Tennessee and North Carolina are a few of the first places that come to mind for Southerners seeking a mountain escape. Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains have international appeal, so it’s not just regionals visitors booking stays in the area. While destinations like Asheville and Gatlinburg can crowd quickly, hidden gem destinations like North Georgia’s Blairsville are more likely to provide a relaxing retreat. The entire population (under 1,000 people) of this teeny tiny town live in the shadow of Brasstown Bald, the state’s highest peak. Situated within the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blairsville is one of the best places in the South— if not the country—to get outside. From sparkling lakes to scenic hikes to wineries and distilleries, Blairsville has it all. Here are the 15 best things to do in Blairsville, Georgia, on your next trip.

Read More at Yahoo! News.