If you haven’t met Sarah Smith, or been to her store, Hartford House Furniture (on Hwy. 365 in Alto), you owe it to yourself to stop in.

First of all, the store is an absolute wonder … filled with Sarah’s beautiful handcrafted furniture, surrounded by the perfect accessories to compliment every piece.  The wood is hand sanded, hand stained, and then hand rubbed for that perfect “Hartford House Finish.”

There’s a Christmas Shop all year round … local art, upholstered furniture, dinnerware, amazing lamps, rugs, and bedding.  If you haven’t been to the showroom lately, plan to stay a while … time drifts away …

Oh, I almost forgot the best part …

Sarah’s having a Labor Day Weekend Sale, September 3-6th – 50% off all in stock regularly priced furniture and accessories.

If you visit the website, HartfordHouseFurniture.com, you’ll find a link to another 5% off for a total savings of 55%!!!  You’ve got to look for it though (hint, look on the Specials page).

Furniture pieces throughout the store with green or yellow tags are closeouts and are discounted up to 70% off!

The holidays are right around the corner, so think gift giving … isn’t it time to give your house some new furniture to brighten the season?

Hartford House Furniture is right on Highway 365, at the 40 mile marker (in Anderson Village Shopping Center, at the opposite end from Mickey Piggs and the former Smithville Village). They’re open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 to 5:30 and Sunday: 1:00  – 5:00. Visit HartfordHouseFurniture.com.

Dream Givers Gallery will be open this weekend … so stop by and meet Dianne.

Dream Givers Gallery, 36 Doyle Street, Toccoa.  706-282-1915  website.

Lots going on this weekend … check out the InNorthGeorgia NEWS for a listing.

Have a safe and delightful Labor Day Weekend … and Happy Birthday to nieces Amber and Tiffany!

We had a delightful treat this morning …

Sautee Trail Cafe for breakfast …

Chris’s pancakes … golden brown with delicate lacey edges … pretty as a picture and good as grandma used to make.

… filled with fresh strawberries or blueberries … I had both, and every fruit filled bite was heavenly.  It just doesn’t get much better than that.  Hot coffee, too.

Speaking of Memorable Breakfasts …

Gee, the only breakfast I can remember that comes close (it might be a tie!), is the special french toast with fresh blueberries you can only get at Alpine Hilltop Haus in Helen (see image below).

Alpine Hilltop Haus is the longest operating B&B in Helen … and it’s our favorite. Frankie and Barbara make sure their guests feel right at home … and it really does feel like home.  Or maybe a quaint German country inn, with hand painted murals, a view of the river, and down comforters and pillows on the comfy beds.

They’ve just *lowered* their rates in time for the fall season (yes, lowered), and extended stay rates are available, too … just in case you want to stay a week or two.

If you’re in Sautee you might see Frankie and Barbara at Sweetwater Coffee House, or riding their bikes to and from Helen.  Give a wave when you pass.

It’s almost time for Oktoberfest in Helen, and the magnificent fall colors you can only find here in the mountains.

… click to visit Alpine Hilltop Haus and tour the rooms and grounds. Several of the rooms have fireplaces, and there’s a full suite available, too.  If you’re looking for a memorable Bed & Breakfast experience, this is the perfect place to stay.

You can call 706-878-2388, or email with questions about availability.  Tell ‘em Cindy and Tom sent you … we promise you won’t be disappointed.

Join in the fun … Paul currently holds the record!

To celebrate its first birthday, the Tavern & Pizzeria will host the Compobasso Challenge on August 29th at 12 noon, an invitational event open to the first 20 intrepid souls to sign up. There is no entry fee and each contestant gets a sandwich, a pitcher of beer or soda and a shot at $100 in prize money, plus the shirt.

Compobasso (end all of all sandwiches): Prosciutto, Genoa salami, cappicola, turkey breast, roast beef, provolone cheese, roasted peppers, red onion, tomato, fresh basil, whole grain mustard, olive oil and balsamic vinegar on house bread.

Visit VillageTavernPizza.com for details.

News from Sautee Trail Cafe

We ran into Jinger and Bobby (North 40 Lodge) this morning at the Sautee Trail Cafe. They’re officially back from Florida and expanding the Lodge. We’ll have images of the new room on their website, North40Lodge.com soon. Welcome back Jinger and Bobby!

Frank, the new owner of Sautee Trail reports that there’s a lot happening at the Cafe … we noticed new the plates.  :0)  Breakfast was delicious, as usual … even though Janie had her hands full while Beth’s busy attending to last minute wedding details.

Beth (Elizabeth Collis) and Michael Sutton (son of Bear and Susan) are getting married today at D’Normandy House and Tom’s shooting the wedding.

Congratulations Beth and Michael!

Watch for a new InNorthGeorgia NEWS coming out today … if you’re not on our mailing list, visit InNorthGeorgia.com and sign up on the Leaf-O-Meter page.  Links to previous issues of the NEWS are also available on the main page.

But it is what it is … seasons pass, life goes on. Today’s disappointments evolve into tomorrow’s joys.

