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Helen, Cleveland and Sautee -Nachoochee

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The Alpine town of Helen takes its inspiration from the villages of Germany, complete with the building style of downtown shops and restaurants. But it’s also in the heart of Northeast Georgia, offering travelers outdoor sports like tubing and hiking, along with wine tasting at the many vineyards nearby. The area has both Native American history and an arts community in nearby Sautee Nacoochee.

For more area information , see http://www.helenga.org.

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Wine Tasting

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There are several local wineries and tasting rooms that are within easy distance of Mountain Laurel Farm.

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Yonah Mountain Vineyards,

Habersham Vineyards & Winery

Serenity Cellars, 

The Cottage Vineyard & Winery

Cenita Vineyards

Kaya Winery and Vineyards

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For Beer - Tantrum Brewing Co.

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Hiking & Waterfalls

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There are hundreds of hiking trails and dozens of waterfalls in the North Georgia mountains. Here are a few of our favorites that are easy to reach from Mountain Laurel Farm (approximate 3 miles).

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Dukes Creek Falls 

Just off the Richard Russell Scenic Highway through the mountains is a parking area for this trail. An approximately 1 mile trail from the parking area winds through hemlock and rhododendron to an observation deck where you can see the lower falls.

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Raven Cliff Falls 

 Also just off the Richard Russell Scenic Highway is the parking area for Raven Cliffs Falls where an approximately 2.5 mile trail leads to the falls. While the trail does cross several small creeks and switches left then right and undulates up and down, the scenery along the way and the waterfalls are some of the most beautiful in Georgia.

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Tubing

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During the warmer months, typically May to September, spend the day floating down the river with outfitters like Helen Tubing & Waterpark and Cool River Tubing, which drop you off and pick you up. They also offer changing rooms, showers, picnic areas and parking.

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Mind Escapes

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Mind Escapes is a themed escape room with masterful games for all ages. One room features Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson, while another is about a mysterious cabin in the woods.

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Ziplining

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Zipline is another popular activity, which you can experience with Nacoochee Adventures and American Adventure Park at Unicoi State Park. Multiple courses wind through the surrounding forest.

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Babyland General Hospital

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In nearby Cleveland, native Xavier Roberts founded the Cabbage Patch Dolls brand. Today, visitors can see where they are “born” at the Babyland General Hospital, equal parts museum and store. Admission is free and celebrity photos cover the walls.

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