Gems of Northeast Georgia
Toccoa Falls College is privileged to be located in such a beautiful place. God’s creation is so vast, so glorious, and we are placed right in the middle of a quality representation of that in Northeastern Georgia. Our campus alone is gorgeous and has many opportunities; but there is much more located outside of our campus that is available—things that are fun, adventurous, and new. Especially during the fall season, there are many activities that you should check out. Here are a few:
Jaemor Farms is a special place worth visiting especially if you like farmer’s markets. Purchase fresh produce from local suppliers or homemade jams, jellies, sauces, bread, ice cream, and more! This is an exciting place— during the fall season they have a corn maze and pumpkin patch. Go to Jaemor and get lost in corn, buy some pumpkins to carve or cook, taste some homemade delicacies, and lots more.
Go contra dancing! Not sure what contra dancing is? No worries! If you go to the Sautee Nacoochee Center the fourth Saturday of any month—which is when this enjoyable activity takes place—you can learn this type of line dance that is very reminiscent of square-dancing. It is a great opportunity to get some exercise, eat some delicious snacks, meet new people, and catch up with good friends. Check out this unique activity and bring friends—you’ll probably see some other TFC students and even some faculty gettin’ lively at this energetic hoedown!
Love Toccoa Falls? Well, there are lot of other natural falls you can check out in the Northeastern Georgia area! They’re practically countless. A few frequented ones that you should check out are: Tallulah Falls, Anna Ruby Falls, and Minnehaha Falls. After all, Northeastern Georgia is known for its abundant number of waterfalls, so go check as many out as you can! They are all unique and dazzling.
If you would like more intense outdoor activities, check out Yonah and Currahee. Hike a little over two miles at Yonah to an amazing overlook. If you don’t like hiking, check out Currahee, where you can drive to the top and enjoy an overlook that rivals Yonah. If you like climbing, there are quite a few top rope opportunities and bouldering spots at both of these places. Because Currahee is so close (less than twenty minutes!) people often go there to stargaze—an experience that every TFC student should definitely have. Enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of these locations that people all over the state drive to see!
There are many little places around that you can check out as well. Mark of the Potter is a store that is packed with handmade ceramics. Explore this store and appreciate the creativity of local potters and maybe purchase some interesting paraphernalia. Bluecreek is another cool store to check out. It has delicious food and homemade ice cream, jams and jellies, produce, and other cool things. Sweet Water Coffee House is a place worthy of investigating. Get off campus and enjoy conversation with people over some amazing coffee.
If you like window shopping or walking downtown, check out Helen. Helen is a quaint little town that has a lot of interesting stores, candy shops, restaurants, miniature golf, and more. Especially during the Christmas season, when this little town is lit with lights and loaded with decorations, this little town can be a fun-filled place to explore.
Every Saturday (through April and November) you can find a dedicated gathering of bluegrass lovers at Tallulah Falls, who meet to enjoy a potluck dinner together, fellowship, and good ‘ole mountain music. Locals bring their talent to share, guitars, banjos, mandolins, standup basses, and Appalachian drawl. Be warned! You may be asked to contribute to the concert.
If you have been thinking there is nothing to do around TFC, STOP. There is so much to do! Go check out a few of these things with some great friends. I promise you’ll make some serious memories. Or, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with homework and life. If you need to escape campus, these are some great opportunities to unwind and have fun. Keep in mind too, everyone, that this list of activities is NOT exhaustive! Go exploring yourself and reference a few locals for hot spots. Enjoy your time here at TFC by adventuring off campus and getting out into the community!