Blue Ridge Country - September/October 2017 - 56

Mitch cohen

Chattahoochee National Forest.

Cowpens National Battlefield is the site of a major battle in the American Revolutionary War.

Memorial University in Harrogate,
the Abraham Lincoln Library and
Museum houses one of the most diverse Lincoln and Civil War collections in the country.
A great town: Booming Knoxville is the state's third largest city
and it continues to grow and prosper, with a booming, multi-faceted
economy, vibrant downtown and
a rich arts and music community.
There's a bounty of restaurants, but
a local favorite is Tinsley-Bible Drug
Co., which has a fountain and grill,
pharmacy and retail section.
Details: tnvacation.com/trails/
east/knoxville/white-lightning-trail

begins with a guided tour of expansive caverns located deep beneath a
mountain near Sweetwater in east
Tennessee. Afterwards, embark on
a glass-bottomed boat trip on The
Lost Sea, recognized by the Guinness
Book of World Records as America's
largest underground lake.
A great town: Cleveland is a town
full of history that can be experienced at Museum Center at 5ive
Points, with a variety of fun, educational exhibits that cover everything from archeology to industry
to military. There's also ample shopping and restaurants, including the
family-owned Apple Valley Orchard
with homemade pies, fritters, cider
and a variety of foods from the onsite baker.
Details: tnvacation.com/trails/
east/chattanooga/tanasi-trail

The Tanasi Trail
Distance: 295 miles
This trail includes early Native
American footpaths, the passages of
the early westbound settlers, the railroads that revolutionized commerce,
and today's protected scenic byways
and gorgeous overlooks.
Key feature: The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore helps promote the understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of
the Cherokee Indians in eastern Tennessee, particularly the life and contributions of Sequoyah.
Not to miss along the way: For
something truly unique, head to
The Lost Sea Adventure. The fun
56 BlueRidgeCountry.com

Georgia

Gold City Tour Trail
Distance: 100 Miles.
This trail explores sections of
northern Georgia where, decades
before the California Gold Rush
started in the late 1840s, thousands of fortune seekers descended. Stretching from Dahlonega
to Blairsville, the trail highlights
where early settlers discovered gold
nuggets in the creeks and streams
that run through the area.

Bruce tuten

Key feature: Be sure to visit local
gold mines that date back to the
Georgia Gold Rush. These include
Crisson Gold Mine, where you can
pan for gold and search for gemstones and precious mineral. Or,
climb 200 feet underground for a
guided tour of a turn-of-the-century
mine at Consolidated Gold Mines.
Not to miss along the way: Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery is
situated on 15 acres of rolling hills.
The winery is styled after an oldfashioned barn, with the loft housing the tasting room, and a spacious
deck overlooking the mountains
A great town: With a charming
and bustling downtown, Dahlonega
has become a regional hub for performing and visual arts. The area
hosts monthly art shows and outdoor concerts, during which many
local restaurants offer picnic meals
that visitors can enjoy at beautiful
Hancock Park. Dahlonega also hosts
Gold Rush Days Festival (Oct 2122) with hundreds of art and craft
exhibitors. Dining options include
Back Porch Oyster Bar. Located in
a renovated two-story house with
big porches overlooking downtown,
the restaurant is famous for its
North Carolina-style seafood.
Details: theblueridgehighlander.
com/scenic_drives/north_georgia/
gold_city_tour/index.php

http://www.tnvacation.com/trails/ http://www.tnvacation.com/trails/ http://www.BlueRidgeCountry.com

Blue Ridge Country - September/October 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country - September/October 2017