Just to go ahead and say it straight out . . . there ain't a whole heck of a lot to do in Pickens County, GA!
Of course, there are those social activities that exist in most communities -- rec and school sports, clubs, organizations, friends and family, but in terms of organized activities or "touristy" attractions, there just isn't a whole lot. As the county grows this is starting to change to some degree, however, we're not likely to see a major museum, theater, or other cultural highilght open anytime soon.
This isn't to say anything against the county or its populace. It's a great place to live, work and play. It's just sometimes we have to go play in the neighbor's yard, because they have a bigger sandbox!
So, what is there to do? . . .
Our nod to the performing arts comes in the form of a talented group of theatrical performers that make up the "Tater Patch Players" . . . but they for now must use the world as their stage, for they have none of their own. For now, their performances are held in the Pickens High School auditorium.
The Sharptop Arts Association does a great job promoting / supporting the arts, and to that end hosts classes, workshops and exhibitions to stimulate local interest. Hopefully this organization will continue to grow and provide a positive impact on the community.
A number of repeating scheduled events may also hold interest for some . . . a monthly vintage car show on Main Street, the annual fourth of July and Marble Festival celebrations, the weekly Jasper Farmer's Market. Basically, a variety of low-key activities that hold a certain small town charm, and make the community what it is.
There are also a few minor "historical" points of interest (Tate House, Woodbridge Inn, Quinton-Kirby Cabin, the old Pickens County Jail) for anyone with a few minutes to kill, but again, nothing to plan a day around.
Fortunately, Jasper is ideally-positioned between Atlanta and the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to offer ready access to a whole array of festivals and activities in the surrounding area (without having to live with the added traffic flow these features create). From Pickens County, less than an hour's drive will lead to a variety of things to do, from national forests, hiking trails, lakes and rivers, to shopping, dining, museums, and more. Atlanta is approximately an hour away, providing a wealth of opportunities for dining, arts, entertainment, recreation, professional sports . . . something for everyone.
Since I have blogged elsewhere about just some of the acitivities, attractions and things to do in and around Pickens County, GA, I will let that post speak for itself, rather than going into detail here. Please keep in mind that the list is a partial and very incomplete one. When viewed for each city and county, there is a vast selection of possibilities for every taste in the North Georgia area, more than can be covered in one post.
I will be glad to elaborate on anything covered in the posts, or explore items not covered . . . just leave a comment or shoot an email!
Trent, thanks for the great link on Jasper, we usually head a little further north and love traveling through there. I can't remeber where the Apple house is on 515 or the name of it, seems like "Panorama" or something like that. But they have the best fried apple pies and that could probably tasty topic to talk about.
Bonnie
TheHomeInspectorsWife