Cave Spring Restaurants:Dining options in Cave Spring are limited. There are a total of 629 towns and cities in the state of Georgia. Their picturesque streets bring locals and visitors alike together to shop, dine, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. We also enjoyed visiting the Museum of Haywood County History, the dog-friendly trails at Waynesville Greenway Park, and the areas numerous Christmas tree farms. The Green Mountain State, which elected presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders to the Senate. The town is close to the Georgia Hall of Fame, and Bill Elliot fans will have a blast dining at the NASCAR-themed restaurant, Gordon Pirkles Dawsonville Pool Room. If youre looking for some fun in the great outdoors, Hendersonville is home to Pisgah National Forest, Holmes Educational State Forest, and DuPont State Forest, which is full of waterfalls and over 80 miles of roads and hiking trails. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 18,468. It is convenient to everything - downtown Decatur, Midtown, Edgewood, 285, I20 and I85. They might be located in or near the mountains, making it easy to access and enjoy the beautiful landscape. But theres also paddling and fishing the Chestatee River, hiking Amicalola Falls State Park, and visiting the Dahlonega Gold Museum and Consolidated Gold Mine. Adairsville Restaurants: Barnsley Resort offers two of the best restaurants in North Georgia, the casual Woodlands Grill and the more upscale Rice House. Population: 6,209Percent Democrat: 79.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $57.37# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 1.41More on Stone Mountain:Photos |Data. READ MORE: The 10 Best Kayaking Rivers in Georgia, Size: 1.14 square miles Approximate Population: 99. Population: 22,022Percent Democrat: 79.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $146.78# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 1.24More on Decatur:Photos |Data. GA 5. 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. READ MORE:The 15 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County, Size: 6.4 square miles Approximate Population: 7,000 Official Website. 15 Cutest Small Towns in The South, USA - Southern Trippers Decatur is a city in, and the county seat of, DeKalb County, Georgia, United States and is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. You can visit the Gold Rush historic sites, sip local wines at the nearby vineyards, and eat at some amazing restaurants. Get For a trip to see Fall colors in the mountains of North Georgia, be sure to include a stop by Burts Farm and Uncle Shucks Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch to go on hayrides, roast marshmallows, and find the perfect pumpkin! There are stylish shops, delicious downtown restaurants, rooftop bars, street performers, art galleries, breweries, and loads of live music venues. We too are in a rural redneck area and this is for a job relocation but we really want to get the relocation right for our kids future. Other local faves include Capers On The Square (Greek), Bratzeit (German), and Hoka Hoka (Japanese/sushi). And just 268 residents! Clayton, GA 8. 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. Swipe left for slideshow. Its 1915 excavation revealed 75 graves (some with high status artifacts) dating the Cherokee landmark to the 15th/16th century. The beautiful mountains and forest provide a postcard-worthy backdrop for downtown Brevard. Specifically, we wanted to know which cities have the highest number of liberal voters in the Peach State? 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. Two words: space and personality. But theGlen-Ella Springs Inn Restaurant and the Lake Rabun restaurants listed in our Lakemont entry are all about 6 miles away. Little Switzerland NC is not like most of the North Carolina mountain towns on this list. Helen, GA 14. Things to Do in Dillard:The Dillard House is easily the towns #1 attraction, but theres also fishing at Andys Trout Farm, tastings at the R.M. Believed to have been a burial ground for Georgias original Cherokee inhabitants, it now stands as a symbol of their connection to the land. 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. 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. Lookout Mountain is both a town and a mountain located on northwest Georgias state boundary with Tennessee. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. 