The World Police & Fire Games are designed to promote sport and fraternity within the police and firefighting communities, and the 2011 Games scheduled for August 26 – September 5, will coincide with the 10-year remembrance of September 11, 2001.

Palmeri to Compete in 2010 World Police & Fire Games

First held in 1985, the Games are now the second largest multi-sport competition in the world, drawing 15,000 competitors from 70 countries, participating in 68 sports.

Palmeri, a resident of Ellijay, is currently a 22-year veteran of the Atlanta Fire Department’s Station 21.   Originally from New York City, Palmeri’s father spent nine years as a Ladder Truck Drive in the New York Fire Department. “It’s in my blood,” says Palmeri of following in his father’s footsteps.

The 2011 Games will honor two themes – Remembrance and Gratitude. “I was in the fire station on September 11, and recall that day vividly, watching and praying for everyone,” says Palmeri.  “I can only hope that my bike ride to New York City will help to build awareness of the dedication and passion that all emergency responders have to the citizens they serve.”

Palmeri will be competing in the road cycling and mountain biking competitions, along with friends and fellow firefighters, Rodney Deese of Atlanta and Douglas Kerns of Dalton.

Palmeri, owner of Cartecay Bike Shop in downtown Ellijay, has been a leader and advocate in the north Georgia biking scene for a number of years, and was responsible for helping to obtain Gilmer County’s designation as the “Official Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia.”

The planned two-week ride next fall will require the use of customized Carbon Fiber road bikes designed by Palmeri, who began building bikes as a teenager with his father in a backyard wood shed.  The three riders plan to coordinate their trip by staying overnight in fire stations along the route.  “My previous longest ride was from Ellijay to St. Louis, but this trip beats that one by about three hundred miles,” adds Palmeri.

For more information, or to sponsor Palmeri’s trip or participation in the 2011 World Police & Fire Games, visit www.cartecaybikes.com or email mike@cartecaybikes.com.

Gilmer County, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains just an hour north of Atlanta, is the “Mountain Biking Capital of Georgia.”  With more than 150 miles of trails, Gilmer County has a trail for any skill level.  For more information, visit www.gilmerchamber.com.

Gilmer County, Georgia, July 12, 2010 – Visitors throughout the state of Georgia who are looking to spend some time getting to know the great outdoors, but may be somewhat intimidated due to a lack of experience or knowledge, need not worry, as several businesses and associations in north Georgia’s Gilmer County are now offering “Get Back to the Outdoors” classes and guided expeditions designed to provide novices with a higher level of confidence to explore a host of outdoor activities.

Travelers to north Georgia can visit www.gilmerchamber.com to find a list of local businesses offering classes and guided trips for activities such as hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, canoeing and fishing.

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Gilmer County is blessed with a significant amount of public land, including nearby favorites such as the Rich Mountain Wilderness Area, Cohutta Wilderness Area and Chattahoochee National Forest.  In fact, more than half of the county is designated as public land, making Gilmer County the perfect base camp for your next adventure.

“In addition to having plenty of room to roam, our ‘Get Back to the Outdoors’ programs, supported by local businesses and associations, are a great for getting families together for a fun outing, and a refreshing way to introduce kids to the outdoors,” says Paige Green, President/CEO of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce.

Mountain Biking – A walk through historic downtown Ellijay may lead you past Cartecay Bike Shop, but visitors may often find a note posted on the door by owners Mike and Terri Palmeri stating “On a ride with some new friends.”  The Palmeri’s, active road and mountain bikers, often close-up shop to take visitors on guided rides along any of Gilmer County’s 150 + miles of single track trails, including the well-known and Super Epic Pinhoti Trail, Bear Creek, Mountaintown Creek, Stanley Gap, Carters Lake and River Loop, located just minutes from downtown.  Scenic road rides are also offered, with Fort Mountain and Burnt Mountain loops being regional favorites among cyclists.

Hiking, Backpacking and Camping – With the Southern terminus of the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail minutes away, hiking, backpacking and camping are a cornerstone of outdoor activities for visitors to Gilmer County.  Family members Travis, Shirley and Whitney Crouch, owners of North Georgia Mountain Outfitters, are teachers of all things outdoors, offering guided group hiking and camping trips through some of the nation’s most beautiful and remote backcountry, as well as selling quality outdoor clothing, supplies and equipment.

Additionally, the Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA), supporting the 300-mile Benton MacKaye Trail and celebrating its 30^th Anniversary this year, frequently offers monthly Fun Hikes for any skill level.  “Our Fun Hikes teach newcomers about trail navigation and safety, and we provide great fellowship with other hikers,” says Publicity Director, Marge Heller of the BMTA.  Visit www.bmta.org for more information about Fun Hikes.

