It was close to my hubbys birthday and I had asked him, “If you could go anywhere you wanted, where would it be?” Even though we hadn’t spent a great deal of time there, he said Ellijay, Georgia . He had fallen in love with this quaint town years ago when we stayed in Cherry Log with some friends. So I secretively went in search of a place we could stay that would be an unforgettable experience for us to celebrate his birthday. After much research and phone calls I found Sliding Rock Cabins – North Georgia Vacation Rentals . There were three things I was looking for. Seclusion, a view and a hot tub. They were able to help me find just what I was looking for. When I saw pictures I thought, ‘It can’t be this awesome.’ It really was beautiful. I couldn’t wait to see it in person. I had only told the hubby to take off these particular days and that’s it. No details of where we were going. I finally broke the news a few days before since he usually insists on driving and only because he kept asking, but no details were given. Our adventure began. On our way we stopped in a nice little town called Sylvester and had a picnic dinner in a charming little park we found. We were on our way to Peachtree where we would spend our first night. Our goal was to get as close to Senoia, Georgia for some shopping and lunch at our favorite place, Nic & Norms, another request from the birthday boy. No, we didn’t run into Greg Nicatero this time unfortunately. Lunch at Nic & Norman’s was amazing. Juan had his favorite, the Braised Pork Shank which was tasty and incredibly tender and I had the Beef Tenderloin Medallions with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. Both were cooked perfectly as usual. After our lunch we sadly said a final goodbye to the Walking Dead set (Alexandria) that was being permanently taken down since the series was done filming. After that, it was time to head to our mountain paradise. Our drive was pleasant and scenic. The sky was blue as were the mountains. The temperature was continuing to decrease and snow was a possibility later that night. Juan rolled his eyes when I excitedly told him it might snow. He wasn’t sure if he’d like snow or not. We made our way up the mountain. Now keep in mind, I’ve never been to this place, so I had no idea how the ride would be. Looking back it wasn’t that bad, but to us Floridians that live below sea level, anything bigger than a twenty foot slope was considered a mountain to us, so at first this was a little overwhelming. My hubby’s big brown eyes cut my way a few times. I sat silent gripping the handle on the door looking down the side of the mountain as we continued to climb higher and higher up. It was exhilarating and I could tell the view was going to be out of this world. We arrived at our very secluded cabin nestled amongst the trees. I allowed Juan to take a deep breath (I think he held his breath the whole way up). When he was able to really take look at where we were, he was speechless. Gazing around and taking in the amazing view, he said “You literally found the highest mountain in Ellijay and found a cabin at the very top.” I just smiled at him and said “Yep.” The cabin was everything I had hoped for and more. Beautiful fireplace, rustic and cozy with all the amenities we could hope for even wood for the fireplace. There was nothing more relaxing then soaking in the hot tub with a chilled glass of wine enjoying the most stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We later slept in the loft listening to the crackling fire and the winds outside blowing across the mountain tops. I was so excited when I found out it might snow in Ellijay. Juan has never seen snow. I set the alarm for 4am, when the snow was to start so I could get up. When I did…no snow like predicted and the forecast had changed. It wasn’t going to snow on our mountain that morning after all. I went back to sleep very disappointed. Then I woke up at 7:45am, looked out the window and was blinded by white everywhere. I shot up out of bed and ran downstairs of the loft like it was Christmas morning, nearly breaking my neck in the process. It was snowing. I went outside in nothing but a night shirt and shoes. Then I ran back up stairs, drug Juan out of bed, threw my jacket on him and took him outside. He was somewhat mesmerized by it, like a kid he looked up with wonder as the little fluffly white flakes fell from the sky. So my sweetie got to experience his first snowfall and later in the day made his first snowman We waited for the snow to stop then slowly headed down the mountain into downtown Ellijay for lunch and shopping, encountering lots of wildlife on the way down. When we walked into the River Street Tavern in Ellijay, it felt like we had just walked into the Cheers bar. Everyone was so friendly and we met and friended several people during the short time we were there. Lunch was so delicious, burgers that were big, juicy and loaded with all our favorite toppings. We walked around the many shops downtown, finding everything from antiques to homemade fudge. The remainder of our stay consisted of more of the same. Scenic rides, shopping, antique stores and good food. I think the birthday weekend was a success and now not only is Ellijay Juan’s favorite place to visit. It’s mine too. #ellijayga #unexploredadventures #slidingrockcabins #riverstreettavren
