Rabun County - July 2016 - Part 2

Here is our adventures for the second half of our Georgia trip once my family joined us :) 

Bull Sluice – There is this hidden gem right inside the South Carolina state line that you could pass and never know what you are missing. Bull Sluice is a popular white water rafting rapid, but there is an access point right off the road where you can hike a short trail down and take a look into paradise. Not only are there great low currents for floating down the river, but there are large rocks to layout on and even rocks to jump off of into the rapids. Guaranteed any summer day that you will find lots of locals enjoying the beauty of the sluice. This particular place is also dog friendly, and it is super fun to watch dogs jump into the rapids on a hot summer day to cool off!

After an afternoon in the sun, swimming up the rapids, stop by Downtown Clayton and visit the newly opened Wicked Pig BBQ. A few years back, we would always stop by and visit their food truck for some of the best BBQ in Clayton, but now we can sit in their country restaurant while getting served some delicious BBQ. Added bonus -- they have local brews for you to try out!

As I mentioned last time we went, we had such a great rental experience with LaPrade’s, but due to some last minute change of plans, we were trying to locate a pontoon boat for our family of 8 only two days before renting it over the 4^th of July weekend. Not a good idea, but luckily, we found a great guy who lives right off Lake Rabun and rents boats right out of his home. His company is Bear Gap Outfitters. He is a great source of information about the lake and was a complete pleasure to work with. Again, we rented a pontoon boat (this time we got a tube too), and we packed lunches so we didn’t have to battle the crowds at marinas. We enjoyed our time in the sunshine getting pulled on (and flung off of) tubes around the lake – this is definitely the best way to bond with family.

As we are a very adventurous family, we love to do outdoor, active adventure type things for fun. This trip we really wanted to white water raft, but unfortunately on the day that we chose, we didn’t have many great options due to water levels. My recommendation (if you are planning ahead) is to either check out the water schedules or to call and ask for a day when the water will be high (if you are in for a full adventure). Due to low water levels, we chose two person kayaks for our adventure. Note: Low water levels does not mean the water was not flowing, it just meant that there were a lot more rocks for you to get stuck on (and more chances to flip out of your boat due to hitting rocks that flung your yak around). We rafted with Dillsboro Rafting Company. They are one of the most economical ways to raft and are great if you are looking to raft with young kids or are looking for a way to see if you are even interested in white water rafting. Either way, get in for the ride of your life – it is FUN!

After you ware yourself out on your raft, drive into Slyva for Speedy Pizza. They have great lunch specials if you make it in time and their pizza toppings are all fresh and to die for. We have a very diverse group of pizza eaters in our family of 8 (one doesn't like cheese, one doesn't like sauce, and one only likes cheese and sauce. This doesn't even begin to describe the way we all feel about toppings). Needless to say, their $5 personal 2 topping pizza lunch special was a sure fire win for our family! We have been there a few times now and they never disappoint. 

Helen Float – If you are up for a lower key and lower price water adventure, tubing in Helen, GA might be for you. This adorable town is full of architecture and is set up like an Alpine Village. Stop here to get your fill of fair-type treats such as caramel apples, funnel cakes, cotton candy, homemade chocolate, and delicious ice cream. While visiting this eclectic village, grab your swim suits and enjoy a float down the beautiful Chattahoochee River with Cool River Tubing. They have a one-hour float and a two-hour float that you can do for just $8 (tube rental included) OR for $12 you can float as many times as you want between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Well that's all the adventures we had time for this trip! Stay tuned for our biggest adventure of this trip (which I left out of this post due to the mass amounts of pictures that will come with it!)

We are already planning our next trip to Clayton. Stay tuned for more fun Maricano adventures. We can't stay put long. 

xoxo,

Hilary 

Rabun County - July 2016 - Part 1

Like I said before, I just can't stay away. Josh and I were much in need of a "second honeymoon" of sorts and decided that we would escape for a week to my favorite place. We soon found out that my family would be joining us after our week there for a solid 5 days of quality family time (more on that later). 

Josh and I really love the outdoors and decided that we would spend most of our days sleeping in, relaxing on the porch swing, taking long hikes, and cooking yummy dinners before cuddling up and binge watching anything that we could get from the Redbox. 

Hike #1: Panther Creek Falls 

Lesson Learned - soda does nothing on hikes. bring water. bring lots of water.

Hike #2: Black Rock Mountain State Park - Back Country Trial 

 Lesson Learned - never leave without a map or you will be in the middle of the trail and not know how long you have left, and trust me, that is very discouraging

Lesson Learned (part 2) - never underestimate what "very strenuous" means when it is stated about a hike. We may look really happy in this picture, but we could barely walk for the next 2 days due to extremely sore legs (and no motivation to get "lost" in the woods for 3 hours again)

But on a real note, if you aren't in for this intense hike, 

Nights spent with friends are the best! Especially when those nights include escaping the country and hitting the nearest city for some really yummy pizza and a movie. If you've never been to Mellow Mushroom, try it out ASAP. You won't regret it. 

 One afternoon, Josh had some homework to do, so I set out on an antiquing adventure. Antiquing at its finest in Dillard, Georgia where the streets are lined with shops full of antiques. They live by the saying "one man's junk is another man's treasure." Growing up, my favorite books were Nancy Drew. I found these gems in one of the shops. You better believe I wanted to buy all of them. 

Hike #3: Tallulah Gorge State Park 
Who wants to climb 500 steps to see a gorgeous waterfall? Worth it. Totally worth it. But you might not think so on the way back up. 

Lesson Learned - never go here on the 4th of July or you will be stuck behind really slow people who may have never climbed a set of stairs in their life. 

Celebrating the 4th of July. 

Best place in Rabun County to watch the fireworks (if you don't have a boat) -- Rabun Gap Natahoochee School. It's a boarding school just North of town with some of the best fireworks around {even better if you're watching with friends}

Goats? On a Roof? 

Yes. Yes really. Goats on the Roof is full of all sorts of fun activities for the family. You can feed goats a multitude of different ways, get goat gear, and even eat at the local cafe. They have AWESOME Nitro Ice Cream and pretty good food also. Stop by and check it out if you are passing through town. 

Hillside Orchard.

The BEST apple fritters & pies. EVER. Just trust me. Pick up some apple butter, fresh cider, or even some homemade salsa. Then enjoy snacking on your pies, fritters, or homemade peach ice cream while taking a walk to the petting zoo and around the creek. 

We took on many more adventures this trip, but I will share those next time! 

Until then,

Hil