Kayaking and Canoeing – During the summer months, kayaking, canoeing and tubing down the Cartecay River is always a family favorite.  Folks who want a little more out of the trip can turn to Woody and Jenny Janssen of Cartecay River Experience to provide instructional classes.  “Kayaking is the type of sport or hobby that provides great exercise with a break-taking view,” says Janssen.  Cartecay River Experience and Eagle Mountain General Store both offer calmer tubing expeditions down either the Cartecay or Coosawattee Rivers.

Numerous other outfitters, guides and rental companies are available to support each person’s specific need.  “While our local business owners offer great products and services, they can also offer some excellent folk lore, and provide outdoor goers with some superb recommendations,” says Green.

For visitor information and traveler specials, visit www.gilmerchamber.com, or join our fan page on Facebook at The Ellijays.

Lakes Sidney Lanier and Allatoona, just outside of Atlanta, are two of the most frequently visited lakes in the nation, averaging a combined 14 million visitors annually. Atlanta’s urban sprawl can be found along the shorelines of these lakes, yet Carters Lake, situated one hour north of Atlanta in Gilmer County, looks much like it did when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed it in 1977.

North Georgia's Carters Lake

“Carters Lake is unique in that commercial and residential development is prohibited, resulting in 62 miles of pristine shoreline,” says Lu Ann Lackey, Park Manager.  “The only structures on the lake are at the Carters Lake Resort and Marina, which accommodates park guests with boat slips, fuel, marine supplies, concessions and cabin and boat rentals.”  When you begin planning your next lake outing, consider Carters Lake:

Great for Family Skiing – For those using starter skis, or for wakeboarding and water skiing enthusiasts looking to practice some new tricks, Carters Lake is perfect due to its size, depth and limited boat traffic.  At 3,200 acres, Carters Lake is the deepest lake in the state, reaching depths of 450 feet.

Boat-In Camping – Most folks are used to hiking to their favorite campsite, but how about boating to your campsite?  Twelve primitive boat-in campsites are available, and campers can tie their boat up next to their tent.  The lake also has plenty of sites for RV goers.

Day-Trip – Carters Lake is perfect for a family outing or reunion.  The area offers group picnic shelters, playgrounds, game courts, fishing decks, scenic overlooks and hiking and biking trails.

Fishing – The clear, deep waters are home to a variety of freshwater fish, including walleye, a species not often found in the Southeast.  Largemouth, striped and hybrid bass are favorite species for guided and recreational fishing trips.

Exploring – Visitors often take to the lake’s many hiking and mountain biking trails to explore the vast array of ecosystems and wildlife.  Carters Lake is designated as an Important Birding Area by the Audubon Society, and its Hidden Pond Songbird Trail features blinds for viewing and managed areas to attract songbirds.

Kayaking & Canoeing – The Coosawattee River is well known for its excellent kayaking and canoeing, but is better known as the story behind the James Dickey canoe-adventure novel, Deliverance, which became a classic movie starring Burt Reynolds.  Several organizations are currently working on a kayak and canoe trail, launching in Ellijay, passing through Class I/II rapids on the Coosawattee River, and ending on the calm waters of Carters Lake.

For visitor information and traveler specials, visit www.gilmerchamber.com, or join our fan page on Facebook at The Ellijays.

The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce was pleased to host several staff members from Dirt Rag Mountain Bike Magazine to north Georgia during Spring Break – showcasing exactly why Gilmer County is the official “Mountain Bike Capital” of Georgia.

Dirt Rag Mountain Bike Magazine @ Bear Creek

Dirt Rag, one of the nation’s premier magazines for mountain biking enthusiasts, were treated to a heavy does of Southern hospitality, spending time at the Mulberry Gap Bunkhouse, located on the Super Epic Pinhoti Trail, as well as luxurious cabin compliments of Sliding Rock Cabin Rentals.

Bear Creek Mountain Bike Trail

Look Like Fun - Stanley Gap Trail

The group was guided along several of the area’s best trails by Rick Moon of the NWGA SORBA Chapter and Mike Palmeri of the EMBA (www.ellijaymountainbike.org).  The group had the opportunity to ride Pinhoti III/IV, Snake Creek Gap, Bear Creek, River Loop, Stanley Gap and Pinhoti I/II.

Additionally, the group participated in a volunteer trail maintenance session on Bear Creek, organized by EMBA, one of the smallest, but most passionate SORBA Chapters in the country.

The Dirt Rag staff including Karl Rosengarth, Justin Steiner, Shannon Mominee and Matt Kasprzyk, also attended a meet and greet reception hosted by the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, visited the Cartecay River Bicycle Shop and had the opportunity to visit with Ellijay Mayor, Al Hoyle.

The group’s visit to Gilmer County will be featured in the May issue of Dirt Rag Mountain Bike Magazine.

