Toccoa, Georgia
Friday: Historical Tour. From uniforms and medals to weapons and photos, you’ll find intriguing wartime memorabilia at the Currahee Military Museum. The most notable exhibit is a stable that housed the Band of Brothers prior to and after D-Day. Next, head to Camp Toccoa, once used to train paratroopers. Sites to explore include a building believed to be a former mess hall and Airborne Monument, dedicated to the regiments that trained here. In between or after your fill of local history, munch on sandwiches, salads or pizza at Perk Up Café.
Saturday. For views of cascading waterfalls, rock formations and mountain flora, hike the 3.8-mile Broad River trail. The path – which ranges in difficulty from easy to challenging – follows Dick Creek and the Broad River. For a priceless photo op, visit Toccoa Falls College and its 186-foot-high waterfall. Access the natural wonder through the college’s gift shop and take the short stroll along the stream to the base of the falls. Share a diner-style experience at The Rebel Café, where you can feast on breakfast any time of day, hot dogs, burgers and more.
Sunday. A shopper’s heaven, historic downtown Toccoa boasts antiques shops, art galleries, gift shops, boutiques and jewelers. Rest your feet and settle in for a matinee performance by the Toccoa Stephens County Community Theatre at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. “With a wide range of productions in our repertoire (‘High School Musical’ and ‘The Sound of Music’ are scheduled for 2010), our patrons have the opportunity to immerse themselves in what can only be described as the magic of live theater,” says Jay Doss, second vice president of the theater’s executive board.
Cost Roundup: Currahee Military Museum ($5, adults; $3, students; free for members), Camp Toccoa (free); Perk Up Café ($2-$7); Toccoa Falls ($1, adults; 50 cents, children; free, under 10); The Rebel Café ($1-$10); Toccoa Stephens County Community Theatre (Prices vary by show).
Before You Go
Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce
706-886-2132
Currahee Military Museum
706-282-5055
Perk Up Café
706-282-0505
Toccoa Falls College
706-886-6831
The Rebel Café
706-886-5801
Toccoa Stephens County Community Theatre
706-282-9799
Simmons-Bond Inn
A 20-room classical revival bed and breakfast. Gourmet breakfast served by innkeeper. $89-$129 per night.
706-282-5183
Toccoa Inn & Suites
Amenities include free continental breakfast, pool and wireless Internet. Call for rates.
706-886-1048
Country Hearth Inn & Suites
Complimentary “InnCredible Breakfast” and wireless Internet. Call for rates.
706-297-7799
Civil War Stop: Fort Oglethorpe
The 6th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe showcases the history of the famed U.S. Cavalry regiment from 1862 to present day. To enhance the museum’s extensive Civil War exhibit – which includes history boards of Medal of Honor Recipient George C. Platt, Peninsula Campaign, Battle of Fairfield, Penn. and the 6th Cavalry’s Second Encounter with J.E.B. Stuart – museum historian Jeffrey Ewing produced a new DVD, “Evolution of the 6th Cavalry – Stoneman’s Raid at Brandy Station.”
According to Christine McKeever, executive director of the museum, the DVD journeys with the 6th U.S. Cavalry from January to July, 1863 and documents the 6th’s “coming of age” as a cavalry unit. Narrated by Kent Wright of the Tennessee Valley Civil War Roundtable, the DVD uses authentic 6th cavalrymen’s accounts of the raid at Brandy Station through personal letters and journals. Upon visiting the museum, visitors can request to view the DVD.
Admission to the museum is $3 for adults and $2 for students and seniors. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1-4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more, call 706-861-2860. —JW
