Archive for the ‘Holidays in the Mountains’ Category

Independence day celebration in the north Georgia mountains

Whether you call it the Old Timers Parade, Old Timey Parade or just the 2^nd of July parade, Downtown Blue Ridge will kick off the 4^th of July weekend with a blast! Bring the whole family out and celebrate the independence of our great country beginning at 10:00a.m.

The day starts with the annual parade, which begins its march on West Main Street in Historic Downtown Blue Ridge near the

Mayor Donna Whitener

playground. Kids will fall in love with the floats and attractions, including Maggie the Mayfield Cow, Brooster the Giant Rooster and Grand Marshall Colonel George Pletcher. The parade will then veer left on Mountain Street, where it will continue on to cross the train depot and conclude on East Main Street.

After the parade, gather your family and friends in Blue Ridge City Park and enjoy the “alterna – grass” sound of the Roxie – Watson Band from Atlanta. Lovers of blue grass and good times can kick back in front of the stage setup and enjoy the music with an adult beverage from the beer tent provided. Visitors can stretch their legs and visit the Blue Ridge Farmers Market where farm fresh produce and locally made products will be for sale. All local vendors and eclectic shops in Downtown Blue Ridge will be open for business. Also don’t forget to enjoy BBQ and live music from local talent at the Blue Ridge Lake Marina, starting at 4p.m.

As the sun begins to go down, don’t forget to stick around for the breathtaking fireworks display. Visitors are encouraged to take in the views from atop the Lake Blue Ridge Dam, which will be open starting at 7p.m.(Dam is closed to cars, visitors must park and then walk to the Dam). Parking is available in all marked spaces, and also at the Fannin County Recreation Department. Come out this July 4^th weekend and have a great time with your friends and family in Historic Downtown Blue Ridge.

Be sure to stop by the Blue Ridge Adventure Center and see your friends at Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals while you celebrate freedom!

And it was a beautiful weekend to do just that in Blue Ridge.

I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Blue Ridge Arts in The Park Festival this past Memorial Day weekend.  I hope some of you took me up on my offer to come frolic as well.  I spent most of my time there on Sunday, and I got to meet so many unbelievably talented artists.  I felt blessed just to be in their presence.  Being an artist myself, I know the courage it takes to put yourself and your art out into an arena like that.  It is an extremely vulnerable undertaking.  I commend each and every person who had the courage to do what they did.

As I wandered around the park in downtown Blue Ridge, I lazily stopped in to booth after booth.

Mustangs into the wild web

There were a few that really caught my eye. One of the first was Michael Lee’s booth.  The tag line on his business card says “Poetry of Motion Captured in Oil”.  That’s all he had to say.  I was transfixed. I was immediately drawn to his equestrian paintings, as I grew up with a “horse person”, and have an ingrained appreciation for those majestic, magical creatures.  You can find more of his art on his website.

Robert C. Perry - Folk Artist

I also ran into this character, Robert C. Perry.  He’s a folk artist, and his art is incredibly creative and eye-catching.  Most of what he had displayed were wood carvings, some black and white, some bursting with color.  All of them had a magnetic quality that drew me into his world.  I hung around and talked to him for a bit, and I felt like I was a guest in his home.  See more of his beautiful work here.

I am particularly fond of art that has a humorous side to it, and I was drawn in to Frank Gee’s booth.  Here’s why:

Aren’t those two of the greatest paintings you’ve ever seen?  Please take the time to check out his website.  His paintings of birds cracked me up, and I learned things about gorillas I had never known.  Also, any of his paintings with “breast” in the title… well, I’ll let you see for yourself.

