Looking for that perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season? Instead of spending your whole Blue Ridge vacation stressing out looking for all the gifts on your list, follow our shopping roundup list of all the best shops in town! From home decor, fashion, food, and more you can find everything you need right here!
Home Decor
Photo Courtesy of Pezrok
Our homes all need a bit of sprucing up every once and a while. Get your loved ones something new and stylish at one of these great home decor stores downtown:
Looking for some unique and fun home decor? Well, Mitizi’s on Main has just the unique and stylish home decor and furniture pieces you’re looking for! Rustic style and southern flair is exactly what you’ll find here! Adorable cow pictures, quirky home decor, and fun gifts await you at Mitizi’s on Main. And with an ever rotating and changing stock you’ll never run out of things to admire. What unique finds will you bring back with you?
Pezrokis a crowd favorite! They create some of the most beautiful furniture pieces and home decor out of fossils, gemstones, minerals, and carved driftwood. A piece from Pezrok is a great gift that you can rest assured won’t be like anything else they receive this Christmas! From beautiful hand carved animal statues made from driftwood, custom made sinks with fossil countertops, and sparkly gemstones & jewelry; you’ll find truly unique & beautiful gifts at Pezrok.
We love to gather in wonderful downtown shop, Gather! Gather’s shelves are stocked with kitchen and home goods, sustainable housekeeping products, and even some items for your pets! They also offer delicious foods and beverages sourced locally to the Blue Ridge area. You can truly give the gift of Blue Ridge when you shop at Gather!
Looking to find unique and beautiful furniture & home decor pieces to bring back for mom or grandma? Then look no further than New Blue Home & Gift! They carry a wide variety of furniture pieces like sofas, chairs, ottomans, kitchen islands, and more as well as beautiful decor and accent pieces. And with “gift” in the name you know you’ll find something truly beautiful to bring back for your loved ones!
Art
Photo Courtesy of High Country Art Gallery
Did you know that Blue Ridge is one of America’s top 100 art towns? We have so many great art galleries around town where you can admire beautiful works of art from local artists or pick up a piece to bring home with you! Give the gift of art this Christmas and start your search at one of these great local art galleries:
AtHigh Country Art Gallery the walls and shelves are stocked with paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, and other beautiful crafts. A majority of the art is crafted by local artists from Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. And many of the artists are willing to create a personal piece of your choosing, so you can bring home something extra special for your loved ones.
At Fishbone Gallery, you can purchase and admire noted ceramicist Betty Wassmers’ incredible works. Each of her pieces are lovingly decorated in her unique & colorful style, so you know your gift will really pop! Some of her special lines offered at Fishbone Gallery include Flower Colors, Chickens & Roosters, Birds of a Feather, Day of the Dead, and more. Pottery lovers will absolutely love a unique and fun piece from Fishbone Gallery!
We can’t forget to mention one of Blue Ridge’s newest art galleries, 4 Elements Art! Here you’ll find beautiful, nature inspired pieces from George Charriez and other featured artists. Come in to admire their work and then shop for special prints online. 4 Elements Art also offers custom framing, so if you already have the perfect photo and you want to get it framed before gifting it, then this is the place to go! Their frame shop has some of the most skilled artisans to ensure the highest quality.
Food & Drink
Photo Courtesy of The Pasta Market
Everyone loves tasty delectable, artisan goods, and wine; especially when it’s from a place like Blue Ridge! Explore some of our favorite places Downtown for delicious treats that make for the perfect gift:
You can’t go wrong with anything from The Pasta Market! They have everything you could possibly imagine from pasta, sauces, wines, seasonings, baked goods, candles, kitchen & home items and so much more! Pick up something amazing for mom to use for family dinners, or a gift basket that offers the very best items from The Pasta Market all put together with a beautiful bow on top!
Looking for some delicious seasonings and oils to spice up tired recipes?Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company has just what you need and is a great place to look for Christmas gifts as well! They offer over 65 varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegars and the opportunity to taste these remarkable innovations from around the world. If you’re having a hard time deciding on just the right one there are many pairing suggestions to help you along.
And for those tea lovers in the family you have to visit Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company sister store Tupelo Tea! They have a huge selection of teas from green teas, black teas, chia teas, herbal teas and more! They also sell honey and teaware as well. With over 100 unique varieties of teas to try Tupelo Tea is sure to have just what you need!
Did you know that one of our favorite restaurants downtown has their own shop next door? At Chesters Provisions you can stock up on unique food & drink items perfect for souvenirs or gifts! You’ll find all kinds of goodies here that you won’t find anywhere else!
How about wine?Out of the Blue is your one stop wine shop that has everything you need to surprise and delight the wine lovers in your life. Owner, Sarah Auman, has handpicked the very best wines in the world so there’s no way to make a mistake in your selection, it’s all delicious! Not only can you pick up an incredible bottle of wine at Out of the Blue but they also offer gourmet foods, artisanal cheese, craft beer, and wine accessories. Grab everything you need from Out of the Blue to host the perfect Christmas party or find the most wonderful gifts.
Why not check out one of Blue Ridge’s newest wine merchants, 34th Degree Wine Merchant! Find the perfect bottle of wine here from their huge wine selection; reds, whites, bubblys, they’ve got it all! Their team of knowledgeable & friendly wine specialists can easily help you find everything you need. They also offer gift baskets, wine accessories, and delectable food pairings. Stop by 34th Degree Wine Merchant and take in their ‘wine’dful stock!
Outdoor Gear
Photo Courtesy of Cohutta Fishing Company
Need to stock up your friends and family with outdoor gear so they can be ready for you NEXT Escape to Blue Ridge? Say no more! Visit these outdoor apparel and gear shops for everything you need for mountain adventures:
Blue Ridge Adventure Gear has all the outdoor apparel and gear to make your next hiking adventure a breeze! They pride themselves on offering the most comfortable outdoor equipment and accessories they can, along with luggage and travel gear for you and your pet. Their store is made up of some of the best outdoor and travel brands available, like Eagle Creek, Gregory, Big Agnes, Marmot and Stanley. Your friends and family will be hiking in style with their gear from Blue Ridge Adventure Gear!
Calling all fishermen! Cohutta Fishing Company has all the gear and apparel needed for the ultimate fishing excursion! They don’t coin the phrase “Your Local Fly Fish Shop” for nothing; they have everything you’ll need to get out on the water like fly rods and reels, packs and luggage, fishing vests, boots, apparel and more. Pick up the gear and then book a guided fishing trip with Cohutta Fishing Company on your next escape.
For a truly unique and special gift for the fishermen in your life check out Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods. Owner, Bill Oyster is the only professional bamboo fly rod maker in the world who personally hand engraves his own rods. Each rod is made from a single culm of genuine Tonkin bamboo. And all rods are hand split, hand planed, and hand engraved. So much detail and craftsmanship goes into making these beautiful rods. Since the rods are custom made, orders are on a “first come, first serve basis,” so if you’re interested, get your orders in as soon as you can.
A pocket knife is always a good tool to have on hand, especially for hunting, fishing, and adventuring. Blue Ridge Knife Companyhas everything you need for just that! They offer a wide variety of pocket and hunting knives as well as knife sharpeners, collectibles, apparel, and gifts. They are a wholesale shop so their wide selection of knives and gear are ones that you won’t find anywhere else!
Pet-Friendly
Photo Courtesy of Love Dogs and Cats Too
Your favorite furry friends deserve to be spoiled this holiday season too! Pick them up some treats & toys at these pet loving shops. If you need some assistance, you can even bring along your pup to help you pick out their favorite toys & treats! Check them out here:
Love Dogs and Cats Too has everything your pet could want and more! The aisles are stocked with toys, leashes, treats, and much more. And we know it can be hard to find goodies for our feline friends but as the name suggests Love Dogs and Cats Too has toys & treats for your cat as well. Your dog or cat will be so stylish with their new apparel and as happy & spoiled as can be with all their new toys & treats!
Not only does Blue Ridge Adventure Wear(the sister store of Blue Ridge Adventure Gear) have plenty of apparel and outdoor gear for the whole family but they also have treats and toys for your favorite pup! They’ve got everything your dog could need from toys, treats, collars and leashes, fun dog themed shirts for you, and even dog friendly donuts!
Fashion
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Cotton Company
It’s always fun to pick out new clothes and accessories when you’re on vacation! Blue Ridge has all sorts of stylish shops for ladies and men alike. And who knows while you’re searching for that perfect gift you may even find something for yourself! Learn more about some of our favorite boutiques and fashion shops here:
Blue Ridge Cotton Companyis one of the most beloved stores in town! Here you’ll find stylish apparel, home decor, unique gifts and so much more. And what makes your shopping experience even better is bringing along your favorite furry friend because dogs are welcome in the store! After you purchase the perfect gift and explore all the aisles filled with treasures; 1% of your purchase will go towards a local charity. Not only will you be getting everything on your shopping list at Blue Ridge Cotton Company but you’ll be giving back to the community as well, it’s a win win!
