North Georgia Mountain Cabin Rentals

Rarely do we think about the windows in our home or cabin and how they save us money. Technological advancements in the construction of energy efficient windows in the past 40 years have allowed the average homeowner to save several hundred dollars per year thanks to reduced power consumption. Many of the advancements have been applied to wooden window designs that keep a mountain cabin looking rustic but comfortable at the same time.

The quest for energy efficiency in our cabins, homes and workplaces truly began in earnest during the “energy crisis” of the 1970s. Many people, especially in large urban areas, experienced rolling blackouts and sky-high energy bills. One of the proposed remedies to reduce energy usage was to make homes and businesses better insulated to retain more of the energy they consumed rather than losing energy to the environment. It has been estimated that 25% of the energy loss of a structure was due to uncoated, single-pane windows which are highly emissive.

The first major advancement toward a more energy efficient window was taken from the storm window industry, which had long used two panes of glass separated by a spacer. However, using two panes of glass was not enough, as convective heat loss would occur between the panes. Eventually these windows were sealed between the panes and the air was withdrawn, creating a vacuum. Although this improved the loss of heat through convection, it was found that filling the void between the panes with an inert gas such as argon, krypton, or xenon was much more effective in preventing heat loss.

The next major advancement in window construction was taken from the sunglass industry, which had been experimenting with glass coatings for many years in order to reduce glare and harmful ultraviolet rays on the human eye. When some of these coatings were applied to residential windows, there was a dramatic reduction in heat gain during the summer and a reduction in heat loss during the winter. Although there are many types of these glass coatings in use today, they are collectively called “Low-e” for low emissivity. They work by selectively rejecting most UV rays while allowing visible light and some solar heat to pass through. Additionally, the Low-e coating on the interior side prevents the loss of energy to the outside world.  According to the Center for Sustainable Building Research, the most thermally efficient units currently in production utilize three panes of glass, each coated with a low solar gain coating. These windows are typically more expensive than double glazed models; however, additional savings can be realized by reducing the size of heating and cooling units required for the structure.

Future research for a more energy efficient window is focused on the use of sensors inside the window that will respond to changes in the environment, including temperature, humidity, season, and even daylight and dark. These “smart windows” will be integrated into a central computer system in the home, allowing control of the interior environment. It may sound like science fiction, but it is quickly becoming a reality.

In summary, technological innovations in the construction and production of energy efficient windows since the 1970s have allowed homeowners to realize lower energy consumption and more stable environments inside their homes. State and Federal government agencies have recently begun offering tax incentives to encourage the use of high efficiency windows to decrease power demand. With all of these benefits, it pays to find out if you should replace your old windows and put more money back in your pocket.

Great for All Ages

The light pressure from the jets of a hot tub will ease muscle aches, soreness, arthritis, and joint pain.  A hot tub is helpful for aging joints and muscles; it can also help young athletes in the family to rejuvenate after those long, physical sport practices.  No matter what age you are, you can find health benefits and satisfaction from soaking in a hot tub.  Have a hot tub party with a group of people or use it to relax yourself to sleep.  It’s a great way to help relieve pressures on the mind and body, alike.

Increase Circulation

Cold temperatures restrict the body’s blood vessels.  They cause veins and capillaries to tighten around your muscles to conserve heat.  If you become cold enough you will start to shiver.  Shivering is, essentially, when your blood vessels rub up against your muscles rapidly to create warmth from friction.  Hot tubs have the opposite effect.  Warm temperatures increase blood circulation throughout your body.  They allow your circulatory system to completely relax and blood to flow freely.  That is part of the reason why you feel completely relaxed in a hot tub.  Your body becomes so warm that your circulatory system becomes loose, easily circulating your blood.  This can be a huge benefit for people with poor circulation.

Relaxation Benefits

Soaking in hot water relaxes the mind as well as the body.  It can help you get a better night sleep and can be a great way to distress.  When you get out of a hot tub, you will notice a feeling of extreme relaxation and sleepiness.  It can help insomnia or just be a pleasant way to send you off to dreamland.  I’m not one who falls asleep easily.  When I use my hot tub I am never more than an hour away from peaceful slumber.

Bonding Time

Let’s not forget the all all-important social benefits of owning a hot tub!  Hot tubs are great places to hang out and bond with friends and loved ones.  The good times spent in your new hot tub will have a positive psychological effect.  It will enrich your life and be a good place to have some laughs.  Moreover, hot tubs can be a good place to have romantic times with your partner, so that’s another way you can reap the social benefits.  Owning a hot tub will be a positive for your love life, and who doesn’t want that?!?!?

