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Georgia's Worldly Ties
A wise traveler’s foreign policy is to expect nothing and anticipate everything. Traveling abroad can be unpredictable and full of hurdles–from language barriers and culture shock to passport issues and “Montezuma’s Revenge.” At some destinations, you may encounter free-ranging militias, overwhelming poverty or mindless bureaucracies that will make filing your taxes with the IRS seem as easy as placing a to-go order. But often, the rewards are worth the risks and inconveniences. Still more often, it is difficult to find the time to travel and justify the expense of a journey to exotic locales. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far or spend much to experience a little foreign intrigue. Atlanta Life presents four North Georgia destinations that will give you a taste of the world beyond our borders, and you can leave the Dramamine at home.
The Outback in our backyard On a recent visit to the rolling farmland tucked just beneath Springer Mountain the KCC calls home, I had the great treat of observing western gray and red kangaroos and agile wallabies bound around the expansive property under my amazed glare. In order to breed the healthiest kangaroos, the KCC has cordoned off an area for prime “bachelors” and one for “bachelorettes.” The knowledgeable and engaging staff showed off the variety of kangaroos, explaining their behavior and physiology. Seeing a “joey” (a nursing kangaroo not yet fully developed) poking its tiny head from its mother’s pouch was like watching a frightened child peer around a corner, a bit scared but also curious about the outside world. Stepping into the Billabong Center, I felt I had unexpectedly traipsed into a tropical forest where the calls of wild birds replaced the howls of the blustery March wind I had left outdoors. The large enclosed room is decorated with trees, a pond stocked with koi fish and a short path that leads to a screened-in porch where I spotted a “bearded dragon” lizard that puffs out its spiked cheeks as a sign of aggression. It didn’t seem to mind me creeping in close with my camera.
Kangaroo Conservation Center
Bavarian days and nights Helen’s Oktoberfest will begin this year on September 13 and run through November 4. The Oktoberfest parade on September 15 kicks off the season’s festivities, which include nightly live music from over a dozen bands and musicians at the FestHalle. Take a stroll through the Nacoochee Village for fine antique shopping and wine tasting. For a great side trip, check out the Black Bear Resort in the nearby town of Sautee. One of the best attractions here is the dinner theater, where you can catch some family entertainment with a fine entrée. Much of Helen’s attraction during the fall is nature, as the leaves begin changing into their burnt autumn colors and crisp, cool air begins flowing down from the mountaintops. If you want to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds, nearby Unicoi State Park hosts several festivals during Oktoberfest, including Outdoor Adventure Day on September 22. Of course, no Oktoberfest experience is complete without a sip on some German brews. At the Altstadter Weinstube & Biergarten, you can enjoy a drink in a traditionally decorated German pub or under the shade of the largest Pitch Pine tree in Georgia. No matter how you decide to spend your time in Helen during Oktoberfest, you may find the spirit of the Alps entreats you to stay longer. Nacoochee Village – nacoocheevillage.com
When in Rome… The story of Romulus and Remus is a classic tale of the birth of a great nation. When Romulus slew Remus, the right to name the city of seven hills was his. Choosing the name of Georgia’s Rome was not as savage. When Colonel Daniel Mitchell’s name was drawn from a hat, he suggested “Rome” as the name for the new town because he thought its topography, with its seven hills, resembled ancient Rome. Today, the seven hills of new Rome hold special significance. A cemetery on Myrtle Hill (a national register site) memorializes many of Rome’s most historical figures. A short walk away is downtown Rome where you can visit the famous Clock Tower Hill, catch a play at the historic DeSoto Theatre or peruse the Rome Area History Museum. When you’ve caught up on your history and need a little physical activity, try shooting a round at the public Stonebridge Golf Course. When you’re in Rome, remember the old saying and do as the Romans. Rome Convention and Visitor’s Bureau – romegeorgia.org
Celtic lore The Heritage Conservancy Alliance continues to preserve and promote Celtic traditions, though with a distinctly Appalachian approach that reflects the contemporary lifestyles and culture familiar to North Georgia. This Labor Day weekend, September 1-2, the alliance will host its Sixth Annual Appalachian Celtic Festival at the historic Lee and Gordon’s Mill in Chickamauga. Several Scottish clans will be on hand displaying and selling handmade crafts. You can enjoy live Appalachian, Celtic and bluegrass music, and witness athletic demonstrations that highlight traditional Scottish games such as the hammer throw. There also will be athletic games for kids, and great food and drinks for all ages. If you’ve got some Irish or Scottish blood in you, you’ll want to speak with the expert genealogists who will be on hand. They’ll be able to provide tips on rediscovering your own Celtic ancestry. Celts revered trees not only because they provided food, fuel and shelter, but also because they were believed to be entryways to the spirit world of their ancestors. Nowadays, the Appalachian Celtic Festival serves as a portal to the traditions of Gaelic past and present. Appalachian Celtic Festival
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