At Crawford Collections you’ll find an impressive collection of luxury handbags, designer clothes and custom jewelry. Find a beautiful dress for your next holiday party or pick up a pair of gorgeous earrings as a gift for your best gal pal. Visit Crawford Collections for the most stylish, sophisticated women in your life!
Even the men need to get their shopping done right!? OAR Finer Goods, is an accessory shop for modern gentlemen and it has everything you need to dress the men in your life with style. From men’s jewelry, ties, socks, books, fun trinkets, novelty gifts, and more you can find the perfect gift here. Some of their brands include Fulton & Roark, Brackish Bowties, Studebaker Metals, and OAR leather goods.
For all things accessories check out The Owls Nest! Here you’ll find jewelry, gemstones, purses, shoes, t-shirts, and more. We especially love all the owl themed accessories that pay homage to the store name. What kind of bling and stylish accessories will you bring back for the favorite girls in your life? No matter what you choose they are sure to sparkle!
Toys & Games
Pick up some fun toys & games for the kids in your life from kid-friendly these stores around town:
Right when they walk through the door at Huck’s General Store, kids can’t resist digging into the bucket of old school candy that waits at the front of the store. Get some candy for the kids to eat while you shop and pick up some more for stocking stuffers later! Not only will you find artisan goods, canned & pickled fruits and vegetables, and tshirts here but you’ll also find all kinds of fun for the kids. The kiddos can wander the aisles of toys and games while you pick out the best ones for their Christmas gifts, unbeknownst to them!
Lily + Coco is a magical & colorful shop that the kids will absolutely love! And almost everything is pink, so the little girls will especially love this place! Find stuffed unicorns, felt slingshots, pink flamingos, candies, and one-of-a-kind décor perfect for decorating the house with a fun touch for the holidays. Lily + Coco is truly a one of a kind shop filled with “fanciful finds & whimsical whatnots”!
And for the cutest children’s clothing and accessories check out one of Blue Ridge’s newest shops Moonbeams & Mudpies! You can find everything you need to style your little ones here! Not only will they look just darling in their clothes from Moonbeams & Mudpies but the kids will love them! They have all kinds of fun attire like fun pj sets, princess headbands, rainbow dresses and more! You can even pick up a small toy or two from the shop before you go!
Escape to Blue RidgeGift Cards
Give the gift of a great mountain experience in Blue Ridge with a gift card for an Escape to Blue Ridge cabin rentals! Put that cash towards a wonderful family vacation that you’ll be talking about for years to come! Just contact the office at 866-618-2521 or email reservations@escapetoblueridge.com for gift cards.
Sometimes you plan an Escape to Blue Ridge six months ahead of time and just dream of what it will feel like when you unlock that cabin door and walk in for the first time. You’ve been day dreaming (and maybe even night dreaming!) about exploring the beautiful town of Blue Ridge. Shopping, eating, hiking and enjoying all the quaintness that makes up this town. Back at the cabin you can’t wait to cozy up on the couches, light a fire-indoors or out, and of course relax in the hot tub before turning in for the evening in comfortable bedrooms.
With over 330+ cabins to choose from you can be particular about which one you select based on your taste and style. You can select pet friendly cabins or by the quantity of bedrooms. You can pick cabins with game rooms or with gourmet kitchens. You can book cabins with glorious views or that are privately situated. You can reserve cabins by the lake or by rivers. You can even base your decision on the style of hot tub you will get to enjoy! We’ve created a roundup of twenty cabins with nine different hot tub styles!
High on a hilltop in Mineral Bluff, Pinecone Peak is positioned to maximize the panoramic picture postcard Georgia and Tennessee mountain views from its wraparound decks and the great room’s wall of windows. Of pine tongue-and-groove construction and beautifully designed in cozy cabin style with soaring cathedral ceilings, the home is bright and airy, welcoming and cozy. It’s a peaceful, private retreat for your vacation getaway just minutes from everything the mountains have to offer, in all four directions.
Here, you can kick back and relax in comfort in the main level great room or the downstairs rec room, which has a pool table, wet bar and a full-size futon. Both rooms are outfitted with gas fireplaces and 55” TVs with DISH Network and DVD players (the main level TV also has surround sound and CD system). Or head out to the screened-in porch, light the wood-burning fireplace, and take in a spectacular sunset or enjoy the views from the lower deck’s hot tub, which seats 6.
If you are looking for a modern, cozy cabin, Living and Living Well is the perfect choice. A beautiful and private place to stay with your closest friends and family. Enjoy mountain views, a secluded atmosphere, and all of the comforts of home right from here. This exquisitely decorated cabin has found the perfect balance of rustic elegance by adding a touch of contemporary decor. Outside of the French doors from the lower-level game room, you will delight over the large deck complete with a hot tub and a swinging day bed. A bottle of bubbly, a clear night sky with a billion stars, and shared time in the hot tub might be the perfect nightcap for a day of fun in Blue Ridge.
Bent Tree is a 3-bedroom, 3
bath cabin situated at one of the highest points of the gated Greenridge Mountain
community in the Aska Adventure Area, overlooking Lake Blue Ridge and miles of
rolling mountains for a truly awe-inspiring showcase of views. This is a
professionally decorated cabin where the owner has thought of all of the
amenities, whether your vacation is for a romantic getaway for two or for the
whole family. Although Bent Tree is only 5 minutes from the Lake and the charming town of
Blue Ridge, it is the perfect hideaway for an unforgettable vacation.
Ascend high into the mountains and
climb up the front stairs of Stairway to Heaven where your vacation will reach
a whole new level. This perfectly-appointed two-bedroom cottage is a truly
romantic getaway with custom touches throughout. The home’s private ambiance
belies its treasured location in My Mountain community and its easy 15-minute
proximity to downtown Blue Ridge. Stairway to
Heaven’s dramatic wall of glass will draw you out toward the amazing
covered deck overlooking spectacular mountain and pastoral views. You’ll feel
torn about where to spend your time — out on the deck relaxing at the dining
table and eating al fresco or back inside where the home’s unbelievable touches
draw you in for restful luxuriating.
Stepping into Tondelia, you’ll
immediately be taken by its views and open, airy feel, with spacious rooms and
windows at every turn. You’ll marvel at the careful attention to detail that’s
been lavished throughout the cabin, where the game room is every bit as
beautiful as the main floor and gorgeous bedrooms. This is the perfect setting
for several couples looking for a peaceful escape from the city. With its grace
and beauty, Tondelia
offers a lovely setting to leave your cares behind and enjoy great times with
good friends. The days you spend here will be cherished for years to come.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to bring your whole family on your next vacation, look no further than Big River, a Blue Ridge, GA cabin rental that promises you and your children a fun-filled getaway. True to its name, this spacious cabin is tucked away at the end of a paved road, at the convergence of 2 branches of the mighty Fightingtown Creek is a playground for both adults and kids, with plenty of child-friendly features and amenities. Large family? No problem: the cabin sleeps eleven, and has a set of twin bunk beds and plenty of room for children to lounge and play .
The outdoor amenities cannot be duplicated! The main level screened porch includes a designated rocking chair area overlooking the Creek, a hanging queen size bed swing, and plenty of outdoor seating around the 30 ft stacked stone fireplace with gas logs & wall mounted heaters. The lower level deck has a seating area, hanging swing and also houses the relaxing & private 8 person hot tub. The separate outdoor Creekfront entertainment pavilion features a large wood-burning fireplace with a mounted Smart TV, comfortable seating to watch the game, bar, hanging swing and even an outdoor kitchen with a grill, burner, refrigerator and Traeger smoker! Adjacent to the pavilion is a magnificent stone firepit with Adirondack seating and Creek access. Additionally, there is a small swing set and a fenced-in play area for the kids to play the day away, and a large patio area for relaxing by the Creek or enjoying a game of corn hole. Lastly, a small, sandy Creekside beach serves as an ideal spot to fish for trout, sunbathe or just listen to the soothing sounds of the rushing water.
One step into this paradise will instantly fill your soul with relaxation. A feast for the eyes, as well as the senses, you’ll never go wrong with Escape to Water Dance. Surrounded by glorious trees and magnificent forest views, this heartwarming cabin tucked away amid Mother Nature is the perfect spot to settle after long days of adventures in Blue Ridge. A getaway that’s made for the whole family – there’s room for 10 with plenty of space to relax, enjoy one another’s company, and truly get away from it all. Enjoy the comforts this cabin brings as it has back porches overlooking a white-water stream where you can simply chill and let your thoughts flow.
