Cedar House Inn and Yurts News

Wine Highway Weekend 3/19-3/21

2010-03-06T14:01:00.003-05:00

Stay with us and attend the 5th annual Wine Highway Weekend Friday, March 19, 2010 (All day)- Sunday, March 21, 2010 (All day)

Last years event was great and this year will be even better! This is a perfect time to get back in the swing of spring activities and there is no better way to shake the winter doldrums than spending a weekend in the mountains and tasting the Award Winning wines that are made from Georgia Grown Grapes.

Some of the special events are as follows:

Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery will offer travelers on the Wine Highway a flight tasting,in the Old World ambiance of our Cask Room, including:
Chanteloup 2008: Our Reserve French Oak aged blend of Chardonnay and Viognier.
The 2008 vintage received Georgia's First ever GOLD MEDAL for blended vinifera
at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Claret 2007: Our Reserve Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre aged in New
American and Hungarian Oak for 24 months. The 2007 received a SILVER MEDAL at
the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: A Barrel Tasting of the 2008 Cabernet one year into
it's production showing incredible structure and potential.
Delicieux: Our first ever "Port Style" Red Dessert Wine aged for over 24 Months
in New American Oak.

Blackstock Vineyards and Winery will be offering a complimentary tasting of 4 wines with a passport, along with discounts on other special format tastings. Special lunch features will also be offered throughout the day with plans for live music.

Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards is launching their “Swinging in the Vines” music series during the wine highway weekend with special musical treats on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. A jazz combo will be playing on Saturday afternoon and Underhill Rose of the Barrel House Mamas from Asheville, North Carolina will be performing on Sunday afternoon.

Yonah Mountain Vineyards will feature fine wine, food and music from 1:00-4:00p.m. on Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21. Monica Spears will be singing jazz classics. Hors d'oeuvres by Bernie's Restaurant. Full tastings and wine by the glass.

Frogtown and Habersham Wineries will also be open for the event.

Tallulah Gorge

2010-03-03T15:38:00.001-05:00

The Tallulah Gorge is one of our personal favorites for hiking and enjoying nature. The gorge is very rugged and reminds us of places in Colorado. Guests at Cedar House Inn visit the gorge often and come back with very favorable comments.

Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia-Copyright 2008

2010-03-03T15:34:00.001-05:00

An informative video about the North Georgia Folk Pottery Museum in Sautee. Many of our guests love to visit the museum since it is not too far from the inn.

Herbal Gardening Classes

2010-03-01T17:47:00.002-05:00

Come stay with us and attend one of the three-part series on Herbal Gardening by Dahlonega Healing Arts. Classes presented by Suzanne Albright, Gardening Coach, Designer and Horticulturist.

Class 1: Growing your own herbs - March 16th
*How to grow herbs in your garden or container
*Herbs the thrive in Georgia
*How to best prepare your planting beds
*Designing suggestions with herbs

Class 2: Medicinal and healing herbs - March 23rd
*Properties of specific herbs
*How to prepare herbs in a variety of forms to best treat any number of conditions.
*Herbs for teas
*Herbs for infusions
*Herbs for aromatherapy

Class 3: Culinary herbs - March 30th
*How to prepare herbs and incorporate into your favorite foods
*How and when to harvest your herbs
*How to dry and store herbs

DATES: Tuesday, March 16, 23, 30 - Classes available individually or as a series.
TIME: 6- 7:30pm
PRICE: Individual class: $12, Three-part series $30
LOCATION: Dahlonega Healing Arts
81 Crown Mountain Place, Building E, Suite 100
Dahlonega, GA 30533
CALL TO RESERVE: 706-867-7026

Bus Stop, Now Playing at the Holly Theater

2010-02-17T19:09:00.003-05:00

In the middle of a howling Snowstorm, a bus out of Kansas City pulls up at a cheerful roadside diner. All roads are blocked and 4 or 5 weary travelers are going to have to hole up for the night. Among the passengers is Cherie (Played in the movie by Marilyn Monroe), a nightclub chanteuse, with the most to worry about. She's being perused by cowboy named Bo with a ranch in Montana and the romantic methods of a headstrong bull. The stories of the other passengers add dramatic and comic counterpoints to the trials and tribulations of Bo and Cherie.

