This Weekend in Georgia

It's the first full weekend in November and what are you going to do? Here are some ideas for some great events happening in Georgia:

Big Pig Jig Barbeque Cooking Championship
November 6-7, 2009 in Vienna
Barbeque, arts and crafts, rides and games and numerous competitions- that's the Big Pig Jig! The stew and sauce contest and the Tyson Chicken Q contest are tonight, but tomorrow at 10 AM, the judging of the barbeque begins. For more information, check out their website. To get a glimpse of a past Big Pig Jig, click here and watch Georgia Traveler's Gerald Bryant attend the festivities!


Granite City Fall Festival
November 7 in dowtown Elberton
Organizers tell us this is the 10th annual Granite City Fall Festival in Elberton, the Granite Capital of the World. The festival will feature arts and crafts, food, entertainment, granite demonstrations, quarry tours and a petting zoo. For more information, visit the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce's website. Georgia Traveler's own David Zelski has explored the sites of Elberton- click here to watch that segment.

Mule Day
November 7, 2009 in Calvary
Come on down to Calvary to celebrate one of the hardest workin' animals on the farm- the mule. The local Lions Club sponsors this annual festival that features arts and crafts, mule parade and contest, cane griding and syrup making. For more information, you can visit the website or call 229-377-3663. David Zelski has also explored the Mule Day festivities- click here to watch Georgia Traveler's Mule Day segment.

Of course, one of the best things happening in Georgia this weekend is the premiere of Georgia Traveler's third show of our new season in HD. This week's episode is the "Made in Georgia Tour". You can see that episode Friday, November 6 at 9 PM, Saturday, November 7 at 7 PM and Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30 PM. For more information about that episode, check out the Georgia Traveler website.

And those are just a few ideas for things to do in the Peach State this weekend. For more ideas, visit ExploreGeorgia.org, a great website operated by our production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

This Week: Made in Georgia Tour in HD!

On this episode of Georgia Traveler…It’s the Made in Georgia Tour. From moonshine and soda to paintings and prayers we’ll show you a few peach state originals…

World of Coca Cola Museum - Atlanta
David Zelski would like to teach the world to sing during his exciting, thirst quenching exploration of the World of Coca-Cola. When you think of a brand that is made in Georgia and recognized around the world...Coke is it! So sit back, have a Coke and a smile and enjoy our tasty tour of the World of Coca-Cola.

Monastery of the Holy Spirit – Conyers
Valarie Edwards visits the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. Established nearly 65 years ago, the monks who live and work at the Monastery have a long tradition of supporting themselves ‘by the sweat of their brow.’ Join Valarie as she samples all the home made goodies the Monastery has to offer. Watch as she rolls up her sleeves for a hands-on demonstration on how to make fruitcake.

Plein Air Watercolor Class with the Glynn Art Association - St. Simons Island
Join Traveler Host Keely Muse as she learns about creating art outdoors with painter Bob Fisher on St. Simon’s Island. The Glynn Art Association offers classes of all kinds, but when it comes to enjoying island beauty while painting, a watercolor “Plein Air” class is definitely the way to go! For more information about classes and everything Glynn Art has to offer, check out their website.

Mountain Moonshine Festival – Dawsonville
The Georgia Traveler crew heads up to Dawsonville for this high octane adventure. Though active moonshine stills no longer exist up in the North Georgia mountains, (right?)… David and Phil find plenty of good food, fun and “moonshine free” drinks called “monkey nuts” to keep them entertained. Meanwhile, Keely hangs out with a few Mountain Moonshine Festival historians who explain how the origins of stock car racing began with moonshine runners feeling the law.

Tune in for Georgia Traveler 302: Made in Georgia this weekend:
Friday, November 6 at 9 PM
Saturday, November 7 at 7 PM
Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30 PM

