Nacoochee Village is located just outside of Helen along State Route 75. This historic and charming collection of businesses has been in operation for over a century, making for a truly one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experience. The village also gives visitors easy access to the historic Sautee Nacoochee Mound, an impressive structure located at the western edge of the valley. Nacoochee Village is the perfect afternoon excursion during your stay at Sylvan Valley Lodge & Cellars.

Shop

Nacoochee Village is filled with many unique local shops, several of which are still located in their original historic buildings. For example, the Nacoochee Village Antique Mall is showcased in the 1876 Martin House. You could easily spend hours digging through the countless treasures located inside. With over 50 dealers and 7,000 square feet of space, the Nacoochee Village Antique Mall is a true shopping adventure.

Across the street from the Antique Mall is Nora Mill Granary, a fully operational gristmill producing an impressive variety of high-quality corn and wheat based products, including grits, cornmeal, flour, and porridge as well as biscuit, bread, waffle, and pancake mixes. If you arrive at the right time, you might catch a glimpse of the grains being ground in the mill’s original water-powered 1,500-pound French buhr stones. Their products are available both in the country store and for purchase online.

Another incredible local business is The Willows Pottery, a working studio and gallery that creates beautiful stoneware pottery and ceramics. They make both decorative and functional pieces, such as dinnerware sets, serving pieces, accessories, and even custom vessel sinks. The Willows has recently expanded to feature the work of over 20 local artisans, so you’ll also find beautiful jewelry, baskets, woodwork, photography, fiber arts, soap, and more.

If you need gear for your next adventure in the North Georgia mountains, you can pick it up at three different shops in town: Unicoi Outfitters, Nacoochee Outdoor Adventures, and Wildwood Outfitters. Whether you need a bike tune-up, fishing poles, or kayak rentals, you’re sure to find the gear you need right in the village.

 

Eat & Drink

For a midday pick me up, swing by Jumping Goat Coffee. Jumping Goat believes coffee should be an experience, so they brew with only the finest 100% AA coffee beans in the world from places like Ethiopia, Colombia, Kona, and Tanzania. You can also try original creations such as their Bourbon Infused Pecan Gourmet Coffee or their wine infused coffees, plus a selection of fine cocoas and teas.

Located in a lovely country home with fresh modern decor, Mully’s Nacoochee Grill features mouthwatering farm-to-table cuisine like shrimp and grits, hand-cut steaks, and fried rainbow trout. They also boast a full-bar and popular Sunday brunch. For tasty craft pizza and beer, try Nacoochee Village Tavern & Pizzeria.

And of course, Sautee Nacoochee Village is also a great place to go to taste Georgia wines. One of Georgia’s oldest and largest wineries, Habersham Winery & Vineyards, is located in the village. Habersham has been producing traditional Georgian wines since 1983. You can taste a selection of their fine wines for just $7.50 a person in their bright and elegant tasting room.

Explore

Another must-do is the Sautee-Nacoochee Indian Mound, an ancient Native American burial site located near the banks of the Chattahoochee River. This impressive archaeological structure stands 17 feet fall and 70 feet wide. The gazebo sitting atop the mound was added in the early 19th century. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Sautee-Nacoochee Indian Mound is truly a moving site and should not be missed.

Planning a trip to Helen, Georgia this summer? Book a stay at Sylvan Valley Lodge & Cellars, a bed & breakfast winery located at the base of beautiful Mount Yonah.