SAUTEE HEREFORD RANCH
The following information should help you feel at home during your stay:
SHOPPING FOR FOOD AND DRINK
The closest convenience store is "Sautee-Nacoochee Grocery & Country
Store".
Take a left out of the driveway; it's about 3 miles on your right.
"Betty's" in Helen is the closest full service grocery store. You
may feel like you've gone back in time shopping here. Go through the main
part of town and it is on your left. There is an "Ingles" at the
first light as you are entering Cleveland. Also, below Cleveland, there
is a "Piggly Wiggly" next to "Eckerds Drug Store." Look
for the small shopping plaza on the right just south of town (Hwy.129
South). "The Country Bake Shoppe" has very good bread, cinnamon
rolls, cookies and cakes. Go toward Cleveland on Hwy. 75. It will be on
your left not far past Golden Express Service Station. There is
a "Circle K" convenience store as you go into Helen on your right
which is open late if you need gas or small items.
MUSEUMS / PLACES OF INTEREST / UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS
Museum Of The Hills (Wax museum w/video story of Helen.) 706-878-3140
Apr.-Nov. 15 10am-9pm; Nov. 16-Mar.31 10am-6pm; Adults $4, Children $2
In Helen on Main St. The Museum in the Sautee-Nacoochee Community Association
Building (they also offer quality plays and special events on a regular
basis throughout the year. Check one of the local papers or call 878-3300
for details)- Take left out of driveway, go 3 miles. It's just past Sautee-Nacoochee
Grocery. The Old Sautee Store (Has a country museum located just
inside the entrance) - At the end of Hwy. 255. Scarlet's Secret
(Gone With The Wind memorabilia) - Take a right at the Old Sautee Store.
It will be on your left just down the road a piece. Nora Mill (You
may be able to catch them grinding corn into meal) - On the right, about
a mile this side of Helen. Tekakwitha (706-878-2938) - A unique
American Indian Museum & Shop. Across from the first outlet mall in
Helen. This is our sister-in-law's shop, so you know we are going to put
in a plug for her. Most of the artwork in the Lodge came from Tekakwitha.
Charlemagne's Kingdom (706-878-2200) - 8808 N. Main St. in Helen
across from Betty's. Offering a miniature trip through Germany. This is
truly worth the visit. Adults $5, Children $2.50. Habersham Winery (National
award winning wines. Tours, tastings, shops; 706-878-9463) - This side
of Helen across from Nora Mills. Babyland General (Home of the
Cabbage Patch Kids; 706-865-2171) - In Cleveland; go straight around the
square, take a right at the first street. It will be on your left.
Gourdcraft Originals (706-865-4048) - Gourd Museum; Winged Things;
Wildfowers; Natural & Exotic Wood. Go to Indian Mound; take a left
on Hwy. 75; take next left on Hwy. 384. It's up that road on the left.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area (Trout fishing by reservation, hiking,
visitor center, picnicking; 706-878-3087) - After passing through Helen,
take a left on Hwy. 75 Alt. past the Flea Market. Entrance will be on
left after a couple of miles. Historic White County Courthouse Museum
(Local & regional history) - On the square in Cleveland. Dahlonega
Gold Museum (706-864-2257) - Go into Cleveland and turn right at the
square (Hwy. 115). This will take you into Dahlonega (about a 45 min.
drive). Lake Burton Fish Hatchery - take a right out of driveway
and go until Hwy. 255 runs into Hwy. 197. Continue straight about 7 or
8 miles. The hatchery is on the right at Moccasin Creek State Park.
Tallulah Gorge State Conservation Park (The second deepest gorge
in the U.S. Only the Grand Canyon is deeper. Picnicking, tennis, hiking
trails, wildlife exhibit, interpretive center; 706-754-7970) - Take 441
N out of Clarkesville. The Foxfire Appalachian Museum (Artifacts
and crafts from the Foxfire Series) - From Clarkesville, take Hwy. 441
N to Mountain City. You will pass through Tallulah Gorge
and Clayton. Brasstown Bald (Highest point in Georgia) - Go through Helen,
over the mountain, then take a left on Hwy. 180. The entrance will be
on your right. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds (Annual Ga. Mt. Fair
in Aug., Spring Music Festival, Ga. Mt. Fall Festival, Annual Schedule
of Stars May - Oct., Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens open year
round; 706-896-4191) - Go through Helen, over the mountain, then through
Hiawassee. It's on the right. About 45 min. drive. The Reach Of Song
(Historic state drama held annually June - Aug. Glen Auditorium at
Young Harris College - 8 PM) - About 7 - 10 miles past the Ga. Mt.
