Foodie Gems of Towns County: Late-Summer Flavors Worth Savoring
As summer edges toward fall in the North Georgia mountains, there’s a golden window where the days still hold picnics, patio dinners, and lake breezes but the air hints at cooler evenings ahead. In Towns County, this is the season to savor long afternoons, bold flavors, and the kind of meals that make you want to kick back and relax.
From sunrise coffee to sunset toasts, here’s your guide to late-summer bites and sips that capture the heart of the mountains.
Morning & Midday: Fresh Starts and Easygoing Eats
VC Coffee – 375 N Main St B, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Begin your day in the heart of Hiawassee at VC Coffee, where the aroma of locally roasted beans greets you before you even open the door. With its warm wood tones, welcoming staff, and a community-oriented vibe, it’s a perfect launchpad for your mountain day. Try their seasonal lattes before hitting Lake Chatuge or tackling a scenic hike. Pair it with a flaky pastry or a breakfast sandwich for extra fuel.
Marina Station – The Ridges Resort, Hiawassee
Nothing says “mountain lake summer” quite like lunch at Marina Station. Set right on the docks, this laid-back spot serves juicy burgers, crispy fish tacos, and other lakeside favorites. Order a craft cocktail or iced tea, grab a table overlooking the water, and let the lake breeze do its thing. Bonus: on live music afternoons, you can eat, sip, and sway without leaving your seat.
Midday Munchies & Southern Comfort
Sundance Grill
If your morning includes boating, paddling, or a swim, Sundance Grill is ready to fuel you with hearty, unfussy favorites. Think hot-off-the-grill burgers, crispy fries, and a rotating lineup of chef’s specials. The casual atmosphere makes it a popular choice for families and groups fresh from the lake.
The Loaded Cow
When the afternoon sun leans a little hotter, follow the locals to The Loaded Cow for hand-spun shakes, ice cream cones, and whimsical toppings. It’s a sweet stop for kids and grown-ups alike, perfect for that mid-afternoon pick-me-up before easing into the evening.
Late Afternoon: Sip, Stay, and Soak Up the Scenery
Crane Creek Vineyards – Young Harris
Just minutes from downtown, Crane Creek Vineyards feels like a countryside escape. This veteran-owned winery pairs sweeping views with relaxed Southern hospitality. Enjoy a flight of estate wines on the shaded deck, stroll among the vines, or time your visit for “Farmhouse Fridays” when live music and food trucks turn the vineyard into a festive evening hangout.
Hiawassee Brew
For those who lean toward hops over grapes, Hiawassee Brew offers a laid-back taproom and outdoor patio with mountain views. Their rotating selection of craft beers, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs, pairs beautifully with good company and that late-afternoon glow before dinner.
Evening: Dinner with a View
The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen – The Ridges Resort
As the sun drops toward the horizon, there’s no better finale to your day than a lakeside table at The Oaks. Recently reopened for dinner, this local favorite combines refined flavors with an easygoing atmosphere. Start with pork belly bites drizzled in maple glaze, then move to skillet-seared salmon, braised short ribs, or other chef-crafted entrées. As you savor each bite, watch the sunset paint Lake Chatuge in pinks and golds. It’s the kind of view that stays in your memory.
For the ultimate foodie adventure, string a few stops together: start with coffee at VC Coffee, grab a lakeside lunch at Marina Station, sip wine at Crane Creek, and end with dinner at The Oaks, capping it off with a slow walk under a sky full of fireflies.
In Towns County, meals aren’t just about eating, they’re about savoring the moment. And in these last weeks of summer, there’s no better time to do exactly that.