Monday, October 12, 2009

Create New Thanksgiving Traditions in the North Georgia Mountains

Have your Thanksgiving holidays always been pretty normal? Want a new tradition for this Thanksgiving? Well, we have the place and the space you’ve been looking for!

Head to the North Georgia Mountains for a serene, scenic, and special Thanksgiving holiday. The Villas at the Coosawattee River Resort offers cabins and villas tucked away in the mountains in all of the most scenic locations of the resort. The accommodations have full kitchens, perfect for any kind of Thanksgiving feast you desire, and the area offers many eateries, activities, and must see locations. Think of how wonderful seeing everyone relaxed in the comfort of a mountain retreat, soaking in the beauty of nature will be this holiday season.

Take a long weekend in the mountains and bond with those surrounding you in a new way. Fill the days with strolls in the woods, a little fishing, some drives around the resort, and soaking in nature at its finest. Use some time to explore the resort’s Recreation Center filled with multiple activities such as indoor swimming, tennis, putt putt golf, arcade games, and more. Take a day to cut your own Christmas tree at one of the many Christmas tree farms in the North Georgia Mountains, such as Lowery’s Tree Farm, Whisenant Mountain Farm, and Jones Tree Farm. The event offers a delightful experience for one and all, and starts the holiday season off with a time to remember!

Another change in tradition is going beyond the bird. Spending Thanksgiving away from home doesn’t mean that you are obligated to eat at a hotel buffet. Use the accommodation’s full kitchen to take a break from traditional menus and spice up Thanksgiving with pot roast, Cornish hen or ham instead of turkey. Just like with the traditional Thanksgiving turkey these meats make great sandwiches for left-overs. And instead of traditional Thanksgiving dressing, serve up some wild, long, grain brown rice with light gravy. Rice goes well with the pot roast, Cornish hen or ham too.

Maybe forgoing all the fuss of cooking is more appealing for you this Thanksgiving. Well, several options are available. Have gourmet dining in your resort lodging by contacting Cabin Cuisine. Let Cabin Cuisine prepare an exquisite meal—which allows everyone to be free of cooking and cleaning and to enjoy the memorable time in the mountains. Another option is to pick-up your feast from one of the many restaurants in the Ellijay and East Ellijay areas, such as Charlie’s Italian Restaurant, Davis House Restaurant, Cantaberry Restaurant, Il Forno, or Corner Stone CafĂ©. Give the place a call well ahead of time to establish operating hours and menu items. And last, bring your feast with you and store in your accommodations refrigerator until the big day. What a treat just to reheat!

Whatever your choice for the Thanksgiving feast, one thing is for sure—a holiday in the mountains can’t be beat. The air smells fresher, the sky looks bluer, the trees are more beautiful, and the birds sing a little sweeter. The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort is the premier destination for resort lodging in the Blue Ridge Mountains, featuring cabins, villas, and jacuzzi villas. Find this Thanksgiving hideaway in Ellijay, Georgia just over 75 miles north of Atlanta. Make sure to think ahead as Thanksgiving is the busiest travel weekend of the year. The sooner you book your accommodations the better.

North Georgia Fall Foliage Leaf Peeping in Coosawattee River Resort

Fall foliage is not limited to New England. The North Georgia Mountains has an abundance of autumn brilliance with outbursts of tree colors everywhere. Ablaze with brilliant yellow, glowing orange, fiery red, and rich brown, the time for leaf peeping is now! Be a leaf peeper and take a leaf peeping road trip this fall season!

The fall is an ideal time for a vacation: (1) the summer vacationers are home (2) school is in session, and (3) the weather is still warm! The conditions are flawless for a vacation in the peace and quiet of autumn foliage season. If you prefer to be independent and set your own itinerary or stay in a particular area, then a fall foliage vacation rather than a tour would work best for you.