Fairgrounds (see above). Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (3 hr. round
- trip train rides from Blue Ridge, Ga along the Toccoa River; 1-800-
934-1898)
SWIMMING
Sautee Creek - Passes through our land. A good creek for wading (you may stumble upon some pieces of Indian pottery). Go behind Lodge and to the left. Chickamauga Creek - At the Covered Bridge. The Chattahoochee River - Helen. Unicoi State Park Beach - Take first right past Covered Bridge (Skylake Rd.); go to end and take left; go about 4 or 5 miles. Take a right on road to Anna Ruby Falls past Unicoi main entrance. Look for the beach entrance on your right. Lake Rabun Beach - Take right out of driveway; Hwy. 255 will dead-end into Hwy. 197. Continue straight until you come to Brook's Store on right; take a right and keep going. You will eventually see the sign on the right (about a 30-45 minute drive).
TENNIS
White County Rec. Dept. - Take a left at the Indian Mound (Hwy. 75) and go 4 or 5 miles. Take a right when you see the sign (if you make it to Yonah Burger, you've missed the turn).
CARRIAGE RIDES
Good Ole Daz (706-878-1294) Helen Carriage Works (706-878-3445) Hornes Buggy Rides (706-878-2658) Styles Carriage Service
AMUSEMENT PARK
Alpine Amusement Park - On right as you go into Helen. (706-878-2306)
MINIATURE GOLF
Alpine Miniature Golf - As you enter Helen on right. (706-878-3328)
GOLF
Innsbruck Resort And Golf Club - In Helen (706-878-2100). 18 Holes. 8am-6pm. Heritage Golf Course - Clarkesville (706-754-8313) Skitt Mountain Golf Course - Cleveland (706-865-2277). 18 Holes. 8am-6:30pm. Piedmont College Golf Course - Demorest (706-778-2774)
FISHING AND FISH PONDS
Our pond has Bass, Brim and Catfish. Sautee Creek, which passes through our land, is stocked with Trout upstream. Chickamauga Creek is stocked with Trout at the Covered Bridge. The Chattahoochee River also is stocked with Trout. The headwaters are above Robertstown (just north of Helen). It then passes through Helen on it's way to Lake Lanier. Riverside Pond and Trophy Stream. (706-947-3364) Gold 'N Gem Grubbin'. (706-865-5454) Right on Hwy. 115 at Cleveland Square. Go 2 miles and turn right on Towncreek Rd. Unicoi Outfitters. (706-878-3083) Fly fishing specialists. 1 mile south of Helen on Hwy. 75.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
The bike trails at Unicoi State Park are now open to the public. These trails have been the site of the last couple of National Off-Road Bike Association (Norba) national championships. Permits are $2/day or $5 for 3 days and are available at the Helen Welcome Center (706-878-2181) or the front desk at Unicoi State Park (706-878-2201). Mountain biking is permitted on our property. Woody's Mountain Bikes (706-878-3715) - In Robertstown which is just north of Helen. Take a right on Hwy. 356 like you are going to Unicoi State Park. Woody's will be on your left right behind "Fred's Famous Peanuts". Half Day/Full Day Trips. Also bike rentals.
SNOW SKIING Sky Valley (1-800-437-2416) is the only ski resort in Georgia (elev. 3200').