The next booth I walked by had this proudly displayed outside:

I was a goner.  For some reason, anything made out of chains or barbed wire is just…cool.  I also have a disturbing fascination with snakes.  My mom, who joined me this weekend, was quick to point out the symbolism of the apple, which was placed in front of the snake.  This may be the source of some future therapy… I’ll keep you posted.  Tom Shumaker, the proud artist of this unique booth, aptly named “Barbed Creation”, was a very kind soul for someone who works with barbed wire.  He offered to answer any questions we had, the first of which was “How many scars do you have?”  He quickly showed me both arms and hands, scar free.  I was duly impressed.  So impressed, actually, that I will be interviewing him for a piece on my own blog, where I highlight one artist, once a month.  It should be a very interesting interview!  Here is another of Tom’s fine creations:

I strolled by this motley crew as they were testing their mics for what I’m sure was an amazing set of folk music and fun in front of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.  If you haven’t already, check out the history of this beautiful building here.  Better yet, mosey on up to Blue Ridge, and check it out yourself.  It’s worth a trip on it’s own, not to mention the rest of the town.

Another booth where I felt drawn to dawdle was Pam Nelson Smith’s booth.  What first caught my eye was an oil painting of a young ballerina.  I am a sucker for pictures of ballerinas, as I was one myself years ago.  They are so graceful and poised, and when an artist is able to catch this on film or canvas, I’m sold.  Her paintings ranged from children running and playing, women on horse back, and portraits of famous people, namely Johnny Depp.  (Okay fine, this was really what caused me to stick around.)  I spent some time talking to Pam, and found her to be very open and  genuine, two qualities I really admire in a person.  Please take the time to check out her website.  Her art will help you breathe easier.  Good art will do that to ya.

My last stop before the sun did me in was at Bebo Folk Art. His colorful signs and spectacular wood carvings of snakes, butterflies and other “critters” are indicative of the joy that radiates from Bebo.  I spent a good amount of time talking to Bebo about his work, and he has graciously agreed to let me use the pictures I took of some of his paintings on one of my personal social media sites.  He is a man filled with joy and enthusiasm for life, and this shows through his art.

So, I reluctantly parted ways with Bebo, and headed back to the car to meet my mom and our dog, who had long ago retreated to the A/C.  I am so grateful that I was able to spend  time among the incredibly talented and creative people I met this weekend.  I was humbled by the experience, and inspired to be the best artist I can be.  Thanks to the Blue Ridge Arts Center for making this a possibility for all of us, and also to the town of Blue Ridge for welcoming us so graciously.

All pictures used with permission of the artists.

Kick off your vacation season at the Blue Ridge Arts in the Park Festival!

When I attended the Blue Ridge Writer’s Conference in April, my favorite part was when the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association

Presented by the Blue Ridge Arts Association

Director stood up and said something to the effect of “our plan for Blue Ridge is for it to be an art town.”  This is why I love Blue Ridge and it’s people.  They are shamelessly promoting art, creativity, and the freedom to come to Blue Ridge and be who you are.  I believe by now I have made it apparent that I love Blue Ridge, Georgia.  It is my home away from home. My own personal getaway and creative outlet.  When I go there, I feel free to let my freak flag fly. My creative juices start flowing, and I am overcome by it’s beauty and magic.  Ideas and inspiration bubble up from my core and explode in showers of color and light. Blue Ridge is a mere 90 minutes from Atlanta, yet I feel as if I’m in another world as soon as I turn down Main Street.  This is why I’m so looking forward to attending the 35th Annual Blue Ridge Arts in the Park Festival this weekend.

From what I understand, there are over 200 juried (that means judged by people who matter) arts, crafts, and food booths (I’m sorry, did someone say food?  Lots of food?  Where do I sign up?!).  Not to mention live music, train rides, activities for the kids, and various other enticing attractions for us artsy types.  I’m sure even non-artsy types will love it! The nucleus of this artistic supernova is at Downtown City Park, though I hear it oozes out into downtown Blue Ridge, with some of the live music acts performing directly in front of the Arts Center, housed in the historic Fannin County Courthouse.  Admission is 5 bucks, and kids get in for free. The festivities begin at 10am, and go until 5pm.  Arts in the Park has been going strong for 35 years, is attended by over 15,000 people, and is ranked one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society.  But y’know, no big deal…

Not to mention the time I will get to spend roaming around Main Street and lazily perusing it’s many art galleries, furniture stores, fabulous boutiques, and fudge shops.  So much fudge, so little time.

