Your Complete Guide To Escaping To North Georgia
Escaping to North Georgia? Build your weekend around small-town charm, trail walks, and historic sites in the Appalachian foothills.
Small Town Charm
Exploring the small mountain towns during your stay at the cabins in Helen, GA is just one of the perks of your weekend retreat. These towns have retained their mountain charm and remind us of simpler days.
Dahlonega
Start exploring the town of Dahlonega, which experienced one of the first gold rushes in the country. You can relive that boom time during the Gold Rush Days, held the third weekend of every October. Pan for gold, participate in a wheelbarrow race, or enjoy live entertainment. Visit one of the many wineries and tasting rooms that have sprung up in years past. The mountain elevations make this area perfect for growing a variety of wines.
Cleveland
As you move west, you’ll come to Cleveland, GA, the birthplace of the Cabbage Patch Kids. You can visit the Babyland General Hospital where the dolls are “born.” During the holidays, the town hosts a Christmas in the Mountains festival.
Helen
Of course, no trip to the cabins in Helen, GA is complete without a visit to the quaint Bavarian town of Helen. Stroll down the cobblestone streets and explore narrow alleyways to find a wide variety of shops and boutiques along with authentic German fare. You can also easily schedule more fun for your weekend with golfing, rafting, and kayaking.
A Walk in the Woods
It’s time to get out of town now. The cabins in Helen, GA are surrounded by the scenic Chattahoochee National Forest where you can choose just about any kind of nature walk or hike including a stroll along the Chattahoochee River. Don’t miss the trail to Anna Ruby Falls featuring a rare double waterfall. These falls look even more impressive after a heavy rain.
Historic Locations
As an original colony, Georgia is alive with history. Visit two locations that allow a glimpse into the state’s past.
Mark of the Potter
In Clarkesville, head over to Mark of the Potter, one of the oldest craft shops in the state. The shop started as a mill frequented by local farmers and moonshiners. Head out onto the porch of the old mill overlooking the Soque River where you can feed the native trout, a Mark of the Potter tradition.
Sautee Store
The Old Sautee Store first opened in 1872 and has served the residents and visitors in the Nacoochee and Sautee Valleys ever since. The store is named after a Chickasaw Native American who fell in love with a Cherokee woman, Nacoochee. At the store, pick up specialty jams, cheeses, and canned goods to explore back at the cabin.
Your weekend plans are sure to keep you busy at the North Georgia cabin rentals. Explore the sights of the northern Appalachian foothills and relax in style and comfort each night.
5 Grape Escapes Near Cabins In Helen Georgia
Did you know that North Georgia is finding its place on the wine-country map? Cabins in Helen place you minutes away from one of the region’s most acclaimed vineyards, Habersham Winery and Vineyards. With over 150 national and international awards, the local vineyard provides its guests with a tasting room, self-guided tour, and gift shop. Diversify your stay at one of the luxury cabins in Helen and tour the area’s other wineries. Do a wine hop over the course of a weekend or extend your stay, take your time and soak in the sights of the countryside for the ultimate grape escape.
Sautee, GA
About four miles from cabins in Helen and seated on a 197-acre estate with over 5,000 vines, the Yonah Mountain Vineyards is named after the nearby granite rock formation that is distinct from the Appalachian mountain range. This winery grows seven different grape varieties on 13 acres of the estate’s land, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and other noble grapes. Yonah Mountain’s first harvest was in 2010. Visitors can make an appointment to visit the vineyards or participate in Tour de la Cave & Barrel Tasting on Sundays.
Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards is a small, family-owned and -run vineyard. The young vineyard planted two and a half acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in 2009 and has plans to add up to six more acres of vines in the near future. While the vineyards are young, you can still sample the winery’s vines in their public tasting room.
Dahlonega, GA
With the highest concentration of vineyards and wineries in north Georgia, the mountains of Dahlonega, GA are in the heart of north Georgia’s wine country and about 30 miles from cabins in Helen. The elevation and terrain are ideal for the varieties of Italian, French, and American wine grapes that the area grows; and the views make the experience wonderful.
As the first vineyards in the area, Blackstock vineyards and the attractive lodge-style winery estate were founded by David Harris, a formally-trained winemaker. Specializing in complex wines for serious enthusiasts, the tasting room at Blackstock is an educational experience. Enjoy a glass of port or Merlot by the three-sided stovepipe and take in the views offered by the panorama of vines.
