Area Info
The combination of mountains and lakes in Southwestern North Carolina and North Georgia make this area one of the most scenic in the country. The scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, communities and culture have created a mecca for retirees, those seeking a weekend retreat, and investors. While this attraction has spurred significant growth, there are still many areas that are far off the beaten path for those seeking peace and quiet. For those interested in the arts and local culture, the many small towns have much to offer with historic squares, music, and arts & crafts.
Boating/Swimming/Fishing
With many lakes in the area, options for watersports abound. There are many public access sites for boating, swimming and fishing. Each lake (with the exception of Lake Apalachia) has public marinas where powerboat rentals are available. Renting a boat is a great way to spend a day and gain a better appreciation of the area. This area offers excellent bass fishing and world class trout/fly fishing.Upper Hi Fly in Hiawassee can provide gear rental and guide services for fly fishing.
Marinas
Lake ChatugeRidges Resort & Marina - 706-896-4300
Chatuge Cove Marina - 828-389-6155
Boundary Waters Resort & Marina - 800-323-3562
Lake Nottely
Nottely Marina - 706-745-3638
Kayaking/Canoeing
There are many paddling opportunities available for whitewater and flat water (recreational) enthusiasts. During all but the busiest weekends, morning and evening paddles on the lakes make for peaceful relaxation. Kayak/Canoe rentals and/or tours are available at The Ridges Resort & Marina or Boundary Waters Resort & Marina.Hiking
This is a hiker’s paradise. There are endless trails in the surrounding mountains of varying levels of difficulty. The following web sites have great info. on specific trails and hikes:georgiatrails.com/
georgiahikes.com/main.asp
http://www.mountaintravelguide.com/
Golf
Several area courses offer mountain golf at its finest.
Brasstown Valley Resort - Generally regarded as the area’s best course with a rolling links layout, superb maintenance and first class amenities. 706-379-9900
Chatuge Shores - A local favorite with low greens fees and a scenic and challenging layout. 828-389-8940
Ridges Resort Golf Course - Nice mountain layout with brand new clubhouse. Views of Lake Chatuge. 888-834-4409
Movies/Entertainment
Fun World - Arcade, Indoor mini-golf, go-carts and more. 1159 Jack Dayton, Young Harris, GA 30582. 706-896-7777Fieldstone Cinemas Six 1159 Jack Dayton, Young Harris, GA 30582706-896-6843
Bald Mountain Cinema 3 1650 Backyard Lane off Hwy 515/76 in Blairsville 706.745.8222
Arts/Crafts
John C. Campbell Folk School - Nationally renowned fine Art classes, history center and gift shop. Fall Craft Fair is an annual highlight 800-365-5724David Goldhagen Glass Studio 828-389-8847
Theatre/Music
Licklog Players 828-389-8632Mountain Area Performing Arts Association Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191
Places of Interest
Brasstown BaldCrane Creek Vineyards - 706-379-1236
Lodging
Here are a few recommended lodging options. For a more comprehensive list, check the Chamber of Commerce websites below. The Ridges Resort offers a discount to all Exit clients (contact us (link) for details.Brasstown Valley Resort
Upscale resort, spa and golf inspired by the Adirondack great camps.
6321 Highway 76
Young Harris, GA30582
Phone: 706-379-9900 or 800-201-3205
Fax: 706-379-9999
Deerfield Inn
Hwy 64 East
Hayesville, NC28904
Contact: Jackie and Rich Gagnon
Phone: 828-389-8272
Fax: 828-389-9303
Email: customerservice@deerfield-inn.com
The Ridges Resort & Club
Lakefront resort offering discounts to Appalachian Lakes Realty clients (Contact Us for details). 3499 US Highway 76 West Young Harris, GA30582 Phone: 706-896-1886 or 888-834-4409 Fax: 706-896-1865
Restaurants
This is a list of our favorite local restaurants, for a complete listing of local restaurants see the various chamber of commerce web sites listed at the bottom of this page.
Alazan Mexican Restaurant
Tex/Mex & Authentic Mexican Food
Location: 964 Hwy 69 S. Blaircreek Plaza
Brasstown Valley Resort
Fine dining, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - picturesque mountain views complimenting every meal. One of the best sunset views from porch overlooking the golf course. Also casual dining (lunch & dinner) available at McDivot's Sports Pub or relax in the Fireside Lounge.
Location: Hwy 76 in Young Harris, GA - 706.379.9900 or 800.201.3205
Cherokee Grill
The Ridges Resort & Club
1750 Mountain Harbour Drive
Hayesville, NC28904
Phone: 828-389-6200
www.theridgesresort.com
Description: Highly acclaimed Chef James Reaux invites you to the ultimate fine dining experience in the mountains.
Country Cottage Restaurant
Casual dining, home cooked food and home made desserts. Affordable prices, and a wide ranged menu.
Open: Mon. - Sat. 6:30 am - 9:00 pm & Sun. 6:30 am - 8:00 pm
Location: Hwy 69 S.
Cottage Deli
Boars Head Meats, salad bar, weekend breakfast buffet. NY style deli sandwiches and entrees.
Open: Mon. - Fri. 10:30 am - 8:00 pm, Sat. 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, & Sun. 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Hwy 69 S.
Donna's Restaurant
101 S. Main Street, Suite 1
Hiawassee, GA30546
Phone: 706-896-8194
Old Hiawassee Grille
3379 US Hwy 76
Hiawassee, GA
30546
Phone: 706-896-4141 or 888-834-4309
Description: Take a trip through the Hiawassee of yesteryear and sample some of our regional favorites.
Open Mon.-Sat. for lunch and dinner. Sunday for brunch. Early bird specials on Tuesday - Friday.
Rib Country
Grill
Delicious smoked Bar-B-Q Ribs and sliced meat with the choice of fix-in's you'd expect at a great Bar-B-Q Restaurant.
Location: 580 Hwy 69 - 828.389.9597
Open: Daily for lunch & dinner.
No reservations necessary.
Sequoyah
The Ridges Resort and Club
1750 Mountain Harbour Drive
Hayesville, NC28904
Phone: 828-389-6200
Description: Highly acclaimed Chef James Reaux invites you to ultimate fine dining experience in the mountains.
Taste of Chicago
Lunch & dinner.
Location: Crossroads Plaza Corner of Hwy 76 & 17/69
Open: Mon. - Thurs. 11:00 am - 8:00 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
706.896.8922
Yacht Club
Casual Lakefront Dining
Arrive by water (free boat slips for patrons) or land. Live music on weekends. Sports bar and lakeside Tiki bar.
3379 Hwy 76 West, Hiawassee, GA 30546 - Next door to the Ridges Marina.
706.896.1919
Chamber of Commerce Links
Clay County Chamber of CommerceTowns County Chamber of Commerce
Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
Blairsville—Union County Chamber of Commerce
Other Area Links
Tennessee Valley Authority