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Jana Vaughan takes aim during a round of axe throwing at Highway to Hell’n near Cleveland. (Photo/Wayne Hardy) -
Shown from left are Highway to Hell’n owners Brian and Natasha Garmon and brothers Jeff Burkhalter and Jason Burkhalter. -
Camden Mincey of Sautee tries the golf simulator.
It’s time to let the axes fly – all in good fun, of course.
The growing trend of venues hosting axe throwing for sport has reached White County with the arrival of Highway to Hell’n, just north of Cleveland on Helen Highway. Visitors can try their hand at hurling axes at targets, competing against friends or just going for a personal best.
“It’s one of those great entertainment [options] that we felt like White County needed,” says Natasha Burkhalter, who co-owns and operates the business with her husband, Brian, and her brothers Jeff Burkhalter and Jason Burkhalter.
What does the sport of axe throwing entail? As the Highway to Hell’n website puts it, “Think of it like darts. But with axes.”
Highway to Hell’n features six targets, divided in pairs into three lanes. Guests don’t have to be axe masters to start tossing, as trained staff will offer lessons on technique and the point scoring system
“It’s actually fun for everybody. Anybody can do it,” Garmon says. “We’ve had women walk in here and they’re like, ‘no, I can’t throw an axe,’ and they end up doing really well at it.”
Games can be played as individuals or teams, though groups are welcome to socialize and simply enjoy the feel of the blade landing in the wooden target.
“It’s a good place for people to come and hang out and have a good time,” says Jason Burkhalter.
His brother adds that axe-throwing leagues are increasingly popular, and they hope to eventually host one at Highway to Hell’n.
“People come out and have fun throwing axes, but there is still competition to it,” says Jeff Burkhalter. “We’re trying to bring that here.”
Highway to Hell’n also features two indoor golf simulators offering a chance to play one of 15 courses or take some hacks on a driving range.
“You can practice your swing or just come in to have fun and play a round with four people,” Garmon says.
Courses are projected onto a screen, while the ball speed and golfer’s swing are tracked to determine where the ball travels on the virtual course.
And for good measure, there are also classic entertainment options of darts and giant Jenga blocks. Garmon says they hope to open a barbecue restaurant later on.
Walk-ins are welcome, but sessions can also be booked online at hwytohelln.com to reserve a lane.
Highway to Hell’n is at 2047 Helen Highway in Cleveland and can be reached at 706-865-1835. The venue is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday and is closed on Monday and Tuesday.