Archive for the ‘Dining and Entertainment’ Category

View a private collection of framed prints featuring the works of Bev Doolittle in Blue Ridge, Ga…

“Many people call me a ‘camouflage artist,’ but that doesn’t really fit. If I have to categorize at all, I prefer to think of myself as a ‘concept painter.’ I am an artist who uses camouflage to get my story across, to slow the viewing process so you can discover it for yourself. Everything I do is intended to enhance the idea of each piece. For me, camouflage is a means to an end, not an end in itself. My meaning and message are never hidden.” – Bev Doolittle

Join SoCo Cabins in celebrating 9 treasured works of art in the beautiful reception lobby of the Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals office & Blue Ridge Adventure Center. October 15, 2011 – 4pm to 7 pm 240 West Main Street, Blue Ridge Georgia 30513

These exquisite pieces are being offered for sale by the collector. Persons interested in the entire collection may view the prints prior to the event. Contact heather@sococabins.com to set private appointment

Learn More about Bev Doolittle at: www.bevdoolittle.net

Special thanks to YOU… The Fans, Volunteers, City of Blue Ridge, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & The Humane Society of Blue Ridge.

September 10th, 2011 was an exciting day as several thousand locals and tourists flocked to Downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia for the first annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival.  The sun was shining, the temperature was mild, and the smell BBQ filled the air.

The event was hosted by the Blue Ridge Lodging Association, and was run like a well-oiled machine thanks to Beverly Seckinger of Seckinger Productions and Sue Ann Morgan, president of ideaLand. Gate entry was quick and efficient, volunteers were helpful, and there were plenty of bathrooms and trash receptacles on the festival grounds.

Vendors were positioned along East Main Street and West Main Street, and featured Blue Ridge’s finest foods and products.

“Have you tried the alligator ribs yet?” asked one enthused festival attendee in between sips of Sweetwater beer. “I just had a fish taco too, and it was amazing. You’ve got to stop by Blue Orleans’ spot and some of the other food tents and check out the food.”

Such was the sentiment of all those who came to the North Georgia mountains for the event. With everything from brisket sliders courtesy of Harvest on Main to delectable fried pies from Mercier Orchards, it was hard to save room for the award-winning BBQ from Sam’s BBQ-1 and the plethora of other BBQ vendors. Enthusiasts were abound, as wait times for the ‘cue ran up to 20 minutes.

But the food wasn’t the only reason that so many came out to partake in the festivities. One couldn’t forget the authentic, soul-soothing Blues provided by Frankie’s Blues Mission, Blacktop Blues Band and The King Bees who played throughout the day, creating an almost palpable character and flavor that added to everyone’s enjoyment.

“I just can’t wait for Francine Reed to take the stage,” said Professor Phil Unger from Reinhardt University. “She’s a really big deal in the Blues community. I was at another BBQ event on Labor Day, and even there they mentioned her coming to Blue Ridge today.”

As the sun went down and night time came, the moon shone brightly on those that gathered and danced to the soulful styling of the Blues legend. It was the perfect scene to end a great day.

As the people of our great nation remember those who lost their lives in the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001 we are reminded that it is events like the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ festival that truly pay homage to our American culture. It is proof that the American spirit lives on defiantly in the face of adversity and threat. Through distinctly American food and song, that spirit was honored as all who came out gathered together as one, celebrating those things that truly define the Southeast and American culture as a whole.

Add your thoughts and comments here or on the official Downtown Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ facebook page

If there is such a thing as reincarnation, and I did have a past life, I believe I was an Egyptian queen.  I’m not the only one who thinks this, I’ll have you know.  Some very sane, logical, non-reincarnation believing people I know completely agree with me.  I have what my mother likes to refer to as “expensive tastes”, and that’s a bit of an understatement.  Why am I bringing up reincarnation and my possible past life?  Because I want to give you an idea of my perspective when it comes to the Blue Ridge Suite.

