Local Attractions
Take yourself to new heights. Our Mountain Top is serenely beautiful and adventure abounds. Choose from championship golf, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, water sports and tennis. Enjoy arts, crafts, antiquing, concerts, fairs and festivals.
Golf
The best golf courses in the entire state of Georgia are found right here in the North Georgia mountains. Some of the most challenging golf courses around can be found right here in Towns County and our Lake Chatuge sibling, North Carolina's Clay County.
 Brasstown Valley Resort Golf Course
6321 Highway 76
Young Harris, GA30582
Contact: Steve Phelps
Phone: 706-379-9900 or 800-201-3205
Fax: 706-379-9999
Website: www.brasstownvalley.com
Description: Brasstown Valley Resort Golf Club features a 7,100 yard Scottish links-style course with water coming into play on ten holes. Consistently ranked as one of Georgia's top places to play, the par 72 18-hole course plays through tall native grasses, which contrast sharply with the manicured fairways and treacherous roughs. Brasstown Valley offers a full service Pro Shop, Driving Range, and golf lessons are also available.
Chatuge Shores Golf Course
260 Golf Course Road
Hayesville, NC28904
Contact: Keith Crawford
Phone: 828-389-8940
Email: csgc@wbia.net
Website: www.chatugeshoresgolf.com
The Ridges Golf & Country Club
1665 Mountain Harbour Drive
Hayesville, NC28904
Contact:Kyle Mack
Phone: 828-389-4111 or 800-577-4020
Fax: 828-389-0415
Email: k.mack@theridgesresort.com
Website: www.theridgesresort.com
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding is one of the favorite recreational activities in these mountains and valleys. With thousands of acres of woods, streams, valleys and meadows to traverse, no matter what your age, there is something very powerful about experiencing the beauty of these mountains from the viewpoint of the equine beneath you.
A Step Above Stables
3839 S. Mauney Road
Blairsville, GA30512
Contact: Curtis Teague
Phone: 706-745-9051 or 706-994-9100
Email: stepabove19@hotmail.com
Website: www.astepabovestables.com
High Meadows Riding - The Ridges Resort
7237 Tusquittee Rd.
Hayesville, NC28904
Phone: 828-389-0900
Email: horses@highmeadowsstables.com
Website: www.highmeadowsstables.com
The Stables at Brasstown Valley Resort
6321 Highway 76
Young Harris, GA30582
Phone: 706-379-9000
Fax: 706-379-9999
Email: info@brasstownvalley.com
Website: www.brasstownvalley.com
Description: The Stables at Brasstown Valley Resort features more than 5 miles of guided interpretive horseback riding trails. The horses at The Stables go through an intensive trial time by our Stable Master James Bradshaw, to insure that each horse has an even temperament and is well suited to riders both experienced and inexperienced. The Stables also offers pony rides for children and has boarding platforms for those guests that are physically challenged.
Trackrock Riding Academy, Inc.
4890 Trackrock Camp Rd.
Blairsville, GA30512
Contact: Sonya Alexander
Phone: 706-745-5252
Email: sonya1@windstream.net
Website: www.trackrock.com
Hiking
 The Towns/Union County area of the North Georgia Mountains is a hiker's paradise. There are many hiking opportunities, with difficulty levels ranging from easy to very strenuous - something for everyone! The Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine, runs through a portion of Towns and Union Counties.
Waterfalls
When we're children we seek wonderful, out of the way, secret and mysterious places to play, we traverse paths and follow creeks hoping to come upon a place that roars with the sound of cascading water, where maybe a fairy will come from behind a wildflower petal and ask us if there is a wish that we have that maybe she can grant. It is never too late to delight in such fancy and it is one of the reasons that the waterfalls of this region are one of our most desirable attractions. Only a few of our waterfalls are visible from the road or parking lots. Most waterfalls are easily reached, requiring varying lengths of walks and hikes.
Boating
Beautiful Lake Chatuge wraps its 132 miles of shoreline around the mountains and valleys of these pristine communities. There is something quite remarkable about enjoying the waterway while riding on a water vehicle. If you haven't brought your own, you can rent a myriad of water transportation options.
