Long a popular weekend getaway with Atlanta residents, Highlands NC draws in visitors with their elegant dining, shopping, and thriving cultural arts scene. A short hike from the latter will lead you to the captivating cascades of Trahlyta Falls. READ MORE:The 15 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County, Size: 6.4 square miles Approximate Population: 7,000 Official Website. Little Switzerland NC is not like most of the North Carolina mountain towns on this list. Theres also Grandaddy Mimms Moonshine Distillery, Coopers Creek, Reece Heritage Farm, Sunrise Grocery and lots more. READ MORE:The 40 Best North Georgia Cabins to Rent. The recreation area is home to the Deep Creek Area loop hike, which shows off three spectacular waterfalls. There, live music can be heard, delicious meals can be devoured, and fun street festivals can be enjoyed throughout the year. Things to Do in Sautee Nacoochee: The Sautee-Nacoochee Center offers an in-depth look at local history, including a museum, African-American heritage site, and the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia. Visitors can frolic through 13 acres of cheerful sunflowers at the family-owned Fausett Farms Sunflowers & Horse Trails. Other shops to stop by are Sheilahs Village Market and the Lavender Cottage & Garden to stock up on gourmet treats and bath products. 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. Its the voters. 1,200) has been a tourism hotspot since the scenic railroad started operating in the mid-90s but has somehow managed to keep its small town vibe. Other popular activities in Helen include river tubing on the Chattahoochee River and panning for gold and gems in the Dukes Creek Mines. But theres much more to do here than just experience the outdoors. The city is served by three MARTA rail stations. 15 Cutest Small Towns in The South USA 1. During the warmer months, rafting, tubing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking are just a few of the outdoor activities Boone visitors love. Bryson City is also close to other popular parts ofGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, including the Road to Nowhere. Its also 20 miles from Mt Oglethorpe, the southern tip of the Blue Ridge range. With 8 great Dahlonega Wineries and North Georgia Premium Outlets nearby, the town of 6,884 residents high among the best places to live in the mountains of Georgia. Looking for what seems like a unicorn -- a mountain town with: > liberal-leanings (or at least not completely conservative) > affordable housing/land (want to build our own on $100K or less lot) > at least some diversity -- not 98.6 White As a college town, it offers loads of great restaurants and shops. Cartersville. Things to Do in Cleveland: The town is located in White County, whose Unicoi Georgia Wine Trail features five wineries and nine tasting rooms. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie. Other local faves include Capers On The Square (Greek), Bratzeit (German), and Hoka Hoka (Japanese/sushi). READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Summerville GA, Size: 2.66 sq miles Approximate Population: 1,629 Official Website. READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary, Size: 8.83 square miles Approximate Population: 10,145 Official Website. Dahlonega is a long-standing favorite mountain town in Georgia because there are so many things to do. Cave Spring, GA 6. 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. 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. READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN, Size: 0.95 square miles Approximate Population: 1,059 Official Website. There are lots of things to do in Banner Elk, including two NC wineries, the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, hiking to waterfalls, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, and visiting the Land of Oz, a Wizard of Oz theme park. With a population of 20,148 in the 2013 census, the municipality is sometimes assumed to be larger since multiple zip codes in unincorporated DeKalb County bear the Decatur name. Combining the magic of Bavaria with the beautiful landscape and endless outdoor recreation opportunities of the Blue Ridge region, Helen GA is truly a one-of-a-kind town. So its worth visiting simply for the scenery alone. To that end, weve compiled extensive research on 20 Best Places to Live in the Georgia Mountains, including background on what makes each town special as well as the best things to do and places to eat there. It also offers some of the most highly acclaimed wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in the state. There are lots of things to do in Summerville. The population was 9,892 at the 2010 census. Get 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3-0');And if you already knew these places were liberal, check out some more reading about Georgia and the most lberal places in the country: We started by making a list of every city in Georgia over 5,000 people based on the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (The most recent data). It's a hidden gem located along the Atlantic Ocean coast. Visit Ellijay in October to attend the Georgia Apple Festival and have fun at the parade, antique car show, and on-site demonstrations. Cleveland, GA 9. Time to Make the Right Choice . What makes Cherry Log a welcome change-of-pace in the increasingly bustling North Georgia mountainscan be summed up in 3 words: Location, location, location. West Coast towns: Hood River, OR Population: ~7,600 Known for kiteboarding! Cherokee also borders Bryson City and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so its a great gateway to visit highlights such as Mingus Mill, Newfound Gap, and Clingmans Dome. Read 23 reviews A Overall Niche Grade B minus For nature lovers, theres also fly fishing and kayaking the Chattahoochee River, climbing Mount Yonah, and hiking to Dukes Creek Falls and Raven Cliff Falls. Dublin, Georgia Flickr Neal Wellons Things to Do in Blue Ridge GA: Blue Ridge offers a bevy of outdoor attractions, from Lake Blue Ridge andtubingthe Ocoee and Toccoa Rivers to a half-dozen waterfalls near Blue Ridge and the Benton MacKaye trail. Darien, Georgia. Suches Restaurants:There are really only 3 restaurants in Suches Bootleggers Grille, Wildcat BBQ, and the biker-friendly Two Wheels of Suches (also a campground in North Georgia/lodge). 