Would you love to spend Thanksgiving surrounded by mountain scenery, staying in a cozy cabin, and enjoying a traditional turkey dinner without cooking or cleaning up? A Thanksgiving getaway in the Georgia mountains might be just what your family needs.
One of my favorite Thanksgiving memories is spending the holiday in the mountains. We enjoyed dinner at a lovely restaurant, then returned to a cozy cabin overlooking the mountains. Best of all, there were no dishes to wash or kitchen to clean!
8 Georgia Mountain Resorts Serving Thanksgiving Dinner in 2026
If a relaxing Thanksgiving escape sounds appealing, I’ve gathered eight Georgia Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountain resorts and hotels offering Thanksgiving dining this year. Many also offer overnight accommodations and activities, making it easy to turn your holiday meal into a memorable family getaway.
Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26, 2026. Reservations are strongly recommended, and some properties require them. Check the linked websites for current menus, prices, seating times, and overnight packages before making your plans.
Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in the Georgia Mountains
Lanier Islands Resort
Lanier Island Resort is located in Buford about an hour from Atlanta.
Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet
The Thanksgiving dinner buffet will be served in the Grand Ballroom of Legacy Lodge at Lanier Islands Resort in Buford. Reservations are required.
Hours for the 2026 Thanksgiving dinner are Noon–6 p.m. In addition to the listed buffet, there will also be a Kids Korner selection and a Dessert buffet.
Where to stay
Accommodations include: Legacy Lodge, where all rooms have a balcony or patio with views of the lake, pool, or beautiful landscapes. The luxurious Legacy Villas are designed for larger groups, making them a good option for large families. The LakeHouses at Legacy offer plenty of perks. Each 1,200-square-foot lake house has a private deck and easy access to Lanier Islands Resort.
What to do
Want more than just the meal? Stay the night. A Thanksgiving overnight package includes dinner for two, breakfast for two, and admission to Magical Nights of Lights, the dazzling drive-through Christmas lights show.
Barnsley Resort in Adairsville
Barnsley Resort is located in Adairsville in the Northwest Georgia mountains. The resort is nestled on 3,000 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet
An elaborate Thanksgiving Buffet will be presented in Georgian Hall from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Reservations are required.
Where to stay
Accommodations include the Estate cottages, the Cottage Suites and the Resort Inn. The cottages include private porches and fireplaces.
What to do
Thanksgiving weekend at Barnsley Resort is quite entertaining. The weekend includes Village Lighting, breakfast with Santa, family BINGO and a DJ party, Turkey Trot Fun run and walk, a Holiday train presented by Cartersville Museum City, Gingerbread House making, a Birds of Prey demonstration, Elf visits, Glow golf, pickleball, and more. If you have a chance to take the history and wine tour, I recommend it.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge
Unicoi State Park & Lodge is located in Helen in Northeast Georgia
Thanksgiving dinner buffet
The Thanksgiving dinner buffet will be served in the restaurant on the 3rd floor of Unicoi State Park Lodge on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Seating is available with reservations only at specified times, beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the last seating at 4 p.m. Reservations required.
Where to stay
Accommodations at Unicoi State Park include the luxury lodge with rooms for couples or families, and cabins with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms that feature a kitchen, a wood burning fireplace as well as central heat and air. The campgrounds include RV and tent campsites.
What to do
The park offers a large selection of indoor and outdoor activities, including fishing, archery, hatchet throwing, hiking and biking, zip line for brave souls, and more. Inquire about the shuttle service into downtown Helen.
Forrest Hills Resort
Forrest Hills Resort is located in Dahlonega in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains.
Thanksgiving dinner
The Thanksgiving dinner feast will be served from noon until 4 p.m., open to the public and overnight guests. Reservations are required.
Where to stay
Forrest Hills Resort offers accommodations including: group lodging, hotel rooms and suites, and cozy cabins. A stay in a cabin offers privacy and beautiful scenery. The food in the restaurant is always good.
Things to do
Activities at the resort include: horseback riding, carriage rides, a massage spa, pickleball, fitness center, fire pits, gem mining, volleyball courts, a game room, nature trails, and more.
Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa
Brasstown Valley Resort is located in Young Harris in the beautiful North Georgia mountains.
Thanksgiving dinner buffet
Thanksgiving Day buffet listed from noon–7 p.m. on Nov. 26th. Reservations are required.
