Towns County Four Seasons of Fun

Four Seasons of Fun Anytime of year is a great time to live and play in Towns. Each season has a beauty all its own, as residents know and visitors quickly recognize.
	SPRING: Soon after a gentle Spring rain, you see them ... the vivid yellow-green leaves that signal nature's rebirth. Just taking a drive in the mountains in early Spring is a feast for the eyes. Native wildflowers return, dotting the roadside with bright reds and purples. Spring is a great time to take a hike. Trails of varying skill levels, from easy to strenuous, wind throughout the National Forest, Some branch off the popular Appalachian Trail, which begins in Georgia and travels 80 of its total 2 100 miles within the state. Plan a day hike or overnight backpacking trip on one of many easily-accessible trails. Gardening enthusiasts may visit the Rhododendron Garden at the Georgia Mountain Fairground in Hiawassee any time of the year, but will find them especially beautiful in Spring. Native azaleas and dogwoods usually blossom March through April. Then, exotic varieties of hybrid rhododendron open and continue blooming through May. Admission is free, and visitors may stroll on a mile of gentle pine bark trails that wind through the gardens and along the shores of Lake Chatuge. On two May weekends, the Rhododendron Festival commemorates the annual blooming of the 3,000+ plants, along with arts and crafts, live entertainment, and more. On Saturday evenings from May through October, free concerts on the quaint town square in Hiawassee feature an ever-changing line-up of local and regional musicians. Visitors and residents alike bring picnic dinners to enjoy as they lounge and listen on the lawn. Spring also marks the opening of the annual Superstar Concert Series, which continues into late October at the Anderson Music Hall on the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Popular artists from the fields of traditional and contemporary country music, as well as gospel, contemporary Christian, and golden oldies take the stage on selected weekends throughout the season. Contact the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds at 706-896-4191 for a schedule or visit their website at http:www.georgia-mountain-fair.com for upcoming events.
	SUMMER: Pleasantly warm is a good description of summertime in Towns County. The temperatures are usually comfortable enough for swimming during the day, but the typically lower humidity keeps most evenings cool and relaxing. The big attraction in Towns County during the summer is Lake Chatuge, a 7,000-acre reservoir that lures residents and visitors alike with sapphire blue waters and reflective vistas. From late May to early September, sailboats drift, motorboats hum, and fishermen fish in the gentle waters of the lake. Jet skis, pontoon boats, aqua cycles, and other watercraft are available locally for rental, as well as a full range of fishing gear. On July 4, the Annual Boat Parade on Lake Chatuge is fun for the whole family. Fireworks light up the night sky and make a perfect ending to a day full of good food and fun. Georgia's official historic drama "The Reach of Song," is performed June through August on the campus of Young Harris College. Vanishing Appalachian ways of life from the great depression to post-WWII are colorfully portrayed in stories, song, poetry, and dance by talented local and regional performers five nights weekly. The works of Georgia poet laureate Byron Herbert Reece, a Young Harris College alumnus, are the basis for this lively drama that tickles funny bones and touches hearts. "The Far Blue Mountains," a newer historical drama set in 1941 and contrasting urban and rural cultures, is also presented during the Summer. For more information call 706-379-17 11. For twelve exciting days in August, "Georgia's Most Unique Fair" delights visitors from around the world. Designated one of the "Top 100 Events in North America," the Georgia Mountain Fair offers authentic historical demonstrations and displays, live entertainment, unique arts and crafts, old-timey fair exhibitions, and thrilling midway attractions. In the "Pioneer Village" of yesteryear, costumed crafters busy themselves with soap making, blacksmithing, sawmilling, moon shining, and more among preserved cabins and storefronts. Musicians tune up at the post office or front porch of the general store, and present-day artisans display their talents. Clogging, country music, and gospel concerts round out an exciting schedule that also includes a parade, pageant, and fireworks.
	AUTUMN: As cooler days approach, the bright green leaves of summer gradually give way to vivid reds, oranges, and yellows. When autumn puts on a show, it's hard to find a place in north Georgia more colorful than Towns County. Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, is always a popular destination, but especially in autumn. Open Memorial Day through October, the site offers visitors a 360-degree panoramic view from atop observation decks at the summit. On a clear day, up to four states can be seen, as well as Atlanta, the Great Smoky Mountains, and a birds-eye view of surrounding communities. Because of its elevation, Brasstown Bald offers a layered mountain view that is incomparable to anywhere else in Georgia. Visitors can reach the summit by walking up a moderately steep, paved half-mile trail from the parking lot to the Visitor Information Center at the top. Those who don't want to hike may, for a small fee, ride a shuttle bus to and from the top. The Information Center and viewing decks are handi-capped-accessible. Visitors will enjoy hands-on natural and cultural history exhibits, as well as a Mountaintop Theater with video presentations of Brasstown Bald's four seasons. Additional hiking trails, some up to six miles long, offer access to Brasstown Bald through the Chattahoochee National Forest. This can be a good time for hiking in the Northeast Georgia mountains, when the air is cool, clear, and invigorating. The Appalachian Trail and other popular paths are less crowded in late autumn and winter, inviting day hikers to relax and experience the beauty of the forests, streams, and views that open wide when leaves begin to drop. The Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, spanning 10 days in October, brings an autumn flavor to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Similar to August's Fair, the Festival offers fun for all ages and hosts "Georgia's Official State Fiddler's Convention" at the renowned Anderson Music Hall.
	WINTER: Winter creeps gently into the Northeast Georgia mountains and usually departs early. Even in January and February, many days are still mild enough to encourage a round of golf, an off-season hike, or a bit of fishing. This can be a lovely, relaxing season of renewal. After the rush of autumn leaf-lookers, winter arrives to find that there are still lovely drives to be taken and beautiful vistas to view. Although everything appears to slow down in winter, it is usually only the tourists who subside. Area accommodations, restaurants, and stores remain open, and daily life for Towns County residents goes on. Because everything is quieter over the winter months, visitors often enjoy off-season rates and special accommodation packages not available during the other seasons. Winter brings out an appreciation of life's simpler joys. a delicious meal, warm beverages, quiet talk around a crackling fire. Winter's atmosphere encourages relaxation. Light snowfall usually occurs once or twice during winter. With heavier accumulations mostly restricted to higher elevations, local roads remain open and access is good. Those fortunate enough to be in Towns County on a snow day will enjoy incomparable views of layered blue-grey mountain ridges with their white dusted peaks, reflected in the quiet waters of Lake Chatuge. Special events such as the "Mountain Country Christmas Tour of Homes" along with seasonal concerts and programs continue to draw crowds throughout the winter months.
	YEAR ROUND: Some activities can be enjoyed any time of the year. For live-theater fans, the Licklog Players in Hayesville, North Carolina (five miles north of Hiawassee) offer a varied schedule of musicals, comedies, and dramas sure to delight all ages. For current performances, call 828-389-8632. Virtually any Friday evening, any month of the year, finds a large and enthusiastic crowd at the Rollins Planetarium on the campus of Young Harris College. Shows are free to the public and change frequently. Educational and entertaining, these programs are open to all ages. On clear evenings, a telescope outdoors permits viewing of selected constellations under the direction of a trained astronomer. Planetarium shows begin promptly at 8 p.m. most Friday evenings, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited and no one is admitted after programs begin. Call 706-379-4312 for more information. For those who love fishing, miles of stocked trout streams wind through Towns County. Although some are for seasonal use only, others permit fishing anytime of the year. Check with the Department of Natural Resources at 1-888-748-6887 for up-to-date information on licensing and fishing regulations.