The Essential Guide to Cave Spring, Georgia

North Georgia is filled with adorable towns, each claiming to be a Southern version of Stars Hollow-style. Gilmore Girls. But I can almost guarantee you haven’t heard of this one.

Cave Spring, Georgia, home to about 1,000 residents, is located just a few miles from the Alabama state line and is just a 1.5-hour drive from Atlanta, and during the fall, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip. Cave Spring is located at the western end of Vann’s Valley and is named after the prolific limestone spring located in the center of town that produces 2 million gallons of water per day. Today, most visitors come here for Cave Spring’s easy access to the outdoors, and often plan a visit to see the cave or nearby trails.

“I’m not originally from Cave Spring, but I fell in love with my husband, Cleve, and the charm of the downtown square the first time I visited,” says local Emilia Jackson, who runs Buttermilk Flowersa “U-Pick” and cut flower farm with her husband. “I love being able to park and walk around town to take our girls to Rolater Park to play on the playground and in the spring-fed creek, stop at the local library, and grab ice cream at Spring Brew Coffee Co.”

But Jackson agrees that there’s something especially fun about visiting Cave Spring at the turn of the season. Special themed events take place in the city in the fall, including the Halloween Coffin Races (a spooky version of the Cub Scouts’ Pinewood Derby), the annual costume contest, and a lively Halloween parade through downtown.

“There’s nothing like visiting in the fall, when the leaves change and the air gets cooler,” Jackson says.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Cave Spring, Georgia.

The best things to do

Start your stay in the city at the Cave Spring Welcome Center and Museum to get an idea of ​​the terrain. The historic house has maps for exploring the area and information for visitors. There are also exhibits covering everything from the history of the original indigenous inhabitants to the Georgia School for the Deafwhich also has its headquarters in the city.

According to the National Society of SpeleologyThe Peach State has more than 800 caves, most of which are located in the northeast corner of Georgia. Cave Spring’s eponymous cave is also the site of a natural freshwater spring, which serves as the city’s main source of drinking water.

To see for yourself, visit the Cave Spring Rolater Park and Pinhoti Trailwhere you can explore the cavern for $2 per person and even fill your water bottle with spring water. The cave’s temperature hovers around 57 degrees year-round, making it an ideal escape from the summer heat. However, if you want to cool off even more, you can take a dip in Lake Rolater for $5. The Pinhoti Trail, which runs through the park, is also a nice walk and connects to the Appalachian Trail.

Just a minute away on Cave Spring Road, you’ll find the Vann Cherokee Cabinone of the oldest structures of its kind in Georgia. It was built in 1810 by Avery Vann of the Cherokee Nation, a member of the family for which Vann’s Valley is named. The hand-carved log cabin is now a stop on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

Downtown Cave Spring has several shops to explore, including Antiques in the square, Evergreen on BroadPeddler and Cave Spring General Store, all great options for locally made goods and vintage decor. Candy enthusiasts will also love the annual Highway 411 Garage Sale, when small towns between Leeds, Alabama and Newport, Tennessee (including Cave Spring!) set up tables filled with antiques and secondhand items along the highway.

If you need to burn off some energy, venture to nearby Cedartown, Georgia, about 15 minutes away, to bike sections of the Trail of the silver cometa 61.5-mile pedestrian and bicycle path connecting Georgia and Alabama.

Where to eat and drink

Start your day in Spring Brew Co. Coffeewhere you can have a seasonal themed coffee with milk or ice cream. Local Joe’s in Cave Spring is a casual lunch spot with baked goods, Georgia-style barbecue, and sides like the popular Brunswick Stewwhich is said to have originated on the coast.

Stagecoach Pizza Co. It offers cakes from a historic space with a salon-type atmosphere and has all the usual toppings and offerings. As its name indicates, A&B Creekside Restaurant and Catering It has outdoor dining with great views of the creek and is known for its burgers and ribeye steaks. Locals love it southern flavor for all-you-can-eat catfish and favorites like fried squash and macaroni and cheese.

Linde Marie Grill in the square is a destination of its own in Northwest Georgia, drawing hungry diners from the surrounding area to sample all cuts of meat, including ribs and sirloin with all the fixings. “My favorite meal at Linde Marie’s is the pecan crusted chicken,” Jackson says.

Where to stay

Due to its small size, accommodation in Cave Spring is quite limited and mostly encompasses short-term rentals. One of the most notable options in the area is the Hearn Hostelwhich used to be the girls’ dormitory at the Georgia School for the Deaf; Guests can now rent a room or the entire house. Cedar Creek Park has RV and tent camping starting at $20 per night, plus kayak, tube, and canoe rentals.

You’ll find more options in Rome, about 15 miles away, including national brands. For example, the Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Rome It is located inside an 1890s warehouse that still retains many original features. It is conveniently located next to the Oostanaula River and several local restaurants.