3. READ MORE:The 15 Coolest Covered Bridges in Georgia. Rose & Co Distillery, antique shopping, and sampling Georgia wines at Lazy Bear Furniture. The lakes of James H Floyd State Park are 3 miles from downtown. 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. Blairsville Restaurants: The best restaurants in Blairsville include Bean Pod (at Butternut Creek Golf Course), Lalas Kitchen in the Mountains, and Dans Grill. These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In Georgia, These Are The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Georgia, These Are The 10 Cheapest States To Live In, These Are The 10 Best Counties To Live In Georgia, 10 Best Places To Raise A Family In Georgia, These Are The 10 Best Places To Retire In Georgia, These Are The 10 Richest Cities In Georgia, # Of Contributions To Democrats Per Capita, $ Amount Contributed To Democrats Per Capita. Hidden gem in the perimeter!. Senoia is the type of town that epitomizes small-town Georgia, with picturesque landscapes and quaint shops and restaurants everywhere you look. Like many of Georgias mountain towns, Ellijay offers both small town charm and plenty of things to do. 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. Well there you have it, the places in Georgia that have the highest number of liberals per capita, with Riverdale ranking as the least conservative in the entire state. Hiawassee Restaurants: Hiawassees food scene isnt as highly rated as some North GA towns. READ MORE:The 15 Best Historic Sites in Georgia. You can visit the Gold Rush historic sites, sip local wines at the nearby vineyards, and eat at some amazing restaurants. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. 1) Washington, D.C. READ MORE: The 15 Best Fall Fairs in Georgia to Visit. But outside the touristy town youll find some of the most beautiful places in Georgia, with the Chattahoochee National Forest and Unicoi State Park offering loads of wilderness to explore. 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. 2. In order to see a veiw of Georgia's mountains, you have to be in the mountains. Home of the Georgia Apple Festival each fall, Ellijay's setting in the North Georgia mountains make it a sweet place to visit any time of year. READ MORE:The 20 Best Places to Live in the Georgia Mountains, Size: Unknown Approximate Population: 3,700. Located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains near Helen, Sautee-Nacoochee GA captivates travelers with its rich cultural history and striking natural beauty. 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. The often crowded Alpine village combines Bavarian and Southern influences, with cobblestone paths, German architecture, and beer gardens all around. The town has no shortage of unique activities to offer, including the pig races at Hillcrest Orchard and the Souths first apple tree maze. Some of the areas best restaurants are very close to the picturesque campus. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. But A&B Creekside, Local Joes, andLinde Maries Steakhouse on the Square are all popular with the towns 1,067 residents. Helen, Georgia Helen Georgia is a mountain town in the northeast region of the state, right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Dunwoody is a city located in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. When most people think of the Appalachian mountain range . READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County, Size: 3.5 square miles Approximate Population: 653 Official Website. READ MORE:The 15 Best Rental Cabins in Helen GA. Blue Ridge, Georgia Blue Ridge is a mountain town located in the Chattahoochee National Forest. A favorite spot among retirees and nature lovers, Mountain City is near Black Rock Mountain State Park, which offers some of the most incredible scenery in the Southeast. 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. Culture, beauty, arts, and great people." - Andrew Elstein; Jacksonville, FL. Built around the ruins of an 1840 estate (which some say is haunted), the 3000-acre resort offers an array of activities, including a full-service spa, Fazio-designed golf course, and shooting grounds. When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic! But Clevelands Riverside Tavern and Dahlonegas Wolf Mountains Winery Restaurant are just 7 miles away. Even if you dont choose to stay there, its definitely worthy of a day trip visit. Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. 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. BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA Blue Ridge (pop. 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. The unincorporated town of 1,761 centers around Historic Lakemont Village, which includes some buildings dating back to 1910. 