North Georgia EVENTS FOR APRIL AND MAY, 2011
If you’re planning a spring time trip to the North Georgia Mountains, how lucky are you?? There’s nothing quite like experiencing a Blue Ridge spring. Here are some activities you might want to check out while you’re here—something for everyone.
Located within the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, the HAMILTON RHODODENDRON GARDENS offer a spectacular collection of hybrid rhododendrons. From early April to late May, over 3,000 plants will be in bloom. Spend an afternoon strolling on the pine bark trail along the shores of Lake Chatuge, enjoying all the sights. Admission is $3.00.
HIGHTOWER CREEK CLYDESDALE FARMS start their Saturday farm tours in April and run each Saturday until late December in Hiawassee, GA. Come from 11:00AM to 3:00PM and meet the gentle giant breeds of the Clydesdale and Shire, which are featured in the Anheiser Busch commercials. Spring is the best time to meet the new foals. Enjoy a carriage ride, visit the Plough Gift Shop and fish in Hightower Creek. Call (770)363-3154 for more information.
Apr. 1, 8, 15
COSMIC LASER SHOW
Presented by the Rollins Planetarium at Young Harris College
Showtimes: 7:00PM and 8:00PM Adults- $3, Children-- $2
Get ready for a laser light extravaganza! Experience the thrill of spinning stars and computer animations all synchronized to an engaging soundtrack. This show pushes the limits of sight and sound, so be pre-
warned that it contains loud music and flashing lights that may be disturbing to some. (800) 241-3754
Apr. 1-4,
BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILWAY
7-11, 15-17 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (877) 413-8724 or http://brscenic.com for schedule & tickets
Take a leisurely ride along the Toccoa River in a climate-controlled vintage car or open air rail car to the historic town of McCaysville, GA/Copperhill, TN. Here you can disembark to shop, dine or play at the nearby City Park before heading back to Blue Ridge.
Apr 7-10, “KNOCK ‘EM DEAD”
presented by the Blue Ridge Community Theater
14-17 at 2591 E. First Street. Showtimes: Fri & Sat., 7:30PM and Sun., 2:00PM
Blue Ridge has a very active talented theater group which puts on several shows each year. “Knock ‘Em Dead” is a comical murder mystery.
Apr. 9th THE 14TH ANNUAL BLUE RIDGE MT. ADVENTURE RACE
Teams compete in running, mountain biking and water based activities on a 35-mile trek through the North GA Mountains. Come cheer for your favorite team as they drag themselves across the finish line after a 6-10 hour exhausting and challenging race. It ends in Blue Ridge City Park in front of the Art Center. There will be food and live entertainment as the trophies are awarded.
Apr. 9-10 THE SPRING PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Artists will be situated all around Fannin County between 9AM and 4PM.
Don’t be surprised to see them with their easels perched on the banks of the Toccoa or painting historic Blue Ridge, as they capture the sights of the area. “Plein” is a well-known French term for painting out in the open air. All artwork submitted for judging must occur during this weekend. Let’s pray for beautiful weather.
Apr. 9th “ENTERTAINMENT ON THE HIGH SEAS”
presented by The Banker’s Hour at the Anderson Music Hall, located at the GA MT Fairgrounds. Hours: 2PM-8PM Tickets are $10. Call (706)896-4191 to reserve your ticket.
Apr 22nd CLASSIC CAR “CRUISE IN”
Located at the Dairy Queen parking lot on Hwy 5 from 6:00PM to dark
Step back in time and join in the fun on the 4th Friday of each month beginning in April and running through October. What could be better than admiring spiffy old cars while sipping on a chocolate milkshake?
Apr 23rd EASTER EGG-SPRESS
Take this Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Special and ride along with the Easter Bunny! This is a two hour trip. Reserve your tickets on-line at http://brscenic.com.
Apr 29- BMW MOTORCYCLE RALLY
May 1st at the Georgia Mountain Fairgroundsin Hiawassee. You can get more information at http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.
