Even though I don’t live far away, I never thought to travel the Georgia mountains extensively or to fully experience this northeast region of the state. It is here that the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountain chain comes to it’s end in a truly spectacular fashion. So, at Christmas I decided it was high time to explore this area known for quaint mountain towns, rugged scenic beauty and some cool vineyards/wineries.
Travel The Georgia Mountains
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Glad that I did! The three days we allocated to travel the Georgia mountains resulted in us finding places like Dahlonega, Helen and Amicalola Falls. Our overall journey proved enchanting, beautiful and even Hallmark special.
We began our travels in the Georgia mountains as one should always begin a trip, with wine. Located roughly 20 minutes outside Dahlonega Georgia and an hour from Atlanta sits the gorgeous grounds of Dahlonega Resort And Vineyard along with their across-the-street sister vineyard Kaya Vineyard And Winery BOOKING.COM. It is at this resort sitting lovingly on a breathtaking 72 acre vineyard that we decided to put our bags down and stay at one of their cute cabins in the woods. TRIPADVISOR FOR DAHLONEGA RESORT
The resort offers a choice of stays from cabins to a villa suite to Main Inn rooms all of which were very clean and accessible. An onsite restaurant at the Main Inn is open weekends with a gift shop where you can buy their locally grown and made wine.
We found the Hospitality Center located close to the cabins incredibly convenient. Here you have amenities like toiletries, extra coffee and yummy treats and you simply get what you need. Everyone was very approachable and kind making us feel immediately right at home.
DAHLONEGA GEORGIA
Our first stop, Dahlonega Georgia. If a town could ever be described as both cozy and precious, that town would be Dahlonega, Georgia. OMG, character and enchantment oozes from its small historic square.
Rising from the Eastern United States Gold Rush with the 1836 Courthouse positioned front and center in the square, Dahlonega is a gold mine (ha-ha) of treasures to take in. Historic charming buildings, carriage rides circling the square and delish cuisine make you feel as if you are in a Hallmark movie. Quaint novelty shops are located within a short stroll of each other and offer unique gifts and, for me, decorating ideas.
No expensive walking shoes required. Everything is close, convenient and accessible.
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Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it’s not hopping. This Hallmark movie town (Christmas In Homestead, to be exact) also hosts a number of fun events throughout the year, Arts And Wine Festival : Dahlonega Old Fashioned Christmas : Dahlonega Literary Festival : First Night Dahlonega : Bear On The Square
I particularly love the cozy shops along the square. Be sure to stroll down side roads for more small mom and pops that explode with that delightful historic town feel.
The window displays are worthy of long ponderings and there is a small park nearby to stroll and to let the kids play in. The only thing I would change is to make this a pedestrian only location however, everything else was heartwarmingly wonderful.
And, of course, there are plenty of restaurants and bakeries all easily accessible from within the square.
image via grantdaws
The very sweet gift shop attendant at our Dahlonega Resort And Vineyard recommended The Bourbon Street Grille however sadly, this was not open when we were there so when you go, please give it a try for me. It is very charming and you can eat out on a patio overlooking the square.
We did however, order a to go from 19 Degrees North Seafood & Grille which is also on the square and very busy. The food was great and the atmosphere fun. Good food at reasonable prices and conveniently located. The Shrimp Carbonara and Low Country Shrimp & Grits were fabulous!
Another popular restaurant with high ratings and reasonable prices located slightly up a side street was The Shenanigans Irish Pub. This place was packed probably due to their sinfully yummy peanut butter pie.
It may be a small town in the Georgia mountains but, when it comes to Christmas, Dahlonega rates HUGE. The spirit of the holidays can be seen and felt throughout the entire square. Christmas lights shine from every building and tree altering the town into a fairytale of lights and cheer.
HELEN GEORGIA
Roughly 40 minutes from Dahlonega resides the mountain town of Helen which has been dubbed “Little Bavaria”. This tiny but super busy town provides a captivating stroll along cobble stone streets lined with Bavaria Germany style architecture, food and entertainment.
We spent a lot of time in White Horse Square which did remind me of my visits to the gorgeous Bavarian region of Germany. I love the shops in this town because they are filled with fun gifts representing a German theme.
Window shopping is a treat especially if you are there at Christmas. There are also outdoor cafes that really add to the southern Bavaria feel.
