Paul & Diane's Blog

CRAZY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN OCONEE CO GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:30:02 -0800

Out on Cole Springs Rd. in Oconee Co. GA there are several neighbors who seem to be trying to out do each other with their Christmas light displays. We drove by there last night and there were cars lined up on the road and people walking around the displays.

These photos do not do justice to the lights:

If you are in the Athens, GA, area, you really don't want to miss these!

SANTA & WAGON HAY BALES

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:24:56 -0800

Oconee County is still mostly rural, which gives it it's charm. There is a creative Santa & wagon made of hay bales out on Colham Ferry Rd., placed by Jeff Bell.

Don't ask me how he got them there!

Here's a close up of Rudolph, who has a red light on his nose that shows up at night.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from here in Oconee County, GA!

FALL IN HICKORY HILL , WATKINSVILLE, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:33:10 -0700

After a really long, hot summer, we have been rewarded with an unusually long fall. Some years it seems that we go straight from summer into winter with just a few days of real fall, but this year it cooled off right after Labor Day and we have had a long stretch of cool, mostly dry weather. The trees in my neighborhood, Hickory Hill, have popped with color in the last few days. It reminds me of the song, "Let's go out in a blaze of glory".

NEIGHBORHOOD HONEY PRODUCTION IN OCONEE COUNTY, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:23:58 -0700

Recently, a couple of our Hickory Hill Subdivision neighbors invited us over for a "honey extracting party". They keep bees in their backyards and also take their hives to the north Georgia mountains for a time each summer for the sour wood honey. They called us over a couple of weeks ago to witness (and help with) the honey extracting. It was an interesting process and a lot of fun (until you got to the 100th frame). There are quite a few backyard bee keepers here in Oconee County, GA.

After removing the frames from the hives, the first step is to slice open the honey comb.

Then the frames are placed into the extractor which spins and causes the honey to flow out of the comb and into the bottom of the extractor.

This is honeycomb from where the comb is sliced open. Honey drains from this and some of it can be added to jars of honey. When cleaned it can be used for making things like beeswax candles.

We had quite a few people helping at various times throughout the process.

The honey and home made biscuits were a hit with the children.

Yes, there is still cotton grown in Oconee County, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:34:40 -0700

A field of cotton off of Hwy 53 in western Oconee County, GA

Although there isn't as much farming going on in Oconee County, GA as there used to by, the Dickens Family still plants some cotton each year. If you drive down GA 53 between Watkinsville and US 78, you will see several fields of cotton ready to be picked. There is also a field off US 441 south of Watkinsville at Bishop. Many years ago there was a lot cotton grown and several local gins but only a few acres are planted these days. A lot of visitors have never seen cotton growing in the field, and they are always fascinated when they do.

Some cool things to do on a hot day in Athens, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:20:20 -0700

Recently, we were looking for something to do on a hot afternoon in Athens and came up with a couple of fun ideas.

First, we visited the newly reopened Georgia Museum of Art over on the East Campus of the University of Georgia. Previously, we had seen several special exhibits there, but they did not have room to display many of their own collection. With a beautiful new addition, there are a number of paintings now on permanant display.

Then we headed on over to the State Botanical Gardens located on South Milledge Avenue. They were having a special exhibit of garden gates which were fun to discover. We even ventured outside of the conservatory in spite of the heat to see some of our favorite gardens.

The Conservatory at the botanical gardens

Blue garden gate

Huge Angel Trumpet

Orchids are among my favorites

OK, I promise that this is the last orchid I pictured

The Heritage Garden has examples of early crops grown in Georgia as well as some heirloom varities.

This fountain almost makes you feel cool on a hot summer afternoon.

This plant that reminds me of Christmas was not labeled. Can anyone identify it?

This bird house was covered with a purple hyacinth bean.

NEW PIZZA RESTAURANT IN OCONEE - YOUR PIE

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:06:42 -0700

Yesterday Paul and I were out around lunch time and decided that we would try Oconee Co.'s new pizza restaurant. Although they have a patio area outside, we decided that it was too hot, so we headed inside where it was quite busy even at 1:30.

