Eco-Friendly Food: Persimmon Creek Vineyards

A Mother Nature Network columnists discovers just how delicious eco-friendly can be.
In this article featuring Rabun's Persimmon Creek Vineyards, Robin Shreeves discussed their green methods and good flavor.

Read the full article here!

AJC Access Atlanta: Tiger Mountain Celebrates 10 years

An excerpt from Table Talk with Meridith Ford Goldman:

John and Martha Ezzard of Tiger Mountain Vineyards are living the kind of life some of us only dream of; the classic Park Place-to-pastoral story of how two people, wanting to save a family farm, left the known and ended up creating something all together new, different — and after ten years — successful.

....Now, after ten years, they are celebrating with a party on October 17, billed as the Old Highway 441 Rabun Red Bash. It will feature some of the vineyard’s older vintages, including Tiger’s benchmark Rabun Red wine, a five grape blend. It’s $15 per person, and includes barbecue, mountain music and a picnic overlooking the vineyards. For reservations, email tigerwine@windstream.net or call 706-782-4777 by October 12.

Complete Article: Tiger Mountain Celebrates 10 years

The Getaway - Weekly Ideas for one tank trips

The Augusta Chronicle features a blog post on "The Getaway" --

Rabun County spot for serene adventure
http://blogs.augusta.com/node/3415

Georgia Magazine Features Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center

Legends of Appalachia

The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center
BY LINDA ERBELE

The road winding up Black Rock Mountain to the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center in Mountain City evokes the ones that Appalachian pioneers once traveled by foot or, if they had a little wealth, by horse-drawn cart. It’s a hardscrabble lane with challenging ruts wide enough in some places to allow one car (or wagon) to pull over and let a passerby around. It twists past mountain laurel, wild rhododendron and the homes of people whose staunchly independent ancestors pioneered here hundreds of years ago. Read more. . . . http://georgiamagazine.com/currentissue.asp?menu=22&ID=2220&mon=August

Eno Bytes: 2007 Persimmon Creek Vineyards Cabernet Franc

Just coming home from judging the California State Fair Home Winemaking
Competition, I was reluctant about reviewing a wine from Georgia. One thousand plus homemade wines were entered into the state fair competition so I had taken my taste buds to edge and survived and just off that regimen I grabbed this bottle from Persimmon Creek Vineyards in Georgia wondering if it too would test my taste buds to their limit.

This wine rocked it from start to finish. Read the complete article: 2007 Persimmon Creek Vineyards Cabernet Franc

An Enticing Escape: Tallulah Falls and Persimmon Creek Vineyards

In their July 23-29 Issue, the Tennessee Tribune described the Blue Ridge Mountains as "every nature lover's dream." Specifically, they were praising the beauty of Tallulah Falls, Ga: "The surround sound of the water and alluring views of the terrain engulf all who visit."

The Tennessee Tribune went on to describe Persimmon Creek Vineyards as "a haven nestled in the northeastern Georgia mountains."

These local attractions obviously have a lot to offer! "If you are looking for majestic waterfalls crashing on the rocks, nature trails winding around babbling brooks and dense forest then look no further than Tallulah Falls, GA," and if you are looking for a vineyard that "exemplifies that fine wine can be found in the South," then Persimmon Creek Vineyards is the place for you!

LOCAL LEGENDS

Congratulations to Craig Kettles of Lakemont for being featured in the August, 2009, Atlanta Magazine! “Rabun reverie” by Suzanne Oliver describes this local designer’s work: “A mountain resident himself, the Lakemont-based designer ditched the tired lodge motif for a more youthful, contemporary look.” To see photographs of Craig’s design in action, be sure to pick up the August issue of Atlanta Magazine or look online www.atlantamagazine.com

Tiger Mountain Vineyards in Georgia Trend

John and Martha Ezzard, founders of Tiger Mountain Vineyards, were recognized in the July issue of Georgia Trend Magazine for their efforts and contributions toward funding a professorship in oenology at the University of Georgia.

"The first Tiger Mountain wines were sold in 2001; the output is now about 3,000 cases of wine each year, placing Tiger Mountain squarely in the "boutique winery category."

Read the full article here!

Southern Distinction lauds Rabun County businesses!

Nantahala Outdoor Center was mentioned in the July 2009 Southern Distinction magazine. The Stockton House (“A Piece of Heaven in the Mountains”) and several other Rabun County businesses were also mentioned (“Escape to Rabun” by Mary Boland ) in the June 2009 issue of Southern Distinction Magazine.

To read other articles in Southern Distinction, click here!

Rabun hits MSN.COM

The Budget Travel Article “One Tank Escapes for Seven Cities – Lake Rabun, GA” has been picked up my MSN.com and is featured on their travel section, which gets 2.5 million viewers a month!
Check it out!

Look for us on the Explore Georgia Facebook page, too!

