1st Annual Barbecue Festival Coming to Brasstown Valley
The First Annual Horsin' Around Barbecue Showdown
will be held from May 23-25 at Brasstown Valley Resort in the North Georgia Mountains. $6500 in prize money is awaiting contestants from all over Georgia and the southeast as the compete in the categories of Brisket, Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder and Chicken.
Along with the barbecue contest there will be an Arts & Crafts Fair, Bike Show, Kid's Corral Fun Zone and numerous concessions. We also hear there will be live music and entertainment-all for an admission price of $3 per person. The main activities will be held at The Stables area of the resort.
The barbeque contest is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and proceeds benefit S.A.F.E. Mountainfreak.net will be there to enjoy the festivities, we hope to see you there! For more information and directions, visit the Brasstown Valley Resort website: www.brasstownvalley.com
Fast Food Decadence in Dawsonville

We haven't reviewed a chain restaurant for Mountainfreak.net up till this point, but not many fast food restaurants make the Zagat Survey while being located right on one of the major thoroughfares we use to get up into the North Georgia Mountains. Five Guys is a no frills, cook to order hamburger joint that gives you a little bit more of everything you order-almost to the point of being decadent.
First of all, the regular burger comes with two fresh grilled patties of fresh (never frozen) ground beef with an amazing number of add-ons at no extra charge. The fries, also fresh cut and never frozen. A regular order was more than I could eat on a recent visit. A large styrofoam cup is loaded with hot fries and then they throw a large handful in the bag along with your order for good measure. A large order might feed 3-4 folks. You can order your fries "Five Guys" style or cajun style. Kosher Hot Dogs and sandwiches are available on the menu-but make no mistake, this is a burger joint with the emphasis on making a good hamburger. I admit to having a little sticker shock the first time I ate at Five Guys. A burger, fries and regular drink will run you about 9 bucks. Everything is relative, however. When compared to pre-frozen then microwaved/heat lamped burgers and frozen fries that will run you close to $6 at other burger chains, Five Guys is a value.
The Dawsonville Five Guys is located in the Dawsonville Commons shopping center right off of GA 400...in front of the Walmart and across 400 from the huge gaudy outlet mall Dawsonville has become semi-famous for. Very easy access if you are heading up to the mountains west of Dawsonville or up to Dahlonega and beyond.
S.W.
The Outside World

The Outside World is another location worth a visit if you are heading up 400 in Dawsonville. Great selection of outdoor clothing, hiking and camping gear, maps and resources and river running craft. I first became aware of the store during a visit to their booth at the Atlanta Boat Show back in the winter and have stopped in a couple of times since. The staff is always friendly and helpful and the selection of products, while not overwhelming, covers all the basics plus some. They also have an online catalog-you can check it out at www.theoutsideworld.com
Planning Ahead
Upcoming 2008 Events
Meaders Homeplace Pottery CelebrationMay 10Mossy Creek Methodist Church Campground- Cleveland, GA.706.219.4836
Mountain Flower Art Festival
May 12-18
Dahlonega
Mountain Lakes Classic Antiques Show
May 23-25
Rabun County Civic Center
(706)782.4812
Arts in the Park
May 24-25
Blue Ridge, GA
1st Annual Horsin' Around Barbeque Showdown
May 23-25
Brasstown Valley Resort
for info and brochure- www.brasstownvalley.com
Helen-Atlantic Balloon Race
June 5-7
Headquarters: Helendorf River Inn
Helen, GA
US Rider News Reunion Run
June 6-8
Helen, GA
www.usridernews.com
Georgia Wine Country June 7-8Three Sisters Vineyard & Winery
706.864.3513
Blairsville Scottish Festival &Highland Games
June 14-15
Meeks ParkBlairsville, GAHelen Fat Tire Festival(Mountain Biking)June 20-22706.878.3715