Every October like a siren call, the small cities and towns
of North Georgia beckon me to explore their beauty and bounty. It doesn’t take
much convincing for me to escape the traffic and congestion of metro Atlanta and
head north to see the changing leaves and breathe the refreshing air of Fall.
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| WinShape Conference Center |
In late September, I visited the rolling hills of Rome,
Georgia and the Chick-Fil-A WinShape Conference Center in the Appalachian
Piedmont. The conference center on the campus of Berry College is located on
the former dairy farm of the college. The dairy was constructed in the early
1900’s to teach farming skills to the isolated students of the region. Each barn was built to resemble the architecture
of the French countryside. Careful restoration converted the brick and tile
dairy barns into meeting places and hotel-type accommodations. I was raised in cow
country in Northern New York, but I wasn’t brought up in a barn nor did I ever spend
the night in one. But I finally got to do just that and what a delight it was.
The purpose for our visit was to attend a writer’s workshop
that focused on writing narrative non-fiction. Both Charles and I received
great instruction and ideas for enriching his life story, Chasing a Whirlwind. We came
home with enthusiasm ready to tackle the rest of his book. The beauty and
serenity of that place will stick with us for months to come.
On my next venture into the mountains I headed with my
friend, Libby, to the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and the quaint town of
Blue Ridge, Georgia. We ate a delicious lunch before checking out all the gift
and boutique shops lining Main Street. Stores
with their colorful fall—and Christmas—decorations were a reminder that the
holidays are just around the corner. We
visited a roadside produce stand and were amazed at the beautiful displays of
pumpkins, gourds, and flowers. I never
knew pumpkins came in so many shapes, colors, and varieties.
We couldn’t resist stopping at the Panorama Farm Market in
Ellijay before hitting the Interstate and heading home. A cold drink of
complimentary apple cider and a sample of a variety of fresh apples and deserts
was a perfect way to end our day at the “Apple Capital of Georgia.”
The Psalmist best expressed the spiritual refreshment that
comes from a visit to the mountains.
“I will lift up mine
eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the
LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV)
I hope
that each of you will experience a mountain moment during this beautiful season
of the year.
