Georgia Magazine - July 2010 - (Page 30)

GDEcD CARTERSVILLE-BARTOW COUNTY CVB Exotic destinations Kangaroos in Georgia? You bet. The 87-acre Kangaroo Conservation Center, located in Dawsonville, features hundreds of kangaroos of 12 different species. The center is one of the largest collections of these marsupials outside of Australia. There are hiking trails, exhibits and a special ride in the KangaRanger, a narrated tram tour. Tanglewood Farm in Canton is a town of miniature goats, horses, pigs, llamas and other small-scale animals, all living in a tiny 1800s pioneer village that includes a saloon, jail and trading post. There’s even a mine shaft where the goats live. Children can enjoy miniature pony rides and pet the animals. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens houses display gardens, nature trails and a three-story visitor center and conservatory. It is located on 313 acres along the Middle Oconee River and is a must-see for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers. Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville Rose Lawn Museum, Cartersville at Springer Mountain; the rolling hills of Blue Ridge and Ellijay, the graceful Amicalola Falls near Dawsonville and Anna Ruby Falls in the northeastern part of the state to Cloudland Canyon in Rising Fawn to the west. Hiking trails lace the terrain and attract nature lovers all year long. In Ellijay, The Martyn House is nestled in the woods along the top of a ridge on 18 acres of natural forests. With sweeping pastures, a private pond, nature trails and an abundance of wildlife, the farm offers the tranquil setting of country life. It’s known for its extraordinary accommodations—three beautifully decorated Gypsy Faire Luxury Sleeping Tents. Raven Cliffs in White County near Helen is an easy hike with a wonderful waterfall at the end of the trail. Or try the hike of Panther Creek, which runs along a mountain ridge close to Georgia Highway 441 near Tallulah Falls. And after your hike, refresh and refuel with Helen’s internationally flavored dining scene. Georgia’s State Parks dot North Georgia with waterfalls, deep gorges, hilltop beauty and plenty of wildlife. Visit Red Top Mountain State Park just off Interstate 75 on Lake Allatoona, where you can stay in the lodge, enjoy summer music festivals and hike through the woods to see deer, birds and wildflowers. Cloudland Canyon State Park in the upper northwest corner of the state features two waterfalls, hiking trails, cabins, camping and a disc golf course. There’s gold in them thar hills. 30 Real hometown spirit All across North Georgia, downtowns are booming. With the friendliness and hospitality of the South, a stop for shopping or dining in any of these small towns promises memorable meals, a glimpse at small-town living, and a chance to meet and talk with locals. Visit the Dillard House in Dillard for home-cooked meals brought to the table, family-style. And while there, walk to the petting farm out back or arrange a trail ride into the Little Tennessee River at the stables. Dahlonega’s Smith House also serves up fresh homemade entrees, like fried chicken, baked ham and roast beef, plus more than a dozen different sides. Both restaurants are known for their baked-on-the-premises yeast rolls and desserts. While in Dahlonega, visit the many shops around the square. The city is also known for its local wineries, including Wolf Mountain Vineyards, which has a tasting room on the square, and the nearby Three Sisters Vineyards. GEORGIA MAGAZINE CARA PASTORE Anna Ruby Falls, just north of Helen Visit Dahlonega, home of the nation’s first gold rush, where its charming town square is home to several festivals each year. The Consolidated Gold Mines offer tours of underground tunnels, information about mining and a chance to pan for gold or gemstones. “Habersham County—home of five museums; beautiful waterfalls; Mark of the Potter, the oldest craft store in Georgia; Lake Russell; Panther Creek; the Chattahoochee and Soque rivers; plus the Everything Elvis Museum [closed until September] is a tourism destination. The Soque River, Habersham’s own, is known for the best trout fishing east of the Mississippi,” says Judy Taylor, president of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce. www.georgiamagazine.org http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - July 2010

Georgia Magazine - July 2010
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar
Currents
Special Energy Report
Where the Wild Things Are
Still Going Strong
Reliving History and Exploring Nature
Around Georgia
Georgia@Home
My Georgia
Georgia Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Cookbook of the Month
Snapshot

Georgia Magazine - July 2010