A Long Weekend Archives - There Goes Connie

Artists and Artisans in South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country

11/04/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Two places you must check out when you’re driving throughout Thoroughbred Country in South Carolina — roughly the area immediately east and south of Augusta, Georgia — are the Little Red Barn Pottery and Art Gallery in Barnwell, SC and Jim Harrison Gallery in Denmark, SC.

LITTLE RED BARN POTTERY AND ART GALLERY

Liz Ringus is the Master Potter who owns this store/gallery along with her husband. You can actually watch Liz work if you visit at just the right times. She may be best known for her face jugs, but she has plenty of other beautiful items on display as well. The face jugs have an origin that I learned for the first time. “Back in the day” everything in a home had a specific function, particularly when it came to pieces of pottery. The first face jugs were created to hold the hard liquor of the man of the house as a way to “scare” young children from drinking any. I believe these frightening, grotesque faces would have been a great deterrent, don’t you? It makes me wish we still had graphic tools like this to keep children and young people away from substances that are harmful. In my opinion, mere warning labels don’t have the same effect.

A number of other local artists have their works available for sale, too, at Little Red Barn (12080 US Highway 278, Barnwell, SC), so it’s a great place to find the perfect gift.

Fall-themed pottery pieces at the Little Red Barn in Barnwell, SC.

I was inspired by hearing of Liz’s work at a nearby prison. She goes once a week and teaches a 3 1/2 hour class to a group of inmates. She is justifiably proud of their progress both artistically and in the rehab they are going through to prepare for life eventually outside the prison. She mentioned that a variety of classes are offered at this facility. I applaud South Carolina for promoting such efforts.

JIM HARRISON GALLERY

I would strongly recommend that you browse the Jim Harrison website to learn about this fascinating man who died in 2016 at the age of 80, still actively doing what he loved. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a dual major in art and physical education, then coached for a number of years before deciding to pursue a painting career full-time.

His gallery at 4716 Carolina Highway in Denmark, SC. features limited and unlimited reproductions of the works he created during his 35-year career. I spotted one original painting near the front door with a price tag of $85,000!!!! But, most, of course, are less expensive. His Clemson Tiger and University of South Carolina Gamecock prints are particularly popular.

Prints for sale including those of interest to Clemson and University of South Carolina fans.

Jim Harrison may be best known for his works that incorporated the Coca-Cola logo, a company with whom he had a licensee relationship dating back to 1995. His fondness for the logo began when he was 14 years old and hired as an apprentice for J. J. Cornforth who had a contract for painting Coca-Cola advertisements on the sides of barns and stores.

A Coca-Cola advertisement like the ones that first ignited Jim Harrison’s passion for art.

Harrison considered himself to be “a self-proclaimed protector of old things and old ways” and was known as a public speaker and an author, in addition to being an artist.

While you’re in the vicinity, here’s another arts and crafts related suggestion:

Blacksmith demonstration at Living History Park in North Augusta, South Carolina.

If you’re in Thoroughbred Country during a weekend when the Living History Park is in full swing, you’ll be able to see costumed Early American reenactors weaving, quilting, candle-making and blacksmithing, among other things. Check this page for upcoming dates and events.

A Place Called “God’s Acre”

11/01/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Immediately I was intrigued. The itinerary I was given for a recent visit to Thoroughbred Country in South Carolina included a short stop to get a drink of water at God’s Acre Healing Springs in Blackville, SC. What did it mean? What would it look like? How did it come to be called by such a name?

From what I learned, the Native Americans who originally inhabited the land considered the springs to be sacred and believed the water had healing properties. That belief was furthered by the story of some gravely wounded British soldiers being taken to the springs where they drank from the springs, bathed in the waters and eventually rejoined their fellow soldiers after being miraculously healed. The Edisto Indians eventually sold their land, and the Healing Springs Baptist Church was built next door. Rural churches in those days almost always had a cemetery on the grounds, but this church decided against digging a graveyard in order for the springs to remain pure.

