Georgia is well known for its distinctive wineries, majestic mountains, rich culture and more! Of course, along with its refined restaurants, eclectic shops, and sweeping vistas, you’ll find various tourist attractions that are famous (or infamous) on their own. While all of us at the Glen-Ella Springs Inn understand that these tourist destinations in Georgia are probably not the primary reason you’ve ambled your way to the North Georgia Mountains, but they make for fun things to do in Northeast Georgia.
Are you thinking about planning a vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains? If so, there’s no better place to stay than Glen-Ella Springs Inn in Clarkesville, Georgia. Here, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and go on heart-pumping adventures! Below, we’ve listed four of our favorite ways to spend quality time here in our neck of the woods. Read on to discover the best things to do in Northeast Georgia!
4 Fun Things to Do in Northeast Georgia
1. Explore the Great Outdoors
There are so many ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery of our mountainous region! While you’re here, you’ll want to explore this area as much as possible. The best way to see it all is to soar above the treetops! At North Georgia Canopy Tours, you can embark in an adrenaline-inducing zip line ride. If you’re feeling adventurous, you need to put this activity on your bucket list!
If you prefer to stay grounded, try hiking in North Georgia. There are countless trails to blaze in the area, and they all provide incredible views of the lush landscape. Need to stay cool in the summer? Tubing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing are some other popular activities to try when you’re here.
2. Travel Back in Time
Everyone knows that our region is an outdoorsman’s paradise, but did you know that it’s also historic? North Georgia boasts a rich history involving colorful Cherokee traditions and gold rush fame. One of the most interesting places you should visit during your trip to North Georgia is the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, a fascinating establishment commemorating our country’s first gold rush. Another spot you need to see is the Helen Arts and Heritage Center, a nonprofit art gallery and history museum that strives to honor the lives of local residents (both past and present). Some great places you will want to visit are:
- Loudermilk Boarding House and The Everything Elvis Museum – Although we are a good distance from Elvis’ famous home in Memphis, TN, we do have our own Elvis homage in Cornelia, GA. The boardinghouse is on the National Register of Historic Places was built in 1908. The Everything Elvis Museum is located on the boardinghouse’s third floor and is the largest collection of Elvis memorabilia according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The Museum will host the “Big E” festival on Saturday, August 2nd this year.
- Hickory Flat Pottery – This eclectic shop isn’t only one of the top tourist attractions in Georgia, but it is also still a working pottery studio. The owner and her resident potter continuously mold and shape their clay and skills into some of the finest pottery in Georgia! Be sure to stop by this incredible shop while staying with us at Glen-Ella Springs Inn.
3. Taste North Georgia Wine
If you’re a wine lover, you absolutely must visit a North Georgia vineyard! Most people associate U.S. wine with California’s Napa Valley, but not many know that wine grapes thrive right here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While there are several fantastic wineries in North Georgia, we recommend checking out at least two: Serenity Cellars and Yonah Mountain Vineyards. You’ll be blown away by the sweeping mountain scenery and unique wines!
4. Attend an Event
If you’re still searching for more fun things to do, there’s plenty of entertainment waiting for you! In addition to a multitude of annual events, there’s always a play, show, or concert to attend. The Grant Street Music Room is one of the best places around for live music. They also have a full-service restaurant and bar to enhance your experience.
Come Stay with Us at Glen-Ella Springs Inn!
After spending the day enjoying these things to do in Northeast Georgia, come back to comfort at Glen-Ella Springs Inn! All of the best things to do are tucked off the beaten path, and the same is true of our historic B&B. Our Select Registry inn offers elegant rooms and suites, excellent amenities, and plenty of warm hospitality. Get a good night’s sleep in your plush bed, then wake up to a complimentary gourmet breakfast downstairs. You’ll regain the energy you need to explore our pastoral property (complete with rope swing and mountain stream) and the surrounding wilderness!
