Well... we did it...
The pandemic was the final nail... my wife and I have been contemplating a move from Jacksonville for a few years. We explored Chattanooga, Knoxville, Dahlonega, Greenville and a myriad of other places. What we determined was that the urban scene was not where we wanted to be... suburban was not what we wanted either... we settled on a beautiful small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains... Blairsville Georgia.
https://www.southernliving.com/travel/georgia/georgia-mountain-parkway-road-trip (https://www.southernliving.com/travel/georgia/georgia-mountain-parkway-road-trip)
https://www.visitblairsvillega.com/ (https://www.visitblairsvillega.com/)
The natural beauty, national parks and forests, lakes, streams, and trails were the main draws but the Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Authority dedication to a huge fiber optic network surrounding the town made finding a home in the mountains possible as both the wife and I are now permanent work from home people.
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=3bd99237324749f8a4fe960571489548
Jacksonville served it's purpose after I retired from the Navy... we raised a family, FSCJ provided a computer science degree for me and another 20+ year career, wife found a great career with Florida Blue. We are leaving now mainly because we can... but also because Jax never seemed to be able fulfill it promise... we were early proponents of the downtown and urban lifestyle but... it really hasn't changed or upgraded very much in 20+ years and that scene lost its luster to us quite awhile ago.
Jacksonville is important to us even though we are leaving... we have many friends and memories here so we will always remain in contact. I hope to remain as a Mod here as I have supported this site in its various forms over the years... but be assured I will keep posting. Not sure of our last day here but it may be near the end of March.
Go Jags! Go Shrimp! Go Icemen!
Really wish you could stay, but totally understand. Looks like a wonderful place you are going to live. Post lots of pictures.
Congrats on your decision! It sounds like a pretty exciting move and relaxing scene. We definitely want to see pictures and learn more about the area. Also, no worries, you'll continue to be a moderator. Thank you for all of the help and support over the years.
Quote from: thelakelander on March 06, 2022, 05:40:43 PM
Congrats on your decision! It sounds like a pretty exciting move and relaxing scene. We definitely want to see pictures and learn more about the area. Also, no worries, you'll continue to be a moderator. Thank you for all of the help and support over the years.
Thanks Ennis... you are sincerely one of the finest people I have ever had the honor to meet. Keep at it...you're going to win...
8) 8) :) :)
Quote from: BridgeTroll on March 06, 2022, 03:21:20 PM
Well... we did it...
The pandemic was the final nail... my wife and I have been contemplating a move from Jacksonville for a few years. We explored Chattanooga, Knoxville, Dahlonega, Greenville and a myriad of other places. What we determined was that the urban scene was not where we wanted to be... suburban was not what we wanted either... we settled on a beautiful small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains... Blairsville Georgia.
https://www.southernliving.com/travel/georgia/georgia-mountain-parkway-road-trip (https://www.southernliving.com/travel/georgia/georgia-mountain-parkway-road-trip)
https://www.visitblairsvillega.com/ (https://www.visitblairsvillega.com/)
The natural beauty, national parks and forests, lakes, streams, and trails were the main draws but the Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Authority dedication to a huge fiber optic network surrounding the town made finding a home in the mountains possible as both the wife and I are now permanent work from home people.
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=3bd99237324749f8a4fe960571489548
Jacksonville served it's purpose after I retired from the Navy... we raised a family, FSCJ provided a computer science degree for me and another 20+ year career, wife found a great career with Florida Blue. We are leaving now mainly because we can... but also because Jax never seemed to be able fulfill it promise... we were early proponents of the downtown and urban lifestyle but... it really hasn't changed or upgraded very much in 20+ years and that scene lost its luster to us quite awhile ago.
Jacksonville is important to us even though we are leaving... we have many friends and memories here so we will always remain in contact. I hope to remain as a Mod here as I have supported this site in its various forms over the years... but be assured I will keep posting. Not sure of our last day here but it may be near the end of March.
Go Jags! Go Shrimp! Go Icemen!
Wow...that looks amazing! Good luck with the move.
Thanks Adam... we are very excited!
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on March 06, 2022, 04:25:29 PM
Really wish you could stay, but totally understand. Looks like a wonderful place you are going to live. Post lots of pictures.
Thanks Jc! The first thing we noticed was how friendly and polite folks were...
