Inexpensive Snowbird Leases in North Georgia

Come South for the Winter
Lease January 1st through April 30th, 2012
Special Low Monthly Rates

River Park A-frame: Fully furnished 3 bedrooms, 2 queen size beds, 2 twin beds, and 2 baths. Great-room combines kitchen, living and dining areas. Includes basic cable, water, local phone service, washer/dryer, dishes, silverware, pots and pans. You pay the electricity. No linen, cleaning, or trash service included. 2 available. $850.00/month.


River Park Villa: Fully furnished 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 2 queen size beds. Great-room for living, dining, and kitchen areas. Includes basic cable, water, local phone service washer/dryer, dishes, silverware, pots and pans. You pay the electricity. No linen, cleaning, or trash service included. 1 available. $725.00/month


Cabin: Fully furnished 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 queen size bed. Great-room combines living, dining, and kitchen areas; local phone service, basic cable washer/dryer, dishes, silverware, pots and pans. You pay the electricity. No linen, cleaning, or trash service included. 2 available.
$675.00/month
Units are available for occupancy from January 1st to April 30th, 2012. * Leases are month to month. Security deposit of $400.00 and one (1) time cleaning fee ($100.00) required. Standard in-season nightly and weekly rental rates are in effect immediately before and after these 4 months.

*Sales and lodging tax of 12% added monthly if lease is for less than for 3 months.

For more information, call Susan at (706) 276-1060 ext. 219 or Bill at ext. 218

The Villas at Coosawattee
634 Beaver Lake Dr. # 5160
Ellijay, GA 30540

Summer Travel with Pets in the North Georgia Mountains

This summer, you want to get from here-to-there as safely and comfortably as you can with your pet. The proposition is not easy but we can assist with making the journey relaxing and rewarding. The decision to take your pet along or leave him behind is an important one for both you and your companion. Devote extra time to prepare for the journey by having plenty of supplies to keep your pet comfortable in addition to familiarizing yourself with any pet-related restrictions or requirements imposed by airlines, destination countries or states, accommodations, and more. Reading the following tips for traveling with a pet will help make your journey safe and enjoyable for both you and your companion.

Before leaving, check to make sure your accommodation accepts pets and find out of restrictions and fees. For example, The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort, located in the North Georgia Mountains, offers dog friendly units at a charge $15 per pet per night for guests traveling with adult dogs over 12 months old and under 25 lbs. No more than two (2) well-behaved dogs per unit are permitted. The facility is clear-cut on its restrictions and fees, which is valuable communication when traveling with your pet.

Also find Emergency Veterinary Clinics in the area to which you're headed. Again, for example, if staying at The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort, the Ellijay Animal Hospital is located in Ellijay, Georgia and offers after-hours emergency care. Your pets mean a lot to you, and you mean the world to your pets. Ellijay Animal Hospital treasures the bond between people and their pets. The hospital staff realizes that these special creatures are members of your family -- more than just a pet. Understanding you feel this way about your pets, their goal is to exceed your expectations in every way. If traveling to the North Georgia Mountains, you can be rest-assured that in the event you need pet care, you have quality services nearby.

If the pet travels with you, it will retain a sense of identity. However, pets can become frightened and bolt away from you out of open doors and windows. Keep your pet on a leash when outside your car or accommodations. The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort also has other helpful recommendations: In consideration of all guests, dogs must be attended at all times. Pets should never be left alone in a unit or automobile. Due to safety concerns for employees and the pet, do not leave your pet unattended in your vacation accommodation. Be considerate of other guests by making sure your pet is not a nuisance and have your pet on a leash or properly carried outside. Last, when you are out walking your pet on vacation, be considerate and clean up after your pet

Occasionally traveling can upset your pet's stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water. Keeping feeding to a minimum during travel is recommended:

• If you are traveling by car, a light meal for your pet two to three hours before you leave is advised.
• If you are traveling by air, a light meal four to six hours before departure is recommended.
• Allow small amounts of water periodically in the hours before the trip.

Whether your pet travels with you or by another means it should wear a special identification tag in addition to its regular one. Write the pet's name, your name, the person to contact at the destination, their phone number, a destination address, or that of a friend or relative, in case you want to be reached.

Rabies vaccinations are a must for all travel abroad. Many airlines also require vaccinations. Check with your vet for the complete range of vaccinations required, and of course, check with the airline and country to which you're heading.

