Georgia
About Georgia
Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Mineral Bluff, Morganton
Surround yourself with the beauty, relaxation and natural fun that are uniquely Georgia’s Blue Ridge Experience. The Main Street of Blue Ridge is filled with beautiful architecture, historical buildings, antique shops, art galleries, specialty shops and great local restaurants. Nearby Mercier Orchards is a must stop every season of the year, where you can get fresh fruit including strawberries in the spring, blueberries in the summer, and of course, apples in the fall!
Blue Ridge is located in the North Georgia Mountains where more than 40% of the land in the county is in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Experience unspoiled mountain beauty, exhilarating hikes, horseback riding through the Rich Mountain Wilderness Areas and whitewater rafting on the nearby Ocoee River. Mountain bikers love the Aska Adventure Area with its many challenging trails.
Spend the day watching the sun glimmer across the aqua blue waters of Lake Blue Ridge or a crystal clear Toccoa River, both perfect for fishing, boating, tubing, and paddling. Discover the joys of a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or explore mountain art and culture. At the end of the day, relax in a cozy mountain cabin or luxury vacation home overlooking pristine valleys and ridge tops.
Other towns in the area include Mineral Bluff and McCaysville.
Ellijay, East Ellijay, Cherry Log
Nestled in the foothills of the legendary Appalachian Mountain Range and on the route of the Appalachian Foothills Parkway, Ellijay in Gilmer County is a paradise of forests, rivers and streams, historic ambience and Southern charm. Outdoor enthusiasts come to Ellijay to fish and paddle on the Coosawatte, Cartecay and Ellijay Rivers. Boating and swimming are popular on Carters Lake and there are lots of hiking and horseback riding trails scattered around the county.
Situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest close to the Cohutta Wilderness Area, Fort Mountain State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities along with RV, tent and back country camping and cottage rentals.
While away the days on a front-porch rocking chair as you gaze upon hillsides blanketed with wildflowers or stroll along the quaint streets lined with homes that are gracious grandee dames of a bygone era.
The town square offers a variety of shops to explore, fine dining, as well as some beautiful historical architecture. Ellijay is known as the apple capitol and each fall puts on Georgia Apple Festival. If you love anything apple, it’s a must event to attend!
Chatsworth
There is a place in the Northeast Georgia Mountains that may not be well known, but it's a place of beauty, comfort and excitement just waiting to be discovered. This is Chatsworth.
This area of Georgia is well-known for its connection to The Trail of Tears and Native American history. Once a Cherokee Plantation house, the Chief Vann House is now a state historic site. Built by James Vann in 1804, it was the first brick home within the Cherokee Nation. The mansion is decorated with beautiful hand carvings and features a remarkable floating staircase along with many fine antiques.
Another local site not to be missed is Fort Mountain, which derives its name from an ancient 855-foot-long rock wall that stands on the highest point of the mountain. The mysterious wall is thought to have been built by Indians as fortification against other more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies.
After a hike or horseback riding along any number of trails, a round of golf, fishing or biking, some may want to taste fruits off the vine and learn about mead wine at the Cohutta Springs Winery.
At the end of the day, some may want to camp in the pristine outdoors of the Cohutta Wilderness while others choose to relax in casual comfort at the Cohutta Springs Lodge, Wilderness View Cabins or at the Hearthstone Lodge Bed and Breakfast.
Clarkesville, Demorest, Cornelia
Home to 7 historic towns, two rivers, 6 museums, beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, camping and swimming sites, historic country inn, a community theater and historic liberal arts college providing cultural activities, and more, Habersham County is the getaway at the foothills of the Appalachian or Blue Ridge Mountains. With events regularly listed on the Top 20 Events in the Southeast, the Mountain Laurel Festival the third Saturday in May, the Big Red Apple Festival the second Saturday in October, and the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair starting the Friday after Labor Day attract thousands to this area. Scenic Highway 197, a major portion of the Southern Highroads Trail Loop, is touted as “the most beautiful drive in Georgia.” Habersham is home to Tallulah Gorge--1,000-feet deep and two-miles long, once known as the Niagara Falls of the South. With the best fly fishing east of the Mississippi, camping/swimming/hiking at Lake Russell, award-winning restaurants and unique shops, Habersham attracts many visitors each year.
