Love this mountain community. Just spent several days here with the grands and they had a blast!…read moreFrom bear spotting and deer gazing, the beautiful woods offer so much to see. Over 50 miles of hiking trails, three lakes, a beautiful marina, and two pools, there is something for everyone. The girls loved the rock slide and both pools. There are ample lifeguards, which is reassuring. The Beach Club offers a pool and a beach on the lake side. There is an inflatable obstacle course which kids love, too. There are so many amenities, you always have something to do. We aren't golfers but the course is beautiful. The lodge restaurant is set to reopen soon after a complete renovation, but there is also a fabulous restaurant just outside the gate. (Yes, this is a gated community) The restaurant is called Home and it serves delicious meals. You can get something as simple as a great burger or something fancier like seared halibut. The girls loved the ice cream shop just outside the gate. There's another restaurant in the same plaza, called the Lucky Hare and it's supposed to be good as well. Big Canoe is the perfect place to visit, whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing time in the woods, surrounded by countless wildlife.

Well first off, Mother Nature always comes through with the beautiful landscape!!!…read more We made our way into the Big Canoe neighborhood- up & around the windy road to our house/cabin 27 Laurel Ridge Lane Jasper, Ga. 30143 A beautiful house & BIG! 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths. This house had 5 beds & bunks in 1 bedroom- PERFECT for a large crowd. I am terribly sorry, but if I felt better I would have taken a TON of pics!! 3 stories!! Upstairs had 2 large bedrooms & jack/jill bathroom. Spacious!! Main floor had 1/2 bath, master bed/bath, large kitchen & a small living room area w/fireplace. Downstairs had 2 bedrooms & jack/jill bath, laundry & a spacious extra "livingroom" Long deck could view the golf course & beautiful mountains!!! There is a small screened in porch w/dining table too. Downstairs had ANOTHER deck with a hot tub (didn't use). If you are wanting a relaxing vacation spot, this is great! Houses are VERY close to eachother, but you really don't feel it! Enough space for all to truly relax & be safe in this beautiful gated community!! I'm sure not cheap. 4 couples split a 2 night stay at $200 each. We could have had at least another couple or 2 to split more! Bring extra coffee pods, TP, paper towels, napkins & food if you are staying over a few days. A full kitchen & lots of dishes, pots pans, etc! But not FULLY stocked. Go, relax & enjoy yourselves!!!

A smaller war memorial but this one is dedicated to those from Habersham County who lost their…read morelives in World War I, World War II or Vietnam. It is simple and compelling, listing names and the inscription "All Gave Much These Gave All." The memorial is at the corner of Washington Street and Monroe Street next to the County office building. There is parking here. [Review 20368 overall - 697 in Georgia - 1346 of 2023.]

Hardman Farm was a nice walk from my hotel. There is a gift shop however, they do not allow pets…read moreand walking I had my dog with me. So that was disappointing that I couldn't go in and explore. we could walk around the grounds and explore the barns and areas of the farm. There are some fantastic views. The main house is gorgeous. The barns are cool. I liked seeing the dairy barn. The land is one of my dreams. The walk back to the hotel was just as nice under the shade of trees following the river.

Stopped in on a whim and just caught a guided tour heading out...so glad we did. Faye was our tour…read moreguide and she moved at a good pace and had some interesting history to share. The house is preserved to it's original state as much as they could (they've added electric lighting, etc) and there's lots of art and personal items to check out. Great way to spend an hour or two if in the area on a nice day. You will walk outside for a good portion of the tour so dress appropriately! There is a lovely gift shop that I'll keep in mind if I'm ever in the area and need a little present or hostess gift :)

Another great historical marker who would have known if it weren't for these historical markers…read more Year Erected: 1996 Marker Text:  This court house, built in 1836, replaced the small log structure used since the establishment of Lumpkin County in 1832. The town was named Dahlonega in October, 1833, for the Cherokee word "Talonega" meaning "golden."From its steps in 1849, Dr. M.F. Stephenson, assayor at the Mint, attempted to dissuade Georgia miners from leaving to join the California gold rush. His oration gave rise to the sayings: "There's millions in it," and "Thar's gold in them thar hills."  Tips for Finding This Marker: Go to the square in downtown Dahlonega, Ga it's located between the old courthouse (Gold Mine Museum) now and the Picnic Cafe and Dessertery - Grab a coffee and admire this historic marker. Latitude 34° 31.955′ north Longitude 83° 59.105′ west

Home of the famous Dahlonega Gold Museum! Although lacks…read moremany gold construction instruments and displays, the 17 minute historical film is interesting/worthwhile. Even the bricks of the courthouse are laced with gold which the tour guide explains enthusiastically. Don't miss this tourist trap as its considered the Town centerpiece. Afterwards one can walk the shops throughout the downtown square.

Roadside marker with not much room to stop to view it, perhaps you were not aware that there was a…read more"gold rush" in north Georgia? It started in 1829 and lasted through the early 1840s at which point it was eclipsed by the California gold rush when most of the Georgia miners went west. The marker reads, "This section of highway was once a part of the "Gold Diggers' Road," one of the earliest ways used in reaching this area during the Gold Rush days." "Beginning on the Chestatee River to the east, where it connected with a route coming from South Carolina via Toccoa, Clarkesville and Cleveland, the Gold Diggers' Road led here; thence southward, along U.S. 19 to Dahlonega and from there to Auraria." "Much of its original course is now abandoned." The marker was erected in 1954 by the Georgia Historical Commission. [Review 18921 overall - 559 in Georgia - 2444 of 2022.]