If traveling by air, check the airline's requirements to see if your pet can travel in a carrier that can be kept under a seat in the cabin or must travel by air freight. In regard to timing:

• Get the pet to the air terminal in time by arriving 45 minutes in advance if the pet is accompanying you.
• If shipping the pet, get to the flight terminal two hours in advance of your flight.

So, after all of these tips, where shall you go this summer? The North Georgia Mountains would be fantastic! You could rent a cabin or villa at The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort. Your pooch would love to go walking in the woods, splashing in the Coosawattee River, or even chase a squirrel. The facility even features a fenced in dog park where your pooch can run leash free in safety. Even though summertime has arrived, some nights get cool—what could be more enchanting and heart warming than man’s best friend snuggling at your feet?

The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort
website http://www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com
email info@thevillasatcoosawattee.com, or
call (706) 276-1075

Splashing into Tubing and Kayaking Season

Spring time is here, and summer is just around the corner. Now that the warm weather is upon us, why don’t you take a trip to the North Georgia Mountains for some tubing or kayaking!

The Coosawattee River Tubing Company in Ellijay is just an hour north of Atlanta, GA and just an hour south of Chattanooga, Tennessee. A fun-filled 2-1/2 hour inner tube float down the Coosawattee River in the North Georgia Mountains is all yours. Floating down the river is a great way to reduce stress and enjoy the peace and serenity of the North Georgia Mountains!

If you are coming from out-of-town or plan to spend more than a day, The Coosawattee River Resort features The Villas at Coosawattee with cozy and complete accommodations. The Villas at Coosawattee are the complete get-away with affordable prices, comfortable accommodations, and plenty to do for every member of your entourage. One bedroom cabins start at $105, two bedroom cabins start at $155, three bedrooms A-frames start at $190, and three bedroom villas start at $210. Accommodations may include hot tubs, peaceful river views, large decks, spectacular mountain views, and fireplaces. Throughout the property, abundant amenities are easily accessible, ranging from indoor and outdoor swimming pools, camp sites, river parks, exercise & weight room, game rooms, miniature golf, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

Tubing down the Coosawattee River is a lot of fun, and The Coosawattee River Tubing Company furnishes the tube, life vest, and shuttle service to and from the river for an admission price. Changing rooms are available, as well as tubing/meal packages and group rates. Although reservations are not mandatory, trips book fast so availability inquiry and reservation(s) are advised. . Please note that children must be at least 5 years of age. A waiver must be signed and submitted prior to the tubing excursion. To save time, please read the rules and regulations and then print & sign the waiver prior to coming on the tubing trip

In free-floating tubing, the tube riders are un-tethered and conveyed by the current of the Coosawattee River. Tubers paddle with their hands to steer, or groups of tubers can rope their tubes together creating a large floating group. Tubes used for free-floating were true inner tubes, but the customized tubes used at The Coosawattee River Tubing Company offer comfort and ease of use. These tubes are donut-shaped to allow the rider to sit comfortably on their back across the top of the tube while sitting into the center.

The Coosawattee River Tubing Company also offers kayak trips by reservation. Each trip lasts 1-1/2 hours and is $25.00 per trip which includes equipment and shuttle to and from the river.

The tubing and kayaking season opens May 1st and runs through October. The Coosawattee River Tubing Company schedule is as follows:

• May 1st to Memorial Day: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Memorial Day to Labor Day: Tuesday through Sunday
• Labor Day to October 1st: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Come join us for a fun-filled outdoor adventure! For more information or reservations for The Villas at Coosawattee, please give us a call between 8am & 5pm EST at (706) 276-1075, email us at info@thevillasatcoosawattee.com or visit us on the web at www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com. The Coosawattee River Tubing Company is located at the Eagle Mountain General Store next to the Eagle Mountain entrance of the Coosawattee River Resort or at http://www.coosawatteerivertubingco.com on the web.

North Georgia Golf Vacation

Has the state of the economy gotten you down? Do you want a golf vacation but want affordability along with activities for everyone in the family? Are you craving a guy’s weekend or trying to find a new idea for a couple’s outing but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg? Do you want to play at some of the leading courses in America with some of the most scenic views?

