Deep in the north Georgia mountains around Blairsville, a two-night event like no other takes place in the middle of Wolf Creek which flows down the valley on the north side of Blood Mountain Wilderness Area: Dinner in the Creek. Picture yourself as a kid wading through the brook behind your house imagining you’re on an adventure. You come to a tree branch that droops over the water, blocking your path forward. You peel back the leaves to peer through the branch to take in a sight you never expected to see. There are tables and chairs sitting in the middle of the stream. They’re decorated with an assortment of beautiful plates, candles, and decorations, and they’re waiting for you to come and take a seat. As you lift the branch out of your way, others magically come out of the woods to join you for a meal you’ll never forget.

Think that’s just pretend? Guess again! Jim’s Smokin Que, Dancing Rabbits Espresso and Wine Bar, and Grandaddy Mimm’s Distillery and Brewery team up once a year to bring the most whimsical dining experience to Blairsville, Georgia. Through four courses, guests get the exact experience described above of rolling up their britches, wading out into the water, and feasting on the most delicious food with strangers who quickly become friends.

Let’s wade in!

Arrival: A Small Bite and A Glass of Champagne

Pulling into the Byron Herbert Reece Heritage Farm on night one, you’re welcomed with a glass of champagne, and an Amuse Buche of pastrami brisket burnt ends and fresh baked focaccia. You’re politely asked to make your way to the bistro tables near the creek to wait until all the guests arrive. As you make small talk with everyone, you find that people have come from all over to attend this sought-after event in Wolf Creek.

First Course: Getting to Know Everyone

At 6:00pm sharp, it’s time to make your way into the water. You follow the creek searching for your table. You finally get a chance to take in the magic of where you’re about to spend the next few hours. The beautifully crafted wooden tables are dressed in an assortment of colorful fine Chinas, candles, table runners, and other decorations like old books and flowers. The string lights hanging across the creek are the chef’s kiss to the presentation. The only thing missing is Mad Hatter and his entourage. It really does look like stepping into a fairytale.

After rolling up your pants and slowly creeping along the creek bed to your seat, you begin getting to know the strangers that you have found yourself sitting beside. Over the first course appetizers of deviled eggs, pickled okra, pimento cheese, bacon jam, and crackers, you’ve quickly become close friends. There’s nothing to do but feel the water rush over your feet and get to know these new faces.

Second Course: Diving In

The first course disappears as you’re lost in the conversation. Then, before you realize it, the second course has already made its way onto your plate. A wedge salad is placed in front of you while a bowl of the freshest toppings – pickled onions, bacon bits, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, and more – are passed around the table. The salad is paired with a Bootleg Bramble Cocktail from a famous moonshine recipe created by Blairsville’s own Grandaddy Mimm’s. The small talk ends, and suddenly the depth of conversation unfolds. Both the joys of life and its griefs are shared amongst a group of people who initially came to enjoy a unique meal.

Third Course: The Main Event

With bellies getting full and conversation becoming richer, it’s time for the pinnacle of the meal: the entrée. Cherry glazed tenderloin, brown sugar glazed carrots, seasoned green beans, and potatoes round out the southern Appalachian feast. Grandaddy Mimm’s pairs the meal excellently with a “Sorghum” Old Fashioned which is made with their signature sorghum rum. By this point, you’re sinking your teeth into a meal that truly feels like your grandmother’s Sunday afternoon spread while telling wild stories and sharing laughs with the table. It’s rich.

The Finale: Dessert

The sun sets low behind the mountains, and it’s time to have dessert back on dry ground. Apple cobbler and gelato are paired with a “Pecan Pie” martini. It tastes like autumn. You sit around reminiscing about an event that literally just happened, but it already feels like one of those memories from long ago. You sip your martini taking in the last bits of conversation with the best people you’ve ever met. Then the goodbyes begin, and you return to normal life. It was the best dream you ever had, but low and behold, it was real. 

That’s Dinner in the Creek. That’s the magic of Blairsville, Georgia’s most whimsical dining experience. You find yourself in the scene of your favorite fairytale just to experience a night that truly feels like you're in the story. Hope you all get to experience the magic for yourself sometime.

Be on the lookout for information about next year’s event! Make sure you’re following Visit Blairsville GA, Jim’s Smokin Que, or Grandaddy Mimm’s on Facebook so you can be the first to know when registration opens. The 4^th annual Dinner in the Creek will be scheduled around the first of August 2027 with registration opening at the end of June 2027. This event gets more popular every year and sells out quickly. Make sure you’re paying attention so you can get your seat in the creek!