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Welcome to North Georgia's Best Kept Secret! Tucked away in the serenity of the NW Georgia Mountains is a community of spectacular beauty and relaxed living. Summerville, Menlo & Trion, and miles & miles of countryside, offer all a comfortable lifestyle with the advantage of three metropolitan areas - Chattanooga, Birmingham & Atlanta - within easy driving time. Stop in a let us tell you about all there is to do. 706/857-4033. www.chattooga-chamber.org

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Something's always happening in Summerville. Plan to spend some time with us! We're the home of Rev. Howard Finster, the most prolific folk artist in the US; many festivals & activities at Dowdy Park; and historic homes, both log cabins and grand dames. Spend the night with us, enjoy our restaurants. Relax. Stop by & visit when you get to town. 706/859-0917. www.summervillega.org

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Live the Southern charm of life 100 years ago with the traditional conveniences of today. Each room has its own private bath, TV/VCR, and refrigerator. Evening snacks and full continental breakfast are provided daily. 706/822-9948. Choose your favorite room at www.dillardsbandb.com before you call for a reservation.

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This historical location is where the Rev. Howard Finster had his vision from God to paint sacred art. While raising his family and building six rooms onto this house - originally a three-room store, Finster also embellished the adjacent Paradise Garden. The Vision House is now home to a fantastic collection of Finster Art to view & buy. Open Sat & Sun, noon-5pm. 917/915-3058. Email: david@DLG-gallery.com.

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Paradise Gardens is the Art Environment of the artist Rev. Howard Finster. A restoration effort is underway. Plans to use the facility for education, workshops, festivals & as a museum to Rev. Finster's rich legacy of faith & Southern culture through his art, music & gardens are being carried out! 205/587-3090.

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Enjoy a touch of class in a charming luncheon atmosphere. Our selection of sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts are unlike any others in the area. You will admire Christi Stout's unique presentation and the love that goes into each meal served. The staff is ready to make your lunch special with friendly & warm service. Stop in & get to know us! Open 11am-2pm Mon-Fri. 706/857-1844 or 706/506-8454. Email christijean@alltel.net

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This vintage art-deco appointed cafe is NW Georgia's only organic, vegetarian eatery and serves cultured, raw & cooked foods. It is an exciting backdrop for Jan Cordle's stoneware pottery and wall-hung mosaics, with earthy images & poetic messages from Shakespeare to Dylan. Open 9am-6pm any Thurs or Fri of the month. Open House the 1st wknd of Dec. 706/859-7880 or 706/857-2855. www.unionstreetmarket.com

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Plan to spend some time visiting Jim Marbutt and his Mom and seeing the art in this adjunct building to Marbutt's Hardware near downtown. You never know who's going to drop by. See Jim's one-of-a-kind carvings, as well as others' carvings, pottery, garden art & paintings. Come to shop in the replica of an old western town or just watch Jim work. Soak up the insanity. Jim also offers classes and carving supplies. Don't miss this guy; he's a great woodcarver & host! 9am-5pm Mon-Sat. 706/331-7359. kawligaandfriends@windstream.net

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See the work of local craft makers in a variety of media. Plants, wood, paint, paper and clay are just a few of the skill sets you'll find here. Classes are available throughout the year. In season, local produce is also offered for sale. 706/857-4863. Email: JeaniesCrafts@windstream.net

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Let's talk plants - anytime! a wide selection of native & other plants is available year-round. Stroll through our statuary section or just sit in a rocker and enjoy the bubbling fountains. Our customers soon become our friends. Attend our seasonal classes for fun! We offer full design and installation services of plants and stonework. Ask for assistant manager Chocky to put the "purrfect" touch on your selections. Wed-Sat, 9am-6pm. www.fineviewgardencenter.com

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We're all about art... Fine Art, Art Supplies, Art Restoration and Custom Framing. Here at the foot of the mountain with her animals around her, Sherry Hogan paints, draws and works in various other media. Her studio is in the top of the Big Fat Art Barn behind an old farmhouse. Visit the farm & try your hand at drawing a horse! Thurs-Sat 9:30am-1pm. 706/734-7632. Email: sherry@bigfatframeshop.com

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The art, craft & rocks in Mountain Mamas represent the work of 60+ local and regional women artists, ages 9 to 79. In business since 1995 in a renovated 1930s stone and log cabin motel, the Shop is full of pottery, candles, rugs, jewelry, fabric art, soaps, folk & fine art, woodcrafts, fused glass, bird houses, gourd art and more! The friendly staff welcomes browsers! The 2nd Saturday in July is our Shop's anniversary w/artist demos, cake & door prizes. Sat & Sun noon-6pm, May 1-Dec 1. Call for an appt other days, 706/862-6481. GA Hwy 48, 1/2 mile E of AL Hwy 117 & 1/2 mile W of GA 157. www.mountainmamas.com or email mountainmamas@alltel.net