At Your Pie, you essentially create your 10" pizza from scratch. Once you decide on which dough you want (they even have whole wheat), there are several types of sauce to choose from including marinara and pesto, to name a few. We both decided on the pesto sauce. Next there are numerous toppings to choose from, as many regular as you want. Then come the "premium toppings" which are sausage, peperoni, etc. They are priced separately. Then your pizza is baked and brought to you at your table. There are daily specials and combos, and a few other menu items as well. There are 4 beer selections on tap. We were really happy with our pizzas, and will definitely be eating at Your Pie again soon!

By the way, Your Pie is located on Capital Ave. right off Hwy 53 near the Oconee Co. High School.

EXTRAORDINARY DAYLILIES IN SOUTH OCONEE COUNTY, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:27:12 -0700

This morning we drove down to south Oconee Co. to see a friend's daylilies. We had heard that he had a lot of them and many different varities, including a number that his mother had bred. In spite of the heat and very dry weather, they were awesome!

These were just too beautiful not to share with anyone who appreciates them.

We couldn't choose a favorite - can you?

TOUR D' OCONEE OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "TAME THE LION" BIKE RIDE

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Wed, 04 May 2011 10:11:59 -0700

This Saturday, May 7, will be the first Tour d'Oconee bike ride, otherwise known as "Tame the Lion" due to the shape of the map outline.

Sponsored by the Oconee County Cycling Organization, the ride will depart from Rocket Field (200 2nd St.) in downtown Watkinsville, GA at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. There will also be shorter options of 15, 25 and 35 miles and great SAG stops, so everyone can participate. The whole town is excited about the ride and there will be live entertainment at Watkinsville's First Friday celebration on Friday evening starting at 6:00 p.m.

Here's the catch - you need to register by midnight on May 5 (registration is $45). For more information and registration go to http://www.active.com/cycling/watkinsville-ga/the-tour-doconee-2011

Come and see what beautiful scenery we have in Oconee County and what a great place it is for cyclists.

Ashford Manor's 2011 Concert on the Lawn Series

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Mon, 02 May 2011 09:58:21 -0700

Concerts at Ashford Manor in downtown Watkinsville, GA, under the stars are always magical.

This year Ashford Manor's Concerts on the Lawn won't just be on Monday evenings. Concerts begin this week on May 4 with Grogus (Latin, Jazz and Salsa)

May 18 (Wednesday) Abbey Road Live, Beatles Tribute)

May 30 The Splitz (Motown)

June 15 (Wednesday) Deja Vu (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Tribute

July 2 (Saturday) The Athens King (Elvis Tribute)

July 30 (Saturday) Sons of Sailors (Jimmy Buffet Tribute)

Sept. 5 Half Dozen Brass Band (traditional horns)

Sept 21 (Wednesday) Randall Bramblett Band (Soul, Funk, R&B)

Oct . 5 (Wednesday)A Tribute to Santana

Oct. 19 (Wednesday) Packway Handle Band (Old Time Bluegrass)

Tickets can be purchased online at www.amconcerts.com or at the gate. The gates open at 5 p.m. and music starts at 6 p.m.

As always, you can reserve a table, bring your own chairs or blankets and picnic and even the kids if you want. Everyone always has fun!

SPRING EVENTS AROUND OCONEE COUNTY, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:35:37 -0700

There are so many activities in the Spring in Oconee County, Ga that it's hard to keep up with it all!

First up this weekend is the 2011 Oconee Relay for Life held at the Oconee County High School track. It begins tonight, April 29 at 6:30 and runs until 8:00 in the morning. This is always a huge event here with many groups participating. Traditionally, the Oconee Relay raises the most money for a community of our size. The Survivor and Caregiver Lap is always touching and seeing the large number of luminaries is overwhelming.

Then the Oconee Farmer's Market is open again every Saturday morning behind the Eagle Tavern from 8:00 - 1:00. The variety of goods offered of always changing with the season.

Now that strawberries are ripe, Washington Farms is having a Strawberry Festival on April 30. From homemade strawberry ice cream and strawberry shortcakes to hayrides, tunnel slide and cow train. Also for kids are corn and sandboxes and the petting farm. There will be performances by a country gospel quartet, a magic show, square dancing and gymnastic exhibitions plus more bands and arts and crafts vendors. Admission is $8.00 for everyone over 2 years old. For more information, please go to their website www.washingtonfarms.net/ .