Ticket Prices
Adults $18 Seniors $17 and Students $12

Show Dates
February 18-21 & 25-28
Thursday-Saturday at 8pm
Sunday at 2pm

Dahlonega Arts Council Watercolor Workshop 2/20-21

2010-02-08T13:05:00.002-05:00

Artists and budding artists come stay with us and attend the watercolor workshop on February 20 and 21, with local artist, Oscar Rayneri. Rayneri is a regular instructor at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC.

Learn how to paint landscapes with architectural features in proper perspective. If you have difficulty painting architectural subjects, this is your workshop.

The workshop will be held on Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Old Cannery on Enota Street in Dahlonega. Lunch will be on your own. A reception and slide show of Rayneri's techniques will be held on Friday, February 19, at the Old Cannery from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Cost of the two-day workshop is $150.00, with checks made payable to the Dahlonega Arts Council.Participants will need to provide their own art materials. Contact Letty Rayneri to register at 706-867-8059.

Dahlonega Valentine Events

2010-01-27T19:52:00.003-05:00

For the benefit of our guests we have provided the following information regarding Valentine events at the wineries and elsewhere. If you haven't booked a room or yurt with us please do so.

Some of the following events will sell out quickly so please make your reservations soon.

Littlefield Cottage Healing Arts & Day Spa What better way to share the LOVE than a Gift Certificate for a Spa Package from Littlefield Cottage Day Spa? Friday February 12 & Saturday February 13 All Ladies receiving Spa services will be presented a long stem rose and chocolate. These dates book up fast so call today to reserve your spa services! www.littlefieldcottage.com

Crown Mountain Limo Service offers Shuttle Service from the inn to Dahlonega's Restaurants for a Romantic Dinner. Call soon to reserve your pick up time for door to door safe shuttle service. Special Surprise Included. February 12, 13&14(706)867-0747 Winery Tour/Tastings also available daily.

The Grille at Achasta Saturday, February 13th, 2010 at the Achasta Grille $70 inclusive of tax and gratuity per couple.
In the mood...to share Oysters 3 ways, on the half-shell, Bienville, & Rockefeller
Love Bite- Shrimp bisque or Caesar Salad
The Main Squeeze- Strip Oscar, hand-carved NY Strip grilled topped with lump crab and Hollendaise, served with Asparagus
or Oven Roasted Cornish Hen, with rice stuffing and winter root vegetables
or Macadamia encrusted Mahi-Mahi with ginger soy reduction served with baby bok choy, carrots, and asian fried rice
Sweet Thing- Chef's Chocolate Bowl
Reservations begin at 6 pm. $70/couple before Feb. 5th $75/couple after Feb. 5th
Contact Jason LeBlanc at 706-867-4009 or jleblanc@achasta.com for more details.

Three Sisters Vineyards Wine & Chocolate LOVERS Celebration
Saturday & Sunday / February 6th & 7th -13th & 14th - 20th & 21st - 2010 Visit www.threesistersvineyards.com or call 706-865-9463

Montaluce Vineyards February 13th and 14th Valentine's Day Celebration at Montaluce. Enjoy a multi-course meal and fabulous wines in one of Atlanta's most romantic destinations. The cost is $55 per person with an optional wine pairing available for $25 per person. The menu is posted on restaurant blog at http://levignekitchen.blogspot.com. Please call 706-867-4060 to RSVP.

Frogtown Vineyards Valentine's Day Dinner Feb 13, 2010 - Feb 13, 2010 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm $45 per person + tax & gratuity Reservations Required
Valentine's Day Brunch Feb 14, 2010 - Feb 14, 2010 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm $35 per person + tax & gratuity Reservations Required. call 706-865-0687.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards 7th Annual Valentine Gourmet Dinner- Saturday, February 13th at 7pm Six Course Gourmet Dinner with Wine Pairings Menu to follow...The cost is $80 per person all inclusive and includes the six course gourmet dinner with wine pairings.
Valentine Gourmet Sunday Brunch- Sunday, February 14th Seating's at 12:30 & 2:30pm $30pp, plus tax & gratuity Reservations required 706-867-9862

Blackstock Vineyards Valentine Events Saturday, February 13th
A Four Course Meal With Wine. $65 per person. Dinner and Music. Reservations Required.
Sunday, February 14th Hors d'oeuvres Reception and Music. $30 per person. Reservations Required. www.bsvw.com or call 706-219-2789

Bear on the Square Festival, April 16-18

2010-01-21T22:18:00.003-05:00

Book your accommodation now at Cedar House Inn for the Bear on the Square Festival. We have already booked the rooms as of this date. Yurts are still available.

