8 Unique Things to Do in Cleveland, GA
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You’ll find the small town of Cleveland, Georgia, 90 miles northeast of the city of Atlanta and just a couple hours south of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The surrounding cities of Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Helen might get more tourist attention but don’t underestimate what Cleveland has to offer.
While it could be a perfect day trip from any of those cities, it also has enough things to do to make it a reasonable destination for a weekend or week’s vacation.
This picturesque small town is truly a hidden gem. It has a little something for everyone but is a particularly good destination for couples, families, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
The first time I visited Cleveland, Georgia, I was there for a specific reason. It was the 25th anniversary of the Cabbage Patch dolls.
While I was an adult, I had grown up during a time when these dolls were a highly coveted possession — one I had never had the opportunity to own. I took a friend and headed straight to the birthplace of these iconic toys, which is the first destination on this list.
1. Indulge in Nostalgia at Babyland General Hospital
Indulge your childhood nostalgia with a trip to Babyland General Hospital, home to the Cabbage Patch dolls. These toys were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2023, and it’s easily the most whimsical destination in Cleveland.
You’ll find Babyland General at 300 N.O.K. Drive. It’s open daily, and admission is free to all visitors.
If you’re picturing a huge store selling Cabbage Patch dolls, you’re not entirely wrong. It’s a store — but more! You can take a tour to see the Cabbage Patch dolls “born” from a patch and taken to the nursery.
For a premium price, you can even have a customized doll born on your visit, but even if you bypass this option, you can still visit the Cabbage Patch and celebrate a new doll’s birth. You might even get a chance to name it! It’s part store, part museum, and part immersive nostalgic experience for kids or kids-at-heart.
If you’re wondering if I took home a 25th-anniversary doll, I certainly did!
2. Relax and Enjoy the Lavender Lamb Farm
Depending on when you visit, you’ll want to add Lavender Lamb Farm to your itinerary. It’s open April through early September and then again in October and November. You can make an appointment to visit outside of their standard operating hours.
This destination is located at 176 Bugle Dr, and it’s home to gorgeous mountain views, an extensive lavender farm, and even a Shoppe selling all things lavender.
They even host events like Mocktails (or Cocktails) at the Farm and U-Pick Zinnias. You can pick your own zinnias for $12, and the mocktail event is a free event at the farm.
3. Get Wild at North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park
While in Cleveland, animal lovers will delight in the North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park located at 2912 Paradise Valley Road.
This wildlife experience offers a safari drive-thru, a wildlife walk, animal experiences, a petting farm, camps, and even family nights. Park admission is $37.99 for adults and $35.99 for children (ages 2–11).
Add-on experiences include a piggy meet and greet, capybara feedings, small animal meet and greet, deer meet and greet, camel meet and greet, and a reptile meet and greet. You can also purchase cups of feed in the park for a more hands-on experience with the animals.
4. Shoot the Rapids with Wildwood Outfitters
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Cleveland and are feeling adventurous, head to Wildwood Outfitters. You’ll find them at 26 Megan Drive, and they’ll be happy to outfit your kayak or rafting experience.
Rental rates will include your shuttle ride, life jackets, paddles, helmets, and daily boat rental. This is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers who want to shoot the rapids or for families who prefer to select one of the calmer stretches of water.
5. Cast a Line with North Georgia Fly Fishing
It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced fisherman or a total novice. Bowman Fly Fishing, of North Georgia Fly Fishing, is happy to act as a full-service guide for your trip.
You can choose between float trips, wade trips, or even specialty private trophy trout trips. Prices range from $400 for a half day to upwards of $875 for a full day with a group of three.
Although it’s not the most affordable destination, everything is provided. You’ll just need to bring a valid fishing license.
6. Take a Wine Tour with Serenity Cellars, Yonah Mountain Vineyards, or The Cottage Vineyard & Winery
When you visit North Georgia, it’s impossible to miss the wineries. You’ll see them everywhere.
In Cleveland, some of the most popular wineries include Serenity Cellars at 265 Laurel Ridge Road, Yonah Mountain Vineyards at 1717 Highway 255 South, and The Cottage Vineyard & Winery at 5050 US-129. They all have something great to offer area visitors!
Serenity Cellars offers live music on the weekends. This boutique winery is Tuscan-inspired and offers wine-tasting flights during business hours. The Premiere Tasting is $30, and it includes a sampling of 7 wines and comes with a souvenir glass.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards is a 200-acre vineyard that offers a 90-minute wine tasting with charcuterie on the second Sunday of each month, a wine connoisseur membership that delivers wine to your door, and the annual Crush Fest that happens in August of each year.
They even have winery cave tours that feature a wine and chocolate pairing.
The Cottage Vineyard and Winery offers live music nights, casino nights, karaoke nights, lodging, tastings, and tours. They even have a worship service each Sunday called Jesus N Jeans. And, no, I’m not making that up. Get your wine, gambling, and church attendance all in one place!
7. Go Skinny Dipping at Serenity Park Nudist Resort
If you prefer life sans clothes, you’re going to love this unique Cleveland, Georgia, destination. Serenity Park Nudist Resort is located at 95 Cedar Hollow.
This nudist park is billed as family-friendly and includes a swimming pool and hot tub. They do ask that you bring your own towel to sit on, and there are plenty of guidelines to help visitors and new-to-public-nudity guests acclimate to the unusual environment.
8. Fly High with Georgia Mountain Falconry
Another unique experience in Cleveland is the opportunity to learn about falconry with Georgia Mountain Falconry.
You can book the Raptor Encounter to learn to handle hawks, falcons, and owls. There are also educational displays, programs, workshops, and seminars available for the casually interested visitor, and there’s an Apprentice Academy available for those who want to take this a bit more seriously.
Visiting Cleveland, Georgia
It’s easy to see that a visit to Cleveland is certainly not your usual destination. There are plenty of unique destinations just waiting for you. From outdoor adventures to a trip down memory lane, Cleveland’s got it all.
