This bridge carries Georgia Route 17 aka North Main Street aka the Unicoi Turnpike over the…read moreChattahoochee River in the center of the City of Helen. It is a simple two-lane bridge with pedestrian areas on both sides. Interestingly, the bridge has started to collect "love locks" and I don't know how often the city removes them or they just stay there. There weren't too many, so maybe the trend hasn't caught on yet here? Or maybe there isn't an enterprising enough vendor in Helen to start selling them with some awesome markup. In addition to driving over the bridge or walking across it to go over the river, there is a walking path UNDER the bridge on the west side. This is great for getting between the restaurants/bars on the one side or the other without blocking the road traffic. [Review 15939 overall - 439 in Georgia - 1444 of 2021.]

The views from the top of Bell Mountain are spectacular! The drive up the mountain is not for the…read moreweak either. My husband and I took some great photos, but at the very top deck I could barely stand still due to all of the gnats flying around!! (Nov 1)

Bell Mountain has some incredible views, but unfortunately this has to be one of the most…read moredisturbing examples of society today. The amount of graffiti and trash is absolutely disgusting and shows a complete lack of respect for the land, the scenery, and the people around you. Nearly every inch of rock is covered in graffiti, including the platforms that taxpayers paid to build so visitors could enjoy the view. The entire place feels reminiscent of movies that depict the breakdown of society and the end of the world--where chaos takes over and respect, responsibility, and common decency no longer exist. This is not artistic expression; it's vandalism and selfishness. Instead of appreciating the beauty of nature, visitors are forced to look at layer after layer of damage left behind by people who clearly have no regard for preserving anything for others to enjoy. It's honestly sad to see such a beautiful place ruined this way.

Along the mountain roads of North Georgia, this marker stands in front of Reece Heritage Farm. The…read morefarm grounds are open as a park and include guided tours as well as hiking trails. But we're not here for that. We're here for the marker. It reads, "Renowned Appalachian poet, novelist, and farmer, Byron Herbert Reece lived most of his life near this site. Here he composed, to critical acclaim, four volumes of poetry and two novels, Better a Dinner of Herbs and The Hawk and the Sun. Reece was a five-time recipient of the Georgia Writers Association's literary achievement award and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in poetry for Bow Down in Jericho. He served as poet-in-residence at the University of California at Los Angeles, Emory University, and Young Harris College. Suffering from tuberculosis, Reece took his own life three months before his forty-first birthday. He is buried in Old Union Cemetery near Young Harris." Online, there is more information. He was born nearby in Union County, Georgia in 1917 and began publishing poems locally while in high school. He won American Poet magazine's annual poetry award in 1943. In 1952 and 1957, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship for fiction. The Georgia Writers Hall of Fame inducted Reece in 2001. [Review 15949 overall - 447 in Georgia - 1454 of 2021.]

A tribute to Byron Herbert Reese, this family farm where he lived (and died) is a terrific example…read moreof mountain farm life. He was born nearby in Union County, Georgia in 1917 and began publishing poems locally while in high school. He won American Poet magazine's annual poetry award in 1943. In 1952 and 1957, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship for fiction. The Georgia Writers Hall of Fame inducted Reece in 2001. A marker stands in front of Reece Heritage Farm, and reads: "Renowned Appalachian poet, novelist, and farmer, Byron Herbert Reece lived most of his life near this site. Here he composed, to critical acclaim, four volumes of poetry and two novels, Better a Dinner of Herbs and The Hawk and the Sun. Reece was a five-time recipient of the Georgia Writers Association's literary achievement award and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in poetry for Bow Down in Jericho. He served as poet-in-residence at the University of California at Los Angeles, Emory University, and Young Harris College. Suffering from tuberculosis, Reece took his own life three months before his forty-first birthday. He is buried in Old Union Cemetery near Young Harris."

I love finding these Historical Markers most of the time these are the only remaining physical…read moreevidence of an event or location from our past and without these markers most would be lost forever. I found this one off the beaten path while touring Brasstown Bald Lookout, it was down the hill shielded by some brush. Year Erected: 1958 Marker Text:  The name is derived from the Cherokee word ltse'yi (New Green Place) or (Place of Fresh Green), from ltse'hi (green or unripe vegetation), and yi, the locative. It occurs in several places in the old Cherokee country, variously spelled Echia, Echoee, Etchowee, and sometimes "Brasstown," from a confusion of ltse'yi with Untsaiyi (brass). One settlement known to the whites as Brasstown was on upper Brasstown Creek of Hiwassee River directly NW of this point. The area near the Spring to the SW was once an Indian camping ground. Tips for Finding This Marker: About a half mile north of the Brasstown Bald Vistor's Center Parking Lot it's near the top of Brasstown Bald Observation Tower to the left and down the hill from the drop off point. Latitude 34.87416° or 34° 52′ 27″ north Longitude -83.81154° or 83° 48′ 42″ west

Hardman Farm was a nice walk from my hotel. There is a gift shop however, they do not allow pets…read moreand walking I had my dog with me. So that was disappointing that I couldn't go in and explore. we could walk around the grounds and explore the barns and areas of the farm. There are some fantastic views. The main house is gorgeous. The barns are cool. I liked seeing the dairy barn. The land is one of my dreams. The walk back to the hotel was just as nice under the shade of trees following the river.