As if that's not enough for one weekend, Saturday April 30 is also the Scull Shoals Heritage Festival

Although Sculls is in nearby Greene Co., it is just across the Oconee River from Oconee County and plays a large part if our heritage as it was an early settlement. Even before the early settlers came, it was a native American site and there are two Indian mounds nearby. It is a fascinating place!

In addition to guided Mill Ruins History Tours by Bob Skarda at 9:30 and 1:00 there will be heritage crafts, Civil War Weapons, folk music and food. At 2:00 p.m. there will be a Durham Herb Trail talk.

To get there from Watkinsville, take GA15 south across the Oconee River. Take a left on Macedonia Rd and go about 2 miles. Then left on Forest Service Rd. 1234 and follow it for about 3 miles.

There is a suggested $8.00 donation per vehicle.

CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE IN OCONEE CO. AT GREENBRIAR CREEK TREE FARM

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 15:51:14 -0800

The Greenbriar Creek Christmas Tree Farm, owned by the Lee Family at Bishop, GA in Oconee Co. is now open for you to choose and cut your Christmas. The Lee's have grown Christmas trees that have won awards at the Georgia National Fair held each year at Perry, GA.

For more information and directions, please visit the farm's website at http://www.greenbriarcreektrees.gacta.com/.

TURKEY HAY BALE

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:01:14 -0800

While out bike riding in south Oconee County, GA, yesterday, we came across this turkey out on Colham Ferry Rd. He looks all ready for Thanksgiving!

OCAF FALL WINE FEST SET FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 IN WATKINSVILLE, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:53:35 -0700

The Annual OCAF (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Fall Wine Fest is Slated for Sunday, October 24 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm on the beautiful lawn at Ashford Manor B&B in downtown Watkinsville, GA. Besides sampling a variety of wines, aditionally, some 34of restaurants will have samples of their food plus plus beer from a local brewery. There will be a silent auction and raffle of artwork, airplane tickets among others. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time for $30 ahead of time from OCAF at 34 School Street or online at ocaf.com, or for $35 at the event. Get ready to spend a wonderful afternoon at the Manor!

If you're interested in information about real estate in the Watkinsville, Oconee County or the Athens, GA area, please contact us at 706-296-7508 or paul@boykinteam.com or diane@boykinteam.com.

(picture used by permission from Ashford Manor)

WATKINSVILLE FALL FESTIVAL TO STAY OPEN LATER THIS YEAR

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:30:21 -0700

This year's Watkinsville Fall Festival will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until 6:00 p.m.

There will be all kinds of crafts, art, activities for children, farmer's market, food booths and bands to entertain all day.

The festival is held just off Main Street behind the Eagle Tavern on Rocket Field. There is free parking all around town with shuttles to the festival.

And if you like to run, the Scarecrow 5K is earlier in the morning.

For more information about the festival and the Scarecrow, contact Julia Estes at the Oconee Co. Chamber of Commerce at 706-769-7947.

WALTON EMC ENERGY EXPO COMING UP OCTOBER 14

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:59:04 -0700

Come on out to the Oconee Co. Library on Experiment Station Rd. in Watkinsville from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. to find out how to cut your energy bill.

FAMILY FUN DAY ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:00:22 -0700

The Athens Area Association of Realtors again presents the Family Fun Day at from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 P.m. on Saturday, October 2 at their office grounds on Meriweather Drive in Bogart. There will be a lot of different activities for children and it's FREE!

BIKE RIDE WITH ME IN SOUTH OCONEE COUNTY, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 09:50:55 -0700

On my usual early Saturday morning bike ride, I leave my neighborhood, cutting through another neighborhood to avoid the all-too-busy Simonton Bridge Rd. Just before going up the loooong hill, I see some neighborhood deer grazing in a yard. (OK, you have to look hard here).

Riding through the outskirts of Watkinsville, I cross over the Greensboro Hwy and down Morrison Street where I pass by B Elder working in his large garden where he sells his produce.

Turning south on Colham Ferry Rd, there are usually a few fishermen trying their luck at Bell Lake.

