Do you hear the call of the North Georgia mountains beckoning you to welcome the summer season? Come to Hiawassee and Young Harris where you can enjoy up-and-coming and world-famous musicians, a rodeo, flower festival, Georgia Grown arts and crafts, and so much more.   

Crane Creek Vineyards Vintner’s Tours
Saturdays by Reservation: 2-4 p.m. 
If you are curious about the process behind making a bottle of wine, Crane Creek Vineyards hosts a weekly Vintner’s Tour by reservation – the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience!

• Fun Fact: Their Hellbender Norton & Cabernet Franc Blend 2021 Vintage wine won “Best in Class” at the recent San Francisco Wine Chronicle Competition. Their Enotah 100% Chardonel 2021 Vintage won Silver.

 
The tour (up to 10 guests) begins at the winery and barrel room, followed by a tractor hayride tour through the vineyard, concluding at the Tasting Room for a private tasting of 6 wines and an Artisan Charcuterie and Cheese Board for your group. Tour admission: $100/group of 10. Tickets and Info

Hightower Creek Vineyards Vino & Vibes
Saturdays: 2-5 p.m.
Hightower Creek wines are crafted to celebrate the distinctive tastes of North Georgia. The people behind the winemaking believe in allowing these wines to fully express their sense of home and are committed to using only local fruit. Chill out on Saturday afternoons when regional musicians play music on the outdoor patio as patrons sip sumptuous selections of wines. Info 
 
Rhododendron Festival
Last Weekends! May 5-7 and May 12-14
Along the shores of Lake Chatuge and within the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is Hamilton Gardens. More than 40 acres of secluded woodlands include 1- and 2-mile, easy trail loops. Welcome to a botanical paradise with dogwoods, native azaleas, rare forest perennials, trillium, and ferns. Hamilton Gardens has the largest collection of rhododendron and native azalea in the Southeast.
There are two weekends remaining in the annual springtime Rhododendron Festival. Admire and purchase works by craft artisans, enjoy live music, food and drinks, a plant sale, daily workshops, and more.

Saturday, May 6 - Alma Russ
Alma Russ is a vocalist, songwriter, and musician out of western North Carolina. She plays patchwork music: country, folk, and Appalachian roots sewn together to craft a sound that is all her own.
 
Saturday, May 13 - Troy Underwood
A seasoned musician and thoughtful songwriter, Troy Underwood from Murphy, NC will sing his soulful Americana tunes.
 
New! See the inaugural Top of Georgia Plein Aire Festival on the last Saturday, May 13, of the Rhododendron Festival. Come watch the artists while they paint in the gardens. Judging and showing are at 3 p.m. in the Paris Pavilion. Many of the artists will be offering their completed work for sale. Admission is $5 per person. Tickets and Info

Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival
Saturday, May 13: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Springtime in the mountains is better with wine, music, and flowers! The Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival features tastings and pours of new and favorite wines, and bottles to purchase for gifts and home. Musician Wyatt Espalin & Friends will play on two stages. Enjoy arts and crafts, food trucks, and tours of the blooming Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens. Admission: $60 ($65 at gate) at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Tickets and Info
 
The Beach Boys
Friday, May 19: 7 p.m.
Have FUN, FUN, FUN when The Beach Boys perform live in Hiawassee at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds! The beach vibe comes to the upper elevations as the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers deliver their hits that many of us can sing along to. The Beach Boys are led by Mike Love, who, along with longtime member Bruce Johnston, musical director Scott Totten, Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, Keith Hubacher and Randy Leago continue the legacy of the iconic band. Admission: $60. Tickets and Info

Hiawassee Pro Rodeo 
May 26-28
Enjoy the best bucking horses, bulls, and world-class contestants from the United States and Canada. This all-ages event will keep you on the edge of your dust-bustin’ seat. Destin Bennett opens the rodeo with the National Anthem. Held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Admission: $20 (kids 5 and under free). Tickets and Info
 
Made in Georgia Festival
June 24-25
Imagine more than 90 artisans showcasing what they grow, pickle, craft, sew, can, stitch, design, and more here in Georgia.
Demonstrations and classes add to the weekend experience, including cooking with a Georgia Grown chef, and growing tips from the UGA Extension Agency.
Catch Buster Brown and his birds of prey with Georgia Mountain Falconry. Gifts for yourself and others can include pottery, honey, soaps, woodwork, leather, jewelry, clothing, shrubs, pecans, pickles and other delights.
Presented by:
Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce
Sponsored by:
Georgia Heart Institute
Burch Insurance
Impactful Advertising
And, in partnership with Georgia Grown . Event is at the Towns County Recreation & Conference Center in Young Harris. Daily admission: $5 (kids free). Tickets and Info

Book your stay in cabins and cottages, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, and hotels and resorts in Towns County.

Are you a first responder, law enforcement officer, nurse, doctor, or teacher? Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa calls you a “Hero” and offers a 10% discount on booking when you inquire. The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge also offers our military service members discounts on bookings.

It is naturally beautiful around Lake Chatuge. Check out Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce for more events. See you in the Country Music Capital of Georgia!