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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2008 THE BANKS COUNTY NEWS PAGE 11A Top three reasons to visit Houma, La. Swamp tours, folk art, family-style March' Gras BY ANGELA GARY A tranquil float through a swamp in a nature-fUled paradise.. .and an up close and personal visit with one of the alligators that make the swamp home. Our guide, the son of the woman who first made a business of swamp tours in Louisiana leading us deep into the beautiful swamp. Walking through one of the most amazing examples of folk art to be found. Listening to the intriguing story of artist Kenny Hill and how he created these intricate and moving pieces of art only to desert his work and move away. A family style Mardi Gras that features 12 parades over two weeks. Second only to New Orleans, it has all of the glitz and glamour of the larger celebration but is safe and family friendly. These are just three reasons that make Houma, La., the perfect vacation destination. Located just one hour from New Orleans, it makes a great destina tion for North Georgia travelers. While the swamp tour, art work and Mardi Gras were the highlights of my recent visit, there are so many more experi ences that you shouldn’t miss. Jimmy Bonvillian, son of Alligator Annie, led our swamp tour. The weather was great and he provided some won derful commentary about the swamp that he clearly loves. Jimmy cautioned us that we might not see any alligators but we got lucky when “Mean Jean” made an appearance. Jimmie stopped the boat and began calling, “Come on Jean, Come on Baby.” His familiar voice, and the chicken snack he had for “Mean Jean” brought her out of the water and onto the bank side. During the swamp tour, we spotted many birds, including hawk, egrets, great blue heron and even an eagle. Live oak trees, moss, pecan trees, cypress trees and holly surrounded us and we floated through the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge. We also saw one of the rustic fishing cabins that are so popular in the area and an oil pipeline. It’s $15 for a two and a half tour. For more information on Annie Miller’s Son’s Swamp and Marsh Tours, call 985-872-3209 or go to www.annie- miller.com . RECLUSIVE FOLK ARTIST The work of Kenny Hill, a bricklayer who worked six months a year and worked on his art the other six months, is found on a small lot in a residential neighborhood in Houma. Hill worked on the art using only a fork and spoon as a tool. He left the lot, which he had rented, and apparently never looked continued on page 12A FAMILY-STYLE MARDIGRAS Houma, La., has a family-style Mardi Gras each year. At this year's Mardi Gras, the cele bration featured 12 parades over two weeks. Second only to New Orleans, the Houma Mardi Gras has all of the glitz and glamour of the larger cel ebration but is safe and family friendly. Jimmy Bonvillian, son of Alligator Annie, called "Mean Jean” out of the swamp with "Come on Baby, Come on Jean.” He also got her to come out by holding a piece of chicken on a long stick as a treat for her. FOLK ART FOUND IN HOUMA The Chauvin Sculpture Garden features more than 100 concrete sculptures by folk artist Kenny Hill. He formed the intricate artwork with a fork and spoon as he made the small lot he called home a canvas as his vision came to life. sii " j I -A , 'G'.i ®jgps®P MOUNTAIN MANOR Homes Under $ 120K Homes Under $ 140K 1887 sq. ft. Heated. 3 BR, 2 BA. Homes Under $ 160K 2576 sq. ft. Heated. 4 BR, 2 BA, 2 Car Garage. DAHLONEGA 1831 sq. ft. Heated. 3 BR/2 BA Full Porch. WOODBURY 1900 sq. ft. Heated. 3 BR/2 BA w/Garage. PLANTATION II 1948 sq. ft. Heated. 4 BR/2.5 BA w/Garage. We Make Dreams A Reality! Call Today! In Dawsonville Toll Free ^ 706-265-2131 866-244-8944 | Some houses shown may include options not included in base price. Prices Do Not Include Land Improvement. Prices are slightly higher in NC, TN & ALA. • Madison • Dawsonville Ellijay • Cartersvill Villa Rica • Forsytl • Lavonia GEORGIANNA II 1731 sq. ft. Heated. 4 BR/2.5 BA, Opt. Garage. BROOKSTONE 1625 sq. ft. Heated. 3 BR/2 BA, Garage Incl. DAWSON CREEK 1995 sq. ft. Heated. 3 BR/2 BA, Garage Incl. Think You Can’t Afford Your Dream Home? Compare Our Standard Specs. 2x6 Exterior Walls • Granite Kitchen Countertops R19 Insulated Walls • Textured Knockdown Ceilings R38 Insulated Ceilings • Architectural Shingles Custom Wood Cabinets • Central Heat & Air Kenmore Appliances • Low E Glass Windows Gutters (front & back) • 5 1/4” Molded Baseboards llfiMHi LAKE BLUERIDGE 3000 sq. ft. under roof. 3 BR/2.5 BA Bsmt. Incl. ELLIJAY 2080 sq. ft. Heated. 4 BR/2.5 BA, Master On Main. CREEKSIDE 1608sq.ft.Heated. 3BR,2.5BA. GRAND SIERRA 2109 sq. ft. Heated. 4 BR/2 BA Ranch.