Boundary Waters Resort & Marina
528 Sunnyside Road
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Melanie & Kerry Clem
Phone: 706-896-2530 or 800-323-3562
Fax: 706-896-1702
Email: boundarywaters@gmail.com
Website: www.boundarywatersresort.com
Chatuge Cove Marina
2397 Hwy 175
Hayesville, NC28904
Contact: Carla Youngblood
Phone: 828-389-6155
Fax: 828-389-6155
Email: carlayoungblood@yahoo.com
Lake Chatuge Marine
1658 Hwy 17 North
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Jettie and Benny Cone
Phone: 706-896-2835
Fax: 706-896-9466
Email: lcm@alltel.net
Romantic Lake Cruises
P. O. Box 736
Hiasassee, GA30546
Contact: Tom Summers
Phone: 828-389-2255
Email: romanticlakecruises@romanticlakecruises.com
Website: www.romanticlakecruises.com
Description: Physical address is 3499 Hwy 76 (Ridges Resort Marina) - Dock D. Call for reservations.
Serenity Cove Lakefront Cabins
834 Lower Bell Creek Road
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Terry & Mel Weingarten
Phone: 706-896-1465 or 800-896-1465
Fax: 678-267-1831
Email: info@serenity-cove.com
Website: www.serenity-cove.com
The Ridges Resort & Club on Lake Chatuge
3499 Hwy 76 West
Young Harris, GA30582
Contact: B .Beazley
Phone: 706-706-896-1886 or 888-834-4409
Fax: 706-896-1865
Email: theridgesresort@theridgesresort.com
Website: www.theridgesresort.com
The Ridges Resort Marina
3379 US Highway 76
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Brett Beazley
Phone: 706-896-2112 or 888-834-4409
Email: theridgesresort@theridgesresort.com
Website: www.theridgesresort.com
Description: Boat Rental, Jet Ski rentals and marinas
Young Harris Water Sports
7403 Hooper Cove Road
Young Harris, GA30582
Contact: Lance Markham
Phone: 706-379-9619
Email: yhwatersports@yahoo.com
Website: www.yhwatersports.com
Fishing
 Located just two hours Northeast of Atlanta, nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, you will find one of the best kept secrets in the fly fishing industry. Located on the banks of Lake Chatuge and the Hiawassee River and within close proximity of the Toccoa, Tallulah, Chatooga, and Nantahala Rivers, this area in N.E. Georgia and western North Carolina is famous for its numerous year-round trout streams and rivers and is often compared to areas in the western region of the U.S. by experienced anglers.
Dyers Trout Farms, Inc.
2920 Highway 17/75
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: William Dyer
Phone: 706-896-3915
Hickorynut Cove Trout Farm
2500 Hickorynut Cove
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Ray Elam
Phone: 706-896-5341
Fax: 706-896-2547
Email: wrelam@alltel.net
Website: www.hickorynutcove.com
Brasstown Bald
Beautiful Brasstown Bald, rising 4,784 feet above sea level, is Georgia's highest mountain. On clear days, the spectacular 360-degree view from atop the mountain allows you to see four states, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The surrounding area is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
Rafting
Whitewater rafting is a popular tourist attraction in the area. With several rivers and rafting outfitters to choose from, you will be assured of selecting the adventure and level that is suited for you and your group.
Carolina Outfitters Whitewater Rafting
12121 Highway 19 West
Bryson City , NC28713
Contact: Billy W. Dills
Phone: 800-468-7238
Email: bdills@swain.main.nc.us
Website: ww.carolinaoutfitters.com
Ocoee Adventure Center
4651 Hwy 64
Copperhill, TN37317
Contact: Jennifer Perdew
Phone: 888-723-8622
Fax: 423-338-5086
Email: info@ocoeeadventurecenter.com
Website: www.ocoeeadventurecenter.com
Art Galleries
 Our Art Galleries offer the very finest in original art, art prints, custom framing, and fine crafts. Many also sell art supplies and offer classes on-site.
