Only A Few Weeks Remain For Southern Living Idea House

Where Holiday Ideas Come to Life

Due to the tremendous success of the 2009 Southern Living® Idea House, Achasta is pleased to announce that the house will continue to welcome visitors through December 20th.

Donning a new look of splendor by nationally-acclaimed florist Charles Carithers of Atlanta, Ga. and the delightfully unique design of Southern Living® Idea House Interior Designer, Mallory Mathison, the Idea House provides yet another reason to visit during this favorite time of year. The extended home tour dates will add an extra spark to the Dahlonega Old-Fashioned Christmas festival. The month-long celebration kicks off November 27, 2009, with the Lighting of the Square. Festive holiday events continue almost daily throughout December until after the New Year with caroling, wine tasting, entertainment and live theatre Christmas events.

COOKBOOK OFFER: Due to the overwhelming demand, we can no longer accept additional reservations for the complimentary cookbook offer.

HOURS: Enjoy extended hours for the holidays, October 24 – December 20. Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5 per person (a portion of each $5 admission goes to support the local Holly Theatre and the arts in Dahlonega)

DIRECTIONS: Please click here for directions to Achasta

For a look at the Southern Living® Idea House decorated for the holidays, please click here.

The show home’s wooded, mountain-top setting is so inviting that the added holiday decorations are merely the icing on the cake. And with fall foliage ablaze and the Dahlonega festival season in full swing, an hour’s drive from Atlanta never revealed so much excitement for the holiday season. “I love how Hemlock Springs (Southern Living® Idea House) is sited to take advantage of the gorgeous North Georgia mountains,” said Eleanor Griffin, editor in chief of Southern Living®. “What a wonderful vista to watch the southern seasons change.” (view photos)

"The meticulous detail is evident from the exterior of the residence, with its large, gracious overhangs that are complex to build. When you approach the home, its rustic facade creates an inviting feeling through the use of hefty exposed rafter tails and natural finishes that suit the Achasta community perfectly. Then, you walk inside and you discover a charming and inviting space that is truly livable." The floor plan of the Southern Living® Idea House was crafted to integrate outdoor spaces that are truly useful. The focal point of the home, according to Conway, is the "tower porch" with sweeping panoramic views that make it a destination in itself. For entertaining, however, the kitchen and grilling deck might be the most discussed elements. "The grilling deck off the kitchen has remote-controlled, sliding pocket doors," Conway explained. "The kitchen wall opens and slides into a pocket, allowing the homeowner to stand in their kitchen with no barrier between them, the grill deck and the woods. That's a spectacular feature." (view virtual tour)

Other features include an activity room on the upper level of the home that opens up to a terrace porch and overlooks the two-story family room. The home also boasts 1,500 square feet of covered porches and 900 feet of storage space on the lower level of the home. "The first showcase home we built at Achasta demonstrated the possibilities. We have had so many people walk through the Points North Signature Home, and simply fall in love with every aspect of the structure. It was a great first step for Linger Longer Homes and the Achasta community," Conway said. "We have challenged ourselves to raise the bar even higher with the Southern Living® Idea House."

Welcome to Achasta, a residential golf community located in historic Dahlonega, Ga. Brought to you by Reynolds Signature Communities, the creator of Reynolds Plantation and Reynolds Landing—award-winning communities on Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Ga. Achasta brings the majesty of the North Georgia mountains home, with beautiful natural scenery, miles of walking trails, and amenities that embrace upscale living with a rustic, natural charm.

"Achasta" is derived from the Tsalagi (Cherokee) word for light. Exemplifying Reynolds Signature Communities' commitment to preserving the heritage of the land and the people who once inhabited it, Achasta is a tribute to the Cherokee people and the Chestatee River. Known as the "River of Running Lights," the Chestatee flows through the community, illustrating the light of new beginnings while leaving a legacy of its own throughout the beautiful mountain topography.

Near the start of the legendary Appalachian Trail, Achasta offers families a breathtaking setting offset with the rich traditions of historic Dahlonega. As the site of the first-ever American Gold Rush, Dahlonega is full of outdoor activities for all ages. Members can play 18 holes on the 6,995-yard, par-72 Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, go kayaking, tubing or fishing along the Chestatee River or stroll along historic Dahlonega's charming streets—host to the many and varied festivals that are part of Dahlonega's legacy.

Be certain to spend time in Dahlonega to see what all this charming mountain town has to pffer. Review our previous Blog Posts to learn about many of those local attractions.

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Anna Ruby Falls & Unicoi State Park

Anna Ruby Falls & Unicoi State Park

Just north of the Alpine village of Helen, Anna Ruby Falls is adjacent to Unicoi State Park. Part of the 1600 acre Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area, the waterfalls are named for the daughter of John H. Nichols, a wealthy White County resident who owned much of the land in the vicinity.

Besides the falls, Nichols had purchased significant amounts of land around the Chattahoochee, Duke's Creek and Sautee River. The gazebo that sits on top of the Indian Mound at the junction of Highway 75 and 17 at the start of the Nacoochee-Sautee Valley was one of many area structures he designed and built.

Although the stories of the discovery of Anna Ruby Falls vary, one frequently circulated myth is that Nichols found them while riding shortly after the death of his wife and child. The falls were known as early as 1819 and are noted on survey maps of the era, long before Nichols owned the land.

Following Capt. Nichols death in 1898 the area was intensely forested. The bare earth was purchased by the United States government in the 1920's under the direction of Arthur Woody and consolidated with portions of the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee to form the Georgia National Forest. In 1937 the name was changed to the Chattahoochee National Forest.

High atop Tray Mountain the water that becomes Anna Ruby Falls begins its journey, part as underground spring, part as runoff. The peak, on the eastern Front Range of the Appalachian Mountains (the Blue Ridge Mountains), is a popular destination for area hikers.

Mountain laurel and rhododendron constantly battle for control of the sun. White pine and poplar dominate, telling the story of the over-foresting that took place here less than a century before.



Once inside Unicoi State Park a well-marked paved road takes hikers to the trailhead. Anna Ruby Falls is a continuous, easy to moderate paved climb with bridged crossings of Smith Creek. Towards the end, there are well-placed observation decks which afford an excellent view of both waterfalls

The path to the falls is paved, and benches line Smith Creek, which the path follows. It is a steady climb to the falls and storms have dramatically altered the walk over the last 15 years. In the early 1980's it was heavily shaded, with large trees blocking the sun. Today, because of many storms, trees have been removed and light breaks through to the ground in many places.

The rare double waterfall are formed by Curtis and York Creek from Tray Mountain which is behind Anna Ruby Falls. Fed by underground springs and runoff, the falls are a frequent stop for visitors to Helen, just a few miles south. Curtis and York were settlers who owned the land above the falls. Smith Creek, which is formed below Anna Ruby falls was named by a surveyor for an early settler who owned land further south.


Helen is accessible from the falls by foot, however, it is a long walk. Combine the Smith Creek Trail with the Unicoi/Helen Trail to make this trek.

The area here is federally managed and a modest fee is charged for parking. In addition to the falls trail, Lion's Eye is a shorter, easier interpretive nature trail that is designed for people who are physically or visually impaired. Aside from the hiking and picnicking, a visitor center and craft shop are available

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Information by Georgia Trails - Photos by J Chandler

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