Regional

The Ritz Theatre's marquee lights up Doyle Street in downtown Toccoa

The Ritz Theatre's marquee lights up Doyle Street in downtown Toccoa

MOUNTAIN TRAVELER: Puttin' on the Ritz

Season 3 of the Night at the Ritz series will continue through May 2020, at Toccoa’s restored and historic Ritz Theatre.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Elizabeth Harper is now cancer free after being diagnosed in December 2018. She said that it was detected in its early stages and strongly encourages women to get routine mammograms.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Elizabeth Harper is now cancer free after being diagnosed in December 2018. She said that it was detected in its early stages and strongly encourages women to get routine mammograms.

Early detection is vital, cancer survivor says

Just because you can’t see or feel something, doesn’t mean it’s not there and Elizabeth Harper learned this first-hand when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last December at age 59. “When they found my cancer, it was very small and in the beginning stages,” Harper said.
Stephanie Hill/ The Folk Pottery Museum also houses a featured exhibit that changes twice a year. Shown is an exhibit from Dave Drake, an enslaved African-American master potter and poet from the 1800s.

Stephanie Hill/ The Folk Pottery Museum also houses a featured exhibit that changes twice a year. Shown is an exhibit from Dave Drake, an enslaved African-American master potter and poet from the 1800s.

MOUNTAIN TRAVELER: Pieces of the past

Pottery can tell a story, and the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia is home to many tales. Located on the campus of the Sautee Nacoochee Center (SNC), the museum was built in 2006, and was a gift to the community from Kay and Dean Swanson, said Patrick Brennan, SNC executive director.
Christina Santee/ Scott Hulsey pours a glass full of one of his crisp, handcrafted beers in the brewery he owns with is father, Gary Hulsey.

Christina Santee/ Scott Hulsey pours a glass full of one of his crisp, handcrafted beers in the brewery he owns with is father, Gary Hulsey.

Mountain Traveler: Wet your whistle at Whistle Top Brew Co.

For several years, Whistle Top Brew Co. has been a permanent fixture in the facade of downtown Cornelia, offering patrons a laid-back hub where they can wet their whistle, pair it with some grub and enjoy that weekend’s lineup of live entertainment. Wet your whistle at Whistle Top Brew Co.
Wayne Knuckles/ The views from Rabun Bald are said to stretch for more than 100 miles when conditions are favorable.

Wayne Knuckles/ The views from Rabun Bald are said to stretch for more than 100 miles when conditions are favorable.

Mountain Traveler: Be Impressed by Rabun Bald

According to Native American legend, Rabun Bald is inhabited by fire-breathing demon people, and some campers still report hearing strange sounds at night. But the spectacular views from the summit stretching more than 100 miles on a clear day are no myth.
Balloon Race 2018

Balloon Race 2018

50 years of events

Alpine Helen may be known widely for its charming Bavarian-themed façades, but it is also some to several popular events that draw crowds to the city. Here’s a timeline of some festivities you can still experience throughout the year. Full a full list of events, visit helenchamber.com and helenga.
Helen in its pre-alpine days looked like a typical small town in rural Georgia. Photo courtesy of David Greear

Helen in its pre-alpine days looked like a typical small town in rural Georgia. Photo courtesy of David Greear

Transforming a town

The vision of four men changed the destiny of a small Georgia town forever.
This sketch by the late artist John Kollock depicts Alpine Helen as it is today.

This sketch by the late artist John Kollock depicts Alpine Helen as it is today.

Small town, big draw

Who would’ve thought that a town covering just over 2 square miles with a population of less than 600 people would be one of the most visited cities in Georgia?
The calm waters of Lake Zwerner are perfect for standup paddle boarding. (Photo/Matt Aiken)

The calm waters of Lake Zwerner are perfect for standup paddle boarding. (Photo/Matt Aiken)

Dockside in DAHLONEGA

Dahlonega is known more for its gold mines and mountain getaways than lakeside attractions. But that doesn’t mean the city is anywhere near high and dry, because on the outskirts of town sits Lake Zwerner at Yahoola Creek Reservoir.
A fish is reeled in by fishing guide Josh Fowler. PHOTO/MICHAEL ISOM

A fish is reeled in by fishing guide Josh Fowler. PHOTO/MICHAEL ISOM

AFTER THE SPAWN: summer fishing heats up

Summer is upon us, which means it’s not only time to be out on the water, enjoying North Georgia’s pristine lakes, but for many folks it’s also the time to cast those lines and see what’s biting just below the shimmering surface.