Guests of Glen-Ella Springs Inn are familiar with Mr. Kollock’s artwork as we have many of his prints depicting small mountain communities and historical sights  displayed throughout the inn.

Glen-Ella Springs Inn was one of Mr. Kollock’s subjects back in the early 1980′s. In addition to having many of his other prints displayed in our restaurant, we thought his rendition of the inn would be the perfect artwork to be used on the cover of our cookbook.

We are excited to be included in this collection of “75 Special Places”  and anyone who decides to purchase the CD/Book set will enjoy hours of entertainment as they are led on a pleasant and humorous journey via Mr. Kollock’s narration.  It is the hope of the creators and sponsors of this project, that folks will experience all 75 places if not in person, certainly through this keepsake set which is available on line  www.seenortheastgeorgia.com or from numerous retail outlets throughout the region.

As a first time spectator, it was exciting to see this from the beginning.  Saturday morning began around 8:00 am with a siren blast indicating the opening of the dam. The next 2 hours were spent watching and waiting as the gorge floor fills with water.  My level of anticipation continued to grow waiting for the first glimpse of the colorful boaters to descend down the steps.  Then one by one or sometimes two and three, the kayaks began their white water journey threw the gorge ending up in Tugalo Lake.  From the North Rim lookout, the boaters were no bigger than a tiny speck and one could only imagine the exhilaration they must have felt as they approached the first of many Class V rapids.  It is a fun and different way to spend a weekend morning.  The last white water release for the spring is this weekend, April 13 & 14.

This is definitely an outing to add to your “bucket list” of things to do.

Cariad Photography, owned by Steffi Smith was one of the many great photographers who had the opportunity to photograph a wedding at Glen-Ella Springs Inn last year.  Recently, Cariad Photography was featured in a
blog post  for Carrie & Shiloh Smith’s nuptials held here last May.

It was a beautiful ceremony for such a delightful couple and the photos taken were amazing.  Thank you sharing such wonderful memories of this very special day.

The festivities begin on Friday, March 22nd at 1:00 pm and run through Sunday, March 24th until 5:00 pm.  The eight participating wineries are:  Cartecay Vineyards, Cavendar Creek Vineyards and Winery, Crane Creek Vineyards, Habersham Winery, Hightower Creek Vineyards, Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards, Tiger Mountain Vineyards and Yonah Mountain Vineyards.

Finish off the Wine Highway experience with a great dinner  at Glen-Ella Springs Inn.  Reservations can be made by calling 706-754-7295 or by visiting  www.OpenTable.com.  

This is certainly not your typical mode of transportation for this day and age, but definitely reminiscent of days gone by. Actually this is exactly how guests were transported to the Inn in the late 1800′s after arriving at the Tallulah Falls Train Depot.

Aside from being a veterinarian, Dr. Hancock owns and operates a little business called “The Sautee Express” offering visitors to the area the peaceful and scenic experience of a 1 to 3 hour horse drawn carriage ride.  Operating from the alluring Sautee Valley, their private horse drawn excursions are available (by appointment only) morning, mid day, afternoon and at sunset.

Dr. Hancock states the ride he takes guests out on, has some of the prettiest countryside in the area where the sunsets are often described as spectacular!

This is truly a special and unique way to tour a beautiful area of our state.  It’s also a wonderful idea if you are looking for something to do that is out of the ordinary.

To schedule your own personal ride in a “fringe top surrey” or maybe even their authentic “stagecoach”, contact The Sautee Express by calling 706-969-4036.