Blue Ridge, GA 4. There are some great cabins in Cherokee NC for rent as well. The population was 5,802 at the 2010 census. Dillard, GA 12. 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. READ MORE:The 15 Coolest Covered Bridges in Georgia. by Christina Maggitas & Bret Love. Theres also shopping and restaurants on Commerce St, the Historic Summerville Train Depot & Train Turntable,the Historic Couey House, J.R. Dick Dowdy Park,Willow Springs Park, and more. If you go, dont miss the opportunity to explore some of the local waterfalls, including Crabtree Falls,Grassy Creek Falls, Toms Creek Falls, and more! You can also explore the Highlands Heritage Trail, a wonderful walking tour of the downtown area. Its also fun to visit the Foxfire Museum here to learn about Appalachian life throughout the ages. 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. Swipe left for slideshow. So whether youre looking for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or a thrilling outdoor adventure, these 30 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GAand NC will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. The charming town was settled by Martin L. Banner in 1848, and incorporated in 1911. Senoia is the type of town that epitomizes small-town Georgia, with picturesque landscapes and quaint shops and restaurants everywhere you look. And in a place most famous for legendary folk artist Howard Finster, whose Paradise Garden remains an oddly fascinating national treasure, is it any wonder this town is full of colorful characters? Tiger Mountain Vineyard and Stonewall Creek Vineyards are nearby for wine enthusiasts, and there are great outdoor dining spots where you can enjoy views of the mountains while you drink and dine. | Save Up To 20%, 8-Day Copenhagen to Berlin River Cruise | Up to 50% Off, Locate Anchorage Activities From Thrilling to Chilling, Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya All-Incl. And just 268 residents! Longview is home of the campus community of Le Tourneau University, one of our Christian colleges. The Dillard House (which is also home to one of the best restaurants inNorth Georgia) really helped to put this tiny town of 370 residents on the tourist map. Ultimately, were searching for the best places to live in the Georgia mountains and hoping to find the perfect mountain home for ourselves in the process. We try to visit all the areas major tourist attractions and explore as many of the local hiking trails and waterfalls as we can. Here, we'll explore the 15 most liberal cities in the US, highlighting key characteristics that make them unique. Dahlonega is a long-standing favorite mountain town in Georgia because there are so many things to do. Things to Do in Hiawassee:The rivers a great spot for trout fishing, while High Shoals Falls offers excellent hiking. Christmas in Helen GA is also not to be missed! The spring (which locals drink from) feeds a swimming pool and stocked trout pond. Ellijay, GA 13. The town is known as one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Georgia. Part of the Rome metropolitan area, the tiny town is widely considered one of the best places to live in North Georgia because of its rich history and picturesque town square. In order to see a veiw of Georgia's mountains, you have to be in the mountains. Its also home to popular natural attractions such as Lake Allatoona, Red Top Mountain State Park, George Washington Carver Park, and more. Population: 48,857Percent Democrat: 79.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $33.95# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.29More on Dunwoody:Photos |Data. One of the best ways to experience Blue Ridge is to rent a room in a local mountain lodge or cabin for a more secluded retreat. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. The town is close to the Georgia Hall of Fame, and Bill Elliot fans will have a blast dining at the NASCAR-themed restaurant, Gordon Pirkles Dawsonville Pool Room. But it has none of the traffic congestion or crowds those towns tend to get on weekends, and there are some very cool Cherry Log attractions worth exploring. With a youthful community supported by the University of Montana, a progressive liberal arts school, Missoula is extremely gay-friendly in . With a population of 2,183, Claytonis large enough to provide infrastructure, a beautiful downtown area, and a noteworthy farm-to-table foodie scene. 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. Explore the family-friendly downtown attractions in Blue Ridge, then refuel at top restaurants like Harvest on Main, which specializes in farm-to-table dinners, and Black Sheep for Southern fusion food and moonshine. But the City of Mountain Breezes, population 4,104, has a lot more to offer those who want to live in the North Georgia mountains. Fortunately, Helen hotspots like Spice 55 Thai & Sushi and Mullys Nacoochee Grill are less than 4 miles away. It is convenient to everything - downtown Decatur, Midtown, Edgewood, 285, I20 and I85. Things to Do in Cave Spring: Located in 29-acre Rolater Park, the limestone cave offers impressive stalagmites and the Devils Stool formation. To make matters more confusing, the town is called Lookout Mountain on both sides of the border! Located 35 miles northeast of Asheville and 40 miles southwest of Banner Elk, Burnsville NC is another relatively under-the-radar mountain town that truly deserves more accolades. 