Northeast Georgia Art Tour Nov. 13-14
The Franklin Press
Twenty-five venues in Rabun County are participating in the Northeast Georgia Arts Tour Holiday Road Open House Weekend, Nov. 13-15. The tour will also include artists in White, Habersham and Stephens counties.
Shops, studios and galleries will throw open their doors for a seasonally inspired self-guided driving and walking tour of painting, pottery, hand-crafted furniture, fiber arts, wood and glass works, mixed media, photography and more. Mingle with well-known and emerging artists, rediscover folk life skills such as blacksmithing and chair caning, enjoy painters who sing, soft sculpture “births,” book signings, new uses for kudzu and the extreme spray can challenge. You can try your hand at wheel throwing or chair and ornament painting. Art is “under construction” at every turn!
In addition, you’ll be welcomed by the charming dining and lodging establishments that populate the region and the stars of the Georgia wine industry invite you to tour and sample the best of the vine. One lucky traveler will win a mid-week stay and gourmet trail package provided by The Beechwood Inn, a Select Registry Distinguished Inn of America and a Wine Spectator and AAA3 Diamond Award winner. Simply drop your name in the box at every venue you visit.
The tour is free of charge. Look for bright yellow and black “Art Tour and Art Zone” signs directing you to participating stops. While most locations are open year round, the Holiday Road Open House Weekend begins Friday at 1 p.m., continues on Saturday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and wraps up on Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
A downloadable tour map, dining and lodging options, and a list of demonstrating artists by county can be found at www.artstour.org.
The Polar Express
11/6/2009 – 12/23/2009
The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs Bryson city for a journey to our North pole. Read along with the magical story and meet Santa. Enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa, a special treat and a memento for the children. Daily departure times vary. Ticket price includes admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum!
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – 1-800-872-4681
Western Carolina Pottery Festival
11/7/2009 – 11/7/2009
The work of more than 25 highly skilled southern potters will be featured at the Western Carolina Pottery Festival rain or shine in the historic town of Dillsboro, NC.
Dillsboro Merchants Association – www.visitdillsboro.org
Veteran’s Day Train
11/11/2009 – 11/11/2009
Join GSMR as we honor veterans of all eras.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – 1-800-872-4681
The Polar Express – Home School Day
12/3/2009 – 12/3/2009
Special Student rates available to home-schooled children
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – 1-800-872-4681
Dillsboro Luminary Festival
12/4/2009 – 12/12/2009
Journey back to the days of yesteryear as Dillsboro presents its annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries. Experience magical evenings as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song. Live music, refreshments, and shops open late.(First and Second Friday & Saturday each December)
Dillsboro Merchants Association – www.visitdillsboro.org
New Year’s Eve Gala
12/31/2009 – 01/1/2010
Celebrate the New Year uniquely onboard our New Year’s Eve Gala! A festive, fun-filled evening. The train boards at 8:45 pm and returns at approximately 12:30 am. This train features an evening of dining, dancing and live entertainment. Welcome in the New Year railroad style!
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – 1-800-872-4681