Chancey Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast

VINE TO WINE WEEKEND 3

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Mon, 28 May 2012 13:42:00 +0000

Our Vine to Wine Weekend is approaching, June 22-24. We'll again have a wine pairing on Friday evening, featuring wines from Crane Creek Vineyards and delicious food items.

After breakfast on Saturday we're off to Crane Creek for a private winery tour and tasting. Many folks that attended our earlier V2WW events have lingered after the tour to enjoy the wonderful setting and great hospitality at the vineyard.

Saturday evening brings the main event, wine making. Our experienced wine maker Joe and his lovely wife Liz will host an informative and lively session. We'll start a new batch of wine, break for a tasting of locally produced wines, and then bottle, cork, seal and label wines that we started last year. You'll get the opportunity to make your contribution to the bottling process.

Please mention V2WW3 when you book your stay with us at http://www.chanceyhillinn.com/, or call for reservations. We look forward to sharing this wonderful experience with you.

John
Chancey Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast
Hiawassee. GA 30546
706-896-8424

MEMORIAL DAY BAYOU DINNER

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:37:00 +0000

Alas, my work as an innkeeper is brutal. Our friend Ed is coming to trial-run his Memorial Day Bayou Dinner for John and me and a few of our close friends. We simply must taste his delicious Louisiana fare, which includes jambalaya, gumbo, Cajun bean salad, cole slaw, and a few other Pontchatrain delights. Like the old saying goes, "It's tough, but somebody has to do it." Yum, I mean oh woe.

Our Memorial Day Bayou Dinner will be on Sunday, May 27, and will be included for guests with a three-night stay. We'll need to fill three rooms to make this dinner happen. This too is the American way. (Note to special relative - no, profit is not a dirty word.)

Dale

Upcoming V2WW3

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:21:00 +0000

We anxiously await our third V2WW ( May 4-6 ). Three rooms were snapped up within thirty minutes of the event's announcement. Though John and I have lived in and enjoyed many places, we've always considered our birth state of Georgia home. Instead of the dessert and wine pairing we've done for the previous Vine To Wines, our Friday evening Guest Reception will feature a variety of North Georgia wines and sweet and savory recipes from the many products of the great state of Georgia. The wines and foods will be paired to enhance and compliment each other with the help of some vintners, chefs, and oenophiles that we know. ( We have such clever, generous friends.) One of my favorite places on earth, Crane Creek Vineyards, will again share their harvest and knowledge with our lucky guests by presenting them with a private tour on Saturday. The lovely Lake Chatuge home of our dear friends will be the back drop for the wine making, tasting, bottling, tasting, nibbles and did I mention tasting, on Saturday evening. Good friends, good wine, good food, good time. Join us. Two rooms available. Visit our web site for details and pictures of V2WW2.

The Four Deuces Drew Aces

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:39:00 +0000

Our first Murder Mystery was simply killer. (If puns are the lowest form of humor then I am base.) Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast was transformed into The Four Deuces Speak Easy of the 1920s, complete with tray wielding cigarette girl and garter-sleeved bouncer/bartender. The pass-phrase for admittance was given at the last minute with the warning to "speak easy; the law may be listening." Modern allowances were used to make a music play list which brought Duke Ellington, the Gershwins, and Bessie Smith and others to our soiree. Take a look at the pictures to get the story of the guests for this Grand Opening. With fringe and feathers, fedoras and broad shoulders, this was quite a "gang". A champagne toast hailed the event with clinks and winks. Although a slight murder was committed shortly before dinner, no one's appetite seemed to suffer. From tenderloin and accompaniments to Black Bottom Pie for dessert, only alligator tears were shed for the dearly departed. The whole evening was a blast. If PartyFunsters.Com had assembled this group, most of whom were strangers to each other before Friday night, it could not have been a more congenial crowd. We all meshed together like a gun in a holster to create a time this innkeeper enjoyed and will not soon forget. It was so much fun that after dinner and the solving of the mystery, we all danced. Thank goodness for the iPod. The play list was changed as few of us knew how to Charleston or Black Bottom. This was the real Cat's Meow. Thanks to all who were here. You made the opening of The Four Deuces truly grand.