2010 BEAR ON THE SQUARE FESTIVAL SCHEDULED THIRD WEEKEND IN APRIL IN DOWNTOWN DAHLONEGA

The 14th annual Bear on the Square Mountain Festival will be an incredible weekend of music and art held around the Historic Public Square in Dahlonega, Ga. which is located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains.

From April 16-18, old time and bluegrass music will fill the downtown square and nearby Hancock Park.The festival opens on Friday as the musicians for the street jams start gathering around the Historic Public Square around noon.There will be on-stage performances on Saturday and Sunday at the Main Stage Tent in Hancock Park by local, regional, and national musicians with headline acts including the Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys, and Ginny Hawkers & Tracy Schwarz with Kari Sickenberger.

The Mountain Marketplace around the square is being sponsored this year by John C. Campbell Folk School and will include a juried artists' market of traditional crafts, artists demonstrating their craft throughout the marketplace as well as a heritage folk life area featuring John C. Campbell Folk School artists demonstrating such crafts as blacksmithing, basketry and more.

Extensive music workshops, the Sunday morning Gospel Jam, a street dance, the Live Country Auction on Friday evening, family activities, and of course, food, complete the offerings during the festival. For more information about the festival, including event times and locations and a complete list of sponsors, visit web site.

Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, Inc., which stages the show each year, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit cultural arts organization whose mission is to preserve and celebrate the culture of the Southern Appalachians through the presentation of music, traditional craft, and folkways. Tax deductible donations are welcome and can be sent to P.O. Box 338, Dahlonega, GA 30533.

Appalachian Trail Celebration 3/6-3/7 2010

2010-01-21T15:09:00.003-05:00

Stay with us and attend this informative event if you have ever considered hiking all or part of the Appalachian Trail. Many of our guests have enjoyed day hikes on the trail while staying at the inn. Some of our guests have thru hiked the trail as well.

Amicalola Falls State Park will host its annual Appalachian Trail Celebration and Backpacking Clinic on Saturday and Sunday March 6-7, 2010.

Both experienced and novice hikers attend this annual conference to learn about the A.T., listen to A.T. hikers share their experiences and discover what is involved in making the 5 million step journey across 14 states.

Several invited trail organizations will be presenting such as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (we are members), Georgia Appalachian Trail Conference, Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association, Atlanta Hiking Club, Leave No Trace, and others. Gene Epsy who is a 1952 thru hiker who wrote "The Trail of My Life" will also be there.

Several equipment specialists will also be attending to display and demonstrate.

Activities begin 9am each day and end at 8pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.

For additional information contact Amicalola Falls Programming Department at 706-265-1969.

Permaculture Workshop 3/20 Dawsonville

2010-01-11T16:43:00.003-05:00

Come stay with us Friday and/or Saturday evening and attend this informative workshop. Here at Cedar House Inn we are very interested in permaculture.

Introduction to Permaculture, a one day workshop, at Cedar Hill Enrichment Center in Gainesville, GA, with Bob Burns and Isabel Crabtree, founders of Central Georgia Permaculture Institute and GeorgiaPermaculture.com. Bob and Isabel are regionally noted Permaculture Designers, teachers and homesteaders near Milledgeville, GA.

Date is Saturday, March 20, 2010, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost is $60 which INCLUDES LUNCH.
They will cover how to "Think like a Permaculturist"- the basic ideas of Permaculture, including principles, ethics, designing landscapes, water catchment and concepts such as Food Forests, Home Ecosystems, and much more will be covered in first half of this workshop. After lunch do a "walk-about" with plant guru Bob Burns, and then work on an "Herb Spiral" which exemplifies Permaculture Principles at work. Lunch will be provided. Cedar Hill is located at 5735 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30506.

For more information or to register, please call Kat at (770)887-0051 or email her at kat@discovercedarhill.org. Class is expected to fill up quickly, so please sign up early!

Montaluce Winery Winter Schedule

2009-12-30T17:45:00.002-05:00

Some of the wineries close for the winter months but Montaluce will be open based on their winter schedule shown below.