I have standards, people.  When I go on vacation, I like to be pampered; whisked away from my everyday  life and placed gently in the lap of a luxury that I don’t get from my day-to-day routine.  From the pictures I’d seen of the Blue Ridge Suite (I mean, it does have it’s own website!), I knew this wish would be fulfilled, yet I was still amazed at how luxurious it was.  From the parking pass that allowed me to pull my car right up in front of the Mustard Seed building where the Suite is located, to the delectable aromas wafting from the various fine-dining  restaurants snuggled comfortably below and beside the building, I was transported to vacation land immediately.

Delicate summer dresses presented themselves shamelessly from the store fronts, and promises of relaxing massages and facials caught my eye on the chalkboard sign outside of TeaTrees Boutique Spa.  As I walked down the stairs to the private elevator that would take me to the 3rd floor suite, I felt like a foreign dignitary ducking into her secret lair.  I know, I have a very active imagination, and I read a lot of mystery and suspense novels.

Alighting on the top floor, I stepped out into the hallway that led me to the front door, and experienced a rush of excitement.  I had 5 days of rest and relaxation ahead of me.  I took a deep breath as I opened the door…and, voila!  I was home.  The pictures didn’t do it justice.  From the sparkling granite counter tops, to the glossy wooden floor, I stood in awe of its grandeur. (Please note, these pictures were taken after I’d unpacked and thoroughly settled in… to see pictures of it’s pristine wonderfulness without all of my junk, please see the website!)

I toted my rolling suitcase around to the bedroom, passing the cozy red love seat and wall mounted flat screen TV, only to take in the glory of the queen sized bed covered in dreamy, cloudy white pillows and duvet.

Is this heaven? And don’t even get me started on the bathroom; hold on, I’m trying not to get misty.

The bathroom is large and roomy with two sinks, and a shower with two shower heads.  And the walls… oh, how I loved the walls.  They were painted in a golden sponge-paint-like pattern with, are you ready for this?  Gold glitter!  It was faint, but when the light hit it just right, it shimmered.  I was absolutely entranced with this bathroom.

I could live in this bathroom.  Give me a mini fridge and a coffee pot and I’m good to go.

Once I was able to tear myself away from the bathroom, I walked outside to breathe in some fresh mountain air.  The porch is open air, and winds all the way around the suite.  There was a fan, and I’m a sucker for outdoor porch fans.  I flopped down on the over-sized padded wicker couch and threw my legs up on the matching ottoman.  I even ate dinner on the glass topped patio table.  There’s a wall around the porch that’s tall enough for privacy, but not so tall that I couldn’t enjoy the majestic sunset and the beautiful sky in the mornings.  I spent most of my time outside lounging on the couch, reading and generally enjoying the solitude.

I did, however, walk around downtown for a few hours and stumble into a few of the adorable boutiques, furniture stores, and art galleries on Main Street.  I spent most of my time in Wrapsody in Blue, where I remembered how much I love furniture and shiny trinkets to display around the house.  And big, red, leather chairs.  I must have one.  I’ll take this one, as a matter of fact!

My friend Alison joined me Friday evening, and was equally as impressed with the suite.  She didn’t even complain about me making her sleep on the twin sized pullout sofa.  According to her, it was the most comfortable pullout bed she’s ever slept in!  We had dinner at Harvest on Main.  I wasn’t very hungry, so I ordered a side salad and a side order of macaroni and cheese.  I have never had such delectable macaroni and cheese in my life.  Alison ordered a rib-eye, and admitted she was jealous of my macaroni cheese from the gasp of delight after I took my first bite, and my obvious desire to make this culinary experience last as long as I could.  I highly recommend it.

The next day I took Alison out and showed her the town.  We ducked into Glitzy Chix, and realized we were in paradise.  We were surrounded by shiny, sparkly necklaces and matching earrings, t-shirts with rhinestones (my favorite kind), and the cutest rubber rain boots I have ever seen.

It’s times like this I wish I had the income of an Egyptian queen.  I wanted to buy everything.  I took Alison into Wrapsody in Blue, and walked her through the store pointing out how I would furnish each room of my house with lamps, tables, and chairs.  This is also where I met my new best friend, the feather wreath. I had no idea these existed.  I have since seen many of them, and I am so happy they are making their way into homes across the south.  They are the coolest thing I have ever seen.