Closing Thoughts

With all these benefits that a hot tub can offer it’s hard to see why you wouldn’t want to have one, as long as you have the right space for it.  The cost of a hot tub isn’t that high for all of the enjoyment it can bring.  It can actually raise your property values significantly when put in the right setting.  So consider exploring the options of installing a hot tub in your home or rental property.  You could be relaxing to the sounds of bubbles in your new hot tub before you know it.

Dean Tremblay is a writer for online Home and Garden publications.

Newlywed couples are changing the face of honeymooning. Current honeymoon trends show an increase in exciting and unusual excursions. While luxury motels and romantic getaways are still very popular, some newlyweds are choosing to spend their honeymoons exploring cultures, food, nature and adventure.

Cultural Honeymoons

Cultural honeymoons are becoming increasingly popular. Couples choose a cultural destination in which to immerse themselves throughout their stay. They sample the food, festivities and traditions, and they visit historical places in the area. If you are considering a cultural honeymoon, research the location for any celebrations or activities that may be held. This will give you even better exposure to the local customs.

Foodie Honeymoons

Another up-and-coming trend is the foodie honeymoon. These couples take a tour of restaurants, culinary schools, wineries and local markets. They may also decide to take a quick cooking class together. Whether you visit New York, Paris, Barcelona or your own backyard, a foodie honeymoon will be a memorable and tasty excursion for you and your new spouse.

Green Honeymoon

Many newlyweds are choosing environmentally friendly getaways. These trips often feature nature reserves or scenic tours. Couples can opt to stay in green lodging that is solar powered and built with natural materials. If you decide to take a green honeymoon, support the area farmers by eating local fare. You can also volunteer during your stay to make your trip even more memorable.

Adventure Trips

Adventure trips are popular with couples that want to start their marriage on an active note. These vacations are packed with activities that suit each couple’s lifestyle and can be done locally or as a destination trip. Safaris, bike trips, surfing, and hiking are on the list of popular adventure choices. Choose an activity that both you and your future spouse enjoy, and you are sure to have a honeymoon that spikes both your adrenaline and your romance.

All-Inclusive Packages

Many resorts are offering wedding and honeymoon combinations for couples. These all-inclusive packages make it easy to plan and coordinate because everything is done in one location and is all included in one price. Guests come to the resort for the ceremony, and as soon as they leave, the couple can begin their honeymoon. Many all-inclusive packages include the price of flights, rooms, food and drinks. If you want to get married in a beautiful location that can double as your honeymoon destination, then an all-inclusive honeymoon is ideal for you.

Heather Johnson writes articles for Honeymoon Destinations, the best honeymoon planning website. Discover some great honeymoon ideas today!

Spring is my favorite time of year in the Georgia Mountains. It’s also one of the best times to book that weekend getaway and enjoy the warm days and cool nights of North Georgia. Those of you in the Atlanta suburbs can spend a weekend in Blue Ridge or Ellijay Ga and put that glow back in your eyes. Get away from the hustle for a day or two. You should be able to find some specials on 1, 2, and 3 bedroom rental cabins. Ellijay is only an hour from downtown Atlanta GA.

As soon as the weather warms up it’s a great time to see some amazing wildlife and the fish are biting too. If you’re real lucky you can even get a glimpse of the native black bears. This is a great time to plan a get together for friends or a family reunion and enjoy some time together with the people you love. Have a barbecue and make all the noise you want in a nice secluded vacation rental in the woods of North Georgia. Warm up the hot tub, pop a cool one and sit back and relax, aah, the good life!

Many rental cabins have decks and barbecues and some even have trendy outdoor stoves and kitchens.

What are you waiting for? We have  listed cabin rentals companies with plenty of cabins to choose from. It’s time to celebrate life and forget work, at least for one weekend this year.

Rental cabins have everything you need, kitchens that are fully stocked with dishes and utensils. Bathrooms with plenty of towels. Fully furnished with satellite or cable television and WIFI.

Springtime is a great time because the trees aren’t full and some of these cabins have spectacular views that will be covered up once the leaves come back in.

Find premier cabin rentals that accommodate parties of almost any size. Choose from pet friendly or no pet cabins. Only select North Georgia Cabins for rent are added to the portfolio at Bear Den. From the Coosawattee River Resort of Ellijay to the scenic mountains in Blue Ridge Ga.