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Enjoy the magnificent view across Shinbone Valley at this equestrian summer camp for girls with cabin rental, group accommodations for family reunions, trailhead for Pigeon Mountain horse trails & spelunking adventures. Spring, Summer and Fall camping fun await! 706/862-2231. www.valleyviewranch.com

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Feng Shui-friendly organic contemporary furniture made from native resources. Tours & workshops offered in furniture making and organic farming by The Organic Man, Jim Everette. Come visit our showroom, workshop and gardens. Furniture may be purchased on site or by commission. Open Fri-Sun 10am-6pm or by appt. 208 Old State Rd, off GA Hwy 157, a tad less than 5 miles S of GA Hwy 136 & 18 miles N of GA Hwy 48 on the mountain. 706/398-3536.

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See everything from medieval kings to bears here! Our versatility is amazing. We are known for the detail in our work. People who come to visit our shop - from children to grown-ups - are astounded at how we take a piece of wood and bring it to life. Mon-Sat 9am-9pm; Sun 1-9pm. 706/734-7340. www.geocities.com/chainsawcreations

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Built in 1936, the Tavern is noted for its historical beauty, great Southern Hospitality adn exceptionally good food. Come join us for delectable steaks, seafood and true Southern Cooking. 706/734-7659. www.theriegeldaletavern.com

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Welcome to Walker County Where the Beauty Comes Naturally and the Rest is History! Visitors can find fun for the entire family at the Chickamauga National Military Park. Enjoy one of our nature trails or see Seven States from Rock City Gardens atop Lookout Mountain. Visit our website for travel details. www.walkercochamber.com. Make us your first stop when you're in the area! Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm. 706/375-7702.

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Experience downtown LaFayette's rich Civil War, Native American and African-American history, including Chattooga Academy where Confederate Gen. Bragg planned the Battle of Chicamauga, LaFayette Presbyterian Church that served as a hospital after the Battle of LaFayette, the three-story National Register-listed courthouse, the business district called The Square, and impressive older homes. Pick up a walking tour brochure Mon-Dri 8am-5pm at City Hall or at the Wardlaw Building, 309 N Main St Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 1-5pm. www.LaFayetteGaDowntown.com

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Tri-county professional artists and craft makers have remodeled and renovated this former restaurant across the street from the historic Marsh House to present their work, as well as that of student and emerging artists. You'll often find some of NW Georgia's best artists on site to tell you about the art and help you choose your favorites. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 1-5pm or by appt. Wardlaw Building, 706/639-3457. www.NWGA-foothills-gallery.com

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Visit Kaw-Ligas and Friends in Summerville to see Steve & Harriet O'Rear's designs and steel silhouettes in light: fire screens, chandeliers and sconces, gates, hat racks and furnishings. Each original design is laser cut, then constructed by Steve, and powder coated for long life. Most pieces are inspired by the mountain flora & fauna, deer, wild turkey, spider webs, waterfowl, song birds, white oak trees and wild flowers. Iron Age Crafters has received awards at the Southeastern Wildlife Expo in Charleston, the Blue Ridge Mountain Art Festival and the New Salem Mountain Festival. Steve & Harriet have exhibited for several years at the prestigious Plantation Wildlife Art Exhibition in Thomasville. After you visit Kaw-Ligas and see their website, www.ironagecrafters.com, feel free to give the O'Rears a call at 706/398-0858 for commission info.

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Specializing in fine art murals for business & home, this gallery features large-scale Civil War paintings of the Southern soldier and breathtaking landscapes of the local NW Georgia mountains & valleys. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm or by appt, 706/638-6225. www.roomwithviews.com or email bill@roomwithviews.com

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Fabulous country cooking in an 1860s Civil War-era house. Specialties include golden fried chicken, fried okra, BBQ Chicken (maybe the best you've ever eaten), super catfish (baked or fried), and good old-fashioned homemade desserts. Mon-Fri 11am-8pm. 706/639-9443

