Segments that were recently filmed around Gilmer County for two TV programs will spotlight some of the county’s small businesses, applehouses, wineries and other attractions.
A crew with “Small Town Christmas,” in which “Inside Edition” correspondent and author Megan Alexander visits small towns across the U.S., was here in early October to film a special “harvest” episode.
Judy Wilson, who runs downtown Ellijay’s Hometown Florist and Yesterday’s Decor with her husband, Calvin, was among the local businessowners visited by Alexander.
“I thought they would just be filming and using my shop. They didn’t give me a heads up that I’d be on camera, but I actually ended up being interviewed. I don’t know what all’s going to be on the show, but it was a neat experience,” Wilson said. “They were wonderful and the nicest people. They really made you feel at ease and comfortable.”
A segment featuring John and Michelle Vigue, who do fundraisers around town as Mr. and Mrs. Semper Fi Santa, was among the footage filmed at Wilson’s shop.
“They were specifically wanting a store in town with Christmas decorations. I’d just started decorating and had to put it in high gear,” Wilson said.
Ron Cheslock, Gilmer Chamber tourism director, said footage for the harvest episode was also shot at Panorama Farm Market, R&A Orchards, Reece’s Cider Company and Burt’s Pumpkin Farm in Dawsonville.
“Small Town Christmas” airs on the UPtv network, and the episode featuring Gilmer County will premiere Nov. 20 at 9 p.m.
Last week, a film crew and hosts of the PBS program “Wine First” were here to visit two Gilmer County wineries.
“Wine First” hosts Liora Levi, Yolanda Año and Maya Samuelsson visit domestic and international wine-producing regions to profile the winemakers and match their wine with food prepared by local chefs.
Here, they visited and filmed at Engelheim Vineyards and Chateau Meichtry, Cheslock said. Food was prepared by chefs from Emily’s Bar and Restaurant.
All food prepared for the “Wine First” shoot was locally sourced, Cheslock noted. The PBS crew also shot footage at Wolf Mountain Vineyards in Dahlonega, he said.
“Wine First” airs on Georgia Public Broadcasting stations at various times and dates. The show’s third season, beginning in 2023, will focus on American winemakers.
A premiere date for the episode featuring the Gilmer wineries hasn’t been announced, but Cheslock said it might air sometime early next year.