Wow, we covered a great deal of ground this trip exploring throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, and North Georgia again. Found some new hidden gems, visited some old favorites, and met some new friends. We found an amazing cabin in Tellico Plains , TN to stay for an extended weekend. Spacious with a hot tub and all the little extra amenities needed for a perfect couple’s weekend getaway. This hidden paradise was even better than I imagined. I wasn’t sure if I was going to share about this place on my Unexplored page, but it kind of defeats the purpose of writing about all of these adventures, so I relented. (I wanted to keep this one for myself ). I reluctantly share with you that we used Tellico Vacation Rentals to find this little secluded piece of paradise. Although hidden along the mountainside, it’s still easily accessible by car. We visited so many amazing places during our stay this time. Some old and some new. Our first day, we went back to Donna’s Old Town Cafe in Madisonville for a scrumptious breakfast buffet and visited some various antique and gift shops scattered throughout all these little towns. We went through Blueridge, Loudon, Sweetwater, and Tellico. Had another amazing dinner at Iron Works Grill our first night, truly one of my absolute favorite places. This awesome riverfront eatery never disappoints. Our next day was spent in Murphy, NC. We walked all around this picturesque little town, clocking a good few miles in steps. The weather was cold and crisp without a cloud in the sky. Most of the leaves had fallen by this time, but it was still beautiful. We visited Marketplace Antiques , a favorite when we are in the area. Found a cute shop, Linger Awhile Antiques . The owner, Linda, was warm, welcoming, and had the most exquisite collection of homemade quilts I’ve ever seen on display. She said most are not for sale “yet.” Which I take it to mean, when she’s ready, she’ll consider it. Her shop was filled with beautiful antiques and gift items. If you’re ever in Murphy, it’s a must to stop in. We also found another nice place for antique shopping a few blocks off the main drag, All American Estate Clearing & Antiques . There are loads of antiques, gifts, specialty candles, jewelry, and more. Lunch was a new place called Chevelles Restaurant & Bar 66 Murphy located in downtown Murphy. Juan said that was the best burger he’s had in a long time. It was thick, juicy, and smothered with Jalapeños and a tangy BBQ sauce. I thoughouly enjoyed my delicious beer battered chicken tenders. We headed back to Tellico later in the day to pick up a pizza for dinner to take back to the cabin when we found the neatest little book store in downtown Tellico Plains. If you like to read or know anyone that does, there’s a little something for everyone at the The Bookshelf, Tellico Plains, TN . Adorable shop with a place to sit, relax, and read a book if you choose to. Very warm and welcoming environment. The owner was very sweet, showing me all around the shop. Now, back to the pizza… The Bears Den has been passed by us many times while staying in this area because usually we had already eaten somewhere. This time, we decided once and for all that we were trying it this time. We were not disappointed. In fact, I would say it was one of the best pizzas we’ve had in a while, comparable to any authentic NY Style pizza place. On a whim, we stopped in at the Tellico Grains Bakery for some sweet treats to take back to the cabin with us also. We left with homemade oatmeal and coconut cookies as big as dinner plates and orange chocolate scones. So very good! This has been another great vacation for the books. Hopefully, you can visit some of these amazing places and have some of your own Unexplored Adventures! Follow us on Unexplored Adventures with Dawn . #unexploredadventures #tellicoplainstn #murphync #northcarolina #unexploredadventureswithdawn #tennessee
The Monticello Watermelon Festival is by far one of my favorite events that I attend anywhere and its coming up this weekend. It combines all of my favorite things…watermelon, arts and crafts, a parade, and watermelon. Did I mention I really love watermelon? Watermelon holds a variety of flavors from sweet, bitter and sour. The bitter flavors keep the sweet from being overpowering and the sour makes the bitter flavorful which is why watermelon is so appealing to so many. In June each year, in the beautiful town of Monticello, Florida, the longest running Watermelon Festival in the entire state of Florida is held, the Monticello Watermelon Festival. This event, which celebrates 72 years this year, will be held the weekend of June 16th and 17th. Since the early 1900s, watermelons have played a key role in the development of the town of Monticello. What better way to celebrate this history than having a Festival where the whole town as well as welcomed visitors gather annually for fellowship, a parade, street dancing and a plethora of festivities. Aside from sampling watermelon, there’s a little bit for everyone at the Monticello Watermelon Festival. You and your family can enjoy hundreds of arts and craft vendors, an antique car show, BMX Tricksters, and my favorite…watermelon games. The games include watermelon eating contests, seed spitting and even exploding watermelons. Yes you heard that right, exploding watermelons. Personally, I can eat watermelon any day of the year but this weekend I plan to come back and get some of the best watermelon around. Their theme this year is “Home Grown Happiness” which perfectly depicts what you can expect when you come out this year. Lots of sweet smiles, savory watermelon and lots of fun! For more information about this festival and a schedule of events visit their website at www.monticellowatermelonfestival.com #watermelon #monticellowatermelonfestival #lovely #lovewatermelon
A not so “unexplored adventure” was our trip to Juliette, Georgia. I know normally we go to places not many people know about. This place is well known due to the notoriety they earned when being featured in the 1991 movie Fried Green Tomatoes . Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and that is to go to the The Whistle Stop Cafe (Original) . It seems on our many adventures, either we didn’t time it right to be there when they were open or we were not close enough to make the detour. Either way, today my husband and I were finally able to get it right! After many years of anticipation, I was able to visit this cute little town of Juliette, Georgia. Lunch was amazing. We started off with some fried green tomatoes, didn’t have to twist my arm there. Juan went with fried porch chops and I tried the country fried steak. It turned out to be the best country fried steak I’ve ever had. Sometimes these places are all hype, but not this one, it lived up to its reputation. We ended with some peach cobbler that was like heaven in a bowl, sweet and caramelized. So in a nutshell, the food was amazing, service was as good as it gets and we left satisfied. We followed up with a stroll around this adorable, picturesque town. I’m so happy my hubby and I finally got here on our way back home. #whistlestop #juliettegeorgia #thesecretsinthesauce #unexploredadventureswithdawn #getfried #friedgreentomatos
