UNICOI, Ga., July 21, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Since its inception in 1973, the Lodge at Unicoi State Park in the North Georgia Mountains has welcomed more than four million visitors with its scenic beauty. Under the direction of the State of Georgia and the management of Coral Hospitality, Unicoi Lodge is now undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to refurbish the Lodge's main building which includes 100 guestrooms, as well as redesigning all 30 of the Lodge's cabins. The Lodge remains open and serving guests during the renovation.
Earlier this year the Lodge completed a guestroom renovation that refurbished each of its 100 guestrooms with new paint, windows, and the addition of 42" flat screen TVs. The guestroom renovation also created 16 king-bedded rooms as well as 24 double, double-bedded rooms.
The latest phase of the renovation will add improvements and enhancements to the Lobby, guest registration area, all public spaces, the restaurant, and meeting facilities. This phase of the refurbishment is presently underway and is anticipated to be complete in October, in time for the popular fall foliage season.
"We are excited to share the plans for the remaining renovations with the residents of Georgia and our many visitors from the U.S. and around the world," said Chris Forbes, General Manager of Unicoi Lodge. "The new décor complements the Lodge's natural and beautiful surroundings while updating the amenities and services that we can offer leisure guests as well as meeting and event attendees in this world-class facility," added Mr. Forbes.
Guests will be greeted in the Main Lodge building with handsome new fabrics, surfaces and lighting, all designed to reflect the colors and beauty of North Georgia's scenery. Warm earth tones, rich wood surfaces, and rustic style lighting create a welcoming environment reminiscent of the Craftsman era of architecture. In addition the Lodge is enhancing its meetings and special events space. Masters Hall is being redesigned to include a new pre-function area that features inspiring mountain views and natural light, as well as comfort seating for meeting attendees. Also being added is a new Boardroom that includes state-of-the-art technical equipment for small groups or breakout meetings.
Each of the Lodge's 30 cabins are being completely redesigned with new fabrics, new flooring and new kitchen counters. Most importantly the three bedroom cabins will receive a second bathroom for the convenience of guests using the top floor bedrooms. The two bedroom cabins will have their bathrooms expanded providing more counter space and upgraded amenities and features. Flat screen TVs will be added to all cabins including the Smith Creek cabins which will have TV for the first time. The area around the Cabins is being re-landscaped and will have easy and marked access to the scenic hiking trails. In addition, the area adjacent to the Smith Creek Cabins will have a new fire pit area, perfect for those seeking a premier group retreat or family reunion destination. Those who enjoy camping will also notice many campground improvements such as decks, gravel, timbers, bear-proof food containers and refurbished comfort stations.
More About Unicoi State Park and Lodge
Unicoi State Park and Lodge is open year round and is situated on 1,063 acres nestled between the Chattahoochee Forest and the alpine village of Helen. It is a beautiful retreat with panoramic mountain views and a lake that offers a white sand beach. Guests may enjoy cabins with wood-burning fireplaces, or contemporary Lodge guestrooms, many with lofts and views of the park.
The park features 12 miles of nature and hiking trails, perfect for bird watching; a 53-acre lake and trout stream for fishing; four lighted tennis courts; softball and volleyball area; picnic facilities; a world class mountain bike trail; and a year-round schedule of activities, as well as comprehensive conference facilities. For dining, guests and visitors may enjoy the Unicoi Dining Room featuring an expansive buffet, and an a la carte menu. The Unicoi Dining Room is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Nearby attractions include: the Alpine Village of Helen, Anna Ruby Falls, the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brasstown Bald (highest point in Georgia), Cabbage Patch Kids / Babyland General Hospital, Dahlonega Gold Museum, Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia Wineries, Moccasin Creek State Park, Smithgall Woods State Park, Southern Highroads Trail and Vogel State Park.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge is about a two hour drive North of Atlanta. It is two miles from Helen, GA and is easily accessed from GA Highway 356. For more information and reservations at The Lodge at Unicoi call: 800-573-9659, or online at www.unicoilodge.com and like Unicoi State Park and Lodge on Facebook to receive special offers.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge is managed by Coral Hospitality, the same professional hospitality industry management company that also manages Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, GA; Amicalola State Park and Lodge; George T. Bagby State Park and Lodge; Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club; and Little Okmulgee State Park and Lodge. For more information visit: www.coralhospitality.com .
Heath Carter Coral Hospitality 770-676-0385