Georgia Sportsman recommends Tallulah River

"Georgia Angling Getaways" by Jeff Samsel confirms Rabun County's motto--Where Spring Spends the Summer:

"When summer turns really hot, it's time to look for a place that's just a
little bit cooler, and in Georgia, that means heading for the mountains."

This article suggests the Tallulah River as a good place to find "wild rainbows and browns and produces an occasional big fish. Freshly stocked rainbow trout dominate catches, though, and it's hard to beat fishing pools with bait or hitting spots all along the river with an in-line spinner for dependable action."

Read the full article here!

Atlanta Homes Enjoys Persimmon Creek!

A recent article in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles recognized the achievements of a local vineyard--Persimmon Creek.
"The wines from their Rabun County estate, Persimmon Creek Vineyards, have long graced the menus of the region’s top restaurants, including Bacchanalia, Restaurant Eugene and The Cloister at Sea Island."

Read the full article here!

Budget Travel

The June, 2009, issue of Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel features the Lake Rabun Hotel and an excellent photo by Peter McIntosh capturing the essence of the beautifully restored property.

One-Tank Escapes for Seven Cities
This summer, the key words are "quick" and "easy." But you still want a trip that delivers. So hit the road! These seven drives are real getaways--even if they take you only a few hours from home.

One-Tank Escapes: Lake Rabun, Ga
.....This lake by the Blue Ridge Mountains feels like a real getaway.
By Marcia Langhenry

Link: http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2009/05/04/AR2009050401589.html

About Budget Travel:
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine is published monthly except for combined issues in December/January and July/August by Newsweek Budget Travel. BudgetTravel.com is the website for Budget Travel magazine. In June 2005, Budget Travel launched its own website in partnership with Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive; receiving approximately 1.8 million unique page views per month.

June, 2009 issue of Southern Distinction magazine

Now available: the June, 2009 issue of Southern Distinction magazine features a four page feature "Escape to Rabun" by Mary Boland.

Northeast Georgia Arts Tour

News about the Northeast Georgia Arts Tour!

Birmingham News

Georgia Magazine: Destination - North Georgia

.....For the more adventurous, the wild waters of the Chattooga awaits just across the state line in North Carolina. Unlike other rivers, this federally protected waterway offers rafters a totally natural experience surrounded by rocky cliffs and wooded banks, says Carolyn Allison at Wildwater Rafting Inc. Billed as the wildest whitewater east of the Mississippi, the river also has less-challenging sections for kids and beginners.

After a day on the water, drive to the tiny North Georgia town of Dillard and the world-famous Dillard House. Spend the night in a cabin or bed-and-breakfast accommodation, and make sure you check out the culinary delights of its restaurant.

“It’s a tradition with people visiting the area,” says owner John Dillard Sr., whose family has owned the establishment since 1917. “They like the view of the Rabun Gap valley, and a lot of people spend their time sitting out on the covered porch in rocking chairs.”

And once you’re finished rocking, there are more places, people and events to experience. There’s something here for everyone—from one end of this vast land to the other. Pick your spot and get ready for the pleasures that only North Georgia can offer.

To read the complete article: http://georgiamagazine.com/currentissue.asp?menu=22&ID=2135&mon=April

Georgia Traveler explores Rabun Gap

Georgia Traveler | Georgia Public Broadcasting

Source: www.gpb.org

GPB’s travel and tourism series, Georgia Traveler, returns for a second season of adventures throughout the State. Co-hosts Keely Muse, Phil Proctor and David Zelski traverse Georgia in search of Food Finds, Getaways, Outdoor Activities, Family Fun and Local Legends. ...

Episode 204: Rabun Gap Ramble

On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we're on a "Rabun Gap Ramble," exploring the Rabun Gap Loop in the northeast mountains. After an appropriate safety course, Phil is experiencing the outdoors on a motorcycle. The famed Dillard House is our getaway and David finds family fun at Lake Burton. Keely and the guys learn to ride the rapids on the Chattooga River and Phil discovers food with a view at Isabelle’s on the Gorge in Tallulah Falls.

Film and Television Industry using Georgia

Georgia Cities Newspaper
Film Industry Offers Georgia Cities a Tourism Legacy
May 1, 2009

For decades those in the film and television industry have known the advantages of using Georgia—with its mild climate and cities filled with charm and aesthetic beauty—as a film locale. When production crews come to town, cities enjoy an immediate boost to the local economy and often continue to see a positive impact on tourism years after a production has wrapped.

Take the 1972 movie “Deliverance,” shot in the city of Clayton in Rabun County. Clayton’s, and indeed the state’s, tourism industry still enjoys the residual economic benefits generated from the nearly 40-year-old movie.