Where to stay
Accommodations include: the luxurious lodge, cozy, spacious cottages, and Equani Spa’s private quarters for some genuine pampering. If you enjoy golf, they have one of the best-kept golf courses in the state.
Things to do
Activities and excursions include: horseback riding, golf, the fabulous Spa, hiking trail through the Chattahoochee National Forest, tennis, fishing, Lake Chatuge excursions, concert excursions, and more.
Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard
Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard is tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Dahlonega.
Thanksgiving dinner buffet
A Thanksgiving buffet with traditional favorites and seasonal dishes, served in a mountain scenery setting will be served from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. If wooded trails in the fall, a blissful spa, and a cozy cabin are calling your name this Thanksgiving, book your reservation now before it is too late.
Where to stay
Accommodations include: the Lodge, Cottages, A-Frame cabins, cozy cabins in a mountain setting, the Villa that offers a luxurious Villa Suite, and the Main Inn. Take your pick! The views of the mountains from the front porch are breathtakingly beautiful.
Things to do
Indulge yourself with some much deserved pampering at the Spa. Try the Spa party package with your friends. You can even add on a charcuterie from the restaurant. The Resort is a 15-minute drive to downtown Dahlonega.
Julep Farms
Julep Farm is a modern farm resort located in Northeast Georgia in Dillard. The backdrop is the Blue Ridge Mountains and 22 acres of picturesque pastures.
Thanksgiving dinner
A Thanksgiving feast will be served on Nov. 26 from 11:30 until 4 p.m. Reservations are required.
Where to stay
You will be smitten by the serenity and scenery. Stay in one of their popular cozy, quaint cottages.
Things to do
You can visit the surrounding area, where there is a plethora of activities for families or couples. The Foxfire Museum is nearby.
Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant
The Lake Rabun Hotel and Restaurant is a nature-inspired boutique hotel located off the beaten path in Lakemont. They are the last surviving mountain lodge on a lake in Georgia, over 100 years old. Their Farm-to-Table restaurant celebrates the flavors of the mountains with seasonal menus crafted from locally grown produce, humanely raised meats, and wild-caught seafood.
Thanksgiving dinner buffet
Lake Rabun Restaurant will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner buffet on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are required.
Where to stay
All accommodations feature rustic accents that capture the spirit of Appalachia. Stay in the boutique hotel, the Innkeepers Cottage, or one of 5 more quaint cottages.
Things to do
There is plenty to see and do in the North Georgia Mountains with Lake Rabun Hotel as your home base. Anything from hiking and water sports to ziplining and horseback riding. The Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail are nearby.
The Georgia Mountains
The magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains dip into North Georgia, reaching all the way over to Alabama on the west border. They create a beautiful backdrop for a nice getaway.
The Appalachian Mountains come across Georgia and dip as far southwest as Pine Mountain.
It is the culture of the Appalachia region and a slower pace that makes the mountain region a desirable vacation destination. There are many festivals, concerts, and events that share the craftsmanship of the artisans in the region. There is a quiet calm that gives your soul rest when you visit the mountains.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to make reservations to eat Thanksgiving dinner in the North Georgia Mountains? Yes. Expect that if you did not make reservations, you may likely not be served.
Is it expensive to eat Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant in the Georgia mountains? Check each restaurant for their current pricing. They range from as low as $54 per person to more than $100 per person. Check the prices before you reserve.
Is it expensive to stay in the Georgia mountains? That depends on your budget and what you consider expensive to mean. You can find a wide variety of price ranges for accomodations.
What is the weather like in the Georgia mountains in November? The weather will be cooler. Dress accordingly. Check your weather app for the most accurate current forecast.
Where is the best place to stay in the Georgia mountains for Thanksgiving? That depends on the kind of getaway you have in mind. Do you prefer a cozy cabin, a rustic mountain retreat, a luxurious hotel suite, or a full-service resort with activities for the entire family? The properties in this guide offer a variety of experiences. Review the accommodations and amenities carefully so you can choose the setting that best suits your preferences.
What can families do in the North Georgia mountains over Thanksgiving weekend? Depending on the property, options include hiking, horseback riding, holiday light displays, family activities, spa visits, and exploring nearby mountain towns. Check event schedules before traveling.
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