DILLARD, Ga. — Do you need to do something special for that special someone in your life for Valentine’s Day?
This year, leave the chocolate and flowers behind and opt for an adventure through the North Georgia Mountains and the city of Dillard.
Between exquisite finds on a shopping escapade, incredible views of nature on a hiking expedition, exceptional food and drinks and romantic stays, this year’s Valentine’s Day will be the new standard all others will be measured against.
Waterfalls around Rabun County, North Georgia (Peter McIntosh)
Dillard House Do you need to do something special for that special someone in your life for Valentine’s Day?
Things to do around Dillard This year, leave the chocolate and flowers behind and opt for an adventure through the North Georgia Mountains and the city of Dillard. (Nelson Hicks)
Things to see and do in Dillard Between exquisite finds on a shopping escapade, incredible views of nature on a hiking expedition, exceptional food and drinks and romantic stays, this year’s Valentine’s Day will be the new standard all others will be measured against. (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
Dillard Georgia Start with shopping. With more than 40,000 square feet of antique malls lining both sides of Highway 441 in Dillard, the area is known regionally for offering unique items you can’t find anywhere else. One-of-a-kind gifts will always rank near the top of things to give. (Nelson Hicks)
“We’re not cookie cutters,” Liz Hopper from Yesterday’s Treasures said. “You won’t go from a store to a store or even a booth to a booth and say, ‘I just saw this in this other booth or this other store.’ We’re constantly changing our inventory. Our dealers live to go out and find more inventory.”
From signed pottery to antique quilts to Civil War artifacts to collectible coins to vintage lithographs to Coca-Cola collectibles...
Yesterday's Treasures in Dillard There is truly something for every interest.
If your lady likes jewelry, it’s a great time to visit. There’s estate jewelry for sale and custom designs just for that special person.
Dillard Next on our to-do list is a waterfall hike. (Nelson Hicks)
Waterfalls around Rabun County, North Georgia Dillard and surrounding Rabun County offer a multitude of waterfall hikes. And here’s the best part, there’s a waterfall hike for every skill level. (Mark Oleg Ozboyd)
Waterfalls around Rabun County, North Georgia If you’re a first-time hiker, the area features plenty of alluring waterfalls that only require a short walk over a paved trail to view. (Peter McIntosh)
Waterfalls around Rabun County, North Georgia But if you’re looking for something a little more rugged through the backcountry... (Peter McIntosh)
Waterfalls around Rabun County, North Georgia where the cascading sounds and sights of a hard-to-reach waterfall are your windfall for a full day of hiking, that’s an option, too. (Mark Oleg Ozboyd)
Dillard Still feeling adventurous after a hike or looking for an alternative adventure, but one that still provides plenty of excitement, explore the North Georgia Mountains atop horseback.
Things to see and do in Dillard The Dillard House Stables features plenty of horseback outings that you and your Valentine will love. (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
Things to see and do in Dillard Speaking of the Dillard House, cuddle up with that special someone in a fireplace suite, cottage or chalet. Wine or sparkling cider and mini desserts are included with many reservations. (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
The resort will feature a steamship round and fried shrimp dinner with an extravagant dessert bar on February 10.
Dillard House There will be live music, too.
Things to see and do in Dillard On Valentine’s Day, the Dillard House will offer its traditional breakfast menu and a special lunch option. The dinner menu will feature some special treats along with an over-the-top dessert bar. (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
Things to see and do in Dillard “The special thing is all of our rooms have a mountain view, rocking chairs (and) horses,” Natalie Dillard from the Dillard House said. (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
Things to see and do in Dillard “With Rabun County being 70% national forest, it is the most pristine country.” (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
Dillard Georgia If your bride wants a little wine or your groom a little whiskey, or vice versa, you can count on Dillard to deliver. For wine, head to 12 Spies Vineyards. The family-operated winery features crisp dry whites, robust dry reds, lush sweet wines and everything in between. The tasting room is open Wednesdays through Sundays this time of the year. Pair your choice of wine with live music on Saturdays. (Nelson Hicks)
For something a little stronger, make your way to the RM Rose Company. The Georgia Business Journal recently named the distillery a Best of Georgia winner.
RM Rose Company Pick up a bottle of whiskey or bourbon and enjoy it with your Valentine.
