This 1870 Italianate farmhouse set on 173 acres, 2 miles southeast of downtown Helen, is Georgia's newest state historic site. The nearby gazebo-topped Nacoochee Mound and cow pasture hearkens to Cherokee roots. Tours take in the 19th-century parlor with original lighting (check the fascinating telephone and climate-control system), the bedroom of Anna Ruby Nichols (for whom nearby Anna Ruby Falls was named) and the withered dairy barn (there are 19 outbuildings in all).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Habersham Vineyards & Winery

0.35 MILES

One of Georgia's pioneering wineries dating all the way back to 1983. Winemaker Andrew Beaty trained at the University of California, Davis, and wineries…

2. Unicoi State Park

3.04 MILES

At this adventure-oriented park, visitors can rent kayaks ($10 per hour), take paddleboard lessons ($25), hike some 12 miles of trails, mountain bike, or…

3. Anna Ruby Falls

5.44 MILES

Not to be confused with Tennessee's far more famous Ruby Falls, Georgia's Anna Ruby Falls is tucked away in Unicoi State Park (part of the Chattahoochee…

4. Frogtown Cellars

10.66 MILES

This beautiful winery has a killer deck where you can sip libations and nibble cheese. It bills itself as the most awarded American winery not in…

5. Three Sisters

11.4 MILES

A wonderfully unpretentious vineyard where Cheetos, overalls and bluegrass tunes – or fine cheese and great views – pair just fine with the wine.

6. Helton Creek Falls

11.64 MILES

On a good day, this double waterfall barrels out of the woods over a rocky outcrop, tumbling 100ft into a moss creek valley below. But on a rainy day, it…

7. Vogel State Park

13.28 MILES

Located at the base of the evocatively named Blood Mountain, this is one of Georgia's oldest parks, and constitutes a quilt of wooded mountains…

8. Brasstown Bald

14.29 MILES

Somewhat of a pilgrimage for born and bred Georgians, Brasstown Bald is Georgia's highest point, rising 4784ft above sea level. On a clear day, you can…