In the meantime, I’ll get off my pity pot and welcome another beautiful fall season in these mountains … and be grateful when I see the red leaves. Grateful for all the wonders this planet holds …

On another note, our sister blog and2ravens.com has some good info on natural dog and cat foods … along with a couple coupons from Only Natural Pet Store.

Frank has *lots* of ideas for updating the Cafe … he’s planning outdoor seating, some new additions to the menu, and a new and improved driveway!  A few other things we’ll save for a later blog, so check back,  I’ll keep you posted as they happen.

Don’t worry, he’s not going to make any of our favorite dishes disappear … they’ll still have the best pancakes in the county, Todd’s Taters (pictured above), and the famous Ole’ Fashioned Burger (good as homemade, and still only $5.50 with fries!). Already, waffles have been added to the breakfast menu for $3.25 … Coke products and Lemonade, too.

Welcome to the neighborhood Frank and Shelly!  We’re glad you’re here.

We stopped by today and met Wayne and Cindy Allen … nice folks, and were delighted to find Susan there, too (formerly of the BP in Clarkesville).

Besides E-Z Kwik Trip gas (at a competitive price), you can pick up snacks, groceries, oil and other auto necessities, cold drinks, a little fresh local produce, and lottery tickets!

In about a month, the restaurant will open … serving breakfast and lunch.

These are local folks, investing in the neighborhood … another reason we believe our economy IS recovering and brighter days lie ahead.  Stop by and say “hey” … we’re *so* happy you’re here!

More News …

Judie Harman (Cottage Garden Furniture) is home and recovering from a cardiac procedure.  She’s supposed to be resting, so if you see her out and about, give her a good scolding.

We’re glad you’re feeling better Judie!!!

The youth circus Friday night was as spell binding and awesome as ever … the rain and dark clouds threatened the parade, but were chased off by the caliope music and elephants!

If you love Circus, and want to be a part of the fun, I’d like to invite you to join Circus Fans Association of America. It’s a great group of people, whose goal is to “support the circus in all its many fabulous forms … under a big top, in an arena, in a stadium, or anywhere “children of all ages” gather for one of America’s greatest cultural institutions.”

Visit circusfans.org for details on how to join … you, too can run away and join the Circus!

News on Scenic 197

I got an email from Jinger Blackburn today with some great news … here’s what she had to say:  “Big changes are happening at the North 40 Lodge! The quaint little lodge nestled in the mountains by Lake Burton is expanding! Jinger and Bobby are celebrating their 5th year at the Lodge by adding more cozy retreats for guests.

Open by Labor Day will be The Holly Bear room, complete with fireplace, king bed (that Jinger’s father helped to build) and the usual amenities. Plan to spend some restful time in the mountains with us, where we forget to count the days!”

Visit North40Lodge.com for rates and images of the rooms.

Flower Sale
at Cottage Garden Furniture

Judie Harman emailed me today with more news (her shop is right across the road from North 40 Lodge).

Final markdown on flowers, everything is at least 50% off.

There are some really nice large planters for only $20, too.  Judie says she’ll be ordering more miniature garden furniture and arbors … she’s made some pretty little painted boxes, painted some more windows (she has one I absolutely *love*… of bright red geraniums), and the lighted orchid branches and lighted Japanese lanterns are on their way.

Visit cottagegardenfurniture.com for more about Judie and her shop.

Head for the lake and beat the heat … there are shops and eateries along Georgia’s Scenic 197 worth checking out … wade in Wildcat Creek, or better yet, go jump in the lake!!

If you’re heading up to Lake Burton this weekend to cool off, be sure to stop in Batesville along the way … the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market has new, extended hours! The market will be open from 8 am to 11 am every Saturday morning through the season.

Judie Harman (from Cottage Garden Furniture) told me today that she’ll be showing miniature gardens with hand painted boxes … and lots of arbors, gazebos and pots to make a wonderful whimsical garden for the fairies.

Cottage Garden Furniture (just a little past Batesville on your way to the Lake) now has fresh flowers delivered every Thursday.  Stop and pick up a bunch for the table on your way home … just in time for the weekend.

The Market also has fresh, yummy local vegetables, fruit, eggs, homemade baked goods, bread, plants and herbs … handmade crafts and hand sewn items, too.

After Judie’s, stop across the road and see what Marlene has new at Burton Gallery. Since you’re in the neighborhood, you don’t want to miss the newest art in the gallery.  My personal favorite is Debra Nadelhofer’s, Lily Pond.  What a talent!  Here’s a sneak peak.

Isn’t it beautiful?  Georgia’s Scenic Highway 197 has lots of other shops and stops … visit scenic197.com for a list of businesses.

Enjoy your weekend!

Circus in Peru

Circus in Peru, Indiana next weekend … visit CircusHallofFame.com and PeruCircus.com for more information.

Youth Circus, BIG Parade, and lots of CIRCUS!!!

Toooo hot to think about much this past week or except cool lake breezes … and how wonderful central air would be.