Appalachian Gallery & Video Productions
4947 Thomas Town Road
Young Harris, GA30582
Contact: David Sellers
Phone: 706-379-3807
Fax: 706-379-3807
Appalachian Heritage Crafters
2016 US Hwy 64 West
Murphy, NC28906
Contact: Susan Annesi or Donna Sherman - President
Phone: 828-835-3500 or 706-896-6990
Email: mountainbls@windstream.com
Website: www.ahccrafts.org
Description: We are a non-profit crafts cooperative, founded by craftspeople in and around Cherokee County, NC is a grassroots organization dedicated to perserving and promoting Appalachian crafts and heritage.
ArtWorks Artisan Centre - Mtn Regional Arts & Crafts Guild
308 Big Sky Drive
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Carolyn Barton
Phone: 706-896-0932
Email: mtnregartscraftsguild@hotmail.com
Website: www.mtnregartscraftsguild.org
Description: Fine Art & Handmade Crafts - Jewelry, Stained Glass, Pottery, Gourds, Painted Wood & Glass, Photography, Oils, Pastels, Acrilics, Baskets, Carvings, Fiber Art, Furniture ~ MADE BY LOCAL ARTISANS. Day and Evening Classes taught by well known instructors.
Deb Collins "Signature Gallery"
695 N. Main Street E at Tater Ridge Shoppes
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Deb & Russ Collins
Phone: 706-896-1294
Fax: 706-896-1294
Email: debcollinsart@alltel.net
Website: www.debcollins.com
Description: Art, Furniture and Home Accessories
Goldhagen Studios
7 Goldhagen Studio Drive
Hayesville, NC38904
Contact: David Goldhagen
Phone: 828-389-8847
Email: goldhagen@webworkz.com
Website: www.goldhagenartglass.com
Grahl Gallery & Framing Studio
1309 Highway 76 East
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Bryan Grahl
Phone: 706-896-2176
Lindsey McIntyre Photography
1265 Harris Ridge Rd.
Young Harris, GA30582
Contact: Lindsey S. McIntyre
Phone: 800-936-9620
Email: Lindsey@LindseyMcIntyrePhotography.com
Website: www.LindseyMcIntyrePhotography.com
Mountain Arts Association, Inc
P.O. Box 754
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Pat Neubert or Barbara Terrell
Phone: 706-896-9739
Email: maa2004@alltel.net
Website: www.hiawasseefestivalofarts.org
Description: Hiawassee Festival of Arts - see Special Events
Sun Star Customs
3921 Highway 76 East - S-3
Young Harris, GA30582
Contact: Joe & Kathleen Painter or John & Susan Painter
Phone: 706-896-3100
Fax: 706-896-3100
Email: sunstarcustoms@gmail.com
Website: www.sunstarcustoms.com
Description: Unique Home Decor featuring Hand Crafted Imports, Custom Artwork & unique all Decor
Valleyview Interiors, LLC
695 N. Main Street - Suite A
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Diane Kita Hamilton
Phone: 706-896-0936
Fax: 706-896-0936 (call first)
Email: valleyviewinteriors@windstream.net
Description: Interior Design, Exquisite Antiques, and Fine Art.
Antiques
 Antique stores display the work of many well known painters, potters and sculptors, along with a colorful array of Appalachian folk art. The North Georgia Mountains is the place where serious antique shoppers can spend hours or days browsing through a growing number of shops and antique malls. Streets are dotted with unique specialty shops, galleries and eateries from one end to the other. You can furnish a mountain cabin from top to bottom with period antiques, mountain furnishings and handmade twig furniture in the blink of an eye.
Changing Places Consignment
1390 US Hwy 76 E
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Jan Horkavy
Phone: 706-896-5693
Fax: 706-896-5693
Email: changingplaces@windstream.net
Description: Upscale consignment furniture, antiques, glassware, collectibles, gifts, home decor, Gap Creek Candles, new life furniture care products, locally crafted cabin furniture. Across from Towns County Schools in the Chatuge Harbor Shopping Center.
