2011 UPDATES:

2011-11-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

GREAT SEASONAL DISCOUNTS!

MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET: COME ENJOY OUR VERY PRIVATE RETREAT...
Save your gasoline dollars and vacation in nearby Helen, Georgia, with us!

____________________________________________________________________________________

**Multi-Night DISCOUNT: A GREAT IDEA**

**FALL SPECIAL**
RENT Any 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night FREE !!
Offer Good ALL SUMMER...come on up and enjoy
our hidden mountain retreat, your summer escape!

TAKE ADVANTAGE of the BEST DEAL of the SEASON Before the offer ends!
*For HOLIDAY WEEKENDS: 4th Night FREE!
__________________________________________________________________________

1) Standard RATE: $185 + 15% Tax per Night.
**Two [2] Night Minimum Stay for Most WEEKENDS. 4th Night is FREE!

2) HOLIDAY and Okotoberfest RATE: $195 + 15% Tax per Night.
**Two [2] Night Minimum Stay for Most WEEKENDS.
** Three [3] Night Stay for Most HOLIDAY WEEKENDS - 4th Night FREE!

ANOTHER GREAT BONUS: No Maid Cleanup Fees!
*Discount Rates Subject to Availability. Some HOLIDAYS Excluded.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET: Come Vacation With Us!

GREAT ROOM, FIREPLACE, Large Front Deck, and HOT TUB - ALL waiting for you to Enjoy!

King Size Bed: MASTER BEDROOM SUITE and Private Covered Balcony.
A Large Loft adjoins the Master Bedroom Upstairs.
[A Queen Sized Sleeper Sofa is also available in the loft area.]

LOFT: Sitting Area Adjoins the Master Bedroom.

___________________________________________________________________

FOR RESERVATIONS and for more information,
Call BAVARIAN BROOK RENTALS in Helen, GA:
800-422-6355

Ask for reservations on "MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET".

************************************************************************************

**NEW FEATURE**

CURRENT RESERVATIONS CALENDAR LINK:

http://www.homeawayconnect.com/calendar.aspx?propertyid=80918&cid=5

************************************************************************************
___________________________________________________________________

WINTER SCENE: MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET

Enjoy all the refreshing seasons in the mountains!

Whatever the season, whatever the reason:
Your Private Vacation Home is waiting for You!

___________________________________________________________________

**FOR MORE PHOTOS and RENTAL INFO, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

http://www.mountainlaurelchalet.net/

___________________________________________________________________________________

HELEN, Georgia - AREA ACTIVITIES and EVENTS:
_______________________________________

Alpine Helen!

A Little Taste of Bavaria in Georgia

Tour De Georgia passing Hofer's Bakery.

HELEN, Georgia.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, the Northeast Georgia village of HELEN has a rich history linked to the Cherokee Indians and Indian burial mounds as well as early settlers who arrived to mine for gold and cut virgin timber for a thriving lumber industry in the early 1900s. Helen is a re-creation of an alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers.

We've got romantic getaways, shopping, beautiful mountain scenery, theater, hiking, horseback riding, family activities, waterfalls, museums, history, art, fishing, swimming, tubing on the Chattahoochee River, golf, and much more. Something for every member of your family!

Festivals and special events include a hot air balloon race, Winefest, Volksmarch, Oktoberfest and Christmas parades, Fourth of July fireworks, and Bavarian Nights of Summer. From mid-September through October, Helen hosts the longest Oktoberfest in the South. Alpenfest offers entertainment during the Holiday season from Thanksgiving through December.

**********************************************************************************************************************

UPCOMING EVENTS in HELEN:

HELEN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU:
Website Calendar of Events

http://www.helenga.org/helen-ga-events

706-878-2181

*********************************************************************************************************************

For more information contact the Helen Chamber of Commerce at 706-878-1908

Scenes from a recent Helen-Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Annual Festival!

______________________________________________________________________________________

Seasonal Tubing fun in Helen on the Chattahoochee River.

Great fun on a hot summer day!

Chattahoochee River in Helen

*********************************************************************************************************

Historic Nacoochee Indian Mound

In the Sautee-Nacoochee Valley near HELEN.

********************************************************************************************************************

LIVE SHOWS, CONCERTS, ART, and EVENTS:

Held in the

SAUTEE NACOOCHEE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Nestled in the Appalachian foothills of Northeast Georgia, near the Alpine village of HELEN, the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing creativity and commited to preserving and protecting the natural and historical resources of the Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys and the surrounding area. The SNCA maintains the Sautee Nacoochee Center, a thriving cultural and community center housed in a restored rural schoolhouse. The Center offers a Folk Pottery Museum, Theatre, Gallery, Art Studio, Dance Studio, History Museum, Heritage Site, Nature Preserve, Environmental Studies Room and Conference Facilities. The Association has established Sautee Nacoochee as an official Historic District and one of "The 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America."