Along the mountain roads of North Georgia, this marker stands in front of Reece Heritage Farm. The…read morefarm grounds are open as a park and include guided tours as well as hiking trails. But we're not here for that. We're here for the marker. It reads, "Renowned Appalachian poet, novelist, and farmer, Byron Herbert Reece lived most of his life near this site. Here he composed, to critical acclaim, four volumes of poetry and two novels, Better a Dinner of Herbs and The Hawk and the Sun. Reece was a five-time recipient of the Georgia Writers Association's literary achievement award and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in poetry for Bow Down in Jericho. He served as poet-in-residence at the University of California at Los Angeles, Emory University, and Young Harris College. Suffering from tuberculosis, Reece took his own life three months before his forty-first birthday. He is buried in Old Union Cemetery near Young Harris." Online, there is more information. He was born nearby in Union County, Georgia in 1917 and began publishing poems locally while in high school. He won American Poet magazine's annual poetry award in 1943. In 1952 and 1957, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship for fiction. The Georgia Writers Hall of Fame inducted Reece in 2001. [Review 15949 overall - 447 in Georgia - 1454 of 2021.]

A tribute to Byron Herbert Reese, this family farm where he lived (and died) is a terrific example…read moreof mountain farm life. He was born nearby in Union County, Georgia in 1917 and began publishing poems locally while in high school. He won American Poet magazine's annual poetry award in 1943. In 1952 and 1957, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship for fiction. The Georgia Writers Hall of Fame inducted Reece in 2001. A marker stands in front of Reece Heritage Farm, and reads: "Renowned Appalachian poet, novelist, and farmer, Byron Herbert Reece lived most of his life near this site. Here he composed, to critical acclaim, four volumes of poetry and two novels, Better a Dinner of Herbs and The Hawk and the Sun. Reece was a five-time recipient of the Georgia Writers Association's literary achievement award and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in poetry for Bow Down in Jericho. He served as poet-in-residence at the University of California at Los Angeles, Emory University, and Young Harris College. Suffering from tuberculosis, Reece took his own life three months before his forty-first birthday. He is buried in Old Union Cemetery near Young Harris."

This is a beautiful trail that leads to two stunning waterfalls. The trail can be challenging in…read moresome areas due to rocky terrain and roots on the path. However, overall it's a pleasant trail with several creek crossings and rhododendron tunnels. The first falls, Panther Falls, is a sight to behold and you can even walk in the pool at the base of the falls. As you proceed from Panther Falls, the trail becomes harder as you go up the side of the falls, and there are handrails due to steep drop-offs. The trail is an in and out and takes you through lush rhododendron forests, alongside a scenic Creek. The effort is well worth it, though, as the falls themselves are magnificent, with cascading waters that make for an incredible photo opportunity. Angel Falls at the end of the trail can be harder to see due to plants growing over it partially. The Angel Fall Trailhead is located in Loop 2, area 2 of the Rabun Beach Campground. This is mostly an easy trail with a couple of short, steep runs. The payoff is reaching the observation deck where you can enjoy Angel Falls. Here you will see dogs on leash, kid-friendly, forests, rivers, and hiking. Great, short, easy "Moderate" hike. Parking is enough for a few cars only, but nearby there is a campground with a lot of parking. The hike itself is pretty easy. The peaceful surroundings and the sound of rushing water create a serene atmosphere, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Angel Falls was tough to find with Google providing the wrong location, but the trailhead is off…read moreRabun Rd. about 4 miles down from where Google says it is! Happy we continued the beautiful drive around the lake to find it. The parking area is small, but we also were the only car there for our visit. It's a short, easy walk (just watch out for the roots!) to the falls, but it was a little more advanced after the bridge at the falls. We had lots of rain so the mud was slippery. Must-do hike if you're near!

This marker on the main square in Gainesville points out the history of the first private mint in…read morethe United States that dates back to the earliest post-Revolutionary days. It is easily legible. There is plenty of parking on and off the square. The marker reads, "Two hundred yards west, on the north side of Washington Street is the site of the first private mint in the United States to manufacture gold coins in dollar values. During the Georgia gold rush, trade suffered due to a shortage of sound money. There were few coins in circulation and most business was by barter. Templeton Reid (ca. 1787-1851), Milledgeville silversmith and expert machinist, saw an answer to the problem. He decided to buy raw gold, refine it and stamp coins of proven value, acceptable in any transaction. In 1830 he came to Gainesville, Georgia and opened an assay office. With machines and dies of his design and make he began to strike coins of $2.50, $5.00, and $10.00 denominations. Although questioned by many, this was legal under the U.S. Constitution. The business was not profitable and closed in 1831. The Reid gold coins minted in Gainesville are extremely rare and are eagerly sought by collectors." This is marker number HCHS-2 and it was erected in 1979 by the Hall County Historical Society. [Review 21132 overall - 703 in Georgia - 95 of 2024.]