What's All The Flap About

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:41:00 +0000

Hiawassee Gazette Editorial

A rebellion never before seen in the youth of our country has spawned a culture of brash young women known as Flappers. The origin of the term Flapper has many speculations. Some say it refers to a young bird flapping it's wings before learning to fly. Others insist it's the flapping of the braid on the backs of girls too young to wear their hair up. Whatever the root of the word, this reporter blames the sweeping degradation of our young women on the unrelenting influence of France and to a lesser degree on Mother England. The emergence of Trans Atlantic travel and moving pictures have inundated the impressionable minds. These Flappers are so brazen as to bob their hair, their crowning glory, and to bare their arms and legs in public. They flaunt tradition and respect in the face of decency. The vulgar animal gyrations of their dances, including but not limited to The Shimmy, The Charleston, and The Black Bottom are eliciting gasps nation-wide. Gaudy baubles hang from their necks. Rings the size of Model T's bedeck their fingers and painted faces stare defiantly through the thick smoke of their ciggies. They even patronize those dens of evil - Speakeasys -knowing full well they are afoul of the law. They may even attend the Grand Opening of The Four Deuces Speakeasy in Hiawassee, Georgia in March.This reporter is horrified.

Prudence Harmon

Post Script For research purposes only, does anyone in the reading public know where to procure that Max Factor lip tint and face rouge?

HIAWASSEE GAZETTE PRESS RELEASE Date Line 1922

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:50:00 +0000

Don Wannabe promises that the Grand Opening of his Four Deuces, ah, Nightclub ( sources say it's really one of those speakeasys ) is to be a fashionable affair. This gala is scheduled for March in Hiawassee, Georgia. We're told that duds with a decided World War I influence will be in evidence. Leather aviator jackets with colored scarves for women, white for men and goggles all around will create a look that's the cat's pajamas. And can you believe it? Some women will be wearing trousers. Trousers! This reporter has heard that the Art Deco gowns by Erte, former designer of the Ziegfeld Follies costumes, will be center stage. These plunging neckline, backless, body revealing numbers are sweeping the nation. A craze for jewelry reflecting the Court Of King Tutankhama is also in the fashion forefront since the excavation of his tomb in 1922. Mr. Wannabe assures these "treasures" will be sported by his elite guests. It's sure to be all glitz and glamor in the mountains this March. Rumor has it that Mr. Al Capone will make an appearance. While this has not been confirmed, it is sure to be a bang-up event. Look for The Gazette's next installment, "What's All The Flap About," on newsstands soon.

Music of the Age

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:57:00 +0000

Man, am I jazzed about our Murder Mystery Weekend ( rescheduled for March 16-18 ) set in a Speakeasy. Jazz. It was the music rage of the age. It was the Jazz Age. The Harlem Renaissance style music. Bessie Smith, George Gershwin, and his lesser-mentioned brother Ira , a true wordsmith, and Duke Ellington. These were the real goods. Not your one-hit wonders. They were on fire in the 20sand they still cook. Who knows, maybe some of them will be dropping by for the grand opening of The Four Deuces Speakeasy in Hiawassee, Georgia. Researching this decade for what will no doubt be a swinging time has been a true pleasure. Let me prepare these rooms for this weekend's guests and we'll talk fashion of the 1920s. From day wear to formal, the clash of conservatism to body revealing couture had this era really roaring.

First Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:59:00 +0000

She called and told us of their plans for a small, intimate wedding in the North Georgia Mountains. She had seen our web-site and liked what she saw. There would be the two of them, the official, and if witnesses were needed, us. This was to be the first wedding at Chancey Hill Inn and we wanted to help commemorate it.

I asked and she told me that her dress was blue. Somewhere between navy and royal. Armed with this info, I called and ordered the tiny, exquisite cake ( a gift from us ) from a local bakery. Because it was early October, there was still a bouquet's worth of fanciful mountain wildflowers and other bounties from Mother Nature. A nosegay was fashioned because in my exalted opinion, every bride should carry flowers.

