Bronze sculptures created by North Georgia artist Carl McCleskey grace places like Cypress Gardens, the Audubon Nature Institute, Toledo Zoo and a championship golf course designed by pro-golfer Greg Norman. Beer magnate August Busch III has also purchased a couple of McCleskey's bronze masterpieces.

McCleskey and his wife, Betsy Scott, are renowned sculptors and owners of Wildlife Bronze LLC in Cloudland, Ga. The couple admits they get much of their artistic wildlife inspiration from the beautiful setting where they live.

“We enjoy the outdoors and rural areas, and I do get much of my inspiration from Lookout Mountain and the surrounding scenic settings,” says McCleskey, who started bronze sculpting as a hobby in 1990 and now can’t keep up with all the job requests he receives.

Some of his sculptures are of people, but most depict wild animals.

“I made two life-size lions for the Toledo Zoo, then word really got out, and I’ve been busy ever since,” he says. “I get calls from all over the country for sculpture projects, and I love doing my work in Cloudland. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Many other sculptors, wood carvers, artists and glass blowers also find inspiration in the climate, rustic scenery and abundant natural resources of Southeast Tennessee, Northern Georgia and Western North Carolina.

“Inspiration around here comes to me spontaneously, and is one reason I carry a sketchbook with me everywhere I go,” says Atteka Abdou, a well-known environmental artist who lives and works in Summerville, Ga.

Catering to Cavers
But you don’t have to be an accomplished sculptor or artist to appreciate this beautiful part of the Southeast United States. Outdoor enthusiasts, as well as tourists interested in Appalachian culture, are drawn to the region. Cultural festivals are staged each year to celebrate the distinctiveness of the small communities throughout the area and their qualities of life.

For adventurers, Lafayette in Walker County, Ga., boasts two of the world's biggest and deepest free-falling pit caves, and they attract thousands of spelunkers each year. That interest in local cave exploration inspired resident Steve Hudson to establish Pigeon Mountain Industries, which manufactures rappelling gear that includes state-of-the-art life safety ropes that are sold around the world.

“PMI supplies life safety rope to cavers, climbers, mountaineers, rescuers, rappellers and the military, and can even be found in use on the summit of Mount Everest,” Hudson says.

Rapidly Exciting
Another adventure destination in the region is the Ocoee River, which continues to be a major tourism draw for anyone who likes whitewater rafting and kayaking. The river in East Tennessee is so dynamic and stellar that it hosted the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Whitewater Competition.

Carlo and Julie Smith started Adventures Unlimited 18 years ago in the Ocoee to provide guided whitewater river rafting opportunities and family fun in the rural outdoors. Their 31 acres of property offers an ideal vacation setting.

“Our philosophy is simple – provide guests with the best outdoor adventures possible,” Carlo Smith says. “This philosophy is shared by all our staff, and it shows in our attitude. We truly love what we do.”

The SEIDA region is home to an array of festivals that celebrate the area's rich heritage and culture. Here are a few of them:

April

4 Bridges Arts Festival, Chattanooga, Tenn. Showcase of original artwork from contemporary artist around the world.

May

Tennessee Strawberry Festival, Dayton, Tenn. Celebration of Rhea County's history as the "Strawberry Capital of the World." 

June

Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga, Tenn. 9-day music festival staged on the banks of the Tennessee River.

August

Mid East Tennessee Regional Fair, Athens, Tenn. Old-fashioned country carnival, featuring exhibits, agriculture shows and motor sport events.

September

Conasauga Bluegrass Festival, Dalton, Ga. Bluegrass gospel festival that draws the best pickers in the country.

October

Georgia Apple Festival, Ellijay, Ga. Celebration of agriculture and artistry in the heart of Georgia's apple country.

Gold Rush Days, Dahlonega, Ga. Celebration of Dahlonega's 1828 discovery of gold and rich scenery and Appalachian culture. 

Prater's Mill Country Fair, Varnell, Ga. Celebration of the arts, craftspeople, mountain music and history of Southern Appalachia.

Oktoberfest, Helen, Ga. Celebration of the German heritage of Helen and its alpine village culture.

December

Marietta Pilgrimage, Marietta, Ga. Tour of historic homes in downtown Marietta restored and decorated for the holidays.