Fourth of July Weekend means a lot of different things, almost all of them fun… Fireworks and cookouts! Time off with the family! Road trips and weekend getaways! Here is a quick round-up of some activities and events that you might enjoy in Northeast Georgia this Fourth of July:
Helen’s annual July 4th fireworks extravaganza is becoming more popular every year, and rightly so. This is a fantastic, professionally-produced spectacle that is as memorable and impressive as any in the South. We have had friends visiting from Atlanta who compared it favorably to the show at Stone Mountain Park! The fireworks show takes place right in the heart of downtown Helen, directly above the Chattahoochee River as it winds its way through town. You might want to bring a folding lawn chair or two, or an outdoor blanket to sit on. If you want to be right below the “shooting stars” you’ll want to arrive early because this is a very popular event. The show starts at dusk but the crowds begin to gather somewhat earlier. Many of our guests drive into town during the late afternoon, exploring the many unique specialty shops and enjoying the unique architectural features of Helen, then stay for a dinner before the big show begins. We can make some good restaurant recommendations for you as well.
Earlier in the day, in nearby Hiawassee, is the annual Boat Parade, on scenic Lake Chatuge. The parade starts at 10:00 am on Nantahala Bay. Prizes are awarded for the Most Creative as well as the Most Red, White, and Blue decorations. Spectators can view the parade from the Towns County Recreational Center, from Anderson Bridge, or from the Georgia Mountain Fair Campgrounds, where a hot dog cookout will follow directly after the parade.
Friday night offers a special treat as the Village of Sautee hosts their fabulous “First Friday” event: Live music, food, and fun join together just down the road from Lucille’s for this once-a-month summertime spectacle. The best of local bands and talented solo musicians gather together to play bluegrass and country rock music for an appreciative crowd of locals and visitors alike. The music is free of charge.
On Saturday, one of our finest local vineyards hosts a very unique event that is dedicated to connoisseurs of fine wines. Yonah Mountain Vineyards presents their “Tour de la Cave & Barrel Tasting” at 12:00 noon. Join either vineyard owner Bob Miller or winemaker Joe Smith for a tour of Georgia’s only wine cave, and get a delicious first taste of future vintages with a barrel tasting of some of the winery’s “works in progress.” You’ll quickly learn why this vineyard is one of the best and most watched in North Georgia.
For the art lovers a visit to the Sautee-Nacoochee Community Center is in order. Not only do they host the permanent exhibit (and award-winning space) of the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, they also host a fascinating series of art exhibits featuring the best work of local artists. “Abandoned Rural America,” a show in one of several of their active galleries, offers a scenic and painterly glimpse of the rural South as seen (and captured on canvas) by a variety of different talented artists.
There are activities for everyone surrounding the long Fourth of July weekend in North Georgia, and that is without even mentioning the gorgeous scenic beauty of the area! Let Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn be your “home base” as you explore the area and enjoy the celebration of America’s independence! We are centrally located and can offer you our own expertise to help you shape your weekend adventure to fit perfectly with your interests and budget. Visit our website today to check room availability and, as always, feel free to call us with any questions you might have! Happy 4th of July, y’all!
