Up for some mountain adventures this New Year? The cities of Hiawassee and Young Harris are full of gorgeous mountain scenery and recreation opportunities. You can feel creativity in the air! A collaboration of artists, creators, and makers in this valley region produce inspirational works you can take home.
Come to Towns County where Georgia meets the mountains and people meet their needs to chill and to be inspired. With the start of a New Year, we have assembled the Top 5 Ways to Explore Your North Georgia Mountain Culture!
No. 1: Dance your way to the Country Music Capital of Georgia.
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is hosting two highly regarded performing artists in January/February:

• Chris Janson performs on January 27

Chris Janson has recorded three full-length albums, Buy Me a Boat, Everybody, and Real Friends through Warner Records Nashville. Janson is a member of the Grand Ole Opry. As a multi-platinum songwriter and artist, he is considered a ‘younger-lifestyle’ entry into Country's new breed.

• Corey Smith performs on February 17

Join Corey Smith on his Suburban Drawl tour with special guest, Jeb Gipson, playing in Hiawassee. Smith enjoys a devout fan base, not only in his native Southeast region, but also well beyond because he simply tells it the way it is. He has released 10 albums, including a Top 20 release, The Broken Record.

No. 2: Wander to the Waterfalls
From easy trails right off the road to more strenuous adventures to view waterfalls, everyone can experience the beauty of cascading water through sound, mist, sight, and awe. Cupid Falls on the campus of Young Harris is an ideal way to see your first waterfall on a short journey to the peaceful overlook. High Shoals Falls in the High Shoals Falls-Chattahoochee National Forest descends in a succession of five waterfalls with a vertical drop of 300 feet. Download a waterfall brochure to plot your waterfall wanderings.

• Locals’ Tip: Make it a picnic when you pick up sandwiches at Pick a Nick Basket Deli in Hayesville, NC!

No. 3: Look up! The Cosmos is On Display
Certain Friday nights are special at the O. Wayne Rollins Planetarium on the campus of Young Harris College. Public planetarium shows, except for Cosmic Concerts, include a live-narrated “season stargazing” segment in addition to the featured full-dome program.
Ice Worlds
Take a tour of frozen vistas throughout our solar system to explore the connections between ice and life. Studying space increases understanding of the natural cycles and human influence on ice, snow and water on Earth and our ever-changing climate. Reserve seats for:

• Friday, January 26 at 8 pm
• Friday, February 9 at 8 pm

Music of the Spheres: An Immersive Planetarium Experience with Live Choral Music
Be immersed in a live concert performed by the Young Harris College Concert and Chamber Choirs. Music selections with various genres over the eras are centered on heavenly objects of the night sky. Reserve seats for four shows on:
February 28 & 29

No. 4: Sip a Local Wine, Local Brew, and Take a Tour, too!
Lucky you! Hiawassee has Hightower Creek Vineyards and Hiawassee Brew. Young Harris has Crane Creek Vineyards. All these local establishments are blending the mountain’s flavors into handcrafted wines and beers made with a passion. Check the online calendars or call for live music sessions, tours, and special events.