where area painters and potters will be demonstrating their art. Stop by for wine and cheese, stroll through the vineyard, and take in the scenery. Historic Lakemont Village in Rabun County is another popular stop along the tour.

Throughout the year, Golden Memories, in Mountain City, stages one of the largest antique auctions in the country. Auctions are held every Monday evening and one Saturday a month, and are worth the trip for every antique lover.

Antiques, galleries, concerts, theater performances, and several unique cultural attractions including the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center, Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts, and Hambidge Center for the Arts ensure that visitors are never short of unique and exciting things to do and see.

For more information, please call the Rabun County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 706.982.4754.