Chester GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Chester, Georgia.
1. River Bend Wildlife Management Area
NATURE AND WILDLIFE REFUGE
River Bend Wildlife Management Area offers visitors a chance to experience Georgia's natural habitats and diverse wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, and bird watching throughout the seasons. The area provides a peaceful retreat with scenic views of native flora and fauna in their natural environment.
2. Talking Rock Brewery
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Talking Rock Brewery is a highly-rated craft brewery near Chester offering locally-brewed beers in a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can sample a variety of handcrafted beers while enjoying the rustic ambiance and often live entertainment. The brewery has earned a perfect 5-star rating, making it a must-visit for beer enthusiasts in the area.
3. Dublin Visitors Center
TOURISM INFORMATION HUB
Dublin Visitors Center serves as the gateway to exploring the attractions and history of the Dublin area near Chester. The center provides maps, brochures, and knowledgeable staff to help visitors plan their perfect itinerary in this part of Georgia. With a near-perfect rating of 4.9, the center is known for its helpful service and comprehensive information about local points of interest.
4. 1st African Baptist Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
1st African Baptist Church stands as an important historical and cultural landmark in the region near Chester. The church represents a significant piece of African American heritage and religious history in Georgia. Visitors can appreciate both the architectural elements and the important role this church has played in the community over generations.
5. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN TRAIN
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a nostalgic journey through the beautiful North Georgia mountains not far from Chester. Passengers travel in vintage rail cars along the Toccoa River, enjoying spectacular scenery and stops in charming mountain towns. The four-hour round trip excursion is particularly popular during fall foliage season when the mountains burst with vibrant colors.
6. Black Rock Mountain State Park
GEORGIA'S HIGHEST STATE PARK
Black Rock Mountain State Park stands as Georgia's highest state park, offering breathtaking 80-mile vistas of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore four distinct hiking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems and lead to stunning overlooks. The park also provides comfortable campsites for those wanting to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of North Georgia overnight.
7. Downtown Blue Ridge
MOUNTAIN TOWN SHOPPING HUB
Downtown Blue Ridge captivates visitors with its charming collection of antique stores, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The picturesque streets offer a perfect blend of mountain town charm and sophisticated shopping opportunities. Visitors from Chester can easily make a day trip to explore this vibrant downtown area that serves as the cultural heart of the region.
8. Mercier Orchards
APPLE FARM AND MARKET
Mercier Orchards is a family-owned and operated apple orchard that has been a North Georgia tradition since 1943. Visitors can pick their own seasonal fruit, shop at the expansive market for fresh produce and homemade goods, or enjoy hard cider tastings at their farm winery. The bakery offers delicious apple treats including their famous fried apple pies that draw visitors from across the region.
9. Ocoee Whitewater Center
OLYMPIC RAFTING VENUE
The Ocoee Whitewater Center, just across the state line from North Georgia, was the venue for the 1996 Olympic whitewater events and remains a popular destination for adventure seekers. Visitors can experience thrilling whitewater rafting trips down the Ocoee River's challenging rapids with professional guides. Beyond rafting, the center offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center explaining the area's Olympic history.
10. Lake Blue Ridge
MOUNTAIN WATER RECREATION
Lake Blue Ridge offers 3,290 acres of crystal-clear water surrounded by the spectacular Chattahoochee National Forest. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing for bass, trout and walleye, or relaxing on the shoreline amid stunning mountain scenery. The lake features several public access points, marinas offering boat rentals, and quiet coves perfect for swimming during the warmer months.
11. Fannin County Heritage Foundation Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Fannin County Heritage Foundation Museum preserves and displays the rich history and cultural heritage of the Blue Ridge region. Exhibits showcase artifacts from Native American settlements, early pioneer life, the railroad era, and the development of the mountain communities. Visitors interested in regional history will appreciate the well-curated collections that tell the story of North Georgia's past.
12. Swinging Bridge on the Toccoa River
HISTORIC SUSPENSION BRIDGE
The Swinging Bridge on the Toccoa River is one of the longest suspension bridges east of the Mississippi, stretching 270 feet across the scenic river. Hikers on the Benton MacKaye Trail can experience the thrill of crossing this gently swaying bridge while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The bridge is accessible via a moderate hike and provides excellent photo opportunities of the pristine river below.
13. Blue Ridge Community Theater
MOUNTAIN ARTS VENUE
Blue Ridge Community Theater offers high-quality theatrical performances in the heart of the North Georgia mountains. The intimate venue presents a year-round calendar of plays, musicals, and special events featuring talented local and regional performers. Theater-goers from Chester can enjoy professional productions in a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the performing arts.
14. Grumpy Old Men Brewing
MOUNTAIN CRAFT BREWERY
Grumpy Old Men Brewing offers craft beer enthusiasts a taste of mountain-made brews in a friendly, laid-back taproom. Visitors can sample a rotating selection of handcrafted beers while chatting with the brewers who often share stories behind their creative concoctions. The brewery's outdoor seating area provides a perfect spot to relax with friends while enjoying the mountain atmosphere.
15. Tank Town USA
DRIVE A REAL TANK
Tank Town USA offers the unique opportunity to drive a real military tank through a challenging obstacle course in the North Georgia mountains. Visitors can crush cars with the tank, operate heavy equipment like bulldozers, or try their hand at shooting a machine gun in this one-of-a-kind attraction. This adrenaline-pumping experience provides unforgettable memories and plenty of photo opportunities for adventure seekers visiting the Chester area.