Quinns Greenhouse. McCaysville GA

I've been to this place three times now. Quite a change from all the big box stores with prices being  comparable. Although it's a 70 mile round trip there's more selection and the plants are healthier. Nice drive too, especially the lil town of McCaysville that runs along the Toccoa River in and out of Tennessee.

I've been trying to find perennial Lantana for some time, or maybe this time around the price and appearance looked good. They offer several types but I only saw two. The perennial Miss Huff and a variegated leaf called Samantha with the latter being considered an annual. Who knows, maybe it will surprise me and make it till next year.

This stuff caught my attention. Maybe I'm getting artsy with what goes with what. After all, the first year I just wanted full blown color. Now other things are beginning to look interesting. Heck, I thought Petunias were kind of sissy back then too..and look now.

Look at these Begonias. Actually too big for me as I have trouble cutting them back (same with Impatiens) unless I want a skimpy plant the rest of the year. These things must have been one foot high. Many of the Impatiens were much the same.

Plenty of more stuff, but here's my take. A few variegated potato vines, some Nicotina, three colors of Salvia including an orange or salmon color. Not many of those left:( Four Lantana, some Dusty guys, Impatiens, and those blue thingies. All, annuals priced the same as shown with the Begonias above.

July 4 Parade In Ellijay

I never made it last year, my first full year in the area, so I wasn't about to miss it this year. Come to think about it I haven't been to a 4th of July parade in I don't know how many years. Impressive turnout if you ask me, with most of the crowd seemingly out of town folk from the half dozen I polled. The parade starts down near the Pepsi plant or at the corner of Sailers Drive and River Street, runs up River around the roundabout and north to the school area where the annual firework display is held.

What's a holiday without politicians pushing their promises and tossing candy to the kids? I had one guy try shoving a flier in my face when taking some of these pictures. Dude, sure I'll vote for you...but can't you see I'm doing something here?

Old cars...to...

little dogs...and..

Girls on horseback waving their southern heritage...The one in the rear had a smile for miles.

American Legion...

Looking west to the roundabout...

"What's next?" Asks Ryan after the parade ended.

"Let's just sit here and watch the people" These two girls really stuck out walking back and forth repeatedly. Ryan finally asked them what the purpose was.

"To look cool." Oh my, you figure that one out but this is what I discovered while searching the subject on Google. Sad, if it's the case here.

The Back Road To Blue Ridge

...and Home Depot. After all what's a person to do when it's raining? Just a drizzle most of the morning but found some interesting views and pics along the way. I never look at maps driving around here; just figure I'll find my way out somewhere.

Here's a home nearby or on Roy Road. I've taken pictures here before. I can see they are serious gardeners by the fresh mulch pile not seen. Moving along through several valleys and up and down winding roads.

Plenty of old pickup trucks around...

This is not an unusual scene in the mountains...

But this one is...

The cows probably don't get many visitors. All heads are pointed towards me.

Getting darker as I head deeper into the morning fog and a gravel road. Ut. oh I thought...dead end somewhere up the way? Who cares.

I must be getting closer to populated areas? For sale too...

The Blue Ridge Dam and Lake... I started out on the other side of the mountain peaks about 30 miles southeast or an hour drive. Elevations in the 3,000 to 4,100 foot range.

The other side of the dam...

Halloween Pics From Around Town

I haven't seen these kind of Halloween displays in years! Walking about the town square yesterday morning I gathered these pictures of decorations from local shop owners.

Cohutta Mountains & Highway 52

My trip to Dalton took a different route. Instead of a more standard route on highway 282 that eventually leads into Chatsworth, highway 52 goes west of Ellijay into the Cohutta Mountains to an elevation of nearly 4,000 feet. I thought I would see more pronounced fall foliage at the higher elevation, but not much of a difference was seen.

Considering I know very little of the surrounding area I never know what I'll run into. I really don't investigate before any trip either. I just prefer to go for it and see what it has to offer. First stop was the Cohutta Overlook. Pictures never explain the awe of actually being there, but shown are some examples.

The next surprise was the Cohutta Lodge and Restaurant near the peak. Views are near similar to the ones shown above. The area has much to offer and reminded me of a resort in the Poconos I stayed at a few times as a kid. Definately not as grand, but offers horseback riding, an indoor pool, and cabins scattered about but absent of chipmunks.

More pics coming down the mountain. Some color here and there.

Talking Rock GA- Whee Lil Town In The Valley

Unlike other Georgia mountain towns that have seen changes in recent years with the urban spawl of chain stores and massive excavation, this quaint town remains much the way it was at the turn of the century. According to one local website, Talking Rock located between Jasper and Ellijay is the third smallest town in Georgia.

My morning drive Saturday started along Ga highway 136 at Burnt Mountain Road in search of more fall foliage pictures. Most folks from the city usually drive highway 52 for the fall scenery but I found 136 that extends some 40 miles to be less crowded and more scenic including Sequoya Lake. Pics later.

Some pics of Talking Rock, which incidentally was the Heritage Days Festival weekend I was unaware of. I really wanted to get some early morning pictures without the clutter of the festival, but oh well.

A recently painted mural on a building entering town

The Blue Ridge town crier makes a visit...
A ride down the main drag...

Naturally, an antique store...

And what's inside?

And a short video of a steam engine...