Great Getaways in Georgia: Nacoochee Valley

Looking for a great getaway? Want something that appeals to your family or friends? The Nacoochee Valley has the answer for your all of your needs. Whether a weekend or a day trip you have plenty of choices.

 

This valley is home to some unique history in the state of Georgia. Here you can find the site of America's first gold rush, the home of the Cabbage Patch Kids, and a hidden alpine village. You can pan for gold in Dahlonega and celebrate Oktoberfest in Helen. This area does a good job at combining history with tourism.

 

Helen is an alpine village in the foothills of Georgia. It adopted this theme in the late 1960's and is now a slice of Bavaria just a car ride away. Here they celebrate Oktoberfest and Fasching and give you the chance to see, hear, and sample German culture. You can have brotchen at Hofer's or wurst at the Bodensee all before walking to the festhalle.

 

Cleveland is home to the Cabbage Patch Kids. This toy is the creation of Xavier Roberts. It was his work that gave this small town a needed economic boost decades ago. Today you can visit the place where every Cabbage Patch Kid is born Babyland General.  Here you can learn about the history of these toys and watch a doll be born. It may even be the doll you take home with you. This is a fun place to ignite the imagination of young kids and learn some economic history.

 

In Dahlonega you can find Georgia's gold rush. The exciting period in state history that lead to an influx of immigrants and increased pressure to relocate the Cherokee people. Today you can tour Consolidated Gold Mines and trying panning for gold yourself.  Activities that engage the mind and the body. Panning for gold is not as easy as it looks. You can also learn about the history of gold in the region with a tour of the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic site. A museum in the center of town that will give you a sense of the impact gold can have on a region.

Still looking for something else to do? Local vineyards and artisans offer tasty options for your enjoyment. You can also enjoy the outdoors with a visit to Unicoi State Park or spend some time tubing in the summer.

 

No matter what you do get out and enjoy history and let them know the Histocrats sent you.