Take a Drive to Blairsville

The city of Blairsville, located halfway between Blue Ridge and the very renowned tourist town of Helen, provides for an ideal North Georgia excursion. The route is beautiful, and it includes a stretch of the Georgia Scenic Byway. It's so stunning that you could be tempted to take it all the way from Blue Ridge to Helen. Make a point of stopping at Blairsville to have a look around. With the attractive red-brick Union County Historical Courthouse adorning the city square, this small community of around 700 residents may have the most gorgeous city square in the state.

Union County Historical Courthouse, which was built in 1899 and has been meticulously restored to its old glory, houses exhibitions and artifacts related to the city's history. There is also a concert series held here. The Union County Historical Society also looks after a number of other historic buildings, including the Grapelle Butt Mock House from 1906 and the 1861 John Payne Cabin. You might want to make a day of it and visit a few other local sites while you're in Blairsville. Brasstown Bald, a recreation area with an extensive 80-mile trail network, Vogel State Park, with its gorgeous waterfalls, and 4,180-acre Lake Nottely, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and hiking, are at the top of the list.

Address: 1 Town Square, Blairsville, Georgia

Website: https://www.unioncountyhistory.org/