Cartecay Vineyards, Ellijay, Georgia

“Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof the God loves us, and loves to see us happy.”

Benjamin Franklin

After thoroughly enjoying exploring the historic town of Ellijay, Georgia which is located in the eastern part of Gilmer County in the cartecay region. We stopped in the Cartecay Wine and Craft Store on the square and enjoyed tasting their wine. When we asked about their vineyard, we were encouraged to check it out so since it was close we thought we would go and see it. It was an easy fourteen minute drive through the beautiful rolling countryside to the vineyard.

The first thing we noticed when we pulled into the parking area was the beautiful old barn. We parked and went into a nicely refurbished tasting room that featured a pretty bar that was built from a black walnut tree on their farm. The inside of the tasting room was an eclectic mix of paintings, unique items, and various items for sale such as T-shirts, candles, coasters, and more. There also was a lounging area with a fireplace which has to be super cozy in the winter when the fireplace is blazing.

We ordered a glass of wine and stepped out on the back covered patio of the barn which had seating and tables set up. What a perfect spot to sit and gaze at the vineyard while enjoying our wine. There also was a small babbling creek with picnic tables and hammocks to lie on nearby under the shade trees. We walked up the dirt road to look at some of the grape vines in the vineyard and saw all the beautiful clusters of grapes that were thriving in the North Georgia mountains.

The Lykins moved to Gilmer County in 2002 and bought an abandoned farm that sat vacant for years. Before then, the farm was used for growing corn and hay as well as raising cattle, hogs, and mules. This farm was the perfect location, elevation, and climate for growing grapes. They went through a lot of legal hoops to start this winery as there were many people in the county that did not want alcohol to be made or sold. When they finally got all the approvals, this would become the county’s first winery.

Cartecay Vineyard was founded in 2007. They planted their first four acres in 2008 and then four more the following year. The vines were planted on west facing slopes which gave them maximum sun exposure. During the first few years the Lykins focused on the farming side of the vineyard. They had no equipment for making wine so in 2010, when they had their first harvest, they went to Habersham Winery in Helen, Georgia and asked them to process their grapes and make their wine out of their specifications. By 2013, they were able to do the entire process from growing to bottling to selling the wine right at their winery.

They grow a variety of grapes to include, Vidal Blanc, Traminette, Norton, Catawba, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cardonel. They had planted Merlot but the crop got taken out by disease. All the wines are made from 100% Cartecay grapes that grow well in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

After we enjoyed our wine and bought a bottle of their Norton Red Dead Head, we strolled out to the parking lot. A chimney was standing behind another patio with a covered stage on the side where they have live music. The chimney is from the original house, circa 1890 and looks stunning with the vineyard in the background. There is also a wooden bridge that you can walk over to go to the vineyard. Both areas would be great places to take pictures.

We enjoyed out visit to this vineyard and loved their wines. If you are ever in Ellijay, make sure you stop in as this vineyard. They have great wines and it’s a beautiful area to come and relax. They are open seven a week. Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 12:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Check them out at: www.cartecayvineyards.com.

Bye for now.

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, Dawsonville, Georgia

“There’s no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to it’s music.”

Roland R. Kemler

Whenever we are traveling through the North Georgia mountains, we feel the need to go see at least one waterfall and this time was no exception. Since we had spent the night in the quaint town of Ellijay, Georgia we were only 21 miles from Amicalola State Park, Georgia’s 12th state park. We had been there many times before but this remarkable waterfall and park, never gets old. First thing in the morning, we drove the picturesque 21 miles along highway 52 before we pulled into the park.

We had no wait as we pulled up the entrance and paid our $5 entry fee. This state park has 829 amazing acres and is located just NE of Dawsonville, Georgia in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. This is the perfect place to visit for nature lovers. The road winds around the beautiful hardwood forest till you come to the visitors center. We had been there years before with our son, Jason when he signed in inside the lobby to be a thru hiker on the Appalachian Trail. I took his picture under the famous stone archway, a symbol for the experienced trekkers of the 2,150 mile AT.

