Regional

Clare Moore, age 17, has a passion for farming and natural living. Her endeavors include baking sourdough bread, raising chickens, gardening and making her own beauty care products. She also seeks to inspire other young people on her YouTube channel, “Sustaining Food for Thought.”

Clare Moore, age 17, has a passion for farming and natural living. Her endeavors include baking sourdough bread, raising chickens, gardening and making her own beauty care products. She also seeks to inspire other young people on her YouTube channel, “Sustaining Food for Thought.”

A steward of the land

News Staff
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Whether she is processing turkeys she raised in her backyard, planting herbs or making elderberry gummies, chicken broth and apple butter from scratch, there is one driving force behind everything Clare Moore does.
Sharon Callan, owner/operator/trainer at Shelter Dogs for Veterans, proves her ability by training a miniature donkey when she was at her ranch in the Seattle/Tacoma, Wash., area. On facing page, the Shelter Dogs for Veterans logo, with its Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) acronyms. (Contributed photo)

Sharon Callan, owner/operator/trainer at Shelter Dogs for Veterans, proves her ability by training a miniature donkey when she was at her ranch in the Seattle/Tacoma, Wash., area. On facing page, the Shelter Dogs for Veterans logo, with its Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) acronyms. (Contributed photo)

Shelter Dogs for Veterans helps those with PTSD, brain injuries

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
After serving in deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the War on Terror, Nikisha Melendez struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and other ailments. She went through therapy, but still grew anxious in public places — and especially crowds.
Charles and Cathy Hoetink, owners and proprietors of Canoe Vineyards & Winery, pose with their collection of wines for tasting and purchasing. Charles is from the Netherlands, and Cathy hails from Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Mark Millican)

Charles and Cathy Hoetink, owners and proprietors of Canoe Vineyards & Winery, pose with their collection of wines for tasting and purchasing. Charles is from the Netherlands, and Cathy hails from Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Mark Millican)

Canoe Vineyard and Winery conveys gratitude to community

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Charles and Cathy Hoetink were driving home from church when a neighbor called. “He sent me a picture and says, ‘You might want to come to your property — part of your roof blew off,’” said Charles. Ascending the last small hill onto their vineyard with a Talking Rock address, their hearts sank.
Frank and Suzy Wright take a rare break from work to have a farm photo taken with a couple of their little porkers.

Frank and Suzy Wright take a rare break from work to have a farm photo taken with a couple of their little porkers.

Mountain Valley Farm Store growing locally since 1840

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Thursday, April 4, 2024
It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Gilmer County, perhaps because of its out-of-the-way location where you have to be going there to get there. Or maybe it’s due to the postal address of Talking Rock, though you have to go down Clear Creek Road to reach it.
Roo Mountain co-owners Shawn Scott and Michelle Raffaele are in their third season of grape harvesting and are already expanding their vineyard and winery operation.

Roo Mountain co-owners Shawn Scott and Michelle Raffaele are in their third season of grape harvesting and are already expanding their vineyard and winery operation.

Roo Mountain Vineyards offering wine, cider — and a spectacular view

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Thursday, October 5, 2023
At 4,151 feet above sea level, Cowpen Mountain is the highest peak in the Cohutta Wilderness Area and the ninth-tallest mountain in Georgia. And although technically in Fannin County, perhaps one of its best views is from Roo Mountain Vineyards just northwest of Ellijay.
Leslie Thomas, left, describes items displayed in the Tabor House Museum’s Native American room.

Leslie Thomas, left, describes items displayed in the Tabor House Museum’s Native American room.

Take in some local history, visit the Tabor House Museum

Michael Andrews - Mountain Life Editor
Thursday, October 5, 2023
It’s the oldest standing house in Ellijay and the only museum in Gilmer County. Those are among the attributes of the Tabor House Museum, which is located in an 1870s Victorian-era house manned by members of the Gilmer Historical Society.
The Pritchetts, Rachel and Marvin, put a lot of time and effort into the Red Apple Barn through the decades to help make it the successful family business it is today.

The Pritchetts, Rachel and Marvin, put a lot of time and effort into the Red Apple Barn through the decades to help make it the successful family business it is today.

Red Apple Barn approaching 60 years in business

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Thursday, October 5, 2023
More than half a century ago, an apple tree began growing on the property of the late W.T. Pritchett in the Pleasant Grove community just west of Ellijay. The apples had a nice red color to them and they “tasted good,” said Barry Pritchett, W.T.’s grandson.
Janice Hale holds up a pair of Rome Beauties at Hillcrest Orchards.

Janice Hale holds up a pair of Rome Beauties at Hillcrest Orchards.

Hillcrest Orchards celebrating its 75th anniversary

Mark Millican - Special to the Times-Courier
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
When the late Heyward Reece learned his daughter Janice was planning to have a “petting farm” at Hillcrest Orchards, the idea didn’t sit so well. “When I first told him I was going to do it, he thought that was just a crazy idea, that nobody would pay to see and pet farm animals,” she said.
The Appalachian Trail, above, offers some great all-season hiking opportunities near Springer Mountain.

The Appalachian Trail, above, offers some great all-season hiking opportunities near Springer Mountain.

Loop trails - Local hikes that are sure to please

News Staff
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Loop trails are a popular day hiking option because they provide opportunities for exploration without having to retrace one’s steps and cut out the need for figuring out logistics for getting back to a vehicle at the end of the day.