Hiawassee Antique Mall
460 N. Main Street
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Jim Powers
Phone: 706-896-0587
Email: hiawasseeantiquemall@yahoo.com
Website: www.hiawasseeantiquemall.com
Sunflower Antiques & Interiors LLC
138-140 N. Main Street
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: P.J. Bair, IDS
Phone: 706-896-7647 or Cell 706-781-9455
Fax: 706-896-7647
Email: sunflowercot@alltel.net
Valleyview Interiors, LLC
695 N. Main Street - Suite A
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Diane Kita Hamilton
Phone: 706-896-0936
Fax: 706-896-0936 (call first)
Email: valleyviewinteriors@windstream.net
Description: Interior Design, Exquisite Antiques, and Fine Art.
Cinemas
We have six movie cinemas showing new movie releases. Our theaters are clean and have comfortable seating. They have a variety of food and snacks available at our concession stands. Many have matinee and senior discounts with private group showings available and free children's Saturday morning movies.
Fieldstone Cinemas
1159 Jack Dayton Circle
Young Harris, GA30582
Contact: Rob Loy
Phone: 706-896-6843
Email: robloy@fieldstonecinemas.com
Website: www.fieldstonecinemas.com
Georgia Mountain Fair
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds plays host to several popular annual events including the Georgia Mountain Fair, the Georgia Mountain Bluegrass Festival, the Rhododendron Festival, the Hiawassee Festival of Arts, the Superstar Concert Series, the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival and Georgia's Official State Fiddler's Convention. The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds are located along the shores of beautiful Lake Chatuge in the north Georgia mountain community of Hiawassee and is only two hours from Atlanta, Greenville, Asheville and Chattanooga. The Fairgrounds offer a wide-variety of unique venues, and beautiful year-round camping facilities.
Georgia Mountain Fair, Inc
1311 Music Hall Road
Hiawassee, GA30546
Contact: Hilda Thomason
Phone: 706-896-4191
Fax: 706-896-4209
Email: gamtfair@alltel.net
Website: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
Vineyards
Scattered all along what is quickly becoming the "wine belt" of Georgia, from Milledgeville in the middle of the state and stretching up to the mountains of Dahlonega, North Georgia's gold-mining city, there are many active wine-making women entrepreneurs who envision a promising future for Georgia's wine country... GeorgiaWineCountry.com is devoted to Georgia's growing wine tourism industry and covers many of the things to see and do in Georgia Wine Country.
Crane Creek Vineyards
916 Crane Creek Road
Young Harris, GA30582
Contact: Eric Seifarth or Wendy Conrad
Phone: 706-379-1236
Fax: 703-379-0607
Email: info@cranecreekvineyards.com
Website: www.cranecreekvineyards.com
Demographics
 Towns County -- Quality of Life Factors
2004 County Population - 10,133
Only 166 square miles (one of the smallest counties in Georgia), with 65 percent in National Forest Land
Joint Clay-Towns County Regional Industrial/Technology Park
Economic base is 45% Services (such as local school system, Young Harris College, Bank of Hiawassee, and the local hospital leading the employment picture). Another 22% is retail, with several successful interior design stores and many other retail shops which cater to the new home business. Another 12% is transportation and public utilities (Blue Ridge Mountain EMC leads employment in this area)
Industrial segment is under-represented, due to a lack of industrial pre-planning and targeting in years past, high land costs and growing retiree population where most attention is based.
Demographics
2006 estimate is 10,740.
Population growth rate is projected at 8.5% a year, with 2010 population estimated at 11,670. State growth estimated during this period to be about 8%.
Median household income -- $28,170 in 1997, compared to $36,372 in state
Educational attainment - 74.5 % of students eligible for HOPE Scholarship, compared to 58% eligible statewide.
Unemployment average between 1996 and 2000 - 5.6% compared to state average of 4.2%
Labor Market
Average manufacturing wage is around $9.00 an hour with a range of $8.00 to $12.00 per hour (based on 40-hour work week).
Unemployment - August 2006 Rate is 3.1 % (174 persons); not seasonally adjusted
|
