The Qualla Country Trout Tournament

Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7

It’s not too late to take home the summer’s biggest trout. And biggest purse. Your $11 entry fee lets you compete for your share of $20,000 in the pristine, freestone streams of Cherokee (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters). For those unfamiliar with tagged tourneys, you’ll discover the waters stocked with fish tagged with different colors. Just catch and redeem them for cash up to $500. Prize redemption for tagged fish will be at the Water Beetle Stage, a pavilion next to the Cherokee Welcome Center on US 441. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Register to redeem cash prizes anywhere fishing licenses are sold

TNGA cyclists on Saturday August 23, 2014

Although I do not Mountain Bike, (even though I should)

Thought this would be of interest

The TNGA (Trans North GeorgiA) is a 350 mile mountain bike route through the mountains of North Georgia on trails, forest roads and paved roads featuring challenging terrain, beautiful scenery and over 56000 feet of climbing.

U-Pick Blackberries Saturday, July 19th at Jaemor Farms

This Saturday we will host our 'Family Fun Day' for the summer, where you can come to Jaemor Farms and enjoy a farm tour and pick blackberries! Farm tours will begin at 9:00 a.m., and are $6/person. In addition to a tractor ride, this also includes a visit to our observation beehive, and unlimited chances to enjoy our duck races and farm slide. U-Pick Blackberries will be $16/gallon. Purchase your farm tour tickets and u-pick gallons at 'The Shed'. *U-Pick blackberries are subject to availability so come early

Georgia Mountain Fair July 18th-26th 2014

Look forward to the 64th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer! Thousands of visitors from across the region have experienced the excitement and nostalgia that the event has to offer. With first class musical performances, arts & crafts, fun carnival rides, unique attractions and a glimpse into North Georgia's rich history and culture, the Fair provides something for every member of the family.  

Admission:
General Admission: $12 (Includes Music Shows)
Children 12 & Under: Free
Parking: Free
Trolley available: Donations Appreciated
Georgia Mountain Fair, Inc. 
1311 Music Hall Road
Hiawassee, Georgia 30546 

By Phone: 706-896-4191 

For Goodness Snakes - 6/29/14 at 1-2pm

 It's true - snakes help control rodent populations and are an important part of our ecosystem. Come learn about these misunderstood reptiles. Join us in the Lodge Lobby and you will be saying "Oh my goodness snakes". Make a day of it and have lunch in the Maple Restaurant after the show. Handicapped Accessible event.$5 parking fee. Phone: 706-265-1969 - Address: Amicalola Falls State Park, 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534

Guided Tours at Hardman Farm

Saturday, June 28, 2014 - 9:00am - 4:30pm

 The historic Hardman House across from the Nacoochee Indian mound will be open for rare tours on Saturday, June 28, 2014.  Learn the secrets and history of this143-year-old former governor’s farm while on a guided tour with a Park Interpretive Ranger.

 

Tours will take place at 9 a.m.., 11 a.m. and  4:30 p.m.  for  $10 per person.  SPACE IS VERY LIMITED and you must register in advance to attend. To register call Smithgall Woods State Park at 706-878-3087 or email Jessica.James@gadnr.org.  Tours will last approximately one hour, and the house is not climate controlled; therefore, visitors should dress appropriately.

    

Hardman Farm is located 2 miles south of Helen, Georgia on the corner of Hwy. 17 and Hwy. 75.  It is across from a gazebo-topped Indian mound which is a popular landmark in the Sautee-Nacoochee Valley.  The state-owned historic site is not usually open to the public and is operated by Smithgall Woods State Park.

 To schedule a tour, contact Jessica James Weems at 706-878-3087 or e-mail Jessica_james@dnr.state.ga.us

The Destination Helen Motorcycle Rally

Beginning on Thursday, August 14th, The Destination Helen Motorcycle Rally will be in town. Hosted by Chattahoochee Biker Gear, it’s an annual event with concerts, bike shows, contests, games and plenty of party potential.   The event attracts bikers and festival vendors from all over, and promises to be epic weekend!  Are you looking forward to riding the open road, taking it easy and getting crazy with fellow bikers at the rally?  They have great sponsors, vendors & bands. For more information visit the website.

Cooking Class at Jaemor Farms

Two cooking classes set for July!

 

During the past month Jaemor Farms  have hosted two homemade preserves classes with the help of the UGA Extension Service. We're hosting two more in July! Join them to learn the set-by-step process of canning properly. It is time consuming, but with the proper steps, you too can be canning fresh fruits and vegetables this summer to enjoy year-round!

Classes are from 4-8 p.m. and take place at 'The Barn' at Jaemor Farms. Classes are $25/person. At the beginning of each class we take a tour of the farm to learn about the crops we grow and the history of Jaemor. Then we return to 'The Barn' to have a hands on workshop learning about food safety and the process of making jam, or canning vegetables. Below are are the next two opportunities for cooking on the farm:

July 8th -- 'Pickling Class'
July 22nd -- 'Salsa Class'

Top of Georgia Hostel & Hiking Center Opens in Hiawassee

Check out this new lodging property near the Appalachian Trail (7675 R

ose Haven, Hiawassee, GA 30546). During the

“season” they will be catering to the multitude of hikers, but the rest of the year, they will be offering wine/lodging,

hiking/lodging packages, etc. Contacxt is Bob Gabrielsen

bob@TopOfGeorgiaHostel.com

. Check it out at

www.topofgeorgiahikerhostel.com