Mountain Spotlight Podcast with Rick Andrews: Recent Episodes
Mountain Spotlight with Rick Andrews
We are exploring Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina to find hidden gems that are tucked away in the Blue Ridge mountains.We are shining a light on small businesses that are at the heart of our communities.The Mountain Spotlight Podcast features small businesses success stories including quick interviews to let consumers know what products and services they offer and what they do best.
From sandwiches, burgers to healthy options this restaurant has an amazing atmosphere with a golf course view. Enjoy your meal next to a cozy fireplace overlooking the view of Mountain Harbour Golf Course in Hayesville, NC.
From tools, home garden, to hardware, George's Paint and Hardware has everything you need. Whether you're a pro or taking on a DIY home improvement project for the first time, this store has equipment and products you need to get the job done.
Looking for an unforgettable dining experience? Pizza Belly, a new restaurant in Blairsville, GA, is spreading the love with top-notch food, great service, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Santa Claus is coming to the mountains soon and has a hectic schedule! I was lucky enough to get an exclusive interview with him. He will be at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, GA starting Thanksgiving night.
From homemade Fudge to farm animal feeds and outdoor supplies, this local store in Hayesville, NC offers a quality shopping experience. Mountain Valley Country Store has everything you need for grills, fishing gear, clothing, camping gear, and so much more. Go check out this local store to see what all they have to offer.
Grandaddy Mimm's Distilling Co. has been showcasing handcrafted moonshine and spirits stretching back even farther than their legal status. They are located in the heart of downtown Blairsville, GA and uses the same ole moonshine recipe that dates back to the Great Depression and today they distill in the same hills where Jack "Mimm" McClure, the most famous mountain moonshiners, made it.
Paradise Hills Resort is family owned winery creating hand-crafted wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Reisling, Chardonnel, Traminette and Sangiovese. From cabin rentals, a European-style Spa, and farm winery, all in one location on 40 acres property has everything you need for relaxation or weekend getaway. This family operation involves every member of the Lander family and Paradise Hills family.
Studio1891tattoo might be one of the most unique businesses you can stumble across in the mountains! When I first walked in the front door, all I could see was the art and antiques they have displayed throughout the shop. You couldn't see anything tattoo related until you got to the back of the shop which was surprising for a tattoo shop.
Whether you're craving for Korean BBQ or Southern BBQ, Smoke and Sass BBQ has wide variety of their signature dishes with a twist of Asian and Hawaii flavors.
From absolutely amazing Baby Back Ribs to delicious Smoked Salmon, and Hawaiian Shrimp tacos too, they have creative dishes that makes the locals want to keep coming back.
Timothy's Eagle Ridge Buildings are made locally and they offer delivery and installation with every purchase. Their product line includes gazebos, storage sheds, tiny homes, garages, steel barns, and greenhouses.
This resort offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Chatuge. The Ridges is known for their waterfront accommodations, waterfront restaurant, water park, and marina.
Scenic Flooring and Tile offers the finest selection of flooring and tile giving you the tools, the people, the advice, and the resources you need. They maintain a small family-business environment with the strongest commitment toward customer service. They continually strive to find the right products for an ever-changing market by developing strong relationships and having constant communication with customers.
At Teppanyaki Time, it's not just a meal, it's an experience. Japanese inspired cuisine featuring hand-crafted sushi rolls fried rice bowls, Yakisoba bowls, and so much more.
Are you looking to experience authentic Mexican food in the Northeast GA mountains? Lucky's Taqueria & Cantina is the place you want to stop by for gourmet tacos, burritos, fine cocktails, and much more.
Mary's Southern Grill has been cooking homemade southern meals for over 40 years, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner while offering an extensive menu. She's known for a great, long-term, friendly staff, and wonderful service.
Blairsville Restaurant is a truly fascinating place to dine in Blairsville, GA because it has top-notch Southern/soul food cuisine, an friendly atmosphere, and Southern hospitality. If you are looking home cooked food, you must visit the Blairsville Restaurant Grits & Greens.
Better Together Coffee Underground holds the #1 spot in our hearts for our favorite coffee shop. Their coffee shop features locally roasted organic coffee, a variety of teas, fresh pastries, and homemade mini donuts.