The acre encompassing the springs was owned by L.P. Boylston, who surprised everyone by officially deeding that parcel of land to God in his will read in 1944. It was a shrewd move. 1) How was anyone supposed to collect taxes from God? 2) The government was forced to assume the responsibility of maintaining the site.

Today several gallons of water per minute spew from spigot pipes sunk into the ground, and a large sign states: “This historical property has been deeded to God for public use, please revere God by keeping it clean.”

In just the few minutes that I was there several cars drove to the site, parked on the gravel lot and brought their jugs from home and filled them with the water. When asked, they declared that the water was wonderful for drinking, and that they wouldn’t want to go a week without it.

I tried a bottle full for myself. The taste was good, and I didn’t get sick. It remains to be seen whether the effects, other than quenching my thirst, will be long-lasting. But what a thought that this land LEGALLY belongs to God. The Bible says that the whole earth is HIS. Why haven’t more people chosen to acknowledge that fact with a signed document? Or at least with an attitude of the heart?

Psalm 24:1 — ” The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (KJV)

And, don’t forget. The water at Healing Springs may be good, but Jesus offers a water that will keep us from ever being thirsty again.

John 4:13-14 — ” Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” AMEN.

P.S. I hope you’ll stop by the springs when you visit this area. The address for GPS purposes is 2563 Healing Springs Road. And, if you are there at lunch time, a great Amish-Mennonite cafe is only three miles away. Miller’s Bread Basket is a popular comfort food place served cafeteria-style.

South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country – Spotlight on Aiken, SC.

10/28/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Last week I had the pleasure of exploring one of South Carolina’s 11 tourism regions. With the title of Thoroughbred Country, this one comprises four counties: Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell, and it is located very near the Georgia state line outside of Augusta. I learned very quickly why the tourism representatives have added the tag “WAY MORE THAN HORSES.” Even though this is indeed horse country which hosts equestrian events of an impressive variety — polo matches, steeplechase, harness races, just to name a few — there is far more to the region than might first be visible.

Attractive souvenirs found in the Aiken County Historical Museum

Today I’ll draw a few attractions to your attention. The Willcox, an historic hotel with an impressive list of past guests, the Aiken County Historical Museum “Banksia” and Malia’s Restaurant.

THE WILLCOX

Frederick Sugden Willcox came to America from England in 1891 and first served as a caterer for the Old Highland Park Hotel in Aiken. When it burned to the ground in 1898, he was encouraged by his friends to open a hotel of his own. The Willcox registered its first guests in 1900. The hotel’s commitment to excellence and impeccable attention to details lured many guests and forced it to expand from its original size on several occasions. Such notables as Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Arden and Harold Vanderbilt have stayed at The Willcox. Both Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler have included it on their lists of the best hotels in the WORLD.

I loved the two-room Astor Suite that I was assigned. Such luxury and comfort! After coming in from dinner, I found the turn-down service with a fresh pitcher of ice water, soft music playing and a delicious chocolate treat on my bed. Breakfast the following morning involved a number of continental items as well as cooked-to-order dishes. I recommend that you consider this elegant lodging option when you visit Aiken, but don’t expect to stay there during Masters Week in Augusta. One year they even had to turn down the Duke of Windsor because every room had been booked. Wow.

AIKEN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The landscape of Aiken is dotted with some fabulous homes, dubbed “cottages,” that were built by Winter Colonists, rich and famous people who came to Aiken from the northern states to escape the harsh winters and to participate in the many horse-related festivities, races and contests. The Aiken County Historical Museum is housed in one of these cottages that was nicknamed “Banksia” by the family who lived there. An Aiken cottage was said to have “at least 22 rooms.” Banksia has 32 rooms, 15 bathrooms and a large ballroom.

“Banksia” an Aiken cottage, now the Historical Museum.

This is the place to go to understand the beginnings of Aiken and all that has led to the present. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice. This museum has free admission and is open every day except Monday.

MALIA’S RESTAURANT

Malia’s, at 120 Laurens Street, is an upscale, white tablecloth, aesthetically-pleasing restaurant that serves great food. It has been in business for almost 30 years and is the passion of owner, chef and namesake, Malia Koelker.

