25 Best Things to Do in Rabun County

Guests are always asking us, “What is there to do while in the Northeast Georgia Mountains?” We have compiled a non-exhaustive list of our past guests’ favorite things not to miss while visiting our area of the North Georgia Mountains. While numbered, they are in no particular order.

Guide to Rabun County and the North Georgia Mountains

1. Visit The Market at Clayton Cafe – A bold gathering place and hybrid of coffee shop, bar, wine tasting room, and bakery. It’s the kind of shop you’d expect in a big city, now on Main Street in downtown Clayton. They even carry our Beechwood Inn labeled North Georgia wines.
2. Enjoy Dinner at Fortify Kitchen and Bar – An upscale, Southern-style farm-to-table restaurant in historic downtown Clayton. Chef Jamie Allred highlights locally sourced ingredients and hosts a weekly “Meet our Farmers” dinner.
3. Celebrate with a Farm-to-Table Dining Experience at Beechwood Inn – Named one of the “Top 10 Farm to Table Restaurants in Georgia.” Our Grow, Cook, Eat culinary garden supplies many of the ingredients served by Chefs David and Gayle Darugh.
4. Shop at Wander North Georgia – A creative, family-friendly store that blends gear, gifts, and fun. In the basement, you’ll find Admiral Axe for a round of axe throwing.
5. Sip Some Rye Whiskey at Moonrise Distillery – Join a guided tour and sample small-batch spirits. Known for their bourbon-laced pecan ice cream and live entertainment events.
6. Have a Picnic at Black Rock Mountain State Park – Georgia’s highest state park is a short drive away and offers scenic views, cool temps, and peaceful picnic areas.
7. Hike Tallulah Gorge – A two-mile-long, nearly 1,000-foot-deep canyon with rim trails, a suspension bridge, and a paved path. Limited permits allow access to the gorge floor.
8. Visit Foxfire Museum – A heritage center showcasing the Southern Appalachian pioneer lifestyle, preserved through student-led oral history and artifacts.
9. Visit a Nearby Winery – Explore several local vineyards offering North Georgia wines that rival those of California and Europe. Options include 12 Spies, Stonewall Creek, Tiger Mountain, and others.
10. Participate in a Farm and Food Tour – Enjoy a full-circle experience picking produce, preparing meals, and relaxing at a winery. Hosted by local shuttle services.
11. Visit Historic Downtown Clayton – A lively Main Street with specialty shops, art, antiques, flowers, furniture, books, and an old-fashioned soda fountain.
12. Float a Lake on a Pontoon Boat – Relax on pristine mountain lakes with crystal-clear water and enjoy the view of lake houses nestled along the shoreline.
13. Visit the Historic Shops in Lakemont – A revitalized early 1900s artisan community with galleries, studios, nurseries, and Annie’s at Allies Groceries for gourmet sandwiches and provisions.
14. Go Horseback Riding – Explore the forests and streams of Rabun County by trail ride with local stables in Dillard and near Lake Burton.
15. Have Lunch at Chattooga Belle Farm – Just across the border in South Carolina, enjoy lunch with sweeping views of the Southern Appalachian front range and visit their distillery and farm store.
16. Go to Black Bear Creek Antiques – A treasure trove of vintage advertising, motors, radios, arcade games, and mechanical oddities. A favorite for collectors and gearheads.
17. Enjoy Lunch at Fromage – A quirky café with inventive dishes by Chef Jenny Wilson. A guest favorite with a casual and artistic atmosphere.
18. Golf in the North Georgia Mountains – Choose from scenic courses like Kingwood Resort, Rabun County Country Club, or Sky Valley Resort, all offering breathtaking views.
19. Attend an Event at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Support great causes while enjoying wine dinners, chef competitions, and seasonal food events.
20. Grapes & Beans – A cozy bistro offering seasonal, sustainable cuisine and small bites. Known for its casual vibe and Kudzu Veranda outdoor seating.
21. Participate in a Seasonal Festival – Whether it’s live music, BBQ, wine tastings, or farm days, Rabun County is always celebrating something special.
22. Drop in at Timpson Creek Gallery – Discover twig furniture, local art, vintage signage, and curated jewelry in a gallery and workshop space just outside Clayton.
23. Relax on Beechwood Inn’s Front Porch – Watch the sun set over Black Rock Mountain with a glass of wine and let the view change with the seasons.
24. Hike the Shortline Trail – An easy riverside trail at Tallulah Gorge, perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying the peaceful sounds of the cascading river.
25. Raft the Chattooga River – Experience the wild beauty of America’s first National Wild and Scenic River on a whitewater rafting trip through Section III or IV.

Get a Good Night’s Rest at Beechwood Inn

After a full day exploring Rabun County, return to the comfort of Beechwood Inn. Our rooms, suites, and private cabins offer cozy mountain accommodations, and our acclaimed dining experiences help you wind down in style. Whether you’re here for adventure, food, or simple relaxation, the best of North Georgia is just outside your door.