Sunday, November 27, 2011

DeSoto Falls Recreation Area - Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia

DeSoto Falls in Summer
The mountains of North Georgia are known for their scenic vistas, mountain streams and beautiful waterfalls. You can find all three at DeSoto Falls Recreation area in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Actually a series of waterfalls along small streams that feed Frogtown Creek, DeSoto Falls gained their name after what was said to be a piece of Spanish armor was found there during the 1880s. The waterfalls were on the traditional route of the Hernando de Soto expedition of 1540 and it was logically assumed that the iron had been left behind by the Spanish conquistador.

While modern archaeologists don't put much stock in the claim, they also have never discredited it. In fact, no one really knows where the expedition crossed the mountains. A theory advanced during the 1980s by an anthropologist from the University of Georgia holds that the crossing took place far to the north in North Carolina. Recent archaeological discoveries in South Georgia, however, raise serious questions about his proposed route. Those discoveries have included 16th century Spanish artifacts like those found along known sections of the De Soto route, but far away from the path suggested in the 1980s.

In other words, Hernando de Soto might well have crossed west through Georgia and not hundreds of miles to the north. Or perhaps the crossing was somewhere in between.  No one knows.

The story of the armor aside, DeSoto Falls is an absolutely beautiful place.  Anglers fish for both native and stocked trout in Frogtown Creek as it flows through the recreation area and short hiking trails lead to observation platforms at two of the most picturesque falls.

To learn more about DeSoto Falls, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/gadesotofalls.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Fantasy in Lights underway at Callaway Gardens


Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
Photo Courtesy of Callaway Gardens
The South's premier festival of Christmas lights is now underway at Callaway Gardens.

Fantasy in Lights features more than 8 million lights. That's enough to light up 26,666 six-foot Christmas trees. Stretched end to end, the lights would reach from Callaway Gardens all the way to Baltimore, Maryland (731 miles).

The drive through the extravaganza is seven miles long and can be done either in your own vehicle or on special Jolley Trolleys which feature singing and other holiday fun.

Enchanted Forest Display
Photo Courtesy of Callaway Gardens
Many of the lighting displays are animated and two are operated by Broadway-like control systems. They feature music and quite spectacular light shows with themes that include March of the Toy Soldiers, Magical Christmas Gardens, Firefly Cove, Twelve Days of Christmas, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Santa's Workship and more.

In addition, an impressive 10-minute light show at Robin Lake Beach tells the Nativity Story with orchestrated lights and a moving narration.

The light tours begin and end at Callaway's special Christmas Village, a heated 22,000 square foot area of holiday cheer that offers shopping, food and entertainment.

This year's Fantasy in Lights opened on November 18th and will be open nightly through December 30th. Please click here to view pricing information, etc., for this year's event.

To learn more about Callaway Gardens and Fantasy in Lights, please visit their official website: http://www.callawaygardens.com/gardens/events/winter-fantasy-in-lights.aspx

Other points of interest in the area include: