Garnet and Frieda Carter opened Rock City Gardens in May of 1932, during the Depression.  Carter, a promotional genius, had already developed a subdivision of sprawling estate homes for wealthy men atop Lookout Mountain.  He had also invented Tom Thumb Miniature Golf.  Now he wanted to promote his wife’s beautiful gardens.  She had painstakingly developed lushly landscaped paths through the giant rock formations at Rock City.  Carter just knew that people would pay to see these gardens if he could somehow draw them to Lookout Mountain.

           In 1935 one of the most unique advertising campaigns ever envisioned was created.  Seeing the great potential in the “attraction business,” Carter hired a 22-year old painter from Tennessee named Clark Byers.  Young Byers was asked to approach farmers whose barns sat facing the major highways and byways in the surrounding area and see if they would be agreeable to a trade.  Carter had driven up and down US 41 and made notes of which barns would best serve his purpose.  The usual arrangement was that the property owner would receive free passes to Rock City and Tom Thumb Golf, along with an armload of promotional wares (like Rock City thermometers or Rock City birdhouses.)  If there was no need for the paraphernalia, a modest sum of $3 was paid to the farmer.  In return, Byers would paint the barn with the SEE ROCK CITY logo.  In the beginning, they mixed their own paint using lampblack and linseed oil.  There were no rollers.  They used a 4” brush and all the work was done freehand.  Once that paint was on the barn, it stayed.  Soon, the eye-catching signs were dotting the countryside and Rock City became famous.

At their heyday in the late 1950’s, there were more than 900 Rock City barns in 19 states from Florida to Texas and all the way up to Minnesota.  Remember, there were no Interstates back then, just two-lane blacktops for vacationing motorists.  Clark Byers and his crews of painters got very creative, trying to capture people’s interest to lure them in.  Familiar slogans read “Beautiful Beyond Belief,” “The Eighth Wonder of the World,” “Bring Your Camera,” “See 7 States From Rock City” and “Millions Have Seen Rock City, Have You?”

In the mid-60’s during Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency, roadside signs were seen more as an eyesore than as an icon.  In order to “Beautify America,” the Ladybird Act banned billboards and most of the Rock City barn roof messages had to be removed.  A piece of Americana was lost.  But, by then people were traveling the Interstate highways anyway.  Today you can still see a few of the Rock City barns in Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee.

As a child, growing up in the 1950’s and 1960’s, I well remember the SEE ROCK CITY barns.  My father was an estate attorney with his own practice.  My mother was a typical housewife like June Cleaver.  Every othersummer, my dad would close up his business and our entire family would take off on a six week adventure.  We lived in Clearwater, Florida, about halfway down the Gulf Coast, and we would drive to such exotic far-away places as Yosemite National Park, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, the cities of Washington, DC, San Francisco, St. Louis and New York City.  One year weeven went to Disneyland!  Try to picture the Griswolds in “Vacation” on their way to Wally World.  Actually, we were much more like the Andersons on Father Knows Best.

My grandmother, who had lived with us since before I was born, was always “dropped off” in Kentucky to stay with her relatives while the rest of us went travelling.  My grandmother, God rest her soul, was the widow of a Southern Methodist “hellfire & brimstone” preacher.  She ruled our house with a very strident set of rules.  Needless to say, every other summer, for six whole weeks, we enjoyed our freedom!

Half the fun was planning the trips.  I still remember Momma and Daddy with the Atlas and brochures spread out on the dining room table, mapping our route.  Kentucky wasn’t exactly on the way to
California or New York, but it was a stop we gladly made.  My earliest recollections are of a big black 4-door sedan with running boards.  To a young child it seemed monstrous.  My father did all the driving while my mother served as his trusty navigator.  There were no Interstates back then, just two lane country roads.   I loved driving past endless farms with row upon row of corn, cotton,
tobacco and the various other crops of the south, along with pastures full of cows and horses.  As we’d head north, itwas common to spot the brightly painted barns with the black roofs that beckoned us to SEE ROCK CITY.  We’d make a game of counting the many barns we’d pass and my Mom would read out each new slogan.  My sister and I would always beg my parents to stop at Rock City, but we were usually in a hurry to get to where we were headed or anxious to return home.  Finally, one year we stopped.