Here at Asiano you will find your favorite Asian food, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai! They have a wide array of authentic food selections that will make you crave more such as Thai Curry, Cashew Shrimp, Sweet and Sour Pork, and fresh Sushi.
Osborn Farms is proud to be the best meat market in Hiawassee, GA. They seek out only the best products for their customers to enjoy. This includes their ground beef, ribeye, chuck roasts, skirt steak, brisket, filet, sirloin, and other varieties of meats.
Epic Catering and Eatery, nestled in the mountains of Hayesville, NC, offers finest dining experience. They serve stylish food and sophisticated flavors in a welcoming and elegant atmosphere while providing full service catering for Northeast GA and Western NC.
Looking for a pickleball court near you? Towns County Pickleball Complex and Courts is the best place to play your favorite sport. It's a fun sport that will keep you on your toes and it's the fastest growing sport in America.
A well-balanced meal is a slice in both hands. Firehouse 17 Pizza and More is all about traditional pizzas made from in-house dough. They source their ingredients from local farms and pizzas are baked in brick oven. From fresh salads, hot subs to homemade garlic knots, Firehouse 17 Pizza has something for everyone.
Mountain Top Furniture is your one stop shop for home decor. Whether you are looking for upscale dining room set or amish style furniture, they have it all! You can find the perfect styles from rustic to modern for your home.
The only floating Tiki Bar in North Georgia offers a delightful experience on Lake Chatuge with the perfect mountain views. Aqua Tiki offers an exclusive experience on the lake that everyone of all ages can enjoy.
Mayor Liz Ordiales has made the City of Hiawassee a wonderful place to live, work, and visit. Her leadership skills have enabled her to bring people together to accomplish goals and objectives as a team. Mayor Ordiales is very active in the local community and she is dedicated to provide the best it can be for residents and businesses by demonstrating a commitment to engagement, innovation, and performance.
She has a strong record of success in downtown development, business expansion, and enhancements to the technology to better serve and protect the public. She has future plans to support our local economy and keep the culture we love.
Since 1978 Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds has been offering a year-round fund for the whole family from a beautiful campground sites, live performances, to great concerts and festivals.
From first class music performances, arts & crafts, fun carnival rides to unique attractions and a glimpse of rich history and culture, the Fair has something for every member of the family all year-long.
The Towns County Recreation Department is another reason why we love living in the mountains! They offer a wide range of activities for all residents of the county. Between the conference room, weight room to aerobics class the Recreation Department offers diverse amenities, programs, and clubs.
Frank Kulbertis and Jeanne Winter started Lake Chatuge Living with the vision of bringing together our lake community that spans two states. We’re grateful for what they’ve accomplished in just 10 issues and we're excited to see what the future holds for the magazine!
It is a local and tourist favorite! It's the best american food in Blairsville, GA. People travel from all around for their BBQ ribs, beef brisket, and mac and cheese! Everything is good at Jim's! They're also open year-round now and they ship their sauces nationwide. If you are looking for best place to eat near the Appalachian Trail, check out Jim's Smokin' Que.
Young Harris Wing House has a huge personality and they always have something new to try on the menu. From super cool wings, sandwich to daily specials, they always have unique dishes for everyone. If you are looking for an amazing food, and fun atmosphere then check out this place.
This place is a true meat lover's dream and you can't find this anywhere else but in Hiawassee, GA! Daniel’s Steakhouse is known for the comfort food they serve in the mountains. Come every Thursday for all you can eat ribs or Friday for all you can eat catfish.
From high quality ingredients to best customer service with a smile, their breakfast has never tasted so good! Nobody does breakfast like The Sawmill Place.
Everyone loves comfort food in the South, and that doesn't exclude breakfast. They've got plenty of sweet Southern breakfasts here, from a Applewood smoked bacon, Banana Nut Bread French Toast that you won't stop eating, to a buttermilk pancake that you'll want to sneak pieces of any hour of the day. From Brisket Hash, Sawmill Salad to simple as eggs & sausage, everything is made fresh with lots of love.
Join the gang at The Aviator Cafe as they are ready to takeoff to prepare wide variety of unique and delicious menu choices of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As you walk into the restaurant is like rewinding back to aviation history. They showcase vintage aviation memorabilia showing different time periods of aircrafts, stories, and photos.