Things to see and do in Dillard Take some time this Valentine’s Day or Valentine’s weekend to spend some time with that special someone in Dillard and the North Georgia Mountains. (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
Dillard features plenty of places to hike
Things to do around Dillard (Nelson Hicks)
Things to see and do in Dillard (Steve Thornton/City of Dillard)
Visit Dillard
Things to see and do in Dillard (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
Things to see and do in Dillard (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
Things to see and do in Dillard (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
Things to see and do in Dillard (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
Things to see and do in Dillard (Kurtis Miller Photography/City of Dillard)
Holidays at the Dillard House Here are some more photos from the Dillard House in Rabun County. (Dillard House)
Holidays at the Dillard House Here are some more photos from the Dillard House in Rabun County. (Dillard House)
Holidays at the Dillard House Here are some more photos from the Dillard House in Rabun County. (Dillard House)
Holidays at the Dillard House Here are some more photos from the Dillard House in Rabun County. (Dillard House)
Start with shopping. With more than 40,000 square feet of antique malls lining both sides of Highway 441 in Dillard, the area is known regionally for offering unique items you can’t find anywhere else. One-of-a-kind gifts will always rank near the top of things to give.
“We’re not cookie cutters,” Liz Hopper from Yesterday’s Treasures said. “You won’t go from a store to a store or even a booth to a booth and say, ‘I just saw this in this other booth or this other store.’ We’re constantly changing our inventory. Our dealers live to go out and find more inventory.”
From signed pottery to antique quilts to Civil War artifacts to collectible coins to vintage lithographs to Coca-Cola collectibles, there is truly something for every interest.
If your lady likes jewelry, it’s a great time to visit. There’s estate jewelry for sale and custom designs just for that special person.
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Next on our Valentine’s to-do list is a waterfall hike.
Dillard and surrounding Rabun County offer a multitude of waterfall hikes. And here’s the best part, there’s a waterfall hike for every skill level. If you’re a first-time hiker, the area features plenty of alluring waterfalls that only require a short walk over a paved trail to view.
But if you’re looking for something a little more rugged through the backcountry where the cascading sounds and sights of a hard-to-reach waterfall are your windfall for a full day of hiking, that’s an option, too.
“Panther Creek Falls for instance is a 3.5-mile hike to the waterfall and then you’ve got to hike 3.5 miles out,” Casey Quarterman from the National Forest Service said. “Some people think 3.5 miles is not very long but you get into difficult rugged terrain you know and it’s a little different than hiking on the sidewalk.”
Still feeling adventurous after a hike or looking for an alternative adventure, but one that still provides plenty of excitement, explore the North Georgia Mountains atop horseback. The Dillard House Stables features plenty of horseback outings that you and your Valentine will love.
Speaking of the Dillard House, cuddle up with that special someone in a fireplace suite, cottage or chalet. Wine or sparkling cider and mini desserts are included with many reservations. The resort will feature a steamship round and fried shrimp dinner with an extravagant dessert bar on February 10. There will be live music, too.
On Valentine’s Day, the Dillard House will offer its traditional breakfast menu and a special lunch option. The dinner menu will feature some special treats along with an over-the-top dessert bar.
“The special thing is all of our rooms have a mountain view, rocking chairs (and) horses,” Natalie Dillard from the Dillard House said. “With Rabun County being 70% national forest, it is the most pristine country.”
If your bride wants a little wine or your groom a little whiskey, or vice versa, you can count on Dillard to deliver. For wine, head to 12 Spies Vineyards. The family-operated winery features crisp dry whites, robust dry reds, lush sweet wines and everything in between. The tasting room is open Wednesdays through Sundays this time of the year. Pair your choice of wine with live music on Saturdays.
For something a little stronger, make your way to the RM Rose Company. The Georgia Business Journal recently named the distillery a Best of Georgia winner. Pick up a bottle of whiskey or bourbon and enjoy it with your Valentine.
Take some time this Valentine’s Day or Valentine’s weekend to spend some time with that special someone in Dillard and the North Georgia Mountains.
