You can start your wine trek at the oldest of the 3 wineries here in Rabun County, Tiger Mountain Vineyards.  Tiger Mountain Vineyards planted their first grapes on the 5 generation family owned farm in 1995.  John Ezzard and his wife Martha, owners, with the assistance of a successful Virginia vineyard, carefully selected the varieties of grapes suited to the climate of the southern Blue Ridge, creating the first vinifera vineyard in the state of Georgia.  From the there the rest is history.  Tiger Mountain Vineyards is a successful winery with many nationally known award winning wines.  They are located in Tiger, GA at 2592 Old Highway 441.  There tasting room is open daily with varying hours.  You can check their website, www.tigerwine.com for all the details.

When you leave TMV head southwest on Old 441 South for .2 miles.  You will take a slight right onto Syrup City Road and stay for .5 miles.  You will take a slight right onto Bridge Creek Road and stay on Bridge Creek Road for 3.5 miles.  Take a slight left onto Apple Orchard Lane for .2 miles and then take the 1st left onto Standing Deer Lane.  You will drive up and see the rolling hills and beautiful views of Stonewall Creek Vineyards.

Currently, Stonewall Creek is probably the smallest winery in Georgia. Carl and Carla Fackler, the owners, were drawn to the Northeast Georgia mountains by the cool climate, clean air and relatively easy access from their home of 30 years in Atlanta.  The Facklers purchased land in 2004 in what was an old apple orchard four miles west of Tiger. They began their plans to plant grapes and a garden. On the recommendation of John Ezzard at Tiger Mountain Vineyards, they chose Malbec and planted the first 150 Stonewall Creek vines in 2005. Over the next three years, they planted more grapes and experimented with different clones and rootstocks–Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Petit Manseng and more Malbec.

Stonewall Creek Vineyards opened their doors to the public in 2012 and the rest is history as they say.  Their tasting room is open and waiting for a visit from you.  Call them at 706-212-0584 for their tasting room hours.  For more information about Stonewall Creek go to their website at www.stonewallcreek.com.

Once you leave Stonewall Creek Vineyards you will get back on Highway 441 and head North.  12 Spies Vineyards is approximately 5 miles from downtown Clayton.  From the Intersection of GA 76 W & North on 441(4.1 miles) then turn right on Yorkhouse Road (1.4 mile).  Turn right on Black Branch Road (0.5 mile) and 12 Spies Vineyards / 550 Black Branch Road will be on your right (Red Roof Building).

The vineyard’s name has an interesting story.  It came from the Bible and tells the story of Moses sending 12 spies to investigate the Promised Land. While there, they discovered grapes so large that it took 2 men just to carry one cluster. They brought them back on a staff along with figs and other fruit to show off their bounty.

The gift shop and tasting room were opened August of 2012 and a new covered deck looking out to the spectacular western sunsets opened in  the Spring of 2013.  The four varities of grapes grown in the 12 Spies vineyard are Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Tannat and Traminette. All of these grapes grow well in the climate and altitude of Rabun Gap, Georgia. In addition, 12 Spies searches for grapes from the best vineyards for blending and to make their Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc.  To learn more about 12 Spies go www.12spiesvineyards.com.

On your next trip definitely plan to do the Wine Tasting Tour through Rabun County.  You can start in one part of the county and end in the other.  There are great places to stop eat and shop along the way so make a weekend of it.

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After many years of drought and below average rainfall, this year we have bountiful water. Our lakes are full, our streams are high and our waterfalls are exploding with water. This will be a great Summer to Explore Rabun County! Check out ExploreRabun.org .

This is a spectacular year to hike to one of our beautiful falls. Here are several of our favorites:

Hemlock Falls

A wonderful 15’ waterfall on a trail across from Moccasin Creek State Park. The 1-1/4 mile trail to the waterfall is very scenic and relatively flat. From Clayton take 76 West to GA 197 South. Continue to the entrance to Moccassin Creek State Park on your left. Turn right and follow the signs.

Martin Creek Falls

To reach Martin Creek Falls take Warwoman Rd. from Clayton for 3 -1/2 miles to Finney Rd. (Forest Service Rd 152) on the left. Follow Finney Rd. (FS 152) for 1/2 mile to campsite on the left. Park there. Go through the campsite crossing Martin Creek and continue on to join the Bartram Trail in approximately 400 yards. Continue up the left side of Martin Creek on the Bartram Trail which will soon cross over the creek and back again on bridges. The second bridge is at the base of the falls and leads to an observation deck. The total distance from the parking area to the falls is approximately ½ mile.

Minnehaha Falls

    Located south of Lake Rabun. To get there: head south on Old 441 to Lake Rabun Road. Turn right and head around the lake. Turn left about one mile past the Rabun Beach Recreational Area, crossing Seed Lake Dam and following Bear Gap Road around the lake for 1½ miles. until you see the trailhead for Fall Branch Trail on your right (you will see a handrail and steps). Hike Fall Branch trail ½ mile to the 100 foot falls.

Panther Falls & Angel Falls

Panther is the first waterfall you will come to and Angel is about 1/3 of a mile further…and worth the extra hike. The trailhead is in the Rabun Beach Recreation area (campground) off of Lake Rabun Road. These are close to Minnehaha Falls and can make a fun day trip when combined.  Start here and then continue on Lake Rabun Road to Bear Gap Road at the bridge. Follow Bear Gap until you see the trailhead for Fall Branch Trail on your right (you will see a handrail and steps).

