There’s a nip in the air, a fragrance of apples and hay and corn put away for the winter, and a rustle of leaves – it’s the perfect time to visit the Reece Farm and Heritage Center and spend some time just slowing down to enjoy this all too brief season.

Thanks to the creative efforts of Union County kindergarten classes, a dozen or so scarecrows have taken their stand at the Reece Farm and Heritage Center. Instructed and assisted by their teachers, these students had great fun in dressing and assembling their respective scarecrows, leading to an impressive variety.

This project was a joint venture involving the Reece Society’s Special Events Committee, chaired by Shirley Cole, and the Union County School System, with kindergarten teacher Jennifer Turner as the coordinator. Mrs. Cole supplied the materials and suggestions for assembly, and the children and their teachers put together the scarecrows for public display.

The families, friends, and general public are invited at no charge to visit the Reece Farm in the remaining open days in October to see the handiwork of these students. Should visitors also wish to tour the Farm exhibits, they may do so for a fee of $4.00 for those 12 and older.

The Reece Farm and Heritage Center is located one mile north of Vogel State Park on Highway 129, and is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10:00 to 5:00 and on Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00.

If you are visiting the North Georgia Mountains this Fall, don’t miss a stop at the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center.  It is the perfect pause in your busy travels in the area.

Visit the exhibits to see how Georgia’s Mountain Poet lived and worked and how farming was done in the mountain area during his lifetime.  Wander through the gardens and walking paths, enjoy the sound of the creek and the beauty of the season, and bring a picnic and dine at a creekside table.

Be sure to visit the Gift Shop where you will find beautiful locally produced items so you can get a head start on your Christmas shopping.

It was a perfect summer day at the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center to celebrate the 2nd Annual ‘Maters and Music.  The valley rang with music from two great local bands, The Shady Grove UMC Bluegrass Band and the Bennie Shook Family Band, while volunteers served juicy tomato sandwiches with iced tea.  There was a lot of toe-tappin’ and lip-smackin’!

A rare bargain for a day of fun in the Mountains! The $4.00 admission price for this day includes tours of all Reece Farm and Heritage Center exhibits and facilities, the opportunity to share one of summer’s best treats – homegrown tomatoes, and enjoy some terrific Bluegrass music from local Blairsville musicians. For more information on the Band, check out their Facebook page at Shady Grove UMC Band.

While you’re visiting, don’t miss the amazing crafts, art, books, and other locally produced items in the gift shop. Take home something special to remember your visit.

On June 13th, lucky visitors to the Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center had a chance to sample more than a dozen different cornbread recipes prepared by some great mountain cooks.  The cornbread was accompanied by other favorites – soup beans, green onions, butter, loganberry tea, and buttermilk punch.

Diners were able to eat next to the creek or in the pavilion decorated with spectacular examples of creatively crafted planters for summer, plus plants and garden books available for sale to help create garden masterpieces at home.   Master Gardner, Shirley Cole, demonstrated how to create them using “thrillers, spillers, and fillers.”  Six lucky visitors took home one of Shirley’s beautiful planters as a door prize for the event.

After the garden demonstration and cornbread tasting, Women of Heart provided a beautiful concert of native Cherokee stories and music.  It was a magical day!  Check out the photos below.

Make plans now to visit and share a day with your family and friends at the Reece Farm at one of our special events.