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When vacationing in the Southeastern US you expect to find down home hospitality, southern fried chicken and grits. What you don't expect to find are these three hidden travel gems of North Georgia; a delightful old world Bavarian style Alpine Village, a small town with two wonderful museums plus an old iron mine or a romantic hidden resort that offers a luxurious spa, horseback riding, championship golfing, world class dining and a ghost.

Helen, Georgia

Tucked away in the tumbling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a quaint little hamlet with the Bavarian style architecture of the Alpines. There are the usual tourist shops to be sure but there is also a happy, polka filled atmosphere that makes your feet tap on the cobblestone streets as you sample the cheeses, sausages, beers and pastries of Germany.

Warm months offer canoeing and other water sports in addition to the year round mountain hikes, double waterfall and shopping. Fall brings a six week Oktoberfest, with the polka bands, the beer and German style sausage taking center stage of a wild and fun filled party. For those not into the party scene, there is the Apple Festival and the breathtaking views, as the leaves change their colors. Wintertime finds Helen alive and celebrating Christmas with the Alpine Lights Festival as the whole hamlet becomes a fairyland.

Cartersville, Georgia

A small southern town with a lot to offer, Cartersville is only thirty miles from Atlanta and is home to Red Top Mountain State Park, the Tellus Museum and The Booth Western Art Museum. There is something here for everyone.

Red top Mountain State Park is almost surrounded by Lake Allatoona and offers boating, camping, hiking, fishing and swimming though the water often turns your suit red from the high iron content. Once the site of working open pit mines, the remains can be visited on a hayride or hike.

The Tellus Museum is a world-class science museum, which houses forty pre-historic animals including a Tyrannosaurus Rex. There are Planetarium, Mineral and Motion Galleries and many hands on experiences for kids.

Booth Western Art Museum is a world-class museum with artwork depicting life in the old west as well as an authentic stagecoach. Throughout the year Booth Museum is host to Indian Pow-Wows and Councils as well as Dutch oven and chuck wagon cook offs, cowboy poetry contests, Western Concerts, Indian flute and dance programs and flint knapping demonstrations.

Barnsley Garden Resort-Adairsville, Georgia

Built around the ruins of the mansion Sir Godfrey Barnsley built his beloved wife Julia is a very modern resort that offers world-class dinning, horseback riding, heirloom gardens, a championship golf course with PGA professional instructors, a luxurious spa, clay shooting, fly-fishing and The Barnsley Family History Museum. There is also the ghost of Julia, seen by many guests.

All of these are true hidden gems of the Southeastern US and are perfect for a weekend get away or an extended vacation. If, you plan to visit the Southeast, consider these out-of-the-ordinary vacation destinations, which offer a wide range of interest and costs. Ya'll come see us.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Kay.
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