Hall County Chamber of Commerce
Community Information
Libraries - Churches - Housing - Health Services Media Services - Accommodations & Meeting Facilities
LIBRARIES
Hall County Regional Library
The Headquarters of the Hall County Library System is located one block north of the town square. Hall County Library has a 155,909 volume collection which includes an outstanding genealogy collection, CD-ROM facilities for Moody's business guides as well as other business data sources, a circulatingn print and record department, an audiovisual department and one bookmobile serving Hall, Lumpkin and Dawson County on a monthly schedule. The Library has three other locations as part of their regional service area: Lumpkin Library in Dahlonega, Dawson County Library in Dawsonville, and Blackshear Place Library in Oakwood with affiliate branches in East Hall, Murrayville, Clermont, and Lula. The Library is also the regional depository for talking books for the blind and physically handicapped. For more information, call (770)532-3311. CHURCHES
Gainesville-Hall County has over 100 Protestant churches representing more than 30 enominations. There is one Roman Catholic and one Episcopal church. Jewish congregations are located in Atlanta and Athens. A listing of churches is located in the yellow pages of the local telephone directory. HOUSING
Gainesville
Gainesville uses the Standard Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code and the Standard Mechanical Code. In 1979, it adopted the Standard Building Code. Hall County
Hall County has adopted the Standard Plumbing Code, the National Electrical Code and the Standard Mechanical Code. By resolution, the county has adopted the Southern Housing Code as the rehabilitation standard for all housing units utilizing community development funds. The Gainesville-Hall County area offers a wide range of housing styles and prices. Throughout the Gainesville-Hall County area, new bdivisions are being developed. Homes bordering U. S. Army Corps of Engineers' land on Lake Lanier are very desirable and unique to this area. Information on these subdivisions and lakeside homes can be obtained from a local realtor. For more information on area housing, including apartments and rental units, contact the Chamber of Commerce for a listing of realtors and contractors. HEALTH SERVICES
The Gainesville-Hall County area has excellent health care facilities and is considered to be the regional medical center for northeast Georgia. There are over 200 medical doctors and 70 dentists in the Gainesville-Hall County area.
Northeast Georgia Medical Center & Health System
770-535-3553
Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Health System is a not-for-profit community health system dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of the people of Northeast Georgia. We are committed to improving the health of our community in all we do.
Accredited by Joint Commission, the health system offers a full range of healthcare services through two hospital campuses, a main campus on Spring Street and the Lanier Park Campus on White Sulphur Road. Together, these facilities, along with two long-term care centers and a mental health and substance abuse treatment center, offer Northeast Georgia residents comprehensive health care close to home.
Led by volunteer boards made up of community leaders, the 461-inpatient, 261-skilled nursing bed health system serves almost 700,000 people in more than 15 counties across Northeast Georgia. All revenue generated above operating expenses is returned to the community through improved services and new programs.
Extending the health systems reach into the communities it serves are outlying facilities including primary care offices; outpatient rehabilitation centers offering physical, occupational and speech therapy; and a satellite cancer treatment center as well as in-home services such as hospice and Lifeline, a personal emergency response system.
Laurelwood
770-531-3800 or 800-848-3649
Laurelwood, located on the main campus of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, provides a broad range of services for adolescents and adults experiencing mental health or substance abuse problems. Beginning with a confidential, free initial assessment, Laurelwood offers a variety of treatment options including detoxification, inpatient treatment, day partial treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare support.
North Georgia Community Mental Health Center
Located behind the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, the Mental Health Center serves a 13-county area including Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White. Operating as an outpatient facility, it has a contract with the Northeast Georgia Medical Center for inpatient care.
For more information, call (770)535-5403.
Hall County Health Department
Located in Gainesville in the Community Development Center at the corner of Prior and Church Streets, the Health Department offers the following services: child health (screening and physical assessment of preschool children and immunizations), chronic diseases (prevention and detection), dental hygiene, family planning, land use services, maternal care, sanitation services, tuberculosis control and venereal disease control. Services for indigent families include cancer control services, crippled children's services and maternal care. The Health Department also provides laboratory services, health services, research and statistics, and keeps vital records of all births and deaths in the county. For more information, call (770)535-5435.