On the morning of the wedding day he and she left the inn directly after breakfast for a sightseeing adventure. This gave us the chance to ready our little gazebo for the role of wedding altar . While Ma Nature cooperated with flowers, the wind was a different matter. As I tried to drape the bright and beautiful Indian saris from the gazebo's rafters, they were whipped away and carried down the hill. After my third trip down the ladder and then the hill to retrieve yards of fabric, Plan B was formulated and put into play. I could only loop the saris on the nails used for gazebo Christmas lights. Not exactly the look I'd had in mind but a look all the same.

The appointed wedding time was 5:00 PM. With the bride and groom dressing for the event, a chilly drizzle began. Although I thought it impossible, the wind kicked-up more. We were talking of moving things inside, when just at 5:00, the clouds parted and that silver-gray and white, with just a little sunlight, filtered through. It was gorgeous! He and she were gorgeous and so were those sorry saris. The service was simple and dear. We toasted with the great bubbly he and she kindly shared with us. I only hope that he and she had as much fun at their wedding as I did.

MURDER MYSTERY WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:43:00 +0000

Picture it. America. January, 1920, the passing of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America prohibits the sale, manufacture or distribution of the old devil whiskey (or any alcohol for that matter). Not everyone's thrilled.

By 1925 there were more than 30,000 speakeasies in New York City alone. Certain lore whispers of a mountain town way down South. Hiawassee, Georgia, was to have its own establishment where a little of this and a lot of that was to happen. Don Wannabe was set to open the Four Deuces Speakeasy and Bait Shop with a celebration, but a murder caused prohibitions of its own.

Chancey Hill Inn is hosting its first Murder Mystery Weekend on March 16-18, 2012. There will be plenty of gangsters, hit men, politicians, molls and dirty rats in attendance. Mark the date and check back soon for more details.

Dale

A SPECIAL DECEMBER WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:04:00 +0000

Before the avalanche of shopping, egg-nogging and "stuff till you hurt" begins in earnest, come stay with us at Chancey Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast for the Mountain Christmas Tour of Homes, Friday December 2 through Sunday December 4.

Candle glow makes everything festive so the tour starts on Friday evening with a Candlelight walk through East Gate Townhomes in Hiawassee (6-8 PM). There's sure to be a little nip in the night air so pack your woolies.

Saturday morning after your tour-fueling breakfast here at the inn your self-guided tour starts at 10 AM (through 5 PM). Don't miss the Decorators' Show House, where local decorators and designers get to strut their Yule Tide stuff, so to speak.

You may want to return to the inn in the afternoon to relax and recharge for the Holiday Gala and Silent Auction at one of our all time favorite places, Crane Creek Vineyards. I'm told the items offered for bidding this year are Primo.

On Sunday catch the homes you may have missed on Saturday, or revisit some of your favorites.

You could call this a mix & match weekend. In addition to the Tour of Homes many other fun events are happening in our wonderful community. Call us at Chancey Hill Inn for details.

Book your weekend stay with us now and we'll include two tickets to the Tour of Homes , Decorators' Show House, and Crane Creek Vineyards Holiday Gala for $20.00. Regular prices for two tickets are $50.00.

We look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

Dale

WINE STOMPING AND PUNKIN CHUNKIN

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Catapults and Trebuchets are being readied for the 3rd Annual Punkin Chunkin Festival this weekend in Hayesville, NC. Festivities begin Friday night from 5:00 to 9:00 with food, dancing, and PUNKIN. Saturday begins the Punkin Chunkin competition, along with a Chili cook-off, Anything Punkin bake-off, Pie eating, and pumpkin rolling. The "Finals" of the Chunkin are Sunday afternoon. By the way, last year's record toss was 975 feet!