I heard rave reviews about the braised short ribs, so that’s what I chose, along with the Asian deviled eggs for an appetizer. My friends and I sampled several of the delectable desserts. This is a wonderful place for a fantastic dinner, but remember that it is closed on Sunday and Monday and only serves lunch on Tuesday.

P.S. I would also recommend that you check out the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum on Park Avenue or a narrated tour of the town, such as Tailored Tours of Aiken.

Barnsley Resort: Luxury Accommodations, Fine Dining, Skeet Shooting and More

09/23/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

For many, Barnsley Resort represents the ultimate in a gorgeous wedding venue with meticulously-maintained grounds, a colorful garden and historic ruins as settings for photographs, the ceremony and the reception. When you add the availability of great catering and plenty of accommodations for guests, you certainly have everything you need.

For families, Barnsley is a cozy place to bring people together, stay in comfort, eat amazing food and swap memories and stories around the firepits, while marshmallows roast for s’mores in the evening.

For sports enthusiasts, Barnsley represents a first-class partnership with Beretta and their exceptional guns for skeet-shooting and target practice. Safety is foremost on the minds of the instructors who make it a top priority for those who come to hone their skills.

“Pull!” 5 Barnsley guests take aim and get ready to fire from the shooting house. Photo courtesy of Barnsley Resort.

If golf is your preference, how about a Jim Fazio designed course encompassing 378 acres?

Hole 1 on the golf course. Photo courtesy of Barnsley Resort.

You might also choose horseback riding, disc golf, hiking, biking or boating on the lake. It is easy to see that all these possibilities make Barnsley a great place for a corporate retreat. Be sure to tell your boss about it. 🙂

For a girls getaway, the spa is a blissful indulgence, and the massages, body treatments, sauna, steam room and facials are designed to erase all your cares and stresses.

Lounge area in the spa. Photo courtesy of Barnsley Resort.

Couples treatment room in the spa. Photo Courtesy of Barnsley Resort.

Dining is exceptional. Woodlands Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the Rice House is only open for dinner Thursdays through Saturdays.

Accommodations at Barnsley Resort can be found in the 55-room inn and in the cottages and estate cottages with varying configurations and number of guests. The inn was recently added to the property. The cottages all vary in style and colors making the grounds feel more like an upscale neighborhood than a resort.

Probably my favorite things on the property were the firepits surrounded by Adirondeck chairs and the complimentary ingredients provided for s’mores.

In the interest of full disclosure, I haven’t YET had an opportunity to spend a night or a weekend at Barnsley, but I did see the accommodations firsthand, walk the grounds, explore the ruins, visit the shooting stand and enjoy a fantastic brunch at Woodlands Grill. I will be gently hinting at this as a place to celebrate a special occasion wtih my Silver Fox in the near future. 🙂

Custom-ordered omelet and all the fixings.

I believe you’ll enjoy a stay at Barnsley Resort very much.

3 Cartersville GA Attractions for Recreation and Education

09/16/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

I’ve written about Cartersville sights, eats and attractions here, here and here. Now I’d like to share three more that make a visit to the area interesting and enlightening.

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER PARK and PINE ACRES RETREAT

George Washington Carver Park on Lake Allatoona was established in 1950 as the first state park for African Americans in Georgia. This beautiful 345-acre property includes a manmade beach, picnic facilities, fishing docks, a boat ramp, playgrounds and a large event space great for family reunions, corporate meetings and wedding receptions. In 1956, a portion of the land was set aside for a black Girl Scout Camp and became known as Pine Acres Retreat. Currently, it is managed by the Cartersville-Bartow County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The lodging facilities are available for renting and range from platform tent sites to cabins for small and large groups. The camp has a swimming pool and buildings for eating and meeting. Reservations must be made for the cabins and the event venue, but the rest is open to the public.

A comfortable guest room available with reservations.

This historically-significant park has hosted Mrs. Coretta Scott King for church activities, Reverend Andrew Young and his family for skiing on the lake and Little Richard and Ray Charles for concerts. It is a contributing factor in the Civil Rights Movement.