_______________________

Only five miles from Alpine Helen, Georg

283 Hwy 255 N

Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571

706-878-3300

THE SAUTEE NACCOCHEE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION is located on Georgia Highway 255 North, Near the OLD SAUTEE STORE @ GA Hwy 17. This is 4 miles southeast of HELEN.

About 15 minutes from our home, MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET: Via SKYLAKE ROAD or 20 minutes via HELEN.

The owners of Mountain Laurel Chalet are supporting members of SNCA. Please join us by attending and supporting their popular community events. Join us, our neighbors, and our mountain visitors for all the fun and festivities!

FOR MORE INFORMATION about all SNCA EVENTS, Click:

http://www.snca.org/main.html

*********************************************************************************************************************************************************
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************
********************************************************************************************************************************************************

1. SATURDAY,

*********************************************************************************************************************

2. THURSDAY: OPEN STAGE NIGHT!

Join us
Every Third Thursday

OPEN STAGE NIGHT!

from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
in the Center Theatre!

Open Stage Night is the third Thursday of each month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Center Theatre.

The doors open at 6:30 pm.

Jessi Evans is our emcee. The performance list is created on a first come, first serve basis. Perform on stage in front of a live audience.

The show is free, with an opportunity to make a donation.

*********************************************************************************************************************
3. SATURDAY: COMMUNITY CONTRA DANCE

COMMUNITY CONTRA DANCE
Historic Gym

"Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another"

~Anonymous

POT LUCK:
Bring a dish to share and meet our dance community from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Plates, utensils and beverages are provided.

LESSON:
Free Contra Dance Lesson from 7:30 to 8:00 pm.

CONTRA DANCE:
The Dance begins at 8:00 and continues until 11:00 pm.

Contra dancing (the term is derived from “country dancing”) is a group-based social activity that has a long tradition. It is similar to square dancing and the Virginia Reel, usually done in circles or lines in which partners dance with many other couples in turn throughout a dance set. There are a few basic dance figures that are combined in various ways, prompted by a caller. These figures are repeated with all of the dancers in a set. The result is a lot of fun in moving to the music with a group of dancers, each person contributing to the shared experience.

We recommend that you dress comfortably and wear shoes that aren't slippery. Rubber-soled flats or low heels work best - comfort is key. The dance is located in the historic gym behind the center.

Adult admission is $8.00, SNCA Members $7.00, Students $4.00. Children under 7 FREE.

If you’ve not been to one of these wonderful evenings yet, there’s no time like the present to come see the fun we’re having. Each dance has a handful of children (who spend some time on the dance floor and some on the swing set outside!), a growing contingent of high school and college students from around the region, and adults up into their 70’s and 80’s. Some come to eat, listen, and watch -- most come to dance at least a few dances, and then there are those who start with the first dance and don’t stop till the band is packing up their instruments! Wherever you might fall along that continuum, your presence would add to the evening -- and the dance would no doubt add a bit of joy to your life. Come alone, bring a partner, bring the family or friends.

No experience is necessary -- the introductory lesson gives even a confirmed non-dancer enough to step into the flow and enjoy the evening. Worried about what to wear? Don’t! Some dress up, and some come in overalls – you’ll fit in whatever you have on, though keep in mind that even with air conditioning, it gets warm while you’re dancing!

“Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order.” —Samuel Beckett

**********************************************************************************************************************************************
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
***********************************************************************************************************************************************

ONGOING ART EXHIBITS: THE CENTER GALLERY

[Located inside the Sautee Nacoochee Community Center]

Take a walk down the hallways of the Sautee Community Center and you will find an abundance of varied types of art on the walls. Then, meander into The Center Gallery and Gallery Too. You will be overwhelmed by the talent of the artists who reside in our area!

"ALL FIRED UP"
Ongoing Exhibit

Shows for the 2011 season will feature groups of artists in a particular medium, which is a slight departure from the individually featured artists as the gallery has done in the past. In addition to the featured jewelry artists, other juried gallery artists are also encouraged to bring their work as well. Many paintings in various media will be on display along with fine art photography, stained glass art, and mosaic art.

Winter Fields by Keith Burgess

The twin galleries and the hallways at the Sautee Nacoochee Center will be filled with an array of art featuring and honoring arts and crafts indicative of our area and culture.

