Treasure Hunting in North Georgia
We recently returned home from the cabin, so I wanted to share our favorite places to treasure hunt in North Georgia in case you’re ever up that way.
As many of you know, we have family there, and frequently visit throughout the year.
And it’s still fun to discover new places after nearly 20 years.
While each trip and season brings its own kind of beauty, I can honestly say that my DIY Celebration Memory Board is filled with lots of special moments from this trip.
I think what made this trip different is that spring break and Easter had already passed, and summer had not yet begun.
So, the crowds were much lighter than we’re used to, which made everything easier to navigate.
I know we’re all gearing up for the summer travel season, so I wanted to share a few places that we enjoyed in case you’re headed to the North Georgia Mountains, too.
Treasure Hunting in the North Georgia Mountains…
*This post was updated in May 2026 to include new store information and photos.
Blue Ridge…
Black Bear Antiques, Blue Ridge, GA
Black Bear Antiques used to be in Ellijay but moved to Blue Ridge, so it was fun to check out the new store.
They have a really great mix of vendors with new and antique items to explore.
A lot of people with second homes up there shop at Black Bear Antiques for cabin-style decor as well.
It’s a simple way to get a collected over time look.
I love the way they framed the plate wall in the booth above.
Also, can we talk about this brass animal gallery wall?
I couldn’t think of a place to put this fox, but it was fantastic!
Blue Ridge Antique Mall and Consignment, Blue Ridge, GA
This is the first time we didn’t go into Blue Ridge Antique Mall and Consignment in downtown Blue Ridge because we ran out of time.
It always has a good mix of cabin and vintage items to explore, though.
Thrift Stores to Note in Blue Ridge…
Humane Society of Blue Ridge and Empty Stocking Thrift Store. The Humane Society of Blue Ridge is packed with two floors of goodies and is set up a little like an antique mall.
They also have a boutique section where we found a fabulous vintage plaid blazer, a raincoat, and antique brooches.
Empty Stocking has clothes and housewares. It’s great if you’re looking for gently used home decor items to refresh.
Places to Eat in Blue Ridge…
Cantaberry, Blue Ridge, and Ellijay, GA
We’ve been eating at Cantaberry for as long as I can remember, and way before they expanded into Blue Ridge.
The Ellijay location is my favorite, and I always get the cream of chicken and wild rice soup even in the summer – it’s that good.
Chesters, Blue Ridge, GA
Almost every time we go to Chesters in Blue Ridge, there’s a long wait, so keep that in mind if you ever go.
I love their pimento cheese!
Harvest on Main, Blue Ridge, GA
Harvest on Main is always interesting for its “Southern take on global cuisine.”
The atmosphere is cabin cozy.
It’s usually busy, so you’ll want to make a reservation.
Rum Cake Lady, Blue Ridge, GA
It rained for a few days while we were at the cabin, which must have made us homesick because we found ourselves at Rum Cake Lady searching for comfort food.
We had black beans and rice with sweet plantains, a traditional Cuban sandwich, tostones, and brought home guava pastries for dessert.
The location is tiny, but the staff is always super nice, and they have a covered patio area.
The Black Sheep, Blue Ridge, GA
We celebrated a milestone birthday brunch at The Black Sheep, which was a fun change because we usually go there for dinner.
They don’t serve alcohol until 1230 pm on Sundays in Blue Ridge, so no Bloody Mary, but the atmosphere was relaxed, and the food was good.
No matter when you go, I’d suggest a reservation.
Also, just a heads up, they tend to sit people really close together.
Canton…
Cotton Mill Exchange, Canton, GA
The Cotton Mill Exchange is a great place to shop.
The store is located inside an old cotton mill and boasts 150-200 designers, artisans, and small-business owners.
Truly, there is something for everyone.
You can tell the vendors are carefully curated.
We saw new pieces, vintage and antique finds, wreaths, painted furniture, art, clothes, jewelry, and gifts.
How amazing are these chippy doors and this wall art?
I am kicking myself for not picking up the terrier print!
Plus, how sweet is this buggy decorated with flowers?
Dawsonville…
Soul Sisters Antiques & Home Decor, Dawsonville, GA
Soul Sisters Antiques is tucked into the back of a strip mall.
But it’s totally worth the extra effort to find.
The front of the store is always decorated with seasonal decor and inspiration.
They have a fabulous mix of antique and vintage items.
The displays make me want to bring home a truckload of French and European farmhouse goodies.
Fancy Flea, Dawsonville, GA
Fancy Flea has a mix of vintage and newer items.
As well as painted furniture pieces.
They also have a super cute stationery section.
Thrift Stores in Dawsonville to Note…
Fairly close to Soul Sisters Antiques are two thrift stores, NLB Thrift Store and Humane Society Resale Shop and Boutique.
NLB is great if you’re looking for budget-friendly furniture, and the Humane Society is great for home decor items.
I found this piece for The Crowned Goat Cottage for $8, and it can be used in so many different ways.