TELLUS SCIENCE MUSEUM

If you’ve traveled on I-75 between Atlanta and Chattanooga in recent years, the large building housing the Tellus Science Museum likely caught your eye. It is open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is well worth the effort to find the nearest exit and pay the museum a visit.

The Bentley Planetarium supports the museum’s emphasis on space and astronomy, but other main areas of focus include transportation, minerals and fossils.

Also, on the grounds is a solar house which is open for tours Thursdays through Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00. Tellus recently celebrated 10 years of operation and welcomed its 2 millionth visitor. It is a source of great pride for Bartow County and is a wonderful resource for area schools.

ETOWAH INDIAN MOUNDS STATE HISTORIC SITE

Near the Etowah River, you can see (and actually climb to the top of) three large mounds, the largest of which is 63 feet high and spans 3 acres. A tour of the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site will take you to some original Native American fish traps and a wattle and daub house showing typical home construction by the Native Americans between 900 and 1550 AD.

Before reaching the mounds, you will use a bridge to walk over what were called the “borrow pits.” Dirt was shoveled from these areas to form the mounds, and the resulting deep ditches or pits were used as defensive tools against invaders or unwelcomed influences.

The visitors center presents a range of exhibits with artifacts used prominently in that time period. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Come back next week for a look at a luxury resort near Cartersville that will have you making plans and reservations soon.

Cartersville, Georgia: Booth Western Art Museum Presents Andy Warhol

09/09/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Men and boys, listen up! This is a museum you will LOVE!! Cowboys and Indians, horses and calf-ropers are everywhere! As a matter of fact, the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia contains the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the entire United States.

If you grew up watching Gunsmoke, Wyatt Earp, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Bonanza, Gene Autrey or movies such as “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” this place is for you. The paintings, sculptures and artifacts are outstanding.

There is also a section featuring the Civil War which is very sobering.

American history lovers will also appreciate the Presidential Gallery which contains a one-page, signed letter from every U.S. President from George Washington to Donald Trump.

From now until December 31, 2019, the headline exhibit is “Warhol and the West.” Andy Warhol, a famous American painter probably best known for pop art, was also fascinated with all things Western and created a surprising number of pieces in the latter part of his life with that theme. Many of those works have been brought to Cartersville, Georgia and added to the works already in the museum’s permanent collection, they now make up a stunning and insightful presentation. Try to see it before it leaves the southeast. This exhibit will be traveling to other parts of the country for the next several years.

The Booth Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 to 5:00 with extended hours on Thursdays until 8:00. Sunday hours are 1:00 to 5:00, and it is closed on Mondays. Parking is free. The gift shop is stocked with wonderful items, and the cafe on the premises is exceptional. Highly recommended items are the hamburgers, chicken salad and chili.

By the way, if you visit with young children, they are sure to enjoy the Sagebrush Ranch section on the ground floor designed with them in mind.

And, just so you know, I (a prissy female) enjoyed the entire museum. So, I’d highly recommend it as a great outing for couples or families.

Cartersville, GA: Rusty Cars and Rustic Diners

09/02/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Before last week, the only time I’d heard about Cartersville, Georgia was when my daughter who lives in Rome, Georgia said, “That’s where we go to shop at Target.” Needless to say, that meant my knowledge was practically non-existent. Everything changed when I had a chance to explore the town and pretty much all of Bartow County with several fellow travel writers and people familiar with the attractions of Cartersville. As a result, you can anticipate several posts about various aspects of this surprising destination.

OLD CAR CITY U.S.A.

Definitely getting the award for the most unusual attraction in Bartow County, Old Car City U.S.A. was a big surprise! Six miles of trails, 34 acres, 4400 old cars — really? Who knew that could be so fascinating and so appealing to photographers? It truly was, though. For folks like me, it was a step back in time as I spotted cars I used to be picked up in for dates or cars my parents had when I was growing up. No, these aren’t mint condition, car show cars. These are a part of what the owner Dean Lewis proudly calls “the third most famous junkyard in the world.” His parents originally opened the junkyard in 1931, but Lewis has expanded the business and marketed it very effectively.

