Once again, Panther Creek Trail, located approximately 20 minutes from Currahee Club in the Chattahoochee National Forest, was named as one of the best hikes in the nation and the top hike in Georgia by Backpacker magazine.  The 10-mile trail makes an excellent one-way day hike or you can hike to the falls in 3.6 miles and return to the day-use area for 7.2-mile day hike. You follow a beautiful tumbling, cascading stream through a steep-sided valley with rocky cliffs to the dramatic and impressive Panther Creek Falls.  This is one incredible hike. 

Dream Givers Gallery has re-opened at 122 East Doyle Street after an amazing renovation.  Owner Diane Lawson has updated the building after four years of operation and has added a number of new artists and unusual art forms.  There is indeed something of quality for everyone and you should stop by and pick out a gift for someone you love and a little piece of unique local art for your own collection.  I wish that I could tell you which of the many pieces was my favorite but I really wanted one of everything!

Downtown Toccoa continues its renaissance.  [Ash-ling] Booksellers will have its grand opening in conjunction with the Toccoa Harvest Festival (Nov. 1 & 2).  This new business is located at 52 Doyle Street and will offer new and used books in addition to coffee and hand-crafted gifts.  They will celebrate their opening with a visit from William Bender, a local author who will sign copies of his forthcoming book, Blood Oath: An Historic Novel of Tugalo Town and Traveler’s Rest.  Hours of operation are Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.- Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.  Hannah Wiita is the manager and you may reach the store at 706-886-BOOK (2665).  The store is well done and the atmosphere is most inviting.