There is about a zero chance of February being a bleak, wintery month if you’re willing to get outside and head to one of the fabulous state parks in North Georgia.
If you can’t talk a friend into going with you, come anyway. You’ll meet lots of new ones!
Here’s some of what awaits:
Dancing Through The Decades
Friday, February 1st & 8th, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Join professional dancer Carrie Elrod for a 4-week series. Each class will include a warm up, then participants will learn steps to social dances from a specific decade (’40s through ’70s). From there, participants will learn social dances from the time period to put together in a fun routine at the end. $7 prepaid or $10 walk-in. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext 305.
Advanced Land Navigation Course at Buck Shoals
Saturday, February 2, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
This six-hour course is part two in the Survival Series. It will start with a refresher on the use of the compass and maps, and the establishment of individual pace counts. Students will then be sent to find a specific location with a teammate. Students will operate in heavily wooded flat-to-hilly terrain, so you should be physically fit. Register in advance. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Learn to Play the Dulcimer
Saturday, February 2, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Music teacher Gwen Aumann will help you tune, strum and learn easy, beginning songs for the dulcimer. Gwen plays a number of musical instruments, from the piano to the pennywhistle, and performs with dulcimer groups. $35 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Falconry Experience at Buck Shoals
Sunday, February 3, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Learn about the art of falconry with Buster Brown, Co-Director of the Georgia Falconry Association. A short presentation will be followed by a live hunt. Proceeds purchase food for Smithgall’s captive hawk. Register by January 25. $40/adult or $45 if paid after January 25. Kids 12 and under free. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Dahlonega’s Mysterious Diving Bell
Tuesday, February 5, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega
In November 2012, Dahlonega welcomed its newest historical attraction: the Chestatee River Diving Bell. Visitors come from across the nation to wonder at this marvel of 19th-century underwater technology, but how many know the mysteries surrounding the great iron bell? $3.50 – $6 (706) 864-2257.
Saturday, February 9, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
A report on the progress of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid treatment of our Eastern Hemlock trees will be followed by Botanist Jim Sullivan demonstrating how to identify plants using clues available in the winter. Winter Botany will include a short hike to identify nearby flora. Register in advance. $10 if paid by February 1, $15 after. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Hike to the Heart
Saturday, February 16, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth
Take a romantic tractor ride up to the mountain overlook and learn about the heart-shaped stone in the old fire tower. Wagon rides will leave every half hour from 2:00 – 4:00 from shelter #1. Refreshments will be available for a small fee. Register in advance. Fees. $5 parking. (706) 422-1932.
38th Annual Fireside Craft/Art Show
Saturday, February 16 through Sunday, February 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Celebrate 38 years of the Fireside Craft/Art Show. More than 60 of the Southeast’s finest artists and crafts people will be here for this Unicoi tradition. This indoor, juried show has a reputation for excellence and is a nice balance between fine arts and quality crafts. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.
Survival Preparation and Skills Course Series
Saturday, February 16, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
In the third part of the Survival Series at Buck Shoals, this course will include classroom learning and field exercises. The course will include the psychology, planning, and equipment necessary for survival; venomous snakes, spiders, and insects endemic to Georgia; and survival medicine. $30 – $95 by January 7. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
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