Exciting Events at Unicoi State Park and Lodge

Music Concert and Visiting Artist at Unicoi State Park and Lodge
Unicoi State Park and Lodge will have a concert at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009 featuring Joanne Steele.
David Little, who carves wooden bowls will also be in Unicoi Lodge on Saturday, June 27, 2009 and Sunday, June 28, 2009.
Joanne is from the Nacoochee Valley. She sings Original and traditional folk songs. In her music she encourages all to Come and join us now and lend a hand," a voice, an ear. This program will be a "pass-the-hat" donation for the musicians, as they have volunteered their time to visit Unicoi.
Starting with a simple tree, David is able to carve out the most magnificent bowls using hand held carving tools and he has the instincts of a true artist. He will be showing his work Saturday between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Unicoi State Park & Lodge is located 2 miles north of Helen, GA
on Hwy. 356. For any further information about the weekend activities,
call Programming Department at
(800) 573-9659, ext. 305.


Unicoi State Park celebrates July 4th Mountain Style
Unicoi State Park and Lodge will celebrate the July 4th weekend with several events.
The weekend will include activities as live music, relays, visiting artist, and a hoedown.
Beginning Friday, July 3, 2009 Unicoi will celebrate the
weekend with a campfire and Smores at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, July 4, there
will be relays at the beach house beginning at 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
come join in on Field Day Activities and Relay races! Some of the
events will include a Water Balloon Toss, Tug-A-War, Watermelon Eating
and Seed Spitting Contests, Sack races, and Three-Legged Races.
Spend the evening enjoying a concert at 8:00 p.m. featuring Bob
Thomason. Gene Harrison stain glass artist will also be in Unicoi Lodge
on Saturday, July 4, 2009 and Sunday, July 25, 2009.
On Sunday July 5, 2009 enjoy another day at the beach competing
in relays from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. As the weekend comes to a
close, we need lots of willing participants to come join in on a good
Œol mountain hoedown. We will do some fun dances that the whole
family will enjoy. Bring a partner or we will find one for you. The
hoedown will take place at the Trading Post/Visitors Center at 8:00
p.m..
The Thomasons are well-known regional musicians who perform a blend
of traditional songs from the Appalachian Mountains and the British
Isles using guitar, banjo, and mountain dulcimer. Bob is also a
spirited storyteller, so this concert promises fun for the entire
family. Bob began playing at Unicoi over twenty years ago around the
campfire and is now a feature musician. This program will be a
"pass-the-hat" donation for the musicians, as they have
volunteered their time to visit Unicoi.
Gene Harrison has been a stained glass craftsman since 1973. His
leaded glass creations consist of autonomous window panels, lampshades,
mirrors, standup sports figurines and sun catcher. He will be showing
his work Saturday between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and from 10:00 a.m.
until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Unicoi State Park & Lodge is located 2 miles north of Helen, GA
on Hwy. 356. For any further information about the weekend activities,
call Programming Department at
(800) 573-9659, ext. 305.

Be Sure to Check out these Special Events Northeast Georgia Arts Tour 2009 Open House Weekend-- June 19th – June 21st

Special Events in Habersham County
Summer Dance 2009 -. Middle Eastern Dance Workshops, Show and Magical
Fashion Sale: --Sat. June 20th 157 Mary Street, Clarkesville, GA. Make a day of it exploring the wonders of MiddleEastern Dance. 9:30am - Noon: Shimmy Shimmy Workshop with instructor MahsatiJanan ; 1:30pm - 3:30pm : Tribal Workshop with instructor Oracle. 9:00am - 9:30,
Noon - 1:30pm and 3:30 - 4:00 shop to you drop with Magical Fashions. 7:30pm -
9:30pm: We will rak you Show featuring instructors and invited guest performers.
Registration and fee required for the workshops. Tickets for the show $10. Limited
seating is available. Presented by Alima and GHCA. For more information contact:
Alima at: bellydanceralima@yahoo.com
Dirt Bag Pottery - Sat. June 20th. 10am - 5pm. 600 Hoyt Street, Cornelia, GA (Just one
block off Level Grove Rd) phone: 706-778-3846 . Stop by and get an insiders look at
pottery classes in action lead by Master Potter and Instructor Claudia George (also
known as Dr. Dirt). The Dr. has taught many of the potters in the area to develop their
own creative expression in clay. See wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques set in a
spacious working studio. Classes are offered year round. For more information call the
Dr. or email: drdirt@windstream.net

Special Events in Rabun County
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.

Special Event in Stephens County
June 19 – 21: There will be a special bronze sculpting demonstration at the Welcome
Center in the renovated train depot in downtown Toccoa by Bruce Everly. See his
incredible work in the Currahee Military Museum of bronze busts, including General
Dwight D. Eisenhower. For information call: 706-886-2132.

Special Events in White County
InsideOut Sautee, 2454A Hwy 17,Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571, 706-878-0144
www.InsideOutSautee.com contact: Sheilah Welsch
InsideOut Sautee is a unique gallery featuring pottery, jewelry, art, home furnishings
including outdoor furniture, lighting and rugs on the main level. We are opening an art
gallery in a few weeks which will feature predominantly local artists. Currently
scheduled for the Arts Tour weekend: Friday June 19th: James Williams demonstrating
acrylic painting. 1-5 pm Saturday June 20th : Painter James Williams 10 -5pm;
Bluegrass musicians on the front porch on and off during the day. Sunday June 21st:
James Williams, painter, 1 - 5 pm; Singer, songwriter, author Sheri Kling on the porch 1
pm til ??; Bluegrass following Sheri Kling performance. Plus others who may make a
surpirse appearance!

Special Event in Banks County
9th Annual North Georgia Folk Potters Festival--Sat. June 20th-- 8am - 2pm. Banks

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!

The Georgia Appalachian studies Center at North Georgia College and State University is offers an Appalachian Community Studies Certificate Program. If you live, work, or play in these mountains, you may be interested in "living and learning the Appalachian story!" For more information, www.ngcsu.edu/asc

Georgia Wine Festival at Blackstock Vineyards

The 2nd annual Georgia Fine Wine Festival returns to Blackstock Vineyards and Winery. It's a weekend festival of fine food, wine, music, and art in the beautiful Georgia Mountains.

Saturday, June 6th from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 7th from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sample over 50 premium Georgia-grown wines and a bounty of culinary offerings; listen to The Kip Dockery Jazz Quartet, and enjoy the works of local artists and crafters including pottery wheels, weavers, blacksmiths, sculptors, and more!

Over 50 fantastic Georgia-grown wines are yours for the tasting with your Passport Glass, great live jazz in the pavilion, folk and bluegrass throughout the grounds. Reserve your tickets today!

Art-Full Barn Scholarship Show

The Art-Full Barn's Annual Art Supply Scholarship Show will be on display from May 9th through May 24. This show and competition is open to any high school senior who is enrolled to begin college this fall as an intended art major; seniors may come from any public, private or home school program. Entry is free and winners will be announced at a reception on May 24. Grand prize is a gift certificate for $500 of art supplies; winners may choose the art supplies they need for class supply lists or personal studios. This is the eighth year The Art-Full Barn has given this scholarship award and every year the display showcases phenomenal young artists. The public is invited to view the show any day. For more information, contact Gail Kimsey at 706-754-1247 or artfullbarn@yahoo.com.

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.

Funky Prom at GHCA

6th Annual "Funky Prom" is Friday May 15th at the Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts Education Building at 157 Mary Street, Clarkesville. This is the prom you wished you had attended in high school. Every spring the dancers scour the thrift stores trying to find the tackiest outfit to come dancing in. The dance starts at 8 p.m. and the cost is $10.00 per person for this special event. The evening starts with ballroom and slowly introduces rock and roll music, line dancing and country western. For more information call 706-754-5989.

Northeast Georgia Mountains Travel Association meets at Lake Rabun Hotel

The Northeast Georgia Mountains Travel Association will meet May 13th at 12:00 at the Lake Rabun Hotel in Lakemont Georgia. www.lakerabunhotel.com The speaker will be Web Designer -Beth Snider with 3by400 Inc. web solutions that work. http://3by400.com

DIRECTIONS

Coming from Atlanta: Take I 85 North, 28.4 miles. Take left fork onto 1-985 toward Lanier Pkwy/Gainsville. Go 24.5 miles. Continue on US-23 North for 43.2 miles. Turn left on Joy Bridge, 0.1 mile, turn right on OLD GA-441, 0.1 mile, turn left on Lake Rabun Road, 1.4 miles. Hotel on the right, 35 Andrea Lane, Lakemont, GA 30552.

Coming from the north (North Carolina/South Carolina): Take US 441 south. Turn right on Wiley Conn. Turn sharp left onto Old GA 441. Stay straight to go onto Lake Rabun Road, 3 miles. Hotel on the right, 35 Andrea Lane, Lakemont, GA 30552.

6th Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival July 19, 2009

Glen-Ella Springs Inn and Meeting Place will be the site for the 6th annual Heirloom Tomato Festival on Sunday, July 19th

Spread across a beautiful 12 acre meadow, this increasingly popular festival features dozens of varieties of Heirloom Tomatoes for taste testing, live bluegrass music, local craft vendors displaying fine art, pottery, jewelry and more. There are also on-going painting demonstrations by local artists throughout the day.

What’s a festival without food? Among many food items offered for sale are southern favorites such as, Tomato Tartlets, Tomato Sandwiches and of course Fried Green Tomatoes. Lots of sweet tea, lemonade and water will also be available.
Most Unusual Tomato Contest - Ever wondered what to do with those strange looking tomatoes? Entries for the “Most Unusual Tomato” are judged based on size, shape and color. Contest judging is at 1:30 pm.
The winner will be awarded a gift certificate for an overnight stay at the inn. Entries for the contest sign in at the information booth from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.
The Twilight Tomato Supper finishes off the day’s activities. Beginning at 6:00 pm and by reservation only, guests enjoy a buffet supper served in the covered outdoor pavilion. Live entertainment provided by well-known local vocalist, Lisa Deaton. Cost is $35.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity). For those who enjoy wine with dinner, you may either bring your own or you may purchase bottle at the front desk of the inn.

Festival admission fee: $5.00 per person.
Festival hours: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Festival location: 1789 Bear Gap Road, Clarkesville, GA 30523

For more information and/or reservations, 1-888-455-8893, 706-754-7295 or visit online at www.glenella.com