January 1, 2010 Closed for the day

January 2, 2010 ~ February 13, 2010
Tasting Room & Wine Sales
Open from Noon to 5PM daily
Dining Room
Lunch Thursday ~ Sunday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Dinner Friday & Saturday 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

February 14, 2010 forward
Tasting Room & Wine Sales
Open from Noon to 5:00 PM daily

Dining Room
Lunch Tuesday ~ Sunday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Dinner Friday ~ Sunday 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Check their web site for more information.

Yoga at Montaluce Winery 1/16/2010

2009-12-30T17:31:00.002-05:00

Stay with us and join Carolina & Chris Sartain of the Lotus Lounge Yoga Studio in Dahlonega for a day of yoga and meditation and yoga at Montaluce on January 16th. Participants will learn about the chakra system, experience a 90 minute hatha yoga session, and have a one hour meditation session. Montaluce will provide a 3 course lunch and winery tour included in the package price. Wine with your meal and wine tastings are available for an additional fee. Total price for the day is $75. For more information please contact Carolina Sartain at carosartain@yahoo.com

Electricity From Used Vegetable Oil?

2009-12-28T16:59:00.005-05:00

Several years ago I read about the problems restaurants faced with the disposal of used cooking oil. If you have ever parked behind a fast food eatery you may have noticed a dumpster area for trash disposal as well as a container for storing used vegetable oil. The area is often tucked away behind the building to prevent the public from seeing and smelling the waste. Restaurants pay companies to haul away the solid and liquid waste.

I also learned many years ago that the diesel engine was invented by Adolf Diesel to run on peanut oil to help farmers with an affordable fuel source. Most diesel fuel now is petroleum based. Individuals can still run their diesel vehicles on vegetable oil by using a Grease Car type system or by converting the vegetable oil to biodiesel which requires a process and equipment using chemicals. I have always wanted to purchase a used diesel automobile and convert it to veggie oil. Imagine free fuel that is also good for the environment.

Recently I have been thinking about generating electricity with used vegetable oil from restaurants using a diesel generator. I was surprised to see that a company has developed such a product for restaurants to generate electricity and hot water from used oil (picture shown above). The unit even filters the waste oil prior to using it to generate electricity and hot water. The product is called the Vegawatt Power System. For more information visit web site.

Christmas Carol Playing at the Holly Theater

2009-12-03T19:50:00.001-05:00

Come stay with us during December and see Charles Dickens’ heartwarming family favorite, A Christmas Carol on the Holly Theatre stage. Bah! Humbug! It’s Christmas Eve and the meanest and most cold-hearted man in London, Ebenezer Scrooge has no time for merriment or mistletoe. But just as the clock strikes midnight his world turns around when he is haunted by his former partner and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future to show him the way to live a better, more charitable and happier life. Will Scrooge change his ways in time for Christmas Day?

Shows are Thursday through Sunday for the first 3 weekends in December(Dec 3-6, 10-13and 17-20) Thurs, Fri, and Sat at 8:00 PM and Sun at 2:00PM

First Ever Winter Wine Highway 12/11-12/13

2009-11-18T18:10:00.003-05:00

Friday, December 11, 2009 (All day) - Sunday, December 13, 2009 (All day)

The Winegrowers Association of Georgia will hold its first Winter Wine Highway Weekend. This is a great time to visit the mountains and take a break form all the holiday hustle and bustle. Plan to spend a couple of days in the mountains and do your Holiday Shopping at the Wineries, or at our many Affiliate members while staying at Cedar House Inn and Yurts.

Purchase your "Passport" to tastings at our nine participating wineries, and Resigister for a drawing for one of many prizes. Collect an Ornament from each of the wineries as a souvenir.

Fee: $20 per person

The Winter Wine Highway hours will be:

Friday December 11th 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday December 12th 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Sunday December 13th 12:30 PM- 5:00 PM

Jazz in the Mountains

2009-10-19T14:34:00.003-04:00

THE DAHLONEGA JAZZ SOCIETY Presents "JAZZ IN THE MOUNTAINS"

MONTHLY CONCERT/JAZZ JAM. The Dahlonega Jazz Society will hold its monthly concert/jazz jam from 7 - 9 pm, October 25, 2009, in the Schott Auditorium, NGC&SU. Music students and parents are especially welcome. Music professionals, jazz buffs, and all others are encouraged to join us for an evening of good music. Musicians bring your axe and join the fun!

