Blairsville, GA

High above the hills, just about cloud level, hides the rural North Georgia community encompassed by Blairsville-Union County. Far from the screeching strains of city life and even farther from morning rush hours and evening commutes, this mountain town hosts some of the finest eating, lodging, wineries, hiking, and waterfalls in all of Georgia. Here’s the best part: It’s a bit of a secret. Boasting camping, cabins, Lake Trahlyta and her waterfall, Vogel State Park, one of Georgia’s oldest and finest parks, is reason alone to visit. But Blairsville also sits as an anchor to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak, as well as Blood Mountain whose views will leave you breathless. Hankering for a hike? Jump on a stretch of the infamous Appalachian Trail, hunt for arrowheads as you walk the Arkaquah Trail, or take a walk through Sosebee Cove where some of the regions largest trees stand sentinel preserving the surrounding forest. Lake Winfield Scott and Lake Nottely offer swimming, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and some of the best fishing around. Within a short drive of Blairsville are majestic waterfalls, mountain biking, and breathtaking vistas in every direction. After a day of adventure, head into town where you’ll be warmly greeted by locals whose roots run deep and whose hospitality is contagious. These mountain people roast amazing coffee, serve up incredible farm-to-table eats, and grow grapes for native wines like nowhere you have ever been. It’s astounding to stop at the Farmer’s Market where the produce is piled in the back of pick-up trucks straight from the field where it was freshly harvested. Shopping is equally exciting as merchants offer locally crafted, one-of-a-kind items you just won’t find in any big box stores. Perhaps though, the thing that beckons travelers back to Blairsville-Union County time and again is simply that this community does more than ask you to come for a vacation. It quietly invites you to come fall in love all over again with a place that just feels like home. You won’t want to leave; we promise. www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com or www.VisitDowntownBlairsville.com