Behind the Scenes: Dahlonega's Gold Rush Days

Saturday, October 18th, 2008 dawned a wee bit chilly, but the Georgia Traveler crew couldn't have been more excited to set out at 7 AM for the Northeast Georgia mountains. Our desitination: Dahlonega and the annual Gold Rush Days festival. Now, as excited as we were about the festival, the reason for great anticipation was the arrival of our new Sony HD cameras. Gold Rush days was our first shoot with the new technology and we were really looking forward to getting out there and starting the shooting for our 3rd season and our first in HIGH DEFINITION! Here you can see (L-R) Keely Muse, photographer Dan Hodlick, producer Jennifer Houston Wood, David Zelski and associate producer Sammy Jones. These next two shots are of photographer Mitchell Zastrow and Dan Hodlick showing off the new gear. For those that are interested, the cameras are Sony 335 XD Cams. That's the Dahlonega Courthouse Museum there in the background of the photo of Dan and this group shot. This is where we shot the open for the Gold Rush Days segment with Traveler co-hosts David Zelski, Phil Proctor and Keely Muse. Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites operates the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site there in the old courthouse- and you can't miss it, it's in the middle of the square downtown. For more info about the museum, visit their website by clicking here. After the open was "on disc", our hosts split up to cover the festival, Keely heading for the arts and crafts vendors, David and Phil headed for activities and competitions. Wherever we went, it seemed that Traveler fans were never far away. We were so pleased and flattered to have folks come and tell us how much they enjoy the show. And we're always happy to take a few fan photos like these. David and Phil competed in the "wheelbarrow" contest- you can see their different approaches to the competition in these two photos!

The crowds for the Gold Rush Days grew as the day went on (and grew warmer). Soon it was time for the parade through the square. The North Georgia College and State University located in Dahlonega has a long military history. One of only six senior military colleges in the United States, the Corps of Cadets from the University were participants in the parade. For more information about North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, visit their website by clicking here. The Traveler crew was lucky enough to be able to view the parade from higher ground- the balcony above the visitor's center afforded an excellent view of the festivities below... and the rocking chairs provided an excellent place to rest for Phil and our associate producer, Sammy Jones. This next shot- also taken on the balcony- is one of my favorites. Segment producer Jennifer Houston Wood holding our first complete HD disc! The thrill of having our first HD footage could only be matched by the delectable goodies at Dahlonega's The Fudge Factory. If you've never had a "Dahlonega nugget" from the factory, you're missing out! Fresh, rich caramel- homemade with REAL butter and REAL cream- with your choice of pecans, almonds, cashews or peanuts and topped with your choice of dark, milk or white chocolate! What's not to love? For more about the Fudge Factory and all it has to offer, click here. And of course, it's more than just the nuggets- there is FUDGE! My personal favorite is the probably the Butter Brickle, but I'm awfully fond of the Maple Walnut too... humm, so hard to decide. There are many flavors to choose from and these folks don't mind helping you out with a sample. Enjoy and tell 'em Georgia Traveler sent you! Our crew certainly enjoyed our time in Dahlonega. Here's a group shot of the GPB staff that went that day. From left to right, that's me, executive producer Ashlie Wilson, photographer Mitch Zastrow, associate producer Sammy Jones, Keely Muse, Phil Proctor, David Zelski, photographer Dan Hodlick and producer Jenny Wood. You can see the fabulous segment, written and produced by Jenny and edited by the amazing Charlene Fisk tomorrow- Wednesday, November 4 at 7:30 PM on GPB. For more about the "Fall Colors Tour of Georgia" episode and to WATCH ONLINE, visit the Georgia Traveler website.

This Weekend in Georgia

Now, we know you'll be in front of your TV this weekend to see Georgia Traveler's "Ghost Tour of Georgia", this Friday at 9 PM and Saturday at 7 PM, but what are you going to do with the rest of your weekend? Well, here are a few ideas:

Oktoberfest!

October29th @ 6:00 PM - Nov. 1

It's the German word for fun! Well, that may not be the actual translation, but to the folks attending Helen's Oktoberfest every year it may as well be. Oktoberfest in Helen may have started out small in the 70's, but over the years, and through word of mouth, it has grown into the biggest party in the Southeast. Deep azure skies and color splashed mountains surround a picturesque "alpine" village, making the days as inviting as the nights. During the day, you may decide to browse the shops, relax in a Biergarten, or simply enjoy Helen's crisp weather and beautiful scenery. Georgia Traveler had a chance to experience Oktoberfest in season one.

Georgia - Florida Golf Classic

October 29 - 30: 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Isn't it funny how gators are welcome to roam on golf courses but dogs are prohibited? That's not right! The largest golf tournament in Bulldawg Nation is happening right now, but the festivities continue through Saturday. The Georgia-Florida tradition attracts fans from across the country to defend the reputation of thier favorite team. Golf is played the Thursday and Friday before the Georgia-Florida Football Game. Other activities include cocktail parties, oyster roasts, putting contests and more. Georgia Traveler is coming out with a Golf Tour of Georgia later this season, so be on the lookout.