Nestled on the wooded banks of the popular Fightingtown Creek, River Rush Cabin is a perfect choice for your next North Georgia mountain getaway. This professionally decorated cabin has every amenity you will need, and is uniquely situated on a backyard beach that makes it easy to access the wide, whitewater creek where you can enjoy floating, swimming and world-class trout fishing. The natural treehouse setting of the cabin is nicely complemented by the convenient location – only 5 miles away from dining and shopping in quaint downtown Blue Ridge. Every detail was carefully considered when creating this serene hideaway so you can effortlessly relax and take pleasure in the sights and sounds of the nature that surrounds you.
Set on a hillside on more than two
acres with breathtaking unobstructed long-range views of the mountains and Lake
Blue Ridge, the Adventure Us
has its very own waterfall and lots of areas to explore. A spacious tri-level
showplace, this 3-bedroom, 3 bath is a private mountain oasis where you can
gather with loved ones in a magnificent natural setting that’s close to
fabulous and fun activities and experiences. You can take your pet for a walk
(yes, your dogs are welcome!) along the fenced-in property for a small taste of
the wondrous nature that surrounds you. It’s a short scenic drive to
destinations like Amicalola Falls, the Toccoa Swinging Bridge, wineries of
Dahlonega and the shops and restaurants of downtown Blue Ridge are only a 10-minute
drive down the mountain.
Rocky Top is a cozy Georgia
Mountain cabin rental nestled into the My Mountain area of Morganton. You’ll
feel like you’re on top of the world here, and truly away from it all. Great
for a couple or family, this lovely two-bedroom, authentic log cabin has
caramel-colored real log with chinking inside and out, and open beam ceilings
throughout the space. Every room has a chic country touch, from the main room’s
elegant furniture to the romantic French toile master bedroom, down to the
hutch near the dining area displaying a toile-themed plate collection. Spend
quiet evenings out on the screened-in porch, lounging on the swing or rockers
with a nightcap. Watch a movie on the 50″ flat screen TV in the great
room, kept warm and cozy by the corner gas fireplace. Enjoy a romantic, late
night dip in the hot tub under starry skies. Rocky Top
is a peaceful place high above the hills that feels far away from the rest of
the world. With its beautiful mix of mountain cabin and French countryside
decor, its unique and charming atmosphere offers a wonderful environment to
relax and restore you.
The Overlook cabin is a place in a
storybook setting where stories are also in fact, created. By far, this
property is in one of the most private settings in the North Georgia Mountains.
You’ll travel along a sharply winding, steep gravel road that will rekindle
imaginings from childhood fables which took place in secret woods. However,
this road is easily mastered and your reward rests in the charm and beauty of The Overlook
cabin. Perched high above the Aska Adventure area, this home has panoramic
mountain and distant lake views.
Stone Pine Lodge is not your
typical Blue Ridge mountain cabin rental. As you’d expect, this brand-new
vacation home has the rustic cabin feel, secluded private setting and
breathtaking view of the mountains from its tri-level decks. There are enormous
windows in its great room that let you take in nature in all its expansive
glory. The cabin is also the epitome of effortless modern luxury, putting
everything–state-of-the-art at your fingertips. With sound system TVs, lighting,
remote gas fireplaces and hot tub with Bluetooth-enabled speakers throughout
all with simplistic operations, the better to relax and enjoy the comforts of
your home away from home. Named for its four Tennessee Stone fireplaces and
pines that surround it, Stone Pine
Lodge is perched on a mountainside 22 feet off the ground from its
lower deck, where you can hear the faint sound of a small creek below the
property.
Open, free, majestic, and tranquil. The water views are mesmerizing here at the Lakeshore Lodge. Located in Morganton, this family-friendly cabin is perfect for your upcoming vacation. The winding drive in from town means you’re truly getting away, and it’s obvious that you’ve arrived when you reach the top of the driveway and look down at the glistening lake completely surrounding the house. The view is breathtaking. And as the lighting changes throughout the day, so does the lake sensory experience. There are plenty of ways to have fun here! From the shuffleboard to the hot tub outside to the boat dock, there’s a place for everyone to stretch out and enjoy the beauty of this place. There is a plethora of seating areas, all set for soaking in some beautiful lakefront views. Lake time at its best!
Pure Pleasure on the Lake is a pure
delight! This magnificent North Georgia cabin rental is located on the
20-mile-long Lake Nottely, and has one of the best lake views the area has to
offer. It sits just over the shoreline with tiered steps down to its private
dock with a ladder. Year-long deep water makes it a great property if you’d
like to bring your own boat or rent one from the nearby marina. The cabin is
equal distance to iconic Blue Ridge, GA and the new Harrah’s casino in Murphy,
NC. This home has been thoughtfully designed all for its guests’ pleasure. Come
to Pure
Pleasure on the Lake and you’ll find that it fulfills all of your
family’s vacation needs from endless fun to never-ending tranquility.
Blue Mist
Heaven is a luxurious mountaintop cabin with spectacular 180o views
that can be yours for a very special vacation getaway. Ideal for large families
or a group of friends, this spacious cabin sleeps 12 in its four bedrooms and
library/loft, with king beds in the upstairs master, main floor and downstairs
bedrooms, twin bunk beds and twin over double size beds in the second
downstairs bedroom that kids will love. There’s also a full-size crib and Pack
‘n Play in the closet. But its most important feature is the way it will make
you feel: comfortable, relaxed and at peace, like you’ve left your cares behind
and entered a luxurious private world, a heavenly experience you’ll treasure
for years to come.
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary experience as you step into Sunrise Retreat. Your initial words will indeed be “Look at the View!” for a good reason. With the breathtaking vistas of the majestic mountain ranges, you will feel on top of the world. Inside and out, Sunrise Retreat is a gem. Enjoy an expansive game room with multiple arcade games and a pool table with a ping-pong tabletop. Unwind outside with a grill, screened-in porch, hot tub, and areas to sit and unwind. No expense was spared throughout the cabin to ensure that you are enveloped in comfort. You’ll feel like you’ve found a hidden treasure at Sunrise Retreat. From the stunning mountain views to the peacefulness of the surroundings, this small slice of paradise offers a captivating escape where nature’s beauty takes center stage. Prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, and cherished memories.
The holiday season has finally arrived in the mountains! This month is filled with Christmas markets, tree lightings, Christmas parades, live music events, and lots of family fun! We wish all of our guests a wonderful Christmas with their loved ones and a happy new year! We can’t wait to see what fun is in store for 2023!
Admire all the beautifully lit trees at the Riverwalk Shops in McCaysville! From now until New Years you can take in their beauty, get your Christmas shopping done, and enjoy a great meal riverside!
Come out to the Art Center to admire Scott Davis’s beautiful and unique photographs. His work will be on display September 24th – December 17th.
Elf: The Musical December 1st – December 11th Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Community Theater
The beloved Christmas movie Elf is now a musical! When Buddy, a human raised by Elves, learns the truth about who he truly is, he goes on an unexpected journey to New York City to meet his birth dad. Turns out his father is on Santa’s naughty list! Will Buddy be able to help his newfound family learn the true meaning of Christmas, or will they stay on Santa’s naughty list forever? Find out in this fun Christmas musical at Blue Ridge Community Theater running November 17th – December 11th. Shows are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm or Sundays at 2pm. Call the box office at 706-632-9191 for tickets!
Tour of Trees December 1st – Decmeber 31st Location: Union County Community Center, Blairsville, GA
Photo Courtesy of Blairsville Union County Chamber of Commerce
Visit the small local town of Blairsville for a beautiful Christmas tree display. Come and enjoy over 75 beautifully decorated trees and wreaths that are on display throughout the Community Center, plus a grand gingerbread house display. And admission is free so don’t miss out!
Holiday Show & Sale December 1st – December 17th Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association will have a variety of art and handcrafted items for sale, all created from their member artists. Find everything you need for the holiday season Tuesday-Sunday, November 19th – December 17th!
Blue Ridge on Ice December 1st – December 31st Location: Blue Ridge Farmers Market
Photo Courtesy of City of Blue Ridge Georgia
Have some family friendly winter fun with ice skating at the Farmer’s Market! This fun new outdoor ice skating rink will appear at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market now through January 9th, with special hours Thanksgiving & Christmas. For just $10 you can skate to your heart’s content! After your skate, warm up with hot cocoa and other sweet treats from the concessions stand.
Gingerbread Village December 1st – December 11th Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
If you missed the opportunity to enter your gingerbread house in Blue Ridge’s 9th annual Gingerbread House Contest but still want to join in on the fun, then stop by and admire some tasty art at the Art Center from now through December 11th. Get in the Christmas spirit and be sure to vote for your favorite house while you’re there!
Partake in a fun run every Thursday night at 5:30pm! You’ll leave from the Burra Burra, and the 3.1 mile run will take you by the Toccoa river and through town. You’ll get to run through 2 states and cross the famous steel bridge! After the run stay for drinks at the Burra Burra overlooking the Toccoa River. Don’t walk, RUN to this great event!
