Whether Sipping Wine in Dahlonega, Dining in Blue Ridge, Walking the Appalachian Trail, Fishing or Rafting the Toccoa River, North Georgia may be just your cup of Moonshine (or Apple Cider)!
The mountain region in North Georgia is home to more than 20 wineries! In this part of the state you can experience creative blends and varietals, celebrating and highlighting the region's finest flavors. Wolf Mountain, Three Sisters, and Frogtown are some of my favorites. Each has an individual atmosphere with some more rustic or quaint than the others. Montaluce Winery & Restaurant is a more upscale winery experience, suitable for weddings and fine dinning. Another favorite of mine is Odom Springs Vineyards, located at 637 Odom Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512. Tell Shari Odom I said hello and ask for the Naughty if you like dry fruity reds. For locations and details on Georgia wines visit a detailed blog by Blue Sky Cabins.
If hiking is your desire, you will find beautiful trails everywhere. The Appalachian Trail starts near Dahlonega at Springer Mountain. A variety of other Georgia State trails and National Forest trails exist nearby. The Chattahoochee National Forest hosts a variety of scenic trails. Not far off of State Road 60, you will find the famous swinging bridge over the Toccoa River. This is a popular destination for day-hikers on the Benton MacKaye Trail and paddlers on the Toccoa River Canoe Trail. The 270 foot long bridge is renown as the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River.
Perhaps you like sipping on white lightning. The best moonshine in this part of the country can be found at Grandaddy Mimm's, (112 Wellborn Street in Blairsville). This rustic and relaxing environment has more than a dozen moonshine, bourbon and vodka varieties for your sipping enjoyment....at the distillery or to take home. Either way you will be happy when you stop in. Make sure to check out the Sweet Tea Bourbon. Check out my other article on Grandaddy Mimms and Tommy Townsend.
Don't forget your fishing pole. There are a tremendous number of fantastic streams in and around the Chattahoochee National Forest for fishing. Trout fishing is allowed year round. More details on fishing licensing and rules can be found at Georgia Fishing Regulations. Don't forget to visit the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery near Suches. Here you will see seemingly millions of trout at all stages, some ready to enter the North Georgia rivers and streams.
Don't forget to check out the quant towns and villages such as Helen, Blue Ridge and Blairsville. Each has a unique flavor - Helen is all about Germany. Here you can enjoy a very satisfying schnitzel and a glass of Riesling or German beer. Blue Ridge has numerous quant shops and eateries. Blairsville and Dahlonega have the quintessential town square with wonderful places to shop, eat and sample wine and distilled beverages.
Regardless of how long you can stay, you will find the mountains of North Georgia a relaxing experience. I recommend staying in a cabin, getting as close to nature as you dare. After all there is plenty of wildlife to experience. Leave the city experience for other trips.