Saturday afternoon the Annual Harvest Festival at Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris is scheduled for 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Enjoy hayrides, winery tours, and Grape Stomping too. The $20.00 admission includes lunch, wine tasting, souvenir glass, and the opportunity to hear some great music. Addional food and wine will be available.

We still have a couple of rooms available for the weekend. Weather will be great, with sunny to partly cloudy skies, highs in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-30s. Join us for the local wine and pumpkin events, and relax with us at Chancey Hill Inn.

If you can't make it this weekend, think about next weekend as a possibility. Weather again promises to be very pleasant, and you might see some ghosts at the North Georgia Jeepers parade and Trunk or Treat on Saturday afternoon. Festivities take place On the Square in downtown Hiawassee. Catch "Arsenic and Old Lace" at the Peacock Playhouse on Friday or Saturday evenings, or take in a matinee before heading home on Sunday.

We're looking forward to some great fun in the next couple of weeks. Hope to see you soon.

John

WHAT GLORIOUS WEATHER IN THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:46:00 +0000

The weather here has been incredible for the last few days. Sunny, warm days with highs in the 70s, cool nights with lows in the 40s, and sunshine in abundance. Slight breezes in the afternoon - just perfect weather for enjoying the outdoors.

How lucky for the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, which began today. Arts, crafts, vendors, and incredible music. We're looking forward to performances by John Anderson, Ricky Scaggs, Gene Watson, Percy Sledge, T. Graham Brown and others. And next weekend is the Georgia Fiddlers' Convention.

Close by there are festivals in Blairsville, Hayesville NC, and Oktoberfest in Helen.

Come enjoy the fall season and come see us.

John

Summer Soiree

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:34:00 +0000

The swelter of the long, hot summer is waning. The early nip of autumn is struggling to emerge. Mother Nature is between acts. So for the Saturday evenings of September 17, 24, and October 1, 2011, in addition to our full breakfasts, we are presenting our complimentary Summer Simmer Soirees. We have chosen The Wines and Foods of The Great State of Georgia as the feature of this gathering of guests. Like her inhabitants, Georgia Agriculture and Agri-tourism fare can range from Urban Sleek to a more relaxed, rustic side. Join us to discover what General James Oglethorpe never dreamed.

VINE TO WINE WEEKEND 3

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:06:00 +0000

We have set the dates, November 4-6, for our final Vine to Wine Weekend of 2011. Both of our earlier V2WW events were hits with our guests, and a lot of fun for us as well. We're again starting the activities with a wine pairing on Friday evening. We'll enjoy a private tour of Crane Creek Vineyards after breakfast on Saturday, which will include a tasting of their great wines.

Late Saturday afternoon we're putting everyone to work, both starting a new batch of wine and bottling other wine that is ready to go. Of course a wine making session isn't complete without a tasting of great "home made" wines.

Check your calendars and book early. Our last V2WW was a sellout, with guests from as far away as Miami. You won't want to miss the fun.

John

VINE TO WINE WEEKEND 2 WAS BETTER THAN EVER

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:35:00 +0000

It just gets better. V2WW1 was grand fun. V2WW2 was spectacular. We had a full house with some of our guests from as far away as Miami. Our Friday evening wine and dessert pairing found some of us total strangers, but after a very short while we knew this group just "clicked." It wasn't just the wine from local Crane Creek Vineyards or the deserts from our own kitchen. The stars were aligned and we were in sync with each other. Four wines and four desserts were served, savored and discussed. (Some wines and desserts more than once.)

The sunset from our deck was nothing short of mystical that evening. Mother Nature was really showing off. In fact we had to steer ourselves back inside to complete our objective - refilling our glasses and plates.

After breakfast on Saturday we visited with our friends at Crane Creek Vineyards. Chef David Sanford, the

man of many talents at Crane Creek, took us on a tour of the vineyards and the winery, explaining Crane Creek's wines and methodologies to us.

If that weren't enough, he held a tasting of Crane Creek's wonderful wines in the vat room. He also paired several with his great food. We were even able to taste a couple of wines directly from the barrel and vat that were being aged.

