Cedar House Inn & Yurts: the joys of camping with the comfort of home.

The Cedar House Inn and Yurts is one of the most unique bed and breakfasts in the state of Georgia. Sure, you'll find the typical cozy rooms, beautiful common facilities, and sunny porches. But innkeepers Fred and Mary Beth Tanner have worked hard to ensure that more unique and eco-friendly accommodations are made available to guests. A recycling program, vegetarian/vegan friendly breakfast options, "low flow" showerheads and florescent lighting, and compositing toilets (in two rentable yurts) all offer guests a way to enjoy their vacation while being gentle on the Earth.

This is not a "pack 'em in, ship 'em out" bed and breakfast. Only four separate lodging areas are available at a time: two beautifully furnished rooms in the main inn and two 200 square foot yurts in the woods. The guest rooms in the inn are spacious, offer queen sized beds dressed in lovely quilts, private baths and separate entrances. The rooms are adjacent to the large common area and kitchen, where Mary Beth and Fred treat guests to breakfast every morning. Peach-stuffed French toast with homemade blackberry syrup is a guest favorite.

The yurts are a little more unusual, and are the only ones available for rent in the state (excluding a few inside various state parks). The yurts, which are just a short walk away from the main house, feature large decks with sitting areas, canopy beds, a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, electric lights, air conditioning, and above all else, privacy. As Fred Tanner puts it, "Yurts are the perfect compromise if one person wants to go camping and the other wants more of the comforts of home. Yurts give you both experiences at the same time:' A central bathhouse (with two separate rooms containing stall showers and regular toilets) is available for yurt guests' use.

Rates for both the inn rooms and yurts range from $90-95 per night, depending on the season. Children and pets are not allowed. The Cedar House Inn website allows guests to check availability, book accommodations, and also gives an idea of what it's like to stay at the inn. Or, just give Fred or Man/Beth a call. They are happy to share information, including details about the many local attractions. Most guests here tend to be nature and outdoors oriented, and enjoy the local hiking, horseback riding, waterfall viewing, cycling, and vineyard tours.

For more information, contact the Cedar House Inn and Yurts at 706-867-9446, www. georgiamountaininn.com, or [e-mail]