Taking its name from the Three Sisters Mountains, the Three Sisters Vineyards provides its visitors with an intimate experience on a 180-acre family farm. The winery uses American and French oak barrels, along with stainless steel tanks, to age the grapes on the estate. The grounds are home to over 13,000 vines, which include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, and Touriga grapes.
The Montaluce Estate welcomes visitors to a 25,000-square-foot winery that is reminiscent of Italy’s charming Tuscan villas. The building boasts sweeping views of the area’s mountains and the property’s vineyards. In addition to offering a tasting room, visitors can dine in the restaurant Le Vigne and observe the 9,500-square foot production facility and its gravity flow winery, take a tour with the vineyard’s manager, and take cooking classes.
Other area wineries and vineyards include the Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery, Frogtown Cellars, and Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery.
Tiger, GA
Less than 30 miles away from our luxury cabins in Helen, Tiger Mountain Vineyards is a five-generation family business. Believing that winemaking is an art, this boutique winery grows Tannant, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Viognier, Petit Manseng, Mourvedre, and Touriga Nacional. The growers use organic growing methods and Tiger Mountain Vineyards is the only producer of the Petit Manseng in Georgia.
Young Harris, GA
A short 30 miles from cabins in Helen, Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris places visitors in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The grounds enjoy a unique microclimate, which makes the temperature, moisture levels, humidity, and soil ideal for the vineyard’s 12 acres of vines, which in clued Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Seyval Blanc, Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, Chardonel, Catawba, Norton, and Villard Noir grapes. Enjoy Crane Creek Vineyards’ tasting room from Tuesday through Sunday.
Jasper, GA
If you want to take a scenic drive, go to the town of Jasper, which is about 66 miles from the cabins in Helen. Jasper is home to Sharp Mountain Vineyards and its hand-crafted, old-world wines. Situated on five acres of land, this vineyard was established in 1995. The owners keep their production levels low so they can focus on what’s most important—the quality of the wine produced. As of 2012, the Sharp Mountain tasting room is open to visitors Friday through Sunday. The owners encourage guests to pack a picnic basket and enjoy the view from the property’s pavilion.
Benjamin Franklin’s wise words include, “Wine is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” If this is the case, you are sure to be happy staying in the cabins in Helen while touring the region’s finest nectars. What is your favorite kind of wine?
What’s The Best Way To Enjoy Georgia Getaways?
One of the biggest challenges associated with planning a vacation is finding a location that will suit your unique needs. Where can you find a travel destination with comfortable accommodations and attractions that interest you on a budget that you can afford? The Helen area in northern Georgia is the ideal spot for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to relax and unwind. In order to help you get the most out of Georgia getaways, we’ve put together this quick guide of regional activities that will suit the needs of vacationers and their various preferences.
The Best Way for Any Group to Spend Georgia Getaways
- Couples – Northern Georgia getaways are very popular for couples who are looking to spend some time alone and rekindle their romance. There are plenty of luxurious single-bedroom cabin rentals to choose from so that you and your sweetie can relax in total privacy and comfort. Imagine enjoying a long soak with that special someone in your cabin’s hot tub or Jacuzzi bath, and then cuddling up next to your own cracking fireplace for an evening of romance. If the pair of you ever decide to leave the lush environment of your cabin, there are also plenty of fun, couple-friendly activities to check out in the Helen area. Habersham Winery is a great option. Located in Nacoochee Village, this winery is open for visitors to enjoy a private tour and a free wine tasting. When you’re done, head over to the Alpine Carriage Company for a horse-drawn carriage ride around the village with your honey. For extra romance, you could even arrange to go for a ride at dusk and enjoy a breathtaking sunset together. Picnicking is another favorite for couples who are on Georgia getaways. After a spectacular drive up the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway, you can enjoy a private picnic at a scenic overlook leading to Brasstown Bald – the highest point in all of Georgia. Once you’ve finished eating, you can venture to the peak where you can view four states at once – Georgia, Tennessee, and North & South Carolina. And don’t forget to pamper yourselves!