Clayton, Dillard, Lakemont, Tallulah Falls, Mountain Cty, Rabun Gap, Tiger, Sky Valley
This quaint mountain community is blessed with a beautiful downtown filled with antique, craft and collectible shops, a museum and cultural center and fun restaurants. While in downtown don't miss Reeves Hardware, the soda fountain at the Clayton Drug Store or the photography shop with historic photos of Clayton and surrounding area.
Just outside of town, the main attraction is white-water rafting on the nationally designated “Wild and Scenic” Chattooga River. Flyfishing is also very popular along the river’s lower sections. The Chattahoochee National Forest offers a wide range of recreation and wilderness areas, including Willis Knob, with camping and trails for horse enthusiasts. Waterfalls are plenty and each has its own distinct look.
An eclectic shopping experience, Timpson Creek Gallery has an art gallery and handcrafted rustic furniture. Must stops include Tiger Mountain Winery and Kingwood Resort and Golf Club. For evening fun, the Tiger Drive-In is definitely a must see, in more ways than one!
Kids will love the fish hatchery on beautiful Lake Burton while everyone will love to eat at LaPrade’s Marina with its beautiful view of the lake. Moccasin Creek State Park is surrounded by the lake and has great RV and tent camping as well as fishing and swimming.
The Beechwood Inn offers farm to table dining experiences. There is a wide variety of places to rest at night including cabins, campgrounds, bed and breakfast inns and lodges.
Mountain City
At 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain State Park has the distinction of being Georgia’s highest state park. Located along the Eastern Continental Divide, this park offers camping, cottages, hiking, fishing, a visitor’s center and some of the best views in North Georgia. Foxfire Museum is a collection of log cabins and artifacts gathered by Rabun County students over the last 45 years as they worked to preserve their unique Southern Appalachian heritage while publishing The Foxfire Magazine.
Rabun Gap
The Sylvan Falls Mill in Rabun Gap is a unique 170 year-old historic gristmill powered by a 27 foot water wheel and is located below a 100-foot cascading waterfall. Also a bed and breakfast inn guests enjoy a breakfast of home-baked breads and scrumptious breakfast dishes with whole grains and organically-grown ingredients.
Lakemont
A visit to the hamlet of Lakemont is like stepping back in time. This little mountain community is situated on one of five Georgia Power Lakes. Come up and enjoy the recreation, the scenic beauty, the dining and the shopping. Although a small community, there are several places that are a must to stop at including Lakemont Gallery housed in an historic 1910 lodge building, the Corner Cupboard at Seven Oaks and Annie’s at Alley’s with a great market and deli which are located on Historic U.S. 441. Hillside Orchard Farm is a great farm experience! Visit this roadside country store for seasonal produce, jams, jellies and ciders and enjoy the many farm adventures including a fall corn maze, barnyard, and gem mine.
Two of Georgia Power’s lakes, Lake Rabun and Seed Lake offer swimming, fishing, boating and paddling.
The two bed and breakfast inns, The Lake Rabun Hotel and Barn Inn exude the true charm of the area. Great for a weeklong vacation or a couple of days retreat!
Tallulah Falls
Located just off U.S. 441 north of town, Tallulah Gorge State Park, once known as Niagara of the South is a great stop. Explore this spectacular gorge, one of Georgia's seven wonders, with its many trails and a suspension bridge, stop in the gift shop, see a most excellent movie in the theater, wander through the exhibits in the Interpretive Center, swim and fish in Lake Tallulah or Tugalo Lake. During the spring, summer and fall, they have camping available.
A reminder of an era long past, since 1912 the Tallulah Point Overlook has been offering the traveling public the only free roadside view of the awesome Tallulah Gorge from a covered, overlook porch. After taking in the beauty and grandeur, step into the shop and revisit a time when sodas were in glass bottles and toys were powered by a child.
Dillard
The Dillard House is famous for family-style southern cooking as well as take a horseback ride to a waterfall or pet the animals at the Farm Zoo. They also have a wide variety of accommodations. Downtown Dillard is a shopper’s paradise with everything from rustic furniture and antiques to arts and crafts.