All gallery artwork is by juried artists who live within a 50-mile radius of the center.

Why not support this local talent and SNCA by doing your shopping at our twin galleries full of unique gifts?

The galleries offer a fine selection of framed fine art photography, matted prints of original art ready for framing and other wall art. Metal sculpture, wrought iron weathervanes, plant stands, whimsical yard art items and handmade baskets are also on display in the galleries.

___________________

Weekdays: 9 am to 5 pm

Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm

There is never an admission fee to enjoy the galleries!

*******************************************************************************************************

FOLK POTTERY MUSEUM of NORTHEAST GEORGIA
[Located inside the Sautee Nacoochee Community Center]

The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia showcases the handcraft skills of one of the South’s premier grassroots art forms, and explores the historical importance and changing role of folk pottery in southern life.

Northeast Georgia’s pottery tradition is nationally known. The Meaders family of White County was featured in Allen Eaton’s 1937 book, Handicrafts of the Southern Highlands, and was honored with a special event at the Library of Congress in 1978, when the Smithsonian Institution’s documentary film on the Meaders Pottery was released.

In the year 2000, northeast Georgia received a Library of Congress "Local Legacies" designation for its pottery heritage. The tradition also has been featured in magazines, books, videos, exhibits, and festivals such as the Southern Crossroads Marketplace at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Until now there’s been no institution devoted to Northeast Georgia folk pottery, not even in its home area. Dean and Kay Swanson, former owners of the Standard Telephone Company, have committed to erect this museum as their way of giving back to the people of the area. Collector and folk potter Michael Crocker helped them assemble the core collection on which this exhibition is based.

HOURS
Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, 1 – 5 pm
Check opening hours on major public holidays by calling (706) 878-3300 ext 307

ADMISSION
$5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for children

*******************************************************************************************************

SNCA and The Habersham Community Theater (HCT) located nearby in Clarkesville have created a special partnership to help spread the word about the Arts in Northeast Georgia.

From time to time we will feature each other's work for our members. So, here we go...

Visit their website for more information: www.habershamtheater.org

Tickets may be ordered online or by calling the theater line at 706-839-1315.

The Theater is located at:
# 1370 Washington Street in Clarkesville, Georgia

********************************************************************************

Winter Scene: THE OLD SAUTEE STORE

The OLD SAUTEE STORE
2315 GA. Hwy 17
Sautee, GA 30571

Located in the Nacoochee Valley Historic District at the intersection of the Nacoochee and Sautee Valleys of Northeast Georgia stands a historic and proud old general store...The Old Sautee Store. When it was built in 1872 it was a true general store. Local residents would come to the store to purchase food, seed, or farm supplies. It served as the local post office for Sautee-Nacoochee until 1913 and as the post office for Sautee until 1962. Through the Nacoochee Valley and directly in front of the store ran the old Unicoi Turnpike, a major thoroughfare from the navigatable end of the Tugaloo River to the Unicoi Mountains of East Tennessee.

DIRECTIONS from HELEN: Take Georgia Highway 17 SOUTH. Turn LEFT on GA Hwy 17. Store is located 1 1/2 mile on left, at the junction with Georgia Hwy 255 North, near the SAUTEE NACOOCHEE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION.

Located 15 to 20 minutes from our home, MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET.
Via Helen or via Skylake Road off Georgia Hwy 356.

Phone:

706-878-2281 OR 706-878-2282

Toll Free:

1-888-463-9853

HOURS: Monday - Saturday: 9:30 - 5:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 - 5:30 PM

SAUTEE JUNCTION STORES:
Sautee-Nacoochee, Georgia

http://www.discoverourtown.com/GA/Sautee-Nacoochee/Shopping-3502.html

*******************************************************************************************************

*******************************************************************************************************

UNICOI LAKE: GA Hwy 356
Scene Near Mountain Laurel Chalet.

UNICOI STATE PARK: ACTIVITIES and EVENTS

1788 Highway 356
Helen, GA 30545

(706) 878-2201
(800) 864-7275

Directions:
Located 2 miles northeast of Helen on Ga. Hwy. 356.

*******************

Unicoi State Park is situated less than 10 minutes from

Mountain Laurel Chalet

*****************

The entrance to Anna Ruby Falls is in the park.

Repeats every week every Saturday until Sat Nov 12 2011 .