Apr 30th BIKE RACE COHUTTA 100 AND THE BIG FROG 65
Starting at 7:00AM at the Ocoee White Water Center in Copperhill, TN. This 100-mile loop around the Cohutta wilderness area is designed for experienced mountain bikers. There is a 12,000 foot elevation gain and steep downhill drops throughout the course. The Big Frog 65 is a shorter, but still challenging race through gorgeous mountain scenery.
May 5th PICKIN’ IN THE PARK
Located at Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville, GA, has become a local tradition. Starting May 5th and running every Thursday evening through August, you can bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy a family picnic on the banks of the Toccoa River. Local musicians will entertain you with true mountain music. Sometimes there is also clog dancing.
May 6-8, “DIXIE SWIM CLUB”
is presented by the Blue Ridge Community. 13-15, 20-22 Theater at 2591 E. First Street. It is rated PG for language. 27-29 Showtimes: Fri & Sat., 7:30PM and Sun., 2:00PM (706) 632-9223
“The Dixie Swim Club” is a comedy about five southern women who met at age 18 when they were all members of a swim team. The play follows the friends as they meet once a year at the beach to reconnect over a period of 33 years.
May 6th VINCE GILL IN CONCERT
at the Anderson Music Hall at the GA
Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee. Showtime is 7:00PM. Tickets are $47.00 and $37.00. Tickets go on sale April 1st and will sell out quickly. Vince Gill is a legendary country crooner who has sold more than 26 million albums and has earned 18 CMA awards and 19 Grammys.
May 7th GEORGIA MOUNTAIN CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Come anytime all day at City Park in historic downtown Blue Ridge to see over 200 classic cars and trucks. Many specialty awards and door prizes will be announced at 4:00PM. There’s a playground for the kids so it will make a fun free family outing.
May 6, 13 SATURN: JEWEL OF THE HEAVENS
Shown at the Rollins Planetarium on the campus of Young Harris College located at 1 College Street.
Showtime: 8:30PM Adults $3.00 and children $2.00. Saturn is one of the most magnificent planets in our solar system. In this 3-D environment you will be able to see this great ringed giant and sail past the millions of icy particles that make up its rings. You’ll uncover its unique moons and the violent storms which make up its atmosphere.
May 13-14 THE BUTTERFLY BENEFIT BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Located on Lake Nottely off Hwy 129N to Pat Colwell Rd to Bob Ensley Dr. in Blairsville. Fri hours are 5-11PM Sat. hours are 11AM-11PM. Enjoy bluegrass music while strolling through booths of local arts and crafts vendors and, of course, food concessions. All money collected goes to various local charities.
May 21-22 SPRING ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Come to the historic downtown Blairsville Town Square from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. Over 60 juried artists and craftsmen, dancers, all types of musicians and even an old-fashioned Barbershop Quartet will be on hand to entertain you.
May 28th THE CRANE CREEK VINEYARDS ANNUAL SPRING FESTIVAL
916 Crane Creek Road, Young Harris, GA 30582 (706)379-1236
The Ridges Jazz Trio will provide music between 12:00PM and 5:00PM. Chill out on a beautiful spring afternoon, surrounded by rolling vineyards, gazing at the lake and sipping your favorite glass of wine. Tickets are $20.00 for adults, $10 for ages 12-21, and under 12 are free. Your ticket covers dinner, wine tasting and a souvenir glass. In the gift shop you can purchase Crane Creek wine.
May 28-29 THE 34TH ANNUAL ARTS IN THE PARK FESTIVAL
Located in Blue Ridge City Park across from the Depot Admission $5
Over the years the Arts in the Park Festival has grown and now boasts some of the finest artworks and craftsmanship in the South. The quality and diversity presented keeps visitors returning year after year. There will be artist demonstrations, live music, dancing and lots of tasty food.
We hope you will come experience the sights and sounds and adventures of North Georgia! Please come stay with us – RainbowCabins of North Georgia.