Hiawassee, Young Harris
Recently designated as an Appalachian Trail Community, the world famous footpath passes to the east of town. The Southern Highroads Trail passes through town and alongside Lake Chatuge, a TVA Reservoir popular for swimming, boating, jet skiing, paddling, sport fishing, and other water sports. The Hiawassee River is known as "the hidden jewel of trout fishing”.
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds hosts the Georgia Mountain Fair each summer for as long as anyone can remember as well as a fall and spring festival. The Anderson Music Hall at the fairgrounds hosts a concert series each year with top name stars and is home to some of the best fiddle players in the country. Located on the hill overlooking the fairgrounds and along the shores of Lake Chatuge, the Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden bursts into bloom early April to late May and can almost take your breath away at the sight of over 3,000 azaleas and rhododendrons.
Local artists, inspired by their beautiful surroundings, create works of art which are on display at the Artworks Artisan Center as well as for sale. Waterfalls dot the landscape and provide great hiking jaunts, include Mill Creek, High Shoals or Thomastown falls. After getting your fill of the area’s beauty, relax at Hightower Creek Vineyards and Winery while sampling their wines.
At the end of the day, there are many places to choose for your overnight stay, from cabins and cottages and local hotels to a bed and breakfast inn or lakeside retreat.
Young Harris
Originally named Young Harris College in honor of Judge Young Loftin Gerdine Harris of Athens, the town’s name was soon shortened to Young Harris, although Young Harris College, now a four year college is still nestled in the heart of town. Former Georgia Governor and U.S. Senator Zell Miller lives in the beautiful mountain hamlet.
Located on the campus is Rollins Planetarium, which offers Friday night star shows. An observatory for the planetarium sits on a hill overlooking Brasstown Valley Resort, sitting in the shadow of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. The resort boasts an equestrian center, a spa, a pub, a restaurant, hiking trails, golfing and conference facilities. Crane Creek Vineyards offers a delightful wine tasting experience along with breathtaking views of the adjacent mountains and valleys.
For those that love interesting and unusual animals, a visit to Destiny Alpacas where they raise, breed, and shear alpacas, is a must. Visitors can interact with the alpacas as well as purchase alpaca products.
Blairsville
Designated as an Appalachian Trail Community, the centerpiece of the small downtown square is the historic Union County Courthouse Museum where the area’s history and artifacts are on display.
The Chattahoochee National Forest boasts scenic attractions such as Helton Creek, Duke's Creek and Raven Cliffs Falls. Traces of the Native Americans who once roamed the mountains of North Georgia can be found at Trackrock Archaeological Area, ancient Indian petroglyphs. A must stop is Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak. The visitor center at the summit includes an observation deck, interpretive exhibits about the area's geology, ecology, climate, weather, history and culture.
The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway and the Southern Highroads Trail pass through Blairsville and Union County offering beautiful vistas and outstanding scenery. Lakes Nottely and Winfield Scott in Suches offer plenty of outdoor recreational activities including fishing, boating, and swimming.
Mountain Crossing, a world renowned outfitter providing hostel services and outfitting to hikers on the Appalachian Trail, is the only point where a manmade structure overhangs the Appalachian Trail. Nearby Vogel State Park with its CCC Museum is a longtime favorite for campers or for those who love a cozy cabin retreat. Visitors can play miniature golf, fish and swim in Lake Trayleta or hike one of the many trails. Meander through the rolling landscape on horseback at Trackrock Stables and Campground. When you stop at Logan Turnpike Mill, the smell of fresh baked cinnamon rolls and breads fills the air. Make sure to stock up on grits, biscuit and pancake mixes and jams, jellies and honey.
For train enthusiasts, the Misty Mountain Railroad is a must stop. This 3,400-foot model train layout is the largest privately owned O-gauge model railroad collection in the United States.
Blairsville is famous for its sorghum and that sweet stuff is celebrated for two weekends in October each year. The Scottish Highland Games and Indian Summer Festival are fun festivals and share the mountain heritage of the area.
There are a variety of cabins, cottages, bed and breakfast inns as well as campgrounds and hotels to rest after a day of adventuring.
