Sautee Nacoochee: Best Things To Do for a Romantic Mountain Getaway

Looking for a romantic mountain getaway that’s still within an easy drive of metro Atlanta? Hop in your car, and head northeast to Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia in the Sautee Valley.  This hamlet, located just outside of Helen, is an easy 90 minute drive from metro Atlanta.

This small town is the perfect destination for couples looking to escape the city and enjoy everything from browsing through shops, hiking, bicycling, to just enjoying some quiet time watching the world go by.

Here’s everything you need to know in order to have a romantic weekend in Sautee Nacoochee, GA!

STOVALL INN BED AND BREAKFAST

There are a few bed and breakfast options in Sautee Nacoochee, but we chose to go with The Stovall House Inn — and we’re so glad we did.

Nestled away from the main road and surrounded by dozens of acres of pastoral scenery, the inn, built in 1837, has a warm and welcoming owner and a very relaxed, homey feel. The wraparound porch is a great place to take in views of Yonah Mountain, and the Parlor is perfect for reading a book.

The rooms here are beautifully appointed, and they even offer a pet-friendly room for your four-legged family member.

They proudly serve breakfasts to their nightly guests. You’ll find organic and locally-sourced meals – all prepared from scratch with love and care.

Inn Trivia: If you’re a fan of the The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, you might recognize this view of Yonah Mountain from the side porch. It was on the cover of the book!

^{Photo Credit: Suzanne Willett, 2016}

STOVALL COVERED BRIDGE

Just about a mile up the road from the inn is the Stovall Covered Bridge. It’s the smallest covered bridge in Georgia and crosses the Chickamauga Creek. It was built in 1895 and is now maintained by the White County Historical Society.

You’ll find a parking area and a picnic area here, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon. But be aware…if you come at night, it’s said that this bridge is haunted, and you may hear the sounds of horse-drawn carriages and crying babies.

SHOPPING & DINING IN NACOOCHEE VILLAGE

Feel like a lazy day of browsing shops? Head to Nacoochee Village and swing into JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters. With over 30 varieties, you’ll be guaranteed to find a new favorite blend – tea lovers, too!

Cup in hand, you can head next door to stock up on country favorites like locally ground grits and cornmeal, among other Southern delicacies at the Nora Mill Granary. Or, you can take part in some wine tasting at Habersham Winery’s store before browsing the wonders of the Nacoochee Village Antique Mall.  

Make sure to stop for lunch at the Nacoochee Village Tavern for some of the best pizza we’ve had in years!

A bit further down the road, there is also the very homey Old Sautee Store (founded in 1872), many other artisan shops, the Sweetwater Coffeehouse, and several other restaurants.

If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, have no fear! Freshwater fishing, hiking, and other activities are within easy reach. Unicoi Outfitters will make sure you have everything you need to catch some of those famous north Georgia trout and great hiking trails surround you.

MUSEUMS AND HISTORIC SITES

^{Photo courtesy Georgia State Parks}

History buffs will love a visit to the Hardman Farm State Historic Site.

Hardman Farm, built in 1870, is a masterpiece of Italianate architecture. Surrounded by acres and acres of pasture, and the famed Nacoochee Indian Mound, this 173-acre property was once owned a Georgia governor and boasted home technology well before its time. A guided tour will reveal all sorts of interesting tidbits and the docents weave fascinating stories of the three families who made Hardman Farm their home.

The Nacoochee Indian Mound is a popular landmark in north Georgia. The gazebo-topped mound and cow pasture offers exceptional ties to Native American history. It sits adjacent to the banks of the Chattahoochee River, where the Nacoochee Valley and Sautee Valleys converge.

(There’s a romantic story about the Nacoochee Indian Mound that features a couple from different tribes who fell in love and died here — but it seems to be just a myth.)

If you’re looking to learn more about Georgia’s history, the slave cabin on the grounds of the Sautee Nacoochee Center offers a look into a small portion of the area’s heritage and culture. You can learn more about the history of the cabin and slavery in Nacoochee Valley during a visit here.

The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia is a unique resource unlike any in the southeast United States. This museum showcases folk art, and you’ll even find art pieces here that date back to the 1840s.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
• HELEN: The 39+ Best Things To Do In Helen GA For Alpine Fun
• HELEN RESTAURANTS: 15 Restaurants In Helen GA: The Best Places To Nosh
• HELEN CABINS: 17 Blissful Cabins In Helen GA That Are Calling Your Name
• HELEN TUBING: 10 Things To Know About Helen GA Tubing For A Totally Epic Time