- Families – There is plenty for families to do on Georgia getaways, as well! Of course one of the most popular activities for visitors to our cabin rentals is tubing down the Chattahoochee River. Cool River Tubing Company gives you the choice of a one or two-hour excursion through the waters, allowing you and your family ample time to splash, play, and bond together as you take in the regional scenery and wildlife. Zipline tours are another favorite for vacationers. Helen’s newest zipline tour company – Zip ‘n Time – has a wide variety of packages available for families to choose from. From a half-hour ride to a three-hour adventure, there’s something for everyone! Some tours include a visit to an old 1800s goldmine, trips through marshes, traipsing across swinging bridges, and even the opportunity to rappel down a wall or make a trust fall! For a less “extreme” family attraction, be sure to stop by Babyland General Hospital. Located just a stone’s throw away from your cabin rental, this unique attraction is free to the public and will take you back to your childhood as you enter the world of Cabbage Patch Kids! You can even allow your kids to “adopt” a doll of their own, complete with “adoption papers”.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts – If you and your group are ready to get some fresh mountain air and enjoy the great outdoors, Georgia getaways are perfect for you! There are a vast number of hiking trails to be explored, all located within close proximity to your cabin. Some of the more popular hiking destinations include the paths within Unicoi State Park and Amicalola Falls State Park. The latter is home to the tail end of the Appalachian Trail, and ambitious hikers can enjoy an 8.5-mile scenic excursion to Springer Mountain. Another great choice for adventurers is kayaking with Wildwood Outfitters. Whether you’ve never tried to kayak before, or are a skilled white water rapids rafter, you’ll be sure to get your kicks. There are several kayaking tours available that range from mild and scenic to wet and wild – featuring class 1, 2, and 3 rapids! Between hiking, biking, fishing, and mountain climbing, you’ll never get bored on Georgia getaways.
- Other Interests – No one is left out from fun on Georgia getaways. Shoppers will love the Nacoochee Village Antique Mall, while history enthusiasts will get a kick out of visiting the old goldmines, checking out the Dahlonega Gold Rush Museum, and learning about the Cherokee tribes that once lived in the area. Crafters will love visiting the Willows Pottery, watching pots being made, and decorating their own! The sky’s the limit!
How will you spend your Georgia getaway?
5 Reasons You Will Enjoy Georgia Mountain Cabins
Many people have a favorite getaway destination. Some enjoy a calm retreat where they can relax and reflect, while others enjoy a vacation filled with excitement and ongoing activities. No matter which category you fall into, you can find everything you desire during your stay in the Georgia mountain cabins.
No matter which of the cabins you decide to lodge in, here are a few reasons why you will enjoy your stay.
Breathtaking Sights
Travel along the Richard Russell Scenic Highway to see the Dukes Creek Falls, right outside of Helen, where the rolling thunder of this 200-foot waterfall will surely captivate you. Further down the highway, a five-mile hike will take you to the Raven Cliff Falls, where water cascades through two huge granite slabs into a pool thirty feet below.
Exhilarating Adventures
Thrill seekers can jump onto the Chattooga or the Tallulah River to enjoy an exhilarating class V white water rafting adventure. Beginners and families may prefer traveling down the Chattahoochee River where the waters are typically calm. Whereas intermediate rafters can practice their skills on the Tiger River.
For more excitement, zip lines provide unique breathtaking views from high above powerful waterfalls, flowing rivers, and gold mining caves.
For a look back into history, you can go to Smithgall Woods where the one-mile-long Martins Mine trail is located. This trail travels through an old mining area, where remains of the gold mining from long ago, can still be found.
Museums and Galleries
To see some extraordinary works of art, you can tour the many museums and galleries in North Georgia. You will find unique and brilliant showcases of paintings, hand-blown glass, and hand-crafted pottery. The museums will give you insight into the region’s history, as well as fascinating remnants of the 1839 gold rush.
Hiking
From any of the Georgia mountain cabins, you will have access to a number of hiking trails within the many state parks in the region. In the Amicalola State Park, you will find the starting point to the remarkable Appalachian Trail which stretches for 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine.
Restaurants
After being out all day taking in these astonishing views and adventures, you’ll be ready to relax and dine. There are many outstanding family restaurants in Helen, GA, and the surrounding area that will satisfy any craving, such as pizza, steak, Mexican, or platters filled with old-fashioned home cooking. For a romantic dinner or special celebration, the Oar House in Dahlonega provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Whether you come for a romantic escape or a thrilling adventure, everything you desire can be found in the Georgia mountain cabins. What is your ideal getaway?