Musicians perform each Saturday at 8PM inside the Lodge from Memorial Day Weekend - mid-November. These are among the best musicians in the area performing a variety of music from Appalachian Mountain, Bluegrass, and Southern Gospel music. The concerts are free, however, there is a pass-the-hat donation for the musicians. $5.00 Parking Fee.

For a schedule of musicians, contact the Lodge at Unicoi State Park at 1-800-573-9659 x 305.

*********************************************************************************************************

********************************************************************
*********************************************************************

SMITHGALL WOODS CONSERVATION AREA

Address/Directions:

706-878-3087.

Smithgall Woods

61 Tsalaki Trail
Helen , GA 30545

The main entrance for Smithgall Woods is off Georgia Highway Alternate 75, about 3 miles WEST of Helen.

[This is about 15 to 20 minutes from our home, MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET.]

North Georgia's premier trout stream, Dukes Creek, runs through this spectacular mountain property and is a favorite for catch-and-release fishing. Southern Living Magazine called it "the holiest of holies in Georgia trout-catching circles." Reservations for trout fishing are offered only on certain days, so visitors should call for a current schedule. Five miles of trails and 18 miles of roads allow hikers and bicyclists to explore hardwoods, streams and wildlife.

This quiet mountain retreat was acquired by the state in 1994 as a gift-purchase from Charles A. Smithgall, Jr., a noted conservationist and businessman.

*******************************************************************************************************

*******************************************************************************************************
*******************************************************************************************************

MARK OF THE POTTER: Open All Year.
Located near our Chalet in the BATESVILLE/CLARKESVILLE area.
[Also near HELEN, GA]

An interesting shop of contemporary quality crafts located in the converted Grampa Watt's Grist Mill on the picturesque Soque River. The mill was built in 1931 for grinding grain and corn into meal.

http://www.markofthepotter.com

Mark of the Potter was opened in the spring of 1969. For over 30 years the shop has offered quality, handcrafted, contemporary crafts. Our selection includes handmade crafts in wood, metal, and pottery along with handblown glass from over 25 artists.

The orginal mill has been restored and a deck has been added to give visitors an excellent view of the falls, and our HUGE native trout. So stop by, feed our famous trout, and take a look around!

MARK OF THE POTTER: Located on the scenic Banks of the SOQUE RIVER
9982 GA Highway 197 near Batesville and Helen, Georgia

About 15 minutes from MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET: Via GA 356 to GA 197

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of White County Georgia, near the Alpine village of Helen:

ANNA RUBYFALLS, DUKE’s CREEK FALLS, RAVEN CLIFF FALLS, and DESOTO FALLS

All four are convenient to MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET and are within a 30 minute drive

[or less] of each other.

******************************************************************************************************************************

Anna Ruby Falls:

Curtis Creek on the left. York Creek on the right.

1) ANNA RUBY FALLS
[Above Scene]:

Anna Ruby Falls is the most visited site in the Chattahoochee National Forest and is

Conveniently located right outside Helen, Georgia, and Unicoi State Park. The Falls consist

of dual waterfalls accessible by a paved 0.4 mile long trail[each way]. The hike to the falls

is moderate and offers benches for sitting along the way. At the parking area you will

find a fully equipped visitor’s center which offers a gift shop and interpretive displays.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Ruby_Falls

**ANNA RUBY FALLS is LOCATED near Unicoi State Park, and only 15 Minutes from our home,

MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET.

DIRECTIONS to Anna Ruby Falls: Take Georgia 75 north from Helen for 1 mile. Turn right on

Georgia 356 for 1.5 miles, then left at the sign to Anna Ruby Falls. The highway turnoff is located

inside the boundaries of UNICOI STATE PARK. Follow this road for 3.6 miles to the parking area.

*****************************************************************************************************************************

2) DUKES CREEK FALLS:

Next on your tour which is closest to Anna Ruby is Duke’s Creek Falls. At the parking lot you will find breathtaking views and a fully accessible restroom. The trail to the falls is about 0.8 miles one-way and is fully accessible to the first overlook. The trail then winds its way into Dukes Creek gorge where it dead-ends at the observation deck across from the 300' Dukes Creek Falls.

DIRECTIONS to DUKES CREEK FALLS: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left on GA 356 (Alt. 75) and go 2.3 miles to the Richard Russell Scenic Byway. Turn right and go 2 miles to the Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area. This is not a loop trail.

**********************************************************************************************************************************

3) RAVEN CLIFFS FALLS:

After Duke’s Creek Falls you will want to head to Raven Cliffs. Located in the Raven CliffsWilderness Area, the trail follows alongside Dodd Creek a good distance and then rambles through shady hemlock groves and dense laurel and rhododendron thickets. This area offers excellent opportunities for day hiking and/or primitive camping; however there are no facilities of any type provided in this area and visitors are encouraged to execute extreme caution in this undeveloped area.