If you are looking to shop at an upscale consignment boutique, TATA (Time and Time Again) On Main has it all! They feature latest styles for women offering designer clothing, purses, jewelry, and shoes. Also, they are know for large selection of home decor and small furnishing including vintage pieces. TATA On Main has wide variety selection of from trendy fashion to modern decoration pieces made by local vendors.
Paris & Co. is the premier destination for delicious French-inspired cuisine, paired with impressive wine list, impeccable service, and enviable location. If you are in search for an indulgent dining experience with a stunning views of mountains and vineyard, you must eat here!
Between Sunday brunch, wonderful lunch, and elegant dinner, they prepare and serve unique and delicious meals for everyone.
North and Main Clothing Company in North Georgia has been offering exclusive apparel brands for every age group since 2005. They also offer personal styling in-store and online. From dresses, jumpsuits, to basic tees, they provide every style and trends for every occasion. If you need a new wardrobes, stop by your local trendy boutique located in Hiawassee, GA or shop online 24/7 at northandmainclothingco.com
Melissa's Custom Cakes located in Blairsville, offers the most exquisite cake and pastry treats for your any occasion. She believes in using fresh and high-quality ingredients in all of their flavorful desserts. Come and discover why their delightful pastries are loved by the local community.
If you are looking for a friendly atmosphere, excellent service, and LOVE seafood, you must check out Hiawassee Seafood Bar & Grill. It's a nice little gem tucked away in the mountains of Northeast Georgia in Hiawassee, GA.
Hiawassee Seafood Bar & Grill serves the finest seafood, hyper seasonal product, full bar, and high level of customer service. They are known to have some of the freshest seafood!
This place will not disappoint you! If you are looking for great food at a great price with BIG mountain and lake views, you need to visit Hawg Wild BBQ & Catfish House in Hiawassee, GA.
From pulled pork, baby back ribs to whole catfish, this restaurant offers a unique menu where everyone can enjoy it. This place a spot-on if you are looking for true traditional southern bbq. If you're not in Hiawassee, check out their other locations in Commerce, GA and Clarkesville, GA.
We toured the pollinator garden, trails, firefly habitat, and statue exhibit at Hamilton Gardens At Lake Chatuge. They also have a pavilion where they host moonlight concerts and educational classes, and you can even rent the space for weddings or your own private events. Come along as the Executive Director Grace Howard walks us through the different plant species at the gardens and the purpose they serve for wildlife.
Considering a day of fishing at Lake Chatuge? Come and have a EPIC day on the water with Caz Anderson at Fish Chatuge Guide Service for an experience of a lifetime.
He has an excellent track record when it comes to catching one of the best Spotted Bass. As the owner and operator of Fish Chatuge Guide Service, he has vested interest in seeing that your guided fishing trip on Lake Chatuge is memorable so you'll want to come back to fish with him again and again.
This roadside fall and easily accessible makes a nice lunch spot. It's a short walk on a easy flat path in the wooded area and it's definitely a place worth finding to spend an hour melting away with the sound of the rushing water! This fall is located less than a mile from the Young Harris College.
While you are in the area, explore nearby nature trails such as High Shoals Falls or Mill Creek Falls. If you are looking for more advanced level with an astonishing mountain views, check out Brasstown Bald Trail or Miller Trek.
It is the hot spot in Downtown Blairsville! They have been serving up freshness for many years. Wayne and Judy Jolley, the owners of Cabin Coffee Co. fell in love with the mountains of North Georgia several years ago and their goal was to bring a warm, comfortable place for the community to gather, and enjoy time with coffee and food. So, they decided to plant a tiny seed of love right in the heart of downtown and opened up their doors on May 2015.
This local ice cream shop Blazin' Scoops is located in Hiawassee, GA and they have more than enough flavors of ice cream to keep your sweet tooth satisfied! Out of the 24 different flavors, my favorite was the Strawberry Chessecake but the Salted Caramel Brownie was a close second.
This traditional coffee shop centers more around community than caffeine! When it comes picking the perfect coffee beans, Artisan Bean Co in Brasstown, NC is their choice. Their beans are perfectly roasted by hand and constantly seeking out the best coffee bean sources around the world.
Between super-friendly staff to live music performance, it's a perfect hangout spot for everyone. Come and support your local coffee shop at Abide Coffee as they build connections between growers, roasters, and customers.