Congrats on the move. My Dad retired about an hour from you in North Carolina. Blairsville and Young Harris are both really nice mountain towns and Chatuge Lake is beautiful. It's in the middle of nowhere to the north of you, but Nantahala Lake is also amazing. Good luck!
Quote from: CityLife on March 07, 2022, 01:52:17 PM
Congrats on the move. My Dad retired about an hour from you in North Carolina. Blairsville and Young Harris are both really nice mountain towns and Chatuge Lake is beautiful. It's in the middle of nowhere to the north of you, but Nantahala Lake is also amazing. Good luck!
Thanks CL... Almost had a place just north of Young Harris... we look forward to mountain life...
Frack! I had a brilliant post, but hit a wrong key and it disappeared. I shall try to recreate it, but t'will only be a shadow.
Will you be high enough to have to worry about potentially slippery winter access?
Whenever you need a Faux Bavarian fix, it looks like Helen isn't too far away.
====
[begin good-natured kidding mode]
Quote from: BridgeTroll on March 07, 2022, 01:23:14 PM
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on March 06, 2022, 04:25:29 PM
Really wish you could stay, but totally understand. Looks like a wonderful place you are going to live. Post lots of pictures.
Thanks Jc! The first thing we noticed was how friendly and polite folks were...
I guess they haven't got to
really know you ... like we do! :D
[end gnk mode]
Quote from: Charles Hunter on March 07, 2022, 03:40:16 PM
Frack! I had a brilliant post, but hit a wrong key and it disappeared. I shall try to recreate it, but t'will only be a shadow.
Will you be high enough to have to worry about potentially slippery winter access?
Whenever you need a Faux Bavarian fix, it looks like Helen isn't too far away.
====
[begin good-natured kidding mode]
Quote from: BridgeTroll on March 07, 2022, 01:23:14 PM
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on March 06, 2022, 04:25:29 PM
Really wish you could stay, but totally understand. Looks like a wonderful place you are going to live. Post lots of pictures.
Thanks Jc! The first thing we noticed was how friendly and polite folks were...
I guess they haven't got to really know you ... like we do! :D
[end gnk mode]
Lol... thanks CH! Yes we may get light snow and icy road conditions. It will certainly be something we learn to contend with. But I am friendly and polite... my wife and I joked that we had to move north to live in the south...
And not too far from Helen, GA. I'll be staying in nearby Clarksville for a week to visit Tallulah Falls and Helen the first week of April.
That area is beautiful!
Quote from: Jason on March 07, 2022, 05:27:12 PM
And not too far from Helen, GA. I'll be staying in nearby Clarksville for a week to visit Tallulah Falls and Helen the first week of April.
That area is beautiful!
Will you be taking the last train?
Quote from: Jason on March 07, 2022, 05:27:12 PM
And not too far from Helen, GA. I'll be staying in nearby Clarksville for a week to visit Tallulah Falls and Helen the first week of April.
That area is beautiful!
It is... and that's why we are going.
Man, Blairsville looks BEAUTIFUL.
Can't say I blame you.
Thanks for all you're service, both to Jax and the country.
Been great to have you here over the years.
Look forward to seeing pics!!!
Quote from: Ken_FSU on March 07, 2022, 09:54:23 PM
Man, Blairsville looks BEAUTIFUL.
Can't say I blame you.
Thanks for all you're service, both to Jax and the country.
Been great to have you here over the years.
Look forward to seeing pics!!!
Thanks Ken... I have enjoyed our conversations over the years. The discussion and fight for a vibrant downtown is better with you involved...
Quote from: Charles Hunter on March 07, 2022, 05:33:54 PM
Quote from: Jason on March 07, 2022, 05:27:12 PM
And not too far from Helen, GA. I'll be staying in nearby Clarksville for a week to visit Tallulah Falls and Helen the first week of April.
That area is beautiful!
Will you be taking the last train?
Ha! With a bunch of Monkees
Congrats on the move BT. Your voice here is well appreciated by me. Good luck with everything.
Best of luck in Gaw-jah, Summers will be wonderful.
Quote from: JeffreyS on March 08, 2022, 10:48:36 AM
Congrats on the move BT. Your voice here is well appreciated by me. Good luck with everything.