Farther down Colham Ferry I pass by the Breedlove Farm, which was the first one to be put into the farmland protection program in Oconee County. Proceeding down the road, I come to the long boarded up Erskin Bell's Store where 25 years ago local farmers used to gather and exchange news, and yes, gossip!

Turning west on Astondale Rd. I pass by Ricky House's quail and cattle farm, part of which is also in the farmland protection program.

Continuing down Astondale, I pass by the University of Georgia's $3,000,000 + facility that is home to the UGA multi national championship Equestrian Team.

There are a number of horse farms and backyard horse owners throughout the county. Part of the reason that I love to ride the country roads is to enjoy the scenery and smell the fresh cut hay in the fields.

From Astondale Rd., I ride down Railroad St. in Bishop to the Old Bishop Road back to Watkinsville.

On Barnett Shoals Rd. on the 3rd weekend of the spring, summer and fall months the Farmhouse Antiques is open to the public.

Returning through the neighborhood I pass by a lawn sprinkler which provides a welcome cooling mist.

By the time I arrive back home, I've excercised my body and refreshed my mind, ready to tackle real estate again.

If you have any questions about Oconee County or would like information about real estate here, please visit our website at www.BoykinTeam.com or e-mail diane@boykinteam.com.

ASPARAGUS BEANS IN WATKINSVILLE, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:41:39 -0700

This is some of the produce from our garden. This year we tried some asparagus beans, shown above. They are climbers, and produce long, thin beans that taste, oddly, somewhat like asparagus! So far I've steamed them with a little garlic & ginger. They are also supposed to be good in stir-fry.

Does anyone have any experience with these or any ways to cook them?

WATKINSVILLE, GA 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND EVENTS

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:03:09 -0700

There 's a whole lot goin' on in Watkinsville over the 4th of July weekend!

If you're in town on Friday, you'll want to start out by going to lunch at Miss Gail's as it is Fish Friday with fried fish and all the trimmings. (Do keep in mind that she'll be closed on Saturday and Monday because of the holiday).

Then in the evening be sure and come to First Friday downtown from 6:00-9:00. The downtown shops will be open and lots of activities for the kids - train rides, booths and a lot more.

Saturday morning at 9:00 is the "Strolls at Harris Shoals Park" hosted by artists Bob Clements and Bill Pierson. They will stop at various locations throughout the park and help you sketch what you see. The cost for adults is a $5.00 donation.

Then head on over to the Eagle Tavern on Main Street for the Oconee County Independence Day Celebration from 10:00 to 2:00. Mayor Joe Walter will be present to cut watermelon, there will be 3-legged races, watermelon eating contest, inflatables, petting zoo and live music by the James Hunter band. The Eagle Tavern (an old stage coach stop from the @1800 period) will be open for tours, there will be a blacksmith and broom maker demonstrating their skills. Children will have an opportunity to dress up in period clothing to see what kind of clothing they might have worn a couple of hundred years ago.

Just in case you get hungry, there will be bar-b-cue, popcorn, homemade peach ice cream from Thomas Orchard. And you'll surely have a chance to chat with just about everyone that you know (and some you don't)!

As if that's not enough, the Oconee Farmer's Market will also be open as usual behind the Eagle Tavern starting at 7:00 a.m. They currently have fresh blueberries along with lots of fruits, veggies, homemade cakes, pies, jams, bread, farm fresh milk & eggs and grass fed beef.

HAVE A FUN AND SAFE 4TH!

HYDRANGIAS THAT FINALLY BLOOMED!

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:47:03 -0700

We planted two of these varigated leafed hydrangias here in Watkinsville, GA, when we moved here 12 years ago. Until this year, we have had exactly ONE bloom because every year they would leaf out in March and every year a freeze would take them back to the ground. I had even threatened to rip them out of the ground and throw them away! This year, however, it was so cold all through March that they didn't leaf out until April. Hence - ta-da - blooms! Lots of blooms!

Well, maybe I'll give them another chance!

SHAKESPEARE ON THE LAWN IN WATKINSVILLE, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:18:34 -0700

Last evening we attended the Rose of Athens Theatre production of "Much Ado About Nothing" on the lawn at Ashford Manor in Watkinsville, Ga. It was a warm and muggy evening on the beautiful lawn but the play was funny and delightful while the cast of local thespians did a great job of making Shakespeare come alive.

