Weekend Escape in the Blue Ridge Mountains

This must-see attraction is part of the Georgia State Parks system, with the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The main trail that follows 620 stairs along the waterfall has three access points.
Start at the bottom, the top, or the middle, depending on your fitness level. The summit has a gorgeous view of the valley below, and there are cabins here you can rent overnight.
The Amicalola Lodge also has a nice view, rocking chairs on the porch, and a full-service Cascade restaurant where you can eat breakfast or lunch.

Rated one of the best zip lines in the industry, the 165-acre course at Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge features 13 zips, 12 canopy decks, three sky bridges, two towers, and 300- to 1,100-foot zips. Here kids and adults can spend hours zip lining over the beautiful North Georgia mountains.
If you are feeling more adventurous, try the aerial obstacle challenge course that takes you through a course of suspended bridges, tight ropes, climbing walls, ziplines, and more.
Zipline tours vary according to the time of year, so check tour times and book in advance through their website.

After a morning packed with outdoor adventures, settle down for a globally inspired Southern lunch created by James Beard-nominated Best Chef of the South, Danny Mellman, and his food writer and farm director partner, Michelle Moran. Whenever possible, the ingredients are sourced from local farmers and artisans, so you will have a delicious farm to table experience. Taste the locally-sourced trout, shrimp and grits, and fresh salads.
Please make sure to call the restaurant to verify timings and menus before arriving, as they change often.

Now it's time to explore the shops, restaurants, craft breweries, and art galleries located along Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. Be sure to walk through the galleries inside the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association's Arts Center, and see the exhibits in the restored court room.
You will end your walk at the historic train depot, from where you can also opt for a rail adventure. The two-hour, 26-mile round trip runs from March through December, and offers a chance to see the countryside.
Visit Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's website for an updated schedule of trips and events.

Check in to the family-run Overlook Inn at Chatsworth, which is a spacious log cabin-style home with six independent suites, each equipped with a fireplace as well as a hot tub or jacuzzi. Every suite is named after a hiking trail in the area, and has a distinct character.
After freshening up, head to the Council Room (great room) for wine and cheese, as well as a 3-course dinner prepared by the inn keepers. After dinner, you can play the piano, mingle with the other guests, or simply relax by the fireplace.