Gilmer County, Georgia, March 24, 2010 – North Georgia’s Gilmer County, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and just an hour outside of Atlanta, is becoming a leading destination for “generational tourism,” or individuals who return to a favorite travel destination on a regular basis to pass along childhood experiences and memories to younger generations.

“We are seeing a trend of extended families vacationing together, often covering three generations,” says Paige Green, President of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce.  “Folks will often utilize their vacation time as mini family reunions, having everyone meet in a central location – someplace with activities that appeal to grandparents, parents and children of all ages, yet a destination that won’t be a budget breaker,” says Green.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Active seniors generally enjoy tracing the roots of their childhood, visiting a favorite local business and spending time with their grandchildren, while Baby Boomers like the “self fulfillment” of hiking part of the Appalachian Trail or the thrill of whitewater rafting.

Generation X, usually with kids in tow, can hit the local rivers in a tube or canoe, or can visit Amicalola Falls State Park, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.  Generation Y is activity-focused, pushing the extremes of the county’s more than 150 miles of mountain biking trails.

“Visiting Gilmer County and its Apple Alley is a fall tradition for families, and we’ve had customers who have returned here each year for more than 60 years,” says Janice Hale, owner of Hillcrest Orchards.  “The taste of hot apple cider, the smell of hot apple pies baking, and the soft touch of our friendly farm animals are experiences that have been shared from generation to generation,” adds Hale.

River Loop Mountain Bike Trail

And, as with all vacations, there’s always a photograph to capture the memory.  Families take to Gilmer County’s wilderness, returning to a favorite mountain-view or streamside location for a family photograph.  In fact, the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce offers a list of great photo locations on its web site.

For visitor information and traveler specials, visit www.gilmerchamber.com, or join our fan page on Facebook at The Ellijays.

Gilmer County, Georgia, February 23, 2010 — With Spring Break just around the corner, tough economic times are forcing many families to take a closer look at the cost associated with a family vacation.  Enter the leading cabin rental companies of North Georgia’s Gilmer County, offering Spring Break promotions that won’t break the budget.

Gilmer County, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, and just an hour from Atlanta, is fast becoming a leading family vacation spot, due to its location, selection of cabin rentals and wide array of inexpensive, and often free, outdoor activities for the entire family.

“Gilmer County is Georgia’s outdoor playground, and our natural resources provide for a great vacation experience,” says Paige Green, President of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce.  “Visitors have access to hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as multiple streams, rivers and lakes for fishing, kayaking, canoeing or tubing.  We’re also centrally located for quick trips to vineyards, white water rafting and shopping,” adds Green.  Some of the cabin rental promotions include:

Spring Break in North Georgia

Bear Den Cabin Rentals – From February 15-April 29, stay three nights and only pay for two. Discount must be mentioned when placing the reservation. Options include a selection of creek side and mountain-view cabins, featuring two, three and four bedrooms.  www.beardengetaways.com

TGIF Cabin Rentals – With more than a dozen cabins to choose from, TGIF Cabin Rentals is offering a three-night stay for the price of two nights.  The company also offers 10 percent discounts for AARP members, teachers, police officers, firefighters and military personnel.  www.tgifcabinrentals.com

Serenity Cabin Rentals – Stay two nights, and get the third night free.  The company also provides a gift certificate for a dinner for two at a local restaurant.  Serenity Cabin Rentals offers several add-on services, including pre-arrival grocery delivery, meal delivery and chef services.  www.myserenitycabins.com

Sliding Rock Properties – This 100 percent pet-friendly cabin rental company is offering a free night with a rental of three or more nights.  Several of its cabins feature eight bedrooms, and many include fireplaces, hot tubs, wireless Internet and outdoor fire pits.  www.slidingrockcabins.com

KZ Cabins – This cabin rental company offers a 10 percent discount on last minute reservations, and also rewards repeat customers with a 10 percent discount.  With cabins large enough to sleep 20 people, KZ Cabins has rentals located in several of the area’s top resort communities, with amenities including golf, horseback riding, pools, tennis and basketball courts, fishing ponds, fitness centers and more.  www.kzcabins.com

The Villas at Coosawattee – Stay three nights and pay for two, or stay seven nights and pay for five.  This resort features numerous charming cabins, A-frames, villas and condos from which to choose, and features activities suitable for everyone. www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com

North Georgia Luxury Cabin Rentals – Stay three nights and pay for two, or a stay seven and pay for five.  By mentioning the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce web site, the company will waive any pet fees.  www.1mymountain.com

According to Green, the members of Gilmer County’s Chamber of Commerce not only offer great products, but also provide services such as guided mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and fishing excursions.

For travel specials and promotions, visit the Chamber’s web site at www.gilmerchamber.com.  Also, to keep up with what’s happening in Gilmer County, join the Chamber’s “The Ellijays” Facebook fan page, and share your travel photos, recommended activities, and memories from your visit.

