Pick Ellijay Podcast PEP TALK

PEP Talk: GA Association of the Trail of Tears

In 1996, Georgia established a state-wide chapter of the Trail of Tears Association, ten years after the country identified the official trail, which began in Chattanooga and stretched to the west. This definition of the Trail of Tears failed to include Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia. In 2006, the Trail of Tears Association was able to correct the error. 
Even today, Georgia has a great number of locations that have yet to be identified as viable preservation sites. "Any time I pass a [structure] that's covered over with asphalt shingles, I want to go rip it off because I know there's a cabin underneath that probably dates to the Cherokees," exclaims Leslie Thomas, president of the Georgia Association of the Trail of Tears.###
PLUS... check out the new summer SWAG from PICK ELLIJAY!

PEP Talk: Songwriter, Danny Myrick

Danny Myrick is one of the many songwriters who will be featured at the Ellijay Songwriters Festival this Memorial Day weekend. Danny has written hit songs for artists like Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, and Craig Morgan.
This podcast features Danny Myrick’s original song “I Love This Life.”
 
Ellijay Songwriters Festival 2023
May 25–28, 2023
The festival features songwriters performing live in Ellijay's Finest Wineries. Enjoy 39 performances over three days by 18 Nashville and Georgia songwriters.
Host wineries include Buckley Vineyards, Canoe Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Meichtry, Cartecay Vineyards, Engelheim Vineyards, and Grapes & Ladders Winery. Performances will also take place at the George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse.
Featured songwriters include Dylan Altman, Corey Crowder, Wyatt Espalin, Brandon Kinney, Megan Linville, Chase McGill, Danny Myrick, Jeremy Stover, Drew Ashworth, John Cable, Leah Belle Faser, Cotter Hill, Maddie Lane, Mark Miller, Surrender Hill, Grace Milton, Matt Rogers, Anna Shinholster, and Adrian Stover.
 
 

PEP Talk: The Gilmer Arts Playhouse

The Gilmer Arts Playhouse
Mr. Terry Ellis shares information about the Raising the Roof Building Fund, a community-driven revitalization of the George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse. The adjoining building will be part of the playhouse, and fundraising is underway. You can help raise funds by visiting www.GalleryFund.org, www.GilmerArts.com, and by attending several special events in the coming weeks.
May 18–21Plein Air—Art in the MountainsA three-day painting experience followed by an auction on Sunday.
June 10High Beams Folk Rock BandThe Gilmer Arts Playhouse, 7:00 p.m.
June 24Blue Ridge Wine and Jazz FestWhite Path Creek Farms, Ellijay

PEP Talk: Picture Perfect Adventures

Experience a one-of-a-kind Blue Ridge Appalachian Mountains adventure at Picture Perfect Adventures. Jessica Carmichael paints a colorful picture of this mountain haven. You’ll enjoy horseback riding and ATV-guided trail experiences on their private 90-acre estate in the beautiful Georgia mountains. This getaway has a creek, lake, horses, ATVs, and waterfalls. www.pictureperfectexperiences.com

PEP Talk: Surrender Hill and the Ellijay Songwriter’s Festival

If you only listen to one podcast this week—make it this one! What a treat!!
Robin and Afton Salmon join Asa Jones in a discussion about the journey of the band and the upcoming Ellijay Songwriter’s Festival. Bring your rope, wear your chaps, and get ready to ride the mechanical bull as Surrender Hill pulls out all the stops with original, full-band Texas Honky Tonk music. You’ll even get a taste of the music on this podcast!
 
Ellijay Songwriter’s Festival 2023May 25-28, 2023 (Memorial Day Weekend)https://ellijaysongwritersfestival.com
 
www.SurrenderHill.com 

PEP Talk: The George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse

Pam Burns is the director of the Gilmer Arts Playhouse. Listen in as Pam chats about open mic nights, storytelling, summer programs, and captivating monthly programs.

PEP Talk: Tabor House Museum

A short visit with Leslie Thomas, President of the Gilmer Co. Historical Society, will have you planning your next visit to Downtown Ellijay to experience the Tabor House Museum. 
 
“Step back in time to this 1870s home in historic downtown Ellijay. You will experience one of the South’s largest Civil War libraries and rooms replicating a home of the late 1800s. Enjoy one of the oldest homes in downtown historic Ellijay. You can research Civil War heritage or browse through the 200-plus book collection. It also houses hundreds of movies and videos about the Civil War.”
—ExploreGeorgia.org
 
Tabor House - https://gilmercountyhistoricalsociety.org

PEP Talk: TRAIL FEST and Sasquatch 5k & Fun Run

Robert Ferguson of the Georgia Mountain Trails Partnership and Linda Lancaster of the Friends of Harrison Park are here to PUMP YOU UP for the Sasquatch Strut 5K and Fun Run. The date of the event is Saturday, April 22 at beautiful Harrison Park in Ellijay. The big race starts at 8:00 a.m. followed by the Trail Festival. Work up an appetite in the morning because a variety of food trucks will be featured throughout the day. And, of course, you’ll find lots of vendors all day long.

PEP Talk: GA Mountain Needle Arts Festival and Gingershack Farms

Do you need a quiet getaway with a chance to get a glimpse into small homestead farming? Gingershack Farms is the place for you. Listen in as Russ Ginger of Gingershack Farms tells about this little slice of paradise. 
Karen Moss of Strings and Stitches Yarn Shoppe gets excited about the upcoming Georgia Mountain Needle Arts Festival (GMNAF). GMNAF, built on a vision by a dedicated group of fiber artists and businesswomen, garners visitors from around the southeast who share a passion for handcrafting. ​Beginners and professionals are welcome!
 
For more information about Gingershack Farms, visit: https://www.gingershackfarms.com
For more information about GA Mountain Needle Arts Festival, visit https://georgiamountainneedleartsfestival.com. 
 
CHAMBER NOTES:
WolfstockSaturday, April 15
GA Mountain Needle Arts FestivalMonday–Wednesday, April 21-23Gilmer Civic Center$5.00 
April’s PickEllijay Swag Item: Portable Dog Bowls and Bag Holder/Dispenser 

PEP Talk: Singer Songwriters Music Festival

Gay Buckley of Buckley Vineyards, singer-songwriter Wyatt Espalin, and producer Ray Green boast about the highly anticipated Singer Songwriter Music Festival, which begins on Thursday, May 25. The festival will take place at six Ellijay vineyards and the Gilmer Arts Playhouse in the heart of downtown Ellijay. This is a festival you will NOT want to miss. 
May 25–28 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Buckley VineyardsCanoe Vineyard & WineryCartecay VineyardsChateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and WineryEngelheim VineyardsGrapes & Ladders Winery
and... the beautiful Gilmer Arts Playhouse in the heart of downtown Ellijay!