Exploring Babyland General in Cleveland, Ga.

Let’s go back in time to 1977 in Cleveland, Ga., where artist Xavier Roberts created handmade dolls he called “Little People,” and sold them at the nearby Unicoi State Park (map) gift shop.

To make a long story short, he didn’t call them “Little People” for long. In fact,  Roberts changed the name to Cabbage Patch Kids for something more unique and thus, history was created.

If you were a child of the ‘80s, more than likely you had a Cabbage Patch doll (or two, if you were lucky.) The “it” toy of that decade still remains popular today among people of all ages.

And it’s that draw that brings people to Babyland General (map) in Cleveland. Located in a new and larger facility, the “hospital” is the birthing center of the Cabbage Patch Kids (if you time your visit right, you watch a “delivery” with the assistance of a Licensed Patch Nurses), as well as the adoption center. Ranked #3 in Travel Channel’s “Top 10 Toylands,” Babyland General is an one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t forget.

The tour of the facility is self-guided and free. When you enter, you pass by different nurseries, filled with Cabbage Patch Kids of all types and styles. You’ll see the 25-year-old “Mickey” and the preemies. It’s interesting to see how these dolls have changed over time.

Your final destination is the Magic Crystal Tree where the “birthing” takes place.

There’s other displays, smaller rooms and many opportunities to purchase anything Cabbage Patch Kids at the facility.

Turn off the main road and explore Babyland General. It’s more than a doll-store/museum, it’s somewhat of a walk-through of the history of a doll that took a nation by storm. And is part of Americana that shouldn’t be missed.

Mark Your Calendar

If you’re planning to visit, you might want do it on March 27, which is the date of the 22nd annual Cabbage Patch Kids Magical Easter Extravaganza. The all-day event includes an Easter egg hunter and a Cabbage Patch Kids Easter bonnet contest.

Babyland General is open Monday –Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m; Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tours are free and self-guided.

photo credit: Scenes from Babyland General, personal collection