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Civil War history abounds in our lovely town nestled in the NW corner of the State. The Battle of Chickamauga was fought Sept 19-20, 1863 and involved 150,000+ soldiers of the Northern & Southern Armies. Prior to the Battle, Union Gen Rosecrans had his HQ at the Gordon-Lee Mansion, still standing today. Soldiers were cared for in the house and adjacent buildings, with many Union doctors remaining behind to tend the wounded after the Southern victory. We are in the process of renovating the downtown streets to look much like they appeared in the early 1900s. Many of these buildings are open now for visits. Be sure & attend Down Home Days the first Sat in May and War Between the States Day the third Sat in Sept. 706/375-3177, www.cityofchickamaugageorgia.org

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The Trail gives visitors an overview of the Chickamauga Campaign and the events that led up to the Battle of Chickamauga, Sept 19-20, 1863. www.ChickamaugaCampaign.org details the route of the Confederate Army of Tennessee as it retreated from Chattanooga south to LaFayette; then with reinforcements, turned back north to fight the Battle. Most of the sites listed have interpretive signage providing more detail as you follow the Trail. Along this route, you will find numerous other recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing and shopping. Campaign Heritage Trail; PO Box 69; Chickamauga GA 30707, 706/375-3177.

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Step back in time to Southern Class & Charm inside Chickamauga's first General Store - Est. 1889. Come for lunch Tues-Fri or plan your own occasion Thurs or Fri evenings or on Saturdays in the Tea Room. Shop for gifts and antiques. Primitives are our specialty! Are you looking to escape it all & relax? Take advantage of Cindy's and Don's "Frankly My Dear" Guest Suite overnight or longer. Scarlett's is downtown across from the Depot. 706/375-1889. www.scarlettstearoom.com or email: info@scarlettstearoom.com

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Get Away from the World in Our Hideaway. Retreat to the North Georgia Mountains, 15 miles from Chattanooga, 100 miles from Atlanta or 150 miles from Birmingham. Take advantage of the peace & quiet to play a game of badminton, paddle around the lake or fish from its banks. Any season is just right to enjoy these log cabins, lake and woods. For events, book the Music Hall (owners call Barn Dances there) or the Wedding Chapel. Call today for rates & reservations. Btw LaFayette & Trenton on GA 136 at the base of Lookout Mtn. 706/539-2372

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Stop by the Historic 1920s train depot, the home of the Dade County Chamber & a Georgia Regional Visitor Information Center. Get the scoop on local businesses, state tourism, special events and local artists & craft makers. The 150 photographs depicting Dade's beauty and lifestyle for the county's annual calendar are on display year-round. Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm. 706/657-4488. www.dadechamber.com

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The World's Largest & Most Unique Outdoor Theater. Imagine two large screens, each playing double features! Arrive up to two hours early to play on the hillside with your family or to listen to the music. At movie time, just settle back in your car or on a blanket on the hillside surrounded by nature. Opens at 7pm Fri, Sat & Sun, April-Oct. 706/657-2000 or 706/657-8411. Check www.wildernesstheater.com for movie schedule & special events.

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Home of the 48-oz Burger. Eat it all & it's free! We are a full service restaurant with a food bar & menu. We offer broasted chicken, steaks, seafood, pizza, strombollis and many other food items. Tues-Sun 11am-10pm. 706/657-5330. Email: randysrestaurant@netzero.net

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With historic Lookout Mountain to the east and downtown Chattanooga only 15 minutes away, we are the closest KOA to Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway. We are very proud of our lovely RV campgrounds, tent spaces, cabins and cottages, all nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Ofc open 8:30am-7pm. 706/657-6815. www.LookoutMountainKOA.com

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Rustic - Relaxing - Restful RV Park. Camp along Crawfish Creek on 12 beautiful acres. The best kept little secret in Dade County, so our visitors say! Quite the place to stay and play while you tour the many attractions in the three county area in the northwest corner of Georgia. 706/657-8334 or butch@creativeinstallations.com. www.rhavenfamilypark.com

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Visit artist Sue Cannon at her Lookout Mountain studio where you will find unique wheel-thrown pieces of quality workmanship. The renowned pottery shop, founded in 1963, is a converted barn built on the brow with a spectacular view. Workshops are held throughout the year. Participants of all ages can learn & expand their creative vision in this beautiful mountain setting. Visit anytime, but plan to return for the annual Open House the first wknd in December. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. Two miles east of Cloudland Canyon State Park, just off GA Hwy 136. 706/657-4444. Email: risingfawnpotts@aol.com

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From Sheep to Shawl, We Have it All! This family-owned & operated farm specializes in handspun yarns and products made from our flock of Finnish Landrace sheep. A visit to the studio will find us in some phase of spinning, weaving or dyeing. Classes are available, as are supplies for your fiber art adventures. By appt Jan-Aug; Wed-Fri 10am-6pm, Sept-Dec. 423/802-1601. www.risingfawnfiber.com