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. READ MORE:The 15 Coolest Covered Bridges in Georgia. Fall is a wonderful time to visit Dawsonville to check out the Uncle Shucks and Bucks corn mazes and Bradleys Pumpkin Patch. This is also one of the bestChristmas Towns in Georgia to visit, with incredible light shows around the holidays. Asheville is a vibrant, truly beautiful city, and attracts artisans, naturalists, and discerning . We then measured the voting record and donation data to determine which places lean the most rightward in their allegiances by: Next, we ranked each city from 1 to 125 for each of the criteria where number one was the most liberal. 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. The Tuckasegee Riverruns right through town and is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing. In these cities, progressive values and policies tend to dominate the local landscape, shaping the social, economic, and political dynamics. Outdoor adventures are plentiful with hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, horseback riding and fly fishing. The spring (which locals drink from) feeds a swimming pool and stocked trout pond. 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. Dahlonega also has a really nice public square in town where you can visit shops like Outlaw Jerky and Trail Grub, the Dahlonega General Store, and Paul Thomas Chocolates. The Rocky Mountain Public Recreation & Fishing Area is not much further, and Cloudland Canyon State Park is 30-40 minutes away. Long known as one of the best places to visit in the Georgia mountains, it has also emerged in recent years as a perfect place to live. For international fare, try Chef Tommy Thai Cuisine and Fajita Grill Mexican Restaurant. Cherokee also borders Bryson City and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so its a great gateway to visit highlights such as Mingus Mill, Newfound Gap, and Clingmans Dome. by Bret Love. It is the home of Clayton State University. 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. READ MORE:The 10 Best State Parks With Cabins In Georgia. The six political states of Georgia - The Washington Post These Are The 10 Most Liberal Cities In Georgia For 2019 The BRMTG was created by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett, the award-winning team behind the world-renowned responsible travel website Green Global Travel. Dahlonega is a long-standing favorite mountain town in Georgia because there are so many things to do. From Rabun Bald's 4,696-foot summit in the county's furthest northern corner, to the nearly 1,000-foot deep Tallulah Gorge at the county's southern end, Rabun County is diverse in ways that offer a mountain experience that's quite unique. Clayton is a quaint mountain town with an old-fashioned soda foundation, wine tastings on the downtown square, and a nostalgic main street. Home to more than 100 miles of Lake Chatuge shoreline, Hiawassee GA is full of vibrant outdoor scenery right on the North Carolina border. 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. Some of the areas best restaurants are very close to the picturesque campus. 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. 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. READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN, Size: 0.95 square miles Approximate Population: 1,059 Official Website. Cherry Log Restaurants:The Pink Pig BBQ joint is the only restaurant in Cherry Log proper. The scenic views blow everyone away, and it's filled with waterfront parks, historical monuments, and entertainment for all ages. We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship. READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC, Size: Unknown Approximate Population: 46. Also called Sautee-Nacoochee, this mountain town is rich with history, culture, and heritage. Combining the magic of Bavaria with the beautiful landscape and endless outdoor recreation opportunities of the Blue Ridge region, Helen GA is truly a one-of-a-kind town. Lakemont Restaurants: There are only a few restaurants in Lakemont, including The Open Door at Alleys Ol Store, the Lake Rabun Hotel Restaurant, and Louies On The Lake. Its also home to popular natural attractions such as Lake Allatoona, Red Top Mountain State Park, George Washington Carver Park, and more. There are two very different sides to the city of Helen, one of the most popular places to vacation in the Georgia mountains. Downtown Blue Ridge offers upscale restaurants, food tours, shopping, local breweries and wineries, and a vibrant arts scene with galleries, a theatre, and live music on weekends. 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). 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? Its widely considered one of the best cities to visit in Georgia, with a charming historic downtown area filled with antique shops and delicious dining options. Milledgeville definitely leans Democratic in elections, but I would never call it a liberal town. One of the smallest towns in North Georgia appearing on this list, Cave Spring encompasses just 3.68 square miles of land. With a reputation for being one of the best places for snow skiing in North Carolina, Boone has fantastic ski lodges such as the Beech Mountain Resort and the Sugar Mountain Resort (the largest ski and snowboard area in NC). 