Enjoy the warm autumn days and ramble along roads carpeted in kaleidoscope patterns of fallen leaves. The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort offers over 300 miles of winding roads through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Perfect for cruising to see all of the autumn foliage, The Villas offers scenic drives with quaint, picturesque, and comfortable parks throughout the resort. The parks offer the ability to take walks next to picture perfect streams and rivers, as well as to stroll over a suspension bridge, stop for a picnic, or cast a line for a little fishing.

Book your accommodation early, as it’s a popular way of seeing the fall foliage in the North Georgia Mountains. Lodging and accommodations can be tough to find if you leave it too late. The Villas at the Coosawattee River Resort offers cabins, villas, and condos at the most scenic locations around the resort.

Once you have your accommodations secured, plan for your spectacularly stunning stay at the resort. Start your leaf peeping excursion at the Recreation Center near the Eagle Mountain Gate. Your first destination is Canoe Park which is directly on the river front and an absolutely beautiful view of the river. This quiet place is a perfect for reading a book, writing a poem, or just looking around and feeling the beauty of the fall surroundings. The Fife Bridge in the background creates a very charming photo spot to boot!

Next, drive down to River Park, which is located in the Beaver Lake section of the resort. The park offers a nice little turn around, where you can take in all the beauty of the location in the comfort of your auto or get out for an easy stroll to the water’s edge. The park offers a spectacular pictorial view of the mountains and Coosawattee River. The park is equipped with a pavilion and picnic tables, charcoal grills, fire-rings / pits, and a portable restroom.

Continue your cruise to East Park which is located in Beaver Forest. This park is unquestionably the spot to take a leisurely stroll along the mile loop from the base of the mountain to the river. Soak in the splendor of the towering trees, striking mountain-side, and pacifying river-- all nature at its best. East Park offers a serene spot with a picnic area, playground equipment, and horse-shoes. The park is equipped with running water, restrooms, charcoal grills, and fire-rings / pits.

Carry on your drive to Indian Fishtrap Park, which is so named because of the large V design made into the river by Native Americans for trapping fish. Take a saunter across the swinging suspension bridge and enjoy the sounds and sights of the autumn nature surrounding you. Indian Fishtrap Park has a children's play area, swings and a pavilion. The park is equipped with running water, restrooms, charcoal grills, and fire-rings / pits.

North Park is your next destination. This park is a small spot for quiet solitude, fishing and just enjoying nature. Brilliantly colored trees draping over the river with the soothing sounds of the water create the most peaceful and relaxing combination. A pavilion is available as well as charcoal grills and fire-rings / pits.

On your way out of the resort or back to your villa, stop at Fish Pond. This park is one of the most used and best liked. Come to the pond and fish all day or just sit beside the pond and enjoy the autumn scenery. A large flock of geese and ducks call the pond home and love being fed popcorn and bread crusts. The pond is stocked with a variety of small game fish and is ready for catch & release or taken home for a fish-fry. No fishing license required. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day. Picnic tables and a portable restroom are available.

The North Georgia Mountains is one of the premiere areas in the southeast for leaf peeping and scenic drives during the autumn season. Offering opportunities for visitors to enjoy fall foliage, spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains, and many other exciting destinations, leaf peeping in The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort will be a memorable activity for any and everyone!

http://www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com

The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort
634 Beaver Lake Drive #5147
Ellijay, GA 30540
PHONE: (706) 276-1075
FAX: (706) 276-1076
EMAIL: info@thevillasatcoosawattee.com

Friday, September 11, 2009

Georgia Apple Festival: Lodging Specials

Venture up to the North Georgia Mountains to enjoy the 38th year of the Georgia Apple Festival held during the 2nd and 3rd weekends of October. Admission is $5 with children under 10 years old free. Apples are the focus of the festival with apple fritters, fried pies, cider, and many other apple treats, but the festival is so much more.

Over 300 vendors with handmade, hand-crafted items such as candles, crafts, and woodworks are featured, as well as many on-site demonstrations illustrate how specialized crafts are made such as blacksmiths and glass blowing. The festival also includes a kids fun area with inflatables, ponies, and a rock climbing wall. Live entertainment is also featured with country music cloggers, as well as gospel to rock-and-roll. Don't miss the antique car show held at the Civic Center on October 10th and the Apple Festival Parade on October 17th (10am).