It is located outside of Dillard and is about a 45 minute drive. They do offer lessons, equipment and group rates; and, it is a good idea to call for reservations. Scaley Mountain (1-800-929-7669) is about 4 miles past Sky Valley in North Carolina (elev. 3900'). Lessons, equipment and group rates are also available here. Smokey Mountain National Park Ranger Station (704-497-9146)
HORSEBACK RIDING
Sunburst Stables (1-800-806-1953) - Our choice for riding. Go right out of driveway; it's about 3 miles on your left. Crosscreek Stables (706-878-3327) - On the left as you are entering Nacoochee Village. If you go into Helen, you've gone too far. Chattahoochee Stables (706-878-7000) - Take a left out of driveway and go to the end of Hwy. 255. Take a right on Hwy. 17; you will see the sign on your left at the top of the hill.
GOLD PANNING & GEM GRUBBING
Gold Mines of Helen (706-878-3052) Gabby's (706-865-6772) On Hwy. 75 as you head back to Cleveland on right. Gold 'N Gem Grubbin' (706-865-5454) Right on Hwy. 115 at Cleveland Square. Go 2 miles and turn right on Towncreek Rd.
TUBING / RAFTING / CANOEING
There are numerous tubing outposts in and around Helen. Reservations are not necessary for tubing. Cool River Tubing (706-878-2665) is the outfit our family likes to use. Alpine Tubing (706-878-8823) Flea Market Tubing (706-878-1082) The Wildewood Outpost (706-878-1700; 706-865-4451) rents rafts and canoes. Sales also. The above outposts operate on The Chattahoochee River which begins above Helen and eventually flows into Lake Lanier in Gainesville. All rapids are mild to moderate. For those more adventurous visitors, here are a few more rivers to investigate (you will need reservations for these rafting trips): The Chattooga (the movie "Deliverance" was filmed here; a US Forest Service Wild & Scenic River)-Excellent scenery and rapids. Borders South Carolina and Georgia just outside of Clayton, Ga. (55 mi.) The Ocoee (site of the 1996 Olympics Whitewater competition)-No still water here; a lot of waves and rapids. Near Cleveland, Tennessee above Blairsville, Ga. (90 mi.) The Nantahala is in North Carolina. This is a fun river but the water is cold as it is fed from the bottom of Nantahala Lake. (85 mi.) For more info, contact: Nantahala Outdoor Center (1-800-232-7238) Wildwater Ltd. (1-800-451-9972) Southeastern Expeditions (1-800-868-7238) Kayaking Adventures (Tugalo River - 706-754-5885) OTHER
WATER ACTIVITIES
Gilšs Marine on Lake Burton offers pontoon and ski boat rental. Take right out of driveway; go to Hwy. 197 and continue straight. Office is located on the right past Brooks General Store (709-947-1465). LaPrade's on Lake Burton also offers pontoon and ski boat rental. Go right out of driveway; you will hit Hwy. 197; continue straight. It will be on right before Fish Hatchery. (706-947-3003). Interstate Boat Rentals. Serves Lakes Rabun, Burton and Seed. (706-782-4754 or 706-782-4082). For jet-ski rental, call LaPradešs for info.. (706-947-3003).
HOT AIR BALLOONS
Bristol Balloons (706-878-2375; David cell > 706-878-8709) Pleasure balloon flights. Call for reservations.
BINGO
Helen Festhalle (706-878-1619) Every Wednesday evening Jan.-Sept. & Nov.-Dec. at 7pm. Oct.-NO BINGO.
HIKING
We have 350 acres of pastures, streams and woods at SHR; the property
across the road joins the Chattahoochee National Forest. There are no
set hiking trails on our property, but there are cattle trails and plenty
of places to explore. Check out the map which is provided. There is also
plenty of wildlife, some of which you may have the good fortune of seeing:
White-tailed deer are prevalent in rural Georgia. You are most likely
to see them in the early morning hours or late in the afternoon. There
are plenty of rabbits, squirrels, field mice and skunks. Beavers and muskrats
may also be seen in our streams. Groundhogs are a pretty common sight;
in fact, there is one that lives under the Conference Room. He's been
known to lumber up on the back deck and peep into the windows while standing
on his back feet. Groundhogs look similar to beavers except for their
tails. Wild turkeys and red and gray foxes are harder to catch a glimpse
of, as are raccoons, which are nocturnal animals. Opossums (or 'possums)
are usually seen at night, also. There are black bears in Northeast Georgia,
but it's very doubtful you will see one. If you are outside at night,
listen for the coyotes yelping across the creek. Quite a few different
varieties of hawks may be seen. Also, we have had wood ducks, mallards,
pin-tails, blue-winged teals, herons, egrets, cranes, Canadian geese,
pileated woodpeckers, hummingbirds, indigo buntings, goldfinches, eastern
bluebirds and many other types of birds visiting us. By the way, Polled
Herefords are a very gentle cattle breed. The cows and calves will keep
their distance from you, as will the bulls, which may make some noise;
but, isn't that just the male thing to do. There are plenty of places
to hike in Northeast Georgia. You may want to pick up a copy each of the
Waterfalls and the Trail Guide to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
brochures.