Stopped in on a whim and just caught a guided tour heading out...so glad we did. Faye was our tour…read moreguide and she moved at a good pace and had some interesting history to share. The house is preserved to it's original state as much as they could (they've added electric lighting, etc) and there's lots of art and personal items to check out. Great way to spend an hour or two if in the area on a nice day. You will walk outside for a good portion of the tour so dress appropriately! There is a lovely gift shop that I'll keep in mind if I'm ever in the area and need a little present or hostess gift :)

It's not a business - it's a home. The historical signpost is helpful but there is no access to the…read morehouse itself.

I can't resist a historical marker and this one points out the local citizen that has roots here…read morefrom before the Revolutionary War. And while the home is on private property, there is plenty to see from the road. The marker reads, "This was the summer home of Joseph Habersham of Savannah (1751-1815), Georgia patriot, Revolutionary War hero, and political leader. He was a Colonel in the Continental Army, a member of Continental Congress, and of the Georgia Convention that ratified the Constitution in 1788. Educated at Princeton, he returned to Georgia to aid in organizing the "Liberty Boys" as the Revolution approached. With other patriots, he organized the Council of Safety at Tondee's Tavern, June 22, 1775. On January 17, 1776, leading a small group, he captured and placed under guard Sir James Wright, British Colonial Governor. With Captain Bowen, he commanded the first commissioned vessel of the Revolution. Twice speaker of the General Assembly, in Georgia's first legislative body, in 1785, Joseph Habersham signed the first charter granted to a state university in America ~ that of the University of Georgia. He served as Postmaster General under Presidents Washington, Adams and Jefferson. From 1802 until his death he was president of the Georgia branch of the Bank of the United States. Habersham County, created December 19, 1818 was named for Joseph Habersham." Joseph served as Speaker of the Georgia House in 1782 and again in 1785 and was a member of the Georgia convention in 1788 that ratified the U.S. Constitution. He served as mayor of Savannah from 1792 to 1793 and then was appointed Postmaster General by President George Washington in 1795 and served until the beginning of Thomas Jefferson's administration in 1801. The Joseph Habersham Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, located in Atlanta, is named in Habersham's honor, as is their headquarters, Habersham Memorial Hall. There is room to pull over here if there isn't too much traffic and you can see the house from the road. [Review 20369 overall - 698 in Georgia - 1347 of 2023.]

This is a beautiful trail that leads to two stunning waterfalls. The trail can be challenging in…read moresome areas due to rocky terrain and roots on the path. However, overall it's a pleasant trail with several creek crossings and rhododendron tunnels. The first falls, Panther Falls, is a sight to behold and you can even walk in the pool at the base of the falls. As you proceed from Panther Falls, the trail becomes harder as you go up the side of the falls, and there are handrails due to steep drop-offs. The trail is an in and out and takes you through lush rhododendron forests, alongside a scenic Creek. The effort is well worth it, though, as the falls themselves are magnificent, with cascading waters that make for an incredible photo opportunity. Angel Falls at the end of the trail can be harder to see due to plants growing over it partially. The Angel Fall Trailhead is located in Loop 2, area 2 of the Rabun Beach Campground. This is mostly an easy trail with a couple of short, steep runs. The payoff is reaching the observation deck where you can enjoy Angel Falls. Here you will see dogs on leash, kid-friendly, forests, rivers, and hiking. Great, short, easy "Moderate" hike. Parking is enough for a few cars only, but nearby there is a campground with a lot of parking. The hike itself is pretty easy. The peaceful surroundings and the sound of rushing water create a serene atmosphere, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Angel Falls was tough to find with Google providing the wrong location, but the trailhead is off…read moreRabun Rd. about 4 miles down from where Google says it is! Happy we continued the beautiful drive around the lake to find it. The parking area is small, but we also were the only car there for our visit. It's a short, easy walk (just watch out for the roots!) to the falls, but it was a little more advanced after the bridge at the falls. We had lots of rain so the mud was slippery. Must-do hike if you're near!

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD…read more The Union County Historical Society is housed in the local historic court house building which was built in 1899. My absolute favorite part of this building was the top floor which housed the courtroom. I felt as if I was stepping into a scene from "To kill A Mockingbird" because this room reminded me of the courtroom scene from the movie. It was so cool, that words cannot express how it felt to be transported back in time. I experienced this room from every possible position, the audience, the jury, the defendant, the jury and even the Judge's chair. When you yell guilty!, there is a nice echo! Love it! This courthouse was super simple, besides the main room there were two smaller rooms used for jury deliberations and as the judge's chamber. This space is now used for Friday night concerts where you can hear Bluegrass, gospel and other forms of music. On the lower level is the main office and several rooms that reflect the towns history. The specific rooms reflect sports, religion, education, local politics, and military history. You will also find some interesting artifacts in the main hallway. I was surprised that there wasn't any information on the civil war just later wars. You must step outside and view the front of this building from a distance as it is truly breathtaking. I am so glad that a group of passionate citizens decided to fight the planned destruction of this building and its contents. It was absolutely worth being saved and is now the pride of this community. This courthouse is an absolute must see on your visit to the area!.