After our tour several of our guests stayed at Crane Creek for lunch or just to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the vineyards.

The weekend wasn't all play and no work. At the beautiful home of Joe and Liz, who have been making wine for over 30 years, we started a new batch of wine and then put our guests to work. Our guests took the wine we started at the V2WW1 in April and bottled, corked, sealed and labeled the bottles. Of course we had the pleasure of tasting wines produced by our gracious hosts Joe and Liz and our gracious neighbors Lea and Liz. Spirits were high, to say the least. Every pun intended.

Our guests left us entirely too early after breakfast on Sunday, but headed home with a little more knowledge about wine and with a bottle of wine made possible by their efforts on Saturday.

We can't wait for another Vine to Wine Weekend. Stay tuned for details on V2WW3.

Dale & John

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS, AND OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:51:00 +0000

We're ready for the Fourth of July weekend coming up, and there are quite a few things special this weekend. Saturday evening our friends at Crane Creek Vineyards are having a free concert featuring Bulletproof, a trio highlighting classic rock, country, and even party dance music. Bring a picnic and blanket, enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, and enjoy the music from 7:00 to 11:00 PM.

The Hiawassee Boat Parade on Lake Chatuge begins on July 4 at 11:00 and ends in the early afternoon at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Always an enjoyable procession.

Fireworks at the Fairgrounds about 9:30 PM on the Fourth. It promises to be a great show. We usually watch from our inn.

Coming up later in July is the Georgia Mountain Fair from July 20 through July 30. Great arts and crafts, food vendors and a different country music performer every day.

The Third Annual Georgia Appalachian Pottery Festival is being held in Hiawassee on July 23.

And also enjoy the Licklog Players' performance of "South Pacific" July 28-31 at the Peacock Playhouse in nearby Hayesville, NC.
We hope to see you soon.

AMAZING ART GLASS

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:03:00 +0000

Hot Summer nights at Goldhagen Studios. David Goldhagen is an amazing artist with his blown glass work. Every summer for the past eight years the studio has held Hot Summer Nights, fabulous evenings with live musical performances, a nice selection of wines and desserts available for purchase, and dazzling demonstrations by the internationally acclaimed glass blowing artist.

Join us at Chancey Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast and we'll include two free tickets to the Hot Summer Nights festivities with your room. The fun lasts from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM at the Goldhagen Studio in nearby Hayesville, NC, on June 11, July 23, August 8, September 17 or October 29 this year. Just let us know a couple of days before you want to see this amazing show.

John

V2WW was WOW

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:56:00 +0000

The pairing table was set. The wine bar was ready. Make-up mostly covered the dusting-accident bruise on my brow. And then the rain came. In buckets.

I fretted that the weather was going to ruin our planned good time. Wrong. The people here for the dessert and wine pairing were ready to party.

With the shades up in the dining room we could see the rain and hear the gusting wind, but it seemed a world away from the happy chatter and laughter of our guests and us.

It was fun to first taste each wine and then to taste it again with its selected dessert. David from Crane Creek Vineyards knows his stuff and his skill in pairing the desserts and wine was evident. The right wine with the right food is like a great date. They just "hit it off" and complimented each other so well.

Listening to our fellow tasters was interesting and insightful. We were all happily surprised at the different nuances produced in the wine and the food. All of our guests were delightful company and John and I thank them for being here for our first V2WW. Seems a good time was had by all (they told me so). We will definitely do this again.

Dale

OUR FIRST "VINE TO WINE WEEKEND"

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:13:00 +0000

We held our first V2WW last weekend and what a time we had! Everyone, including the hosts (Dale and me) had a blast. Great folks attending made all the difference. We can't wait for our next V2WW (not sure if we should call the next one V2WW2 or what).

We actually started on Friday evening with a dessert wine pairing - wines and dessert pairings suggested by our friends at Crane Creek Vineyards. Guests, friends and neighbors joined us for four rounds of pairings. Food and wine was great, but the company was exceptional.

