Whether its white water rafting, horseback riding, or ziplining, thrill seekers will have plenty to do in Dillard. But theres also paddling and fishing the Chestatee River, hiking Amicalola Falls State Park, and visiting the Dahlonega Gold Museum and Consolidated Gold Mine. READ MORE:40 Fascinating Facts About Cherokee Culture & History. It is the home of Clayton State University. In order to see a veiw of Georgia's mountains, you have to be in the mountains. Located 57 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Dawsonville is home to the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. Downtown Asheville has something around every corner. Many of the best Cherokee NC restaurants and shops are 100% native-owned. But the town of 3,109 is probably best known for the Amicalola Falls State Park, which features the tallest waterfall in Georgia (729 feet), and third highest east of the Mississippi. This is also one of the bestChristmas Towns in Georgia to visit, with incredible light shows around the holidays. READ MORE: The Top 25 North Georgia Waterfalls for Hiking. If locating to Georgia is on the cards any time soon, these are the 15 best places to live in Georgia, all factors considered - education, healthcare, cost of living, quality of life, crime rate, attractions and amenities. A popular outdoor adventure destination, the Deep Creek Recreation Area is located just 5 minutes from downtown and is a great place for river tubing or just splashing around in the stream. You can visit the Gold Rush historic sites, sip local wines at the nearby vineyards, and eat at some amazing restaurants. The area is home to 3 state parks (Black Rock Mountain, Tallulah Gorge, and Moccasin Creek), 4 lakes (including Burton and Rabun), several of the tallest mountains in North Georgia, and 17 of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia. There is still gold in these hills, but the real treasure is the waterfalls surrounding this Appalachian town, including Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascade east of the Mississippi. Lookout Mountain is both a town and a mountain located on northwest Georgias state boundary with Tennessee. The unincorporated town of 1,761 centers around Historic Lakemont Village, which includes some buildings dating back to 1910. It boasts 31 campsites and plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. We too are in a rural redneck area and this is for a job relocation but we really want to get the relocation right for our kids future. Great hiking trails can be found in Moses Cone Memorial Park, Julian Price Memorial Park, and all along the Blue Ridge Parkway, guiding you through gorgeous forests, streams, and vistas. Or take a trip to Around Back at Rockys Place, a folk-art gallery that features the works of self-taught local artists. Experienced hikers who start early should consider doing the 12-mile hike from the Warwoman Road Trailhead to Beegum Gap because this route passes through some of the most beautiful spots in the region. Ellijay, GA 13. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. Plan on visiting for the Christmas in Helen GA celebration, which was recently rated the Top Christmas Town in America by MSN.comand one ofSouthern Livings Best Christmas Towns in the USA. If youre curious, here are the least liberal cities in Georgia: We aim to deliver infotainment about where you live that your real estate agent won't tell you. Another gold mining town can be found in the North Georgia mountains in Dahlonega, where gold was discovered in 1828 before the big rush to the West. Then finish the day at the stunning Hemlock Falls on Moccasin Creek. Visitors can explore the local Boone hiking trails and waterfalls, spend the day at Elk Knob State Park, learn about the Revolutionary War at the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, or visit the Tweetsie Railroad theme park. One of the areas most recognizable sights is the white gazebo that sits atop the Sautee-Nacoochee Indian Mound at The Hardman Farm, which was home to a former Governor of Georgia. Cartersville Restaurants: There are more than 100 Cartersville restaurants to choose from. The natural formation has near-constant winds, and is widely known as a picturesque place where snow occasionally blows upside down. With a reputation for being one of the best places for snow skiing in North Carolina, Boone has fantastic ski lodges such as the Beech Mountain Resort and the Sugar Mountain Resort (the largest ski and snowboard area in NC). Whenever people ask in our Facebook Hiking groups about the best placesin Georgia for outdoor adventures, we refer them to Clayton, the largest town in Rabun County. Lake Tomahawk Park is close to downtown, offering a playground, tennis court, fishing pier, and a .55-mile walking trail around the lovely little lake. With a population of 2,183, Claytonis large enough to provide infrastructure, a beautiful downtown area, and a noteworthy farm-to-table foodie scene. But its location in Rabun County, just south of North Carolina mountain towns, ensures there are plenty of outdoor activities and attractions for visitors and locals alike. There are some excellent vacation rental properties with lovely views that you can stay at in Sky Valley. The town is also only about an hour from Atlanta, so its easy to get here or take a side trip here on a weekend. These are our favorite mountain towns to see for yourself and relax and unwind in when you visit Georgia. Dillard Restaurants: The Dillard House is the cant-miss restaurant in Dillard, serving up classic Southern family-style meals. Dahlonega is home to the University of North Georgia, which provides the town with a young, energetic spirit. When our outdoor adventures take us to the natural areas near some of the best small towns in Georgia, were also taking time to explore those towns for ourselves. For international fare, try Chef Tommy Thai Cuisine and Fajita Grill Mexican Restaurant. Population: 12,702Percent Democrat: 79.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $1.86# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.03More on Clarkston:Photos |Data, Population: 28,433Percent Democrat: 79.