COMING ATTRACTIONS. The Dahlonega Jazz Society is very excited to announce that Scotty Barnhart, Internationally reknown jazz trumpet soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra will perform a Jazz Concert with the David Brothers Quartet Sunday evening, December 6th, 2009. Scotty will conduct a Jazz Master Class at 5 pm, and front the Quartet from 7 until 9 pm in the Hoag Auditorium, NGC&SU. Additional details TBA. Contact Bill Fielder, fielderw@yahoo.com, 706 348 8986 (h) 706 577 4468.

Dahlonega Cyclocross Race 10/17-18

2009-10-08T12:21:00.002-04:00

Stay with us and attend or ride in the Dahlonega Cyclocross Bike Race.

October 17-18, 2009
USA Cycling Permit # (pending)
Montaluce Winery and Estates
Georgia Cross Series Race #2

Saturday TT Races (not series races)
Open Men and Open Women - 4:00 start, 1 lap for $100 cash prize
Free TT entry with registration for Sunday, $5 per additional lap

Racers may participate with a one day license available on site ($10) or with a current road or mountain annual license ($60). Annual licenses may be purchased on line at http://www.usacycling.org/ or on site. Registration closes 15 minutes before the start of each race. Warm up will be permitted on the course only between events at the official's discretion and only after waiver has been signed. Race is held rain or shine. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding bike. Mountain bikes are permitted but bar ends must be removed. The promoter reserves the right to combine categories and or prizes due to attendance. Categories under 5 racers will be combined. All U18 riders with a CX1,CX2 license must race the CX1/CX2 race. All U18 riders with a CX3 license must race CX3. Any U18 racer can participate in the junior category at the State Championship race. Racing age is age on December 31,2010.

Directions: Follow GA-400 North until you reach US-19/GA-60. Take a LEFT onto US-19/GA-60 and follow it for approximately 6 miles. At a traffic light, take a LEFT onto E Main Street. Continue ~4 miles until you come to Silaom Church Rd. Turn LEFT and follow ~2.5 miles to a 4-way stop. Continue Straight. Montaluce entrance on LEFT. Follow signs.

For more information contact John Dalman, Jon@wheelworksga.com (706)867-0228

Local & Regional Musicians Perform to Save Endangered Trees

2009-10-07T10:58:00.003-04:00

The Fifth Annual Hemlockfest Music Festival will be held November 6-8 at
Starbridge Retreat near Dahlonega, Ga. Popular musical acts from around the region will entertain at this year’s benefit held to combat parasites which are killing the native hemlock trees of the Blueridge Mountains.

This year’s Hemlockfest promises to be a treat for music fans around the North Georgia region. Twenty bands from Georgia, North Carolina, and as far away as West Virginia will be performing over the course of three days at the beautiful Starbridge Retreat just east of Dahlonega, Georgia.

Friday night’s entertainment features 6 area bands, with Atlanta’s Soulhound, Mudcat, and the Dot Line Projekt highlighting the lineup.

Saturday’s all day music lineup will include bluegrass, blues, rock and funk from 9 bands including West Virginia’s David Lafleur, performing roots music on a variety of traditional instruments, and local folk and bluegrass acts The Family Honor and Gold Rush. Headlining the diverse lineup on Saturday night this year are Col. Bruce Hampton and the Quark Alliance, who will bring their unique blend of rock, rhythm and blues, and jazz to the stage. “As a GA band we're proud to be a part of this each year in as beautiful setting as anywhere in Georgia,” Col. Bruce says. Audience members will be mesmerized by the unique fire dancing of Unifire Dance Theater, a perennial festival favorite.

Sunday will feature Athens group The Solstice Sisters as well as Dahlonega’s own Celtic folk/rock band Emerald Rose as part of a varied morning to afternoon lineup.

Hemlockfest is a family-friendly three-day musical celebration held on a scenic 50-acre private resort in the foothills of the Appalachians. Visitors can come for a day, or camp out for the weekend, and enjoy unique food and beverages, demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and skills, and dozens of booths containing art and interesting merchandise from Georgia and all over the world as well as opportunities all weekend to learn more about the natural world of the Blueridge Mountains.

All proceeds from the event are used to help save the hemlock trees of the Southern Appalachian Mountains from the woolly adelgid parasite, which is rapidly infesting the region. Anyone interested learning more can visit the website of the Lumpkin Coalition, which organizes the festival, at http://www.lumpkincoalition.org/HemlockFest.htm. See the festival website for more information.

