We have some of the coolest guests that adventure up into the Blue Ridge Mountains for some good quality R&R. Earlier this fall, a beautiful family from the Southwest region of Florida knew they wanted to come up the mountains and experience the spectacular fall season. Fortunately for them, the 2018 season proved to be one of the most colorful seasons we’ve enjoyed in a while! Fortunately for us, they made this awesome vlog about their journey.
The Players
The Patriarch, Andres Colin, is a talented singer-songwriter in and around the Sarasota area. His lovely wife, Kristen, is an equally talented photographer. Together they have one beautiful little girl, Aria, and another bundle of joy on the way. So, needless to say, life is pretty busy for the Colin family, but that wasn’t going to stop them from getting away. A local Sarasota artist, Jay Tyler of Steel View Art, recommend the family Escape to Blue Ridge and stay in a cabin called Woolly Bugger.
The Adventure
Have you driven eight hours with a toddler before? Well, lets just say the eight hour drive from Sarasota took more like twelve hours, but their reward was coming! Alas, they arrived in the mountains along a quiet dirt road and stepped out of the car to experience the crisp mountain air and check out their home away from home.
You will delight when you watch the family explore the lakes and mountains of the Appalachian region, your heart will melt when you hear Andres sing Happy Birthday to Kristen, and you will thoroughly enjoy Andres singing Una Guitarra by Gerardo Pena.
With any good road trip, food is a critical factor. Luckily for the Colin Family, there are no shortage of good restaurants in the Blue Ridge area. You may think a little mountain town only survives on bbq, cornbread, biscuits, and sweet tea. While that is absolutely 100% true, but we also have a taste for the finer things in life including healthy options offering gluten free and vegan selections.
With memory cards filled with pictures and hearts full of family memories, the Colin Family has to begin their journey back to their regular lives. One last stop in Georgia finds the family in Valdosta at the most delightful downtown market and café, Birdie’s. That’s when the Colin’s knew. They’ve been bitten by the Travel Bug and they will make a point to get out and travel more. There is just too much in life to experience.
Take about six minutes and enjoy this very well done and beautiful vlog by Andres Colin and his family’s Escape to Blue Ridge!
As we approach the commencement of the holiday season, we want to take a minute and reflect on the things that we are most thankful for not just this week, but every week. It is our absolute pleasure and privilege to provide our guests with the most outstanding vacation properties in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you are seeking relaxation or adventure, we have cabins that will suit your needs and feel like your home away from home.
Thank you, Guests
There is always a great reason to escape to Blue Ridge. Spring is delightful with all the budding flowers, sparkling lakes in the summertime, changing leaves in the fall, and snow in the wintertime. However, there is something special about that time between Thanksgiving and the New Year that makes a Blue Ridge escape extra special. Maybe it’s the cheerful joy of the season. Maybe it’s the time for extended families to come together. Maybe it’s the opportunity to unplug from our chaotic lives and get back to the simple things. Whatever your reason may be, we are so grateful that you choose us as your go to vacation rental company.
Thank you, Team
We are certainly grateful for the entire team that works tirelessly to make Escape to Blue Ridge the leading provider of North Georgia vacation rentals.
To our reservation planners, maintenance personnel, housekeepers and many other hospitality professionals, you go above and beyond your call of duty on a daily basis. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Thank you, Partners
We are most thankful for the property owners that entrust us with their real estate investments. We take pride in cleaning and caring for each and every home that is enrolled in our program like it is our very own. We are so fortunate for the opportunity to promote and represent your beautiful properties.
Thank you, Blue Ridge
Lastly, the love we have for this community is second to none. The beauty of the area, the kindness of the people, and the quaintness of the downtown area make Blue Ridge the most amazing community to live in and visit. Adventures abound and tranquility awaits almost everywhere you look in this wonderful little mountain town! We truly hope, wherever in the world you may be, that you and yours gather together, eat some delicious food, and enjoy each other’s company.
If you’ve never stepped foot in the cutest coffee shop in North Georgia, you are truly missing out. Das Kaffee Haus is the definition of gourmet chic. Not only will you find aromatic coffees and knowledgeable baristas, but the quaintness of this Blue Ridge coffee shop will make it a fast favorite every time you are in town.
During the week, you can mingle with the locals. Das Kaffee Haus is a popular space for friends and business acquaintances to meet up and begin the day with a high-octane espresso or their favorite cup of joe. During the day you can plug into their Wi-Fi and keep working while you get your afternoon pick-me-up. On the weekends, the tourists discover the magic of this shop and enjoy the friendly service and inviting atmosphere.
