ago by Christina Maggitas & Bret Love. Some local favorites include the Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area, Dockery Lake, Sosebee Cove, Sea Creek Falls, and fishing at Deep Hole Recreation Area and the Valley at Suches. 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. Aside from the stunning views, Dahlonega is best known for being the site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush and for great wineries. If you get a chance, check out the 6,684-foot summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River and one of the highlights of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Western North Carolina. 15 Cutest Small Towns in The South USA 1. Its also home to Brevard College, which is widely regarded as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the USA. READ MORE:The 20 Best Lakes in the North Georgia Mountains. 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. Culture, beauty, arts, and great people." - Andrew Elstein; Jacksonville, FL. Not the people getting elected. Well send you our newsletter with travel destinations, You can hike the trails or just do a scenic drive through the park to stop at the overlook areas and snap some photos. We also explored countless waterfalls, including Angel Falls, Becky Branch Falls, Panther Falls & Angle Falls, Hemlock Falls, and Minnehaha Falls. For international fare, try Chef Tommy Thai Cuisine and Fajita Grill Mexican Restaurant. Of course, those numbers tend to swell during the busy tourist season, especially once the Fall colors in NC start popping. It is a northern suburb of Atlanta. Our research is editorially independent but we Decatur is a city in, and the county seat of, DeKalb County, Georgia, United States and is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Atlanta is not in the mountains but does have the highest elevation of any major cities east of the Mississippi. 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. With a population of less than 200, the 1.5-square-mile offers an impressive range of attractions, as well as proximity to larger towns such as Helen and Cleveland. Its named after the Nacoochee Indian Mound archeological site. 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). Dawsonville, GA 11. by Bret Love. The Old Sautee Store along the road is definitely worth a visit to experience what general stores used to be like generations ago. READ MORE:The 15 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County, Size: 6.4 square miles Approximate Population: 7,000 Official Website. Cave Spring Restaurants:Dining options in Cave Spring are limited. Currently, Christina is a senior at Kennesaw State University where she is studying Journalism and Emerging Media. 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. Between the endless outdoor adventures, creative arts and music scene, and bustling downtown area, Dahlonega GA is the perfect North GA mountain getaway. Then finish the day at the stunning Hemlock Falls on Moccasin Creek. Its many natural wonders include Helton Creek Falls, Nottley Lake and River, the Chattahoochee National Forest, Brasstown Bald, the Blood Mountain trail and more. READ MORE:The 20 Best North Georgia Waterfalls (& How to Get to Them), Size: 8.21 square miles Approximate Population: 3,100 Official Website. 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. We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship. . Here, we'll explore the 15 most liberal cities in the US, highlighting key characteristics that make them unique. The population was 9,892 at the 2010 census. 1) Washington, D.C. Even if hiking isnt your thing, theres plenty to do in the town of Clayton. READ MORE: The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA, Size: 6.17 square miles Approximate Population: 969 Official Website. deals, and more! In order to do so, we turned our sites on measuring how each city in Georgia with populations greater than 5,000 voted and contributed to political campaigns in the past several years. 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. Located in the foothills of the North GA mountains, Ellijay is best known as the Apple Capital of Georgia, with impressive array of pick-your-own North GA Apple orchards and even an apple tree maze. As we search for our future mountain home, Blue Ridge GA had topped our list of the best city to live in Georgia until last October, when we visited Clayton for the first time. One of the most popular towns near Helen GA, Cleveland is best known for Babyland General, the home of the Original Cabbage Patch Kids. Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, the views around Highlands seem endless and hiking trails abound throughout the dynamic terrain. When most people think of the Appalachian mountain range . Its easy to spend your weekend here hiking, biking, and fishing while being surrounded by peace and quiet. Known as The Valley Above the Clouds, Suches is a tranquil town of 1,017 people located in Union County,about halfway between Dahlonega and Blairsville. One of the more picturesque towns in the foothills of the Applachians near Helen GA, Sautee Nacoochee is a hotbed of Georgia history. But A&B Creekside, Local Joes, andLinde Maries Steakhouse on the Square are all popular with the towns 1,067 residents. In the early 1900s, Tallulah Falls was a famous resort town whose popularity rivaled that of Niagara Falls. READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Summerville GA, Size: 2.66 sq miles Approximate Population: 1,629 Official Website. READ MORE: 15 Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MP 334), Size: 12.05 square miles Approximate Population: 2,120 Official Website. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. Ellijay, GA 13. You wont see it on most lists of the best places to visit in Georgia. Theres also 3 lakes (Tallulah Falls. Close to three-quarters of the county voters supported President Obama in 2012, the highest proportion of any Vermont county. The municipality is northeast of Atlanta. READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge, GA, Size: 1.1 square miles Approximate Population: 600 Official Website. 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. We fell in love with the natural beauty of the Haywood County area, which includes two lakes (Junaluska and Logan), the Shining Rock Wilderness, several waterfalls, and some of the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi River. But Bellas Junction Cafe (1.2 miles), Dillards Cupboard Cafe (3.4 miles), and Claytons Ristorante Paoletti are all within a 10-15 minute drive. Things to Do in Tallulah Falls:The park boasts hiking trails around the rim and into the gorge, as well as incredible views from the suspension bridge. The Rocky Mountain Public Recreation & Fishing Area is not much further, and Cloudland Canyon State Park is 30-40 minutes away. In town, theres the Art Center, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, drive-in theater, and historic walking tours. 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. The spring (which locals drink from) feeds a swimming pool and stocked trout pond. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 8,330. READ MORE:The 15 Best Things to Do in Helen GA, Size: 3.39 sq miles Approximate Population: 1,968 Official Website. Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 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. Blue Ridge, GA 4. Little-Known Appalachian Towns You Should Absolutely Visit. 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). After much too long spent in the South, I am ready to go back to the mountains. The town has no shortage of unique activities to offer, including the pig races at Hillcrest Orchard and the Souths first apple tree maze. And dont miss nearby attractions, including the family-friendly Goats On The Roof, the Appalachian history of the Foxfire Museum, and the Dillard House just up the road. Tallulah Falls Restaurants: TheMain Street Grill & BBQ is literally the only restaurant in Tallulah Falls. Dunwoody was incorporated as a city on December 1, 2008. The most popular is visiting Brasstown Valley Resort, which features102 guest rooms, 8 cabins,a full-service spa, horseback riding tours, 18-hole golf course, an excellent restaurant, and stunning scenic overlooks. Thank you! Other Young Harris attractions include the Carolina Crawlers Off-Road Adventure Park, Rollins Planetarium, hiking the Miller Trek Trail, and several small waterfalls on the college campus. Other popular activities in Helen include river tubing on the Chattahoochee River and panning for gold and gems in the Dukes Creek Mines. Whether its white water rafting, horseback riding, or ziplining, thrill seekers will have plenty to do in Dillard. Cherry Log, GA 7. Whether youre looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure in North Carolinas High Country, Boone NC has you covered. But the reason that many people travel here is for the excellent whitewater rafting opportunities on the river. 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. Home to more than 100 miles of Lake Chatuge shoreline, Hiawassee GA is full of vibrant outdoor scenery right on the North Carolina border. With Berry College at its northern end and three rivers (the Coosa, Etowah, and Oostanaula) meeting in its center, the town offers a unique mixture of rural and urban Georgias past and future. 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. Shopping enthusiasts will love to learn that the North Georgia Premium Outlets are located here as well. Sautee Nacoochee Restaurants: Bernies Restaurant and the Old Sautee Store Market & Deli are the only two noteworthy restaurants in town. READ MORE:The 10 Best State Parks With Cabins In Georgia. Downtown Asheville has something around every corner. You can visit the verdant Toe River Valley, hike to gorgeous waterfalls such as Setrock Creek Falls and Roaring Fork Falls, and explore the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The town is known as one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Georgia. The population was 5,802 at the 2010 census. The Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area is a prime location for people looking for an authentic mountain camping experience. Nature lovers will find plenty of activities in the area, including countless campgrounds, hiking trails, and trout streams. For hiking, head to the Benton Mackaye Trail near Highway 60 and hike to the Toccoa River suspension bridge. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. Population: 10,442Percent Democrat: 79.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $27.0# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.53More on Doraville:Photos |Data. Here's a short list of candidates poised to become the South's Next Great Mountain Town. Blue Ridge Restaurants:From Harvest On Main and Rum Cake Lady to the Sweet Shoppe bakery, the restaurants in Blue Ridge are second to none. After becoming empty nesters, they yearned for a pristine place where they could escape the hustle and bustle of the city, commune with nature and family, and embrace a sustainable lifestyle that leaves time to appreciate the simpler things in life. Air & 9-Day Guided Tour of Southern Italy, 8-Day River Cruise: Burgundy to the Camarge, 8-Day Douro River Cruise from Portugal to Spain, 6-Day Finland Winter Wonderland Guided Tour, Plan the Ultimate Trip w/ the Anchorage Travel Guide, Start Planning Your Urban & Wild Anchorage Getaway, 9-Day Danube River Cruise w/ 