This year we skipped over Spring and jumped head first into Summer. With temperatures reaching well past 90 degrees, it’s time to cool things off a bit in one of the largest spring fed swimming areas in the entire state of Florida. I recommend you check out, what in my opinion is one of the most beautiful, invigorating and picturesque springs in the entire North Florida region, Hart Springs. This gorgeous park is located on the Gilchrist Blueway Trail and along the Suwannee River. My little family enjoyed a long weekend at this park last year and we loved it so much, we are planning a return visit this summer. The park itself is beautiful, with large oaks that canopy the entire camp ground, pristine trails and all the amenities needed for an awesome weekend. We took our little travel trailer to the park, parking was easy, set up a breeze and they provided each full hook up site with everything needed. A few secluded cabins and primitive camping spots are also available for those who are up for an extra outdoorsy adventure. I on the other hand, prefer to have air conditioning in the summer time, so full hook up for me! The hot showers and bathrooms are easily accessible from all the camping areas
Scenic, full of charm and rich in history, Senioa. This charming small Georgia town, is nestled just to the west of the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. Known for the many films produced there, such as Fried Green Tomatoes, Footloose and Driving Miss Daisy, this town has been the center of many film and television productions including the very popular show, The Walking Dead. That is what first drew me to this town years ago. But what captivated me, was the town itself, which is why I return often. The stores, the people and the atmosphere are intoxicating. I love to shop along their quaint streets, browsing in the many eclectic stores with unique gifts, antiques and oddities. Everyone is kind and welcoming. Upon each return visit, I make sure to stop in at the same gift shop to visit the friendly black and white store kitty, pick up a new pair of my favorite brand of earrings and find some unique gift to take home. The people are friendly, proud and hard working. This last visit in late May of this year, was just when businesses across the state were beginning to reopen, so everyone was excited that patrons trickled in throughout the day. The entire trip was amazing, One of the highlights was Nic and Norms, by far my favorite of favorite restaurants. Not because the owners happen to be Norman Reedus, the Walking Dead’s Daryl and Greg Nicotero producer of the Walking Dead, but because of the the flavorsome menu and unusual atmosphere. It is elegant and rustic at the same time without being pretentious. The feel is warm and inviting with a staff that makes you feel at home. The food is flawlessly prepared and never disappoints. If you try nothing else there, the peach cobbler is a must! This last visit just happened to be my birthday and I was surprised to see that I was sitting one table over from Greg Nicotero “Nic” and had the pleasure of meeting him that night. What a friendly and gracious man. I have to admit, I was surprisingly star struck. I am usually an animated chatter box, but I found myself almost at a loss for words. He wished me a happy birthday, sat with my husband and I for a few minutes talking and then quietly went back to sit with his family. We stayed that weekend in a charming bed and breakfast, the Vernada, just one short block from the heart of downtown Senioa. With as much traveling my husband and I do, staying at a bed and breakfast was a first for us. I have to admit, I was excited. The house was undeniably stunning. Built over a 100 years ago, this beautiful mansion was originally a hotel. Quiet and homey, our room gave me the feeling I was being transported to another time. Only a few amenities reminded you that you were in the 21st century. The property was surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens just outside a veranda that made its way around the entire house. The breakfast was beyond what I ever imagined. When we woke up to the sound of the town clock chimes, we heard other guests making their way downstairs for breakfast. An elegant and hearty breakfast was served that ensured we would not be hungry for many hours. Homemade biscuits, fresh fruit, perfectly cooked bacon with fluffy eggs and cheese broiled tomatoes. It didn’t stop there, because I found out, when you’re in Georgia, everyone serves peach cobbler, even for breakfast. With reluctance we knew our trip was coming to and end so we decided our last day we would do some more shopping and check out the new farmers market that opened up on the far end of town. I think what had the most lasting impression on my husband and myself during the visit was on our last day, we walked out of one of the many shops we had visited that day and found ourselves standing on the sidewalk when we heard police sirens making a unique sound as they made their way into town. We stood there and watched as everyone came out from the stores, shop owners included, everyone stopped what they were doing and came out to the sidewalk. Men took their hats off and children put their hands across their hearts, to say a final goodbye to the unknown individual in the passing funeral procession. I get goose bumps at just the memory of that moment. It was profound and extremely touching. To see an entire town, put on hold what they are doing, to take a minute to pay respects was thoughtful and gave me a glimpse into the character of this town I have so fallen in love with. With that, I would say that Senioa is a destination that you should add to your travel bucket list. This was not my first visit, and it is certainly not my last. #NicAndNormans #senioa #unexploredadventures #gnicotero #dawnjuan