With so much to see & do at the festival, visitors should expect taking at least two days to take everything in. Folks enjoy renting a nearby cabin and make a weekend or week of it. Along with the Georgia Apple Festival, apple orchards sprawl the area, giving visitors the autumn thrill of picking their own apples and seeing how fresh cider is made. Visitors enjoy strolling the sidewalks of the Ellijay Square: shopping, dining, and wine tasting. Sharp Mountains Vineyards & Winery is another attraction with gorgeous views for leaf peeping while tasting hand-crafted wines. And the Coosawattee River Resort offers a perfect location to enjoy the fall weather amid the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort features lodging perfect for your fall festival getaway. During the Georgia Apple Festival, the resort is offering several cost saving specials:

Use The Villas at Coosawattee's Legion Road gate for quick access to The Georgia Apple Festival of Ellijay. Take advantage of the indoor Recreation Center facilities: Junior Olympic size swimming pool, exercise and workout room, game room, 18 hole miniature golf. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For more details, visit http://www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com or call (706) 276-1075

The Georgia Apple Festival is held on the Lions Club Fairgrounds. Operating hours are 9am to 6pm on Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sunday. Parking at the festival is free but a $2 donation to the local Boy Scouts who help guide the cars for parking is suggested. No pets are allowed in the fairgrounds. Parking at the fairgrounds is limited but offsite parking areas are available with a complimentary free shuttle service to and from the festival. The alternate parking areas include the Gilmer High and Middle Schools, Ellijay Elementary and Primary Schools, and Mountainview Elementary School. See you there!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Apple Festival Special: 15% Discount for 3 Night Weekend

APPLE FESTIVAL SPECIAL
15% discount for a 3 night weekend stay!

Check-in Friday Oct. 9th at 4:00pm with check- out on Monday Oct. 12th at 10:00am
OR
Check-in Friday
Oct. 16th at 4:00pm with check-out on Monday Oct. 19th at 10:00am

Use The Villas at Coosawattee's Legion Road gate for quick access to The Georgia Apple Festival of Ellijay

  • Save $63.00 or more (not including tax)-- 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 queen size beds, 2 twin beds, queen sleeper sofa, and hot tub. Sleeps up to 8. First 4 persons $357.00 plus 12% tax. Regular rate $140.00/night for up to 4 people. Each additional person up to 8 adds $8.50 per night (regular rate $10.00/night) plus tax. No clean fee.

  • Save $56.00 or more (not including tax)-- 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 queen size beds, 2 twin beds, queen sleeper sofa. Sleeps up to 8. First 4 persons $319.00 plus 12% tax. Regular rate $125/night for up to 4 people. Each additional person up to 8 adds $8.50 per night (regular rate $10.00/night) plus tax. No clean fee.

  • Save $50.00 or more (not including tax)-- 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 2 queen size beds, and queen sleeper sofa. Sleeps 6. First 4 persons $280.00 plus 12% tax. Regular rate $110/night for up to 4 people. Each additional person up to 6 adds $8.50 per night (regular rate $10.00/night) plus tax. No clean fee.

  • Save $43.00 or more (not including tax)-- 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 queen size bed and queen sleeper sofa. Sleeps 4. First 2 persons $242.00 plus 12% tax. Regular rate $95/night for up to 4 people. Each additional person up to 4 adds $8.50 per night (regular rate $10.00/night) plus tax. No clean fee.