What’s Inside
For the last two and a half years, Das Kaffee Haus has been building their reputation with providing their customers with the most flavorful and delicious coffee selections. Quality and consistency along with the friendliest people is what makes this coffee shop so special. Utilizing only the highest quality of beans roasted from Batdorf & Bronson out of Marietta, Georgia, you will think that you have been transported to a little café in Italy when you taste your first sip.
What sets apart this java from any other coffee shop, besides the quality of beans and the friendliness of the staff, is both the water and the Astoria espresso machine. Heads and shoulders above other espresso machines, the Astoria is Italian made and when used correctly can produce hundreds of porta filter espresso shots, a specific barista tool of the trade. In fact, a traditional espresso shot is actually a double shot. This is the base of all their drinks and they can custom make any requests. The coolest part is they are true to the brew and don’t use super sugary and fake sweeteners. Most of their sauces and syrups are completely natural and organic. Staying true to their organic profile and the true flavor of the bean is why people rave about this place and it keeps people coming back time and again.
The Science
Manager, Anthony Vitters, and his head barista, Alex Cruz have undergone extensive training to ensure the perfect nectar of the gods. After all, the coffee industry is not strictly about latte art. There is a science that goes into the perfect espresso shot. The roast, the grind-off, the timing, and the water all make a difference. Speaking of water, Das Kaffee Haus invested in a special filtration system to take the already refreshing Blue Ridge mountain water and remove all the chlorine and chemicals from it while leaving all the healthy minerals in place.
Besides perfect espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes, Das Kaffee Haus is supplied by its own bakery / full kitchen offsite, (which is the Fudge Shop owned by the company as well) . There they bake up tantalizing treats like freshly baked muffins, cookies, and cakes. Recently added to their repertoire, you can now find savory treats like spinach and egg puff pastries. You never know what type of sweet or savory treat they will create, so be sure to stop by often and see what’s new! Need something Vegetarian or Gluten Free? It can be done per request.
Meet the owner
Das Kaffee Haus is the brain child of owner Michael Fuerst and wife Cherie Fuerst. Mr. Fuerst is originally from Bavaria, Germany and didn’t come to America until he was 31 years old. While in California, he fell in love with a Georgia girl, Cherie. Together they vacationed back east, and Michael realized that this is where he belonged. The mountain landscape reminded him so much of the geography back home, that he knew this is where he wanted to take his next step in life.
With a background in business and marketing, Michael has vast experience in the food and beverage world. Getting his start in the industry back in Germany, he transferred his knowledge and opened up a restaurant here in the states. When the opportunity came up in Blue Ridge, Michael didn’t think twice and jumped on the chance to blend his business knowledge, restaurant experience, and passion for coffee.
No stranger to working hard, this ambitious man also owns the previously mentioned fudge shop (Fudge & Company) in Ellijay and is working on another business opportunity right here in Blue Ridge. About ten months ago, Michael and his wife opened a local art and home décor store called Down to Urth Provisions which is adjacent and just below the coffee shop. Stay tuned to see what’s next for this dynamic entrepreneur couple!
Here We Grow Again
The story is not complete with this amazing little coffee house. There are certainly more great things to come in the future. It was important to Michael and his team to not grow too fast and compromise the quality of their product. Now that they are established and have a strong base, they are ready to add events to their repertoire. You can look forward to acoustic musical performances, poetry readings, and other live music on their outdoor deck. Now complete with electricity, lights, fans and heaters, you can sit out on the deck soon and watch the passersby below warming up from the inside out with a nice café au lait.
Escape To Blue Ridge
We’ve just shared with you yet another reason to leave the concrete jungle and escape to the adorable town of Blue Ridge. Book one of our cozy cabins or grand lodges and enjoy the slower pace of life in the mountains. When you venture into downtown, be sure to stop and have a cuppa at Das Kaffee Haus. From now until December 31st, if you say “Hansel & Gretel” you will get a free cookie to go with your coffee selection! Because at Das Kaffee, when you have the right roast, the right equipment, and the right barista, you know you are at just the right spot!
Sometimes it’s challenging to motivate for outdoor fun when it is so chilly outside. However, being active outdoors is a great way to enjoy the mountains in a whole new way. Not only is it less crowded, but there are no bugs to contend with! To make the most of your outdoor adventure and not be cold and uncomfortable, layer your clothing so you don’t wimp out and head back for the cabin. Here are a few inspiring North Georgia cabin rentals to keep you active in and around Blue Ridge.
A River Runs Through It
The Aska Adventure Lodge is located in the much sought after Aska Adventure area. Did you know Aska is the Cherokee Native American word for “winter retreat”? However, this cabin is perfect in every season. The Lodge has three bedrooms and three bathrooms and can easily accommodate ten people with king beds in the two master suits, a queen bed in the guest room, and two futons in the loft and game room.
