5th Annual Dahlonega Literary Festival
This event is usually in February however, the organizers have moved it to August for 2008. Check the website for more information: www.literaryfestival.org

5th Annual Wine & Chocolate Lovers Celebration
First three weekends in February
Dahlonega: Three Sisters Vineyards
Three Sisters Vineyards presents the Annual "Wine & Chocolate Lovers Celebration" The first three weekends in February 2008 -between 1-5PM. During this event, the winery will combine chocolate and wines in a special tasting line-up. No reservations are required for the free and $10 per person tastings. This year, a special $25 per person private tasting/seating in the winery will be offered. Reservations for the $25 tastings are required. Limited seatings are at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 PM. The $25 tasting includes a barrel tasting, souvenir wine glass, special chocolates and Sweet Grass Dairy Georgia Cheese tasting. Call for more information and make plans now to visit Three Sisters Vineyards for the ultimate taste of fine wine and chocolate. 706-865-9463
website: threesistersvineyards.com

Free Concert at John C. Campbell Folk School
Friday: February 1
John C.Campbell Folk School: Brasstown, NC
Reflecting many years of collective musical experience, Highway 76 has delighted audiences throughout the area. Band members are: Larry Nichols, rhythm guitar; Dwain Brackett, bass; Delin Brown, mandolin; Gerald Heaton, banjo; Tommy Murphy, lead guitar and Steve Pruitt, fiddle. 7:30pm. Admission: free, donations welcome. 1-800-365-5724
website: folkschool.org

First Friday for Families
Friday: February 1
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge: Helen
This monthly ranger-led series will cover topics of interest to children and adults. Each Friday will explore a new topic, from how animals survive in winter to wonders of the night. Times and dates will vary through the year. 6pm to 7pm. Register in advance. $3 parking. 706-878-3087.
website: gastateparks.org/info/smithgall

Tuesdays: February 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2008
Blue Mountain Jam
Kiwanis Fairgrounds Jones St & Austin St: Blue Ridge
Experience real mountain Blue Grass Music. Musicians are local players. Free admission all donations goes to the efforts of the Kiwanis Club. Call before you come to confirm event: 706-258-2736. Sponsored by Blue Mountain Music & Treasures. 6:30 - 9pm.

Free Concert at John C. Campbell Folk School
Friday: February 8
John C.Campbell Folk School: Brasstown, NC
Buck and Nelson Concert David Buchanan and Nelson Thomas, aka Buck & Nelson, have been performing music together since the mid 1970?s. They began learning the basics of music and playing string instruments in the basement of Nelson's parent's house. For the past 20 years they have also performed solo, with a number of other musicians, and at many venues including performing in "The Reach of Song" (Georgia's Official Historical Drama). Their main instrument is the acoustic guitar, which they both flatpick and play fingerstyle. They also bring other instruments to perform on, including the mandolin, fiddle, old time banjo, bluegrass banjo, harmonica, and washboard. 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Admission: free, donations welcome. 1-800-365-5724
website: folkschool.org

Wilderness Survival Sampler
Saturday & Sunday: February 9 & 10
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge: Dawsonville
Spend a lot of time outdoors? Prepare yourself for the unexpected. This two-day workshop covers basic survival skills that every outdoorsman should know, including lost prevention, fire building, shelter building and more. Register in advance. Fee plus $3 parking. 706-265-1969.
website: gastateparks.org/info/amicalola

Traveling by Firelight
Thursday - Saturday: February 14 - 16
Travelers Rest Historic Site: Toccoa
Candlelight tours and special treats can be found inside this historic stagecoach inn. 6pm to 9pm. $2.50-$4. 706-886-2256.
website: gastateparks.org/info/travelers

Artrageous Fridays - Poetry Reading
Friday: February 15
Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association: Blue Ridge
Robert Burns poetry reading with bagpipes. For information and times, call 706-632-2144
website: brmaa.net

Arbor Day Tree Planting
Saturday: February 16
Fort Yargo State Park: Winder
Help plant trees around the park in celebration of Arbor Day. Bring gloves and shovels with you. 770-867-3489. 8am - 12 noon. Directions: Located 1 mile south of Winder on Ga. Hwy. 81.
website: gastateparks.org/info/ftyargo

Storytelling Workshop
Saturday, February 16
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge: Helen, GA
Storyteller Cayce Terrell will provide an indepth look at the steps that lead up to a performance, including how to remember and fix the story in the mind and body and how to physically convey a story. The workshop will end with a group telling of a Cherokee tale. Bring a picnic lunch. 10am to 1pm. Register by February 8. $15 plus $3 parking. 706-878-3087.
website: gastateparks.org/info/smithgall

33rd Annual Fireside Craft and Art Show
Saturday & Sunday: February 16 & 17
Unicoi State Park and Lodge: Helen
More than 60 of the Southeast's finest artists and craftspeople will participate in this Unicoi tradition. This juried show has a reputation for excellence and a balance between fine arts and quality crafts. 10am to 5pm. $3 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 301.
website: gastateparks.org

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Wednesday: February 20
Tallulah Gorge State Park: Tallulah Falls
Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. The hike will begin at the Interpretive Center, following the North Rim Trail, with a descent of the Hurricane Falls Trail staircase of about 325 steps to the suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls. 6pm to 8pm. $4 parking. 706-754-7981.
website: gastateparks.org/info/tallulah

Free Concert at John C. Campbell Folk School
Friday: February 22
John C.Campbell Folk School: Brasstown, NC
Aubrey Atwater presents a captivating program of traditional and original folk music performed on guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, Irish tin whistle, mandolin, feet, and old-time banjo. She entwines a moving explanation of the music with stories from her life and musical journey. Aubrey's love of music extends beyond the sound alone. Her pursuit is to understand folk music as an expression of human history and a glimpse into the lives of "ordinary" people. 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Admission: free, donations welcome. 1-800-365-5724
website: folkschool.org

Mountain Bike Workshop
Saturday: February 23
Tallulah Gorge State Park: Tallulah Falls
Whether you have never been on the trails, or you're an experienced rider, this mountain bike workshop is sure to give you some tips that will make your next ride more enjoyable. Joe Elam of Habersham Bicycles will join us and cover everything from basic bike maintenance to riding skills. 10am to 2pm. $4 parking. (706)754-7981.
website: gastateparks.org/info/tallulah

Free Concert at John C. Campbell Folk School
Friday: February 29
John C.Campbell Folk School: Brasstown, NC
RedHead Express Concert - THE WALKER FAMILY aka The RedHead Express is equally at home playing straight forward bluegrass,traditional country, jazz, and gospel songs. Occasionally adding Irish and old time to their sets, tthe family showcases their four young daughters' beautiful harmonies, original songs, and increasing musical maturity while Mom and Dad add vocal depth, backup, and guidance to the ensemble. 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Admission: free, donations welcome. 1-800-365-5724
website: folkschool.org