Inn Wins Best in the South Award

2009-10-01T22:03:00.003-04:00

We are pleased to announce that our inn has won the 2009-2010 award from BedandBreakfast.com for "Best in the South". Ten inns were chosen from the south.

BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network worldwide, announced the winners of its fifth annual web-based awards program for B&Bs and inns. Since launching the BedandBreakfast.com reviews program almost three years ago, inn goers have submitted nearly 85,000 B&B reviews. The selection criteria for the Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards included both quantitative and qualitative analysis of the independently posted reviews on BedandBreakfast.com.

The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Award winners are not ranked but are listed alphabetically by state or country within each category. Themes and categories reflect prevalent comments from each winner’s reviews.

To see all the winners visit www.bedandbreakfast.com

First Solar Powered North Georgia Vineyard

2009-09-29T18:40:00.004-04:00

One step closer to sustainable! Georgia vineyard goes solar.

Persimmon Creek Vineyards officially launched solar power efforts today at its winery in Rabun County, Georgia. Co-owners Mary Ann and William “Sonny” Hardman partnered with Atlanta-based Radiance Solar to install an eight-kilowatt solar system on the roof of the winery, trapping energy from the sunlight and converting it into a usable form to power the vineyard’s many functions.

The system is comprised of 36 photovoltaic SunPower panels, the most efficient solar panels in the world, and is expected to offset roughly 11,200 kilowatt-hours per year and approximately 50 percent of the facility's energy needs with clean, renewable power for the vineyard. Persimmon Creek is the first Georgia vineyard to make an investment in solar energy, and one of very few in the Southeast to incorporate renewable energy into a vineyard’s operations. This distinction demonstrates the Hardman’s commitment to setting the bar for wine making in Georgia and proving that renewable energy is a viable alternative for Georgia residents and businesses.

Persimmon Creek Vineyards is a boutique, family-owned winery located on 110 acres of rolling farmland at 2,100 feet elevation in Clayton, Georgia. Wines, including Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Seyval Blanc, are produced on premise from 100% estate grown grapes, with many processes – picking, crushing, bottling, corking and labeling – done by hand.

Persimmon Creek Wines are served in more than 25 leading restaurants and hotels in Atlanta and the southeast including Bacchanalia, Restaurant Eugene, The Cloister at Sea Island, Bluepointe, Chops Lobster Bar, St. Regis, Woodfire Grill and many more. The wines are available for retail purchase at Sherlock’s Wine Merchants and Whole Foods Markets. Private tastings, educational tours and custom luncheons at the vineyard are available by appointment only. The Cottages at Persimmon Creek Vineyards provide an elegant, relaxing retreat for guests looking to enjoy an extended visit.

More information on the winery is available at theirweb site.

About Radiance Solar:
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Radiance Solar designs, develops and installs turnkey solar energy systems that help commercial and residential customers save money while reducing their environmental footprint. Radiance is a triple bottom-line company: people, planet, profits. Their focus is on providing outstanding customer service and helping customers determine what they need to do to save money, reduce their environmental impact and help America become energy independent.

Biking is Big in Dahlonega

2009-09-23T16:07:00.005-04:00

The North Georgia mountains around Dahlonega have been a long time favorite of tourists who want to enjoy beautiful mountains. In the past several years the area has also become a favorite among road and mountain bicyclists.

Over the last six and a half years we have been open as a bed and breakfast inn we have seen first hand the popularity of these beautiful mountains with bicycle riders. Often we see them slowly climbing up the mountain in front of the inn on US 19.

Lately there have been cyclocross races scheduled at Montaluce Vineyards. The next one scheduled is 10/18/2009 at Montaluce. Cyclocross bikes are a cross between a road and mountain bike. The races typically require riders to complete a course with off and on road as well as areas where the rider gets off the bike and carries it. It can be exciting to watch.

We also have seen a resurgence in interest in the mountain biking scene. Nimblewheel gap is a favorite. The Fools Gold 100 and 50 mile mountain bike races were held this summer.

This weekend we have the 6 Gap Century ride across the mountains. Many riders participate in the event.

In past years we have also been host to a leg of the Tour de Georgia road bike race. Lance Armstrong has ridden in front of the inn a couple of times. The race was cancelled this year due to funding but is scheduled to return in 2010. Many of our guests return every year for the event. The downtown finish line area is always festive and exiting.

There is a new web site that covers biking in the North Georgia mountains in the Dahlonega area. Upcoming races and rides are also featured. Visit Dahlonega Cycling for more information.