This retreat is conveniently located less than five minutes from the quaint town of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Nearby access to the Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge is easily accessible. Our friend, Dell Neighbors, at Fly Fishing North Georgia would be happy to take you on a guided fly-fishing trip to the area’s many cold-water streams and rivers. When you return from a great day of fishing, you can throw your freshly caught trout on the grill of your expansive deck and reflect on the successes of the day. Cap off your evening by lighting the outdoor fireplace and relax on the deck as the sun sets behind the expansive Blue Ridge Mountains.
A Gallop and a Trot
Vista Ridge is a distinctive Georgia mountain cabin rental that offers the peaceful get away from your everyday life that you are craving. Named for the spectacular view that overlooks the Toccoa River and stretches all the way to Tennessee and North Carolina, this four-bedroom, three bath home is your perfect base camp to explore the Blue Ridge area. To get a better feel for the view, saddle up a horse with our friends at Blanche Manor and go on an adventure through the unspoiled beauty of the mountain wilderness.
After a long day on the trails, soothe your sore muscles in the hot tub and watch the sun set behind the mountains. Back inside, turn on the gas fireplace and snuggle into the leather couches. Before your weekend is over, challenge your partner to a game of pool in the game room and make the looser take you out to a fabulous dinner at Harvest on Main.
Fly Like an Eagle
Eagles Landing is as bold, majestic and unique lodge that is the epitome of rustic elegance. This spacious custom home has seven bedrooms to accommodate nineteen guests. Situated directly on Lake Blue Ridge, this spectacular showplace has incomparable views of the surrounding mountains. The hand-carved spiral staircase spans four floors, from the unique loft down to the terrace level where you will find the “grown-ups’ game room”. There are three decks spanning the length of the home, a hot tub, swings, and a picnic table to enjoy views and privacy that cannot be found anywhere else.
Close by you can channel your inner eagle and zip through 165 acres of beautiful North Georgia mountain property with our friends at Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge. Here, you’ll experience the mountains from the treetops, you’ll zip into the valley, soar over pastures, and cross over Fighting Town Creek. From 75’ in the air you can squeal with delight take off on 6,000 feet of cable, crossing thirteen platforms and three walking bridges.
A Walk in the Woods
It’s impossible to walk in the woods and be in a bad mood at the same time. Fortunately, the mountains are rich with hiking trails to explore and Take a Hike cabin is the perfect home base. Beautifully situated on Mt. Pisgah, this cabin overlooks absolutely fantastic mountain views. It also has three massive decks to enjoy them and from where you’ll be inspired to plan the many and nearby open-air activities that surround you. This home has great sleeping accommodations for up to 7 people and is a perfect set up for two families vacationing together or a good-sized group.
Explore the Cohutta Wilderness just off of your back porch where you can pick from delicious blueberry and blackberry bushes for snacking along your easy hike to a waterfall, cave or to Colonel Magnum’s memorial. A quick ten-minute drive will get you to major hiking trailheads including Dally Gap, Jacks River, Benton Mackaye and Hemptop. Whichever route you choose, you will find peace and tranquility both in the woods and back at the cabin.
Fightingtown, but the good Kind
High up on the mountain crest, located in the clouds is a spectacular cabin called Almost Heaven. This real log exterior home has graceful windows, an affable front porch and happy hunter green roofing. Almost Heaven is snug in the treetops of an enchanting forest that makes for natural framework around layered panoramic mountain views. The interior of the home includes a smartly laid out, open first level with everything you’d need in cozy reach. In this home, you are steps away from a fully stocked kitchen, dining area and rock breakfast bar.
Here, most guests live on the decks overlooking amazing mountain views. On the main level, there is a stainless gas grill and a covered dining / lounging area. If that isn’t enough, the lower level offers a full array of recreation with a pool table, ping pong and air hockey. Additionally, the lower level has a large covered outdoor living and dining area with a wood burning fireplace and a 6 person hot tub with spectacular long range mountain views. Here, are also steps that lead down to a beautifully crafted outdoor fire pit area with built-in seating. This is a perfect spot to catch up with one another while roasting marshmallows and gazing out toward the spectacular North Georgia Mountains.
Fightingtown Creek Nature Park is now open and is just steps from Almost Heaven! Phase One of the 190-acre park includes 3.6 miles of biking/hiking trails. Coming soon will be an additional 7 +/- miles of trails in addition to a disc golf course, apiary, picnic areas, nature based interpretive signage, native plants and wildlife supportive items.
