Georgia is a state where southern charm meets a quirky spirit. Visitors can discover towns with unique character and playful charm. From the fairytale streets of Helen, where Bavarian architecture transports visitors to another world, to the Gold Rush history and magical vineyards of Dahlonega, Georgia’s small towns are full of surprises. Whether you want to explore the movie town of Senoia or experience the stunning beauty of Tallulah Falls, it’s time to discover Georgia’s quirky side.

Helen

Nothing is more whimsical than a Bavarian-inspired village in the mountains of North Georgia. The small town of Helen, with a population of about 620, is downright enchanting, like stepping into a European fairytale. With alpine architecture, cobblestone streets, and the annual Oktoberfest in the fall, Helen offers visitors endless opportunities for adventure. One of the most popular attractions is the state’s only alpine roller coaster, the Georgia Mountain Coaster, which is within walking distance of downtown Helen. Riders control their speed to zoom down the mountain or gently glide through the forest.

Return to town for beer and bratwurst at the Troll Tavern on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. And why not “shoot fire” with your dog on a 1- to 3-hour dog-friendly raft ride down the river? Spend some time shopping along Helen’s Main Street at unique boutiques like the Christmas Shoppe, Bavarian Clockworks for authentic cuckoo clocks, and Kopper Kettle Fudge.

Dahlonega

Known for its Gold Rush history, Dahlonega is a quaint Appalachian town with a vibrant arts scene and charming shops. It was named the 2023 “Best Small Town for Wine, Beer and Spirits” according to Travel+Leisure magazine. With at least eight wineries and a growing craft beer and distillery business, wine lovers and beer aficionados will enjoy the town’s cozy ambiance and scenic surroundings, perfect for a wine and brewery tour with Dahlonega Wine Tours to Kaya Vineyard and Winery, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, and Yonah Mountain Vineyards, among others.

Although California claims the title, gold was first discovered in Dahlonega in 1828, about 20 years before the famous California Gold Rush that began in 1848. Learn about Dahlonega’s Gold Rush history at the famous Dahlonega Gold Museum, the former 1836 Old Lumpkin County Courthouse on the city’s historic public square. The square is also the center of the community, where visitors will find restaurants such as BoGreg Nicotero & Norman Reedusurbon Street Grille and Paul Thomas Chocolates. The city hosts the annual Gold Rush Days Festival October 19-20, 2024.

Senoia

Georgia owes its nickname “Hollywood South” to small towns like Senoia, an hour south of the state capital of Atlanta, which range from the quirky to the fantastical. Famous as the filming location of the cult series “The Walking Dead,” Senoia combines small-town charm with a bit of Hollywood magic, so book a two-hour “Touring Dead Tour – Senoia Walking Tour” with Georgia Tour Company to visit the show’s famous filming locations. Historic buildings like the Travis House, shops like Book Love and The Woodbury Shoppe, and restaurants like Nic & Norman’s (owned by “The Walking Dead” director Greg Nicotero and actor Norman Reedus) add to the town’s offbeat charm. The town has also been the filming location for films like “Driving Miss Daisy,” Stephen King’s “Pet Sematary II,” “Green Tomatoes,” and several Marvel films.

Tallulah Falls

Two hours south of Ashville, North Carolina, lies Tallulah Falls, a small nature town known for its stunning natural beauty. The town is home to the stunning Tallulah Gorge, one of the most spectacular canyons in the Eastern United States. The gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. A nature lover’s paradise, the gorge is located within Tallulah Gorge State Park, where you can enjoy fishing and boating on three lakes, a seven-mile mountain bike trail, swimming at Terrora Beach, and hiking the Hurricane Falls Suspension Bridge Loop, which takes visitors directly over the stunning Hurricane Falls. Learn more about the history of Tallulah Falls by visiting the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center at the park’s entrance.

Almost as famous as the falls is the Saturday Night Bluegrass Jam in Tallulah Falls, now in its 27th year. Visitors can bring their instruments and join in. The bluegrass music takes place in the Bluegrass Square in downtown Tallulah Falls, with its charming shops like the General Store and Tallulah 1882, a cafe in a historic train station.

Blue Mountain

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town of Blue Ridge is part outdoor adventure, part charming small town. The town was settled in the 19th century as a railroad station, so a must-do in Blue Ridge is a four-hour railroad ride along the beautiful Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville, Georgia, and its sister town Copperhill, Tennessee. Passengers can choose between an open-top car, an authentic enclosed car, or a seat in a Premier Car.

After quenching your thirst on the train, you can visit one of the many breweries that have settled in Blue Ridge, such as Grumpy Old Men Brewing, founded by two retirees, Tipping Point Brewing Company or Angry Hops Brewing. For a treat, reserve a table at Black Sheep Restaurant, which serves sophisticated local ingredients and offers an extensive wine list recommended by Wine Spectator.

Cave spring

This small northwest Georgia town is known for its namesake natural spring, which flows from a natural limestone cave in its park. Open to visitors, the 57-degree cave offers a respite on hot Georgia days. For a small fee, visitors can tour the cave and admire stalagmites and the legendary Devil’s Stool formation. The spring’s pure water, which visitors regularly fill jugs with to take home, also fills the town’s spring-fed, 3.5-acre swimming pool (also known as Rolater Lake) in historic 65-acre Rolater Park.

Stroll through the charming downtown area, which is lined with historic homes and 19th-century buildings, including the 1810 Vann Cherokee Cabin – a hand-built cabin built by Avery Vann of the Cherokee tribe. Grab an espresso brewed with pure spring water at Spring Brew Coffee Company.

Georgia’s whimsical towns are full of enchanting experiences and unique charm, like Bavarian-inspired Helen, historic Dahlonega and quirky, popular movie location Senoia, which exudes a touch of celebrity magic. Tallulah Falls impresses visitors with its dramatic gorge and outdoor adventures, while Blue Ridge beckons them to scenic railroad rides and craft breweries. Cave Spring charms visitors with its natural spring and pretty downtown.