Touring the Mountain Towns of Cleveland/Helen/Dahlonega
Morning
Visit the town of Dahlonega, where the first major U.S. gold rush took place 20 years before the California rush. Dahlonega's commercial district, including the public square, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes many shops and restaurants to explore. Major wineries have discovered the rich, fertile hillsides around Dahlonega, with others scheduled to open up operation in the future. There are plenty of recreational activities, too, including the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail on Springer Mountain nearby.
Lunch: Visit Shenanigan's Irish Pub right off the square, or The Smith House, serving southern home cooking family style. The Crimson Moon or The Corkscrew Café are also good options. Outside of Dahlonega and on your way to Cleveland is The Oar House right next to the Chestatee River - there is even a deck where you can sit right next to the river.
Afternoon
Visit BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland, known as the birthplace of the Original Cabbage Patch Kids. BabyLand General Hospital is open to the public Monday – Saturday, 9 - 5, and Sunday 10 - 5, except certain holidays. Admission is free. The Travel Channel ranks this former turn-of-the-century medical clinic, which once served this Appalachian mountain community, in their countdown of Top 10 Toylands across the nation. The self-guided tour begins in the Fathers' Waiting Room, where a uniformed Licensed Patch Nurse welcomes all visitors. See some of Cabbage Patch Kids' creator Xavier Roberts' earliest soft-sculpture babies on display.
For dinner, try the Creekside Deli with delicious sandwiches and a fabulous cheeseburger.
OR:
Visit one of Georgia's beautiful wineries including Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Three Sisters Vineyards, or Blackstock Vineyards & Winery.
Night
Continue toward Helen to your cabin that you booked with Georgia Mountain Rentals. Their cabins offer a variety of amenities that you won't find in a standard hotel, like hot tubs, DSL, pool tables, fireplaces, outdoor grills and mountain views. There are cabins on the golf course, family cabins, romantic secluded cabins, cabins on the river, and cabins in Helen.
Morning
Explore the community of Helen, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River. Helen is a re-creation of an alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers. This mountain community with a touch of Bavaria has more than 200 shops offering everything from candles to cuckoo clocks. Restaurant options range from a German meal of schnitzel and sauerbraten to a traditional southern meal of grits, country ham, homemade biscuits and gravy. Enjoy river tubing, horseback riding, golf, canoeing, fishing, mountain biking, hiking and more. Festivals and special events include Winefest, Volksmarch, Oktoberfest and Christmas parades, Fourth of July fireworks, and Bavarian Nights of Summer.
Lunch
Try out the Troll Tavern which sits right on the river, serving German and American fare. Or, visit the Nacochee Grill with higher-end cuisine, as well as sandwiches and lunch favorites.
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