TIP: See MY ENCHANTED ROAD TRIP THROUGH SOUTHERN BAVARIA GERMANY
The Bavarian style village is definitely the main attraction but there are many more things to check out such as: Helen Water Park : Mind Escapes : Zipline : Alpine Fun Factory
There are a variety of themed restaurants that will please anyone’s taste and preference.
Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern was the restaurant we chose. We were not disappointed. The steak and cheese pizza was foodie heaven and the half-baked pasta was an explosion of delish. My husband loved his chicken and waffles as well. It is one of the top rated restaurants in Helen.
We topped our delicious dinner off with a visit to Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen and bought nearly $40 worth of candy. Not sorry!
This area of Georgia is also huge wine country. There are several in the area offering a variety of fun activities ranging from dinner, tasting rooms to unique lodging. Here are a few:
Very popular is TRIPADIVSOR FOR HABERSHAMS WINERY one of the oldest and largest wineries in Georgia. Receiving TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, Habersham is definitely worth a visit and only 5 minutes from Helen.
CeNita Winery And Vineyards TRIPADVISOR located 18 minutes from Helen and 33 minutes from Dahlonega offers all the relaxation of a mountain based winery as well as accommodations on site.
Wolf Mountain Vineyard is located 5 miles from Dahlonega and has received TripAdvisor’s Certificate Of Excellence. With over 200 medals won in wine tasting competitions, you know its some yummy wine. TRIPADVISOR WOLF MOUNTAIN
For a Tuscan feel, which I love, Montaluce Winery & Restaurant TRIPADVISOR offers Tuscany style villas to rent that overlook a beautiful abyss of vineyards. There is a fabulous restaurant onsite accompanied by a bakery. Doesn’t get much better.
Cavender Creek Vineyards And Winery TRIPADVISOR is a small winery with grand offerings. Just 11 minutes from Dahlonega, Cavender Creek has a tasting room, gorgeous scenery and a variety of places to stay and relax on their property.
Fantastic International And National Wines
AMICALOLA FALLS
When you travel the Georgia mountains, I strongly advise that you make a stop to see the popular and magically breathtaking Amicalola Falls State Park. Amicalola meaning “tumbling waters” in Cherokee is nestled in the vast wilderness of Chattahoochee National Forest and is a 30 minute or so drive from Dahlonega heading west towards Ellijay.
Most of the time, roughly 99% for us, these last minute spur of the moment trip ideas turn out to be the best ever. Amicalola Falls was certainly in this 99%. What a breathtaking find!!
The major attraction is obviously the massive falls which soar to an impressive 729 feet high placing it in the top three highest falls east of the Mississippi. Whether you want to start at the top and walk down or vice versa, the scenery accompanied by the sound of rushing of water is magical.
We were there in the winter, lucked out with 6 inches of snow that day however, there are tons of activities to take part in during warmer weather. Zip lining through the forest, hanging out with birds of prey, scavenger hunts and archery are some things to take part in when you’re not staring mesmerized at the beauty of the falls.
Amicalola Falls State Park And Lodge is a 57 room lodge that sits at the top of the falls and overlooks the majestic mountain range of Georgia. We did not stay there however, we did go inside and see the lobby.
I actually could have sat in that lobby all day. The rustic comfortableness of the plushy furniture situated around the enormous fireplace felt perfect after hiking. Floor to ceiling windows open up to the most glorious panoramic views of the Georgia mountains and allow natural light to filter in.
Certainly a resort I have now listed in my phone as a definite “return to”. I actually did not want to leave.
My family and I allocated three days to travel the Georgia mountains and we did squeeze a lot of sightseeing into that time period but, I would definitely advise allocating a few more days to this gorgeous region. The rich wine country, the unique small towns and the stunning surrounding mountains are certainly worthy of a more lengthy exploration and enjoyment.
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EXPEDIA VACATIONS FOR FAMILY FUN
UNIQUE PLACES TO STAY IN DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DAHLONEGA AND HELEN GEORGIA
Plus if you need more options for places to stay, try VRBO (VACATION RENTALS BY OWNER) to find your home away from home.
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TRIPADVISOR DAHLONEGA SQUARE HOTEL & VILLA
POPULAR: THE CASTLE INN LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN HELEN GEORGIA 
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