Take advantage of the indoor Recreation Center facilities: Junior Olympic size swimming pool, exercise and workout room, game room, 18 hole miniature golf. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Apple Festival Special - Cancellation Policy: In the event you need to cancel your reservation, we must receive your cancellation notice in writing via e-mail (crravillas@crra.biz) or fax (706.276.1076). The cancellation fees are determined by the number of days remaining until your arrival date and are as follows:
  • 15 or more days 5% of total rental
  • 10 to 14 days 25% of total rental
  • 5 to 9 days 50% of total rental
  • 4 or less days 50% of total rental plus 25% per day of the remaining 50%
  • 0 days 100% of total rental

The Villas at Coosawattee
634 Beaver Lake Dr. # 5160

Ellijay, GA 30540

(706) 276-1075


This offer cannot be combined with any other offer(s).

Apple Festival Special: Stay 10 Nights, Pay for 7

APPLE FESTIVAL SPECIAL
Stay at The Villas for 10 nights but only pay for 7 nights!
Check-in Friday Oct. 9th at 4:00pm with check-out Monday Oct. 19th at 10:00am

Use The Villas at Coosawattee's Legion Road gate for quick access to The Georgia Apple Festival of Ellijay grounds.
  • SAVE $420.00 or more (not including tax)-- 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 queen size beds, 2 twin beds, queen sleeper sofa, and hot tub. Sleeps up to 8. First 4 persons $980.00 plus 12% tax. Each additional person adds $70.00 plus tax. Regular nightly rental for 10 nights for 4 persons is $1400.00


  • SAVE $375.00 or more (not including tax)-- 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 queen size beds, 2 twin beds, queen sleeper sofa. Sleeps up to 8. First 4 persons $875.00 plus 12% tax. Each additional person adds $70.00 plus tax. Regular nightly rental for 10 nights for 4 persons is $1250.00.


  • SAVE $330.00 or more (not including tax)-- 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 2 queen size beds, and queen sleeper sofa. Sleeps 6. First 4 persons $770.00 plus 12% tax. Each additional person adds $70.00 plus tax. Regular nightly rental for 10 nights for 4 persons is $1100.00


  • SAVE $285.00 or more (not including tax)-- 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 queen size bed and queen sleeper sofa. Sleeps 4. First 2 persons $665.00 plus 12% tax. Each additional person adds $70.00 plus tax. Regular nightly rental for 10 nights for 2 persons is $950.00. Rental includes one (1) complementary linen exchange Wednesday.



Take advantage of the indoor Recreation Center facilities: Junior Olympic size swimming pool, exercise and workout room, game room, 18 hole miniature golf. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Apple Festival Special - Cancellation Policy: In the event you need to cancel your reservation, we must receive your cancellation notice in writing via e-mail (crravillas@crra.biz) or fax (706.276.1076). The cancellation fees are determined by the number of days remaining until your arrival date and are as follows:
  • 15 or more days 5% of total rental
  • 10 to 14 days 25% of total rental
  • 5 to 9 days 50% of total rental
  • 4 or less days 50% of total rental plus 25% per day of the remaining 50%
  • 0 days 100% of total rental
The Villas at Coosawattee
634 Beaver Lake Dr. # 5160

Ellijay, GA 30540

(706) 276-1075


This offer cannot be combined with any other offer(s).

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Staycation in the North Georgia Mountains

Calling all you folks around the North Georgia area! Whether you live in Atlanta, Athens, Savannah, or from parts of the area within 150 miles, we have a great staycation waiting for you. But first, what exactly IS a staycation?

Well, a staycation is a vacation spent close to home and is just as relaxing & rejuvenating as a traditional vacation. Families spend quality time together, saving money & helping the local economy! Staycations avoid the hassle of travel, being held to an itinerary, and waiting in lines for planes, luggage, and automobiles. You won’t need a vacation after your vacation with your staycation! Hassle free time off of work with rest and relaxation are the key ingredients.

Creating the feel of a ‘real vacation’ is the essential piece of the staycation puzzle. The best staycations are created like a ‘real’ vacation by planning ahead of time, taking care of the household prior to the trip, and unplugging you & your family. sure to schedule start and end dates just like a ‘real’ vacation. Also further plan the staycation with activities and fun events. Take staycation photos and videos just like you would a ‘real’ vacation. And most importantly, make sure to unplug! Unplug from chores, phones, computers, and work.

