WELCOME TO LORNA, JAIME, & APRIL'S
ADVENTURE TO THE
NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS
OUR SISTERHOOD
I never thought that I would find my own sisterhood. I enjoy talking to others, but for the most part, I am an introvert. In most scenarios, I gain energy when I am alone. This was until I met Lorna and Jaime. I met Lorna and Jaime when we moved to Trussville. If you saw the 2019 Girls' Trip to the Pacific Northwest Page, you already know the story of how we met and became close. These ladies are my rock. I don't have sisters but I know sisterhood now because of these two women!
Until last year, I had never taken a girls' trip. The three of us have resolved to take one every summer now. Sometimes we will travel near and other times we will travel far. Our girls' trips give us the opportunity to see and experience the beauty and adventures the world has to offer, but the most important thing is that we get to recharge our spiritual batteries together as a sisterhood.
Until last year, I had never taken a girls' trip. The three of us have resolved to take one every summer now. Sometimes we will travel near and other times we will travel far. Our girls' trips give us the opportunity to see and experience the beauty and adventures the world has to offer, but the most important thing is that we get to recharge our spiritual batteries together as a sisterhood.
THE TRIP MAP
This was a short Girls' Trip and our first venture out after the Covid-19 quarantine. We left on a Thursday and came back on a Sunday. One thing we all wanted was a little rest. So, we went to a few restaurants, visited a few wineries, hiked a few trails, and spent a lot of time enjoying the hot tub and beautiful landscape at our cabin. The interactive map below shows the places we visited.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
It took close to 4 hours to travel from Trussville, AL to Blairsville, GA, but the time passed quickly. As we got closer to the resort, I realized it was very close to where Don and I hiked some of the Appalachian Trail.
We stayed at the Paradise Hills Resort, Spa, and Winery. Our cabin was called the Chocolate Moose. One of the best features of the cabin was that it had a back porch with a hot tub, rocking chairs, and an incredible view of the mountains and a small vineyard. We spent every morning and every evening on that porch.
The first picture in the gallery below is a not a found from Connor, my youngest son, when I opened my luggage. He is always doing sweet things like this for me. It is nice to know that your kids can survive alone with their father for a few days but that they still love you and will miss you when you are gone.
We stayed at the Paradise Hills Resort, Spa, and Winery. Our cabin was called the Chocolate Moose. One of the best features of the cabin was that it had a back porch with a hot tub, rocking chairs, and an incredible view of the mountains and a small vineyard. We spent every morning and every evening on that porch.
The first picture in the gallery below is a not a found from Connor, my youngest son, when I opened my luggage. He is always doing sweet things like this for me. It is nice to know that your kids can survive alone with their father for a few days but that they still love you and will miss you when you are gone.
Arrival
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020
Friday was the most action packed day. We started off the morning with a cup of coffee and time in the hot tub as we enjoyed the incredible view! Then, we got up and got ready. We went to brunch at the Sawmill place and then began our waterfall hiking tour. There are lots of waterfalls in this area. We decided to go with one further out and work our way back to a horse riding facility near our resort. It took some time to travel to the first one, Seacreek Falls, and from Seacreek Falls to Vogel State Park. Our late start and travel only allowed us time to hike to three falls and by the time we finished, all the horseback riding places were closed. So, we improvised and went to a winery instead. Though we did not do all the waterfalls and horseback riding we planned, it turned out wonderfully! The three waterfalls we did see were beautiful and easy hikes and the winery was definitely a win!
BRUNCH AT THE SAWMILL PLACE
We had brunch at a restaurant called the Sawmill Place. This was a very pleasant surprise. It was an adorable little restaurant with a country store. Brunch was incredible. I had a pimento cheese burger with bacon jam. Yes! It was one of the best burgers I have ever had!
If you'd like to know more about the Sawmill Place, visit their website by clicking on the link below.
The Sawmill Place
The Sawmill Place
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
SEA CREEK FALLS
Seacreek Falls was an adventurous hike. It was not well kept. Though the hike to to the trail was mostly flat, parts of the trail leading to the falls were flooded over. Oddly enough, the waterfall pool was fairly crowded. The path to the top of the falls was a climb. The climb wasn't hard, but it was really muddy. This made it very easy to slide and ....well... fall to your death... if you weren't careful. So, we were careful!
To learn more about the Sea Creek Falls Trail, visit the Sea Creek Falls Trail Page on the All Trails Website by clinking on the link below.
Sea Creek Falls - All Trails
Sea Creek Falls - All Trails
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
VOGEL STATE PARK
Vogel State Park was especially fun. It looked like a modern day, "Dirty Dancing" resort. The trail was magnifying glass shaped. It was a big circle that lined a lake. The handle of the magnifying glass was a trail that led down to the waterfall. This trail was very well kept and had stairs leading down to the falls. There was a platform where you could stand to watch the falls and take pictures. We could have easily spent more time exploring this beautiful park.
To learn more about Vogel State Park, visit their website by clinking on the link below.
