Head south of the Inn for 15 miles, to the intersection of Highways 129 and 115 and you’ll be in Cleveland, a pretty mountain town steeped in history.
Founded in 1857, it was then called Mount Yonah and occupied the area that is now Underwood Street, between Main and Church streets. It remained mostly a small farming community through the first half of the Twentieth Century, when more commercial enterprises began moving in. Soon Cleveland, the seat of White County, was the center of activity for the surrounding area, and today boasts more than 2800 inhabitants.
Known as the “Gateway to the North Georgia Mountains”, Cleveland is where the Appalachian Trail begins—or ends, if you’re coming from the north! If you’re a hiker, biker or just plain love of outdoor life, you’ll feel at home here. If you fish, bring your rod because you’ll find more than 40 spots to cast your line nearby the town.
Take a stroll through town and visit the restored courthouse, which now houses a museum where you’ll find a wonderful exhibit of local clay pottery.
White County Historical Society
Courthouse Square, Cleveland
706-865-3225
Thursday – Saturday, 10:00 a.,. – 3:00 p.m.
If you’re thirsty for an old-fashioned lunch, head across the square to The Soda Fountain Café, which just like the old days, is located inside a pharmacy. Order a Georgia Burger topped with grilled fresh peaches and onion or maybe a true Southern specialty like the pimento cheese, banana and pineapple sandwich. And top it off with an old-fashioned shake.
The Soda Fountain Café
19 East Jarrad Street, Cleveland
708-865-5588
Monday – Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 9;00 p.m.
Sunday, 11;00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Hungry for some Southern country comfort? Glenda’s Restaurant serves a “meat and 3” with dishes such as chicken fried steak and white gravy. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s where the locals go for their fix.
Glenda’s Restaurant
286 South Main Street
706-865-7850
Monday – Saturday, 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
If you once owned a Cabbage Patch Kid, or are just curious about how they came about, you can check out the official birthplace of the unique doll at Babyland General Hospital. On the outskirts of town, it was built to resemble a real hospital, and besides housing all things Cabbage Patch, it hosts events throughout the year.
Upcoming is the Hillbilly Hog BBQ Fall Festival on October 23-24, 2015, with music, arts, crafts, and of course, BBQ.
Babyland General Hospital
300 N.O.K. Drive, Cleveland
706-865-2171
Monday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
After exploring Cleveland, head back to Sautee Nacoochee for some serious relaxing. Sitting on the balcony at the Lucille’s with a glass of wine and a view that goes for miles makes a near perfect end to the day.