There are 3 more performances this week, tonight and tomorrow (June 18, 19 & 20) at 8:00 p.m., so if you have a chance to go, don't miss it!

Ashford Manor is located at #5 Harden Hill Rd. in Watkinsville. For more information, go to www.roseofathens.org.

YOU KNOW YOU LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN WHEN THE NEWS IS:

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:53:05 -0700

OK, I couldn't resist blogging about a news item in the May 20 edition of the Oconee Enterprise, one of Watkinsville's weeklies. It seems that the main courtroom has been bugged - not with electronic listening devices but with - yes - CHIGGERS! Judge Lawton Stephens was complaining about being bitten while judging, so the courtroom had to be fumigated to get rid of the chiggers! The court was back in business the next day.

Anyone not familiar with chiggers: they are tiny red bugs which embed themselves in a person's skin, making for a very itchy welt. Picking blackberries, walking through fields and woods and sitting on old logs are common ways to acquire chiggers, but this is the first time I've heard of them attacking people in a courtroom

ATHENS IS LAID BACK IN THE SUMMER

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Thu, 20 May 2010 09:26:52 -0700

Of course we love The University of Georgia, her students and all that entails with football games, rush, parties and other activities. That is what makes Athens, GA run! But us natives also enjoy and look forward to summer break and holidays when the some 33,000 students evacuate the town and leave it to us. It's a little like a beach town when the vacationers have all gone home for the winter. We don't even notice the 13,000 or so students in town for summer school. What we have is a laid back place, little traffic and the ability to eat in any restaurant whenever we get good and ready without reservations or long waits. We realize that it would be boring if it were this way all of the time and we look forward to their return in July and the feeling of excitement that they bring, but in the meantime, we'll enjoy the peace and quiet. Let's see, where would we like to eat tonight?

LOTS OF OCONEE CO. WEEKEND EVENTS

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:45:31 -0700

There's a lot going on in and around Oconee Co. Ga this weekend!

First is the 15th annual Southworks Arts Festival Saturday and Sunday, May 1 & 2 from 10:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Oconee Arts Foundation (OCAF) building on School Street. Southworks not only features a juried artists' market with 80 artists from all over the southeast specializing in oil painting, pottery, folk art, jewelry, weaving, photography sculpture, blown & stained glass among others for you to enjoy and purchase. There will be children's activities with demonstrations, art lessons among other activities. On the main stage and sculpture garden there will be music both days.

The weekend will kick off on Friday with the Oconee Co. Relay for Life event at the Oconee Co. High School Track. Events start at 5:30 p.m. and will end up on Saturday by noon. The goal for this year is to raise $170,000 to fight cancer.

Also on Saturday is the North High Shoals Dog Day at the city park from 9:00 a.m. 'til noon with prizes for the cutest dog, biggest dog, fastest dog, slowest dog, best-dressed dog, well, you get the idea. There will also be an obstacle course to test your dog's obedience.

Oconee County High School Warrior Track Booster Club is hosting its 3rd annual Classics in the Country car and truck scow on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.ml in the corner bus lot at Oconee Co. Middle School at Butler's Crossing. They will have antique cars, hot rods, muscle cars and foreign sports cars. The event is free to spectators but there is a charge to register cars. There will also be music and food.

Watkinsville First United Methodist Men's Club will host their annual bar-b-cue on Saturday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Located at the corner of US441 S and New High Shoals Rd., they will serve up pork bar-b-cue and stew. It's all you can eat if you choose to eat there or you can buy a plate to go. Tickets are $7.00. Call 706-769-6088 for more information. Proceeds go to a number of different service projects.

The first Saturday Stroll of the year will be at Harris Shoals Park at 9:00 a.m. on May 1. Brad Sanders will lead the stroll. He wrote the "Guide to William Bertram's Travels: Following the Trail of America's First Great Naturalist. Tickets are $5.00 and the proceeds will benefit the Bertram Trail Conference.

Also, ongoing this weekend from Thursday on is the Stadion Athens Classic golf tournament at the UGA golf course.

It just may be that after this weekend you might need a week off to recover!