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $28.35# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.21More on Chamblee:Photos |Data. READ MORE: The 10 Best Christmas Towns in Georgia to Visit Best Places to Live in the Georgia Mountains Guide 1. Around 90 miles from Atlanta, the town is affectionately known as Georgia's Alpine Village, which resembles a Bavarian mountain resort. Hidden gem in the perimeter!. 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide |, Fall colors in the mountains of North Georgia, Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Western North Carolina, best places for snow skiing in North Carolina, The 15 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County, 10 Festive Ways to Celebrate Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega GA, The 15 Best Things to Do in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County, The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA, The 20 Best North Georgia Waterfalls (& How to Get to Them), The 20 Best Pumpkin Patches in North Georgia to Visit, The 20 Best Places to Live in the Georgia Mountains, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN, The 10 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC, The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC, The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA, The 20 Best Western North Carolina Waterfalls for Hiking, The 10 Best Lakes in the North Carolina Mountains to Visit, The 15 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County, The 15 Best Western North Carolina Mountains For Hiking, The 15 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County, Things to Do at Grandfather Mountain State Park in Banner Elk NC, 15 Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MP 334), Oconaluftee Indian Village & Visitor Center, The 15 Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary, The 15 Best Cabins in Cherokee NC for Rent, The 20 Best Hiking Trails In Atlanta GA (& Hikes Near Atlanta), The 10 Best Civil War Battlefields in Virginia to Visit, The 10 Best Things to Do in Cashiers NC & Jackson County, 20 Best Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, The Top 20 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County). The Old Sautee Store along the road is definitely worth a visit to experience what general stores used to be like generations ago. Its also a first-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts: At 3,424 feet, Bell Mountain is one of tallest mountains in North Georgia for hiking, offering spectacular overviews of the lake and town. Golfers can head to the Butternut Creek Golf Course or the Old Union Golf Course to play a game. Its also fun to visit the Foxfire Museum here to learn about Appalachian life throughout the ages. Also known as the Qualla Boundary, the Cherokee reservation isnt technically part of North Carolina, but a sovereign nation. Sautee Nacoochee Restaurants: Bernies Restaurant and the Old Sautee Store Market & Deli are the only two noteworthy restaurants in town. Things to Do in Dawsonville: In addition to the AT and Amicalola Falls, Dawsonville offers adventures on the Etowah and Amicalola Rivers and hiking the Dawson Forest. Cherry Log, GA 7. 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide |, Chattahoochee National Forest hiking trails, The 10 Best Christmas Towns in Georgia to Visit, The 15 Best Blue Ridge Georgia Cabins to Rent, 40 Fascinating Facts About Cherokee Culture & History, The 15 Best Treehouse Rentals in the Georgia Mountains, The 20 Best Lakes in the North Georgia Mountains, The 15 Best Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains, The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Dahlonega GA, The Top 25 North Georgia Waterfalls for Hiking, Fall in the Mountains of North Georgia (Where to See the Best Fall Colors), The 10 Best State Parks With Cabins In Georgia, The 15 Best Day Trips From Atlanta For Nature Lovers, The 15 Coolest Covered Bridges in Georgia, The 15 Best Fall Fairs in Georgia to Visit, Exploring the Schoolbus Graveyard, North GAs Painted School Bus Attraction, Exploring Emerald Village: North Carolina Gem Mines in Little Switzerland, 6 Incredible Indian Mounds in Georgia to Visit, Non-Venomous vs Venomous Snakes in Tennessee (ID Guide), The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN, The 20 Best Things to Do in Dahlonega GA & Lumpkin County, Strawberry Picking in GA: The 10 Best Strawberry Farms to Visit. But the Glen-Ella Springs Inn Restaurant is nearby, and the downtown Clayton restaurants are just 7 miles away. Tallulah Falls Restaurants: TheMain Street Grill & BBQ is literally the only restaurant in Tallulah Falls. The Sautee-Nacoochee Center offers the most comprehensive look at the towns history. This is our third time ranking the most liberal places to live in Georgia. Cartersville. Any of these towns where we have found homes to relocate to that would lean left? Things to Do in Cartersville: For history buffs,Cartersville is home to the Bartow History Museum, Rose Lawn Museum, and Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. For more on how we ran the numbers, keep on reading. With elevations ranging from 3,200 to 4,200 feet, Sky Valley is the highest city in Georgia. A one-bedroom apartment in this affordable college town can be rented for an average of $640 per month, while the median home price is about $130,000. Tucked away in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, this picturesque town is home to some of North Georgias most treasured landmarks. Most of the hotel accommodations are at least a few miles away from the center of town. Other popular activities in Helen include river tubing on the Chattahoochee River and panning for gold and gems in the Dukes Creek Mines. Located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge GA in the Rich Mountain WMA, Cherry Log offers proximity to two of the best cities in North Georgia, without all the hustle and bustle tourism brings. Get Blue Ridge GA was founded in 