Away from the fast city life of Atlanta, northeast Georgia offers plenty of attractions for residents and visitors. The small mountain towns feature sites and activities for families. Other parts of the area are home to resorts, outdoor attractions and scenic places. Most of the notable places are outdoors, and you can enjoy them throughout most of the year.
Along U.S. Highway 44, near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, visit Goats on the Roof, a family attraction with live goats that love to climb along bridges. Kids --- and adults --- can mine for gems at Old Goat Mining Company, feed the goats and purchase food, candy and gifts from the store. The facility also offers birthday parties.
Goats on the Roof
3026 Highway 441 S.
Tiger, GA 30576
706-782-2784
goats-on-the-roof.com
Near the German-decorated streets of downtown Helen in the northeast Georgia mountains, Helen Tubing & Waterpark offers water rides on site and tours along the Chattahoochee River nearby. At the water park, guests can ride the lazy river and four large slides without worrying about the raging waters on the Chattahoochee River. But for more adventurous travelers, the company also provides trips to the Chattahoochee River from May to September.
Helen Tubing & Waterpark
9917 Highway 75 N.
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-1082
helentubing.com
Near the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest in Blue Ridge, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway takes guests on a four-hour, 26-mile round trip from the small mountain town through other small historic towns in north Georgia and Tennessee. From March to December, guests ride along the Murphy Junction, a railroad built in the late 1800s along the Toccoa River, with short layovers in McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
241 Depot St.
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
877-413-8724
brscenic.com
About 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta, is Lake Lanier Islands Resort. At the facility, guests have plenty to do near Lake Sidney Lanier. Adults can relax at its spa or 18-hole golf course before heading to one of the three resort restaurants. Families also can visit the Chattahoochee Rapids Beach & Water Park at the resort for water slides and a giant wave pool. The resort also offers horseback riding, camping and special events throughout the year.
Lake Lanier Islands Resort
7000 Holiday Road
Lake Lanier Islands, GA 30518
800-840-5253
lakelanierislands.com
Along Interstate 85 in northeast Georgia, you'll find the enchanting the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. Adults can take tours of 75 acres of vineyards and accompanying winery, complete with wine tastings and a store. They also can get active with resort golfing, tennis and bike trails. Travelers also can relax with a trip to the spa before dining at several on-site restaurants and then retreating to the romantic inn.
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
100 Rue Charlemagne
Braselton, Georgia 30517
800-233-9463
chateauelan.com
