The new Copperhead Lodge: A Ritz-Carlton for Bikers
By KATHLEEN MCKEVITT

Jon Miller, manager

The new manager of the Copperhead Lodge which opened last month just south of Blairsville, says, "we are more biker-accessible, than exclusive to bikers," and our dining room, and facilities are geared to serve company board meetings, conferences, and, biker ralleys, weekend getaways, and parties with the best bands around." Jon Miller, brought his family and moved to north Georgia to take on the position of General Manager in September and talks enthusiastically about the new establishment as if it were his own.

With eleven guest rooms, and 40 acres with 60 cabin sites ("selling briskly"), camping facilities, and an up scale dining room, outdoor pavilion/amphitheater and swimming pool, Copperhead is ready for all scheduled events, which are many. Bikers can ride and park their

bikes right in front of the lodge, or their guest rooms, and "The Shop" (see below) is available for all manner of repairs and detailing of bikes, on site.

The owners are David Turcotte, Brian Turcotte, and Flo Glaze. The Turcottes, both building contractors, had the dream for, and built, Copperhead Lodge and see it as a "Ritz-Carlton for bikers." But, they quickly add that it is a place inclusive of all visitors, whether for great dining out, or special events, like the up-coming new year's eve, and planned activities like their recent concerts which included the Marshall Tucker Band, Atlanta Rhythm Section, and Blackfoot. A whole new concert series is planned for 2007.

Dining Southern Style

The dining room chef, Daniel Baker, from Atlanta, has specialties which include soups, sauces and fresh vegetables southern-style. He also focuses on the Seafood Buffet on Tuesday evenings starting at 5:30, which includes prime rib and crab legs. Lunch is served every day but Monday (the dining room is closed all day on Monday), and Sunday a special Breakfast and Brunch are served.

The new kitchen also sports the latest in culinary equipment, including smokers for meat and fish. Chef Daniel says, "we are offering seasonal foods daily, regional cuisine, and always, hearty portions!"

About the Lodge The lodge overlooks the

creek and the property of 40 acres will accomodate 60 new guest cabins on sale for $89,000 and up, depending on options and lot selection. Each cabin has a full kitchen and private bathroom. While all cabin plans have one bedroom, bunk room and loft options are available. They are situated on biker-friendly paved roads. On-site rental management is available for purchasers who want to utilize their cabins as an investment.

Copperhead Lodge has a private club offering annual memberships. You do not have to be a member of the club to dine in the restaurant or to stay at the lodge, but as a member, there are additional benefits.

For more information on the the bike shop, see their website, or call The Shop and talk with owner Sandy Stephens at 770- 354-9958, and/or check his webs i t e s : sandy@copperheadshop.com or www.copperheadshop.com.

For reservations at the lodge, or for the dining room, or for general information you can call. 706-745-8000, or visit the website at www.copperheadlodge.com, or e - m a i l julie@copperheadlodge.com.