Dahlonega Restaurants: The historic Smith House Inn offers excellent family-style dinners, while the award-winning Oar House Restaurant offers classic cuisine on riverside decks. READ MORE: Things to Do at Grandfather Mountain State Park in Banner Elk NC, Size: 1.59 sq miles Approximate Population: 1,903 Official Website. Here's a short list of candidates poised to become the South's Next Great Mountain Town. The Bartram Trail is a recommended spot for hiking, and it extends through North Georgia to the North Carolina border. The population was 9,892 at the 2010 census. sweatypapertowels bro get out of georgia. Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in Georgia Lake Blue Ridge, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett 1. Cherry Log, GA 7. At Montaluce Winery, the rolling landscape and Italianate villa channel the Tuscan countryside, while Wolf Mountain . Theres also 3 lakes (Tallulah Falls. Things to Do in Blairsville GA: Blairsville is home to Vogel State Park, the Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, and beautiful stretches of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. #1 Most Diverse Places to Live in Georgia Scottdale Suburb of Atlanta, GA 23 reviews Current Resident: Scottdale is an up and coming neighborhood full of great families! Though there are only 47 permanent residents, the tiny town (1.2 square miles) is a seasonal hotspot thanks to its prime location in the mountains of North Georgia. As such it has awe-inspiring views of nature and is a featured stop along the Appalachian Railway Train. We then measured the voting record and donation data to determine which places lean the most rightward in their allegiances by: Next, we ranked each city from 1 to 125 for each of the criteria where number one was the most liberal. Brooks, GA, zip code 30205 Good Hope, GA, zip code 30641 Lookout Mountain, GA, zip code 30750 In general, Republicans have a wider range of choices across the state, though the towns tend to be of smaller size than neighborhoods inside Atlanta city limits. It is located approximately nine miles south of Atlanta and is part of the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta Metropolitan Statistical Area. The often crowded Alpine village combines Bavarian and Southern influences, with cobblestone paths, German architecture, and beer gardens all around. Located just an hour drive north of Atlanta, Ellijay GA is an enchanting town that welcomes visitors to the foothills of the states Blue Ridge region. Nature lovers should be sure to visit the expansive Hamilton Gardens, a botanical garden that is home to more than 3,000 plants and the largest collection of rhododendrons in the state. With Berry College at its northern end and three rivers (the Coosa, Etowah, and Oostanaula) meeting in its center, the town offers a unique mixture of rural and urban Georgias past and future. If youre looking for the traditional trappings of small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains historic downtown areas, charming shops, with lots of restaurants to choose from sleepy Cherry Log GA might not be the spot for you. 1) Washington, D.C. We also explored countless waterfalls, including Angel Falls, Becky Branch Falls, Panther Falls & Angle Falls, Hemlock Falls, and Minnehaha Falls. READ MORE: The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA, Size: 6.17 square miles Approximate Population: 969 Official Website. Portland, OR Population: ~647,000 (okay, not so small) Known for microbrews, biking, caring for the environment, and strip clubs! Population: 10,442Percent Democrat: 79.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $27.0# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.53More on Doraville:Photos |Data. READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Summerville GA, Size: 2.66 sq miles Approximate Population: 1,629 Official Website. There are a total of 629 towns and cities in the state of Georgia. It is famous for its Bavarian-style buildings, because stopping here is literally like stepping into a different setting. Population: 22,022Percent Democrat: 79.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $146.78# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 1.24More on Decatur:Photos |Data. deals, and more! Theres also paddling Big Cedar Creek and hiking the Pinhoti Trail. Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. READ MORE: The Tragic Story Behind Adairsvilles Barnsley Gardens Resort Ruins. Population: 48,857Percent Democrat: 79.1%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $33.95# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.29More on Dunwoody:Photos |Data. In the town of Burnsville, youll find loadsshopping and restaurant options, the rich cultural offerings of the Toe River Arts scene, stargazing at theMayland Earth to Sky Park, anddriving numerous Quilt Trails. The Rocky Mountain Public Recreation & Fishing Area is not much further, and Cloudland Canyon State Park is 30-40 minutes away. READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Clayton GA, Size: 4.01 sq miles Approximate Population: 4,320 Official Website. Editors Note: We updated this article for 2019. You can also zipline at Unicoi, pan for gold at Dukes Creek Mines, or celebrate Oktoberfest. Shortline Trail). GA 5. Flickr JR P. Darien is one of the premier coastal towns in Georgia. Strolling along the lovely shops, art galleries, antique stores, and restaurants in Hendersonville, NC, youll