I must have been about 6 or 7 at the time.  I remember driving up Lookout Mountain, the Fairyland Caverns, and most particularly, the view from Lover’s Leap.  It was spectacular—even to a kid.  We bought some souvenirs, including a Rock City birdhouse that hung in our Jacaranda tree for many years.

If you have kids, or grandkids, I’m sure they would enjoy a trip to Lookout Mountain’s Rock City too.  You’ll appreciate the nostalgic wholesome family atmosphere.  The kids will love all the new attractions and events that have been added over the years– and it is a whole lot easier getting there these days.  Before you die, you really should SEE ROCK CITY.  Put it on your Bucket List.

Bradley’s Pumpkin Patch is offering something special this year and I wanted to let you know.  On October 8, 2011, there will be a 2 hour demonstration where you can learn all about heirloom pumpkins.  You’ll be able to save the seeds and take them home to plant.  Also, Karen Weaver, Bradley’s mom, will be sharing lots of recipes.  The cost is $15.  While there for the demo, your family can
still participate in all the activities the farm has to offer.

In an article I wrote last year I told of Bradley Weaver, a fine young man, who has taken over the small family working farm.  He’s in college now and studying agriculture, but still finds time to keep the farm busy year round.  When you visit during harvest season you will find many varieties of pumpkins, take a hayride, a guided nature walk and even learn how to make soap.  There is a gift shop with super fall and Halloween merchandise as well as a Refreshment stand.  The weekend of Thanksgiving is when they start selling fresh Christmas trees.  In the spring and summer they offer pre-Civil War Heritage daffodils and daylilies.  Bradley’s Pumpkin Patch is a small friendly place to bring your family.  You probably won’t find big crowds or tour buses.  You’ll get personal attention.

Bradley has been featured in both the “Georgia” magazine and in “Taste of the South” magazine.  He’s a true entrepreneur who loves what he’s doing and wants to share his love of nature with others.

The farm is located north on GA 400, west on Hwy 53, just 8 miles north of the Dawsonville Town Square on Hwy 183 at Mile Marker 5, on the left.  You can call (770) 380-3636 for more information.

If you want to know about Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches in the North Georgia Mountains, you can read my article listed under “Fun Activities” posted in September, 2010, on this www.rainbowcabins.com website.  Happy Fall, Ya’ll!

About 20 years before gold was discovered in California, the cry of “There’s gold in them hills!” could be heard in the North Georgia Mountains.  In fact, it was 1828 when the first major United States gold rush occurred in Dahlonega, Georgia.  To celebrate this event, as well as the autumn leaves at their peak color, Dahlonega holds a Gold Rush Days Festival every year during the 3^rd weekend of October.  It has developed into a major “happening,” with thousands of visitors converging on the town to enjoy all the charms of a true mountain festival.  The Gold Rush Days Festival has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast.  Over 200,000 people  are expected to attend this year’s event.  Bring your family,  and your dog is welcome too.

Dahlonega certainly goes all out for this occasion.  It has the usual arts & crafts vendors (over 300 booths), kids’ activities, live entertainment and fantastic festival food.  But, it also includes such traditional mountain pastimes as a gold panning contest, wrist wrestling, hog calling, a wheelbarrow race, a liar’s contest, crosscut sawing, the King and Queen Coronation, buck dancing and gospel singing.  There is a parade featuring the Corps of Cadets from Dahlonega’s North Georgia College & State University.  No clowns, cars or floats—just the soldiers all dressed up in their uniforms, marching through town with their Army Band.  It’s very moving.

The festival is held around the historic Public Square.  This is a charming area of unique shops and restaurants serving food from gourmet to southern homestyle.  Many buildings here are on the Historic National Registry.  Be sure to stop by the Gold Museum.  Parking will most likely be tough, but if you are willing to pay $5-$20, some local businesses and non-profits offer parking close to the Square.  Otherwise, come prepared and wear your walking shoes.  This festival is  worth it.

Dahlonega is located north of Atlanta (past the North GA Premium Outlets), 5 miles west of Hwy 400/19 on Hwy 52.

