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Escape to Blue Ridge Cabin Rentals
All Escape to Blue Ridge rentals, whether two-bedroom retreats or resort-style mansions, offer the value and convenience of a spacious, fully-furnished home versus a hotel room. (more…)
Paul’s Steakhouse Restaurant and Lounge
Eat, drink, dance! Casual Fine Dining & Lounge overlooking the ‘Hooch’ in Downtown Helen.
Since 1965 Paul’s Steakhouse has been well-regarded for its seared steaks, cooked to perfection. A casual atmosphere and a friendly staff create a cozy environment where folks can enjoy cocktails, a meal, and some welcome conversation. Enjoy a steak or seafood, and delicious side items and drinks. All in the heart of Helen near the bridge. […]
Highlights from North Georgia
Community Spotlight: Dahlonega, GA
A Rich Experience Dahlonega, Georgia is a charming town rich with history, art and adventure. Originally Dahlonega was known for the Cherokee word meaning “yellow money” and was the site of the first major U.S. Gold rush in 1828, which was 21 years before California’s rush and is home today to the artifact-rich Dahlonega Gold Museum. The Historic 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse is the home to the Dahlonega Gold Museum where visitors can see rare gold coins, artifacts, and history of the area. There is more to this town than it’s “golden history”, as Dahlonega has the greatest concentration of wineries in [...]
Road Trip to Helen
From Atlanta, GA 88 mi From Chattanooga, TN 133mi From Asheville, NC 121 mi From Greenville, SC 98 mi Come visit the beautiful Alpine town of Helen in the heart of the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Experience walking through a fairytale of dreams from the villages of Germany with Bavarian style food, and fun for everyone. Many businesses go beyond the German brews, bratwurst, schnitzel and goulash to greet you in lederhosen and dirndl dress to welcome you with hospitality. Lighting of the Village kicking the festivities off is in late November. The charming, colorful pitched roofs drip with twinkling Christmas [...]
Vogel State Park
Nestled in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s favorite destinations. Established in 1931, Vogel, is the second oldest state park in Georgia and rises 2,500 feet above sea level. The entire area around Vogel was once linked to the Native Americans and the State Park sits at the base of Blood Mountain, the highest summit on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Driving from the south, visitors pass through Neel Gap, a beautiful mountain pass near Brasstown Bald, which is the highest point in Georgia. The history of the “Vogel” name starts [...]
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Black Rock Mountain State Park is named after its sheer cliffs of dark-colored biotite gneiss. The dark granite wall of the mountain, which is visible and easily identifiable from long distances, makes it a notable feature of the park. It straddles the Eastern Continental Divide at an elevation of 3,640 feet and includes four other peaks over 3,000 feet in elevation, making it the highest state park in Georgia. Within Black Rock Mountain State Park, there are four scenic overlooks. The Cowee Overlook sits almost directly above the Ada-Hi Falls, park here and a short 0.2 mile walk will [...]
Biking in the North Georgia Mountains
Mountain cycling in North Georgia offers the best views overlooking lakes, lush forests, streams, and rivers, in pristine State Parks/Wildlife Management areas. Starting from rolling hills to steep mountain grades many trail rides offer a variety of degrees from the novice to experienced to go through the backcountry of these beautiful mountains. It is highly recommended that all levels of skill be prepared for your trail ride. Complete information about the trail, which includes distance, terrain, weather conditions, plus good equipment and supplies for your excursion, will help to make the trip enjoyable. Organizations such as IMBA, SORBA, SABA, NGCA, [...]
Warwoman Dell
Warwoman Dell was named to honor a Cherokee Warwoman. Some believe it could have been named for Nancy Hart, the Revolutionary War era woman who may have fought at the Battle of Kettle Creek with her husband and sons. Most likely, though, it was named to honor Nancy Ward, a highly-respected “beloved woman” of the Cherokee Nation who frequented the dell and advised the Cherokee tribal council on war and peace. She was very powerful in the Cherokee clan rule, for she was the last Warwoman in the East. When the Cherokee chiefs voted to go to war, it could [...]
Take a Walk on the Appalachian Trail
Every year, between March 15 and May 1, two to three thousand hikers begin a 2,184 mile long journey on the Appalachian Trail. They will hike from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Their trek will take five to six months and cross fourteen states. Only about ten percent of all who begin will finish the entire length of the trail. But everyone who attempts this journey will leave the trail a changed person. The Appalachian Trail does not care about one’s physical qualities, it is truly a test of mental fortitude. If you can, you will [...]