quickly see why many people predict this will be Western North Carolinas next boom town. Things to Do in Cartersville: For history buffs,Cartersville is home to the Bartow History Museum, Rose Lawn Museum, and Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities, traditional food and dance, and an all-around festival of fun. Things to Do in Dawsonville: In addition to the AT and Amicalola Falls, Dawsonville offers adventures on the Etowah and Amicalola Rivers and hiking the Dawson Forest. Join them and their team as they explore the region, offering expert insights on Blue Ridge travel as they search for the perfect mountain home. The mountain towns that are scattered throughout the Blue Ridge region add to the blissful experience with their complex history, not to mention rich Appalachian culture. Of course, those numbers tend to swell during the busy tourist season, especially once the Fall colors in NC start popping. It boasts 31 campsites and plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. But we also want to see the heart of these North Georgia mountain towns, to learn more about their Appalachian history and culture (especially art, music, and restaurants). Christmas in Helen GA is also not to be missed! 3. It's a hidden gem located along the Atlantic Ocean coast. Visitors can also explore an underground gold mine and try their luck at panning for gold, or visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum to learn about the towns rich history. Known as the Land of the Waterfalls, Brevard NC is home to over 200 waterfalls, including Moore Cove Falls, Wintergreen Falls, Hooker Falls, and Upper Bearwallow Falls, just to name a few. Its also home to popular natural attractions such as Lake Allatoona, Red Top Mountain State Park, George Washington Carver Park, and more. Truth. The unincorporated town of 1,761 centers around Historic Lakemont Village, which includes some buildings dating back to 1910. After a long day of exploration, the towns appeal continues with an impressive array of lodging options that includes cabins, campsites, and historic inns dating back as far as 1846. 15 Cutest Small Towns in The South USA 1. Air & 9-Day Guided Tour of Southern Italy, 8-Day River Cruise: Burgundy to the Camarge, 8-Day Douro River Cruise from Portugal to Spain, 6-Day Finland Winter Wonderland Guided Tour, Plan the Ultimate Trip w/ the Anchorage Travel Guide, Start Planning Your Urban & Wild Anchorage Getaway, 9-Day Danube River Cruise w/ 3-Nt Romania Hotel, Discover Anchorage's Local Flavor: Dining, Pubs & more, 7-Day Mantua to Venice River Cruise | Up to 50% Off, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos All-Incl. For lake recreation, head over to Lake Nottely or Lake Trahylta. Its got a bustling downtown area, a vibrant arts and restaurant scene, an increasingly progressive cultural identity, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Georgia mountains. Currently, Christina is a senior at Kennesaw State University where she is studying Journalism and Emerging Media. While the beach itself isn't the most beautiful, riding a bike around the island is always pretty, There are also great lookout spots if you know where to go! Located on Lake Chatuge near the North Carolina border, Hiawassee is widely considered one of the most beautiful places in Georgia. Stone Mountain is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. They have a Democratic mayor for what it's worth. The Most Liberal Cities in the US. Although the mountains of Georgia arent quite as tall as the ones out west, there are still plenty of beautiful and blissful mountain towns that are perfect for disconnecting from the world and getting in touch with nature. To take in as much of this intriguing historic town as you can, start at the downtown HendersonvilleVisitor Center, where the helpful staff can give you an overview of all the cool things to do in town. Bret grew up camping and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia and North Carolina with his parents, and the couple both spent childhood summers on the water with their grandparents. Blue Ridge Restaurants:From Harvest On Main and Rum Cake Lady to the Sweet Shoppe bakery, the restaurants in Blue Ridge are second to none. Bend, OR Population: ~94,500 Known for outdoor adventure. With a reputation for being one of the best places for snow skiing in North Carolina, Boone has fantastic ski lodges such as the Beech Mountain Resort and the Sugar Mountain Resort (the largest ski and snowboard area in NC). For a sampling of the best, take a Blue Ridge Mountains Food Tour. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie. There are two very different sides to the city of Helen, one of the most popular places to vacation in the Georgia mountains. READ MORE: The 10 Best Christmas Towns in Georgia to Visit Best Places to Live in the Georgia Mountains Guide 1. Even if you dont choose to stay there, its definitely worthy of a day trip visit. READ MORE: The 10 Best Kayaking Rivers in Georgia, Size: 1.14 square miles Approximate Population: 99. Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. READ MORE:The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Dahlonega GA. READ MORE: Fall in the Mountains of North Georgia (Where to See the Best Fall Colors). Its not difficult to understand why so many people love takinggetaways to the Blue Ridge Mountains, whichstretch 550 miles from North Georgia to southern Pennsylvania. The Green Mountain State, which elected presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders to the Senate. Downtown Waynesville is one of the most walkable areas weve visited in the Blue Ridge region, with quaint shops, art galleries, bakeries, and an array of fantastic Waynesville restaurants. The cities with the highest percentage of voters who voted Democrat and gave the most to liberals where named the most liberal cities in the state.Here are the 10 most liberal places in Georgia for 2019:Riverdale (Photos)Forest Park (Photos)Lovejoy (Photos)Morrow (Photos)Doraville (Photos)Stone Mountain (Photos)Dunwoody (Photos)Decatur (Photos)Clarkston (Photos)Chamblee (Photos). But its location in Rabun County, just south of North Carolina mountain towns, ensures there are plenty of outdoor activities and attractions for visitors and locals alike. NASCAR fans will enjoy Gordon Pirkles Dawsonville Pool Room and the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, and the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery is definitely worth stopping by. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. But Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern, Cimmis Courtyard Caf, and Mullys Nacoochee Grill definitely stand out above the pack. We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship. Athens is one of the few "liberal"-type towns outside Atlanta that is anywhere near mountains (and mountain lakes). The town is also known for having some of the best mountain golfing around, with beloved courses such as the Headwaters Golf Club and Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club. For a breathtaking panoramic view of the Blue Ridge peaks, check out Jump Off Rock, which is located just five miles from downtown Hendersonville. Some of the areas best restaurants are very close to the picturesque campus. The town is known as one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Georgia. "A stunning mountain town, very close to two national forests and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so the outdoor hiking and exploring opportunities are endless. She has a passion for writing and storytelling with the hopes of inspiring others to enjoy the great outdoors. But with buildings such as the 1847 Adairsville Depot History Museum and the 1902 Stock Exchange & Public Opera House, it feels like a timeless slice of Georgia history. READ MORE:The 10 Best State Parks With Cabins In Georgia. They might be located in or near the mountains, making it easy to access and enjoy the beautiful landscape. READ MORE:The 15 Best Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains. Suches Restaurants:There are really only 3 restaurants in Suches Bootleggers Grille, Wildcat BBQ, and the biker-friendly Two Wheels of Suches (also a campground in North Georgia/lodge). The most popular is visiting Brasstown Valley Resort, which features102 guest rooms, 8 cabins,a full-service spa, horseback riding tours, 18-hole golf course, an excellent restaurant, and stunning scenic overlooks. Cantaberry Restaurant, River Street Tavern, and the Cajun Depot Grill are also highly rated. Then well take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in Georgia. Located in the Oothcalooga Valley, halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga, the north Georgia town of Adairsville has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987. The lakes of James H Floyd State Park are 3 miles from downtown. From Rabun Bald's 4,696-foot summit in the county's furthest northern corner, to the nearly 1,000-foot deep Tallulah Gorge at the county's southern end, Rabun County is diverse in ways that offer a mountain experience that's quite unique. When our outdoor adventures take us to the natural areas near some of the best small towns in Georgia, were also taking time to explore those towns for ourselves. The University of Georgia helped make Athens one of the most liberal parts of the state, if not as liberal (or as vote-rich) as similar college towns in the Midwest and Northeast, and the. Located about 15 miles west of Blowing Rock and Boone, the town of Banner Elk is bordered by Beech Mountain to the north and Sugar Mountain and Grandfather Mountain to the south. With a growing population of 22,151, its one of the larger North Georgia cities, with thriving cultural offerings such as the Booth Western Art Museum and the Tellus Science Museum. Also called Sautee-Nacoochee, this mountain town is rich with history, culture, and heritage. Best known for the relaxing attraction for which it is named, Hot Springs offers an authentic small town atmosphere. Most of the hotel accommodations are at least a few miles away from the center of town. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. What makes Cherry Log a welcome change-of-pace in the increasingly bustling North Georgia mountainscan be summed up in 3 words: Location, location, location. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 18,468. Blairsville. Things to Do in Tallulah Falls:The park boasts hiking trails around the rim and into the gorge, as well as incredible views from the suspension bridge. Cave Spring, GA 6. Experienced hikers who start early should consider doing the 12-mile hike from the Warwoman Road Trailhead to Beegum Gap because this route passes through some of the most beautiful spots in the region. Growing up in rural south Georgia, Christina Maggitas developed a love for nature at a young age and spent the majority of her formative years outdoors.