Location: Hiawassee
Top Things to do in Hiawassee
What to do and see in Hiawassee, Georgia (GA): The Best Things to do
Hiawassee is the county seat of Towns County, Georgia, United States. The community's population was 880 at the 2010 census. Its name is derived from the Cherokee—or perhaps Creek—word Ayuhwasi, which means meadow, (A variant spelling, "Hiwassee," is used for the local river and some other Appalachian place names.)
Restaurants in Hiawassee
1. Boundary Waters Resort & Marina
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 442 reviews
Escape to the shores of beautiful Lake Chatuge with Boundary Waters Resort & Marina. Our North Georgia Resort features a deluxe fleet of boat rentals, scenic lakefront lodging rentals, and a 200 slip marina. Only steps from the water, our cabin and lodging rentals feature decks overlooking the lake and free dockage for your boat. On the water, we have 30 power boat rentals on Lake Chatuge, and a helpful staff to get you on the water. Boundary Waters Resort & Marina is also the #1 JC TriToon dealer in the country, with a large selection of new and used luxury performance TriToons for sale. Our showroom is right on the water so you can test drive each boat and truly appreciate the ride of a JC, The Original Tritoon. Only minutes from downtown Hiawassee, Georgia, our peaceful lakeside resort is the ideal vacation getaway in the North Georgia Mountains. Located two hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Asheville - Our North Georgia Resort offers scenic, secluded accommodations for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a day of boating pleasure.
2. Southern Water Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
We are a locally-owned company based in Hiawassee, Georgia, “The Top of Georgia.” We offer Stand-Up Paddle Boarding tours and lessons on many area lakes (including Chatuge, Nottely, Burton, Seed, Rabun, Tallulah Falls and Tugalo), as well as custom hiking and whitewater rafting trips in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Our adventure activities are great for individuals, families, kids, couples, corporate groups, and active seniors. All tours and trips run 7 days a week, rain or shine, mid-April through mid-November. To reserve your chance to make some great memories contact Southern Water Trails today!
3. TATA On Main
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Justpassingthrough49
What an amazing collection of HIGH END clothing choices, and accessories....love this place and also great prices.
4. Aqua Tiki
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
North Georgia's only floating Tiki Bar, fully equipped with a licensed Captain, bartender, draft beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, a grill for your use, Island music, a giant lily pad, and MORE!
5. Creekside General Store
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By vicky14092017 - Blairsville, United States
I was passing by and the welcoming exterior caught my eye. This store has a good selection of unique items from local pottery and jewelry to slippers and nightwear. Bill and Linda Casey, owners were friendly and helpful which made the stop even more pleasant.
6. Bacchus On The Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By jessec989 - Hiawassee, United States
I would first like to say thank you to Ed and Linda for the great experiences I had a Bacchus Wine and Growler Shop. You guys were awesome. Bacchus Wine and Growler Shop is now, Bacchus on the Lake. The staff at Bacchus on the Lake is wonderful. Wine, beer and fancy cigars. I am super excited that the new Bacchus will be a great success. I highly recommend if your in Hiawassee, stop by and see Ashlyn, Nicole, Brandon and Grant. They are very knowledgeable and will give you some great ideas on any occasion you may have.
7. Funkiture Gifts and DIY Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Banana677
Full line of DIY Paint and Iron Orchid Designs transfers, Moulds and stamps. Artwork, paint brushes, crafts. Jayne, the owner, is so nice. If she is not there when you go, ask them to call her she will come to see you!