Helen, Sautee-Nacoochee, Cleveland
The Chattahoochee River flows gently through Helen, a re-creation of a Bavarian Alpine village, complete with cobblestone streets. Once a lumber town, it now has more than 200 specialty and import shops offering everything from candle making and glass blowing to cuckoo clocks and quilts. Dining options range from traditional German fare to traditional southern. Visit Hofer’s Bakery for fresh pastries and breads and Old Bavarian Inn for authentic German food including an out of this world pretzel. BBQ is a mountain favorite and there are several excellent places to choose from.
A favorite getaway is Unicoi State Park with lots of trails for hiking and biking as well as swimming and boating on Unicoi Lake. Nearby Anna Ruby Falls, a twin waterfall is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Stop for a wine tasting at Habersham Winery or at Nora Mill Granary for some “Georgia Ice-Cream”, otherwise known as grits!
Recreation is in abundance with mountain biking, fly-fishing, golfing at Innsbruck Resort, horseback riding, hiking, as well as tubing through town and paddling. Area attractions include the Live Tarantulas Gallery, Charlemagne’s Kingdom, Scarlet’s Secret, the Black Forest Bear Park, the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway and area waterfalls just to name a few.
Sautee Nacoochee
Music, dancing, art, food, history and culture are the heartbeat of the small mountain hamlet of Sautee Nacoochee. Native Americans built the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound which stands today as a testament to their lasting footprint upon the land. The Heritage Slave Cabin on the grounds of the Sautee Nacoochee Center offers a look into a small portion of the area’s heritage and culture along with the renowned Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia with functional works of art created by mortal hands but often displaying the creative soul within. The Centre Gallery has some of the most beautiful works of art that visitors can claim for the right price!
The Stovall Covered Bridge, the smallest covered bridge in Georgia stands as a testament to an era gone by. The “Gourd Ladies” at The Gourd Place mix the new with the old, sprinkling a little imagination. People often send their personal gourds from around the world to add to the collection at the International Gourd Museum. Vineyards dot the landscape and several tasting rooms including Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards, Yonah Mountain Vineyards and the new Frogtown Cellars have opened up giving visitors the chance to enjoy the local “fruit of the wine”.
Cleveland
The town square features a Historic Courthouse turned museum dating back to the 1800's and on the National Register of Historic Places. The shops on the Square include Nix Hardware with everything from appliances and furniture to Meaders Pottery, Jills Gifts and Collectibles carries jewelry, and Willow's Figurines, souvenirs and more.
Stop by the Old Fashioned Soda Fountain Cafe for fresh squeezed lemonade and other delightful treats. Smokey Mountain Trader is the largest Carhart dealer in the North Georgia Mountains specializing in outdoor recreation equipment. Little Bit of Everything located just one block from the Square is a shoppers dream. Neaby activities include fly fishing at Cannon Falls Lodge, gold panning at Gold ‘n Gem Grubbin’ Mine, golfing at Mossy Creek and paddling on the famous Chattahoochee River.
North Georgia Zoo and Petting Farm is a family friendly zoo with over 400 animals including Georgia's premier petting zoo with over 100 breeds of rare and miniature livestock. Visitors can see baby animals being born, take a ride on the camel encounter, go on a wagon pony ride, take a guided wildlife walk and more. A trip through North Georgia is not complete without a visit to the home of the Original Cabbage Patch Kids, Babyland General Hospital.
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Browse by Location
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Blairsville is located in Union County, Georgia.
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The Blue Ridge area includes McCaysville, Mineral Bluff, and Morganton. Blue Ridge is located in Fannin County, Georgia.
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Chatsworth is located in Murray County, Georgia.
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The Clayton area includes Dillard, Lakemont, Tallulah Falls, Mountain Cty, Rabun Gap, Tiger, and Sky Valley. Clayton is located in Rabun County, Georgia.
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The Ellijay area includes East Ellijay and Cherry Log. Ellijay is located in Gilmer County, Georgia.
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The Habersham County area includes Clarkesville, Demorest, Cornelia, Baldwin, Mount Airy, Alto, Batesville and North Georgia's Scenic Highway 197.
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The Helen Ga area includes Sautee-Nacoochee and Cleveland. Helen is located in White County, Georgia.
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The Hiawassee area includes Young Harris. Hiawassee is located in Towns County, Georgia.
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The White County area includes Cleveland, Helen and Sautee-Nacoochee.