See the Christmas lights reflecting off the waters of Lake Chatuge at the Georgia Mountain Fair’s Mountain Country Christmas Lights! There will be Christmas music, arts and craft vendors, holiday food, hot chocolate, Cowtown exhibit, pictures with Santa, and beautiful lights around the grounds. The event runs every Thursdays and Fridays 6pm – 9pm and Saturdays 4pm – 9pm November 24th – December 23rd.
Misty Mountain Hops is a music-centric restaurant and pub so it’s only fitting that they bring in live music. Stop on by Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm for great food and great live music from local artists!
December 2nd: Frankie Sparks December 3rd: Daisy Chain December 9th: Orange Walls December 10th: Highbeams December 16th: Maddie Lane December 17th: Travis Bowlin December 31st: Zach Whitley
Relax on the beautiful patio, under 100-year-old trees at The Dogwood in Downtown Blue Ridge! With delicious cocktails, an amazing limited menu, and live music from local artists on Fridays & Saturdays starting at 5pm, you’ll love your time at The Dogwood!
The 10th Annual Blairsville Holiday Stop & Shop is the perfect place to pick up a special gift for the ones you love the most! There will be over 50 home-based business vendors there so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from!
Calling best local talent in North Georgia! Fannin Brewing Company in Downtown Blue Ridge is now hosting weekly open mic nights every Friday evening from 3pm – 6pm. Join their house band and simply plug in and sing away! Each artist gets 30 minutes. Sign up when you arrive and then get ready to sing!
Jingle Bell Buys December 2nd – December 4th Location: Blairsville, GA
Photo Courtesy of Jingle Bell Buys
Knock off the rest of your Christmas shopping list all in one place with Blairsville’s Jingle Bell Buys event! This 3 day Christmas sale gives you the chance to save big from some of the best merchants in town!
Stop by Grumpy Old Men Brewery Thursdays to sing along to your favorite songs for karaoke night! And drop by select Fridays & Saturdays from 3pm – 6pm for great drinks, great music, and a great time. With indoor and outdoor seating available you can even bring your dog to join in the fun! Enjoy a delicious hotdog from Jeff’s Hotdog’s while you listen to some fantastic local artists! And on Monday nights come on out for SINGO and Thursday nights is Karaoke!
December 2nd: Surrender Hill December 5th: SINGO w/ Danny Rhea December 8th: Karaoke Thursday December 9th: Travis Bowlin December 12th: SINGO w/ Danny Rhea December 15th: Karaoke Thursday December 16th: Doctor Paul
Blue Ridge’s newest brewery-Tipping Point Brewing Co. has live music every weekend! On Fridays check out the local artists from 4pm – 7pm and on Saturdays you can hear them from 3pm-6pm. Grab a beer and stay awhile at one of new favorite spots in town!
December 2nd: Maddie Lane December 3rd: Toys 4 Tots Event December 9th: Maddie Lane December 10th: The Waymores December 16th: Jadie Lee December 17th: Anderlan December 23rd: David Cheatham December 30th: Surrender Hill
Dailey & Vincent is bringing the very best of bluegrass, country, and gospel music to the Fairgrounds and all the Christmas music you can handle! This two day event hosts legendary artists Rhonda Vincent, The Hoppers, The Isaacs, Roots & Boots featuring Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, and Aaron Tippin, and of course Dailey & Vincent. One day admission is $75 a person and 2 day admission is $135 a person. Tickets can be purchased here: https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/localevents/id/177
Remember the true meaning of Christmas with a Nativity Drive Thru at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Blue Ridge! The event runs rain or shine Friday, December 2nd – Saturday, December 3rd from 6:30pm – 8pm.
Get ready for a night of laughs at the Winery Comedy Tour! These hilarious comedians will make you laugh all night long! Grab a glass of wine or a beer and let the laughter flow! Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm!
Bring the whole family to Blairsville for a day of holiday fun! There will be a free breakfast with Santa, exciting reindeer games, festive crafts, train rides, writing letters to Santa, and caroling with the school choir! Come on down to the Union County Community Center from 9am-11am for this free, festive, family fun event!
Photo Courtesy of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Blue Ridge
St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Blue Ridge is hosting it’s annual Christmas Bazaar! There will be all kinds of hand-crafted goods available like hand painted barn quilts, pine cone wreathes, artisan jams & jellies, delicious casseroles and more! There will also be silent auction as well. All proceeds assist families in the Blue Ridge community.
Fall 2022 at the ‘STILL December 3rd – December 31st Location: Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company
Photo Courtesy of Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company
Every weekend is jam packed with fun events at Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company in Blairsville! This month you can enjoy live music, food trucks, a Black Friday sale, and plenty of delicious moonshine!
December 3rd: Music Bingo December 31st: NYE BASH (tickets required)
Transport yourself to a quaint European town for Christmas at the Kris Kringle Mountain Market at the Union County Farmers Market in Blairsville! This European style Outdoor Holiday Market has over 75 vendors offering food, crafts, and produce. There will also be live music and a children’s play area!
Oil Painting Class December 3rd – December 17th Location: 4 Elements Fine Art
Photo Courtesy of 4 Elements Fine Art
Learn how to paint a beautiful oil landscape painting with 4 Elements Fine Art! Oil painting lessons are available December 3rd from 2pm – 4:30pm, December 15th from 6pm – 8:30pm, and December 17th from 2pm – 4:30pm. Classes are $130 per person and include professional art supplies, a charcuterie board, wine, your instructional class with George Charriez, and your own art to take home. Make your reservation here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oil-painting-class-with-george-charriez-tickets-449446966977?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
This annual event in Copperhill & McCaysville provides a fun and celebratory atmosphere for family and friends! Occurring on the first Saturday in December each year, this parade features a myriad of floats and high school marching bands. Come and support the Copperhill Kiwanis Club! The parade begins at 2pm!
Come celebrate Christmas in Tennessee with the 4th annual Christmas celebration in Ducktown! There will be a cornhole tournament starting at 4pm as well as cookie decorating, music, free treats, visits with Santa, and more starting at 5pm! The tree lighting will begin at 6pm with a Christmas parade to follow at 6:30pm. Don’t miss out!
The Annual Christmas on the Square event is back with more holiday fun! Kids can take pictures with Santa at the Historic Courthouse from 3pm – 5pm, participate in ornament painting, games, and other kid-friendly activities! There will also be carol singing, the tree lighting, and the nighttime parade at 6pm. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Winterfest December 3rd Location: Blue Ridge Farmers Market
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Farmers Market
It’s going to be a fun day at the Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market! From 12pm – 4pm there will be kids crafts, pictures with Santa and Buddy the Elf from Blue Ridge Community Theater’s production of Elf the Musical, produce vendors, ice skating, and more! Don’t miss out on this family fun event!
Young Harris College Choirs and Bands invite you to enjoy the sounds of the season at their Christmas Concert Saturday, December 3rd at 7pm and Sunday, December 4th at 3pm. Tickets are free with a Young Harris College ID or for children 14 & under. Other guests can purchase tickets for $10 at the door.
Come sip on wine by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at Chateau Meichtry. This beautiful winery located in Talking Rock, GA has both outdoor & indoor seating options, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of the winery no matter the weather. On Saturdays & Sundays you can sip on your favorite glass of wine while you enjoy live music from local artists from 1:30pm – 5:30pm and find live music at the same time, same place the week after Christmas! And there’s food trucks on the weekends as well!
December 3rd: Man Bites Dog December 4th: Surrender Hill December 10th: Lindsay Beth Harper December 11th: RiverSong December 17th: Surrender Hill December 18th: Maddie Lane December 24th: Barefoot Boone December 26th: Jadie Lee & Gabe Myers December 27th: Adrian Stover December 28th: Jadie Lee & Gabe Myers December 29th: Drew Ashworth December 30th: Barefoot Boone December 31st: Matty Croxton
Sip on delicious wine surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains! Enjoy live music select Saturdays & Sundays from 1:30pm – 5:30pm. Listen to the music of local artists while enjoying your wine outside either on the Chimney Patio or the Tasting Barn’s covered porch. Live music, good wine, and beautiful mountain scenery at Cartecay Vineyards; it doesn’t get much better than that!
December 3rd: Ryan LittleEagle December 4th: Brett Cantrell December 10th: Thomas Hinds December 11th: Tim O’Donovan December 17th: Gregg Erwin December 18th: Connor Priest December 31st: Jorge Valenzuela
Enjoy a delicious meal and live music Sundays at noon at the General Ledger! Start your day off right with a yummy brunch paired with one of their specialty cocktails and live music from blues, soul, country and rock n’ roll!
Photo Courtesy of Blairsville Union County Chamber of Commerce
Get ready to rock the block at Blairsville Restaurant Grits & Green’s Christmas Block Party! From 7pm – 9pm there will be live music, ax throwing, cornhole, hamburgers & hotdogs, s’mores, face painting, and so much more! It’ll be an awesome night of fun entertainment!