If you are in Blue Ridge and want to take a day trip, the easiest way to get there is to go south on Hwy 515 to Ellijay.  Turn left on Hwy 52 and go east until you run into the Town Square.  You’ll pass by Amicalola Falls and Burt’s Pumpkin Farm on your way.

Blue Ridge’s 31st Annual Labor Day Celebration kicks off Sunday evening, September 4, 2011, with an Interdenominational Community Worship Service.  It will be held in the downtown City Park at 6:00 PM.  An old-fashioned Ice Cream Social will follow the service.

On Monday, September 5th, Bar-B-Q dinners will be available from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM, or until the food runs out.  You may choose from chicken or ribs, with all the trimmings.  Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, as entertainment will be scheduled throughout the day.

This is the last official event to close down the summer season and the first to herald in the fall season.  Area churches sponsor the Labor Day Celebration each year and you know what tasty dishes are found at church suppers!  If you’re in the North Georgia Mountains for the holiday weekend, please bring your family to historic downtown Blue Ridge and see how it got a reputation for friendliness and hospitality.

The Rotary Club of Blue Ridge wants you to get your CABOOSE on the train to enjoy the Sixth Annual Great Train Event!!  Please come aboard to help them raise money for Fannin County’s Ferst Foundation which provides books to children ages 0-5 to enhance childhood literacy.  Appetizers, beer, wine and other drinks will be provided on the train, followed by a down home-style dinner at the Whistlestop Cafe after the ride.  There will be a prize for best Costume, so come as your favorite western character.  Ticket prices are $75 per couple and $40 per individual.  This includes the train ride, entertainment, appetizers, alcohol and dinner.  Purchase tickets at www.brscenic.com.  Friday, September 23, 2011     5-8 PM

Twirl your partner round and round…  Southern Tree Plantation hostsd a Boots N BBQ fundraiser on September 10, 2011, benefiting the Whiskers Project.  Come for a great evening of square dancing and super bar-b-q.  Call (888) 872-9330 for tickets.  Located in Blairsville at 2531 Owltown Road, 30512.  Directions:  From Blue Ridge, take Hwy 515 east to Blairsville.  Turn onto Hwy 19/129South when you reach the Old Courthouse in the Square.  Go 4.2 miles and turn right on Hutson Road.  Follow the signs and you’ll find the entrance on your left.

If you don’t go for the square dancing, you might want to return for the pumpkins.  Southern Tree Plantation is an active farming plantation that grows thousands of pumpkins and Christmas trees.  It opens to the public in October and is a great place to bring your family.  There are tons of activities, including a hayride, train ride and pony ride.

The Blue Ridge Community Theater’s September production of “Postmortem,” by Ken Ludwig, is a clever thriller.  Be on hand to witness the murder, humor and intrigue–all set in a New England castle during a seance.  “Postmortem” runs each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from September 9, 2011 to October 2, 2011.  It is rated R for mature subject matter.  Call the Box Office at (706) 632-9223 for tickets.

Ther Circus is coming!  The Circus is coming!  Blairsville will host the Lewis & Clark Circus at Meek’s Park on Monday, September 12, 2011.  Showtimes are 5:00 and 7:30 PM.  Don’t be expecting Barnum & Bailey, but I assure you that everyone will love the show.  Meeks Park is located just a 1/2 mile west of Blairsville on Hwy 515, just up the road from Blue Ridge.

Smoke on the River is McCaysville’s Bar B Q Cookoff event all day on Saturday, September 24, 2011.  Come stroll around town and sample some of the finest BBQ in the Southeast.  Even better, you could ride over on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and not have to fight the traffic.  The train has a 2 hour layover in McCaysville before returning to Blue Ridge.

September 24th is also the day you can attend a family oriented free day of fun at Unicoi State Park.  Sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources, the Outdoor Adventrue Day is going to be fun.  (Ryan, my 8 year old grandson can’t wait!)  Learn how to catch a trout, paddle a canoe and shoot a shotgun.  Try other activities like fly tying and casting, archery, BB gun and skeet shooting.  The stream will be stocked specifically for this day and you won’t need a fishing license.  There will be animal shows including the DNR Rescue Dogs.  Unicoi State Park is located at 1788 Hwy 356 near Helen, GA.  One little warning–you might get stuck in the Oktoberfest traffic, so if possible, avoid going through Helen.  (The Oktoberfest Parade is at noon that day.)