So, about this staycation in the North Georgia area…right here are the details you need. First off, The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort is offering a “Staycation 3 Night Special" where you are invited to stay 3 nights for the price of 2 when staycationing Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday OR Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday during the months of August and September 2009. When calling to make your reservation use the code words "3 for 2 Staycation Special" to receive the extra night at no additional cost.

The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort is perfect place to take a staycation. The resort offers a vast array of activities included in the price of the rental. The Recreation Center boasts an Olympic sized heated indoor pool, tennis courts, putt putt golf, arcade games, and a work-out gym with updated equipment. The Teen Center and Pool II are two outdoor pools, and the resort features six gorgeous parks where visitors can engage in activities ranging from fishing, camping, picnicking and grilling, horseshoes, and so much more. At the Eagle Mountain General Store, kayaking and tubing are huge attractions. The location also serves up breakfast and lunch and has many seasonal events on its porch. Check The Villas at Coosawattee’s website for more information.

While staying at The Villas at Coosawattee, the surrounding area has so many exciting and different attractions. But before we get to that, maybe the villa is so perfect you don’t want to leave. Well, call in Chef Douglas from Cabin Cuisine to whip you up a delectable brunch, gourmet meal, or dinner. Or perhaps a massage is in store. Contact Mountain Retreat Massage for a cabin call. Lorraine Baumann, L.M.T specializes in various types of massage (light to deep, medical), hot stones, and hot wax paraffin hand & foot therapy.

In regard to the surrounding attractions, several locations can give you a piece of the great outdoors with a dose of the wild. The Kangaroo Conservation Center exhibits hundreds of kangaroos of 9 species, and the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve has over 100 animals onsite with many different species. Amicalola Falls features 729 foot falls, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. An 8.5 mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,135-mile Appalachian Trail with numerous other trails for shorter journeys.

For more of indoor type fun, take a trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad through the beautiful Toccoa River area in a vintage climate controlled or open air railcar. Check out the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, which has free admission and loads of cars on display. The Misty Mountain Train Museum is another place to immerse yourself, which features America's largest O-gauge train display: 3,400 sq. ft. layout with 14 O-gauge trains traveling on a mile of track over 12 bridges and 4 trestles and through 15 tunnels.

For the adventuresome staycationer, pan for some gold at the Crisson Gold Mine which actually was a pit gold mine that was established in 1847 and worked commercially until the early 1980s. Maybe wine tasting is your adventure. You could spend an entire staycation in wine-tasting at Sharp Mountain Wineries, Corks and Crumbs, Chateau Elan, Three Sisters, Wolf Mountain, Frogtown Cellars, and Crane Creek—to name a few.

Saving money and staying close to home don’t mean not having fun. Discover what the North Georgia Mountains has to offer while taking a staycation. You and your entourage will discover a whole world of adventure and excitement right in your own backyard.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

The Women's Vacation Getaway

Women Traveling Solo? Women Traveling Together? Want a Girls Weekend Out? We have the destination for you! Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains and stay at The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort. You will be nestled in the peaceful, tranquil, and relaxing resort with a heated pool and fitness center at your finger tips. Bask in the sun or stretch out your muscles while enjoying the fresh air and nature’s sights in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And only a short drive out of the resort, you will find places to pamper yourself, shop, dine, and engage in wine tasting.

Accommodations

The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort is a gated vacation retreat, perfect for you women traveling solo or in groups. Select villas feature hot tubs, perfect for chatting into the evening with your friends. Accommodations are friendly, quaint, and comfortable—and prices are reasonable. Cabins start at $95.00, and villas, A-Frames, and condos are also available. The rentals are distributed throughout the resort in the most beautiful locations—along the river, at the highest points, and nestled in the woods.

Resort Amenities

Included in your stay is the use of the varied and expansive resort amenities—heated pool, sunning decks, fitness center, outdoor pools, and tennis. Of course, all of the attributes of nature are yours to enjoy as well, whether hiking, strolling, picture taking, star gazing, or meditating by the river or pond. The Villas at Coosawattee allows you to unwind, disconnect, and relax—or wind up, reconnect, and energize-- whichever the retreat has in store, The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort has the accommodations and amenities!