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. There are lots of things to do in Summerville. Whether its white water rafting, horseback riding, or ziplining, thrill seekers will have plenty to do in Dillard. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide Not the people getting elected. So why did the town of Summerville GA make this list of the best mountain towns? Theres an excellent onsite restaurant here for indulging in old-fashioned Southern comfort food as well. St. Marys, St Marys, GA 31558, USA. Best Hippie Town in Every State in America - Thrillist Theres also shopping and restaurants on Commerce St, the Historic Summerville Train Depot & Train Turntable,the Historic Couey House, J.R. Dick Dowdy Park,Willow Springs Park, and more. The Most Democratic County In Every State - HuffPost But with buildings such as the 1847 Adairsville Depot History Museum and the 1902 Stock Exchange & Public Opera House, it feels like a timeless slice of Georgia history. The Bartram Trail is a recommended spot for hiking, and it extends through North Georgia to the North Carolina border. Nature lovers will find plenty of activities in the area, including countless campgrounds, hiking trails, and trout streams. Are there any liberal-leaning cities in North Georgia? : r/Atlanta - Reddit Join them and their team as they explore the region, offering expert insights on Blue Ridge travel as they search for the perfect mountain home. 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. Popular wineries here are Wolf Mountain Vineyards and the Montaluce Winery. 22 Small LGBTQ-Friendly Cities in the U.S. - Vacationer Magazine 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. 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. But theres also good food to be found at Annettes Cafe, The Cupboard, and the Hush Cuban Cafe & Oyster Bar. READ MORE:The 15 Best Rental Cabins in Helen GA. Blue Ridge, GA 4. 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. Home of the Georgia Apple Festival each fall, Ellijay's setting in the North Georgia mountains make it a sweet place to visit any time of year. You wont see it on most lists of the best places to visit in Georgia. But families also love its outdoor activities at Carters Lake, the Ellijay River, Fort Mountain State Park, and the vast Cohutta Wilderness. Bret grew up camping and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia and North Carolina with his parents, and the couple both spent childhood summers on the water with their grandparents. This gives the town of Brevard a more youthful feel than others on this list. Poli Alert on Instagram: "Georgia Gov. One of the areas most recognizable sights is the white gazebo that sits atop the Sautee-Nacoochee Indian Mound at The Hardman Farm, which was home to a former Governor of Georgia. 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. READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Summerville GA, Size: 2.66 sq miles Approximate Population: 1,629 Official Website. Those with an interest in Civil War history can also visit the Battles For Chattanooga Museum and explore the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, one of the more important sites in Shermans Atlanta campaign. For hiking, head to the Benton Mackaye Trail near Highway 60 and hike to the Toccoa River suspension bridge. A favorite spot among retirees and nature lovers, Mountain City is near Black Rock Mountain State Park, which offers some of the most incredible scenery in the Southeast. READ MORE: The 15 Best Day Trips From Atlanta For Nature Lovers. For more on how we ran the numbers, keep on reading. 1. The Tallulah Gorge Whitewater Release usually held thefirst two weeks of April and November draws kayakers from far and wide to challenge its raging rapids. Milton. So whether youre looking for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or a thrilling outdoor adventure, these 30 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GAand NC will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. She has a passion for writing and storytelling with the hopes of inspiring others to enjoy the great outdoors. Published on 3/17/2016 at 4:12 PM. Helen Restaurants: Many restaurants in Helen trend towards the kitschy German side, with bratwurst and beer steins both common staples. Cartersville. | Save Up To 20%, 8-Day Copenhagen to Berlin River Cruise | Up to 50% Off, Locate Anchorage Activities From Thrilling to Chilling, Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya All-Incl. Morrow is a city in Clayton County, Georgia, United