New Year, New You: Best Places in Towns County to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions

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New Year, New You: Best Places in Towns County to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions

A new year brings forth new opportunities, and we believe there’s no better place to achieve your New Year’s resolutions than right here in Towns County. Whether you’re hoping to work out more, try new foods, or get in touch with the outdoors, there’s something here for everyone!

From recreation areas and hiking trails to restaurants, festivals, and concerts, here are some ideal spots in Towns County to work on your New Year’s resolutions.

Resolution #1: Get Active

We get it, no one likes to exercise. However, your workouts this year shouldn’t be confined to the gym! Towns County has plenty of places for you to get both a quick workout and a beautiful view. Here are just a few places you should check out:

 

High Shoals Falls

  • Location: 1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546

For those who want a change of scenery for their workout, High Shoals Falls is a must-visit. This beautiful, 2.4-mile round-trip hike is moderate in difficulty, meaning beginner and advanced hikers are welcome to venture through the lush trail! The trail takes you past two waterfalls, Blue Hole Falls and High Shoals Falls, making this hike the perfect location for your next workout.

Lake Chatuge Recreation Area

  • Location: 440 Sunnyside Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546

Want a fun workout that you can enjoy with friends? Lake Chatuge, one of the most scenic spots in all of Towns County, offers several opportunities for outdoor activities. Their recreation area features a full playground with picnic pavilions on one side of the beach and a pickleball complex on the other. During warmer months, you can enjoy fun water activities such as swimming, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and even fishing tournaments!

Resolution #2: Spend More Time Outdoors

In today’s digital age, we don’t spend nearly enough time connecting with Mother Nature. Towns County is here to help you make 2025 the year of getting in touch with your roots and spending more time appreciating the local flora and fauna. From luscious lakes to soaring mountains, here are some spots you need to check out:

Hamilton Gardens

  • Location: 96 Pavilion Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546

Located just two miles away from Hiawassee’s town square, this sprawling rhododendron garden sits tucked away in the North Georgia Mountains. The Hamilton Gardens offers over 400 varieties of rhododendron, in addition to dogwoods, native azaleas, rare forest perennials, trillium, and ferns. This garden is truly a sight to behold, boasting the largest collection of rhododendrons and native azaleas in the Southeastern United States.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Known as one of the longest-running trails in all of the United States, the Appalachian Trail is truly an attraction you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Georgia houses 78 miles of this beautiful trail, stretching from Springer Mountain on the Fannin-Gilmer line all the way to Bly Gap in North Carolina. This trail is perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels, and has several access points in Towns County, including: Unicoi Gap, Dicks Creek Gap, and via Jack’s Knob Trail.

Wagon Train Trail

  • Location: GA-180 Spur, Hiawassee, GA 30546

Looking for a bit of a challenge with your workout? Then check out the Wagon Train Trail, located in Hiawassee! This trail is 13.2 miles out-and-back and takes an average of 6 hours and 31 minutes to complete. However, don’t be discouraged by the distance! This trail is popular for birding, hiking, and running, but it’s also perfect for taking a leisurely stroll and appreciating the local wildlife and plant life.

Resolution #3: Eat Local

In Towns County, we’re all about supporting local businesses, particularly our delicious and diverse restaurant owners. If your resolution this year is to cut down on eating fast food, consider checking out some of our many mouthwatering locales! Here are a few you should check out:

Brother’s at Willow Ranch

  • Location: 6223 US HWY 76 W, Young Harris, GA 30582

Craving a beautiful mountain view with your meal? Brother’s at Willow Ranch is the spot for you! Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, this locally-owned and operated eatery boasts delicious food with local ingredients, exceptional drinks, and award-winning desserts. Enjoy delicious Southern entrees like their Sweet Carolina Chicken and Whiskey Sour Smash Burger, or sit back and relax while sipping on an Apple Pie Moonshine Sour or a classic Espresso Martini. When you eat at Brother’s, you can rest assured that every ingredient you taste is fresh.

Enrico’s Italian Restaurant

  • Location: 687 Main St #5, Young Harris, GA 30582

Nobody can resist top-quality Italian food, and Enrico’s Italian Restaurant in Young Harris certainly delivers. As a family-owned and operated restaurant, Enrico’s has served the Young Harris community for over 25 years, meaning they’re no stranger when it comes to providing fresh, high-quality food. Enrico’s offers daily house specials in addition to classic Italian dishes like Chicken Parmigiana, Baked Lasagna, and satisfyingly sweet desserts like their Grand Marnier and Kahlua-dipped Tiramisu. Is your mouth watering yet?

Marina Station

  • Location: 3399 US-76, Hiawassee, GA 30546

There’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying a meal by the lake, which is why we consider Marina Station at The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge to be one of the finest eateries in all of Towns County. Open all year round, Marina Station offers more than just exceptional food and drinks. They also have over 40 feet of bar service, nine big-screen TVs (for all your sports watch party needs!), garage doors that open up onto a deck, and best of all, stunning views of Lake Chatuge and the mountains. And who could forget their delicious menu, which includes mouthwatering dishes like Jamaican Jerk Barramundi, Blackened Grouper Tacos, or the Georgia Peach Burger! If you’re looking for a great meal with an even greater view, there’s no better place to eat at than Marina Station.

Resolution #4: Travel More

For those wanting to get out more without having to break the bank, Towns County is the perfect solution for your next budget-friendly vacation spot. We’ve got a little bit of everything, from picturesque nature views to shops, restaurants, and exciting events everywhere you look. No matter which season you choose to visit us in, Towns County has accommodations that suit everyone.

Interested in visiting? Here are a few cozy and diverse lodging options:

“A-Frame” of Mind on Brasstown Creek
This traditional A-frame cabin, located along Brasstown Creek, is perfect for those seeking the peace and quiet you can only achieve by connecting with the nature around you (in this case, the Chattahoochee National Forest). This 2-bedroom/2-bathroom cabin offers several amenities, including a private hot tub, a deck, creek access, a fire pit, and more!

The Mountain Laurel
The Mountain Laurel, located just minutes away from downtown Hiawassee and the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, is the perfect place for those who don’t want to miss any of the action going on in Towns County. This 2-bedroom/2-bathroom cabin is spacious and offers year-round views of the North Georgia Mountains, and is certainly not a cabin you should miss out on!

Cascading Creek Lounge
Named after the cascading creek it’s located on, this beautiful cabin is your serene sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Cascading Creek Lounge’s interior is warm and inviting, and comes with amenities like a hot tub, a fully equipped kitchen, a smart TV, and a gas grill. With lush landscapes and a constant soundtrack of a babbling creek, this cabin is the perfect escape.

Make 2025 Your Year with Towns County

In Towns County, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the beautiful outdoor views that Georgia has to offer, or if you’re looking for a new restaurant to try out, the possibilities are endless. Book your stay in Towns County today! 

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