Fern Valley
John and Jordan were enjoying a picturesque mountain drive through north Georgia. Passing through Suches, they saw a realtor’s sign poking out of the side of the road. John kept driving for a few seconds then looked at his wife. A second after that they were pulled over with their blinkers on.
“Let’s just see what it looks like,” he said to Jordan. “What’s the harm?”
He swung the car around.
***
“We live in Atlanta,” Jordan tells me as we sit down to chat about Fern Valley, some six months after that fateful day. “There are buildings everywhere. Traffic. People going about their big-city lives. And that’s fine, but sometimes you just need to get away from it all.”
That’s why on the day they saw the Open House sign in Suches, then walked through the charming “lean-to cabin,” surrounded by lush ferns, they made an offer immediately.
They still laugh about that look they exchanged, pulled over on the side of the road. “It was like a flip of a coin, you know? What if we just kept driving?”
***
For the first few months, John and Jordan spent every weekend at their new cabin. And every time they went up, they fell even deeper in love with it (and Suches). Right away they knew it would be their home away from home, as well as an investment property for their future guests to love, too. They put personal touches on the recently remodeled half A-frame, combining the rustic and the modern, as well as local artwork (including a piece that Jordan’s sister painted), until their little forest hideaway on Happy Hollow Street was perfect.
They want their guests to experience the same peace and tranquility that they do, every time they escape their busy city lives and come up for a weekend.
“When you’re sitting on the deck,” — their favorite spot for morning coffee — “in a rocking chair, nothing but the tree canopy all around… it’s breathtaking,” Jordan says. “Especially in the spring, when you’re surrounded by the lush and wild ferns for which the cabin is named, and it feels like this land has been untouched for centuries, and the green all around is so, so bright…” Jordan pauses the conversation as we’re both momentarily transported to the place she describes.
“You know?” she says. “I’ve been all over, and the fern green of North Georgia is unlike any other: it is the color of quiet places, of secret trails and cool earth beneath the trees.”
***
In addition to the deck, the outdoor area, with its pond and stone firepit and repurposed railroad ties, adds to the magic of Fern Valley — and it’s a kid’s adventure paradise. But when you step inside, you’ll find all the creature comforts of a modern home waiting for you.
“We’re cooks, and we’re coffee fanatics,” Jordan proudly tells me — and looking at their kitchen and coffee bar, I know she ain’t lying.
The kitchen is stocked with everything you need to prepare anything from eggs and bacon to a full-on feast — think sizzling steaks, roasted veggies, fresh salads. There’s a full-size stove, top notch appliances, sharp knives, quality pots and pans, spices — you name it.
I ask her about the coffee setup. “We wanted to jazz up that area,” Jordan says, “and make sure that every kind of coffee and tea drinker would be happy with their brew. So we got a new dual coffee maker with carafe and pods, a long stalk slow-pour kettle, and a collection of mugs that is sure to include The One that you will be attached to for your whole stay.” She laughs, knowing that I know exactly the one she means.
***
There are properties where dogs are allowed, and some that are dog friendly. Fern Valley is where your furry friends are practically treated as equals. And because John and Jordan’s puppers, Zion and Rainier, are a part of their family, they’re happy to provide inside and outside dog bowls, cleaning supplies, and even dark towels (for after pond time) for their visitors’ four-legged companions.
Your other children will also enjoy the cabin: they can climb the ladder to a kid-friendly loft, watch DVDs, read, and play games.
***
As we wrap our chat about Fern Valley, Jordan tells me how proud and happy she and John are to know that people have been enjoying their little mountain retreat. They read the reviews (all five-star) and love how cozy people feel there (“peaceful and relaxing”); how much they enjoy the outdoor activities and hiking in the area (“...IN the neighborhood — one-minute walk to the Appalachian Trail!); and how excited all the cyclists and motorcyclists are to carve up the local mountain roads and trails (“...went mountain biking and it was GREAT!”)
The review that is closest to their heart, and the one that may neatly sum up why they decided to make Fern Valley their home?
“What a beautiful place to stay with your loved ones.”
Pro Tips & Local Wisdom
Festivals for every season (and taste): Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival (May); Bear on the Square (April); 4th of July Celebrations – Fireworks in Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Blairsville; Gold Rush Days (October, Dahlonega); Blue Ridge Holiday Festival of Trees (late Nov–Dec). And many more!
