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Good and Good For You Culinary Workshop


  • Hambidge Center 105 Hambidge Court Rabun Gap, GA, 30568 United States (map)


"Good and Good for You Living” began as a health and wellness initiative based on my weight loss journey. I have lost 65 pounds and have maintained it for over 4 years. Through this experience, I came to understand that it's not just about losing weight, but about gaining health."

The weekend starts on Thursday with hors d’oeuvres and zero-proof aperitifs before a multi-course Fall Harvest dinner prepared by Chef Virginia Willis.

The weekend will include:
Daily hands-on cooking classes with healthful recipes and include tips for maintaining healthy eating habits, mindful consumption, and recipe makeover techniques. Menus include Brain Food and Real Life Healthy Eating Fundamentals.

• Explore nature in a variety of walks and hikes, divided into levels of ability. (Don’t be afraid to start. We don’t all need to charge up a mountain -- or you might and will!)

• Discover ways to create a sanctuary with best-life tips and self-care techniques, make art, and DIY with Self-Care Crafts and Gifts: Salves, Sugars, and Skin Care.

• Have opportunities for open and honest discussion about whole-body wellness, mindful eating and drinking, healthy aging, inspiration, resources, and more.

Our weekend ends with a hands-on biscuit lesson and Biscuit Brunch!

You Can Do It!
* All participants receive a personalized signed copy of the Bon Appetit, Y'all: Three Generations of Southern Cooking (Revised and Updated).



About the Leader:

Georgia-born French-trained chef Virginia Willis has foraged for berries in the Alaskan wilderness, explored sustainable shrimp farming on the Mekong Delta, harvested capers in the shadow of a smoldering volcano in Sicily, and executed the food styling for a Super Bowl commercial seen by over 160 million people.

Virginia is a Beard Award-winning cookbook author, chef, content creator, and motivational speaker. She has lost 65# and kept it off for more than 4 years. Because of her health journey, she is a cheerleader for others seeking to make lifestyle changes to feel healthier and happier.

Her experience inspired her to launch “ Good and Good for You™,” a lifestyle brand rooted in culinary that shares health and wellness content through digital channels, public speaking, and print media.

Fans love her approachable spirit and friendly, down-to-earth style. For more information, visit virginiawillis.com



Experience Level: All Levels



What to Bring:

  • Closed-toe shoes for the kitchen. 

  • A journal or notebook with a pen or pencil. 

  • Comfortable shoes and clothes for walking in nature and yoga (long pants, a cap, and closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking and hiking at Hambidge.

Earlier Event: September 25
Seoul Food with Lamara Davidson
Later Event: October 9
Plein Air Painting in Oil