Read more: http://houghtontalent.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/film-industry-offers-georgia-cities-a-tourism-legacy/#respond

Tumbling Waters Retreat & Conference Center named "best conference resort of Georgia"

Tumbling Waters Retreat & Conference Center named the "Official Best Conference Resort of Georgia" by www.OfficialBestOf.com. Tune into CBS-WGCL of the Official Best of Georgia on Sunday, May 16, at 11:30 am to learn more.

Woodland Cottages at Persimmon Creek Vineyards

Hope Philbrick for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sunday, March 22, features The Woodland Cottages at Persimmon Creek Vineyards in One Tank trip: Clayton, GA: Rabun Cottages offer taste of simple life, exquisite beauty. Click on the link to read the complete article, which features several beautiful photos as well.

PEOPLE &PLACES peach page .....

Southern Living Magazine, April 2009 (photo, Tiger Mountain Petit Manseng)

Toasting the Tiger

Besides winning awards in tasting contests, wineries often measure success by what top tier establishments pour their vintages. Tiger Mountain Vineyards of Northeast Georgia supplies the finest restaurants in Atlanta, including Bacchanalia, Quinones, The dining room at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead, Woodfire Grill and the Floataway Cafe. It also stocks the Beach Bar at the Cloister on Sea Island. Look for Tiger wines at other fine eateries, from Harry Bissett's Bayou Grill in Athens, to Grits Cafe in Forsyth. For more information, visit www.tigerwine.com

Georgia Magazne: Pairing for Perfection

Tiger Mountain Vineyards emphasizes its wines with "locally grown" dinners, like this one last fall in the vineyards. Rabun County organic foods expert Cindy Halbkat serves a group of visiting artists.

Full article by Jane P. Garvey: Pairing for Perfection, March, 2009

Spring on the Wine Trails

The March 13, 2009 Edition of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL has an article about the Wine Highway/Northeast Georgia, with particular mention of Tiger Mountain Vineyards, and features this photo taken by our very own Peter McIntosh!

For the complete article online, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123690196688813359.html

National Geographic Traveler names Lake Rabun Hotel to its "Stay LIst"

The April, 2009 issue of National Geographic Traveler has just hit the newsstands and subscribers’ mail boxes. This issue features the second annual “Stay List” -- a round-up of 129 properties that reflect a sense of place, take part in being part of the community, and employ best practices in the eco-sustainable realm.

The Lake Rabun Hotel is the ONLY Georgia property included on this list! Congratulations to Gwen North and her staff!

For the complete article online, http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2009/04/stay-list/intro-text

Georgia Magazine: Tallulah Gorge a Natural Attraction

This month's issue of Georgia Magazine listed Tallulah Gorge as a "genuine gem," one of the seven natural wonders of the state.

"Five waterfalls turn the gorge
floor into a cascade of sparkling lace
as the river drops more than 500 feet
in less than a mile. Just over two
miles long, this “Niagara of the
South” packs a lot of beauty into
that distance. Five weekends a year,
the dam opens, allowing kayakers to
test themselves against the whitewater’s
fury."

FOXFIRE 10

Foxfire 10: Inc. Foxfire Fund, George P. Reynolds: Books

Editorial Reviews




From Publishers Weekly

Although about a quarter of this collection of oral histories is devoted to folk arts and crafts, such as chair-making and gourd art, the focus in this Foxfire volume is on Appalachian history. The Talluhah Falls Railway's impact on the economy and daily life of Rabun County, Ga., gives the setting for interviews on railroad construction work and operation. Other sections consider the boardinghouses that flourished during Tallulah Falls's late-19th-century era of popularity as a vacation spot, and the building of the Fontana Dam. Interviews also explore Depression life--one man tells how his family got by through snitching apples and hunting possum--and the impact of federal programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps, with its army-style camp, and dollar-a-day jobs in the Works Progress Administration. Although interviewees occasionally enliven the work with their anecdotes and irrepressible personalities, much of the writing and handling of the interviews is pedestrian, though admirable for high-school students. This volume is likely to interest primarily those who are seeking out material on Appalachia, the CCC or the WPA. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"One Tank Trip" features the new Lake Rabun Hotel

Nice publicity in Sunday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution Travel, both on line and print. To check it out, got to www.ajc.com and click on travel -- then on best food and wine vacations. Here's a link to the online article, "One Tank Trip: Lake Rabun Hotel."

If you haven't yet taken the time to visit the new old Lake Rabun Hotel, you are missing something special. I had the opportunity to dine there recently while entertaining a journalist from California, and hope to get back very soon. Gwen North and her staff are bringing a new level of service to the region.

Dillard House receives Southern Living Reader Choice Award

The January 2009 issue of Southern Living magazine features the “Reader Choice Awards.” The Dillard House received two awards this year - a ‘Best Breakfast/Brunch’ and a ‘Southern Favorite’. Congratulations to the Dillards for this well-deserved recognition! Here's a link to all of the awards.