Jeanette

“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” – John Muir

For those who don’t know me, I am divorced and have been remarried for three years. I came into the marriage with a son, and my husband Jeff has two daughters, and all three kids have spring and summer birthdays. When school starts again in the fall, their ages will be 10, 11, and 12. It’s been an adventure having three kids so close in age!

One of our favorite family activities is taking trips to North Georgia, especially the area around Hiawassee. Last summer we cancelled our summer family vacation because of COVID-19 and instead went to North Georgia for a full week. We had taken many day and weekend trips to North Georgia before, but I was worried the kids would get bored being there a full week. I was pleasantly surprised that we all had a great time and never ran out of things to do.

Here are a few of our favorite North Georgia activities for some summer fun within an easy drive from Atlanta!

1. Enota Mountain Retreat

This is one of our favorite places! We’ve gone for the day and also camped multiple nights. There is a lot to do, including two hikes to waterfalls, farm animals to visit, and a stocked trout pond. They have camp sites for tents and campers, cabins, and you can also purchase a day pass. Most, if not all, of the camp sites are right on the stream.

2. Lake Chatuge Beach

It’s small but kept clean and is a fun area to swim and play in the sand. There is also a covered picnic area and a nice playground right on the lake. This is a wonderful spot to spend an afternoon with the kids.

3. Splash Island

While not a personal favorite, the kids would definitely put this inflatable obstacle course on the water at the top of their list. They beg to go back multiple days in a row. Jeff goes out onto the course with the kids while I relax in a chair in the shade and watch them wear themselves out.

4. Brasstown Bald

Gorgeous views and you can either ride a shuttle to the top or take the very steep .6 mile walking trail.

5. Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm

This was a fun (and free!) rainy day activity with the kids. Spend an hour or two learning about and feeding alpacas and browse alpaca art available for purchase.

6. TrackRock Stables

The kids had a blast on the two-hour trail ride. We haven’t been yet, but they also have a camp ground with camp sites and cabins, a lake, playground, game room, and other activities.

7. Cool River Tubing and Helen, GA

We love spending a day in Helen checking out the shops, eating German food, and then cooling off on a tube ride down the river.

8. Live music at various venues

Search online for weekend live music in Blue Ridge, Blairsville, and Hiawassee, and you will find many restaurants, bars, and wineries. We particularly like ones that are dog friendly and recommend Grumpy Old Men Brewery in Blue Ridge. The kids liked petting the dogs and eating Jeff’s hot dogs, my husband Jeff enjoyed the beer, and while I was bummed they didn’t have any wine on the menu, their flavored hard seltzers were delicious. They even have water bowls and treats for the furry guests. https://grumpyoldmenbrewing.com/

Let me know if you visit any of these places based on my recommendation and have a wonderful summer!