Have you made a leaf-peeping trip to the mountains yet? They are just beginning to turn. Over the next few weeks the colors will brighten and replace the masses of green, right up to that much discussed  “peak.” This is the best time in North Georgia -- start your season with a little drive.

If you come north on I-985 (through Gainesville), you can plan your trip around several stops. Jaemor Farm Market has locally-grown pumpkins and apples amidst a variety of other produce. If you're adventurous - try the corn maze. It's huge. Pick up some fried apple pies to take back to work on Monday and make your co-workers envious about your weekend.  And get a bag of boiled peanuts to sustain you further into the mountains.

If you haven’t developed a taste for this Southern delicacy – you may need to re-think what you’re expecting from that dripping brown bag that yes, people wait in line to buy. Erase the idea of crisp that the word peanuts bring to mind, and think about good fresh pinto beans in your mouth, with more salt than your momma (or your wife) would ever let you add. If you still don’t like them…well, you’re not alone.

Further up the road are Clarkesville, Helen and Sautee Nacoochee. Each of these communities are celebrating fall – and there’s a lot that’s new this year.  Clarkesville has started a tradition of live music in the gazebo on the square Saturdays 3-5 in September and October, called Experience Clarkesville’s Homemade Jam. (Bring a chair or blanket. You’re going to want to stay a while.)

Georgia’s longest running Oktoberfest will be in full swing in Helen. The Festhalle, located on the banks of the Chattahoochee, has German bands, food and beer. (You, too, can polka!)  Or just walk around town and pick up some fudge or a funnel cake.

South of Helen on Ga. Hwy. 75 is the Nacoochee Village. JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters has joined the village, right on the river. You’ll also want to check out the Habersham Winery and pick up some stone-ground grits at Nora Mill.

Sautee is on Ga. Hwy. 17 between Clarkesville and Helen. (South from Nacoochee Village, turn left at the Gazebo.) The Sautee Village Park (across from the Old Sautee Store) is celebrating Fall Fest  on October 16, with music, food and mountain life exhibits and demonstrations. Food will be provided by Sweetbread's of Cleveland, Natalie Janes and Hawg Wild, both of Clarkesville. (I’ve eaten at each of those restaurants, and the food is really good.) Live music is scheduled from 11 to 5:30. The tasting rooms at Yonah Mountain Vineyards and Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards will both be open. 

The Sautee Nacoochee Community Center (within sight of the Old Sautee Store, on Highway 255) has a history museum, the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia and two art galleries. You can buy locally made soap, gels or scrubs at Greenstone Soap Company or check out the new line of dresses at Sweetfield Mountain Merchandise, both located in Sautee Junction. Even the Old Sautee Store has a new green house – specializing in natural beauty. You can bring a little of the North Georgia Mountains Fall back home with you.