Inside the large building at the entrance, you will also found a car once belonging to Elvis Presley, an antique toy collection and an eye-popping display of Styrofoam cups that have been used as canvasses to create folk art pieces. The Styrofoam cups, by the way, are identical to the ones used for serving beverages across the street at Wes-Man’s Restaurant. Somehow I don’t think that’s a coincidence.

A sample of the vast Styrofoam cup collection at Old Car City U.S.A.

It is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission for ages 13 and up is $15, for ages 7-10 it’s $10, and children 6 and under are free. If you have a camera or plan to have your picture made on the lot, the price is $25.

If you’re a “car person,” you’ll like this place. Even if you don’t think you’re a car person, I believe you’ll be surprised at how peaceful it is.

DINERS WITH HISTORY AND CHARACTER

Wes-Man’s Restaurant, as I mentioned above, is right across the highway from Old Car City U.S.A. In keeping with that theme, there is a rusty truck in the parking lot that has been used for special greetings for years. When my fellow writers and I arrived, our names were already painted on the truck, and it acknowledged the birthday of my new friend Laurie.

The important truck in the parking lot of Wes-Man’s Restaurant.

The decor can best be described as vintage, and the menu is truly Southern with lots of fried choices — even an ear of corn and cheesecake! Owner Wes Wesley does a good job of making his customers feel special, and if you’ve seen the movie “The Fundamentals of Caring,” the diner scene was filmed inside of Wes-Man’s.

Wes Wesley greeting guests with part of his impressive license plate collection displayed in the background.

Fried green tomatoes, field peas, mashed potatoes and a hoecake at Wes-Man’s.

4 Way Lunch is billed as “Georgia’s Oldest Restaurant Without a Telephone.” In reality, it is a tiny diner with a single row of stools that opened in 1931 and is pretty much serving the same menu it served at the beginning. Typical breakfast fare can be ordered from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., then hamburgers, cheeseburgers, steak and chicken sandwiches, chili and peach cobbler for lunch. The prices are unbelievably low. You can find it on East Main Street near the center of town.

Ross’ Diner, established in 1935 and located at 17 Wall Street, is slightly larger than 4 Way with approximately 2 dozen stools arranged in a u-shape. Ross’ also offers expected breakfast dishes and an array of sandwiches for lunch, but it goes a step further with lunch-time meat-and-three plates. No reservations are taken, of course. You just arrive and wait for an open stool. The prices are great here, too, with nothing on the menu topping $10.

Sausage, scrambled eggs and grits at Ross’ Diner.

Ross’ is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 – 2:30 but extends its Friday hours to 8:00 p.m.

Doug’s Place on Georgia Highway 293 in Emerson, GA, grew from a roadside country store to a full-fledged cafe when Interstate 75 was being built and a large detour took drivers right past the store. Those drivers looked mighty hungry to Doug, so he decided to offer biscuits, then meat-and-threes and a variety of Southern comfort dishes. The interstate has long been completed, but the parking lot at Doug’s stays impressively full.

Doug’s is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday and for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Western omelet and hash browns at Doug’s Place.

Next Monday I’ll give you even more reasons to visit Cartersville and Bartow County.

5 Great Reasons to Visit Carolina Beach, North Carolina

07/29/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

SHELLS, WAVES AND LESS-CROWDED BEACHES

The sand on Carolina Beach is light brown and coarser than that of the Alabama Gulf Coast or the Florida panhandle, but the less crowded conditions more than make up for that powdery white stuff. The seashells are bigger, and the waves are just as impressive. But, having plenty of places to park your beach chair, towel and umbrella with unobstructed views of the water is a huge plus. The powers-that-be recently brought in tons of sand to replenish what was lost in last year’s storm, so the actual “beach area” has expanded exponentially. It’s idyllic and peaceful.

My only caution is to be careful when you’re getting out of one of those low beach chairs — the kind where you can sit on the water’s edge and experience the ebb and flow of the tide washing over your feet. Each wave that rolls in causes your chair to sink a little bit lower into the sand. You’ll either have to be extremely agile or have able-bodied friends to help pull you up. . . . or so I’ve heard. 🙂

Ready to find the perfect spot for my beach chair.

