Places to stay near attractions in Cleveland

Cleveland, Georgia is the seat of White County and sits at the crossroads of U.S. 129 and GA-75 about 10 miles south of Helen. Its 1859 White County Courthouse — the oldest brick courthouse in North Georgia — anchors a small downtown square that keeps a slower pace than its Alpine neighbor. The town is best known as the home of Babyland General Hospital, the birthplace of Cabbage Patch Kids, where visitors can watch a "birthing" of a hand-stitched Cabbage Patch doll from the Mother Cabbage.

Cleveland is the closest town to Yonah Mountain, a 3,166-foot granite dome popular for hiking, technical climbing, and Army Ranger training, and to Yonah Mountain Vineyards and Habersham Winery. The Chattahoochee River is born just north of town near Chattahoochee Gap, and the Chattahoochee River Adventures outfitter runs float trips downstream toward Helen.

Because Cleveland has more inventory and better parking than Helen, it's a common base for travelers attending Oktoberfest, wineries, and Anna Ruby Falls / Unicoi State Park who want easier in-and-out and a more residential feel.