I am beside myself excited to be there this weekend.  What better location for a festival dedicated to the creative genius of so many talented people than the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains?  What better town, than a self-proclaimed arts town to host it?  I believe that a convergence of creativity, love of life and beauty, and pure spirit the likes of which will be at this festival is healing for the Earth and her people. The Earth and her people could use a little bit of healing right now. People enjoying each other, and expressing themselves and their passion for life and art is always so healing and uplifting for me.  So, my dear friends, if you’re feeling spontaneous, and would like some inspiration, fresh air, and passion in your life this weekend, please join me in Blue Ridge.  It’s sure to be a memorable weekend.

Find additional information on Festivals in the north Georgia Mountains

The Easter Bunny is coming to Blue Ridge, Georgia! Our happy to hop holiday  bunny is delivering surprise Easter baskets for your family…

Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals in Blue Ridge, Ga is proud to offer an Easter Basket Surprise Package! Book any 2 nights between Thursday April 21st  through Monday April 25th and receive a special gift from the SoCo Cabins Bunny…

Package includes:

Complimentary 3 PM check out (normally 11AM)

2 Easter Bunny baskets (prepared w/ children’s names & placed in the cabin before arrival)

Each cellophane wrapped basket will include:

• 1 ticket on the Easter Eggz-Press on the Blue Ridge Scenic Rail Road (Train ride and egg hunt)
• 1 Coloring book and box crayons
• 1 Caramel and chocolate covered apple (made in Blue Ridge)
• Several plastic eggs (stuffed with candy)
• 1 Chocolate bunny
• 1 Plush stuffed animal (Beanie Baby)

Details on the EASTER EGGZ-PRESS:

Departure Location: Blue Ridge, Georgia
Date: Saturday April 23rd (ONLY)
Time: from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Bring along your Easter Basket and we’ll travel a few miles out of town to farmer Brown’s field where the children hunt for the Easter Eggs and greet the Easter Bunny.

Smile, you’ll be in the mountains soon!

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)!

Fall in Blue Ridge, Ga brings many wonderful events to plan for.

Hiking and biking enthusiast from all around the region make trails into the area. Festival and culture seekers cross on the back roads with leaf peepers. What ever you are looking for the mountains of  North Georgia have a special feeling this time of year. One particular event that is worth a visit is the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival October 8-16, 2010 at the Georgia Mountain Fair Grounds in Hiawassee AKA the country music capital of Georgia! The festival features exciting musical performances, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention. Learn more by visiting the official website Georgia Mountain Fair Grounds.

Continue your mountain experience. Just short drive west down the scenic Southern Highroads Hwy 76 is the quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge. With over 800 vacation cabins in Fannin County within 30 minutes of downtown shopping a visitor can find all types of accommodations.  From the penthouse suite in downtown blue Ridge, a cozy log cabin in the woods, or a grand lodge with panoramic views. If you are looking for options check out the Blue Ridge cabin rentals available at Southern Comfort.

Father’s Day is almost here! It’s not too late to build a lasting memory by treating the Dad in your life to a wonderful weekend in the mountains.

Come to Blue Ridge and find quality time with us. Just imagine breakfast with your family overlooking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as the mist sparkles in the rising sun! Simply go to this Blue Ridge Cabin Rental company and find your favorite cabin or try a new one and give us a call at 706-258-3737 or 866-422-2467 to book your last minute special.

If you cannot make it this weekend then check back often for rental cabin specials and find the perfect vacation cabin to go whitewater rafting, hiking, boating on Lake Blue Ridge, fishing on the Toccoa River, or just a relaxing evening in a rocking chair.