2. WONDERFUL FOOD

As you’ve come to expect from me, I will go into much greater detail about specific restaurants in an upcoming blog. But, let me assure you that Carolina Beach has an abundance of eateries to satisfy every appetite craving — with the number skewed toward seafood, naturally.

I’ll be sharing about Jack Mackerel, Stoked, Michael’s, Havana’s, The Deck House and Kate’s soon, but also know that a gorgeous, new Publix just opened on the island, so visitors can find plenty of food TO-BE prepared and ALREADY prepared both there and at Food Lion when they’re in town.

3. DONUTS, RIDES AND FIREWORKS ON THE BOARDWALK

Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park takes up several blocks along Cape Fear Boulevard and is a striking part of the landscape. The rides are open in the summer from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Britt’s Donut Shop, arguably the most popular draw on the Boardwalk, however, opens at 8:30 a.m. to satisfy the demand for their one and only flavor — classic, glazed donuts that quite literally melt in your mouth. Britt’s version is regularly listed in various publications for being the best donut in the state.

Crowds tend to swell on the Boardwalk and in shops, parking lots and restaurants near the Boardwalk on Thursday nights, because that’s when the fireworks show happens. All eyes are on the sky when darkness falls on that night of the week.

They’ve just been to Britt’s Donut Shop.

4. TAKE THE SHORT FERRY RIDE TO SOUTHPORT

Coastal Living Magazine has referred to Southport as “America’s Happiest Seaside Town.” I can believe it. Beautiful homes, a gorgeous setting, unique shops, a picturesque harbor, great food and a laid-back, homey atmosphere combine to make Southport a perfect location for movie crews, especially those bringing to life the novels of Nicholas Sparks. “Safe Haven,” “A Walk to Remember,” “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Crimes of the Heart” are just a few of the more than two dozen movies that have been filmed here.

Take a walking tour (if it’s not too hot), enjoy a tram or wagon tour, eat at Fishy Fishy Cafe, browse the shops — especially The Christmas House on Moore Street — but, by all means, experience the ferry ride from Carolina Beach (you can sit in the comfort of your car for the whole trip if you prefer). It costs $7 each way, but I’d call it a must-do when you’re in this part of North Carolina.

5. DRIVE TO NEARBY WILMINGTON

It’s well worth your use of a day or part of a day to drive back across the bridge to Wilmington and immerse yourself in the shopping, history and dining.

Stately antebellum homes line the streets leading to the Cape Fear River. History buffs will want to check out the tours available for Bellamy Mansion or Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens on Market Street or the Poplar Grove Plantation on Highway 17 North.

Have lunch at Elijah’s overlooking the water, but be sure to save room for a cupcake at The Peppered Cupcake a few blocks away. I enjoyed shopping in Ropa, etcetera across the street and many other attractive boutiques.

Wilmington is another quick excursion to make from Carolina Beach that can be fun, delicious and educational.

Looking out on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC.

So many shops in the historic district of Wilmington.

Check back next week for some mouthwatering photos from restaurants around Carolina Beach. So, so good.

Lodging Options in Helen, GA: From Primitive to Plush

07/22/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

OVERNIGHT TREE HOUSE CAMPING, ANYONE?

Nacoochee Adventures & Zip-n-Time might specialize in zip lines and ATVs, but they will also fix you up with a tree house, if you want to spend the night in the beautiful woods of North Georgia. These treehouses are strictly primitive — perfect for back-to-nature folks — with no electricity or running water. But, with a flashlight and a short walk, you’ll find a convenient outhouse — good to know if you’re trying to avoid bears and “creatures.” Plan to take your own sleeping bags and supplies, but substantial shelter from the rain is provided, along with an up-close way to truly spend the night in the forest. The stuff of fairytales.

Nacoochee Adventures treehouse

UNICOI STATE PARK AND ADVENTURE LODGE

At Unicoi State Park, guests may choose between the hotel-like setting of the lodge or a wide variety of cabins. Especially unique are the barrel cabins with great views of the 53-acre lake. Cabins feature full bathrooms, living areas and furnished kitchens in a wide range of sizes.

