Dahlonega GA News | The 26th Annual Taste of Toccoa

Published on March 19, 2016

FOOD AND WINE FESTIVALS

There is no denying it. Something spectacular happens when you combine good food, good wine and good company. With a combination like that, it’s no wonder retirees and baby boomers are big fans of food and wine festivals. Organizers of the 26th Annual Taste of Toccoa are gearing up to bring that magic to this year’s event in historic downtown Toccoa, an adorable mountain downtown in northern Georgia. The 2016 festival will be held on April 28th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. While Toccoa is a small mountain town with lots of southern charm, there is nothing small about the food and wine festivals thrown in Toccoa near a variety of Georgia mountain properties.

This year’s fun-filled affair will feature family friendly events and entertainment. But the stars of the show will be the local restaurants, caterers and the delicious foods they create, which keep locals and visitors coming back year after year.

Another delightful detail about this event, the budget friendly festival price point. Admission to the Taste of Toccoa is free. Toccoa restaurants are touted for their take on traditional southern fare. Besides dining on delicious dishes, attendees of the Taste of Toccoa also get to vote for the winners of this year’s event. The voting will take place at the WNEG Radio tent. Awards will be presented to eight participants in several different categories.

Outdoor festivals continue to grow in popularity. According to a survey by Eventbrite, baby boomers are attending these festivals for various reasons such as more free time, and to stay up to date on the latest trends. Let’s not forget that this is the generation of Woodstock, the outdoor festival that started it all, so no wonder boomers and retirees are attracted to them.

Another top attraction is the food. According to a survey by Packaged Facts, baby boomers make up nearly one-third of the “Trendsetter Foodie” population. Food plays a big role for residents of a lakefront-gated community in Toccoa named the Currahee Club. Whether it’s a member event or event open to the public, delectable dishes are bound to be part of the moment.

Food, fellowship and fun are commonplace at the Currahee Club. Selected as one of the first Southern Living Inspired Communities by Southern Living Magazine, the 1,200 master planned community on Lake Hartwell offers a plethora of things to do within the neighborhood. The hub of the lakefront community is a stunning 48,000 square foot mountain top clubhouse which includes an Irish Pub in the men’s locker room and Indian Heritage artwork adorning the walls and halls of the club.

The Currahee Club’s golf course is ranked as the #40 Top 100 Best Residential Golf Courses in America, Golf Week Magazine, 2015. The Hartwell golf course is an unforgettable experience. The 17th hole is the Signature hole, a par three hole that crosses a deep rock quarry. The Hartwell golf course offers courses has six sets of tees for all skill levels. The curb appeal of the Currahee Club is a classic example of southern living. More amenities include a sports campus with an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts and a community garden adjacent to the center and a community boat dock on Lake Hartwell.

Now that spring has arrived, it is an excellent time to explore Georgia mountain properties on Lake Hartwell. Why not plan a trip that coincides with the 26th Annual Taste of Toccoa and see why food and wine festivals, especially this one.

Contact the Currahee Club directly at 706.827.1000 to check on Discovery Package availability.

Here are some the favorite eateries in beautiful Toccoa:

Bell's Drive-In Restaurant (Southern Fare) 1013 GA 17 Alternate 706-886-5933
M & J Home Cooking (Southern Fare) 587 Mize Rd. 706-282-0022
Cornerstone Restaurant (American Fare) 27 Doyle St. 706-282-7771
BJ’s Family Restaurant (Southern Fare) 55 E Doyle St., Closed on Saturdays 706-886-0970
Los Amigos (Mexican) 1061 Big A Rd.
Moogy's Mill Creek Gathering Place (Southern Fare) East Silver Shoals Rd.
Shirley's Sole Food Café (Southern Fare) 124 West Currahee St.
Big Biscuit Diner (American Fare) Big A Rd. 706 297-0004
Bamboo House (Chinese Fare) 610 S Big A Rd. 706-886-9276
Quincy's Family Steakhouse (Buffet) 605 Big A Rd. 706-282-1953