1886, with the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. Though there are only 47 permanent residents, the tiny town (1.2 square miles) is a seasonal hotspot thanks to its prime location in the mountains of North Georgia. Milledgeville definitely leans Democratic in elections, but I would never call it a liberal town. Bret grew up camping and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia and North Carolina with his parents, and the couple both spent childhood summers on the water with their grandparents. This is also the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. The area is best known for the #1 Lookout Mountain attraction, Rock City, whose famous See Rock City painted barns and signs help to draw more than half a million visitors every year. Widely known as the Apple Capital of Georgia, Ellijay is famous for their heirloom apple orchards, apple picking and fun Fall festivals like the Taste of Ellijay, Georgia Apple Festival, and Georgia Apple Blossom Festival. And just 268 residents! Things to Do in Clayton GA: Rabun Bald, Tallulah Gorge, and Moccasin Creek State Park are all within 15 miles, as are four lakes (including Burton, Rabun, and Seed). The cobblestone walkways and Bavarian-inspired architecture set the scene for authentic German restaurants, where you can enjoy everything from schnitzel and wurst to craft beers. Sedona, AZ Population: ~10,300 Known for red rocks and canyons Lake Tahoe, CA For us, choosing the best place to live in the Georgia mountains is all about location, and we were immediately enamored with the mountain community of Lakemont during our recent visit. These Are The 10 Most Liberal Cities In Georgia For 2019 READ MORE:The 40 Best North Georgia Cabins to Rent. READ MORE:101+ Things to Do in North Georgia, Size: 2.4 square miles Population: 1,400 Official Website. The appeal of Hendersonville continues with cool attractions such as the Appalachian Pinball Museum, Mineral Lapidary Museum, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and the popular Pisgah Forest Gem Mine. Its 1915 excavation revealed 75 graves (some with high status artifacts) dating the Cherokee landmark to the 15th/16th century. Christmas in Helen GA is also not to be missed! Riverdale is a suburb just south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Now that were starting up the election swing to decide not only our next President, but many other local statewide initiatives, its important to put into context the types of decisions that will be made in the coming years. READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Clayton GA, Size: 4.01 sq miles Approximate Population: 4,320 Official Website. If youre looking for the traditional trappings of small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains historic downtown areas, charming shops, with lots of restaurants to choose from sleepy Cherry Log GA might not be the spot for you. Cleveland, GA 9. Its easy to spend your weekend here hiking, biking, and fishing while being surrounded by peace and quiet. Hiawassee Restaurants: Hiawassees food scene isnt as highly rated as some North GA towns. But these days the North GA town is best-known for Tallulah Gorge State Park. The hub of the town has beautiful 19thcentury buildings and a myriad of arts, local shops, and great restaurants. Just outside town, five wineries produce a variety of award-winning sips. Nature lovers should be sure to visit the expansive Hamilton Gardens, a botanical garden that is home to more than 3,000 plants and the largest collection of rhododendrons in the state. She has a passion for writing and storytelling with the hopes of inspiring others to enjoy the great outdoors. There, live music can be heard, delicious meals can be devoured, and fun street festivals can be enjoyed throughout the year. The town is best-known for (and named after) Young Harris College, a liberal arts college founded in1886, which currently has around 800 students. Things to Do in Hiawassee:The rivers a great spot for trout fishing, while High Shoals Falls offers excellent hiking. Hamilton Gardens is a haven for plant and North GA wildflower lovers, and dont miss the historic Pioneer Village at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, which is especially gorgeous when lit up for Christmas! The cities with the highest percentage of voters who voted Democrat and gave the most to liberals where named the most liberal cities in the state.Here are the 10 most liberal places in Georgia for 2019:Riverdale (Photos)Forest Park (Photos)Lovejoy (Photos)Morrow (Photos)Doraville (Photos)Stone Mountain (Photos)Dunwoody (Photos)Decatur (Photos)Clarkston (Photos)Chamblee (Photos). 13. The North Carolina mountains have been home to the Cherokee people for centuries, and theres no better place to learn about Cherokee culture & history than Cherokee NC. Dahlonega is a quintessential Georgia mountain town that is located right in the heart of North Georgia. To get an authentic experience, visitors can hop aboard the historic Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and take a journey through the Appalachian region of North Georgia along the Toccoa River, just as travelers did in the late 19th century. Ellijay. READ MORE: The Top 25 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC Best North Carolina Mountain Towns Guide Asheville Banner Elk Beech Mountain Blowing Rock Boone Brevard Bryson City Burnsville Cherokee Elkin Franklin Hendersonville Hot Springs Morganton Mount Airy Murphy Sylva Waynesville Weaverville West Jefferson It exists almost exclusively for tourists, and is only open 6 months out of the year. If youre looking for the perfect place to escape your everyday routine, charming Cashiers NCis a favorite destination for those who want to relax and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The beautiful mountains and forest provide a postcard-worthy backdrop for downtown Brevard. With a historic courthouse-turned-museum dating back to the 1800s, shopping in Merchants Square, and loads of outdoor attractions nearby, this is a great little mountain town to live in.