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Our October trip to North Georgia was long overdue—I can’t believe we hadn’t been there since 2014! We met up with our friends the Lillys once again, but of course this time things were a little different with two kids in tow (plus two on the way!). We did a lot of the same things we enjoyed on our last trip, including hiking up Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.
We were all pretty impressed with Tom for making this steep hike with Rhoades on his back.
The weather was much warmer than on our last visit, so the colors were very different, too.
We were pretty glad to get to the top!
Not much in the way of autumnal color, but the views were still amazing!
We also made a return trip to B.J. Reece Orchards for some apple picking. This activity admittedly would’ve been way more fun if it hadn’t been so hot outside, but we made the most of it.
We did mix it up by exploring some new places: most notably, Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega. It’s an actual open-pit gold mine that was a commercial operation from 1847 until the 1980’s. It was neat to see all the antique mining machines, some of which are still in use.
And we got to pan for gold! It was harder work than I thought, but worth it for the photo op. ;)
Gemstone mining seemed a little less authentic since these gems didn’t actually come out of the ground onsite, but the process was much easier and more satisfying!
We got to bring home all our treasures, but I haven’t come up with anything creative to do with them—let me know your ideas!
I highly recommend all these outings, but I’m glad we made sure to spend plenty of downtime at the cabin, too. We enjoyed making some treats with our apples and apple cider.
Afton and Rhoades had so much fun together—and how exciting that both their little brothers will join us for our next trip!
Fall color or not, the mountains of North Georgia are beautiful. I can’t imagine a better place to relax and reconnect with good friends. :)