After breakfast on Saturday morning we were treated to a private winery tour and tasting at Crane Creek. Very informative, relaxing and a lot of fun.

Late Saturday afternoon we convened at the home of our experienced winemaking friends for a hands-on winemaking experience. We started a "batch" of wine, then went through the complete bottling process (filling, corking, sealing and labeling the bottles) of wine produced earlier. Everyone had the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and make it a success. Of course the winemaking was accompanied by hors d'oeuvres and the tasting of several wines produced by our friends and neighbors. This was a special treat for all of us.

Everyone seemed to have a great time, we we're planning V2WW2 for mid-June. Stay tuned for info on the exact dates.

MORE TO DO IN NORTH GEORGIA THAN YOU THINK

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:46:00 +0000

I thought I would send out a short post and tell you about the activities coming

up in the area over the next couple of months, and when I started checking

things out I realized that it wouldn't really be a "short" list. So here goes.

We still have a couple of spots available for our First Vine to Wine Weekend

on April 15-17. We're tasting, touring and making wine, and are looking

forward to a great time.

Licklog Players present "The Prisoner of Second Avenue," a Neil Simon

comedy, on April 8-10 and April 15-17. Performances at the Peacock

Playhouse in Hayesville, NC. This is a small, intimate theatre and they do a

great job with the presentations.

"Carousel" is being presented by the Drama Department at Young Harris College

on April 15-17. This coincides with the City of Young Harris Spring Fling and

Art Fest at Mayor's Park on the 16th and 17th.

For cyclists, The Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association is sponsoring the

Jackrabbit Mountain Duathlon April 16 & 17 as well. Ride and run the trails at

Jackrabbit Mountain.

The BMW Motorcycle Owners of Georgia are having a rally at the Georgia

Mountain Fairgrounds here in Hiawassee on April 29 through May 1.

Vince Gill in concert at Anderson Music Hall at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

on May 6. Tickets available now.

May also brings wine festivals, barbeque competitions, garden tours, arts & crafts

festivals, plays, and The Big Green Eggfest. Check with us for details.

FIRST BLOG FROM DALE

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:05:00 +0000

Lo-Tec could be my name. I'm not really sure what a blog is or does, but I was told by a marketing pro that it should be used. I can't fathom why anyone would care about my ramblings but here goes.

John and I are so excited about our upcoming Vine to Wine Weekend, or V2WW as we call it. Yo. Chef David Sanford from Crane Creek Vineyards (the first person who should be cloned if and when), has been advising on wine and dessert pairings for the Friday night tasting at the inn. He didn't give specific recipes so I've been testing and testing. While it's fun I've probably put on 5 pounds.

When we chose Chancey Hill Inn for our bed & breakfast we knew the views were spectacular but how wonderful our mountain friends were to become to us was a grand and total surprise. Neighbors Lea & Liz, collectively known as LOLA, have been generous beyond belief with their time and wine-making equipment. They even helped by eating chocolate and drinking wine with us. Joe & Liz have offered, and we greatly accepted, the use of their lovely lakefront home, heavy duty wine-making equipment, and expertise (Joe has been making and bottling his own wine for over 30 years) for the Saturday night demo. These four people contribute to the City of Hiawassee and Towns County in so many ways. From Meals-On-Wheels, Senior Citizen activities, teaching computer skills to elementary school children, and volunteering the skills they were once employed to use for the benefit of our community. Plus they are just fun.

John and I enjoy meeting our guests and have been introduced to many interest and hobbies by them. Some have inspired us to hold event weekends at Chancey Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast featuring these activities so that we and our guests can share them.

You the Blog Readers are invited and welcomed to give us your input and suggestions on future event weekends.

Now about this blog business. Please critique this maiden voyage for me. I'm too old to be too thin-skinned so don't hold back. I'm asking so please be honest.

Dale

VINE TO WINE WEEKEND AT CHANCEY HILL INN

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 22:05:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about making your own wine? Would you like to explore the possibility, but aren't sure how to get started? Well, here's the opportunity to both learn the basics of wine making as well as try your hand at some of the steps in the process. We are holding our first Vine to Wine Weekend on April 15-17, and have a fun-filled weekend planned for our guests.

