Cleveland, Georgia, is a scenic small town surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city features expansive opportunities for outdoor adventures, a historic downtown with unique shops, delicious Southern comfort food and plenty of events. Whether you are looking for things to do in Cleveland, Georgia, at night or during the day, you can find plenty of options during your trip.
Outdoor Activities
There are many outdoor opportunities around Cleveland. Here are a few top picks in the area.
Hiking
From waterfalls to mountain views, Cleveland offers many sights for hikers. You will not want to miss these nearby locations:
- Yonah Preserve Trails
- Lake Laceola
- Smithgall Woods State Park
- Boggs Creek Recreation Area
- Desoto Falls Recreation Area
- Unicoi State Park
Kayaking and Canoeing
Explore the Chattahoochee River by kayak or canoe with a visit to Wildwood Outfitters in Cleveland. The location offers trips for those of all ages and expertise, making this a good thing to do near Cleveland, Georgia, with kids.
Golfing
Grab your clubs and head to Kelly’s 19th Tee. This golf driving range offers an excellent place to practice your swing.
Hunting and Fishing
The natural areas surrounding Cleveland offer countless opportunities for hunting and fishing. Check out the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area or the Buck Shoals Wildlife Management Area.
Picnicking
Pack up a meal and head to the center of Cleveland for a pleasant picnic in Freedom Park. You can also savor lunch at many parks and recreation areas.
Local Attractions
Whether would like things to do near Cleveland, Georgia, at night or a fun daytime activity, you can find various options, including:
- White County Historical Museum: This historic courthouse-turned-museum offers a perspective into northeast Georgia’s history.
- North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park: Visit the zoo and see many animals, from reptiles to mammals.
- BabyLand General Hospital: Cabbage Patch Kids began here, and this free thing to do near Cleveland, Georgia, offers the opportunity to witness the birth and adopt a new baby doll.
- Unicoi Wine Trail: This collection of 10 wineries and vineyards across northern Georgia is a great thing to do near Cleveland, Georgia, for adults.
- Lavender Lamb Farm: View beautiful lavender hillsides and browse a shop full of handmade products.
Besides a host of local attractions, Cleveland offers unique shopping opportunities, including:
- Velvet’s Vintage
- Meader’s Mercantile and Antiques
- Kim’s Consignment
- Smoky Mountain Trader
- Mt. Yonah Book Exchange
Events and Festivals
Depending on when you visit, you can experience local events, from Christmas celebrations to fall festivities. Here are a few top picks in the area:
- Christmas in the Mountains: This lighted Christmas parade kicks off the holiday season in early December each year. Get in the festive spirit with this nighttime event.
- Night of the Living Safari: The North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park hosts this free fall event, which includes a free safari drive-thru, pumpkin toss, costume contest and other activities.
- Trunk or Treat: John Megel Ford provides the vehicles, and you bring a bag of candy to this Halloween event. Come in a costume and grab some tasty treats.
- Agrifest: Celebrate fall at Freedom Park in downtown Cleveland. The event features fresh produce and local goods, live music and kids’ activities.
- CWC Students Car Show: This exciting show features many eye-catching car models in one place. It also has food and drinks for purchase, door prizes and raffle items.
Dining Options
The city offers various dining opportunities for those looking to grab a bite in Cleveland. Visit one of the wineries on the Unicoi Wine Trail for food and drink. Other places include:
- Soda Fountain Cafe: This classic 1950s diner serves American food with music playing on the jukebox. It also features old-fashioned soda, delicious milkshakes and desserts.
- Rib Country: This joint has almost any barbecued meat, from ribs to turkey, basted in a special sauce and smoked over hardwoods.
- Sunflower Restaurant: This Cleveland restaurant serves Chinese food. It offers delicious meals and excellent service.
- Cottage House Restaurant: Visit this Cleveland restaurant for Southern food and a cozy atmosphere. It offers cafeteria-style food and a daily rotating menu for new options.
- Clyde’s Table and Tavern: With red brick walls, wood accents and crafted decor, this restaurant is a great place to visit. The food and drink match the atmosphere with delicious American favorites and local craft and spirits.
Day Trips Nearby
For those seeking a day of adventure outside the city, Cleveland offers a convenient location to explore surrounding areas in Georgia. Here are a few places to check out:
- Helen: Experience a Bavarian alpine village with cobblestone streets and specialty shops with handmade goods. The city is less than 20 minutes away from Cleveland and worth the visit.
- Lake Burton: The reservoir is about an hour from Cleveland and is an enjoyable spot for a day on the water. It offers spots for boating, swimming and picnicking.
- Dahlonega: This beautiful town is about half an hour from Cleveland, and you will find plenty to explore. A few highlights include the Dahlonega Gold Museum, serene waterfalls and part of the Appalachian Trail.
- Tallulah Gorge State Park: This scenic canyon offers various hikes along the rim or to the gorge floor with a permit. Visitors can also check out the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center. The park is about 40 minutes from Cleveland.
Tips for Visitors
If you are planning a trip to Cleveland, take a look at these tips to get the most from your experience:
- Plan for the weather: Like any area, Cleveland can have unpredictable weather, so it is best to plan. Be mindful of the possibility of tropical storms like hurricanes, which can bring high wind and rain.
- Explore local attractions: Get the most from your vacation by seeing all the local sights. The city and surrounding areas offer opportunities for visitors of various interests.
- Get outdoors: The Blue Ridge Mountains surround Cleveland, providing plenty of natural beauty. Experience it fully by heading outside for hikes, kayaking or other activities.
- Try local cuisine: During your trip, grab some classic Southern American food and other delicious bites. This city has various local restaurants to try.
- Kick back and relax: Cleveland is a relatively small town, meaning it often has a slow-paced atmosphere rather than the hustle and bustle of a large city. Take time to enjoy this relaxing environment during your trip.
Stay at Kampgrounds of America
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About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