Enjoy a scenic drive through the North Georgia Mountains to admire some of the best decorated Christmas homes in the area with the Christmas Tour of Homes! Ticket holders will meet at the Fannin County Family Connection Community Room for holiday refreshments between 11am and 2pm. You will then receive your map and directions to start your tour. You may tour homes from 1pm – 5pm. Tickets are $30 a person and all proceeds benefit Fannin County Family Connection to assist in the operation of the Food Pantry and other programming which supports a community of healthy and safe children and families.
First Baptist Church in McCaysville and the Copperhill Worship Choir hosts “Our Joy Has Come” A Christmas Celebration Concert! It will be a night of worship and a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ! The celebration starts at 6pm.
Line Dancing Class December 5th – December 19th Location: Tooney’s Music Venue
Photo Courtesy of Tooney’s Music Venue
Have you ever wanted to learn how to line dance? Well now’s your chance! Tooney’s now offers free, weekly line dancing classes Monday nights! The class is open to people of all ages and dance experience! Doors open at 6pm and classes start at 7pm. Come on down and show us what you can do!
Live Music at ROE. December 6th – December 21st Location: ROE. Blue Ridge
Photo Courtesy of ROE.
Come out to Blue Ridge’s newest restaurant ROE. Tuesday & Wednesday nights from 6pm – 9pm for live music! Catch performances in the captains quarters bar every Tuesday & Wednesday while you dine on delicious fresh seafood!
Get into the Christmas spirit with dinner theatre at The General Ledger on Tuesday evenings now through December 20th! Dinner starts at 6:30pm with the show at 7:30pm, reservations are required and it’s $65 a person.
Come on select Fridays & Saturdays for good beer, live music, and a great time at Angry Hops Brewing! Angry Hops offers both traditional brews and new takes on the popular styles like IPAs, Stouts, and Sours. Be sure to check them out on weekends!
December 9th: Doctor Paul December 16th: Steve Vaclavik December 17th: David Welch
Come on out for live music at Tooney’s HUGE music venue select Friday and Saturday nights and enjoy the best live music McCaysville has to offer! Check their website often for live music updates. And every Thursday night get ready to take to the stage with open mic night!
December 10th: Confederate Railroad with Shannon York
Come celebrate the holidays at the beautiful Vogel State Park! Hayrides will take guests from the Visitor’s Center to the ball field where hot chocolate and hot cider will be offered starting at 4pm. At 5pm Santa arrives and caroling starts at 5:30pm! Then at 6pm the big event starts with the lighting of a 35-foot Blue Spruce tree. Bring a blanket or chair to watch the lighting of the tree as well as an unwrapped gift for a child up to the age of 12 (no toy guns, knives, or dangerous items). All the toys will be given out by the Union County Sheriff’s Department as part of the GIVE-A-GIFT toy drive.
Merry Grinchmas December 10th Location: Fannin County Public Library
Photo Courtesy of Fannin County Public Library
Bring the little ones in their best Whoville costumes to Fannin County Public Library on December 10th for their Merry Grinchmas event! There will be a reading of Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, games, crafts, and cookies for children of all ages!
Explore the beauty of North Georgia on a guided hiking tour with the Benton McKaye Trail Association. They offer 2 – 4 hikes a month varying in difficulty from easy, leisurely hikes to moderately difficult hikes.
December 12th: Dally Gap to Jack’s River and Back December 14th: Watson Gap to Jack’s River Trail intersection to Hemptop to Dally Gap and return
Explore Lake Blue Ridge and spot beautiful birds on a guided tour through the woods with Suzanne as your guide. Meet up at Lake Blue Ridge Marina at 8am, wear comfortable clothes & walking shoes, and be ready to find as many birds as you can! Please RSVP in advance!
Enjoy an afternoon of fun in a beautiful colonial style village- INOLA! Your ticket will include buffet appetizers, picnic snack boxes, drink tickets, and a front row seat to great live music and special guest speaker Lt. Gordy Boyce. A portion of all proceeds benefit Trident House Charities programs which support SEAL warriors, veterans and families.
Enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving feast prepared by Chef Brandon at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa! Enjoy Brown Sugar Rubbed Ham with Seasonal spices, Oven Roasted Turkey with Giblet Gravy and Roasted Striploin, House Smoked Salmon, Apple-Sausage Cornbread Stuffing, Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce, and so much more! The buffet will be offered anytime between 11:30am-5pm. Adult pricing is $55.95, children ages 6 – 12 is $29.95 and children 5 and under are $10.95. Call 706-379-4617 for reservations.
Get ready to rock into the new year at Tooney’s! One for the Road and Wesley Earwood will be there to keep you dancing all night long, or at least until midnight! Doors open at 7pm!
Celebrate the start of the new year at Paradise Hills! Your $65 ticket to the coolest private party in town includes live music by Chris Carpenter, heavy appetizers, sparkling wine toast and holiday swag for every guest; wine & beer will also be available for purchase.
Ring in the new year with a bang! Head to Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds to say goodbye to 2022 and watch fireworks light up the night sky! Enjoy the show with BBQ, hot dogs, and a warm cup of hot chocolate. The Blairsville Cruisers will also be in attendance as well as live musical performances and craft vendors. All the fun starts at 5pm with fireworks at 8:45pm!
Dress to the nines and enjoy a formal celebration at Brasstown Valley’s 2023 New Years Eve Gala! This year’s event is enchanted forest themed. The open bar starts at 7:30pm with a gourmet dinner buffet from 7:30pm – 9:30pm. There will be music and dancing all evening long! *must be 21 years or older to attend.
It’s the holiday season! And that means there’s all kinds of fun, festive events happening around town from now until New Years! Bring the whole family along for a day of Christmas cheer and holiday fun! See what awaits you this holiday season in Blue Ridge and start planning for your mountain holidays here:
*Cover Photo Courtesy of Chanel Josephson
The Holiday Express
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Every December in Blue Ridge you can live your very own Polar Express fantasy! Ride the Holiday Express with Blue Ridge Scenic Railway November 25th-December 23rd. On your hour-long journey, you’ll get the chance to experience the beautiful North Georgia countryside in the winter and see what holiday fun is in store for you! Your train car will come alive with holiday music as you sip on hot cocoa and admire the sights. The little ones will enjoy stories & gifts from Santa, as well as a special opportunity for pictures with Santa in the Christmas pavilion after your ride. Kids and adults alike will love their ride on this festive fun train! Be sure to get your tickets in advance because they sell out quickly!
Turkey Trot
Photo Courtesy of Visit Blue Ridge
Get your Thanksgiving Day workout in early to prepare for all those rolls & pies we know you’re going to eat later, with Blue Ridge’s annual Turkey Trot! This family fun 5K race is one of the biggest races in the area with over 700 runners & fans in attendance every year! Walk or run your way through Downtown Blue Ridge at any pace you choose, all abilities & experience levels are welcome. Registration begins at 7am and the race starts promptly at 8am. And don’t worry you’ll be home in plenty of time to enjoy some turkey dinner!
Private Chef for Holiday Meals
Photo Courtesy of Fine Dining Chefs
Skip the holiday stress and hire a private chef to prepare your holiday meals! Local area professional chefs will come to your cabin, prepare an incredible meal suited to your tastes and dietary needs, and the best part is they clean up all the mess! We recommend you consider one of these amazing options: Chef Eatz, Trey Griffith, or Blue Duck Eats.
Light Up Events
Photo Courtesy of @hiddencreekcabinblueridgega
The start of the holiday season in Blue Ridge and McCaysville kicks off with Light Up events on both Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. On Friday, November 25th McCaysville will light up their beautiful town on the river to symbolize the start of Christmas. There’s plenty of shopping, dining, and holiday fun as well as pictures with Santa. The festivities start at 5pm, with the tree lighting to follow at sunset.
Blue Ridge’s event is 2 days of family fun starting on November 25th. Black Friday is known as Blue Friday here in Blue Ridge which entails great discounts from our local shops, Christmas entertainment, food vendors, and more! Then the following day is when the real fun begins! Downtown Blue Ridge will be filled with Christmas cheer, food vendors, more Christmas entertainment, and pictures with Santa in the gazebo at the park. At 5:30pm the Christmas Parade will march through town, down East Main Street from Church Street to Mountain Street, down Mountain Street and back up West Main Street to Depot. And the lighting of the great tree will follow immediately after the parade at 7pm sharp! BothLight Up Blue Ridge and Light Up McCaysville are such fun ways to kick off the holiday season; the whole family will have a blast!
