Dillard: History, Art and Nature

Dillard combines historical landmarks, art and regional cuisine with outdoor destinations in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip here, you can choose a focus based on your interests: local history, culture, horseback riding, food or scenery each offer a different starting point for planning your visit.

Historical Highlights

Dillard was officially founded in 1846. In 1906, the Tallulah Falls Railroad was extended to Dillard. The years represent two different milestones: the founding year and the later extension of the railroad. Together, they provide a chronological framework for the town’s history. Another historical feature is an inn built by Zack Dillard for travelers on the toll road, which was the predecessor to today’s Dillard House.

The historic Old Dillard School House has been used by the North Georgia Community Players for their performances since 2005. This long-standing use connects a historic schoolhouse with the local performing arts scene and offers theater enthusiasts a specific cultural point of reference in Dillard.

Art and Arts-and-Crafts Tradition

The historic Hambidge Center district is located near Dillard, with a log cabin from the 1830s and buildings from the Arts-and-Crafts movement from the 1940s. The Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts and Sciences continues the region’s Arts-and-Crafts tradition as a retreat for artists, writers and scientists. The 3 Legge Art Gallery offers a different artistic focus: it serves artists Eric and Terry Legge as a working studio and gallery, and also functions as a museum featuring the life’s work and monumental sculptures of the late Joe Legge.

Scenery in the Surrounding Area

Black Rock Mountain State Park is nearby, 3.5 miles from Dillard. Its overlooks offer views extending 80 miles across the Southern Appalachians; there are also several hiking trails. Overlooks and trails offer different ways to experience the landscape. If you are planning your trip with a focus on nature rather than culture, you can take this difference into account when choosing your activities.

Experiences and Events

Julep Farms is a modern farm resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dillard House Stables offers trail rides and river rides. For trip planning, these are different themes: the farm resort experience on the one hand, and horseback riding activities on the other. The annual Dillard Bluegrass & Barbeque Festival features both nationally known acts and local bands. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates.

Regional Cuisine and Antiques

The Dillard House Restaurant has been family-owned since 1917 and is operated by the family. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner family-style every day, year-round. Homemade Southern dishes are served, based on traditional recipes from Dillard House cooks and several generations of the Dillard family. An inn built by Zack Dillard for travelers on the toll road was the predecessor to today’s Dillard House.

In Dillard, there are more than 40,000 square feet of antiques to explore within a two-block area. This adds another specific focus to the town’s historical and cultural attractions.

Explore more destinations: Tiger.

For the overall travel overview: Rabun County.