Pamper Yourself

While enjoying your stay at The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort, venture out of the gates to the city of East Ellijay for spa treatments. Spa Glisson is the hottest day spa in North Georgia. The comfortable, relaxed, and professional atmosphere welcomes the first time spa-goer as well as those who are avid spa enthusiasts. The spa offers body treatments such as massage, wraps, and scrubs, facials & facial massages, ear candling, hydrotherapy, and more.

Spectra Hair Creations in Ellijay offers precision hair design, spa pedicures, and spa manicures in a relaxing and rustic salon. The stylists specialize in cuts, color, and hair extensions. Whether you want to add a little color, change your hairstyle, or get that special style for a night out on the town, the personable staff creates a look that fits what you want and fits you. Or maybe you want to spruce up your nails or have your toes sparkle for those summer sandals—relax and let the professionals at Spectra take care of you.

Shopping

Outside of The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort is, the Ellijay Square Shops, which hosts a potpourri of shops to wander through. The shops art, candles, antiques, gifts, collectibles, and more. For a refreshing break from your shopping excursion, have a seat in the square and enjoy the sights & sounds of the water fountain or treat yourself to some homemade fudge.

Further up the road is the historic Blue Ridge and McCaysville where a shopping trip for Appalachian arts and crafts, pottery, quilts, antiques, mountain home furnishings, apples, smoked trout, and even hand-made alpaca sweaters and shawls, is in store! Antique shoppers can spend unlimited time snooping through a growing number of shops and antique malls from Blue Ridge to McCaysville and back. Blue Ridge's Main Street is dotted with unique specialty shops, galleries and eateries from one end to the other.

And if outlet shopping is more your style, checking out the North Georgia Premium Outlets is a must. The shopper can find impressive savings at Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Gap Outlet, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Williams-Sonoma and more.

Wine Tasting

Maybe wine-tasting is in your sights? Corks and Crumbs in the Ellijay Square offers a wonderful introduction to North Georgia’s wine country. This quaint little bakery and bistro with a wine tasting room is located in the middle of the Ellijay square, perfect for a walk around the fountain and peeking into all the shops. But don’t do all your shopping in the square as Corks and Crumbs is also an antique shop! The bakery and bistro offers a full menu of salads, sandwiches, soups, and brunch. Enjoy a delicious glass of award winning Frogtown Cellars Wine with your meal-- the wait staff at the Tasting Bar is happy to make a recommendation. Or have a seat at the Tasting Bar and chose from a wide array of Frogtown Cellars Wines..

A little further away is the Sharp Mountain Vineyards, which is perfect for a day's outing. Pack a picnic, enjoy a beautiful mountain drive, and take a tour & tasting for just $5. Savor your picnic at our Pavilion while drinking in the beautiful view – rows and rows of espaliered vines against a backdrop of blue-green rolling hills and a commanding view of herself. Sharp Mountain Vineyards was established with a single focus: to produce the best quality wines possible. Unlike growth-oriented and machine-dominated vineyards, Sharp Mountain Vineyards produces approximately 8 tons annually with winery capacity of 7,000 bottles per year. All of the wines produced at are unfiltered and very low in sulfites, and the dry wines have zero residual sugar.

So, when you are looking for a women’s get-away, whether solo or as a group, North Georgia has you covered with accommodations featuring an array of amenities, places for pampering head to toe, a vast array of shopping spots, and delectable wine tasting too. Directions to The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort are as follows: off of 515 turn onto Old State Route 5. Take a right towards Historic Downtown Ellijay for approximately 4 miles. Take a left onto GA Hwy 382 / Green’s Country Store. Up the hill (.6 miles) take a right into the main entrance of The Coosawattee River Resort. For more information about The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort, please visit http://www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com or call 706-276-1075.