States. Senoia, GA 30276, USA 3. READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County, Size: 3.5 square miles Approximate Population: 653 Official Website. A one-bedroom apartment in this affordable college town can be rented for an average of $640 per month, while the median home price is about $130,000. Popular eateries include the Soda Fountain Caf, Rib Country BBQ, Creekside Deli, and Clydes Table & Tavern. Blue Ridge GA Size: 2.4 square miles Population: 1,400 Official Website Blue Ridge GA was founded in 1886, with the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. It is also roughly an hour and twenty minutes north of both Atlanta and Athens. Things to Do in Cleveland: The town is located in White County, whose Unicoi Georgia Wine Trail features five wineries and nine tasting rooms. Tiger Mountain Vineyard and Stonewall Creek Vineyards are nearby for wine enthusiasts, and there are great outdoor dining spots where you can enjoy views of the mountains while you drink and dine. Or spend a day hiking in Vogel State Park, one of the oldest and most cherishedGeorgia State Parks & Historic Sites. Dont miss the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, which showcases the Blue Ridge regions rich history through rotating exhibits and galleries. We Analyzed 2,500+ US Resorts These Are The 15 Highest-Rated on TripAdvisor, 13 Best Vacation Rentals in Dunedin, Florida, 13 Best Places to Stay in Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico, 12 Best All-Inclusive Adults-Only Resorts in Punta Cana, 10 Inexpensive Things To Do in Savannah, Georgia, The Babe Cave Airbnb in Atlanta is a Pink Paradise, Top 13 Luxury Hotels in Madeira, Portugal, Top 13 Luxury Vacation Rentals in Puerto Rico, 11 Romantic Airbnbs in Paris with Eiffel Tower Views, 15 Best Hotels Near Art Institute of Chicago, 15 Best Hotels Near Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC. Cartersville Restaurants: There are more than 100 Cartersville restaurants to choose from. The town is also only about an hour from Atlanta, so its easy to get here or take a side trip here on a weekend. Dillard, GA 12. Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Also known as the Qualla Boundary, the Cherokee reservation isnt technically part of North Carolina, but a sovereign nation. These are our favorite mountain towns to see for yourself and relax and unwind in when you visit Georgia. Dahlonega, GA 10. For a breathtaking panoramic view of the Blue Ridge peaks, check out Jump Off Rock, which is located just five miles from downtown Hendersonville. Known as the Land of the Waterfalls, Brevard NC is home to over 200 waterfalls, including Moore Cove Falls, Wintergreen Falls, Hooker Falls, and Upper Bearwallow Falls, just to name a few. The town of Blairsville is a wonderful place to be in Georgia if you love nature. Those who prefer a more relaxing day can explore the quaint downtown area. 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. Christmas in Helen GA is also not to be missed! The University of Georgia helped make Athens one of the most liberal parts of the state, if not as liberal (or as vote-rich) as similar college towns in the Midwest and Northeast, and the. Popular wineries here are Wolf Mountain Vineyards and the Montaluce Winery. . Things to Do in Rome GA:With its 13.5-mile Downtown Heritage Trail System, the Rome spur of U.S. 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. Population: 6,594Percent Democrat: 83.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $15.55# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.33More on Lovejoy:Photos |Data, Population: 7,076Percent Democrat: 83.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $4.12# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.03More on Morrow:Photos |Data. Many of the trails take you to beautiful cascading waterfalls, such as Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Whitewater Falls. Any of these towns where we have found homes to relocate to that would lean left? Chattanooga is probably your closest liberalish city. Home to a laid-back downtown filled with arts and crafts galleries, bookstores, restaurants, and more, Bryson City NC boasts undeniable small-town charm. 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. 2023 Best Places to Retire in Georgia - Niche 8 North Georgia Towns You Need to Visit - Explore Georgia.org Even if hiking isnt your thing, theres plenty to do in the town of Clayton. Theres more to do in Clayton, which is just 6 miles away. 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. Angel Falls, Panther Falls, and Minnehaha Falls are all adjacent to Lake Rabun, while Tallulah Gorge is less than 5 miles away. Golfers can head to the Butternut Creek Golf Course or the Old Union Golf Course to play a game.