Convalescent and Nursing Homes
There are currently six convalescent and nursing homes operating in Hall County. All facilities are staffed with registered and licensed practical nurses, and doctors are on call. All facilities have physical therapy available. Bell Minor Home 92 beds - (770)532-2066 Intermediate and skilled care Country Heritage 30 beds - (770)967-3090 Personal Care Home Intermediate and skilled care Lakeshore Heights 104 beds - (770)536-3391 Intermediate and skilled care Convalescent and Nursing Homes (continued): New Horizon West 100 beds- (770)536-9835 Health Care Intermediate and skilled care Wauka Mountain 60 beds - (770)983-3771 Nursing Center Intermediate and skilled care Windward Nursing 100 beds - (770)967-2070 Center Intermediate and skilled care
MEDIA SERVICES
Newspapers
The Times' daily circulation is 23,300. Sunday's circulation is 27,300. The Times, owned by Gannett, covers northeast Georgia. The Poultry Times is also printed on a biweekly basis. For more information on either paper, call (770)532-1234.
Hall County Family News is a weekly community newspaper with a circulation of about 14,000. For more information, call (770)538-0990.
USA Today is printed on a weekday basis. Circulation figures are not available. The paper is printed on a weekday basis. Circulation figures are not available. The paper is printed from material transmitted via satellite and gives Gainesville one of the most modern newspaper printing plants in the nation. In and Around Gainesville is a bimonthly magazine featuring community information, a calendar of events and features. 20,000 magazines are distributed every two months. For more information, call (770)535-1793.
Mexico Lindo has a circulation of 1,000 in Gainesville and Hall county, and is published weekly. This publication is bilingual for English- and Spanish-speaking people. For more information, call 535-0455.
ACCOMMODATIONS
HOTELS & MOTELS
Admiral Benbow Inn
4500 Oakwood Road
Oakwood, GA
(770)531-9929
Chateau Elan Inn & Conference Center
100 Rue Charlemagne
Braselton, GA
(770)932-0900
Comfort Inn
404 Mundy Mill Road
Oakwood, GA
(770)287-1000
Days Inn
809 Jesse Jewell Parkway
Gainesville, GA
(770)534-0303
The Dunlap House (bed & breakfast)
635 Green Street
Gainesville, GA
(770)536-0200
Gainesville Motel
532 Jesse Jewell Parkway
Gainesville, GA
(770)532-6327
Georgianna Motel (Restaurant & Lounge)
1822 Atlanta Highway
Gainesville, GA
(770)534-7361
Holiday Inn (Restaurant & Lounge)
726 Jesse Jewell Parkway
Gainesville, GA
(770)536-4451
Lake Lanier Islands Hilton Resort
(Restaurant & Lounge)
7000 Holiday Road
Lake Lanier Islands
Buford, GA
(770)945-8787
Lanier Centre Ramada Inn
(Restaurant & Lounge)
400 E. E. Butler Parkway
Gainesville, GA
(770)531-0907
Masters Inn (Restaurant & Lounge)
Hwy. 129 at Monroe Drive
Gainesville, GA
(770)532-7531
Shoney's Inn (Restaurant)
520 Queen City Parkway
Gainesville, GA
(770)535-8100
Stouffer Renaissance PineIsle Resort
(Restaurants & Lounge)
Lake Lanier Islands, Holiday Road
(770)945-8921
Whitworth Inn (bed & breakfast)
6539 McEver Road
Flowery Branch, GA
(770)967-2386
AREA ACTIVITIES
Georgia Mountains Center The Georgia Mountains Center, completed in January 1980, is located in the heart of Gainesville. The Center is part of a total development plan to revitalize the downtown area. The project was supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, D. C., and finished by general revenue sharing funds. The Center, which serves the 254,600 people in a nine-county region, includes a theatre-style auditorium with a seating capacity of 2,957. It is used for trade shows, exhibitions and concerts. Also included is a galleria and a 300-seat theatre for the performing arts.
For more information, call (770)534-8420.
Restaurants
There are more than 135 eating establishments in Gainesville and Hall County offering a variety of menus. Some have convention and meeting facilities.
For further information, contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau (770)536-5209.
RECREATION
Gainesville-Hall County offers recreational benefits to people of all ages and interests. It has become the recreational center for northeast Georgia and the single most extensively used water recreation area in the United States.
