A fantasyland right in our own backyard?
By TAYLOR LOTT

Who would have thought? When I entered the fantasyland of baby?s breath & tulle, shimmering metallic champagne linens and beautifully dressed chairs, I forgot that I had entered our own Ridges Resort & Club in Hiawassee. A simple, neutral banquet room transformed into a mecca of color and light through the magic of creative thought. This is what dream weddings are made of.

I had been in the same room the week before when it had been a large, bright conference room, crisply set, theatre style, with fresh white linens, just waiting for the large corporate group that was meeting that day. Only a talented, dedicated staff can make these things happen on a daily basis.

And talented they are. The Ridges Resort and Club's staff strives to make every guests' stay an important one. Their attention to detail, their caring attitude and their creativeness makes this newly acquired resort stand out on its own.

When thinking about banquets and weddings, several key elements come to mind. First and foremost is the food. Considered to be the most important detail in any event whether it is wedding, conference or party, the cuisine at this resort shines. The Ridges Resort and Club's very skillful culinary staff is truly concerned with the quality of every plate that leaves their kitchen. What it looks like, how it tastes and how it is presented is of the utmost importance to them. From internationally acclaimed Chef/Owner of the Sequoyah Restaurant, James Reaux, to their own wonderfully talented Banquet Chef, Shelly Orozco, every dish is freshly prepared and artfully displayed. Their Le Cordon Bleu trained Executive Pastry Chef, Sireena Renner is the diva of desserts at the Ridges, and all sweet treats are lovingly prepared and

supervised directly by her. There is a lot of love and art and patience to make their events successful, and all of the kitchen staff strives to be an integral part of this fine team.

The Ridges location is the second element of beauty in this equation. From their Lakeside property in Hiawassee's North Georgia Mountains, to their elegant Country Club on the golf course in Hayesville, North Carolina, this resort has it all. Whether you are looking for a serene lakeside wedding or a grand golf course and mountain scene for a Christmas party, there are choices galore. There

wide array of space includes 6 wonderful banquet rooms and 2 covered open air venues, one on the lake and one on the golf course. They range in size to suit a small group of 10 up to a grand ballroom for over 200. They will also work with their clients to create additional space on their grounds with many innovative ideas.

The last element, but certainly not the least is the attentive staff at The Ridges Resort and Club. They have tried to put together a successful team to make any event a pleasure. The banquet staff is well trained and conscientious and has the

willingness to go above and beyond for their guests. The group sales office has several different members to differentiate between the needs of group business and wedding/social business. The front desk team is helpful, informative and knowledgeable ? always able to extend a hand when someone needs help or guidance. There is always a smile and a friendly face waiting beyond those Lodge doors.

For a large corporate function or a lovely destination wedding, The Ridges Resort and Club is the best well-kept secret in the mountains.