3-Nt Romania Hotel, Discover Anchorage's Local Flavor: Dining, Pubs & more, 7-Day Mantua to Venice River Cruise | Up to 50% Off, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos All-Incl. Located on the highest plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cashiers boasts magnificent views along with many lakes, hiking trails, campgrounds, and waterfalls. Summervilles outdoor attractions dont draw anywhere near the tourist crowds youll see in other North GA hotspots. Restaurants in Rome GA: There are nearly 150 restaurants in Rome, so you can find everything from American (Harvest Moon Cafe, Dougs Deli Downtown) and Italian (Provinos, Bella Roma Grill) to International cuisine (Yummy Thai, Las Palmas Mexican, Blue Fin Japanese, etc). With its charming atmosphere, breathtaking views, fantastic foodie scene, and fun outdoor activities, Asheville NC has everything youd want from a bustling mountain town. READ MORE:15 Best Things to Do in Boone NC, Size: 6.9 square miles Approximate Population: 13,950 Official Website. This is an ideal place to take a farm tour and celebrate the seasons with family festivities. Cherry Log offers exceptional proximity to two of the most popular placesin Georgia, with Ellijay 8 miles to the south and Blue Ridge 8 miles to the north. Dont miss the Rome History Museum, Chieftains Museum, and various other local historic sites. Things to Do in Dahlonega GA: Shopping for arts & crafts and sampling local wineries are among the most popular pastimes here. Population: 48,857Percent Democrat: 79.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $33.95# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.29More on Dunwoody:Photos |Data. 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. Chamblee is a city in northern DeKalb County, Georgia, United States, northeast of Atlanta. List of Cities and Towns in Georgia. The hub of the town has beautiful 19thcentury buildings and a myriad of arts, local shops, and great restaurants. There are some excellent vacation rental properties with lovely views that you can stay at in Sky Valley. 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. To make matters more confusing, the town is called Lookout Mountain on both sides of the border! Things to Do in Helen GA: From hiking to Anna Ruby Falls and Dukes Creek Falls to driving the Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy and Chattahoochee river tubing, activities here are endless. Things to Do in Ellijay, GA: From vineyards and farms to the Tabor House & Civil War Museum, Ellijay offers an array of adult activities to choose from. Top 10 biggest cities by population are Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah, Athens, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Albany, and Johns Creek while top ten largest cities by land area are Echols County, Augusta, Macon, Cusseta, Columbus . The town also boasts man-made attractions such as Mystery Hill and the Appalachian Fossil Museum. 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. Its 1915 excavation revealed 75 graves (some with high status artifacts) dating the Cherokee landmark to the 15th/16th century. They have a Democratic mayor for what it's worth. It is also fairly close to Lake Lanier. 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. The Bartram Trail is a recommended spot for hiking, and it extends through North Georgia to the North Carolina border. Anyone with an interest in Appalachian Folklorewill get a kick out of visiting the Expedition Bigfoot Museum, and the Rich Mountain Wilderness, Ellijay River Vineyards, Goose Island Lake, and Fall Branch Falls are all close by. Located 57 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Dawsonville is home to the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. The quaint town of Young Harris is 8 miles from Downtown Hiawassee and even closer to Lake Chatuge (one of our favorite lakes in the North Georgia Mountains. 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. Its got a bustling downtown area, a vibrant arts and restaurant scene, an increasingly progressive cultural identity, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Georgia mountains. Believed to have been a burial ground for Georgias original Cherokee inhabitants, it now stands as a symbol of their connection to the land. For lake recreation, head over to Lake Nottely or Lake Trahylta. Hillsdale, Michigan. 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. Also, be sure to check out the famous Biltmore Estate, the largest home in America, which has 250 rooms, 8,000 acres of gardens and trails, and the nations most-visited winery. 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. Cleveland, GA 9. Dunwoody is a city located in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. 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. But its surroundings are wild, including the massive Rabun Bald mountain. Dahlonega is a long-standing favorite mountain town in Georgia because there are so many things to do. But these days the North GA town is best-known for Tallulah Gorge State Park. READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC, Size: Unknown Approximate Population: 46. This is also the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. 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 were not surprised as Milton's job market is strong and the city's unemployment number (4.2%) is well below the national average. may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. 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. 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. Chattanooga is probably your closest liberalish city. The Jolly Roger Seafood Market & Grill has some of the areas best seafood. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. Published on 3/17/2016 at 4:12 PM. READ MORE:The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Ellijay GA. Popular eateries include the Soda Fountain Caf, Rib Country BBQ, Creekside Deli, and Clydes Table & Tavern. Adairsville Restaurants: Barnsley Resort offers two of the best restaurants in North Georgia, the casual Woodlands Grill and the more upscale Rice House. 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. Surrounded by the magnificent North Georgia Mountains and close to three state parks and 17 waterfalls, Dillard GA is the perfect place to get lost in the wonder of nature. Christmas in Helen GA is also not to be missed! Those who prefer a more relaxing day can explore the quaint downtown area. Bend, OR Population: ~94,500 Known for outdoor adventure. GA 3. READ MORE: The Tragic Story Behind Adairsvilles Barnsley Gardens Resort Ruins. The charming town offers excellent upscale shops and some spectacular lake houses. Little Switzerland NC is not like most of the North Carolina mountain towns on this list. Located on Lake Chatuge near the North Carolina border, Hiawassee is widely considered one of the most beautiful places in Georgia. 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. Visitors can also explore an underground gold mine and try their luck at panning for gold, or visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum to learn about the towns rich history. 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 BRMTG was created by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett, the award-winning team behind the world-renowned responsible travel website Green Global Travel. 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. 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. Located just an hour drive north of Atlanta, Ellijay GA is an enchanting town that welcomes visitors to the foothills of the states Blue Ridge region. Doraville is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The 10 Most liberal Places In Georgia For 2019 1. 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. Helen Restaurants: Many restaurants in Helen trend towards the kitschy German side, with bratwurst and beer steins both common staples. For a breathtaking panoramic view of the Blue Ridge peaks, check out Jump Off Rock, which is located just five miles from downtown Hendersonville. 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. 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 READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County, Size: 3.5 square miles Approximate Population: 653 Official Website. Riverdale Source: Public domain Overall SnackAbility 3 /10 Population: 15,931 Percent Democrat: 83.6% $ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $10.98 # Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.13 More on Riverdale: Photos | Data Riverdale is a city in Clayton County, Georgia, United States. Milton. But the Happy Hawg (BBQ), Tilted Caf (American), Asiano (Asian fusion), and the Main Street Grill diner are among the most popular places among locals. Blue Ridge GA was founded in 1886, with the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. 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. It is convenient to everything - downtown Decatur, Midtown, Edgewood, 285, I20 and I85. By Bruce Northam. You can visit the Gold Rush historic sites, sip local wines at the nearby vineyards, and eat at some amazing restaurants. 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. Their picturesque streets bring locals and visitors alike together to shop, dine, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN, Size: 0.95 square miles Approximate Population: 1,059 Official Website. Read on to see if you can guess which one is our current favorite! Morrow is a city in Clayton County, Georgia, United States. The downtown area is home to great Clayton restaurants such as Fortify and Universal Joint, as well as the family-owned Wander North Georgia store for outdoor gear. Best known for the relaxing attraction for which it is named, Hot Springs offers an authentic small town atmosphere. Over the last 10 years it has grown to be one of Georgias most popular mountain destinations, while staying true to its charming small-town origins. READ MORE:The 10 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC, Size: 3.05 square miles Approximate Population: 1,300 Official Website. Boone is also home to some of the best Christmas Tree farms in NC, making it a great place to visit around Christmastime. 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. Situated on the shores of the Chattahoochee River, the 531-resident-town of Helen is a perfect place for a day trip in the Georgia mountains. READ MORE:The 20 Best Places to Live in the Georgia Mountains, Size: Unknown Approximate Population: 3,700. John's Creek. 1. Just outside town, five wineries produce a variety of award-winning sips. Like many of Georgias mountain towns, Ellijay offers both small town charm and plenty of things to do. 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. They might be located in or near the mountains, making it easy to access and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Bicycle Route 21, and loads of trails on the Berry campus, theres lot of outdoor options. Long a popular weekend getaway with Atlanta residents, Highlands NC draws in visitors with their elegant dining, shopping, and thriving cultural arts scene. Beautiful bodies of water like Lake Nottely and Lake Trahlyta offer boating, fishing, swimming, and more. During the warmer months, rafting, tubing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking are just a few of the outdoor activities Boone visitors love. 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?