******************************************************************************************************************************

4) DeSOTO FALLS:

Last but not least you wouldn’t want to miss DeSOTO FALLS. This area offers restrooms,camping, drinking water, hiking, and fishing all along beautiful Frogtown Creek. There are two waterfalls, the lower falls and upper falls. A relatively easy 0.25 mile trail leads to the lower falls and the upper falls is about 0.75 miles one way to the north.

DIRECTIONS to DeSoto Falls Trail: Take U. S. 129 north from Cleveland for 15 milesto the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area

********************************************************************************************************

BRASSTOWN BALD:
Georgia's Highest Mountain Peak

Located approximately 30 minutes from our home,
MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET

BRASSTOWN BALD VISITOR CENTER

Beautiful Brasstown Bald, rising 4,784 feet above sea level, is Georgia's highest
mountain. On clear days, the spectacular 360-degree view from atop the
mountain allows you to see four states, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina,
and South Carolina. The surrounding area is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

Brasstown Bald Visitor Center is open daily from Memorial Day through October and on
weekends in the early spring and late fall (depending on the weather). The road to the top
of Brasstown Bald is open year round, weather permitting.

The observation deck is accessible via a paved trail from the main parking area, when the
Visitor Center is closed, weather permitting. The road to the top of the mountain may be
closed during foggy, icy, or snowy conditions.

This image was captured by the NFS webcam on Brasstown Bald, December 21, 2009.

Two Views: LIVE STREAMING WEBCAMS.

Fog, Rain, or Snow may obscure the views.
Check out the weather before you go - CLICK BELOW:

Brasstown Bald South WebCam

Brasstown Bald North WebCam

A panoramic view of four states from Georgia's highest mountain.
Exhibits, which trace the natural and cultural history of the area
Video presentation shown regularly throughout the day in the mountaintop theatre
Access to four hiking trails ranging from 1/2 to 6 miles in length
Breathtaking displays of spring wildflowers and fall foliage
Picnic tables and snack food concessions at the parking area

How To Get There:
From Helen/Robertstown, Georgia take GA Hwy 17 NORTH.
Turn left (west) onto Georgia 180.
Go 9 miles to Georgia Spur 180 and turn right (north).
Go 3 miles to the Brasstown Bald parking lot.

MOUNTAIN CREEK and TRAY MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS AREA

located near our Chalet - road with APPALACHIAN TRAIL ACCESS:

[Forest Service Road 79 VIA Chimney Mountain Road - Access to the Appalachian Trail on Tray Mountain.

McCLURE CREEK: near our Chalet .

Directions:

McClure Creek is located in the Tray Mountain Wilderness Area of the Chattahoochee

National Forest, about 8/10 of one mile [.8 mile] from our home. It is easily accessible from

MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET by walking or by driving. Coming from the front of our chalet, as

you exit from our driveway, go to the left. At the fork in the road, go to the left. This is

**Forest Service Road 79 that goes to the Appalachian Trail on top of Tray Mountain,

elevation 4430 feet. The famous Appalachian Trail begins on Springer Mountain in

GEORGIA and ends on Mount Katahdin in the state of MAINE .

LEFT: Tray Mountain - and - RIGHT: Chimney Mountain

[As seen from the Ridge above our Chalet]

The TRAY MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS AREA of the Chattahoochee Forest ,

http://www.sherpaguides.com/georgia/mountains/blue_ridge/eastern/tray_mountain.html

and McCLURE CREEK are both less than one mile from our chalet.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The APPALACHIAN TRAIL on Tray Mountain, elevation 4430 feet,

 http://www.georgia-atclub.org/GA-ATMap-Profile.pdf , is less than 6 miles from the chalet.

GEORGIA APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB General Information:

http://www.georgia-atclub.org/

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

**NOTE About Forest Service Road 79 [Access from Chimney Mountain Road]:

Four wheel drive vehicles or trucks are recommended for driving beyond the

bridge over McClure Creek, after you drive the first 1/2 mile on Forest Service Road 79.

The road is rough and poorly maintained after the bridge. The road continues up through

the Tray Mountain Wilderness Area and crosses the APPALACHIAN TRAIL about

6.0 miles from our house on the crest of TRAY MOUNTAIN .

RENTAL SPECIALS and ACTIVITIES: Mountain Laurel Chalet in HELEN, Ga.