Holiday Shopping
There’s so many unique and special local shops to stock up on Christmas gifts for your loved ones! Head to Downtown Blue Ridge and/or the Riverwalk Shops to knock everything off your list! Pick up some delicious olive oil fromBlue Ridge Olive Oil Company for grandma, a bottle of wine for your favorite aunt at34th Degree Wine Merchant, a cool vinyl record for your dad at Deaf Man Vinyl, a comic book from Mountain Man Comics for your brother, trendy home decor for mom at Gather, and active wear for your next hike at Blue Ridge Adventure Wear. You can even get some of your holiday shopping done ahead of time at Blue Ridge and McCaysville’s Light Up events when everything is on sale!
Looking for a one stop shop for gifts? There’s plenty of holiday markets in town to check out! The Arts Center Holiday Show & Sale runs from November 19th-December 20th. You can support local artists and get some great deals by checking out their handmade wares. From artwork, jewelry, pottery, candles, and more the Holiday Show & Sale has it all! Open Tuesdays-Sundays from 10am-6pm at the Art Center.
Visit a place where it’s all Christmas all the time- Christmas is Here! This awesome store has all the Christmas decor and gifts you need to feel like Santa Claus himself! Most of their wares are beautiful, handmade works by American artists. Find wooden Santas, statues of the three wise men, advent calendars and more at this special shop located in Riverwalk Shops!
Festive Spa Day
Photo Courtesy of Serenity in the Mountains Spa
We all need some time to relax during the holiday season! Pay a visit to Serenity in the Mountains Spa and enjoy a day of pampering! Get massages, facials, and be sure to check out their amazing Salt Cave. While you’re there you can admire over 100 beautifully decorated trees that will be on display all season long! Really get into the Christmas spirit with a relaxing spa day filled with beautiful trees & an amazing day of pampering.
Escape to Blue Ridge Office Light Display
Did you know that we decorate our office with festive holiday lights? We’re all decked out with gold twinkly lights on our exterior! You can also come on inside and check out our Christmas tree! This is a great spot for photo-ops with the family. You can even pick up an activity packet for the kids while you’re here and keep the family fun going!
Christmas Card Photoshoot
Photo Courtesy of ZoLu Photography
Holidays are a time to spend with your family and loved ones. Are you looking for that perfect Christmas card photo to show off to all your friends? We’ve got you covered! Let your Blue Ridge memories last a lifetime by hiring a professional photographer to come out and get some great family shots. Here are a few of our favorite local photographers: ZoLu Photography, A Day In The Life Photography, andBurns and Crowe Photography. Need more suggestions? Check out https://www.flytographer.com/ to pick your own local photographer! Pick your favorite spot in town or have the photographer come right to your cabin to capture some amazing family photos, perfect for your Christmas cards!
Christmas Parade
Photo Courtesy of Visit Blue Ridge
Who doesn’t love a good Christmas parade!? Head to Copperhill, TN on December 3rd for the 63rd Annual Christmas Parade hosted by the Copperhill Kilwins Club. Soak in the holiday spirit as beautiful floats roll by and marching bands play some of your favorite Christmas tunes! The parade kicks off at 2pm, you won’t want to miss it!
Ice Skating
Have some family friendly winter fun with ice skating at the Farmer’s Market! This fun new outdoor ice skating rink will appear at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market, next to the Swan Drive In, November 18th through January 9th, with special hours Thanksgiving & Christmas. For just $10 you can skate to your heart’s content! After your skate, warm up with hot cocoa and other sweet treats from the concessions stand.
Other Great Holiday Events
Photo Courtesy of Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
North Georgia comes alive with fun holiday events all season long! Get into the Christmas spirit with Christmas music & joy at Elf the Musical put on by Blue Ridge Community Theater November 17th-December 11th or at Dailey & Vincent’s Christmasfest at theGeorgia Mountain Mountain Fairgrounds December 2nd-3rd! Christmasfest brings together the very best of bluegrass, country, and gospel artists and all the Christmas music you can handle! Also happening at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is their annual Mountain Country Christmas in Lights, running November 24th-December 23rd. The Fairgrounds come alive every weekend with sparkly Christmas lights, arts & craft vendors, holiday foods, Christmas music, special exhibits, and pictures with Santa! The fun runs Thursday & Friday nights 6pm-9pm and Saturdays from 4pm-9pm November 24th-December 10th and every night starting December 15th-23rd! Tickets are $7 a person and children 12 & under are free!
At theArts Center in Downtown Blue Ridge you can find The Gingerbread Village on display November 25th-December 11th! Come on out to admire beautiful gingerbread homes designed by local schools, businesses, and community members. And on December 4th hop in the car and enjoy a scenic drive through the North Georgia Mountains to admire some of the best decorated Christmas homes in the area with theChristmas Tour of Homes! Ticket holders will meet at the Fannin County Family Connection Community Room for holiday refreshments between 11am and 2pm. You will then receive your map and directions to start your tour. You may tour homes from 1pm-5pm. Tickets are $30 a person and all proceeds benefit Fannin County Family Connection to assist in the operation of the Food Pantry and other programming which supports a community of healthy and safe children and families. Bring the little ones in their best Whoville costumes toFannin County Public Library on December 10th for their Merry Grinchmas event! There will be a reading of Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, games, crafts, and cookies for children of all ages!
Family Time at the Cabin
Photo Courtesy of @adventuresoflawyermom
There’s so much festive family fun you can have right at the cabin! Have a Christmas movie marathon cozy by the fire as you sip on hot cocoa and munch on delicious homemade cookies. Add in a little snow and you could have the perfect cozy day in the cabin; there’s nothing like a movie marathon when it’s chilly outside. But no matter the weather you can still enjoy the great outdoor amenities that your cabin has to offer! Wash your worries away with a dip in the hot tub. Grownups, sit back & relax in the tub with a glass of wine while the kids play cornhole nearby. Or gather the whole family around the firepit where you can share stories, roast s’mores, and create lasting memories under the night sky.
Ready for some family team building? See how well you and your family can work together and assemble your very own gingerbread house! Gather all your supplies: graham crackers, frosting, gumdrops, peppermints, and any other sweets your family desires and create your masterpiece! You and your family will have a blast putting it all together and working hard to make your dream candy coated home! And we can’t forget family game nights! Whether you challenge your loved ones to a game of pool, foosball, monopoly, cards, or challenge them to beat your high score on the arcade machine; everyone will have so much fun putting their devices down to spend some good quality time together.
New Years Fireworks
Photo Courtesy of Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Ring in the new year in the mountains! Enjoy fireworks at various venues across North Georgia. At the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee you can enjoy a car show from the Blairsville Cruisers, live musical performances, food & craft vendors, and a firework show to follow at 8:45pm. For the adults there’s New Years Eve parties at bothTooney’s Music Venue in McCaysville and Paradise Hills. Guests can enjoy live music, drinks, and an all around great time at either of these two New Years Eve parties! Be sure to stay tuned for our December 2022 events blog for more New Years events.
Spend your holidays with us in Blue Ridge! Let Escape to Blue Ridge be your home base for all your family fun, holiday adventures! Happy Holidays everyone!
Fall festivals are still in full swing and Thanksgiving is upon us! November offers a variety of great events from art shows, live music, theater performances, Thanksgiving feasts, and holiday sales. The end of the month also marks the start of the Christmas season, so get excited for Light Up events in both Blue Ridge and McCaysville!
It’s the 14th Annual Southern Appalachian Artist Guild (SAAG) National Juried Show! This great art event shows off a variety of national artists in a wide variety of mediums right here at the Blue Ridge Art Center. These talented artists works are on display October 15th – November 11th.
Come out the Art Center to admire Scott Davis’s beautiful and unique photographs. His work will be on display September 24th – December 17th.
Live Music at ROE. November 1st – November 30th Location: ROE. Blue Ridge
Photo Courtesy of ROE.
Come out to Blue Ridge’s newest restaurant ROE. Tuesday & Wednesday nights from 6pm – 9pm for live music! Catch performances in the captains quarters bar every Tuesday & Wednesday while you dine on delicious fresh seafood!
Come on out for live music at Tooney’s HUGE music venue select Friday and Saturday nights and enjoy the best live music McCaysville has to offer! Check their website often for live music updates. And every Thursday night get ready to take to the stage with open mic night!
November 11th: Neon Moon: The Ultimate 90’s Country Band w/ Zach Dylan November 26th: The Steel Woods w/ special guest Tim Goodin
Partake in a fun run every Thursday night at 5:30pm! You’ll leave from the Burra Burra, and the 3.1 mile run will take you by the Toccoa river and through town. You’ll get to run through 2 states and cross the famous steel bridge! After the run stay for drinks at the Burra Burra overlooking the Toccoa River. Don’t walk, RUN to this great event!
Drafts for Dogs November 3rd Location: Tipping Point Brewing Company
Photo Courtesy of Freedom for Fido
Come on out for a great event to support Freedom for Fido at Blue Ridge’s newest brewery-Tipping Point Brewing Company. Join in the fun Thursday from 4pm – 7pm with live music from Ray Labean, pizza from Cucinella’s and plenty of beer!