Lake Sidney Lanier/Lake Lanier Islands
Lake Lanier is located in Gainesville-Hall County and was developed from an authorization by Congress. It was completed in 1957 and is managed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. It covers 38,000 acres, with 607 miles of shoreline. It receives over 16 million visitors a year. There are seven commercial marinas and 60 recreational areas. Lake Lanier has more visitors per year than any another man-made lake in the United States. Lake Lanier Islands is a 1,200-acre family recreation resort. Attractions include Lake Lanier Islands Water Park, houseboat rentals, group boat rentals, pontoon rentals, ski boat rentals, sailboat rentals, riding stables, amphitheatre, two resort hotels, campgrounds, picnicking, two 18-hole championship golf courses. The Water Park includes Georgia's largest wave pool; WILDWAVES, one of the largest, most exciting tube rides in the nation; THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RAPIDS, seven water slides - including a 260-foot speed slide; and nearly a mile of sandy white beach. A daily fee for the Lake Lanier Islands Water Park is also available.
For more information, call (770)932-7200 or 1-800-840-LAKE.
Chicopee Woods Area Park
Agricultural Center: Located on 33 acres of a 231-acre park site on Calvary Church Road, the Agricultural Center's buildings, barns, multi-purpose hall, covered walkways, and three arenas cover more than 100,000 square feet. The Center is managed by the Hall County Department of Parks and Leisure Services as a public facility. The complex accommodates activities such as a variety of equestrian events; cattle, sheep, and swine expositions; rodeos; festivals; large group outings; concerts; archery ompetitions; and farm implement and gardening shows.
For more information, call (770)531-6855.
Elachee Nature Center: This science center in Chicopee Woods is a 11,300-square foot natural history museum located in the middle of a 1,200-acre preserve. Visitors have the opportunity to view exhibits, explore botanical gardens and hike the network of trails throughout the preserve. Special programs open to the general public are scheduled thoughout the year. Groups can schedule which includes meeting rooms and a catering kitchen, may be rented for special events.
For more information, call (770)535-1976. Chateau Elan
Georgia's premier winery has a visitors' complex that includes a free winery tour and tasting, art gallery, restaurants and wine market, plus a 27-hole tournament-quality golf course, and seven tennis courts at the Stan Smith Tennis Center. Enjoy a massage, facial, or one of many skin and beauty treatments at the European Spa. Spend the night or host a business meeting at the new Inn and Conference Center at Chateau Elan.
For more information, call 1-800-233-WINE.
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENTS
Gainesville Parks & Recreation Agency
This city department maintains 14 neighborhood parks which cover 372 acres and feature playgrounds, 21 tennis courts, 2 swimming pools and outdoor recreational equipment. Year-round programs are provided to the public.
For more information, call (770)531-2680.
Hall County Parks & Leisure Services Department
The County Recreation Department maintains 10 parks which cover 440 acres and include two indoor/outdoor recreation centers, 13 tennis courts, lighted and unlighted athletic fields, gymnasiums, three football fields and vita course. Picnicking, covered pavilions, boat launching ramps and playgrounds are also available.
For more information, call (770)535-8280.
Fishing:
In Lake Lanier and nearby streams, you can find large mouth bass, crappie, white bass, bream, catfish and trout. A fishing license is required.
Camping:
Facilities are available at 23 U. S. Corps of Engineers parks, 1 Hall County park and Lake Lanier Islands.
Day Camps:
These programs are offered during the summer by the city and county Parks and Recreation Departments.
Golf
There are eight 18-hole championship golf courses available in the Gainesville-Hall County area. Prices may be out of date!
Tennis
Tennis courts are available throughout the area.
Athletic Programs
Both city and county Parks and Recreation Departments offer adults' and children's seasonal programs in:
Baseball Basketball
Softball Gymnastics
Football Soccer
Public swimming programs with instructional programs are available at Gainesville's Fair Street and Green Street pools. Swimming programs are also available at Brenau University and Gainesville College. Summer competitive swim teams are sponsored by the Gainesville Parks and Recreation Department and Lanier Aquatics. Lanier Aquatics also runs a winter competitive program. Family participation is offered by Gainesville College in swimming, tennis, handball, exercise equipment and gymnastics.
For more information, contact:
Hall County Parks and Leisure Services - (770)535-8280
Gainesville Parks & Recreation - (770)531-2680
Other athletic and recreational facilities are located at:
Gainesville College - (770)535-6239
Brenau University - (770)534-6299
Boys Club - (770)532-8102
Gainesville-Hall County Sports Council
A division of the Gainesville-Hall County Convention & Visitors Bureau, this organization meets quarterly and assists Gainesville Hall '96 and other groups involved with sports in our area. For information on motor ports,equestrian events, soccer, boxing, martial arts, swimming, rowing, canoe/kayak events, etc.