Dahlonega…
Dahlonega Square (Main Street Area), Dahlonega, GA
There are several antique stores in downtown Dahlonega that are worth checking out and within walking distance of each other.
I’m STILL thinking about this piece by artist Rachel Pate, which was made of paint and pages from the Bible.
Picnic Café, Dahlonega, GA
After a bit of shopping, we usually have lunch at a cute little spot in Dahlonega called the Picnic Café.
It’s small, but the food is always good.
I order the peach chicken salad on a croissant with a side of field greens almost every time we go.
And if you’re in the mood for dessert, they have the best chocolate cake, too!
Jasper…
Mountainside Antiques, Jasper, GA
Mountainside Antiques is an antique mall you have to dig through to find the goodies.
I say that because there are so many nooks and crannies packed into this store, I’m always afraid I’m going to miss something.
That said, this is one of my favorite places to shop because the prices are good and the staff is always friendly.
On this trip, I picked up a monogrammed tureen and an ironstone plate to use in The Crowned Goat Cottage.
All in all, we had a great visit, and I’m thankful for the time away.
It always goes by way too fast.
But it feels so good to come home with a happy heart!
Other Posts from the North Georgia Mountains…
How to Bring the Feeling of Vacation Home
Our Favorite Travel Essentials
Many blessings,
CoCo
I have never visited the blue ridge mountains before, so I really appreciated your tips so much. Amicalola Falls looks spectacular and I loved getting your tips for the best antique stores and places to get sweet treats. Thank you so much!!
It’s such a beautiful part of the country, Heidi! If you ever get a chance to visit you definitely should. There are so many fabulous places, trails and waterfalls to explore. Sending you hugs for a happy week, CoCo
This trip looks amazing! I love all of the little shops and restaurants. I think my favorite thing is the horse picture. That is really neat. It’s so unique!
I am SO BUMMED we couldn’t bring that horse picture home, Susan. It would have been amazing over the fireplace. It was already mounted on the canvas though so I don’t think it would have been economical to ship. Still, I can’t stop thinking about it. It was gorgeous! You would love all those little town. They look straight out of a Hallmark movie. Big hugs, CoCo
Next time you are in North Georgia, take a day trip to Murphy, NC, “Marketplace Antiques” will not disappoint. I think you would love it!
Adding it my “must see” list now, Carole. Thank you so much for the recommendation. It’s gorgeous up there and I can’t wait to visit! Hope your day is filled with all good things, CoCo
Wow!!! Your cabin vacation looks SO FUN!!! That little town looks just adorable…so amazing to have the plethora of antique shops and cute cafes all lined up like that!!
I would love to visit this part of the country someday..the scenery looks glorious! Thanks so much for sharing, CoCo!
You would love it at the cabin, Rachel! There are so many different places to hike, ride bikes and explore. Not to mention all the good food places and little shops to treasure hunt. It’s right up your alley! Hope your week is off to a great start, CoCo
Hi Coco,
Loved hearing about your trip and things you did. Some quaint looking shops and eateries, love that!
We used to go to upper Georgia, Helen, Unicoi state park, Dahlonega, Murphy and Cleveland Ga. (home of the cabbage patch dolls – we went there 2 different summers but we never did get to go to the cabbage patch as it was always closed. Poo) then, when our kids became a teenagers and were working we started going for beach vacays, as they were on 40 mins. away, and they could have their friends come out there at times.
Our daughter lived in Asheville about 10 or so years ago, and we love Asheville too. Can’t beat the mountains for a relaxing and quaint time. Glad yall had a great time, and are getting back into the swing of things!
take care hon, Blessings, Nellie
It looks like you had a fabulous vacation! The area looks so beautiful and the shopping seems great! I love learning about new places so thanks for all the travel tips and info on so many towns! Take care, Donna
You have some really beautiful photos CoCo. I am happy to hear you had such a wonderful time, the shopping would have been right up my alley too. I imagine the zoo was a lot of fun. I know the kiddos get so excited when they see the animals and can get quit loud, I miss those field trips with the kiddos I worked with. Love hearing the tips about the sensory room, I never sought them out in the past, but very good to know.
I love all of the updates! This makes me want to plan a trip to Georgia so badly! I’m glad you had a good time!
CoCo, I love this! My mom lives in the north Georgia mountains so I’m very familiar with these towns, but I haven’t gone to many different antique/vintage shops. I tend to stick with my favorites. But wow–what a great list this is! In Blue Ridge, I also love Harvest–that’s one of my favorite places to eat in the whole area. And the chicken salad at Cantaberry is fabulous! I’ve been to the one in Ellijay twice. Next time, I’ll have to check out that soup…
Thanks so much! This is super fun!
Hugs!
LeAnne
So many amazing stores. From your photos, I think I could live in the Soul Sisters store. The south always has the best antiques! Thank you for sharing these honey holes with us AND for recommending places to eat. We make the best shopping decisions when we aren’t hungry.