Dillard, Georgia

Nestled deep in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains about two hours north of Atlanta, the charming little town of Dillard makes its home. It started out in the early-1800s and is primarly known for the Dillard House, a family-owned stone lodge, restaurant and conference center.

People come from around the region to stay at the lodge, which is renowned for its Southern cooking, giving Dillard a vitality not always found in tiny towns. A couple of other popular inns have a Dillard address, too.

Atlanta weekenders come up to revel in the surrounding 148,000-acres of spectacular state park natural beauty, parkaking in rafting, fishing and camping. Hikers from the nearby Appalachian Trail stop in to buy supplies, and antique aficianados come to shop in the dozen or so collectible and antique shops.

Locals pick up supplies at the flea market, general store and country store.

The Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences is a private retreat that offers public lectures and ceramic exhibitions. The North Georgia Community Players, a theater group, perform regularly.

Cabins, A-frames, ranch ramblers, farm houses and more are tucked in the woods. Many have gorgeous mountain vistas.