If I had a nickel for every time I heard of Floridians who came up to north Georgia on vacation, fell in love with our magnificent state, and bought or built a beautiful cabin in the woods here… (I’d have upwards of six or seven dollars, probably).

But that’s exactly what John and RJ did.
After they married 18 years ago, they took their first vacation as husband and wife in North Georgia. The newlyweds stayed at a Lily’s Cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and became absolutely enamored of the area.

Back in Florida, their daughter was born. They named her Lily.

After years spent looking for the perfect cozy spot in north Georgia to call their second home, they eventually settled on one town. With a population of just 652, it doesn’t get much cozier than Blairsville.

I was chatting to RJ about what makes their Lily’s Cabin special to her and her family, and what they love sharing with their guests.

“When we go there, it’s to disconnect from the outside world and enjoy the serenity of the woods and each other’s company. Lily’s Cabin is perfect for that. From making meals together and everybody talking and laughing in and out of the open-concept kitchen, to just sitting on the back porch during a rainstorm, looking at the forest and swaying on the swing as the drops patter on the leaves and the windchimes ring softly… I mean, it doesn’t get better than that.”

But it takes more than windchimes and a porch swing to turn a house into a comfortable home — or a “rental property” into a place where friends and families gather and feel at home.

John dug and built the firepit, stone by stone, for his own family to sit around, the light from the flames reflecting in his wife and daughter’s eyes. RJ designed the breakfast bar and found beautiful dishes for the hundreds of meals they have shared over the years, some at the picnic table on the porch, others at the cute little table in the open plan living/dining room.

And now you and your people can, too.

It is said that the gold that came out of the mountains of northern Georgia was the purest (or “yellowest”) gold to ever have been found; that’s what originally drew settlers to Blairsville in the 1800s.

When you and your loved ones come to north Georgia these days, you’ll find something a whole lot more precious.

Pro Tips & Local Wisdom

Hike Vogel State Park to the mesmerizing cascades of Trahlyta Falls and take in amazing views of Blood Mountain
Lace up your boots and explore 867,000 acres of scenery, history, and culture at Chattahoochee-Oconee, Georgia’s only national forest
Enjoy home-cooked meals and desserts at the Hole in The Wall — serving up all day breakfast and world-class pies since 1931
Kayak and fish at nearby Coopers Creek and Toccoa River
Pick up the Appalachian Trail at Woody Gap, the unofficial gateway to the Appalachian Mountains
Explore Suches, known for its scenic views and abundant outdoor activities, as well as nearby Dahlonega
Taste the best of Georgia grown produce at Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm and Reece Heritage Farm
Roll up your sleeves at Jim's Smokin' Que, a legendary barbecue joint
Have a taste, glass, or bottle at one of the local wineries. Our faves? Wolf Mountain, Serenberry Vineyards, and Crane Creek Vineyards

The Small Print

The Sounds of Silence: please limit outdoor use of speakers and other amplified sound equipment to 8:00 am through 10:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday; and 8:00 am through 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday
We happily prepare a starter kit for your arrival (5 trash bags under kitchen sink, 1 roll of paper towels per kitchen, 3 rolls of t.p. per bathroom, small bars of body soap) — please anticipate any needs beyond that, and stock up in town or bring from home
Suds and beans can be very personal choices: please bring your own laundry detergent and coffee
You’ll find an ample supply of dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap
Need us? We got you, 7 days a week, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, just give us a buzz and we’ll be there in a jiff to help you with any unforeseen detail


From our entire team, a big thank-you for choosing SVR. Born and bred here in Georgia, we ensure our clients feel the warmth of our southern hospitality and have unforgettable stays in beautiful homes — in what we believe is one of the prettiest landscapes the country has to offer. With us you’re booking so much more than a rental property. With nearly 10,000 stays and half as many glowing reviews… our guests agree.

We love North Georgia — and we love sharing her with you. In each of our cabins you’ll find an “Experience the Mountains” manual full of suggestions about local attractions such as hikes and sightseeing, as well as our favorite restaurants in town.

Want to connect with us about anything from the layout of the property to our favorite spot for fall apple picking? Give us a shout. One of our local customer experience guides will be happy to chat with you, answer any questions, and help you book your next dream mountain vacation.

We can’t wait to see you soon in our neck of the woods (and mountains, and lakes, and so much more).



UC License #: 031910