Ecotraveler...

GEORGIA'S BRASSTOWN VALLEY

The world watched and cheered loudly as Georgia basked in glory during the Olympics, but all remained (and remains) relatively quiet at the Peach State's Brasstown Valley Resort. The only sound is that of Mother Nature saying, "Thank you."

In a decade where resorts have scrambled to become known as "eco-friendly," Brasstown Valley was developed specifically as an environmentally correct and protective resort. Preserved as a bird sanctuary, the resort is a model of ecological and cultural integrity, carefully preserved and enhanced by a partnership of local, state, and federal agencies, as well as Cherokee Indian alliances.

Located just two hours north of bustling and busy Atlanta, this natural retreat is cradled in the heart of a 503-acre forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, is to the south, while Three Sisters Mountain is to the north. White dogwoods, sycamores, and hardwood oaks blanket the hills, while a trout-laden stream weaves through the property.

The resort borders the vast Chattahoochee National Forest, leading to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, birdwatching, a wilderness school, and even eco-friendly golf (Indian burial grounds were protected during fairway construction). The stunning Lodge features a 72-foot stone fireplace, while accommodations options include 102 elegantly-appointed rooms and suites (many with fireplaces) and eight log cottages (each offering four individual guestrooms and common parlors with fireplaces, kitchenettes, grills, and hillside verandahs.

Though this Crowne Plaza Resort just opened last year, people have been enjoying the site's cool mountain air, beautiful vistas, generous trout fishing, and lush landscape for at least 10,000 years, when Cherokee Indians inhabited the area. One of the state's most econonically-depressed areas, the northeast Georgia mountains promised little hope for improvement, except through tourism. Like other natives of the area, Governor Zell Miller believed the success of the 40-year-old Georgia Mountain Fair and the growth of outdoor recreation confirmed tourism as the solution.

After purchasing the farmland, the state's agencies suspected it would require careful study. "We knew that this area, rich in legend and lore as it was, could possibly hold some sensitive findings," says Ronnie Phillips of Georgia's Department of Natural Resources. "This belief, along with a desire by the state to not only preserve the beauty of the area, but to create an environmental model of a resort for all to follow, made it essential that we find a development team willing to put in the extra time and heart to follow the state's dictum."

Atlanta's Stormont Trice Corporation and a host of other environmentally-sensitive public and private entities led the slow development process, with 18 environmental permits being obtained before even a spoonful of dirt was removed. In fact, construction was completely halted and the layout of the golf course was changed when an Indian burial ground was discovered.

Equal care was taken when it came to potential environmental impact. All six of the ponds on the golf course are spring-fed and cold water release became an essential design factor. In addition, each pond was created with a littoral shelf to encourage native wetland plant species. The result of proper mitigation, land planning, and facilities siting was a net increase in the site's total wetlands and the protection of the remains of early American civilization.

If these quiet mountains could talk, they would say they are glad to see people visiting again. After all, as Ronnie Phillips says, "People have been coming here for 10,000 years!" Mother Nature is smiling.

Contact Brasstown Valley Resort at Highway 76, Box 114, Young Harris, GA 30582, (800) 201-3205 or (706) 379-9900.