Vogel State Park
Vogel State Park
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
DESOTO FALLS
Our next hike was right down the road and was, by far, my favorite hike. The Desoto Falls hike was an easy and basically flat hike. It was the most beautiful to me. More than the other hikes, it was the typical Appalachian temperate rain forest. It followed a large creek and the forest was lush green. It had many of the same features that Don and I saw when we hiked the Appalachian Trail, like fern valleys beneath canopies of trees and fallen trees covered in moss. There were bridges across creeks and a large platform at the lower end of the falls. The trails were very well kept and many spots even had wood beams that lined the trail to prevent flooding and erosion. There were "conveniently placed benches" as my middle child calls them, placed along the trail. Even with these things in place, the trail was very natural. In my opinion, the best trails are the ones that are maintained so well that they allow people to easily hike, while maintaining its natural state. I don't know that most people understand the work that is involved in maintaining that setting, but I do; and I appreciate the park rangers and citizens who get out there and make that happen for those of us who enjoy hiking trails so much.
To learn more about Desoto Falls, visit the Atlanta Trails website by clinking on the link below:
Atlanta Trails
Atlanta Trails
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
SITES ALONG THE WAY
Our original plan was to go horseback riding after the hike, but we started the day a little later than we thought we would and we also lost track of the time. By the time we finished the Desoto Falls hike, the horse riding facilities were closing. We resolved to either do it the next day or save horseback riding for another girls' trip. Instead, we looked for nearby wineries to visit. Many people are unaware that the North Georgia Mountains are an emerging wine region and we were in the heart of the North Georgia wine country. So, we determined the Frogtown Vineyard and Winery were the closest and made our way there.
On the way, two things struck me. First of all, the runaway ramp. When your in a big transfer truck or your going too fast down a mountain, it can be hard to stop, so they had these runaway roads where trucks could veer off and up a hill. Going up the hill causes them to lose momentum, roll back down to the side road, and regain control. The wear on this runaway road was a little bit frightening to us!
Secondly, we passed Mountain Crossings Outfitters at Neel Gap. This was a moment of nostalgia for me. Don and I stopped here while hiking the Appalachian Trail. Down the road and hidden in the woods was the cabin that we stayed in one night so that we could shower and enjoy the advantages of civilized living for one night before heading back out on the trail. In those woods was the cabin where we roasted our socks in the oven so that they would be warm as we started the cool morning hike.
On the way, two things struck me. First of all, the runaway ramp. When your in a big transfer truck or your going too fast down a mountain, it can be hard to stop, so they had these runaway roads where trucks could veer off and up a hill. Going up the hill causes them to lose momentum, roll back down to the side road, and regain control. The wear on this runaway road was a little bit frightening to us!
Secondly, we passed Mountain Crossings Outfitters at Neel Gap. This was a moment of nostalgia for me. Don and I stopped here while hiking the Appalachian Trail. Down the road and hidden in the woods was the cabin that we stayed in one night so that we could shower and enjoy the advantages of civilized living for one night before heading back out on the trail. In those woods was the cabin where we roasted our socks in the oven so that they would be warm as we started the cool morning hike.
To learn more about Mountain Crossings Outfitters at Neel's Gap, visit their website by clinking on the link below:
Mountain Crossings Outfitters at Neel's Gap
Mountain Crossings Outfitters at Neel's Gap
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
FROGTOWN VINEYARDS & WINERY
The Frogtown Vineyard and Winery did not disappoint! It was incredible. You could tell that they were getting back up on their feet after the Covid-19 Quarantine. Our poor server could have used a little help. I don't think they anticipated the number of people that were there. This winery had a restaurant and large porch that overlooked their vineyards. Majestic mountains rose behind the vineyard hills and the clouds were dark with an upcoming shower. It was gorgeous! We all tried different flights of wine. My favorite was the Vineaux Rose. Then we ordered dinner. I ordered the spinach cannelloni. It was fantastic! This was my favorite meal during our stay.
To learn more about Frogtown Vineyards & Winery, visit their website by clinking on the link below:
Frogtown Vineyards & Winery
Frogtown Vineyards & Winery
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020
Saturday was planned to be our relaxing day. We were going to have spa time in the morning and visit vineyards in the afternoon. We had spa time, but we stayed at the resort vineyard during the afternoon and just relaxed. Paradise Hills Winery, Resort, and Spa is located in Blairsville, Georgia. We really enjoyed our stay here. The owners were precious people. They were down to earth and spent time with you. We didn't even realize they were the owners at first because they were working right there with the employees. They were both former police officers. Some of their wines are named for their officer badge numbers. We really enjoyed Paradise Hills and all it had to offer. It is a beautiful place with kindhearted people!
To learn more about Paradise Hills Winery, Resort, and Spa, visit their website by clinking on the link below:
Paradise Hills Winery, Resort, and Spa
Paradise Hills Winery, Resort, and Spa
THE PARADISE HILLS SPA
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
THE PARADISE HILLS VINEYARD
After the spa, we freshened up and set out to enjoy the beauties and activities of the resort vineyards. We enjoyed their wine flights and snack platters and listened to music on the patio. We visited the vineyard goats (which Jaime adored), walked in the vineyards, and had our picture made with Felicia, the female Bigfoot that watches over the vineyard. They had put a mask on Felicia for Covid that we found hilarious. I am having t-shirts made for us that say, "Felicia, Social Distancing Since 1958." (The Bigfoot legend got its start in 1958 when a reporter did a feature on California loggers who claimed they saw it). Our night concluded once more, with us sitting on the back porch of our cabin looking at the marvelous view.