Other amenities inside the park include the wonderful restaurant at the lodge, the lake for fishing, canoeing and kayaking, zip-lining, an archery range and miles of hiking trails.

HOTEL CHAINS

With a population of less than 500, it might be surprising to find so many hotels in the tiny town. Clearly, Helen residents WELCOME visitors and want them to have plenty of places to spend a night or two.

You’ll find recognized chains such as Hampton Inn, Red Roof Inn, Baymont by Wyndham, Country Inn and Suites, Jameson Inn, and I can personally vouch for Holiday Inn Express and Suites. Along with the comfortable bed, plentiful hot water, free Wi-Fi and cable television, the full breakfast (with Cinnabon rolls!!!), the ever-present coffee/tea station and the afternoon cookies elevate the guest experience.

VALHALLA RESORT HOTEL

For a truly upscale and pampered overnight stay, consider the Valhalla Resort Hotel. The location takes advantage of the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The guest suites feature private balconies, smart TVs and rainfall spa showers. Ahhhhhhhh.

The bungalows, on the property but separate from the hotel, will accommodate up to 4 people, and the private villa, a short drive away, will accommodate 8 guests.

Valhalla Resort property includes a golf course, a swimming pool with cabanas, and a luxurious spa. Plus, the Caledonia Dining Room provides a fine dining experience for breakfast or dinner.

BOOK EARLY

As you can tell, there’s a setting and a budget to suit everyone. The main thing is to decide when you want to visit Helen and book your acccommodations EARLY. Oktoberfest runs from September 5 through October 31, then the magical Christmas season begins. You don’t want to miss out.

Helen, Georgia’s Hardman House and Lunch at Bernie’s

07/15/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

In recent blogs here and here, I’ve shared with you about Babyland General Hospital and Clyde’s Table nearby in Cleveland, Georgia. Then, I took you to see some of the folk pottery and gave you a recommendation for Mully’s in Helen, GA. Today I want to point history lovers to a site with Native American ties and suggest a lovely place for an elegant lunch or dinner.

HARDMAN HOUSE HISTORIC SITE

The Hardman House Historic Site was originally a grand home built in 1870 for Captain James Nichols. His daughter Anna Ruby is the namesake for the famous falls a few miles away. After being owned later by Calvin Hunnicutt and then Dr. Lamartine Hardman (former Georgia governor), the Hardman family donated the home to the state of Georgia in 1999. The state took plenty of time getting everything just right before opening the site to the public. In addition to the carefully-preserved buildings, the property also features a working farm.

Hardman House is open Thursdays through Mondays from 10:00-4:00, and guided tours are conducted on the hour. A Visitors Center and Gift Shop are located at the entrance to the site.

Across the highway in front of the house, you’ll see the Nacoochee Indian Mound. Its dimensions are 190-feet long, 150-feet wide and 20-feet high. It was already in existence when DeSoto visited the area in 1540. Now considered to be the 2nd most recognized landmark in Georgia, you can’t miss it — topped with a gazebo and surrounded by grazing cows.

BERNIE’S AT NACOOCHEE VALLEY GUEST HOUSE

Bernie Yates and her daughter Monda Dodge have created an inviting, elegant atmosphere in both the restaurant (Bernie’s) and the Nacoochee Valley Guest House. There are only two rooms in the Guest House, but each is comfortably furnished and designed for relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Bernie and Monda have amassed a wealth of experience and skill, with Bernie’s 49 years in the hospitality world and Monda’s training as a chef at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. The tables are set with linens and sterling silver, and the dishes served are extraordinary. The property is also a beautiful event venue for small-to-medium parties or weddings.

When I was there for lunch, I had an amazing quiche and probably the best tomato basil soup I’ve ever eaten. And the baked brie with roasted vegetables? My goodness, it was delectable.

Then, came dessert. Oh my! So many flavors and textures.

When you’re in Helen, Georgia, I highly recommend adding a meal at Bernie’s to your itinerary.

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