Lace up and hop on the Appalachian Trail — Blood Mountain is calling!
A bottle of white/a bottle of red: Kaya Vineyard & Winery, Yonah Mountain Vineyards, and Wolf Mountain Vineyards are some of our favorites
Small-town charm with big perks: Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Suches are mountain gems known for locally owned shops, restaurants, and community events — as well as a thriving arts scene
Country roads: on- and off-road, cyclists’ or motorcyclists’ dream
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++ NEARBY FESTIVALS COMING UP! ++
August 15-23 - 75th Georgia Mountain Fair
The fair’s in town! Located in Hiawassee, GA at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.
Oct 4-5 - John C. Campbell Fall Festival
At the John C. Campbell Folk School. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oct 4 -5 - Georgia Marble Festival
At Lee Newton Memorial Park, Jasper, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Features a road race, parade, expo, fine arts exhibit, arts & crafts booths, entertainment, children's area, business expo and tours of the marble quarry.
Oct 4-5 - Indian Summer Festival:
Woody Gap School in Suches, this festival is a local tradition!
Oct 11-12, 18-19 - Georgia Apple Festival
Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. Vendors with handmade, hand-crafted items, as well as many on-site demonstrations. There is also a parade and antique car show each year.
Oct 11-12, 18-19 - Sorghum in the Mountains Festival
Local arts and crafts, vendors, food. Located in Blairsville, GA.
Oct 18 - Paws Fest
Downtown Blue Ridge, City Park. Pet parade, costume contest, blessing of the animals, pet photos, vendors, and more! Be sure to stay for the Ultimate Air Dogs Dock Diving Competition.
Oct 18 - 19 - Heritage Days Festival
Located in Talking Rock, GA, 9am - 5pm. The little town of Talking Rock will be filled with booths featuring a wide variety of arts, crafts and antiques. There will be demonstrations for young and old, Bluegrass and Southern Gospel Music and good food.
Oct 18-19 - Gold Rush Days Festival
Located in Downtown Dahlonega, 9am - 5pm. Art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event.
Oct 24 - 26 - Mountain Moonshine Festival, Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
Features one of the largest car shows in the Eastern US, held at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and throughout the streets of historic downtown Dawsonville.
Oct 31 - Blairsville Boo Bash
For the kids! A local trick-or-treat walk-around event put on in Blairsville, GA, at Meeks Park!
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The Small Print
The Sounds of Silence: please limit outdoor use of speakers and other amplified sound equipment to 8:00 am through 10:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday; 8:00 am through 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday.
You love your furry friends, and we’d love to host one or a couple of them. We charge a $75 cleaning fee per dog, per stay. Cats make us sneeze: please leave them with grandma (or an automatic feeder).
Please keep your pups close or leashed — especially on properties that aren’t fenced in. If you plan to leave them alone at the cabin, please make sure to bring a crate.
We’ll have a starter kit ready for your arrival (5 trash bags under kitchen sink, 1 roll of paper towels, 3 rolls of t.p. per bathroom, small bars of body soap) — please anticipate any needs beyond that, and stock up in town or bring from home.
Suds and beans can be very personal choices: please bring your own laundry detergent and coffee.
You’ll find an ample supply of dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap.
Need us? We’re just a phone call (and a stone’s throw) away — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a buzz anytime, and we’ll be there in a jiff to help with any unforeseen detail.
From our entire team, a big thank-you for choosing SVR — and booking so much more than a rental property.
Born and bred here in Georgia, we ensure our clients feel the warmth of our southern hospitality and have unforgettable stays in beautiful homes — in one of the prettiest landscapes the country has to offer.
After nearly 10,000 stays and thousands of glowing reviews, we’re prouder than ever of what we do.
We love North Georgia — and we love sharing her with you. In each of our cabins you’ll find an “Experience the Mountains” manual full of suggestions about local attractions such as hikes and sightseeing, as well as our favorite restaurants in town.
Want to connect with us about anything from the layout of the property to our favorite local merlot? Give us a shout. Someone on our team of locals (possibly me) will be happy to chat with you, answer any questions, and help you book your next dream mountain vacation.
We can’t wait to see you soon in our neck of the woods… and mountains, and lakes, and so much more.
Joni, Founder & Director, SVR
UC license #: 024104