Stop by Grumpy Old Men Brewery Thursdays to sing along to your favorite songs for karaoke night! And drop by select Fridays & Saturdays from 3pm – 6pm for great drinks, great music, and a great time. With indoor and outdoor seating available you can even bring your dog to join in the fun! Enjoy a delicious hotdog from Jeff’s Hotdog’s while you listen to some fantastic local artists! And on Monday nights come on out for SINGO and Thursday nights is Karaoke!
November 3rd: Thursday Karaoke November 4th: Travis Bowlin November 7th: SINGO November 10th: Thursday Karaoke November 12th: The Orange Walls November 14th: SINGO November 17th: Thursday Karaoke November 21st: SINGO November 24th: Thursday Karaoke November 28th: SINGO
Winnie the Pooh November 4th – Novemeber 6th Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Community Theater
Children and adults have built a special bond with the beloved Winnie the Pooh and his friends over the past few decades. Come on out to Blue Ridge Community Theater to see your favorite friends on stage as they go on fun adventures! See what Pooh and his friends get up to on Fridays – Sundays from October 21st – November 6th. Shows are Fridays – Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm. Call the box office at 706-632-9191 for tickets!
Calling best local talent in North Georgia! Fannin Brewing Company in Downtown Blue Ridge is now hosting weekly open mic nights every Friday evening from 3pm – 6pm. Join their house band and simply plug in and sing away! Each artist gets 30 minutes. Sign up when you arrive and then get ready to sing!
Misty Mountain Hops is a music-centric restaurant and pub so it’s only fitting that they bring in live music. Stop on by Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm for great food and great live music from local artists!
November 4th: Scott Stambaugh & Adrian Stover November 5th: Georgia Back Porch Band November 11th: Danny Rhea November 12th: Gabe Myers November 18th: The Orange Walls Duo November 19th: Steven Push & Rachel Forehand November 25th: Highbeams Band
Come on select Fridays & Saturdays for good beer, live music, and a great time at Angry Hops Brewing! Angry Hops offers both traditional brews and new takes on the popular styles like IPAs, Stouts, and Sours. Be sure to check them out on weekends!
November 4th: David Welch November 11th: Gerry Herndon November 18th: Steve Vaclavik November 19th: Doctor Paul November 26th: Woolybooger
For award winning wine, live music, and food truck Bear Claw Vineyards is the place for you! Join them every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for live music and food trucks. Kids and dogs are welcome too! The live music schedule for each weekend is shared on their website each Thursday so be sure to check back!
Visit the winery at the beautiful Paradise Hills hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tasting room offers Paradise Hills wine, a selection of craft beers, hard cider, and wine slushies as well as cheese and charcuterie boards, tapas, and shared platters. You can enjoy your drinks and snacks as you listen to local artists perform Fridays 4pm – 8pm & Saturdays from 1pm – 5pm.
November 4th: Ryan Little Eagle November 5th: Curtis Jones November 11th: Trailer Hippies November 12th: Tom Edwards November 18th: Bob Keel November 19th: Emma Gullo November 25th: Curtis Jones (Black Friday Sip & Shop) November 26th: Scott Stambough
Get ready for a night of laughs at the Winery Comedy Tour at Paradise Hills! Killer Beaz will make you laugh all night long! Grab a glass of wine or a beer and let the laughter flow! Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm!
Find all things Christmas at the Friends of Union County Everything Christmas Sale! In Union County Library’s community room on November 4th you’ll find gently used Christmas items & décor perfect for preparing for the holiday season. The funds raised are used by Friends of Union County Library to support the library! The event runs from 10am – 4pm.
Sip on delicious wine surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains! Enjoy live music select Saturdays & Sundays from 1:30pm – 5:30pm. Listen to the music of local artists while enjoying your wine outside either on the Chimney Patio or the Tasting Barn’s covered porch. Live music, good wine, and beautiful mountain scenery at Cartecay Vineyards; it doesn’t get much better than that!
November 5th: Lindsay Beth Harper November 6th: Craig Hendricks November 13th: Gregg Erwin November 19th: Adrian Stover November 20th: Ryan LittleEagle November 23rd: Rusted Melody November 25th: Chad Bowmar November 26th: Brett Cantrell November 27th: Travis Bowlin
Enjoy this wonderful market every Saturday from 9am – 1pm now till November (weather permitting) right in the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge! There will be all kinds of vendors offering food, artisan goods, arts & crafts, furniture, and more!
Holiday Bazaar November 5th – November 6th Location: Towns County Recreation Department
Photo Courtesy of Visit Blue Ridge
Get your holiday shopping done early at the Holiday Bazaar in Young Harris! There will be over 75 vendors in attendance offering a wide variety of Christmas decorations, homemade crafts, art, gourmet food including holiday favorites, demonstrations, classes and more! Admission is $5 for an adult 1 day pass or $7 for an adult 2 day pass. Children 15 & under are free. Saturday the fun goes from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 11am – 4pm.
Fall 2022 at the ‘STILL November 5th – November 26th Location: Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company
Photo Courtesy of Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company
Every weekend is jam packed with fun events at Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company in Blairsville! This month you can enjoy live music, food trucks, a Black Friday sale, and plenty of delicious moonshine!
November 5th: Music Bingo November 12th: Live Music from Cletus Way November 25th: Black Friday Sales, Food Truck, Live Music November 26th: Live Music from Tommy & The Boys
Come sip on wine by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at Chateau Meichtry. This beautiful winery located in Talking Rock, GA has both outdoor & indoor seating options, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of the winery no matter the weather. On Saturdays & Sundays you can sip on your favorite glass of wine while you listen to live music from local artists from 1:30pm – 5:30pm. And there’s food trucks on the weekends as well!
November 5th: Shaun Michael November 6th: Drew Ashworth November 12th: RiverSong November 13th: Surrender Hill November 19th: Daisy Chain November 20th: Barefoot Boone November 26th: Maddie Lane November 27th: Drew Ashworth
Line Dancing Class November 7th – November 28th Location: Tooney’s Music Venue
Photo Courtesy of Tooney’s Music Venue
Have you ever wanted to learn how to line dance? Well now’s your chance! Tooney’s now offers free, weekly line dancing classes Monday nights! The class is open to people of all ages and dance experience! Doors open at 6pm and classes start at 7pm. Come on down and show us what you can do!
ZZ Top November 9th Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Classic rock is coming to the mountains with a performance from legendary rock group ZZ Top on November 9th at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds! Get ready for hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “La Grange,” “Tush,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and many more!
A Dolls House November 9th – November 12th Location: Young Harris College at Dobbs Theater
Photo Courtesy of Young Harris College
Come on out to see Young Harris College’s production of A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen. The play follows Nora and Torvald who live in Norway in the late 1800’s. Nora becomes enlightened and strives for more in the male dominant society she lives in. Visit the Dobbs Theater November 9th – 12th at 7pm to watch as Young Harris College takes on this classic play.
Downtown Blairsville’s Holiday Open House is your place to stock up on holiday gifts & goodies! The towns boutiques and shops will come alive with festive décor and amazing deals at every turn! Get your Christmas shopping done in Downtown Blairsville November 11th & 12th!
Calling all veterans! This event is for you! Join us for breakfast from 8am – 10am at St. Anthony Catholic Church. The enjoy the Annual Veterans Parade when it kicks off at 11am. It starts on the corner of East Main and Church Street and concludes in the Veterans Memorial Park. The parade will have the Fannin County High School band, members of the military, antique and emergency vehicles and representatives from several veterans organizations. And following the parade stay for a memorial service starting at 12pm.
Mitchell Tenpenny November 12th Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
In 2018 Mitchell Tenpenny released his debut single “Drunk Me” which launched his country music career. Since then he’s won many awards and has been nominated for the New Male Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards and Breakthrough Video (“Drunk Me”) at the CMT Music Awards. His newest singles were also certified gold. Get ready to hear Mitchell Tenpenny live on November 12th at 7pm at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds! Tickets are $35+ handling.
Georgia local Randall Bramblett has over 40 years in the music industry and is coming back to his home state to perform at Blue Ridge Community Theater on November 12th! He has recorded, performed and composed alongside rock luminaries like The Allman Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Winwood, Marc Cohn, The Band’s Levon Helm, Widespread Panic, and more. You won’t want to miss this show! Tickets are $39 a person.
Tour of Trees November 13th Location: Serenity in the Mountains
Photo Courtesy of Serenity in the Mountains
One of Blue Ridge’s most magical traditions is back at Serenity in the Mountains: The Tour of Trees! Come see as the spa is all aglow from the lights of dozens of Christmas trees. Tickets are $20 person and proceeds help to raise money for the Fannin County Shop with a Cop program.
