Goodbye 2025, hello 2026! I don’t know about you, but we are ready for another year of adventure! There’s no shortage of places to see and things to do when you Escape to Blue Ridge but we’ve narrowed it down to our top 10 must do activities. Be sure to try these out on all your 2026 adventures in Blue Ridge!
*Cover Photo Courtesy of @klawanders
Photo Courtesy of @aamandabooke
Blue Ridge or as we like to call it, ‘Brew Ridge’, is home to an impressive craft brew and wine scene. Beer lovers can visit local favorites like Grumpy Old Men Brewing, Angry Hops Brewing, Buck Bald Brewing, Copperhill Brewery, and Tipping Point Brewing Co. And wine enthusiasts won’t want to miss Bear Claw Vineyards, Cartecay Vineyards, Living Water Winery, and our newest local winery, Kerith House. With so many excellent spots to raise a glass, you’ll be ringing in the new year feeling pleasantly “buzzed.”
Photo Courtesy of The Dogwood
We know that sharing meals with family and friends, trying new flavors, and enjoying the local cuisine are key to a memorable vacation! Fortunately, Blue Ridge is full of delicious dining options, with something new to try around every corner. From classic southern cuisine to Cuban, Italian, Asian, and so much more; there’s no shortage of food to taste and experience in our little mountain town. To help you plan for your next night out on the town, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite local restaurants here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/favorite-blue-ridge-restaurants
Did you know that Mercier Orchards offers fresh, seasonal fruit available for picking year-round? Pick apples, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, blackberries, and so much more when you visit Blue Ridge’s best orchard. And no visit to Merciers is complete without sampling one of their famous fried pies; apple, cherry, chocolate, you name it, they’ve got fried pies for everyone! In addition to fruit picking and sweet treats, visitors can enjoy hard cider and wine tastings, browsing the market, taking a farm tour, and experiencing all the family friendly fun that this orchard has to offer year-round. No visit to Blue Ridge is complete without a trip to Mercier Orchards!
Many of our guests' all time favorite things to do in town is to take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This scenic train ride departs from Downtown Blue Ridge and winds through the scenic countryside to the twin cities of Copperhill, Tennessee, and McCaysville, Georgia. The views are stunning year-round, but the fall foliage season is the most popular.
Want to control your scenic Blue Ridge journey yourself? Then round up your friends and family, and head out for a memorable ride on one of Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Rail Bikes. These custom-built, four-seat electric, motor-assisted rail bikes will take you on an 11-mile round trip through the picturesque foothills of Blue Ridge. It’s an ideal experience for groups of four, with each bike seating up to four riders. Adults and children ages four and up can enjoy this fun, relaxed, and one-of-a-kind way to experience the Blue Ridge area.
Photo Courtesy of @iamianjones
Outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home in Blue Ridge, because this nature rich town offers more than 300 miles of hiking trails and countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. And one such place offers a taste of it all! The Aska Adventure Area has no shortage of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the North Georgia Mountains with a hike, a chance to mountain bike through the winding mountain trails, or just want enjoy a meal at one of the local, family-owned restaurants in the Aska region; you’ll find just the thing that helps you feel one with nature.
The Aska Adventure Area is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Toccoa River, the Appalachian Trail, and the Benton MacKaye Trail all converging within the Aska Trail System. When planning your escape to Blue Ridge, be sure to pack your hiking boots, bring your bike, and prepare for plenty of outdoor adventures. And learn more about the Aska Adventure Area on our blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/adventure-awaits-in-aska
Downtown Blue Ridge is jam packed with unique stores and shops that offer something for everyone! Discover the latest fashions, find unique artisan goods, one-of-a-kind home décor, pet items, local foods and so much more in Downtown Blue Ridge. Local favorites include Blue Ridge Cotton Company and Gather for clothing and home goods; and Hucks, Out of the Blue, The Pasta Market, Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company, and Tupelo Tea for gourmet treats. Art lovers can explore High Country Art Gallery, Multitudes Gallery, and Fishbone Gallery; while specialty shops like The Owl’s Nest, Blue Ridge Adventure Wear, Pezrok, Deaf Man Vinyl, and OAR Finer Goods always have the best gifts and unique items. Find more shops to explore with our Downtown Blue Ridge shopping guide:https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/shop-downtown-blue-ridge/
Fishing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the chance to trout fish in the Trout Capital of Georgia! The waters of the Toccoa River are well-stocked and known for producing impressive trophy trout. If you need some assistance on your trout fishing journey however, we have plenty of guides to help you along; like local experts Cohutta Fishing Company and Blue Ridge Fly Fishing School. You can even commission a custom bamboo fly rod from Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods. Fish to your heart's content in the waters of the Toccoa!
Photo Courtesy of @jrayklein
During the warmer months, enjoy a relaxing float down the Toccoa River with a tubing experience. Drift along gentle currents surrounded by peaceful scenery, soaking up the sunshine with friends and family. It’s the perfect way to unwind and experience Blue Ridge from the water!
Looking for more of an adrenaline rush? Try kayaking or canoeing down the Toccoa instead! Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking and Toccoa Valley Campground offer both kayak and canoe excursions of the Toccoa River. Build those muscles up and get ready for a fun day on the water!
And the Southeastern United States is known for having some of the best whitewater around. Here in Blue Ridge we are within 1 hour of 3 action packed, exciting rivers for whitewater rafting. Learn more about summer adventures on the water here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/9-summer-outdoor-adventures
Step back in time at the Swan Drive-In Theater, a Blue Ridge staple since 1955. Tune your car radio, grab some classic movie theater snacks, and enjoy your favorite film from the comfort of your own vehicle. And throughout the year the Swan Drive In plays both beloved classics and the newest blockbuster films, and during the Halloween and Christmas season get ready to see all your favorite spirited and festive films on the big screen. It’s a nostalgic and fun way to spend an evening under the stars!
Photo Courtesy of Jessica Goodman
There’s no better place to escape than to Blue Ridge, Georgia! Breathe in the fresh mountain air, explore the great outdoors, and create unforgettable memories with the people you love most. Book your stay with Escape to Blue Ridge and enjoy the perfect mountain getaway, because we all deserve a little escape now and then. Start planning your 2026 escape here:https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/
