The Raffy Family Mecca: Goats on the Roof

{For the record: We have no affiliate relationship with Goats on the Roof, we just really dig this place. But if they want to sponsor a post, I’d be happy to earn back some of the money we’ve spent there.}

For some reason Cody loves goats. I have never really understood the obsession but it may date back to some bet he had with a buddy when we lived in St. Louis. But we’ll just leave that there.

In any event, he has managed to pass that goat love on to the boys. Whenever we travel, we’re always on “goat lookout,” and we always have to check out anything goat-related.

Enter, our family Mecca: Goats on the Roof.

We found this place while driving from Florida to North Carolina a few years ago. We had finished a great day of hiking around Tallulah Gorge State Park, packed up the van to head north, only to discover less than 10 miles away, this gem of an attraction – assuming you’re a goat person, of course. So we made a quick u-turn and a love story was born.

Goats on the Roof is located in Tiger, Georgia, about 1.5 hours from Atlanta and close to both the South Carolina and North Carolina borders, but otherwise pretty much in the middle of nowhere. But this entirely kitschy tourist attraction is nothing short of the best kind of tourist cheesy.

While researching this post, I also discovered a Goats on the Roof of the Smokies, located in Pigeon Forge, TN. I’m embarrassed to say we’ve never visited but it’s definitely on our list!

One of the best things about Goats on the Roof is the place is just fun. It’s laid-back, you can roam around the grounds checking out the goats and the funky establishment without spending a penny, and even inside the buildings, it’s not overly sale-sy. Plus it’s fun that they never take themselves too seriously – check out “The Legend of Goats on the Roof” – you can’t help but just giggle at this place. . . .

Goats on the Roof is focused around two buildings – a cafe/ice cream shop and gift shop – with, you guessed it, goats on the roofs of each.

There’s even a “skywalk” for the goats to meander from one building to another.

So, here’s how it works.

Head to the gift shop where you can purchase goat feed. It’s only $1 for two ice cream cones full (the ice cream cones make an excellent edible container for the goats).

While you’re in the gift shop, it’s worth your time to walk around and check out all the goat humor and goat puns. If nothing else, it will leave you giggling.

After you have your feed, head back outside and find of the feeding apparatuses designed to get your feed to the goats up on the roof.

Your feeding options are:

1. Bicycle power your feed to the goats.

In front of the cafe/ice cream shop, there is a bicycle attached to a conveyor belt leading to the roof. Place your ice cream cone of feed into the container and pedal! Your feed is transported up to the hungry goats and the kids (and adults) get a great laugh.

2. Zipline your feed to the goats.

If peddling isn’t your gig, head over to the stairs near the gift shop to zip line your feed to the goats! Place your feed into the container, pull on the cable to move the container, and it is transported over to the waiting goats.

3. Pulley system your feed to the goats.

Outside the gift shop, there is also a container you can place your feed into and then use a pulley to transport the feed up the wall to the roof. But I have no pictures of that one because every time we’ve been it’s either been broken or the kids’ feed has fallen out of it so instead of taking cute photos, I was picking up goat feed off the ground.

4. Feed the goats on the ground.

If your kiddos (or you) want a more intimate experience with goat feeding, you can always feed the goats behind the gift shop. Hold out your hand or your cup and they’ll munch away at anything you have to offer  (goat food only, please).

After you’re done feeding the goats (and have washed your hands well), make sure to pick up some fudge or homemade nitro ice cream from the cafe. The ice creams are huge – plenty big enough to share.

After you’ve fed your goats, eaten your treats, make sure to check out the playground and the cheesy photo ops. Because hey, it’s Goats on the Roof.

As you can see, we love this place. It doesn’t take too long to enjoy. There is no admission. And it makes for a fun, quick stop on our drive to the mountains.

Goats on the Roof Details:

Located at: 3026 Hwy 441 South, Tiger, GA 30576

Open 7 days a Week, but hours vary throughout the year, so visit their website, or call for hours (706-782-2784)

Have you been to Goats on the Roof? How was your experience?

As always, thanks for stopping by and happy adventuring!

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