Cedar House Inn and Yurts Video

2009-09-23T14:43:00.001-04:00

A new video of our inn has been created by good friend and photographer Gary Zahora. Gary is the person responsible for the beautiful pictures on our web site as well. We appreciate the work Gary did on the video and hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Heritage Days Festival September 19,20th

2009-09-09T22:20:00.002-04:00

Dahlonega, Georgia, home of the first American Gold Rush, is preparing for the 175th birthday celebration in September, 2009.

Festivities will include a farmers market, antique vendors, period costumes, event re-enactments, gold mining demonstrations, and a birthday party in Hancock Park on September 19th & 20th, 2009.

Dahlonega is home to the Dahlonega Gold Museum, which is the second most visited State Park in Georgia. In 1833, when Dahlonega was first becoming an official city in North Georgia, women were not allowed in the Courthouse, and judges were few and far between. A traveling judge would come to town twice a year, and "Court Week" would begin. Prisoners were marched from the jail to the Square, and the men who had business within the courthouse would take to their tasks, leaving the women to be occupied with purchasing vegetables, fabrics, and other goods, and to be entertained by medicine shows and visits with far away family and friends. It was a very eventful and bustling time on the Square, as people traveled from all over North Georgia to join in the festivities, and take care of business "in town."

Heritage Days is planned to be a way for visitors and locals alike to step back in time and enjoy the entertainment and goods of the original settlers.

Festival organizers include the Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, the Dahlonega Merchants' Association, the Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority, the Dahlonega Gold Museum, the Lumpkin County Historical Society and more.

Corn Maze's Near Dahlonega

2009-09-09T22:11:00.004-04:00

Fall is just around the corner in the North Georgia mountains. Come stay with us and attend one of the nearby corn maze's.

Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze

Fall fun officially started Labor Day Weekend for Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Visit the 12-acre corn maze located in Dawsonville, Ga this fall for some southern fun. More than 40,000 visitors are expected to crisscross through the cornstalks this year.

Rates for Activities Per Person*
Corn Maze $9
Hayride (nights: includes bonfire & marshmallows!) $5
Value Combo: Corn Maze & Hayride $12
Corn Cannon (3 shots) $1
Haunted Maze (includes Corn Maze) $12
Value Combo: Haunted Maze & Hayride $15

September:

Open Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fridays, 4 to 10 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

October:

Sundays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Haunted Maze starts at Dark, last ticket sold at 10 p.m.
Haunted Maze is only open on:
Oct. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31
Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent.

November 1 through 22th
Fridays, 4 to 10 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visit www.uncleshucks.com for more details.

Hillbilly Cornmaze

OPEN SEPTEMBER 14 - NOVEMBER 16

GENERAL ADMISSION HOURS
Open Friday:6 - 10pm Saturday:10am - 10pm Sunday:10am- 6pm
ADMISSION $10.00

From Atlanta go North on 19/400 to
Dahlonega. At stop light (just past
McDonalds) go left on truck route
South/West US9/US52 to
Dawsonville/Elljay. 1.5 miles
on the right across from Trammel Tire

HAUNTED CORN FIELD
OPEN Friday and Saturday
9 - 12 midnight
in October

274 Radio Road
Dahlonega, Georgia
706-867-0940 Fax 706-867-0087
email: info@hillbillycornmaze.com
WWW.HILLBILLYCORNMAZE.COM

Wine in a Plastic Bottle

2009-08-31T14:23:00.005-04:00

Since our inn is located in the North Georgia wine country our guests have the opportunity of tasting many different types of wine produced in the area. All the wines are bottled or packaged in the traditional glass wine bottle that we recycle at the recycling center or use for our wine bottle trees.

Today I saw an article that mentioned a California winery that is using one liter plastic (PET #1) bottles to help the environment. The wine is called Fog Mountain. The wine is also organic.

The advantages of the plastic wine bottle:

• 33% more wine – two extra glasses – than a standard 750ml bottle
• 60% smaller carbon footprint
• Less energy to produce, ship and recycle
• 100% recyclable since the plastic is a number 1.
• 7 recycled Fog Mountain wine bottles can produce 1 extra-large t-shirt
• lightweight & shatterproof, no broken glass
• Perfect for picnics, barbecues, camping and life-on-the-go

Maybe one day we will see wineries in our area use plastic.

For more information visit wine.