Enjoy a Cozy Meal at This Historic Inn and Restaurant in Georgia’s Mountains

There is a rich and deep history found in the mountains of Northern Georgia. With a story of resilience and unwavering hospitality, the Appalachian people are perhaps best known for their kindness. It is within this context that you will find what is considered one of the best hotels in Georgia; in fact, it is known as one of the best hotels in North America.

The Lake Rabun Hotel is a mountainous oasis where you can escape into nature and truly connect with the ones you love the most. To fully immerse yourself in this local culture is to share a meal at the restaurant, which is filled with a rotating menu of true farm-to-table delights. 

This hotel stands as a beautiful retreat deep within the forested mountains, but it didn’t always look the way it does now. Around 20 years ago, the building was left in a state of disrepair, but the owner, Gwen, saw the potential. She bought the property only to later find out that a few others had their eye on the sale to demolish it. Fortunately, she took something that was about to fall down, and instead carefully restored it to the beauty it is to this day. She was careful to retain the historical charm and story attached to the land, and the results speak for themselves. 

Each of the 13 rooms within the inn is uniquely fashioned and has a story to tell. The lodge is designed to be a respite from a busy life and a conduit for adventures out in the wild. You will not find a television in the rooms, as the invitation is there to enjoy the beauty of the northern mountains of Georgia in the Lake Rabun area. On the property, you will also find five fishing cottages perfectly suited for those traveling as a family or with their furry companions. No matter where you rest your head, you will be partaking in the ongoing story of those who come to this region and fall in love with the peaceful tranquility.  

Part of the rich culture of the area comes in the way of the farmlands that stand today and have historically been a big part of the culture. Take a culinary journey by partaking in a meal at the Lake Rabun Hotel. The meals within the restaurant have been carefully selected from the local offerings of the nearby farmlands. A true farm-to-table experience invites you to taste the ingredients from these very mountains. The owner has been very selective in which chefs she allows into the kitchen to ensure only the top quality. The result is a one-of-a-kind meal that fits perfectly within the season of your stay. 

Known as casual fine dining with an emphasis on southern hospitality, the menu has a lot to offer. Alongside the seasonal options, you will find signature dishes that are also available to please your hungry taste buds. The freshly caught trout is always a favorite with simple and rich flavors to satisfy your palate. Even if you have been to the restaurant before, each season will yield a new set of fresh flavors to try.

The ambiance is perhaps one of the best parts of a meal at the Lake Rabun Hotel. Just like the owner's desire to introduce guests to reconnect with nature, the dining area is equipped with glorious outdoor seating. Enjoy dinner in the dimly lit forest at night or catch rays of the sun beaming through the canopy of trees above during the day. The sounds of singing birds will accompany you while sharing a meal with your loved ones. Inside is equally exquisite, with large windows that bring the outdoors in and tree trunk pillars that make you feel as though you are dining in the mountains.  

There are plenty of reasons why this is considered one of the best hotels in Georgia. With a sweet natural ambulance and delightful Southern charm, you will simply fall in love with the northern mountains. Make sure to plan a trip to this luxurious retreat away from the busyness of life by visiting the Lake Rabun Hotel website. 

There are plenty of incredible waterfalls surrounding this glorious lake, and well worth the exploration. Make sure to have your AllTrails+ app handy as you plan to strap on your hiking boots and head into the beautiful mountains to spend the day chasing waterfalls in Georgia. And if you're looking for more ways to maximize your stay in Georgia, check out our itinerary planner for recommendations.