The Cherokee Indians lived in this area until they were forced to leave in 1838 during the “Cherokee Trail of Tears.” The Cherokee people named this area Amicalola which means “tumbling waters.” It has been told that one Cherokee woman was able to live so remotely on this land that she was able to continue living there until the late 1840’s.

In 1852, Bartley Crane owned several hundred acres near where the visitors center is now located and built a gristmill for corn and flour. He later added a campground near the falls that was used for revivals. During the Civil War the campground was used by Confederate and Union Forces. After Bartley passed, John continued to run the mill, and added a general store. John sold the land in 1940 to the state and later that year the land became Amicalola State Park.

We continued driving straight to get to the lower trailhead below the magnificent 729 foot cascading waterfall which is the third highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River and the tallest waterfall in Georgia. We easily found a parking spot and walked to the trailhead next to the “Reflection Pond” where many people were sitting taking in the view or fishing.

We walked around the lovely lake and headed up to see the falls. First, it was just a paved trail that was pretty steep to hike up. On the way up, we noticed there were signs identifying various plants, trees, and wildlife along the path.  We stopped part of the way up to see the rocky creek and where you get the first glimpse of the towering falls. We headed up to an observation deck, one of a few along the path. From there, 175 steps lead to a platform where you could get the best views of the falls from. It was spectacular seeing the cascading falls pour down over the rocks. The sight of the falls mesmerized me as I stood watching the water crashing down and hearing the sounds of the rushing water. I can see why this is considered to be one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders.

The park has ten trails to choose from in the park with the most popular one being the 8.5 mile Approach Trail that starts at the visitors center in the park and goes up to Springer Mountain which is the southernmost spot on the Appalachian Trail. From here, more than 2500 thru hikers begin their trek each year. This isn’t an easy trail especially with a back pack and many hikers choose to avoid this trail and drive up to Springer Mountain to start their voyage.

 

The Appalachian Trail originally began on Oglethorpe Mountain near Jasper, Georgia back in 1937. By the early 1950’s the trail had too many roads and commercial developments that broke up the trail and made it not feasible to start there anymore. So in 1956, they rerouted the trail to start in Amicalola State Park.

After viewing the falls from the lower trailhead we decided to head up to the top of the falls. You can walk up the entire way which has 425 steps straight up or drive. We drove up. At the top of the falls is a nice shady park with a pretty stream flowing through it and a viewing platform where you can see where the falls start. We saw many people who were walking the steps for exercise and they said they do it at least every weekend. They were all in great shape.

 

In 1991 they built a beautiful lodge up at the top of the mountain that has 57 resort style rooms, a restaurant, and a great venue that can hold from 10 to 200 people. The views from this resort were spectacular. This is only one of five state parks in Georgia that have lodging and a restaurant available. There were signs up near the lodge that there was a family fun adventure area that included a zip line adventure and 3 D archery, as well as guided hikes, and even a GPS scavenger hunt. There is so much to do here for a young family.

We saw the cabins that they have for rent at the top of the mountain. They have fourteen cabins available that are 1, 2, and 3 bedroom cabins available either at the top of the mountain or down creek side. They have been recently renovated and they all have heat/ac, decks, fireplace, and satellite TV. Two of the cabins are dog friendly. There is also a campground with 24 easy pull in or back in RV spots and tents sites. They each come with water, grill, and a fire ring. You can only have six people maximum per spot.

There is even a trail that leads to a lodge named Len Foot Hike Inn which is Georgia’s only hike in lodge. To get there you have to do a five mile trek in. They say it is an easy to moderate trail. When you get there you have a choice of rooms from bunk style to a suite or a separate unit. They serve hot meals and if you wish to hike from there, they will pack you a lunch for the day. I’ve heard from people who have gone that it is fabulous. We will have to try that someday for sure.

This is a fabulous place to go and spend a day. I suggest getting there early as they fill up and there may be a wait to get in. It is well worth your trip. Check them out at: www.amicalolafallsstatepark.com. Or if you prefer, you can call them at 1-800-573-9656.

Till next time. Bye for now.