Rabun County Winter is here and the temperatures have cooled. For many, that means hibernation; no more outdoor activities, vacations or family fun. (Rabun County)
Rabun County But the winter ranks as one of the best times to enjoy one of the state’s best kept secrets... (Rabun County)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Rabun County, and all that the North Georgia mountains have to offer. (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County “The winter months are a beautiful time of year to come up here,” Bill Bennett from Outdoor 76 told wsbtv.com’s Nelson Hicks. (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County “Getting outdoors, the winter views are just awesome. It’s probably my most favorite time to hike through the mountains because the views, you can just see so much more through the woods, all the foliage has died down as you get into the higher elevations and do some of the hikes here, where you’re climbing some of the mountains." (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County "The views through the woods and of the mountains are just fantastic. It’s just a really beautiful time of the year to get out and explore the mountains of north Georgia.” (Nelson Hicks)
Rabun County Between outdoor activities, great views, unique shopping, an array of accommodations, wineries, distilleries, breweries and minimal crowds, it’s a great getaway. (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County Let’s start with some of the outdoor opportunities for adventure. Seventy-five percent of the land in Rabun County is either in the National Forest, a state park or is held by Georgia Power. (Nelson Hicks)
Rabun County Combine that with eight mountain peaks over 4,000 feet; and 34 waterfalls; and hiking, mountain biking and trail running, opportunities abound. (Rabun County)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County During non-COVID times, stop by the Welcome Center to learn more about all of them. For now, check 'em out online at https://chamber.rabun.life/welcome-center-blog/ (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County “The great part about winter in the mountains are just the views,” Cory McCall from Outdoor 76 said. ”A lot of people think about the best time to be able to come up and participate in outdoor activities being the summer time, and really my favorite is in the winter because you get to see a lot more. So there’s a lot more rewards in the hikes and the trail runs.” (Nelson Hicks)
Rabun County But before heading out, head to downtown Clayton and spend a little time with Bennett and McCall at Outdoor 76. Not only do they have the gear to get you ready for any outdoor activities, they’re a wealth of knowledge about the outdoor adventures that await in the area. (Rabun County)
Rabun County Hit them up for some help before heading out. Their top tip: be prepared for the elements by wearing lots of layers. (Rabun County)
Rabun County Looking for more outdoor fun? Skiing at Maggie Valley is just an hour up the road. Snow tubing and ice skating is even closer. Head to Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center just across the state line to enjoy it. (Rabun County)
Holidays at the Dillard House There’s horseback riding, too. The Dillard House Stables offers guided tours atop horseback; everything from a 30-minute beginner tour to scenic farm rides, river rides and private outings. (Dillard House)
Dillard Georgia For those whose sense of adventure is piqued not by mountain peaks, but by scoring a good deal on a great find, there’s plenty of shopping, too. Local boutiques and antique markets offer treasures you won’t find anywhere else. (Nelson Hicks)
“You just never know what you might find,” Elizabeth Hooper from Yesterday’s Treasures said.
Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County Georgia’s best kept secret is no secret at all to whiskey lovers. From R.M. Rose and Co. Distillery’s award-winning whiskeys to the top-ranked distillery in Georgia as selected by the readers of James Magazine (that’s Moonrise Distillery) if you’re a whiskey lover, Rabun County is the place to visit. (Nelson Hicks)
Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County “People that come here spend a couple of hours with us, whether it’s tours, tastings, cocktails, whatever, they’re curious about how it used to be made and that’s really what we’re all about,” said Doug Nassaur from Moonrise Distillery. “So everything is made by hand. We use local ingredients wherever it’s possible.” (Nelson Hicks)
Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County More than 8,000 people a month visit Moonrise Distillery for a tasting, tour or both. The company features a two-time gold medal-winning vodka and gin, ready-to-drink craft cocktails, bourbons and a rye whiskey that was named “Best Rye Whiskey in Georgia” at the 2019 Georgia Trustees Wine and Spirits Competition. (Nelson Hicks)
Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County “We wanted to create an experience up here in the North Georgia mountains that you used to be able to get on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail,” Nassaur said. “Analogous to a teaching hospital, we’re a teaching distillery. So we want people to come up here and get that full experience.” (Nelson Hicks)
Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County Want to check it out? Tastings and tours start most days at 1 p.m. Book it online on Moonrise Distillery’s website. (Nelson Hicks)
Currahee Brewing in Rabun County Liquor not your thing? How about a cold brew? Visitors will find Currahee Brewing Company just off Main Street in downtown Clayton. (Nelson Hicks)
Currahee Brewing in Rabun County “Our craft beers are kind of a wide range,” Scott Mazarky from Currahee Brewing said. “We have some ambers, we have dark beers, we have a coffee-milk stout that has won awards. It’s really good if you’re in to that kind of cold brew coffee, dark beer kind of thing. We have a lot of good IPAs, if you’re into that. We really kind of have a beer for every palate.” (Nelson Hicks)