Thanks Jeffrey... I appreciate your voice also and look forward to more discussion!
Quote from: Snaketoz on March 08, 2022, 07:36:22 PM
Best of luck in Gaw-jah, Summers will be wonderful.
Thanks St... a few degrees cooler and drier will be nice.
Good for you Bridge.
You have done well having been employed by the public, and then a Junior College Degree. Yea America!!!
Ha!.... at least you did not move to interior Clay or St Johns county.....
I know the Brasstown area.
Back in the 70's my parents and I explored the area. Searching for maybe an alternative to Miami.
Back then it was easier to stop the Search just north of Atlanta- Forsyth County etc. But even then we had a sense " Growth" would Transform.
Past few years I have been to the Campbell Folk School.
Yes, public lands;National Forest and Park. State lands.
Some want to live on a hill/ mountain side..... " Views".
Some gravitate to the ( Rarer) lower lands/ valley, maybe a pond and fenced pasture.
Thanks FPL... been prepping the local home for sale and move...ugh.
Congrats BT! You'll always be welcome here. Please do share pictures of your new digs, it looks like a gorgeous area!
Quote from: Tacachale on March 14, 2022, 11:20:43 PM
Congrats BT! You'll always be welcome here. Please do share pictures of your new digs, it looks like a gorgeous area!
Thanks Tacachale! :) I always enjoy your articles here and in Edible mag... huge fan. Keep up the good work. Jacksonville needs all the advocates it can get!
Movers today... driving out tomorrow.... Exhausted...lol
Travel Safe
Happy Trails and everything in its place.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on March 29, 2022, 06:33:53 AM
Movers today... driving out tomorrow.... Exhausted...lol
:'(
Omg... told the wife... "don't worry. The movers will be done by 2 or 3." Good god where did all this crap come from? My next move better be to a coffin... :D :D
Quote from: BridgeTroll on March 29, 2022, 02:54:24 PM
Omg... told the wife... "don't worry. The movers will be done by 2 or 3." Good god where did all this crap come from? My next move better be to a coffin... :D :D
Did you specify "AM" or "PM"? :)
Good luck to you both! Keep us posted.
Wow, safe travels BT! I haven't been on the site in such a long time this is somewhat earth shattering news! (Was gonna say it felt like close to a year, but I just took a look and it's been about 3.5 months since my last post so...well, it felt like a year lol)
I was skeptical when everyone upthread was raving about the beauty of your new surroundings...but those pictures do not disappoint. Very impressive! Enjoy it!
Quote from: Tacachale on March 29, 2022, 10:04:39 PM
Good luck to you both! Keep us posted.
Thanks Tacachale... we last moved over 20 years ago. The entire process is exhausting...
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on March 29, 2022, 11:36:57 PM
Wow, safe travels BT! I haven't been on the site in such a long time this is somewhat earth shattering news! (Was gonna say it felt like close to a year, but I just took a look and it's been about 3.5 months since my last post so...well, it felt like a year lol)
I was skeptical when everyone upthread was raving about the beauty of your new surroundings...but those pictures do not disappoint. Very impressive! Enjoy it!
Thanks PM... north Georgia is certainly a gem...
Bridge, I am familiar with the area that is your new Habitat.
After all,so many Jacksonville folk are ardently searching for an alternative Place.
Ha!....... Not Clay or St Johns.......
Movers came today to deliver our stuff... 8 hours later am near death and have at least the rest of the week to try and make a home out of this unholy mess... propane and direct T.V. vendors tomorrow then off to the local beekeeper association meeting at 6pm. My fiber optic internet has not arrived yet so had to get a Verizon hotspot.
Moving is for younger people... :)
Bridge,
" Hang In There".
Worth it.
You have High Class Problem.
You are experiencing a Giant Shift.
Shifts Happen. At all ages.
Onward!
Rofl...
Hoping it will be MUCH cooler where you are, in summer - if so, please keep us posted on your weather, so the rest of us can dream. Enjoy, and best of luck, best of times to you both.
Quote from: sandyshoes on April 06, 2022, 12:38:15 PM
Hoping it will be MUCH cooler where you are, in summer - if so, please keep us posted on your weather, so the rest of us can dream. Enjoy, and best of luck, best of times to you both.
40s in the morning so far... made it to 72 today... gorgeous...