For more information, call (770)536-5209.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
The Arts Council, Inc., is an umbrella agency serving the various arts organizations in Gainesville and Hall County. Its purpose is to further the opportunities for the appreciation of, participation in, and enjoyment of the various arts; to encourage high standards; and to enlist public interest in and promote public understanding of the arts.
Contact (770)534-ARTS (2787).
Gainesville Ballet Company provides gifted area students and professional dancers opportunities to perform; conducts workshops with guest teachers; and presents to the public a season of performances. The company is composed of three groups: dancers from the community and college make up Company I; younger girls, 11-13, make up Company II; and college ballet majors make up the Gainesville Concert Ballet.
For more information, contact Connie Murphy, Gainesville Ballet Company, 710 Church Street, SE, Gainesville, GA 30501, (770)534-4241.
Gainesville Children's Theatre was organized in 1974 for the purpose of producing plays that meet the highest attainable standards of content, artistic value and theatrical excellence. The theatre conducts live theatre and drama workshops. Each show is designed to appeal to a different age group.
For more information...
The Gainesville Theatre Alliance is a joint program of Brenau University and Gainesville College. It is unique in that it is the only theatre to involve professional, community and college theatre. The theatre produces three main stage productions each year at the Georgia Mountains Center theatre and two to three "second season" shows at Gainesville College and/or Pearce Auditorium. Tickets are sold by subscription and general admission.
For more information, contact (770)718-3624.
The Gainesville Chorale, Inc., was organized in 1967 by the Gainesville Music Club and is presently federated by the National Music Club. It is a choral organization of approximately 50 members drawn from northeast Georgia. Membership is by audition or invitation of the director. Auditions are usually held during the last week of August. For more information, call 770-653-4353.
Gainesville Music Club is open to women and men with musical qualifications and a willingness to participate in club activities. Associate memberships are open to men and women willing to participate in club projects. The club sponsors special music performances and a scholarship program for high school, college and graduate music majors. The Gainesville Music Club is a National Federated and a Georgia Federated Music Club. For more information, call Martha Hatcher, (770)532-1555.
Gainesville Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Larry Sims, is a community orchestra composed of musicians from Gainesville and the surrounding area. The Orchestra was established in 1981 for the primary purpose of providing regional musicians an opportunity to perform symphonic music for area citizens.
For more information, call (770)532-5727.
Gainesville Orchestra League was established in 1981 for the twofold purpose of providing support for the Lanier Symphony Orchestra and of urging local school boards to establish programs of instruction in violin, viola and cello in our public schools.
For more information, contact Frances Brown, (770)532-6014.
Lanier Symphonette is composed of local musicians of school age and of adults who range from beginner to advanced skill levels. The symphonette is sponsored and encouraged by the Lanier Symphony Orchestra,(770)532-1955.
Northeast Georgia Songwriters Association is affiliated with the Atlanta Songwriters Association and meets once a month. The purpose of the club is to promote interest in songwriting and to serve as a music critique group. The club is also available for various musical programs.
For more information, contact Gloria Colter, (770)534-3908.
Northeast Georgia Writer's Club encourages north Georgia writers to join. Meetings are held monthly, with an honors banquet in the spring. A writer's conference is held in cooperation with the Southeastern Writer's Association, Gainesville College, and Brenau College. Other events include guest authors, public readings and field trips.
For more information, contact (770)532-3007.
Pro Musica offers a series of three or four classical music or dance concerts each year for subscribers. Reasonably priced season memberships are available, including special rates for families and senior citizens.
For more information, contact Pro Musica, P. O. Box 2196, Gainesville, GA 30503, or Francis Brown, (770)532-6014.
The Mark Trail/Ed Dodd Foundation was created to honor the 40th anniversary of comic strip adventurer, conservationist Mark Trail. The foundation is a non-profit, public charitable organization and is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts.
For more information, contact Rosemary Dodd, (770)531-2582.
Georgia Mountains Museum is a beneficiary organization of the Georgia Mountains Historical and Cultural Trust. Its purpose is to present the history of the Georgia mountains area on a scale understandable to all ages of residents and visitors, to serve as a resource center for scholars with interest in the area, to cooperate with other institutions for mutual benefit to the public, to offer reference services, and to present pertinent programs and events which encourage participation by those attending. The museum includes a permanent collection of books and crafts by North Georgians, the Mark Trail Memorabilia Exhibit, the Railroad Museum, the Meaders Pottery exhibit, Brenau Room, and other historical exhibits. For more information, contact Georgia Mountains Museum, Green Street Station, 311 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501, (770)536-0889.