Currahee Brewing in Rabun County The owners transformed an old auto shop into a brewery and tasting bar. (Nelson Hicks)
Currahee Brewing in Rabun County It’s open seven days a week, features live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and offers everything from Lucky Scars Hazy IPA to a creation called Doctor Evil. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Maybe a good glass of wine is more your speed. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County The area is home to a number of wineries and tasting rooms. Enjoy a glass while shopping in downtown Clayton at the Clayton Cafe and Market... (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County enjoy the bakery, too! (Nelson Hicks)
Rabun County or for the adventurous, venture up a 3,000 foot mountain to Terra Incognita Vineyard. (Nelson Hicks)
Terra Incognita Vineyards “What we have here is a remote location and we see that as a benefit,” Torsten Ernest from Terra Incognita Vineyard said. “If you’re looking for a place that is off the beaten path, that is really something that is unique and a little rough around the edges, but very genuine, and has some really unique attributes, this is the place for you.” (Terra Incognita Vineyards)
Terra Incognita Vineyards From stunning sunsets to nights by the fire to wine, the vineyard sits on 124 acres surrounded by miles of national forest. It offers a setting you won’t find anywhere else. (Terra Incognita Vineyards)
Holidays at the Dillard House Time to call it a night? It might be best after enjoying all that wine. (Dillard House)
Dillard House The area offers plenty of options, from a fireplace suite at the Dillard House, where you can wake up and enjoy a one-of-a-kind southern breakfast. (Nelson Hicks)
Beechwood Inn in Rabun County There's the Beechwood Inn, too! (Nelson Hicks)
Beechwood Inn in Rabun County The Beechwood Inn was selected by Southern Living Magazine as “One of the South’s Most Charming Inns.” The Beechwood Inn celebrates its 100-year anniversary as a business in 2022, and provides guests with a semi-rustic stay at a historic bed-and-breakfast. (Nelson Hicks)
Beechwood Inn in Rabun County “(We) have ‘Wine-30′ at 5:30 and if they want to come to that, we usually have a fresh appetizer and they have a chance to meet other people,” Gayle Darugh from the Beechwood Inn said. “We’ve seen so many friendships formed here. And they like that. It’s much more intimate than a hotel.” (Nelson Hicks)
Beechwood Inn in Rabun County The Inn was named to the Select Registry, a registry that includes a collection of independent boutique inns that deliver a level of personalized service nearly unheard of in the industry. The appetizers alone should have landed them a spot on the list, but it’s their attention to detail and service that did the trick. (Nelson Hicks)
Rabun County Looking for a little different experience? Grab some friends, light up the campfire and cook up some s’mores, and experience a night under the stars on a visit to the area. Just don’t forget your long johns. (Nelson Hicks)
Rabun County Mountain views, outdoor activities, shopping, fine wine and drinks; there’s plenty to do in Rabun County and the North Georgia mountains. Or you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the day. It’s up to you. (Rabun County)
Outdoor 76 in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Outdoor 76 in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County Here are some more photos from The Clayton Cafe and Market in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County Here are some more photos from the Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County Here are some more photos from the Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County Here are some more photos from the Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County Here are some more photos from the Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County Here are some more photos from the Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County Here are some more photos from the Moonrise Distillery in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Outdoor 76 in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Outdoor 76 in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Outdoor 76 in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Outdoor 76 in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Outdoor 76 in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Outdoor 76 in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Outdoor 76 in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Outdoor 76 in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Outdoor 76 in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Outdoor 76 in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Currahee Brewing in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Currahee Brewing in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Currahee Brewing in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Currahee Brewing in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Currahee Brewing in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Currahee Brewing in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Currahee Brewing in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Currahee Brewing in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Beechwood Inn in Rabun County Here are some more photos from the Beechwood Inn in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Rabun County (Nelson Hicks)
Rabun County Here are some more photos from Rabun County. (Rabun County)
Rabun County Here are some more photos from Rabun County. (Rabun County)
Rabun County Here are some more photos from Rabun County. (Rabun County)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County Here are some more photos from Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County. (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County (Nelson Hicks)
Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County (Nelson Hicks)
Dillard Waterfall Dillard Waterfall
GF Default - Sunset at The Dillard House in north Georgia