Also, the Appalachian Trail begins just north of here.
WATERFALLS & HIKING TRAILS
Anna Ruby Falls (800-858-8027) $2 parking. Close to Unicoi (9am-7pm). Dukes Creek Falls (off of Richard Russell Scenic Hwy.) Go through Helen and Robertstown. Take a left right past the Flea Mkt. Richard Russell Hwy. is a mile or two on the right. Helen to Unicoi Trail (Check with the Welcome Center Or call Unicoi at 706-878-2201) Smith Creek Trail Appalachian Trail (Go through Helen and Robertstown, then up the mountain. It's at the top) BIRD WATCHING Here at SHR, the Covered Bridge, Unicoi, Smithgall Woods or Gourdcraft Originals.
TOURS
Smithgall Woods (706-878-3087) Nature Tours. Appalachian Eco-Tours (1-800-238-7230) - Tour rainforest (?), cave and waterfall, pioneer homestead. On the border of Georgia and the Carolinas. Take 441 N out of Clarkesville through Clayton to Dillard. 5 miles west on Betty's Creek Rd.
PAINTBALL RENTAL
Synergy Paintball (770-503-1400 or cell > Jay > 678-467-7111). Out of Gainesville. They provide all supplies and will travel here to the ranch.
TREE CLIMBING / EXPLORING
Are you interested in getting a different perspective of the Northeast Georgia Forest? For a unique experience, you may want to try ascending and descending trees by rope with master climber Tom Lammers. Explore the neighborhood that squirrels and racoons call home.By appointment only: 706-878-2043.
TRAIN RIDES
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (800-934-1898; www.brscenic.com). Operates April through December. 241 Depot Street. Blue Ridge, GA 30513.
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
Nacoochee Valley Guest House (excellent; reservations required; 706-878-3830) - Take left out of driveway; go to the end of Hwy. 255 and take a right. It will be on your left beside Sweetwater Coffee House (which, by the way, is a coffee lover's delight).Nacoochee Grill (excellent; 706-878-8020;
NACOOCHEEGRILL@YAHOO.COM) -
Located in Nacoochee Village which is just this side of Helen. On the left across from The Wildewood Shop. Stovall House (very good; reservations required; 706-878-3355) - Go left out of driveway. It's about 2 miles on your left. The Trolley (excellent; reservations required; 706-754-5566) - Go to first light in Clarkesville. Restaurant is directly ahead and to the left. Unicoi Restaurant (good buffet-style meals; no waiting; no reservations) - Go past Covered Bridge; take a right on Skylake Rd. and go to end. Take a left; continue to Unicoi State Park Conference Center sign on the left. The restaurant is in the Conference Center. West Family Restaurant (good buffet; menu also; reasonable prices; no reservations) - Turn left at Indian Mound (Hwy. 75) and go toward Cleveland; it will be on your left before you get into Cleveland. There are many restaurants in the area. If you find a special place, please let others know about it in our guest book before leaving.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Take some time to look through our scrapbook for more details and photographs on the Lodge, the Farm, the Family and other items of interest. The Helen Welcome Center is located across from Bergland Mall in Helen. Take a right at Circle K. It will be on your left past the Post Office. Their phone number is 706-878-2181. If you are interested in having group activities planned for your visit, Bonnie Struckman from Beyond & Back Travel is a travel coordinator who will put together excursions ranging from ski trips to special events or places like Biltmore House in Ashville to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. She can be contacted at 800-943-3441 or locally at 706-219-2891.