Bear Den Cabin Rentals

Ellijay, GA 30540

Toll Free: 1-866-200-7401
Local: (706)635-1049

Here at North Georgia Mountain Cabin Rental we like to talk about alternatives to the typical cabin rental from time to time so we can offer something for everyone. If you have never tried a vacation cabin rental then we highly recommend it but for those business professionals that are looking for a downtown Blue Ridge location we have a new option we think you should consider. This is also a great place for a honeymoon so newlyweds looking for a conveniently located penthouse suite please take a closer look.

The Blue Ridge Travel Suite is a penthouse style vacation rental on the 4th floor of  the Mustard Seed Trading company building. With the location in the heart of Downtown Blueridge it is ideally situated for shopping and tourist attractions like the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

This 4th floor luxury penthouse suite has a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and an outdoor sitting area. It is located in the same building as a day spa so relax, enjoy a good book or share some quiet time together. You can avoid the long drive to and from town associated with most cain rentals.

Blue Ridge Penthouse Suite
588 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA. 30513

An Alternative to a Blue Ridge Hotel

Remember when someone called you on the phone and if you weren’t there, they had to call back later? Some look upon those days with fond memories in this era of 24-hour connectedness and social media. Compounding this problem is the world in which we live, making more and more demands from our already stretched schedules. From the global economic crisis, to the collapse of housing prices, and record high unemployment. However, getting away from the “bad news” and relaxing is easy if you know where to look. In the mountains of northern Georgia in the town of Blue Ridge, there is a place that will melt your cares away and allow you to unplug, de-stress, and recharge.

I recently discovered the perfect mountain getaway that would let me and my family turn off the cell phones, tuck away the laptops, and focus on spending time together. This place is aptly named, “Serenity in the Mountains.” In addition to a world-class day spa there are luxurious accommodations that make you feel as if you had blended Fifth Avenue with a cozy cabin rental in the woods. There are 1,2, and even 3 bedroom suites available, all with King-size beds in the Master and the second and third bedrooms have Queen beds. The remote control fireplace was a big hit as was the jacuzzi tub and complementary steam room and sauna time provided by the spa.

After we were settled into our suite we decided to explore downtown Blue Ridge and it did not disappoint. From antique stores to the scenic Blue Ridge railway, we had a wonderful Saturday. Sunday was spent reading, relaxing, and a romantic dinner at the Toccoa River Restaurant. It was hard to believe that we were only an hour and a half north of our home in Atlanta, because it felt as if we were a world away.

Each year Ellijay is host to the Georgia Apple Festival.  You can attend the festival on the second and third weekend in October. The event is held at the Lions Club Fairgrounds each year and presented by the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club. Each year they have about 300 booths and displays. Most of them are arts and crafts or food. There is a car show in town as well as a parade to celebrate the Apple Festival.

This year I noticed a few developers and builders were on hand to try to generate some interest in the real estate offerings in Ellijay. If you have a local business or you are familiar with craft shows and have something to offer you should really consider a booth. The amount of traffic that passes through the fairgrounds in just 2 weekends is astounding. Be sure to visit the Harmon Deer Scents booth. That guy is a character.

If you have any photos from the event or would like to write a piece about your experience at the Apple Festival just post a comment.

There are plenty of things to do when you visit the North Georgia Mountains. Some cabins in Ellijay and Blue Ridge are located on rivers that you can float, swim, and fish. For you fisherman be sure you purchase the appropriate fishing license and follow all state fishing regulations.

Tubing – Before you try to float a river ask the locals what type of obstacles you may encounter and where to get out. It’s best to leave a vehicle at the exit point. If you can’t do that then be sure your cell phones work at the exit so you don’t get stranded. Some of the low lying areas don’t have mobile phone reception. Most of all, think safety when tubing.

Whitewater Rafting – There are a number of places you can go rafting or kayaking but the scenic route to North Carolina has some awesome places you can take a guided rafting trip.

Cycling – There are plenty of mountain bike trails in the area for you adventurous riders. Visit Mike at Cartecay Bikes to see if they have any planned excursions while you are in town.

If you aren’t that adventurous then you can just rent a mountain cabin and enjoy the peace and quiet away from the bright lights of the big city.

Visitors from Florida are sometimes surprised how cold it can get in the Georgia hills and mountains. Check the forecast and pack accordingly.

If you rent a cabin you should ask about the heating and air. Some cabins are designed for those that have a sense of adventure. They may not have air conditioning or electric heat in the cabins.

If you have pets or smoke please make sure your lodging choice is pet friendly or allows smoking.

If you want privacy you should verify your selected cabin rental is not in close proximity to other renters. There are plenty of choices for rentals in Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Blairsville, and Hiawassee. Each cabin has its own personality as much as each renter has their own. The right vacation rental is out there, take the time to find it and make it the best getaway ever.