Red Top Mountain Halloween Hayrides

Every Friday & Saturday, October 16 - 31 / 7 PM - 9 PM

Take a "spooktacular" hayride and then listen closely as storytellers bring ghosts and goblins to life around a campfire. Suitable for all ages. Reservations required. $5 parking. 770-975-4226. (http://www.friendsofredtop.org) David enjoyed the Red Top Mountain iron pour and hayrides not long ago. Take a peek and see what you are missing.

And those are just a few of the ideas you can find at the Explore Georgia website operated by our production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. And speaking of production, don't forget that the 3rd Season of Georgia Traveler premieres this weekend- in HIGH DEFINITION! Tune in Friday, October 30 at 9 PM and Saturday, October 31 at 7 PM.

This Week: Ghost Tour of Georgia premieres in HD!

This week Georgia Traveler embarks on a Ghost Tour of Georgia. From Civil War apparitions to paranormal peach state pirates, it’s our scariest episode yet!

Georgia Traveler 303, Ghost Tour of Georgia, premieres Wednesday, October 28 at 7:30 PM, and repeats Friday, October 30 at 9:00 PM and Saturday, October 31 at 7:00 PM on GPB.

For more information check out our website at http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/

Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Check out the new Georgia Tourism website at http://www.exploregeorgia.org/

This Weekend in Georgia

Now, we know you'll be in front of your TV to see the premiere of Georgia Traveler's all NEW "Fall Colors Tour of Georgia" this Friday at 9 PM and Saturday at 7 PM, but what are you going to do with the rest of your weekend? Well, here are a few ideas:

7th Annual Southeastern Cowboy Festival and Symposium
at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville
October 22-25, 2009
Grab your cowboy hat, boots and gear and join our friends at the Booth Western Art Museum for a four-day celebration of the West with featured artist Buck McCain, featured entertainer Baxter Black, art history lectures, children’s activities, pioneer demonstrations, re-enactments of historic Western gunfights, Native American dancing, cowboy church, and much more. For more info about the festival, visit the Booth Museum website. To check out the Georgia Traveler segment on the Booth Museum, click here.

"Wails to Trails" Haunted Hike
at Tallulah Gorge State Park Friday, October 23 from 7-9 PM
(or rain date Saturday, October 24)
Looking for a delightfully spooky way to meet some of the colorful characters and events of the Tallulah Falls railway's past- then join in the fun! This is a .75 mile walk along the existing bed of the Tallulah Falls Railway. Reservations are required. Rain date will be Saturday, October 24, 2009. $2 children 12 and under -$3 adult plus $5 parking. Call 706-754-7981 or visit the website for details. To see the Georgia Traveler segment about Tallulah Gorge (and Tallulah Falls) being one of Georgia's Seven Natural Wonders, click here.

Deep Roots Festival 2009
in Historic Downtown Milledgeville
Saturday, October 24
We made some great friends in Milledgeville earlier this year while shooting a segment for our upcoming "Book Tour of Georgia". Flannery O'Connor is a native of Milledgeville and we had a fantastic time getting to know the folks in her hometown. They told us about this great festival, formerly the Sweetwater Festival, now called "Deep Roots". Organizers tell us that there will be a barbeque cook-off, arts and crafts, musical performances, a kids zone and a car show. Sounds like something for everyone! Gates open at 10 AM. Check out the website for more details.

And those are just a few of the ideas you can find at the Explore Georgia website operated by our production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. And speaking of production, don't forget that the 3rd Season of Georgia Traveler premieres this weekend- in HIGH DEFINITION! Tune in Friday, October 23 at 9 PM and Saturday, October 24 at 7 PM.

All NEW Georgia Traveler this Friday, October 23 in HD!

This Friday, October 23, Georgia Traveler returns with all NEW episodes! It's the premiere of our 3rd season and our first in HIGH DEFINITION. It's going to be a season of "Tours of Georgia" and this week's adventure is a very timely "Fall Colors Tour of Georgia". That’s Friday night at 9 PM and Saturday at 7 PM, only on GPB! For more information, check out our website.