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Award-winning Mark Issenberg creates a variety of functional ash-glazed stoneware including large serving platters and planters here in his studio. His ash glaze glows with earthy browns, greens and blues that reflect the hues of nature. Also visit his nursery for unusual plants. Come anytime, but plan to visit the second wknd in December for Mark's kiln opening & Christmas Sale. Open daily. 706/398-3232. www.lookoutmountainpottery.com

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A peaceful scenic vista awaits you at Mae Gray Pottery. Wander through the whimsical landscape created by Bob Gray. From Lookout Mountain, enjoy the panoramic view of four states on 26 acres of wooded seclusion. Shop for one of a kind handcrafted works of wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery. Stay in one of two fully-equipped cottages, each complete with its own hot tub. www.VRBO.com (listing #23169). Join us the second wknd in November for the annual Rock Bluff Art Show & Sale featuring local artists. We look forward to your visit! 706/398-0668. weekendrentals@netzero.net

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Enjoy a truly unique dining experience at the Canyon Grill, an icon in the tri-state area! The best quality, freshest ingredients, a tremendous staff and traditional dishes expertly cooked to order are guaranteed. We feature local trout & catfish, locally-grown vegetables (often from our own gardens), and prime aged steaks cooked over a hickory wood fire. Check the website after 5pm for the evening's menu choices. BYOB wine & beer only. Wed-Sun 5-9pm. 706/398-9510. www.canyongrill.com

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The ArtBox Gallery is Georgia's western-most Gallery. Continuing the artistic tradition of the Plum Nelly area of Lookout Mountain, ArtBox Gallery features works by the region's established artists, as well as new and emerging local talents. Housed in an historic mechanic's shop, it is a showcase for contemporary arts and fine craft that speak to the heart. Come see the custom mosaics on the renovated building. Exhibits rotate with an opening reception every six to eight weeks. See website or call for dates. Open March 15-Dec 31, Thurs-Sun, 1-7pm. Appts avail. 706/398-0011. www.ABXGallery.com

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Southern Home Cooking! All aboard for meals fixed like grandma used to make, with hospitality to match. Come and dine along the Norfolk Southern Railway while taking in the awesome mountain scenery. Fresh meats and local vegetables are prepared in a way that makes you come back for more! Open Wed/Thurs 11am-8pm; Fri 11am-8pm; Sat 6am-8pm and Sun 11am-4pm. 4356 Hwy 11, Rising Fawn, 706/462-2301.

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Whether you are a lover and a collector of folk art or enjoy unique & special works of art, this Gallery is for you! We represent many of the best-known folk artists and offer a folk art sculpture garden in a beautiful, wooded setting high atop Lookout Mountain. Open Wed-Fri 2-6pm; Sat-Sun noon-6pm. 706/398-2640. www.RisingFawnFolkArt.com

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Examples of Betsy Scott & Carl McClesky's magnificent indoor sculptures can be seen at ArtBox Gallery. To get a better idea of their incredible talents, see their super life-sized lions, waterfowl and other creatures on their website www.wildlifebronze-inc.com. You will not see more spectacular bronze sculptures anywhere. Betsy & Carl will be happy to invite you to their Cloudland studio to talk about commissioned pieces. Give them a call at 706/862-2184 or email them at mccscott@hughes.net

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Founded in 1987 by the Faircloth Family, this backyard-hobby-turned-thriving-business builds rustic hickory furnishings for homes, lodges and inns across America. Today, second generation craftsmen and women build chairs, tables, beds & accessories in the mountains of NW Georgia. As a family, we build rustic furtniture that will last a lifetime. Mon-Fri 8:30am-noon & 1-5pm. 706/820-8110. www.arfurniture.com

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Home & art studios of internationally-known sculptor Bob Dombrowski and designer Mary Petruska. The grounds serve as a sculpture garden, and their home, as an informal gallery. Work ranges from large stone sculptures to paintings, drawings, prints and artists books. Thurs-Sat noon-6pm or by appt. 706/657-8858. d.p.productions@earthlink.net

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This historic antebellum home was built in 1836 by Spencer Stewart Marsh. Union troops occupied the house after the Marsh family moved to Cassville during the Civil War. The Marshes returned to find the downstairs hall blood-soaked and marked with hoof prints. The house remained in the family for more than 150 years. Open by appt. 308 N Main St, LaFayette, Evelle Dana 706/638-5703 or 706/638-5187. Email: edana@comcast.net