North Georgia Cities to Visit

Georgia is scattered with hidden-gems of cities, especially in the Northern part of the state. Some of the more popular cities are Dahlonega, Helen and Blue Ridge, but there are several more that offer great views and good eats that make for the perfect day-trip or weekend-getaway.

Dahlonega, GA- Known as the location of the first major U.S. Gold Rush, Dahlonega is home to beautiful mountains and a charming downtown area, all in the Heart of Georgia Wine Country. You can find things to do that range from, panning for gold, shopping, wine tasting, and historic tours and attractions.

Some of the best places to pan for gold in Dahlonega are Consolidated Gold Mine where they offer an underground Gold Mine Tour and Crisson Gold Mine where you can not only pan for gold, but also a variety of gemstones. This is perfect for the whole family!

Blue Ridge, GA- Voted as one of the 2021 South’s Best Mountain Towns by Southern Living Magazine, Blue Ridge, Ga has so much to offer. Downtown Blue Ridge is a must! It offers a quaint, yet popping town, full of restaurants like, Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill, Harvest on Main , and The Black Sheep Restaurant some of the best places to grab an after dinner sweet like The Sweet Shoppe and The Chocolate Express. You can also find some local shops; Blue Ridge Cotton Company , Huck’s General Store, and The Ridge Boutique.

The Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Ga is another attraction that draws people to this area. Perfect for fall, the train ride allows you a new way to view fall foliage. They also offer a Holiday Express train ride during the Christmas Season to get your family and you in the holiday season.

Canton, GA- Located just an hour from Atlanta, this is a city that lots of people call home. It offers a Historic Downtown area with place to eat and socialize. Goin’ Coastal is a great restaurant located on the downtown strip. A personal favorite of mine, Bizarre Coffee is a locally owned business, worth the drive to taste their ever-changing seasonal coffee and espresso drinks.

Dawsonville, GA- Dawsonville is home to the very popular hiking spot, Amicalola Falls State Park , that houses a 729 foot waterfall. This city is also home of the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery , if that is a drink that tickles your fancy.

For all you shopping lovers, who also love to find a good deal, then you’re in luck! The North Georgia Premium Outlets feature over 140 stores with lots of saving waiting with your name on it!

Helen, GA- Prepared to be transported! Helen is a unique city that makes you feel like you’ve traveled all the way to a European destination with its Germany-inspired architecture. Helen has so much to offer, from art galleries and historic sites, to outdoor activities and wine and beer tastings.

You can expect to find a variety of food options in this North Georgia town. Soda Jerks Ice Cream , The Troll Tavern, Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Café, and Bigg Daddys Restaurant and Tavern are just a few of the amazing eateries you can find nested in the city of Helen.

Lookout Mountain, Ga- Located just south of the Georgia-Tennessee border, Lookout Mountain, Ga is about as North Georgia as you can get. It is home to the very popular, Rock City Gardens . Here you get to experience so many breath-taking views like Lover’s Leap, and learn about its history. You also get to dive into a fairy-tale like world and explore the Fairyland Caverns that hold sculptures and gnomes that depict famous fairytale scenes.