Gò0dNews for Family
Fall Is in The Air by Linda Tinney
A
round September, it seems that Georgians are hit
around North Georgia, there is a market on the way to Blue
with “fall fever” as people start looking for the
Ridge that has the best roasted corn on the cob and pork rinds
infamous pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin muffins
(I do not even like pork rinds, and I eat these). On the way
in the grocery stores. Never mind that it is still 100 degrees
toward Blue Ridge, you will start seeing signs for Mercier
outside, as it does not seem to bother any of us. Typically,
Orchards. Make sure you go early to avoid the apple-picking
Labor Day marks the end of summer and the beginning of
crowds. Do not forget to buy an apple pie to have at home!
fall. If you have read my articles before, you know that my
After all of the snacking that you have done, it is time for
family and I spend a lot of time on the lake. During this time,
a real meal. Our “go-to” restaurant is Biguns’ Barbecue in
we all get a little sad that another summer has come and gone.
Talking Rock. We have all tried an assortment of dishes, from
We always try to make lots of memories. We treasure our time
brisket to barbecue to grilled chicken to smoked sausage.
boating and staying up way past our bedtime.
We have enjoyed everything we have ever ordered. I highly
With the end of the warm temperatures and the beginning of crisp, fall mornings comes the itch of apple picking, pumpkin carving, and craft festivals. My family
recommend eating lunch or dinner at Biguns’. You will definitely compare all other barbecue restaurants to this one. As a North Georgian my whole life, I feel like I am well
and I always plan a trip to Ellijay or Blue Ridge to visit
versed in fall craft festivals. Although some are better than
the various apple barns. One of our favorites is Panorama
others, there is not one that is just “okay.” Most that I have
Orchards & Farm Market—hello, fried apple pies and
attended seem to be well planned, with a lot of variety of
hand-scooped ice cream! Do not forget the samples of jellies,
participating vendors. A few of my favorites are Chiaha
barbecue sauces, and applesauce—all of which are spooned
Harvest Fair in Rome, Rose Lawn Arts Festival in Cartersville,
onto a saltine cracker. I would never eat a saltine cracker
and the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay. All of these festivals
with a dollop of jelly on it at home, but for some reason, it
have unique features and offer lots of different fun activities.
is delicious at Panorama. If you have not been to Panorama,
These festivals are just as much a social event as a festival to
make sure you try the samples that are on display. Do not
browse. We always run into a coworker, a church friend, or a
forget the apple cider to take home with you. It is delicious!
neighbor that we visit before heading down the next aisle. I
If you want to make a day of roaming
think outside social events are unique to the southern United States. I cannot think of a better place to raise a family—a place where apples and pumpkins are abundant and where festivals are entertaining.
24 // October 2021
About The Author
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
Linda Tinney is employed as a career transitions specialist at GNTC. She is wife to Neil and mom to Chason, a 5th grader She attends The Church at Rome.
