There are plenty of wonderful things to do in the scenic North Georgia Mountains this winter, but one thing may not yet be on your radar. The Hardman Farm State Historic Site, just 30 minutes from our North Georgia Bed and Breakfast near Helen, is a charming place to visit in the winter. Not only does this historic farm include a beautiful 1870 Italianate estate and a unique connection to Native American history, but it also puts on a fantastic holiday celebration.
There are centuries of history at the Hardman Farm State Historic Site, which also happens to be the newest state historic site in Georgia. There are 19 total outbuildings preserved on the 173-acre Hardman Farm State Historic Site, including the stunningly well-preserved estate mansion, a former dairy farm, and much more. Visits to the Hardman Farm State Historic Site also offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about the area’s rich Native American History.
Though visits to the Hardman Farm State Historic Site are always interesting, they are exceptional during the holidays, when they put on a Victorian Christmas celebration. The holidays are celebrated in true style in a spectacle that is nothing short of charming and is a wonderful addition to your romantic getaway in North Georgia.
All this and more is just 30 minutes from our top-rated North Georgia Bed and Breakfast. Our North Georgia Bed and Breakfast offers guests a welcome retreat from an otherwise hectic holiday season. Give yourself the break you deserve, and book a room at our mountain retreat today!
Visit the Hardman Farm State Historic Site This Winter
Though we’re excited for the upcoming holiday celebration at the Hardman Farm State Historic Site, there is so much more to this charming destination in the North Georgia mountains. The Hardman Farm State Historic Site is perhaps best known for the Native American mounds, particularly the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound, pictured above.
This mound is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the North Georgia mountains and is deeply tied to the area’s Native American roots. The mound was most likely a burial site, and it’s thought it was used long before the Cherokee Indians inhabited the area. You can visit the mound and learn more about its history on a self-guided tour of the grounds.
Among other things you’ll see and learn about on this walking tour is the historic Unicoi Turnpike. What remains of this historic 200-mile route is the tree-lined road leading from the Visitor Center to the house. This road began as a Buffalo trail and later served as a vital Native American trading route.
After you’ve toured the grounds and learned more about the history of the Hardman Farm State Historic Site, don’t miss the opportunity to tour the beautiful mansion, which dates back to 1870. The house was built by Captain James Nichols and was later occupied by Dr. Lamartine Hardman, Georgia’s governor from 1927–1931.
On the tour, you’ll see various parts of the house, including the 19th-century parlor, original lighting, an interesting telephone and climate control system, and the bedroom belonging to Anna Ruby Nichols. You’ll also learn more about the family legacies behind the property and how the Nacoochee Dairy that used to operate here in the early 1900s processed and transported its milk.
The Hardman Farm State Historic Site will be open through the end of December before closing until it reopens for the season in March. Until then, it’s open for tours daily from 10 am – 3 pm.
A Victorian Christmas in the North Georgia Mountains
Apart from learning more about the rich history of the Hardman Farm State Historic Site, it’s also a charming place to celebrate the holidays. Every Friday and Saturday in December, join the farm for a historic Victorian Christmas celebration. It gives guests an unprecedented opportunity to step back in time to 1877 and celebrate the season in style.
Through the Victorian Christmas celebration at Hardman Farm State Historic Site, the mansion will be decorated in period-accurate style. There will also be themed actors on-site in period dress, giving you an opportunity to learn about holiday traditions from this era as well.
The Victorian Christmas celebration at Hardman Farm State Historic Site is an open-house event every Friday and Saturday evening. Highlights include twinkling candlelight, live music, stunning decorations, horse-drawn wagon rides, homemade cookies, and more. This year’s musical lineup consists of diverse performers, including a harpist, a local dulcimer group, and local pianists.
In the visitor center, you’ll find a fantastic array of local artists and crafters selling their goods. It’s a great place to pick up a few holiday gifts for those on your list! If you want to attend the Victorian Christmas celebration at Hardman Farm State Historic Site, make sure you pre-register for it.
Step back in time with us this December and enjoy the many charms of a Victorian Christmas. There’s nothing quite like a winter retreat to our North Georgia Bed and Breakfast. The holidays will be here before you know it. Book a room today!