It’s Apple Season in the North Georgia Mountains!  Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge offers U-Pick tractor rides out to their orchards every weekend in September and October.  This is fun for families with kids of all ages– and you get to pick the juiciest, freshest fruit right off the tree.  Apples ready for picking in September include:  Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Beni-Shogun, Empire, Cameo, JonaGold, Jonathan and Topaz.  Get free samples inside the Market first to determine your favorites.

As Randy Owens of the country group, Alabama, would say…

If you love music, there are many options for your enjoyment in the North Georgia Mountains.  Here are just a few of them:

• Each Thursday evening, May through October, from 6 PM to dusk, you can attend “Pickin’ in the Park” at Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville.  Bring your family to hear local musicians strumming on guitars, picking on a banjo, or playing the fiddle.  Sometimes the cloggers show up too.  Bring along a blanket, a picnic dinner, fishing poles or tubes.  This beautiful park is located right along the banks of the Toccoa River.  If you are a musician, bring your instrument and join in the jam sessions.

• Music in the Park at Vogel State Park is a splendid  way to spend an early fall evening.  After enjoying a fun day of hiking, biking and discovering the roaring waterfall, walk over to the Lake Trahlyta Pavilion and stay for a concert offered each Saturday in September.  The music varies from week to week.  8-9 PM
• Ann’s Pickin’ Parlor in McCaysville has Mariachi Bands every weekend and line dancing lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings.  When’s the last time you danced the Cotton Eyed Joe??

• At the Friday Night Concert Series in Blairsville every bench is taken.  The balcony is filled to capacity and the people line the walls of the renovated courtroom of the historic Old Courthouse in the Square .   Music Coordinator Sam Ensley gets things started by telling a few jokes.  Then it’s time for music.  Every week the music is different and every week the crowd is thrilled.  Maybe you should see why.  The Union County Historical Society presents these concerts every Friday night at 7 PM from May through October as a public service.  Admission is free.  The musicians donate their time and talent.  Voluntary donations, however, are always welcome and very much appreciated.

• Wolf Mountain Winery has very elaborate Sunday brunches most of the year.  During the month of September their theme is “Country French Cuisine and Live Jazz .”  This is a wonderful winery to visit, tucked away on a hilltop near Dahlonega.  The cost for the Sunday brunch is $30 per person, plus your wine.  They have two seatings:  12:30 and 2:30.  Call to make your reservations at (706) 867-9862.

If you are just about anywhere in the North Georgia Mountains you will probably hear some kind of music.  It is an intrinsic part of our heritage.  The many Festivals that are held throughout the year feature music from Scottish bagpipes to classical.  Mostly, though, you’ll be listening to a lot of good ole mountain music.

The North Georgia Mountains are a haven for creativity.  The peaceful pace of life and the sheer beauty of the area seem to “draw in” artists of all mediums.  Many, wishing to escape a hectic urban life, but still needing to stay close enough for business reasons, have moved to Blue Ridge and made it their home.  You are quite likely to find many world-renowned artists here–especially when you visit the galleries of The Art Walk.

Every third Saturday evening from 5-8 PM, June thru December, four exceptional fine art galleries located in historic downtown Blue Ridge, GA, on East Main Street, open their doors after hours for Art Walk.  Come stroll through the galleries, enjoy complimentary refreshments and hopefully find a memento of your trip.

You might want to start at Multitudes and work your way up the street to Abreu.  Multitudes Gallery, at their new location of 801 East Main, features the best in the delicate art of hand blown glass.  This is definitely their specialty, but they also carry jewelry, ceramic pottery, iron work, wind chimes, photography, wood working, stained glass and fine paintings in oil, acrylics and watercolors.  California artist, Mary Frances, has a wonderful whimsical line of purses that are colorful works o f art.  Mon Bijou has jewelry creations made from French pewter and brass alloy.  Judson Bailey, a local legend, frequently demonstrates his gorgeous stained glass here.  It’s as much fun listening to his stories as it is watching him work.  Multitudes is open regularly Monday thru Saturday, 11-6 and Sunday, 12-5.