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. This is our third time ranking the most liberal places to live in Georgia. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. Tallulah Falls Restaurants: TheMain Street Grill & BBQ is literally the only restaurant in Tallulah Falls. The natural formation has near-constant winds, and is widely known as a picturesque place where snow occasionally blows upside down. Lookout Mountain is both a town and a mountain located on northwest Georgias state boundary with Tennessee. It is a northern suburb of Atlanta. Clayton is a quaint mountain town with an old-fashioned soda foundation, wine tastings on the downtown square, and a nostalgic main street. One of the smallest towns in North Georgia appearing on this list, Cave Spring encompasses just 3.68 square miles of land. Things to Do in Lakemont: As its name implies, this town centers on a lake (Lake Rabun), with Lake Seed and Lake Burton both within 12 miles. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. She has a passion for writing and storytelling with the hopes of inspiring others to enjoy the great outdoors. For more on how we ran the numbers, keep on reading. READ MORE:The 15 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County, Size: 1.92 sq miles Approximate Population: 1,332 Official Website. 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. The mountain towns that are scattered throughout the Blue Ridge region add to the blissful experience with their complex history, not to mention rich Appalachian culture. Between the endless outdoor adventures, creative arts and music scene, and bustling downtown area, Dahlonega GA is the perfect North GA mountain getaway. Dont miss the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, which showcases the Blue Ridge regions rich history through rotating exhibits and galleries. 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. 2. Popular wineries here are Wolf Mountain Vineyards and the Montaluce Winery. Golfers can head to the Butternut Creek Golf Course or the Old Union Golf Course to play a game. The population was 9,892 at the 2010 census. Athens is one of the few "liberal"-type towns outside Atlanta that is anywhere near mountains (and mountain lakes). Horseback riding is one of our familys favorite things to do in the Georgia mountains, and the Dillard House Stables was the first place we ever did it. R&A Orchards, Mountain Valley Farm, the Reece Apple House, and Hillcrest Orchards are all located here. The town is also known for having some of the best mountain golfing around, with beloved courses such as the Headwaters Golf Club and Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club. Town in Georgia 39 reviews Current Resident: Saint Simons Island is an amazing beach town with great food, golfing, and biking options. We also enjoyed visiting the Museum of Haywood County History, the dog-friendly trails at Waynesville Greenway Park, and the areas numerous Christmas tree farms. Since first visiting the Great Smokey Mountains with her family as a child, she has always admired the beauty of the Blue Ridge region and spends as much time as she can hiking north Georgia. For a more intense hike, try the nearby Lookout Trail, which leads to dazzling views of the Seven Sisters mountain range. The Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area is a prime location for people looking for an authentic mountain camping experience. Whether youre looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure in North Carolinas High Country, Boone NC has you covered. Along US 76 at the far western county line where Rabun & Towns Counties meet, is Dick's Gap, a popular . As such it has awe-inspiring views of nature and is a featured stop along the Appalachian Railway Train. Population: 19,271Percent Democrat: 83.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $11.15# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.13More on Forest Park:Photos |Data. Population: 12,702Percent Democrat: 79.1%$ 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. 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. But despite the fact that its home to the privateLees-McRae College, the Banner Elk population is still less than 1,500. Located about 15 miles west of Blowing Rock and Boone, the town of Banner Elk is bordered by Beech Mountain to the north and Sugar Mountain and Grandfather Mountain to the south. READ MORE:The 15 Best Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains. Our research is editorially independent but we READ MORE:The 10 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC, Size: 3.05 square miles Approximate Population: 1,300 Official Website. All rights reserved. Whether its white water rafting, horseback riding, or ziplining, thrill seekers will have plenty to do in Dillard. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this bucolic Southern city is growing into one of the largest towns in North Georgia, with a population of 37,248. Many of the best Cherokee NC restaurants and shops are 100% native-owned. Located at the border between Clayton GA and Highlands NC, its surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. Stone Mountain is located in the eastern part of DeKalb County and is a suburb of Atlanta. Dahlonega is a long-standing favorite mountain town in Georgia because there are so many things to do. Countless events are held at the White Horse Black Mountain music venue, which features toe tapping mountain music, poetry, theater, and other community events. Poli Alert on Instagram: "Georgia Gov. Located 24 miles north of Rome, just 10 miles east of the Alabama border, this sleepy northwest Georgia town has a population of around 4,320 people. You can hike the trails or just do a scenic drive through the park to stop at the overlook areas and snap some photos. Things to Do in Cherry Log:Small town living is the biggest attraction here, but you can also visit the Expedition Bigfoot Museum, go horseback riding with Cowgirl Up Stables, or take a tour with Jon Ron Toccoa River Outfitters. Milledgeville definitely leans Democratic in elections, but I would never call it a liberal town. Title kind of says it all. Also called Sautee-Nacoochee, this mountain town is rich with history, culture, and heritage. Sedona, AZ Population: ~10,300 Known for red rocks and canyons Lake Tahoe, CA Top places to visit here are the Hardman Farm and the Sautee Nacoochee Center, which is an arts hub that has a restored historic cabin and the Stovall Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia. READ MORE:101+ Things to Do in North Georgia. READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC, Size: 6.71 square miles Approximate Population: 8,150 Official Website, Planning on visiting Black Mountain NC? Riverdale is a city in Clayton County, Georgia, United States. There youll find a local museum, African-American heritage site, native plants and butterfly garden, and the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, among other attractions. It is also roughly an hour and twenty minutes north of both Atlanta and Athens. Time to Make the Right Choice After a long day of exploration, the towns appeal continues with an impressive array of lodging options that includes cabins, campsites, and historic inns dating back as far as 1846. Blue Ridge, Georgia Blue Ridge is a mountain town located in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Like many of Georgias mountain towns, Ellijay offers both small town charm and plenty of things to do. Cave Spring Restaurants:Dining options in Cave Spring are limited. 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. Clayton, GA 8. just go [deleted] 5 yr. ago Probably not but I hope you find the validation and echoes you seek! Ellijay Restaurants:With so many farms and wineries around, its no surprise the Ellijay restaurant scene has a lot to offer. Sautee Nacoochee Restaurants: Bernies Restaurant and the Old Sautee Store Market & Deli are the only two noteworthy restaurants in town. Theres also 3 lakes (Tallulah Falls. Kemp Signs Permitless Carry Bill . our latest advice & deals in your inbox! Located in the foothills of the North GA mountains off I-75, Cartersville is a bustling gateway between metro Atlanta and the Blue Ridge mountain range. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 18,468. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie. Chattanooga is probably your closest liberalish city. While the beach itself isn't the most beautiful, riding a bike around the island is always pretty, There are also great lookout spots if you know where to go! West Coast towns: Hood River, OR Population: ~7,600 Known for kiteboarding! Best known for the relaxing attraction for which it is named, Hot Springs offers an authentic small town atmosphere. One of the most popular towns near Helen GA, Cleveland is best known for Babyland General, the home of the Original Cabbage Patch Kids. Nature lovers will find plenty of activities in the area, including countless campgrounds, hiking trails, and trout streams. It also offers some of the most highly acclaimed wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in the state. They might be located in or near the mountains, making it easy to access and enjoy the beautiful landscape. When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic! Chamblee is a city in northern DeKalb County, Georgia, United States, northeast of Atlanta. From paddling the Etowah River and exploring Amicalola Falls State Parks 729-foot waterfall to tasting 150-year-old recipes at the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery, Dawsonville, GA has a little bit of something for everyone. 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. As of 2015, the city has a population of 48,733, up from 46,267 in the 2010 Census. Popular eateries include the Soda Fountain Caf, Rib Country BBQ, Creekside Deli, and Clydes Table & Tavern. Clayton Restaurants:Clayton is increasingly emerging as a foodie hotspot thanks to chef-driven restaurants like Fortify Kitchen & Bar (New America) and Fortify Pi (pizza). Read on to see if you can guess which one is our current favorite! The city is located approximately 5 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta and shares its western border with Atlanta. When it comes to North Georgia mountain towns, few can measure up to Blue Ridge, which tops our list of favoriteplaces to visit in Georgia. This is also the southern end of the Appalachian Trail.