After spending some time and money at Mercier Orchards (I had to get my Pink Ladies.  Alison needed some fudge.)  we moseyed back to the Blue Ridge Suite and spent the evening watching one of my favorite movies, “View From The Top”, and then catching some “Empty Nest” re-runs before drifting happily off to sleep.

What a blissful 5 days that was.  Nothing could have been better.  Except maybe a Divine Intervention.  But I’ll get to that.

So, in conclusion, I love, love, love the Blue Ridge Suite.  If you’re looking for a vacation with some swagger, this is the place to be.

Ingredients For 8 Servings (Cause it’s going to be a hardy party!)

Irish Stew:
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 (3 pound) beef chuck roast, trimmed of fat and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 cup coarsely chopped onion
* 1 cup coarsely chopped carrot
* 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle dark beer (Bass Ale will work nicely)
* 2 bay leaves
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Calcannon:
* 3 slices bacon
* 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
* 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
* 1/4 cup milk, warmed
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium to high heat until very hot, brown the meat in 2 batches, brown cubes on all sides. Return all the meat to the Dutch oven, sprinkle with flour, and stir to coat the meat with flour.
3. Stir in onion, carrots, dark beer, bay leaves, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, and cover.
4. Place the Dutch oven into the preheated oven, and cook for 45 minutes; uncover, stir the stew, and cook until the beef is very tender and the liquid is reduced by half, about 45 more minutes.
5. Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
6. About 30 minutes before the stew is ready, make the colcannon: Place the potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and allow to steam dry for a minute or two.
7. Place the cabbage into a microwave-safe bowl, and add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on High for about 2 1/2 minutes; uncover (watch out for steam) and stir the cabbage. Cover and microwave for about 2 1/2 more minutes, until the cabbage is slightly tender but not mushy. Drain excess liquid, and set the cabbage aside, covered.
8. Place the potatoes into a large bowl, and add milk, butter, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Beat the potatoes with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cabbage, crumbled bacon, and parsley until well combined.
9. To serve, place a scoop of colcannon onto a plate, make a hollow, and fill with braised beef stew.

Enjoy with a Harp Lager (or two)!

With the launch of  SoCo Bucks, guests of Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals will receive fresh discounts at select Blue Ridge establishments and adventure activities.

All SoCo bucks issued February through April 2011 will receive:

• $25 off of future cabin rentals
• one free beer or house wine from the Blue Ridge Brewery
• buy one guided trout fishing tour with Upper River Adventures and the second person comes for free (great for couples & parents)
• and 10% off ANY purchase at the most fantastic gourmet lifestyle store in north Georgia, Out of the Blue!

Future loyalty savings and Blue Ridge discounts will include items such as: Family fun center passes, Massage / Spa Treatments, Stand-up Paddle, Train Tickets, Free Food, Guided Tours, Theater Tickets,  Horse Back Riding, Tube / Canoe Rentals, Zip Lines, Whitewater Rafting, Golfing, Boat Rentals, and many, many more activities.

It’s all about saving your next vacation before it starts!

Contact us now to plan your next Blue Ridge adventure or to purchase So Co Bucks for your next gift!

Looking for a great winter event? Check out “Fire and Ice”! This dynamic event featuring ice sculpting, chili cookoff and live music is a great family friendly festival in Down Town Blue Ridge.  Ice Sculpting will be an interactive event featuring professional ice carvers. Experience live ice carving demonstrations in the park. Kids will enjoy having carvers write their names in ice or help them make their own abstract sculptures. Tantalize your taste buds or test your skills at the chili cookoff! The cookoff is open to individuals, civic organizations and restaurants. Guests or “tasters” can sample dozens of chili recipes… Live music will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. alongside the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Tap your toes to a lineup of family entertainment featuring local talent and surprise entertainers.

Pack up your family or gather your friends and come on up to the mountains!

Date for this event: February 19, 2011

Where: Downtown Blue Ridge City Park

Time: Ice Sculpting 11AM – 3PM Chili Cookoff and Live Music 1PM – 4PM

Admission is only $5.00

Hosted by the Blue Ridge Business Association
Contact blueridgebusinessassociation@yahoo.com to learn more about participation.