Escape to Lake Chatuge for a Perfect Autumn Adventure

There’s no better place to spend a crisp fall weekend than Lake Chatuge. Nestled up in the mountains of North Georgia, there are a plethora of autumnal activities for a memorable getaway. From antiquing, hayrides and outdoor dining with a view, to cozy cabins perfect for a slow fall morning, your ideal vacation is only a drive away.

Lake Chatuge is the perfect destination for antique lovers. Our community is home to several shops, including Northeast Georgia’s largest antique mall. Hiawassee Antique Mall features 40 different dealers spread throughout nearly 10,000 square feet of retail space. Find gifts both practical and unique when you explore the variety of antique items, furniture, jewelry, clothing, glassware, books and other oddities and collectibles. The store is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sundays.

In addition to Hiawassee Antique Mall, Lake Chatuge is also home to Willow Ranch Farmhouse and Farm House Antiques. Willow Ranch Farmhouse, located in Young Harris, offers one-of-a-kind antiques, home décor items, crafts and more. This unique antique shop is also right next to Brothers’ at Willow Ranch, a locally owned restaurant known for its steaks, BBQ, seafood and other Southern specialties. Farm House Antiques, located in Hiawassee, specializes in antique and vintage treasures such as furniture, jewelry, glassware, art, vinyl records, primitives and more. The store is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. Farm House is closed Sundays through Tuesdays.

After spending a day antiquing, relax and enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by beautiful fall foliage and stunning views of the sparkling lake. Lake Chatuge is home to many restaurants that offer one-of-a-kind outdoor dining. Hiawassee Brew, Lake Chatuge’s locally loved brewery, offers both views of the beautiful fall foliage, as well as the sparkling lake that anchors our community. Enjoy authentic Mexican dishes like tacos, tamales and elote, a Mexican-style grilled corn, while you sip on your favorite frosty beer or a glass of locally made wine. Hiawassee Brew offers seven varieties of in-house brewed beer, a rotating selection of regional drafts and wine from Crane Creek Vineyards and Hightower Creek Vineyards. The brewery also has a regular live music lineup. They are currently open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.  

Another great spot to enjoy outdoor dining is Sand Bar and Grille, enjoy beautiful views of the lake while dining on their open patio space. The tropical themed restaurant offers everything from delicious seafood entrees like coconut shrimp and oysters, to pizza and burgers. While waiting for your food, enjoy live music and beach games, like cornhole, on the restaurant’s sandy front yard. The restaurant is currently open from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays; 12 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and 12 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays.

The patio space at Brassies Bar and Grill, Brasstown Valley Resort’s on property restaurant, overlooks their golf course and surrounding forest area. Enjoy sweeping views of trees dappled in orange, red and yellow hues while dining on any of their delicious entrees, like their blackened chicken sandwich, topped with applewood smoked bacon, aged Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato, or a cozy bowl of their signature house made Brasstown chili, topped with cheddar cheese and crispy tortilla strips. Brassies is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays; 11 a.m. until 12 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. While visiting Brasstown Valley Resort and dining at Brassies, be sure to explore the resort’s other fall activities, such as the 9.2 miles of hiking trails that wind through the sprawling resort property.

Get the true cozy, fall mountain experience by renting a cabin or cottage for your weekend getaway. Lake Chatuge is home to a wide selection of cabin and cottage rentals, perfect for everything from a romantic vacation to a full family adventure. Reconnect with nature and enjoy sweeping mountain and lakeside views from the front porch. Feel the calm of a cool autumn day by curling up by the fireside. Find your perfect home away from home at Lake Chatuge. We can’t wait to see how you enjoy a safe, socially distant and relaxing fall vacation in our perfect little mountain community.