Tired from your hikes? Head to Downtown Clayton and either enjoy a relaxing cold drink in the sun at the Universal Joint, soak up the great music (and drinks) at Zeppelin’s or grab a healthy lunch at Grapes & Beans.  While you are there, take a minute and look into the unique shops along Main Street

Now are you ready for some swimming? Or at least laying in the sand at one of our local beaches?? Head to Lake Burton via Hwy 76 west (watch out for a couple of great stores along the way…Black Bear Creek Antiques and Timpson Creek Gallery). When you see Timpson Creek Gallery, turn left onto N. Charlie Mountain Road. Travel less than a mile and Lake Burton Beach will be on your right with parking on the left. Great little beach tucked in out of the boat traffic with a shallow area for the little kids.

Another nice beach is the Lake Rabun Beach out Lake Rabun Road by the Lake Rabun Campground. Good picnic sites (with grills) and the beach has a raft to swim to and jump or dive from. The beach and campground are owned and run by the U.S. Forest Service.

And finally, at Tallulah Lake, Georgia Power has picnic spots (with grills) and a newly renovated swimming area and bathhouse right off of Hwy 441 in Tallulah Falls across from the State Park (north side of the lake).

Enjoy your stay in beautiful Rabun County, Georgia. For more information go to ExploreRabun.org.

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Lose stubborn fat off your waist, hips and thighs with our scientifically proven, non-surgical, low level laser procedure that safely removes fat reduces inches and slims the body.

ZERONA is the first non-invasive body contouring procedure to effectively remove excess fat.  Unlike invasive weight loss surger, ZERONA is applied externally.  This revolutionary method provides results without the dangers associated with surgery, while at the same time allowing patients to remain active during treatment.

For a limited time, The Amara Center is offering six (6) sessions with our ZERONA Laser, a supplement, a computerized Body Composition Analysis, Nutritional Counseling, and a pre-and post- consultation for only $900.00.  This package normally retails for $1,2500.00.  Call 706-782-4009 for more information or to schedule an appointment today.

This special runs through May 31, 2013.

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A new consumer survey focused on travel for the upcoming summer season unveils some surprising trends, from a renewed interest in planning ahead to a primary focus on value rather than strict budget considerations. Results from the March 2013 study conducted by Destination Hotels & Resorts (Destination), the nation’s fourth largest hospitality management company, also revealed that more than half of travelers are planning at least one trip without the kids. A snapshot of the survey’s ten key findings is below, full results and analysis can be found in Destination’s online media center.

1.      Travelers are Learning the Early Bird Gets the Worm (and Best Rate).
Bucking the post-recession boom of flash-sales and last-minute-deals, vacation planners are beginning to shop ahead again. Destination has seen the booking window among leisure travelers increase by almost a full day year-over-year; this trend is anticipated to continue for 2013, with 40 percent of survey respondents already on the hunt for their perfect summer trip.

2.      When it Comes to Vacation, More is More.
Travelers are looking to vacation often this summer. Seventy-six percent plan to take as many short trips as possible, compared to only 22 percent eyeing a more traditional, week-or-longer summer escape.

3.      We are No Longer Living in a Budget World.
Almost three-quarters of survey participants indicated that one of the most important elements in their final travel booking decision was value, beating out cost/budget as the prime consideration.

4.      Social Media Isn’t Just, er, Social. It’s a Critical Planning Tool.
Two-thirds of participants indicated that they spend time on a hotel’s social channels before visiting. An overwhelming majority – 80 percent – noted that they browse online reviews when researching and booking their trips.

5.      Foodies are Still On the Rise.
It is no secret that Americans have taken ‘foodie’ mainstream – and that was certainly evident when participants were asked to share the most important considerations in booking their vacation. Fifteen percent ranked ‘locally inspired cuisine’ as the most important, can’t-live-without resort amenity.

6.      Summer Travelers Aren’t Always Kidding Around.
Summer may be known as the heart of family-travel season, but more than a third of those surveyed indicated they do not travel with children, period.

7.      The Family That Travels Together Plays Together.
Those who are traveling with children made it clear: while they appreciate “kids’ camps” to entertain their little ones on some vacations – they also want to spend quality time with their children. Sixty-nine percent of respondents are seeking accommodations and destinations that offer new experiences the entire family can do together, with a focus on the outdoors.

8.      There’s A Reason They Call It ‘Classic’
Back to basics it is! Folks are looking to keep it simple when it comes to summer travel. Twenty-two percent of participants identified a sight-seeing road trip as the most appealing type of vacation, and more than 82 percent (!) think America’s National Parks are hot this year.

9.      New Experiences Wait For No One… Else.
Solo travel will continue to be a hot topic in 2013.  Sixty-five percent of people who plan to travel alone will be seeking out classes or interactive learning programs.  More adventurous by nature, single travelers indicated a strong interest in learning a new skill (from surfing to climbing), and will be crossing items off their bucket list this summer.

10.  Vacations Learn to Get Cutting Edge, Literally. 
A large majority of travelers are seeking to learn new skills during their vacations. Culinary classes are extremely popular – with 38 percent of respondents indicating they would be interested in a cooking or wine/beer tasting course – as are adventure skills, with 52 percent of respondents looking for lessons in active/outdoor activities.

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http://www.adventure-journal.com/2012/08/the-list-americas-20-best-state-parks/

To learn more about Tallulah Gorge State Park please go to www.gastateparks.org/tallulahgorge.

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