The weekend kicks off on Friday night with a Wine and Dessert Pairing at the Inn, featuring wines and desserts selected by Chef David Sanford from Crane Creek Vineyards. This is an opportunity, after arrival and dinner on your own, to meet your fellow winemakers and enjoy dessert and the "fruit of the vine."

After a full breakfast on Saturday morning we'll caravan to Crane Creek Winery for a personal tour of the winery and a private tasting of the Vineyards' range of offerings. You'' have some free time after the tasting for exploring the area, perhaps lunch at Crane Creek, or whatever strikes your fancy.

We'll reconvene at the Inn at 4:45 PM and visit the beautiful home of our wine making friends, located very close by on Lake Chatuge. There we'll learn about "starting" a new batch of wine, as well as tasting several wines made by some of our neighbors. After the tasting we'll have the hands-on pleasure of bottling, corking, sealing and labeling another batch of wine that was started several months ago. Dale and I attended a similar demonstration last fall and had an amazing time.

Everyone will be free after the wine making for dinner on their own. We'll serve breakfast Sunday morning before everyone heads for home. You might want to visit other area wineries on the return trip.

If you're interested in joining us please go to our web site and book the weekend on-line. The Vine To Wine Weekend package is only $388 to $448 plus tax for two nights lodging at Chancey Hill Inn and all of the activities outlined above. Just mention the Vine To Wine Weekend in the Remarks section of the on-line reservation request. Please make your reservation by Monday, April 11.

We hope you'll join us for this fun-filled weekend.

John

PRESIDENTS' DAY WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:51:00 +0000

Sunshine, high temps in the mid to upper 60's, lows in the 40's, and quite a few things going on in the mountains. It all starts with the breathtaking scenery in the Blue Ridge.

Thursday through Sunday enjoy the Young Harris College Drama Department's presentation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," with a twist. Tickets only $10.00 for evening performances on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, matinee Sunday.

Also at Young Harris this Friday, "Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity." Tickets only $3.00, and include an after-the-show visit to the YHC Observatory. Skies should be perfect with a full moon on Friday.

Want to dance the night away to classic rock and country hits? Try "Sundown" at Cafe Portofino's Firelight Lounge on Saturday night. Music starts at 8:00 PM.

And of course during the day enjoy Lake Chatuge, Chattahoochee or Nantahala National Forests, the Appalachian Trail, local wineries - you get the drift.

We have rooms available and would love to see you.

John

SUNSHINE OR SNOW?

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:33:00 +0000

While the snow had the upper hand earlier, SUNSHINE will be the big winner over the next several days. We did get a dusting of around one inch of snow last night, but the sun is out and temperatures have warmed to about forty degrees. The forecast calls for high forties tomorrow and Saturday, with mid-fifties on Sunday and on into next week.

It won't come too soon for us as it sure has seemed like a long, wet Fall and Winter.

It sure is beautiful here in the mountains this time of year.

Hope to see you soon.

John

THE BEAUTY OF DIVERSITY

noreply@blogger.com (Chancey Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:31:00 +0000

Where can you enjoy Black Holes, Wine, Shakespeare and Country Music, and all within a fifteen minute drive? Hiawassee and Young Harris, Georgia in the beautiful North Georgia mountains.

"Black Holes - The Other Side of Infinity" is presented at the Rollins Planetarium on the Young Harris College campus on Friday evenings, February 11, 18 and 25, at 8:00 PM.

On February 12 enjoy a free wine tasting at The Wine Cottage, Tower Plaza on Highway 69 in Young Harris from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Enjoy a selection of wines and hors d'oeuvres.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Young Harris College February 17-20 and February 24-26.

And for country music fans, Charlie Daniels on March 5 and Don Williams on March 26, both at the Anderson Music Hall at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.

And don't forget Valentine's Day on February 14.

We hope to see you soon.

John