Helen Georgia, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, has a story that will entice you as much as its peace and tranquility. In fact, peace and tranquility have been rather sporadic throughout North Georgia’s history.
With several industries booming at first and fizzling out later, Helen and the surrounding areas have been on a roller coaster ride of economic highs and lows. From boomtown to flume town, and ultimately to the quaint Alpine village of today, Helen has been resurrected on more than one occasion.
It’s no wonder, then, that travelers and sightseers often spy remnants of yesteryear along the winding roadsides of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. As the historic remains of nostalgic architecture dot the landscape, the various ancestries of the North Georgia region are echoed in the eaves. And, while Helen Georgia and the surrounding regions have survived on an “in with the new and out with the old” philosophy, they have not forgotten their heritage. Artifacts and antiquities have been preserved, over the years, from both American and Native American cultures.
Helen and the surrounding North Georgia towns are home to numerous antique shops. There are authentic shops in vintage buildings, roadside shops with refreshments, backyard shops, and more. With so many antiquing opportunities, over such a vast landscape, it is well advised to do some research if your goal is to take a piece of yesteryear home with you tomorrow. To get you started, however, we have recommended some antique destinations below.
Nacoochee Village Antique Mall
Address: 7091 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545
Phone: (706) 878-4069
Website: nacoocheevillage.com
Nacoochee Village is one of the most quaint and charming areas of Helen and is within walking distance of the downtown area. Among the other Helen business venues, you’ll find Nacoochee Antiques, (sometimes known as the Nacoochee Antique Mall) an expansive shop inside of the historic Martin house that is almost equally as interesting as the treasures within.
Located only a half-mile south of downtown Helen, Nachoochee Village offers a variety of family-friendly activities. In addition to food, coffee, beverages, furniture, pottery, and more, you may also shop for antiques.
Nacochee Antiques is housed in a historic, North Georgia home. The old house displays antiques on three floors, from various eras, throughout the mountain region’s history. From the large to the very small, you’ll find it all at Nachoochee Village Antiques.
As you wander the three floors of the shop, you’ll come across countless unexpected items – perhaps something that you remember from childhood or have been trying to track down for years! There’s always something new to see while visiting Nacoochee Antiques. You’ll find that it’s next to impossible to walk out empty-handed.
The Art-Full Barn
Address: 107 LaPrade St, Clarkesville, GA 30523
Phone: (706) 754-1247
Website: www.artfullbarn.com
Located in a restored mill in Clarkesville Georgia, Art-Full Barn contains a menagerie of all things North Georgia. With a multitude of spaces reserved by various vendors, they offer old relics, artifacts, and handcrafted items from the region. You will very likely also find more recent memorabilia or souvenirs, depending on the vendors at the particular time of your visit.
In addition to antiques and gift items, regional arts and crafts abound in the Art-Full Barn. Various galleries are housed throughout the property which may display local pottery, paintings, sculptures, carvings, and more. Passing through this mall will not only heighten your shopping experience but will also enhance your cultural experience.
Old School House Antiques & More Mall
Address: 6519 State Rte 52, Murrayville, GA 30564
Phone: (706) 867-8604
Website: www.oldschoolhousemall.com
Located in Murrayville, GA, Old School House Antiques is conveniently situated between Cleveland and Dahlonega. With over 13,000 square feet of antiques, furniture, collectibles, crafts, jewelry, and more, even the non-antique buffs can experience the thrill of discovery.
Old School House Antiques isn’t just a name – it really is a historic schoolhouse! What started off in the early 1950s as Eastside Elementary School has now been re-purposed into a spectacular (and enormous) shop for all those who are interested in antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, and more!
Shopping here is quite an experience. In addition to enjoying all of the items that fill the inside of the space, you’ll also be able to take in some truly incredible mountain views, as the schoolhouse is situated between Cleveland and Dahlonega. As you stroll the wide aisles of the antique mall, you’ll really feel that you’ve been transported back to a simpler time as oldie music plays in the background. It’s an experience like no other.
Iron Accents: North Georgia Outlet Store (Antique Stores)
Address: 6415 Cleveland Hwy, Clermont, GA 30527
Phone: (770) 539-9093
Website: www.ironaccents.com
Located in Clermont, GA, Iron Accents boasts a 6,000 square foot building to house its wares. And housing it needs, with a vast and varied selection of products including antiques, architectural pieces, primitives, gift items, and seasonal floral creations.
If you should desire more choices, continue your venture outside, where real treasure hunting was meant to take place. There, you will find the potting shed. This has been an ongoing project in which the owners acquired authentic items from the 1890s. Through recycling, the breath of life has been restored to original wood flooring, windows, and shutters. Vintage accent pieces have been used as-is or reinvented, adding further charm and authenticity to the environment. Check out the potting shed; whether to expand shopping alternatives or just to sit for a spell and take in the fresh, mountain air.
Mountain Laurel Antique Mall (Antique Stores)
Address: 233 Friendship Church Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528
Phone: (706) 865-0575
Situated just a few miles from downtown Helen, Cleveland, Georgia is another hot spot for antiquing. Mountain Laurel Antique Mall is a shopper’s delight, as it offers visitors more than 8,000 square feet of antiques, collectibles, and consignment furniture.
As you browse through the nearly limitless collection of books, art, kitchenware, glass, crystal, dinnerware, and uniques, you might stumble upon an incredible gift for that someone in your life who tends to be so difficult to shop for or an item that will bring your mother or grandmother back to yesteryear.
Plan to make a day of it, as you’re sure to get lost in time during your trip!
Velvet’s Vintage (Antique Stores)
Address: 2048 Helen Hwy, Cleveland, GA 30528
Phone: (706) 219-0229
Website: Visit their Facebook page
Velvet’s Vintage is an adorable shop for antiques, unique and crafty gifts, home decor, and more. Both the beautiful cottage and adjacent shop lay in the majestic shadow of Mount Yonah, and are filled with delights and surprises for people of all ages and backgrounds. Here, you will find elegant, “prim & proper” home decor and items mixed in with rustic furnishings and memorabilia.
This collection of “organized chaos” will get the wheels turning in your brain and spark your creativity, allowing you to dream up new and interesting ways to decorate and furnish your home. You may also discover some gems to wrap up as birthday and holiday gifts for your family and friends.
Gateway Antique & Consignment Mall
Address: 75 E Main St, Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (706) 867-8816
Website: gatewayantiquemalldahlonega.com
The historic city of Dahlonega, Georgia works to keep the past alive with Gateway Antique & Consignment Mall. This large antique shop is filled with valuable antiques, collectibles, and vintage items ranging from jewelry to furniture and just about everything in between.
Over 35 different merchants contribute to the mix of exciting and unique items, ensuring that there’s always something new and interesting for you to check out. The most recent addition to the mall is a consignment area that has been aptly named, ‘Gateway Trading Company’. The eclectic variety of both vintage and contemporary items adds even more to the wide range of treasures to be found within the mall’s walls.
Share Your Thoughts Below
With a selection of Helen antique shops like these, you’re sure to find some incredible treasures as you go antiquing during your trip.
Have you ever visited one of these superior antique shops? What was your favorite purchase?
Share your success stories in the comments section!