Many people feel playing golf is one of the most splendid ways to vacation. Whether you are an amateur or an expert golfer, challenging golf courses never fail your enthusiasm and interest. And if you are one of those folks who dreams of a golfing vacation but hasn’t taken one due to the cost limitations, we can make your dream come true! For those dreaming of a golf vacation, The Villas at Cooswattee in the North Georgia Mountains is the place to realize your dreams! North Georgia has some of the most scenic golf courses and provides you with a variety of other activities for you and your family.

The Villas at Coosawattee in the Coosawattee River Resort offers affordable, spacious, and quaint accommodations in the North Georgia Mountains allowing you freedom to golf at courses such as Butternut Creek in Blairsville, Whitepath in Ellijay, or Brasstown Valley. Accommodations vary from one bedroom cabins, three bedroom A Frames & Villas to two & three bedroom Condos. The expansive and varied amenities are exhilarating reasons guests choose The Villas at Coosawattee. Throughout the property, amenities are easily accessible, ranging from indoor and outdoor swimming pools, camp sites, river parks, exercise & weight room, game rooms, miniature golf, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

Reserve your villa with The Villas at Coosawattee and enjoy unlimited use of all the location’s amenities while being only a short drive from scenic and leading golf courses. If your main goal is to be playing golf during your North Georgia vacation, then worrying about all the other available activities is unnecessary. But you may just be tempted to dabble in all the opportunities you will have before you. After all, North Georgia is home to the apple festival, scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, and breath-taking spring foliage.

Spring in the North Georgia Mountains begins early, bringing new life in March and as early as February. Enjoy North Georgia’s exquisite display of dogwoods, azaleas, wildflowers, and mountain laurels as butterflies and hummingbirds visit the colorful and fragrant flowers. Ellijay’s expansive apple orchards are blooming with aromatic and beautiful apple blossoms as the days become warmer and longer. The best thing to do is to take the time to plan before-hand for any miscellaneous activities you may have in mind.

As mentioned earlier, Butternut Creek, Whitepath, and Brasstown Valley are available for public play. Butternut Creek Golf Course is one of the area’s finest public golf courses. Butternut Creek is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the North Georgia Mountains and features 6,536 yards of dramatic fairways. Experience the thrill of playing this mountainside course with 18 of the best holes in the northwest Georgia area. White Path Golf Course features 18 holes on a beautiful and challenging mountain golf course, with a driving range and practice green available. The golf course is open to the public; however, memberships are also available to Gilmer County residents and out-of-towners. Brasstown Valley Golf Club offers a spectacular mountain golf experience with scenery as breathtaking as the play is challenging. The club has been ranked by both Golf Digest and Leading Golf Courses of America as one of the top courses to play in Georgia. The golf course winds through wildlife preserves, ponds and streams framed in by the mountains. With four sets of tees, all skill levels will be able to enjoy a layout that is maintained to standards you’d expect from a course rated so highly. The facility also offers full practice facilities, Pro Shop, and lessons / clinics.

The Villas at Coosawattee has your complete golf vacation waiting for you with affordable prices, cozy accommodations, and plenty to do for every member of your entourage. Give us a call between 8am & 5pm EST at (706) 276-1075, email us at crravillas@crra.biz or visit us on the web at www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com

Mountain Biking Vacation

The popularity of mountain biking has never been better. There are thousands of mountain bike shops around the country and they all have expert bikers to sponsor weekend competitions, which tend to be really fierce. You name the mountain and they will bike through it. There are millions of enthusiasts in this country alone going through the irregular tracks , trying out every slope and pushing themselves to the limit.

You’ve been going through the same trail every weekend. You practically know which pebble to go through. We all go to the trails to gain a better body through exercise, but we still want our exercises to be exciting. For a mountain biker, nothing beats the feeling of going through the beaten tracks in the middle of the mountain and not passing through them again. The thrill of going on those tricky rides just adds to the feeling of exhilaration. We all want to tell ourselves and our buddies “been there, done that” when we talk about trails and danger.

If you want to get the best mountain biking experience, why not bring your mountain bike with you and arrange for a mountain biking vacation? The North Georgia Mountains are a spectacular, stunning, and scenic choice for your mountain biking vacation. For days you can just spend your trip on your mountain bikes and enjoying The Villas at Coosawattee.

North Georgia’s mild climate makes mountain biking a year-round activity. From relaxing rides to serious singletrack, there are mountains of trails to explore. The three trails featured here are close to metro Atlanta and geared for beginners, though they are enjoyed by all levels of riders.