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
LAST NIGHT AT THE CABIN
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020
On Sunday, we checked out of the Chocolate Moose. Our plans were to stop in Ellijay, Georgia to visit the Fainting Goat Vineyard and Winery and to do a little shopping. Jaime really wanted to see those fainting goats! Ellijay also has a special meaning to Jaime and Lorna. Their husbands are brothers whose grandmother was named after the town. When her parents were moving from Virginia to Alabama, they passed through Ellijay. Her mother liked the town so much, they named their daughter, Ellajay. We had to see this little town that made such an impact.
CANTABERRY CAFE
We stopped for lunch at the Cantaberry Cafe. It is taking every fiber of restraint from spelling it, "Canterbury" like Canterbury Tales. My high school English teacher would be pleased to know that those stories still impact me today! It was a cute little sandwich shop in the downtown Ellijay area. The Raspberry Creme Cake was delicious!!!!
If you'd like to know more about the Cantaberry Cafe, visit their website by clicking on the link below.
The Cantaberry
The Cantaberry
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
SHOPPING IN ELLIJAY
Ellijay is a super cute little town. Unlike most small towns in the South, Ellijay does not have a deteriorating downtown. The buildings in Ellijay's downtown have been maintained and house cute, artsy boutiques, trendy restaurants, and quaint, little antique shops. It was about to rain and we knew we wanted to visit the Fainting Goat Vineyard, so we only spent a small amount of time shopping. Jaime found one store that we could have spent all day exploring. There was one display, however, that really caught our eye and had us laughing hysterically! A BBQ seasoning and sauces line where everything ended in the word, "shit." If you got multiple items, you could put them all in a bag of "shit." Notice, they keep the "good shit" locked up in the bottom of the cabinet. Whoever came up with this deserves an award for creativity!
If you'd like to know more about Ellijay, Georgia visit the Explore Ellijay, Georgia Site by clicking on the link below.
Explore Ellijay, Georgia
Explore Ellijay, Georgia
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
FAINTING GOAT VINEYARD & WINERY
After spending some time shopping, we headed to the Fainting Goat Vineyard. Like the other vineyards in the North Georgia Mountains, it had a spectacular view! Lush green vineyards and rolling green mountains. It was about to rain, so the sky was marbled with heavy dark blue, gray, and white clouds. We enjoyed a flight of wines from the vineyard. I loved the names. They were all very, "American History" with names like Patriot, Republic, 1812, and Liberty. They had a peach wine they called, Impeachment. I thought that was kinda funny. Liberty was my favorite. It is a Blanc du Bois.
People brought picnics and sat at tables on the deck, under white tents, and on the grassy lawn. Live music played in the background and there were two serving areas. One was located inside and the other was outside underneath the deck. It was a dog friendly place, but not the scary kind. People with dogs were obviously parents of fur babies. They were all bred dogs, on leashes, and well behaved.
There was one disappointment. The goats would not faint. I guess I should have shown up without makeup! That would have caused them to fall out fast! We thought one might be close. She stood on the ramp and wouldn't move. You could see her little heart pumping fast in her chest. Then, I noticed she was kind of chunky in the belly, and I asked Jaime if she was pregnant. I swear that goat, turned around offended and shot me a dirty look! I think Jaime was a little sad that they did not faint, but it did not stop her from loving them just the same.
After this we started our journey home. We were sad to leave this beautiful place, but came home with renewed spirits, a closer bond, and happy to see our families.
People brought picnics and sat at tables on the deck, under white tents, and on the grassy lawn. Live music played in the background and there were two serving areas. One was located inside and the other was outside underneath the deck. It was a dog friendly place, but not the scary kind. People with dogs were obviously parents of fur babies. They were all bred dogs, on leashes, and well behaved.
There was one disappointment. The goats would not faint. I guess I should have shown up without makeup! That would have caused them to fall out fast! We thought one might be close. She stood on the ramp and wouldn't move. You could see her little heart pumping fast in her chest. Then, I noticed she was kind of chunky in the belly, and I asked Jaime if she was pregnant. I swear that goat, turned around offended and shot me a dirty look! I think Jaime was a little sad that they did not faint, but it did not stop her from loving them just the same.
After this we started our journey home. We were sad to leave this beautiful place, but came home with renewed spirits, a closer bond, and happy to see our families.
If you'd like to know more about the Fainting Goat Vineyard and Winery, you can visit their website by clicking on the link below.
Fainting Goat Vineyard & Winery
Fainting Goat Vineyard & Winery
The pictures below are a gallery of large thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails to see it in its entirety. Once you click on a picture, you can view it like a slideshow, by clicking the forward and backward arrows on each picture.
