Monthly Archives: November 2015

Travelers Rest Historic Site Honors GA Mountain History

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When the Unicoi Turnpike was built in the early 1800’s, it became the major north-south route, starting in South Carolina, traveling to Clarksville, up through Helen and Hiawassee and on into Tennessee. Four stagecoach inns were located along this route, including what is now Travelers Rest Historic Site in Taccoa, Georgia, about a 35-minute drive southeast of our Inn. Built in 1815 by local plantation owner, James R. Wyly—who was also charged with opening the Unicoi Turnpike—the property was sold in 1833 to wealthy entrepreneur Devereaux Jarrett. Mr. Jarrett continued to operate the inn for many years, doubling its size. In 1955, … Continue reading →

Holiday Shopping in the North Georgia Mountains

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This year, why not tackle your holiday list up here in the mountains? We have a delightful collection of one-of-a-kind stores where you can shop for everyone on your list. Below are a just few of the many options. The town of Helen looks like old St. Nick himself would be roaming the streets, so what better place to head for shopping! At Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, homemade goodies abound—rich almond butter toffee, cherries hand-dipped in chocolate, caramel pecan turtles and decadent truffles, just to mention a few. 8651 N. Main Street, Helen 706-878-2443 Aromas of another sort can … Continue reading →

Savor a Taste of North Georgia’s Habersham Winery

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One of Georgia’s oldest and largest wineries, and one of our neighbors in nearby Nacoochee Village, is Habersham Vineyards & Winery. Established in 1983, the company took advantage of a growing interest in regional wines and created a company that now encompasses two vineyards, three labels and more than 20 quality varietals. Photo courtesy of Habersham Vineyards & Winery The process begins in the company’s vineyards, located in Mossy Creek, near Cleveland, and Stonepile, which is near Clarkesville, Georgia. Together these two fields produce nearly 150 tons of grapes annually. Under the careful watch of winemaker Andrew Beaty, a UC … Continue reading →

North GA’s Nora Mill Granary Still Grinding Away

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When Nora Mill Granary says it does things the old-fashioned way, they mean it! The company, which was established in 1876, still operates out of the same four-story building that sits on the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Helen. Photo courtesy of Nora Mill Granary It still uses the 1,500-pound French burr millstones, and feeds water to a water turbine via a 100-foot wooden raceway. For Inn guests who are both foodies and fond of local lore, the mill and its next-door store are a must to visit. Originally built by a miner who came in search of gold, … Continue reading →