The Atlanta Traveler » Scenic & Short Trips

Have I missed the peak of fall leaf color?

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:49:00 +0000

While most media reported the “peak” around the 8th of November, it’s a nebulous term. You can find yourself admiring one view thinking, if just those spots would spring into color, this would be peak. Almost overnight those trees will light up in yellow, but you’ll discover that the flaming maples that completed the picture have sent all their leaves to the ground in a brown puddle.

The thing to do is JUST GO. Anytime in October or November it’s beautiful in the mountains. Fill your tank with some of our honest-to-goodness under-$1.90-a-gallon-gas and drive north.There are still brilliantly colored vistas, and if you can be standing by as the sun begins to dip, those reds, yellows, and oranges that are catching the last rays look like they’ve been plugged in to the power source.

There are many places to go. Here’s just one idea: Take I-85 north out of Atlanta. At exit 113 veer left onto I-985 through Gainesville. After 25 miles or so it will become Georgia 365 and no longer be limited access, so be careful but keep going. In another 20 minutes or so, 365 will pull off towards Toccoa, and the road you’re on will become 441. You will have the multi-layered blue mountains of Georgia and North Carolina ahead of you. Georgia highway 441 will take you through Tallulah Gorge, Tiger, Clayton, Mountain City and Dillard, all in about 2 hours from Atlanta.

There are plenty of places to eat and things to see. Tomorrow I’ll tell you about some of the must-see stops along the way, so start planning your last weekend before Thanksgiving to see those leaves!

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

Weekend at Brasstown Valley

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:18:04 +0000

The best things about Brasstown Valley resort in Young Harris, Georgia were the food and the views. The resort is approximately three hours from Atlanta. I visited Brasstown Valley for a weekend getaway and review. I stayed in the hotel, but reported a black spot on my stay. My guest and I were politely asked to leave before our agreed upon checkout time. Even after I explained that I had a confirmed late checkout time. The front desk person, who came to the room to urge us along, did not believe me even when I told her about the review in The Atlanta Traveler. She asked me what was the manager’s name. By that time, we said forget it and started packing our things! In all fairness, I must report that the manager said that this sort of thing does not happen often, and we all make mistakes. He sent two complimentary passes to go horseback riding at the resort. That’s a nice gesture. I don’t know when I’d venture back up there, though. I just wish that their buffet was closer to Atlanta. Again, thanks to the Chef for preparing such a fabulous meal for my beau, Alan, who was celebrating his birthday. The dinner brunch is yummy, too.

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Breakfast and brunch at Brasstown Valley

Photo and video by Claudine Williams

Technorati Tags: Brasstown valley,resort,atlanta,brunch,weekend getaway

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

A Green Getaway for Romance

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 04:58:37 +0000

A stay at the Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge is just perfect for couples who love the great outdoors. Alternatively, if you want to keep in shape, you can go hiking in the park instead of, or in addition to a gym workout. I’m terrified of heights, but even I enjoy a nice easy hike, especially if I’m with a nice strong date. In addition to jewlry, candy, lingerie, and a new car (just kidding about the car) you can give your sweetheart a park pass which includes miles of hiking trails, biking trails, beaches, and romantic views. The annual pass costs $30 or $15 for
seniors 62 and older. Normally, parking fees are $3-$4. To purchase, call
1-800-864-7275 or visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Photo courtesy of Georgia Parks

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

Wild Animal Safari @ Pine Mountain

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 19:57:06 +0000

A mere two-hour drive south of Atlanta in the city of Pine Mountain, the Wild Animal Safari is an exceptional weekend must-see. The 500-acre park is divided into two parts — there’s the Walk-About side where you can walk around and see caged and/or fenced animals such as baboons, leopards, raccoons, black bears, servals, alligators, birds, pot-bellied pigs, kangaroos, wolves, hyenas, rabbits, leopards, goats, camels, and many more. You can feed most animals and some may even be pet like the camel, goats, and rabbits.

On the other side is the actual safari where a bus will take you around on a 45-minute trip to feed, pet, and interact with the animals such as ligers, servales, zedongs, water buffaloes, bisons, camels, rhinos, deers, giraffe, coatimundi, ostriches, emus, and many more. Notable animals include the Ligers (a cross between a lion and a tiger), the Servals (spotted cats with big ears), and the Zedonk (a cross between a zebra and a donkey).

Ligers: half lion, half tiger; size up to 10 ft and 700 lbs

Servals: African wild cat; playful as pets; usually cost upwards of $5,000

Water Buffalo: this one was very friendly and loved to be fed and pet

Camel: this one-hump camel loved to be fed and pet

This 500-acre, privately-owned wildlife preserve is open year round. Tour buses take you around the Serengeti every hour although you can rent a Safari Van for $11 (per hour) if you would rather spend more time interacting with the animals. Admission for adults is $15.95 and Seniors/Children (3-12) are $13.95. Animal feed can be bought starting at $1.25. I highly recommend this place for those who enjoy seeing rare wildlife or just want to get away from Atlanta. You won’t be disappointed

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler