Pictures from Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center

20130405_163606 — Greeters Dawn M. Scabrough (left) and her youthful mother, Shelley A. Hughes. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

The Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center is a pleasant drive from anywhere near Lake Lanier.

Hop in your vee-hickle and head north on Route 129. After you make it up to Blood Mountain, go down the hill past Vogel State Park; the center is ahead on your left. You can’t miss it. (Unless you miss it.)

When you arrive you’ll be greeted by smiling folks who will make you feel welcome.

20130405_163649 — Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center Gift Shop ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

The center is dedicated to one of North Georgia’s most famous writers and poets, Byron Herbert Reece, so you won’t be surprised to find many items pertaining to his life and works on hand in the gift shop.

If you can tear you-know-who from the goodies, the grounds are worth the price to examine first hand.

Don’t worry. If it’s warm outside or you’d rather sit in the open air on the landscaped site, there are picnic tables. The more adventurous will love the literary exhibits.

20130405_163946 — The “Autumn Mood” literary exhibit at the Reece Center. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

Take your time as you explore and wander.

You might want to commit a Byron Reece poem or two to memory.

Grumpy husbands will calm right down when they try to identify the outstanding collection of period pieces in the restored barn. Smart wives will use this distraction to circle back to buy more treasures at the gift shop.

20130405_164336 — John Kay is one of the many people who turned the dream of a Reece center into a reality. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

If that doesn’t work, ladies are free to ask the menfolk to describe what life was like back then … when Byron Herbert Reece and generations of his family farmed the acreage.

As they ramble on about how they had to walk to school and back every day (uphill both ways) and how hard it was to plow dry ground, tell them you are so inspired by their wisdom that you want to remember the special occasion by purchasing a memento of all you have learned.

Hey, it’s worth a shot. Until they try to hit you up for a Harley or a $7,500 glorified lawn mower. Fair is fair.

We hope you’ll enjoy the additional pictures below.