Northeast Georgia is home to various types of towns and topographies. Although most of the region is made up of mountainous areas and those near lakes, it’s also home to several college towns, large cities and small communities.
Home of the Georgia Bulldogs football team, Athens is home to college students, professionals and young families, many of whom are alumni of the University of Georgia. The town, which has a large population with a small-town atmosphere, features a vibrant downtown area filled with restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, as well as more laid-back areas, like the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, antebellum homes, the Georgia Museum of Art and the campus of UGA. It is convenient to Interstate 85 and Georgia Highway 316, which lead to Atlanta. Other college towns in Northeast Georgia, although not as large and attraction-filled, include Toccoa, home to Toccoa Falls College, and Young Harris, with a college of the same name.
The University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-0842
uga.edu
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
2450 S. Milledge Ave.
Athens, GA 30605
706-542-1244
uga.edu/botgarden
Georgia Museum of Art
90 Carlton St.
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-4662
Historic Gainesville can fit many people’s lifestyles--young couples will enjoy the city, families will enjoy quiet neighborhoods and other adults will enjoy the lake regions. Nestled on the popular Lake Lanier, the city also features parks and recreation areas, the Chattahoochee Golf Course, nature centers, a speedway and a historic downtown area with shops, restaurants and seasonal festivals. Nearby are attractions such as Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton and the North Georgia mountains. Another popular lake community is Lake Hartwell.
Chattahoochee Golf Course
301 Tommy Aaron Drive
Gainesville, GA 30506
770-532-0066
chattahoocheecountryclub.com?
NASCAR Lanier National Speedway
1 Raceway Drive
Braselton, GA 30517
770-967-8600
lanierspeedway.com?
Chateau Elan Winery and Resort
100 Rue Charlemagne
Braselton, GA 30517
678-425-0900
chateauelan.com
The mountain town of Dahlonega features nature areas, perfect for hiking, biking and site seeing, and it’s also home to a historic downtown district full of Southern charm. Throughout the year, locals gather at mountain musical shows and festivals, winery tours and vineyards, area golf mines and corn mazes, day spas and resorts or just in the great outdoors. Southern restaurants and shops are aplenty throughout the city.
A traditional small Southern town, Blue Ridge feels welcoming to anyone. The downtown is home to an old depot station, park and courthouse, locals don’t find much flare in the close-knit community, but they find enjoyment in outdoor attractions like Mercier’s Orchard and the scenic railway. More natural sites include the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest and area lakes and camps. Southern homemade cooking is on the menu at most restaurants, and shoppers will find country arts and crafts, mountain accessories and antiques in many of the stores.
Mercier’s Orchard
8660 Blue Ridge Drive
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-2364
mercier-orchards.com
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
241 Depot St.
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-632-9833
brscenic.com
Chattahoochee National Forest
1755 Cleveland Highway
Gainesville, GA 30501
770-297-3000
fs.fed.us/conf
