Blue Ridge Country November/December 2023 - 40

DILLARD HOUSE FACEBOOK
CLOCKWISE: Dillard
House, Georgia; Table
Rock State Park,
South Carolina; Camp
Buckhorn, South
Carolina; Smithgall
Woods, Georgia.
ADOBESTOCK | DIGIDREAMGRAFIX
on and near Dukes Creek-a premier
catch-and-release trout location. In addition
to hiking and fishing, the property
has five picnic shelters for groups, a visitor
center and museum. Regularly scheduled
events and programs include wildlife
demonstrations, fly fishing clinics, guided
hikes and environmental education talks.
gastateparks.org/smithgallwoods
The Dillard House, Dillard. On the
SMITHGALL WOODS
beds. The Camp can be rented in its entirety
for a budget-friendly price. southcarolinaparks.com/paris-mountain/camp-buckhorn
GEORGIA
Smithgall
Woods, Helen. Combine family
fun in an alpine village with outdoor
adventures at this destination. " Reclaimed
and rejuvenated from land transformed
by [19th century] gold mining, " the park
is a 5,664-acre haven of nature. In Helen,
find lots of options for shopping and dining.
Then, ride a roller coaster, play mini
golf, visit a candy kitchen, splash in the
water park, pan for gold, stop by the zoo,
ride a horse drawn carriage and take a
class in blacksmithing.
Six cottages (sleeping two to 10
guests-17 bedrooms total) are available
40 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
property, guests can enjoy a pool and jacuzzi,
petting zoo, stables with horseback
riding lessons and farm animals, landscaped
gardens, stocked trout pond, a
horseshoe pit, gift shop, a full-service restaurant
and plenty of porches with rocking
chairs. You can also arrange for bonfires,
carriage rides and entertainment,
such as cowboy poets. In the surrounding
area is a vibrant arts community, whitewater
rafting, a performing arts center
and the famous Foxfire Museum.
An abundance of lodging choices
includes 63 rooms, 18 mountain chalets
and three cottages. Each is comfortably
appointed with a choice of fireplace
suites, antique décor and ADA-compliant
accommodations. Depending on
the number of attendees, two options
are available for indoor gatherings: The
Rock House-the original Dillard family
home, and the Conference Center-a
large multiuse facility. Ask about creating
your own group lodging and dining
package. dillardhouse.com/meetings-events/
family-reunions.php
X WHAT
Let the fun begin. This is where all the
careful planning pays off. The work
is done and now it's time to have fun
reconnecting with everyone, sharing
stories, playing games, making memories
and simply spending time together.
What to do when folks gather at a reunion
is an important part of the planning.
There are basically two types of
activities: structured fun and free-form
fun. This is where the talents of the Entertainment
volunteer come into play.
For the former, research a variety
of destinations in the area where your
reunion is located. Try to find several
different types of places to go to appeal
to many interests. For example, theme
parks, museums, sports, outdoor activities
and others. Make a digital list or
physical board letting everyone know
what is available in the area. Have
a signup sheet for each one or plan a
guided tour with a professional company,
and groups can go and enjoy the
destinations together.
The free-form activities are limited
only by the imagination. Hold card
game/board game tournaments. Have
CAMP BUCKHORN-PARISMOUNTAINSP

http://www.dillardhouse.com/meetings-events/family-reunions.php http://www.gastateparks.org/smithgallwoods http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/paris-mountain/camp-buckhorn http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM

Blue Ridge Country November/December 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country November/December 2023