Toccoa is a small city which lies nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is justifiably proud of its Main Street which is filled with specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants and galleries where locals and visitors like to meet. You can spend some quality outdoor time visiting the Toccoa Falls, which are one of the highest waterfalls in the US, or exploring Henderson Falls Park, Traveler’s Rest Historic Site or the Currahee Military Museum. The historic Ritz Theater invites you to attend a movie or a show, while the Currahee Vineyard and Winery offers tastings and live music on the weekends. Toccoa, GA is 1 hour 40 minutes from Atlanta ( 94.1 miles via I-85 N, I-985 N and US-23 N).
Toccoa Falls
Located on the campus of the Toccoa Falls College, just a short distance from downtown, Toccoa Falls is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the US. In fact, Toccoa Falls is a very respectable 28feet higher than the far more famous Niagara Falls. If you are looking for a very pleasant way to spend a few hours you can make your way to the foot of the falls along an accessible 100m walkway from the college gift shop, where you pay your (very nominal) entrance fee. The walk to the falls follows the path of a pretty stream which meanders through the woodlands. If you visit in fall you will have the added bonus of seeing the falls framed by beautiful autumn foliage.
Toccoa Falls, 107 Kincaid Dr, Toccoa Falls, GA 30598
Currahee Vineyard and Winery
Formerly an apple orchard, Currahee Vineyard and Winery lies at the base of the beautiful Currahee Mountain. The vineyard was planted in 2009 and after an initial harvest a single red muscadine called Sweet Cheryl was produced. Since then Currahee Vineyards and Winery has grown from strength to strength and now produces a range of delicious Georgia wines. You are invited to come and learn all about the vineyard and taste a few of their delicious wines at the on-site tasting room, which is usually open from Thursday to Sunday. In August special daily tastings are offered and you can enjoy live music while you sip on Saturdays and Sundays.
Currahee Vineyard and Winery, 3301 West Currahee, Toccoa, GA 30577, Phone: 706-768-5383
Traveler’s Rest Historic Site
Traveler’s Rest Historic Site is an historic lodge and tavern located about 6 miles east of Toccoa, close to the Tugaloo River. It was built around 1815 to provide overnight lodging to people traveling by stagecoach over the Appalachians. The original wood-framed inn boasted several rooms spread over two floors as well as a tavern, parlor and even a post office. Today visitors to the site can explore the historic buildings and the plantation grounds on a self-guided tour which will take you back in time to life in 19th century Georgia. The building still contains a wealth of original furnishings and artifacts for you to admire.
Traveler’s Rest Historic Site, 4339 Riverdale Rd, Toccoa, GA 30577, Stephens County, Phone: 706-886-2256
Paul Anderson Memorial Park
Before you visit Paul Anderson Memorial Park you should take the time to read up about the man for whom the park was established. Paul Anderson was a local hero who made headlines for being the “strongest man in the world” when he lifted the heaviest weight ever in 1957. Paul also won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in 1956 in Australia. In addition to being a weightlifter, Paul was also a pillar of the Toccoa community and a strong Christian. Visitors to the park can admire the monument fountain, beautifully landscaped gardens and pathways or simply sit on one of the benches and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Paul Anderson Memorial Park, Tugaloo Street, Toccoa, GA 30577
Ritz Theatre
The historic Ritz Theatre first opened its doors to the public in 1939. Back then it featured a single movie screen and seating for around 500 visitors. Over the years the Ritz has seen several reincarnations and in 1982 it was renamed the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. After extensive renovations in 2014 the historic old Ritz is once again vibrant and alive and welcoming locals and visitors to a full calendar of exciting entertainment, including popular movies, live music performances and stand-up comedy. The Ritz forms part of the Main Street Toccoa initiative established to ensure historic preservation of Georgia’s 8 Exceptional Main Streets.
Ritz Theatre, 139 E. Doyle Street, Toccoa, GA 30577, Phone: 706-282-3232
Ashling Booksellers
A popular landmark in the heart of Downtown Toccoa, Ashling Booksellers is located on Doyle Street. From the very start, Ashling Booksellers has attracted locals to come and share books, ideas and music with like-minded others. Not only can you find the latest releases in hardcover, but you are also welcome to participate in their book exchange program, which makes reading so much more affordable. The store stocks everything from novels and non-fiction to biographies, magazines, comics and cookbooks. There is also a good variety of children’s books including young-adult fiction and non-fiction. You can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a snack while your browse.
Ashling Booksellers, 47 Doyle St, Toccoa, GA 30577, Phone: 706-886-2665