North Georgia’s Gilmer County Promotes Cabin Fever - Vacation Rentals in the Mountains

Gilmer County, Georgia, February 17, 2010 – Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and just a one-hour drive from Atlanta, North Georgia’s Gilmer County has come down with “cabin fever,” but according to the area’s Chamber of Commerce – “cabin fever in a good way.”

A year-round travel destination, Gilmer County is promoting its vast array of accommodations, including cabin rentals, bed and breakfasts, ride-in mountain bike retreats and even “glamping,” or glamorous camping.

“We’ve got a place for anyone, from six-bedroom mountainside homes that are perfect for family holidays or reunions, to rustic, streamside log cabins for a quick weekend retreat with a loved one,” says Paige Green, President of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce.

North Georgia Cabin Rentals

According to Jerri Nowlen, owner of Sliding Rock Cabins, visitors like finding a rental that “feels like home, yet has a different view.”

“We have options in all price ranges, and most of our cabin rentals have great amenities, including wonderful views, dog-friendly, wireless Internet, fireplaces, hot tubs and even outdoor fire pits,” says Nowlen.

Local rental companies regularly offer packages, including “Dog Days” featuring special gifts for the pooch, “Romantic Nights” with discounted rates for couples and “Go Play Outside,” with outdoor activities designed for the kids.

Gilmer County’s popularity as Georgia’s largest outdoor playground continues to grow with visitors, second homeowners and retirees coming from across the country to enjoy all that the area has to offer.

With more than 100 miles of mountain biking trails, Gilmer County has been officially designated as the Mountain Biking Capital of Georgia. Mulberry Gap is a favorite among mountain bikers of all skill levels, offering cabins, camping, meals and bike services, all located on the renowned Pinhoti Trail, providing access to more than 100 miles of single-track trails.

For those looking for a truly unique mountain experience, try glamping at The Martyn House. Great for a girl’s weekend, The Martyn House features three luxuriously appointed tents imported from India, and situated on an 18-acre wooded site. Tents feature electricity, real beds, floors, bathrooms and front porches.

The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce is a 500+ member strong business association serving Gilmer County, Ellijay, and East Ellijay, GA. Operating two Welcome Centers, the Chamber also serves as the destination marketing organization for the county. For visitor information and traveler specials, visit www.gilmerchamber.com, or join our fan page on Facebook at The Ellijays.

North Georgia’s Gilmer County Set to Spread the Word - County Launches Public/Media Relations Campaign

Gilmer County, Georgia, January 28, 2010 – With hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, cabin rentals to suit any budget, great shopping and restaurants, friendly folks, and of course, apples galore, Georgia’s Gilmer County is a secret no more, as the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce launches a public/media relations campaign targeting the tourism and travel market.

“We have so much to offer as a great and unique travel alternative, and we’re spreading the word about North Georgia’s outdoor playground,” says Paige Green, President of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce. “Our location, just an hour north of Atlanta and nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, provides a scenic background for outdoor enthusiasts, families, couples and anyone seeking a great travel destination,” added Green.

Visit North Georgia's Gilmer County

According to Green, the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Opelika, Alabama-based b2 ideas for the design and implementation of its public/media relations efforts. “Our primary objective is to differentiate Gilmer County from other locations, and encourage potential travelers to check out Gilmer County to see if it offers what they are seeking for an extended vacation or quick weekend getaway,” says Bob Bartels, owner of b2 ideas.

Bartels says that this public relations campaign will push out information about Gilmer County as a travel destination, reaching potential visitors through online and social networking efforts, but also targeting regional travel, tourism and lifestyle journalists.

Gilmer County is well known by many nicknames. With more than 100 miles of mountain biking trails, Gilmer County has been officially designated as the Mountain Biking Capital of Georgia. At 432 square miles, over half of the county is public land, creating a virtual outdoor playground for hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, canoeing and nature lovers.

While Georgia is the Peach State, Gilmer County happens to be the state’s Apple Capital, with its orchards producing more than 600,000 bushels of delicious mountain-grown apples annually. Hwy. 52, or “Apple Alley,” features dozens of apple houses and orchards, great for family fun, with each offering pick-your-own apples, baked goods, including apple pies and breads, different kinds of cider, gifts, local arts and crafts. And, what better way to celebrate Gilmer County’s apple heritage than October’s Georgia Apple Festival held the 2^nd and 3^rd weekends of October each year.

To learn more about everything Georgia’s Apple Capital has to offer visit www.gilmerchamber.com. Remember to bookmark the Chamber website and visit often for great deals from local businesses.

The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce is a 500+ member strong business association serving Gilmer County, Ellijay, and East Ellijay, GA. Operating two Welcome Centers, the Chamber also serves as the destination marketing organization for the county.