8. Blue Hole Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Q8105RDdan - Panama City Beach, United States
My Brother and I love to hike and chase waterfalls in the North Georgia Mountains. We recently took a day trip and visited Blue Hole Falls. Located on High Shoals Creek in the High Shoals Scenic Area of the Chattahoochee National Forest, the trailhead is accessed via Indian Grave Gap Road (Forest Service Road 283), a gravel road located about 11.5 miles north of Helen, Ga. on Highway 17. Be aware that the service road (it is very rough) does ford a shallow creek about 100 yards from the entrance. Under normal conditions it does not require a four-wheel drive vehicle to cross. Continue a couple of miles and you will find the trailhead. There was no sign so you must look for a very small pull off area on your left (Enough room for maybe five cars). To reach Blue Hole Falls requires a one mile hike downhill via the High Shoals Trail. Be aware that is a rough uneven natural trail. You will pass a few primitive campsites along the way. When you arrive at the falls there is a small observation deck that overlooks the falls. The creek plummets 20 plus feet over the face of a sheer rock outcrop. People do swim at the base of the falls where the deep blue water is more than ten feet deep. Keep in mind the water temperature is always cold (in the 40’s even during summer months). While here we relaxed, ate a nutrition bar, enjoyed the falls and the beauty and solitude of nature and then continued another 1.3 miles to High Shoals Falls. The hike back is a steady uphill climb gaining over 500 feet in elevation. This is a moderate hike. Wear hiking boots, carry a snack and water. No restroom facilities. FYI...The bridge on this trail at the half mile mark remains out due to flooding (July 2018). When the water in the creek is high it may be difficult to cross. We did not have a problem. Dog friendly (must be on a leash).
9. Trailful Outdoor Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Trailful Outdoor Co. is a new hiking and backpacking outfitter in the North Georgia Mountains. We're located minutes from the Appalachian Trail at Dicks Creek Gap and Unicoi Gap, and near some of our favorite hiking spots at Brasstown Bald, Vogel State Park and Raven Cliff Falls. We specialize in hiking and backpacking gear, hiking boots and trail running shoes, and outdoor apparel, including our favorites from Merrell, KUHL, Osprey, MSR, Sierra Designs, BUFF, Ruffwear, Kelty, Therm-A-Rest, Sawyer, Good-To-Go, Kuju Coffee, and more. We also carry a line of locally-made gifts and goods from artists and makers in the South, as well as our own line of Trailful, Atlanta Trails, and Asheville Trails apparel. Stop in for a trail recommendation! We have a wall full of free local trail info, and online maps and directions to help guide your way. And our lounge area features leather-bound journals to leave your trail thoughts, poetry, and sketches. We'd love to see you!
Reviewed By discoveringduo - Atlanta, United States
Great place right in Hiawassee. Built upon Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails. Perfect shop to grab hiking gear, find out more about hikes or trails, t-shirts, accessories for dogs, great conversation, and so much more. We stopped in while camping at Vogel and made our way into town. Loved all the gear they have, so many unique gift items or things for yourself. They are true to the community and the staff is friendly enough to help with any questions you may have or help you find exactly what you need. They also recommended McLains on Main to us and the Hiawassee Brew to us which both were OUTSTANDING. Excited to come back in when passing through on hikes. Great addition to the community and a business you definitely want to support! Check out their hours on social media or their website they offer free coffee on Sundays!
10. Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Quietly tucked away in the North Georgia mountains, sits a rare and special treasure. A botanical paradise fairly bursting with dogwoods, tulip magnolias, native azaleas, wild flowers, trillium, and of course, rhododendron. There are over 400 varieties of rhododendron - 3,000 plants in all. Welcome to the Hamilton Gardens, a truly enchanted spot, boasting the largest collection of rhododendron in the state of Georgia. Stroll tranquil pine bark trails as they wind through lush foliage. Drink in the stunning views of Lake Chatuge and breathtaking countryside, including the majestic rise of Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak.
Reviewed By slorettao - Grand Rapids, United States
We picked the perfect time of year to visit for sure! Azaleas and rhododendrons were blooming. It was a very peaceful and beautiful walk through the gardens. I took a zillion photos! It offers a lot of varieties of flora and fauna along pathways. You can see Lake Chatuge along the way. Fairly easy walking, but it would not be wheelchair or walker accessible. The paths are not paved and there are a few small hills to walk along the way. No one in the admission booth and admission payment was on the honor system. We happily deposited our $5/person charge-we love supporting botanical gardens and the like!