High above the aquamarine waters of Carter’s Lake near Ellijay lies a trail with more twists and turns than a murder mystery. The six-mile Ridgeway Bike Trail may be classified as “expert”, but with a little pedaling power, anyone with grit, gumption and good cycling skills can conquer it.

Trail information is posted at the Ridgeway Recreation Area boat ramp, a good place to park your vehicle and start your ride. The trail can also be accessed from several points along the main road. With more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain per lap, Ridgeway is an up and down roller coaster of a ride. Even experienced riders will find they sometimes have to walk their bike over a wall of short steps.

Severe descents, steep climbs, creek crossings and technical downhill sections make this ride fun yet challenging. Alternating between root-studded single-track and the dual tracks of an old logging road, the trail follows the contours of the low ridges and then dips down to skirt the shore of the lake. Allow 35 minutes to an hour to complete one loop. The trail is clearly marked by orange posts. Advanced (black) and intermediate (white) sections challenge any skill level.

If you are not comfortable riding down steep sections of rocky trail, look for a second beginner-friendly trail called Woodring Branch. Designed to be kinder and gentler than the rigorous Ridgeway, only about a quarter mile of this new trail is finished. Woodring Branch hugs the shoreline of Carter’s Lake and the tall trees give lend an air of openness.

The trails are rarely crowded, save for twice a year. SORBA hosts the Carter’s Lake Mountain Bike Classic each spring and fall as part of the Georgia Mountain Bike Series.

There are many other good places that can be easily accessed from Ellijay. The Eastern side of the Cohutta area is one of them. River Loop which is about 3.5 miles and the Red & White Loop 2.5 miles are two good trails which are close to town. They are about 5 miles east of Ellijay on GA 52. You can get information and a map of the trails from the Toccoca Ranger District. A great source of local knowledge is Recycled Cycles, Rt. Box 244, Ellijay, GA 30540, Ph. (706)635-BIKE.

Switching Gears

• Always wear a helmet.
  
• Conduct a pre-ride inspection to make sure your tires have air, your seat is adjusted, etc. After the ride, always clean your bike and inspect it for any additional maintenance.
  
• Be prepared. Avoid having to hike-a-bike and bring a tool kit that includes a patch kit, pump, spare tube, allen wrench, chain tool and spoke wrench. Multi-tools are pocket-sized and convenient.
  
• Bring a first aid kit.
  
• Stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle. Better yet, buy a hydration
  pack to carry lots of water and keeps your hands free.
  
• Don’t forget the food! Feed your soul with energy bars, especially on longer rides.
  
• Pay attention to trail direction. Many trails are marked with directional arrows designating days or times for different trail users.
  
• Follow the rules of the road. Ride on open trails only, control your bike, always yield the trail, never scare animals and plan ahead
  
• Stay on track. Riding off trails can cause erosion.
  
• Respect other trail users. Use a verbal warning when approaching pedestrians from behind, and yield the trail to horses.
  
• Call ahead, when possible. Checking schedules and closures may save you a trip.
  
• If you go alone, tell someone. Be self-sufficient by bringing basic tools and supplies. I even bring my cell phone.
  
• Avoid riding at night. This can be dangerous, but can also be fun. Local clubs often schedule guided night rides.
  
• Support the cause. Much of the trails you ride are built and maintained by local organizations. Throw in a dollar or two at trailheads that accept donations. Or, donate your time with trail-building projects.
  
• If you don’t already belong to a mountain biking club, join
  one!

So don’t be stuck in the regular track in your neighborhood. If you have the time, better plan and go on a mountain bike vacation. You can never be closer to nature with this type of trip.

Be sure to take advantage of the rustic accommodations at The Villas at Coosawattee, which are perfect for a mountain biking vacation. Note that you would within walking distance of the Recreation Center by renting the Recreation Center Villas. Or if you want to bike around the resort's approximate 300 miles of road, stay anywhere in the resort-- The Water Tower Villas, Canoe Park Villas, or the Recreation Center Villas. If a small, quaint unit is more your style, check out the peaceful cabins in Canoe Park.

www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com

Directions: Carter’s Lake trails are eight miles west of Ellijay. Take I-75 North to I-575, which turns into GA Highway 515. Turn left onto GA Highway 382/76 at the Ridgeway Recreation Area entrance sign and follow the half-gravel, half-paved access road into the park.