Escape to GA, after a summer of “shelter in place” … Thanks to COVID-19 – Day 11 – Thursday 9/24/20

I have been trying to get to this historical marker since we arrived here at Hartwell Lake. It's a  historical marker and stone monument that declares that this spot as the "Center of the World." At least it was to the Cherokee, who called it "Ah-Yeh-Li A-Lo-Hee." It was here that many trails radiated in all directions, so the designation made sense, at least, before people arrived from places that the trails didn't go, like overseas. Hartwell was also, according to the plaque placed here, a popular roosting spot for migrating Passenger Pigeons. 

The Daughters of the American Revolution erected the stone monument. But the garden around the stone monument needs some attention. Years ago there was a Center of the World Gift Shop, just down the road, where one could buy Center of the World t-shirts. But it's gone now, so people looking for similar gifts will have to travel to the other Center of the World, in California.

 

After we viewed the historical marker, we headed into downtown and walked the square. It is nice to see old building being revitalized for new business. What do you think is going in here? An Ice Cream Shop? A Toy Store? We will find out on our return visit to Hartwell.

A mural brings artistic flair to Depot Street in downtown Hartwell. The new mural is located on the side of the Blush Hair Studio building on Depot Street. It depicts many facets of life and historical places and people in Hart County, Georgia.

Sailboats of Hartwell Georgia, an Art Project, reminded me of the Horse on Parade in Rochester New York or the Bears we have seen in different cities. When the first colorful fiberglass sailboats were revealed in August of 2018, the hope was for the boats to multiply and eventually sprinkle the community’s landscape, much like the bulldog statues in Athens or the roosters of Gainesville. That hope has continued to become a reality.

The Sailboat Project was created by the Leadership Hart class of 2015 as part of their graduating project. All Leadership Hart classes are challenged to come up with a project that will unify and improve the community. The class of 2015 came up with the idea to put out sculptures similar to the Bulldogs in Athens, Ga. There was much debate as to the content of the statues, but ultimately they decided upon the sailboat which represents the community’s ties to Lake Hartwell which has a large sailing community.

Additionally, it was agreed that the project would raise money for Hart Regional Arts Center expansion fund which will allow them to increase the ways they can serve the community. From its inception to the first sailboat, project leader Henley Cleary tirelessly worked to make their idea a reality. It took 3 years and several tries to get their design right.

The biggest hurdle was actually finding a way to make the fiberglass sailboats paintable. When the fiberglass boats were first revealed, they found that paint would not adhere to the surface. They had to go back to the drawing board. And the ultimate solution? Covering the fiberglass boats in car primer allowed them to be paintable by local artists.

In fact, Cleary says everything is made locally. She credits Atlantic South Plastics in Royston, Ga for designing the boat as well as coming up with a solution to the painting issue. The steel stands that the boats are mounted on was custom crafted by Fabritex in Hartwell.

The cost of the sailboats is $1800 which includes a donation to the Hart Regional Arts Center located at 338 East Howell Street. The majority of the cost of each sailboat goes to the fabrication of the sailboat and stand. Remember that they are custom crafted, one at a time, here in the Lake Hartwell region. So each piece is truly a work of art. And it’s the uniqueness of each piece and the dedication to their community that inspires each purchaser to invest in their own sculpture.

Once built, the artist works with the individuals or companies commissioning the boat to come up with a unique design. The artwork on each boat represents the individual or business’s vision of what makes the Hartwell community special and unique.

 

We ventured into Southern Hart Brewing Company, this afternoon. It’s a local brew pub on the square in downtown Hartwell Georgia. Some of the group headed there, some are beer lovers, some came for the food and some came for the company. There were 10 of us, 6 ordered beers or ciders. We all ordered food! I have to say everything looked delicious and no one complained!

My beer was “Sex on the Peach,” Charlie had “Harvest Moon” and Paul had an “Irish Red Ale.” All of our beers were brewed by Southern Hart Brewing on site. 

Linda had a “Blood Orange” cider brewed by Austin Eastciders Brewing. 

I don’t know what the 2 guys at the other end had for beers.

The atmosphere was unique, as the brewing vats are right in the bar / dining area! But, even with COVID-19, they had no issues pushing 2 tables together for us to seat 10.

The varieties were plentiful, but the batches they make are small. So, if you see it get some. It might not be there next time!

Our food was delicious and not too pricey. For appetizers, there was a pretzel with beer cheese and jalapeno poppers. I had a Cobb Salad, Charlie had a BLT with fries, Linda and Roy had BBQ Pork Flatbread. Further down the table they had 3 Cuban sandwiches, a couple of burgers and an order of chicken wings.

Next to the brewery was Constitution Alley. Once just a walkway between buildings. Hartwell's Constitution Alley restoration project donated funds raised to the Hartwell Downtown Development Authority to help renovate Constitution Alley and make their beautiful town even more beautiful! 

Joan Saliba, the first female and longest serving mayor of Hartwell was the brain child of Constitution Alley. She lead the way for the town's downtown revitalization. For more than 20-years, she was mayor 24 hours a day. She loved this town.

The waitress at the brewery took a picture of the crew that went. It came out pretty good! It looks like the rain is going to squash our last night's fire ... but it has been a great week with some awesome friends!