High Country Art & Antiques–A Most Eclectic Art Gallery, is located just down the street, across from the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Train Depot, at 715 East Main Street.  This beautiful gallery features everything from fine art to folk art.  You’re sure to find somethng that speaks to your heart.  Their always popular Meet The Artist Series is back in full swing.  Saturday, June 18, 2011, during this month’s Art Walk,  Melissa Sellars will be doing a live painting demonstration at the gallery.  Please stop by and meet Melissa.  High Country Art & Antiques has been in business for 14 years.

Just a few doors down, at 651 East Main, you’ll find Turning Leaf Wood Art–A Fine Art Gallery.  This unique establishment features only American artists.  Currently, they house the works of over 50 artists– most of them are well known award winners.  Although the store started with mostly fine wood art, it has expanded to cover all mediums including fiber art and face jugs.  You’ll find one of a kind pieces accompanied by an autographed artist statement.  May through December, Turning Leaf’s hours are Monday thru Saturday, 10-5 and Sunday, 12-5.

Be sure to keep going up East Main to the Abreu Fine Art Gallery.  It’s one you really shouldn’t miss.  Artist Anthony Abreu has a delightful  free-standing store    at the north end of the street that reflects some of his favorite things–mountain scenery, fly fishing, horses and Norman Rockwell style small towns.  His love of the Appalachians is evident in his paintings. 

 Along with the other artists represented at his gallery, Abreu has created a relaxed, but upscale atmosphere.  You will find remarkable art and beautiful accessories that are surprisingly affordable and elegantly unique.  Anthony Abreu hopes you will find items that “express your personal style, make a statement and give your room its signature look.”  Normal business hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11-6.

Come discover the vibrant art being created in and around our charming little town of Blue Ridge.  Take a leisurely stroll down East Main on the third Saturday of each month and enjoy the Art Walk presented by these four amazing galleries.

If you’re looking to try something different the next time you visit the North Georgia Mountains and you aren’t afraid of ghosts, take the Blue Ridge Ghost Tour.  Fannin County has a fascinating history, with some amazing reports of the paranormal popping up through the years.  On this walking tour, your  guide will regale you with stories that are based on folklore, legends and collections of individual encounters.  You will hear tales of  The Ghosts of Downtown Blue Ridge, The Ghosts of Tilly Bend Church and The Legend of the Bald Mountains.  You’ll learn the story behind the rare fairy crosses which are found in our mountains and you’ll hear the local tale of The Joint & Hoop Snake.

Tours are offered year round every Friday and Saturday evening at 7 PM, weather permitting.  Reservations are a “must” because a tour requires at least 6 people.  The tours involve climbing some pretty steep hills, so be sure to wear good walking shoes.  If you are unable to do strenuous walking, don’t worry.  Non-walking tours can be arranged.  For the regular tours you need to bring a blanket or cushion to sit on since you will be stopping periodically to listen to stories,  sitting for long periods of time.  Flashlights and cameras are allowed.  You can also bring some water, but be aware that there are no bathroom facilities.  Like your Mom always told you, “Go before you leave the house.”  These tours are designed for adults and teens–not young children.  The admission price is $16 for adults and $14 for those under 18.  You can call (706) 455-9866 for reservations.

The Blue Ridge Ghost Tour is sure to provide some entertaining chills and thrills for those who are not faint of heart.  Try it.  I dare you!

To confirm this, I called the Blue Ridge Marina and was given even better news.  A spokesperson there said that with all the rains they’ve been having, the lake should be at or near full pool by June.  They are already renting out boats and jet skis and all the docks (which had been moved deeper into the lake) have been reconnected.  The annual 4th of July Fireworks Over Lake Blue Ridge will go an as usual!  Beautiful Lake Blue Ridge will be beautiful once more–full of the cleanest, most sparkling water in the southern Appalachians–and ready for your enjoyment.