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. The five cities that the Williams Institute found to have the highest concentration of gay couples are all eastern suburbs of Atlanta: Avondale Estates (49.30 per 1,000 households), Decatur (39.37 per 1,000), North Druid Hills (36.87 per 1,000), Scottdale (32.36 per 1,000) and North Decatur (30 per 1,000). Their picturesque streets bring locals and visitors alike together to shop, dine, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. With the Appalachian Trail (and nature-lover hotspots like Preachers Rock and Woody Gap) in their backyard, this under-the-radar Georgia mountain town is truly a hikers haven. 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. Population: 6,594Percent Democrat: 83.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $15.55# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.33More on Lovejoy:Photos |Data, Population: 7,076Percent Democrat: 83.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $4.12# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.03More on Morrow:Photos |Data. 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. Build an Ark Animal Rescue, Engelheim Vineyard, Cartecay Vineyards, and the Tabor House and Civil War Museum are other top things to do in Ellijay. Sedona, AZ Population: ~10,300 Known for red rocks and canyons Lake Tahoe, CA 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). by Bret Love. Swipe left for slideshow. After a day full of adventures or shopping, relax in one of the impressive array of places to stay in Blue Ridge, which includes treehouserentalsandluxury cabins. 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. Tallulah Falls Restaurants: TheMain Street Grill & BBQ is literally the only restaurant in Tallulah Falls. But there are plenty of other things to do there, including exploring the caverns of Ruby Falls, riding the Looking Mountain Incline Railway, taking in stunning scenic views at Sunset Rock, and hiking the Lula Lake Land Trust. But the Glen-Ella Springs Inn Restaurant is nearby, and the downtown Clayton restaurants are just 7 miles away. Popular wineries here are Wolf Mountain Vineyards and the Montaluce Winery. 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. Milton. Some of the most affordable retirement mountain towns include: Asheville, North Carolina . Nearly 200 years later its also known for music (Zac Brown and the Bear On The Square bluegrass festival), Appalachian crafts, and a beautiful historic downtown square. For a more intense hike, try the nearby Lookout Trail, which leads to dazzling views of the Seven Sisters mountain range. Long known as one of the best places to visit in the Georgia mountains, it has also emerged in recent years as a perfect place to live. Go camping or rent a cabin in the mountains, stop downtown for a great meal and some . By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. It sits at an elevation of 2,792 feet in the heart of Chattahoochee National Forest hiking trails, with wilderness surrounding the town on all sides. Sautee Nacoochee Restaurants: Bernies Restaurant and the Old Sautee Store Market & Deli are the only two noteworthy restaurants in town. Lets go through these liberal places, shall we?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'roadsnacks_net-banner-1','ezslot_4',604,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roadsnacks_net-banner-1-0'); Population: 15,931Percent Democrat: 83.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $10.98# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.13More on Riverdale:Photos |Data. 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! Angel Falls, Panther Falls, and Minnehaha Falls are all adjacent to Lake Rabun, while Tallulah Gorge is less than 5 miles away. Cherry Log Restaurants:The Pink Pig BBQ joint is the only restaurant in Cherry Log proper. But with buildings such as the 1847 Adairsville Depot History Museum and the 1902 Stock Exchange & Public Opera House, it feels like a timeless slice of Georgia history. The Bartram Trail is a recommended spot for hiking, and it extends through North Georgia to the North Carolina border. But with Dillard, Clayton, and Highlands all within 10 miles, there is plenty to do nearby, including hiking, horseback riding, and numerous waterfalls. The town is known as one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Georgia. 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. Blairsville. This is also one of the bestChristmas Towns in Georgia to visit, with incredible light shows around the holidays. The charming town offers excellent upscale shops and some spectacular lake houses. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies. Located 57 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Dawsonville is home to the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. Visitors can spend the day hiking the Blood Mountain Trail or hike to Brasstown Bald, the tallest peak in Georgia, to get breathtaking overviews of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is located approximately nine miles south of Atlanta and is part of the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta Metropolitan Statistical Area. But of course the town, which is located on the Trail of Tears in Georgia, is best known for the spring from which it takes its name. For a breathtaking panoramic view of the Blue Ridge peaks, check out Jump Off Rock, which is located just five miles from downtown Hendersonville. With a name like Sky Valley, youd better bet that this town is scenic and beautiful. deals, and more! The Rocky Mountain Public Recreation & Fishing Area is not much further, and Cloudland Canyon State Park is 30-40 minutes away.