Fall Paint & Sip November 13th Location: The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge
Find the perfect gift for that special someone at Carroll’s Barbeque 4th Annual Christmas One Stop Shop! Local artisans will be selling their wares Monday & Tuesday from 5pm – 8pm.
Elf: The Musical November 17th – November 27th Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Community Theater
The beloved Christmas movie Elf is now a musical! When Buddy, a human raised by elves, learns the truth about who he truly is, he goes on an unexpected journey to New York City to meet his birth dad. Turns out his father is on Santa’s naughty list! Will Buddy be able to help his newfound family learn the true meaning of Christmas, or will they stay on Santa’s naughty list forever? Find out in this fun Christmas musical at Blue Ridge Community Theater running November 17th – December 11th. Shows are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm or Sundays at 2pm. Call the box office at 706-632-9191 for tickets!
Head over to Blairsville for the day and enjoy more than 50+ local and regional artisans selling their wares at their Cozy Country Christmas event. From soaps, quilts, furniture, décor, toys, and more, you can find something for everyone! The event runs from 10am – 4pm.
Photo Courtesy of Mountain Regional Arts & Crafts Guild
Pick up Christmas gifts and goodies from local arts and crafts vendors at Mistletoe Market! And enjoy some coffee or a sweet treat from The Sugar Plum Café. Join in the fun Saturday from 9am – 4pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm.
Holiday Show & Sale November 19th– November 30th Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association will have a variety of art and handcrafted items for sale, all created from their member artists. Find everything you need for the holiday season Tuesday – Sunday, November 19th – December 17th!
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
The 10th Annual WhoDunIt art event at the Art Center is a great opportunity to get your hands on amazing art from local artists at a great price! It’s your job to find out who the artist is who created your piece! There will be food, fun, and of course stunning works of art! Tickets are $50 a person and ensure you go home with a beautiful piece of art!
Get your workout in Thanksgiving morning to prep you for all those carbs at holiday dinner! Come on out for the Blue Ridge Turkey Trot! Walkers & runners welcome! Registration begins at 7am and the race starts at 8am; and don’t worry you’ll have plenty of time to make it back for your Thanksgiving feast!
Come on out for the Thanksgiving Gobble Wobble- a family fun 5K race at Paradise Hills! The race starts at 8:30am and feel free to walk or run the race. Tickets are $20 and first 50 there get a turkey hat! All the proceeds go towards “Beyond the Vineyard Program” to benefit youth programs in Union County.
See the Christmas lights reflecting off the waters of Lake Chatuge at the Georgia Mountain Fair’s Mountain Country Christmas Lights! There will be Christmas music, arts and craft vendors, holiday food, hot chocolate, Cowtown exhibit, pictures with Santa, and beautiful lights around the grounds. The event runs every Thursdays and Fridays 6pm-9pm and Saturdays 4pm – 9pm November 24th – December 23rd.
Enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving feast prepared by Chef Brandon at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa! Enjoy prime rib, roasted turkey, Virginia ham, seafood, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and so much more! The buffet will be offered anytime between 12pm – 7pm. Adult pricing is $62.95, children ages 6 – 12 is $29.95 and children 5 and under are $12.95. Call 706-379-4617 for reservations.
The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen will be preparing a delicious Thanksgiving Buffet for The Ridges Resort. There will be 4 stations full of delicious food; the salad station, the carving station, sides & accompaniments, and the dessert station. The buffet runs from 12pm – 4pm. Tickets are $47.95 for adults and children 12 & under are $29.95. Call 706 896-4141 for reservations.
Enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal from Blairsville Restaurant Grits & Greens! Lunch is served from 11am – 4pm with options like turkey, ham, roasted beef, mashed potatoes & gravy, mac & cheese, green bean casserole and more!
On Friday Downtown Blue Ridge will have a special Blue Friday event where there will be store discounts, food vendors, strolling entertainment, and Christmas cheer! The Gingerbread Village will also open that afternoon as well at The Arts Center. Then on Saturday the real fun begins! Santa will be in town ready to take photos with kids in the gazebo from 12pm – 5pm. And downtown will be filled with food vendors, strolling Christmas entertainment, and even more Christmas cheer! Then at 5:30pm the Christmas Parade starts at the corner of East Main street and Church street. It’s going to be a wonderful weekend of holiday fun!
McCaysville has their own light up celebration as well! There will be shopping, dining, pictures with Santa, and holiday cheer all along the river. The fun starts at 4pm and the tree lighting is at 7pm!
On Black Friday you can shop while drinking a refreshing glass of wine! Paradise Hills will be having great deals on wine and gifts, you won’t want to miss it!
*Cover Photo Courtesy of @mikeyc1212 at Blue Chase Lodge
When traveling through the Blue Ridge Mountains between mid-October to mid-November, it’s one picturesque scene after another. Autumn’s vibrant colors always seem to take our breath away. And with cell phone camera technology what it is, we stop and shoot it all. But more often than not, the colors and definition don’t transfer to the digital mode like they do in person. Here are some tips on ways to improve your cell phone cameras results:
PAY ATTENTION TO LIGHT. You always want to consider how much light you have, where it’s coming from, and how it’s hitting your subject. You want it to illuminate your subject without causing harsh shadows. What causes shadows? The harsh light of the sun in the middle of the day does. For example, imagine taking photos of the fall decorations at Mercier’s. If at all possible, you’ll want to try to shoot late in the evening or early morning, or on cloudy days. If the time of day can’t be changed, turn your subject away from the sun.
PLAY WITH PERSPECTIVE. This one is a lot of fun. Get down, stand up, and shoot off the hip (that means pointing your camera and not even looking when you hit the shutter). For perspective, try using the wide angle option on your phone.
TAKE LEAVES TOWARDS THE SKY. Fall is all about color and fall photography is all about capturing the vibrant fall leaves. Often when photos of the bright leaves are taken against a dull background there is little contrast and the image has no direction. By simply changing the angle and shooting the leaves towards the sky, the contrast is brought out and the color is increased. If you are shooting in the middle of the day you may want to turn on HDR so the dark and light colors are better balanced.
CAPTURE A LONE TREE. Capturing the lone tree creates a simple image that easily brings the viewer’s eyes to the purpose of the photo. In fall photography taking a picture of one tree against a contrasting background is simple and beautiful. Your shot can easily capture the detail and color of that tree creating an eye-popping effect.
SHOOT AGAINST A DARK BACKGROUND. Yellow and orange leaves can be easily washed out and the vibrancy of their color lost. Taking a shot with a dark background can bring out the contrast. If you are taking a wide-angle scenic shot a dark background will help the trees pop and show their true color.
USE THE WEATHER TO TAKE GREAT SHOTS. Fall can often be stormy with potential rain or snow at any time. A shot with the changing leaves and snow in the background shows the seasons changing. Taking shots of leaves through the lens of a puddle or reflection is also a great way to capture a unique and beautiful fall shot.
IF YOU SEE RED, SHOOT IT. Many famous photographers have noted the power of red in a picture. Red is a stunning color and always leads the viewer into the image. If you see red leaves around you, take a picture.
CHANGE PERSPECTIVE. TRY LOW-ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY. Understanding where the horizon line is can help you create a better photo. When you use low angles in photography the horizon line should be at the bottom of the frame. This smartphone photography trick brings out the subject and creatively fills the frame. This will show objects as larger to scale than what they truly are. Let that work for you. Using angles can be a great way to show a sense of scale when taking a landscape. Adding people or animals to a shot can show the scale of a vast mountain or waterfall.
GET DOWN CLOSE TO THE REFLECTIVE SURFACE. If you are photographing water, especially the reflection of the tinted trees in the water, try getting down low. Doing so will fill the foreground with the reflection of the sky or the subject you are photographing. In addition, it will help the composition and interest of the photo, as well as removing any unnecessary distractions from the image. Getting down low will also enhance certain aspects of the water such as ripples, waves, or sunlight sparkling on the surface.
CLEAN YOUR LENS. This should probably be the first trick mentioned – but we saved the most important trick for last! Have you ever taken a selfie and it is blurry or fuzzy and then noticed it was because you didn’t clean off the lens? Do you find your landscape images are blurrier than normal? The #1 smartphone photography trick to remember when taking pictures, is to always stop and wipe off the lens, then shoot. When you are wiping off your lens you can use lens wipes, a cloth, or your clothes. Lens wipes won’t damage your lens.
Photo Courtesy of Jorge Gonzalez from Almost Heaven
Autumn photography can easily be beautiful in one click, just by taking a few extra moments to consider using some of these tricks. Be sure to follow the KISS method with all your vacation photos. Keep It Simple, Susie. Photos don’t need to be busy to be effective. Often less is more.
There’s something so special about curling up next to a warm fire on a chilly day with a book in one hand and a warm cup of coffee in the other. Or how about cuddling with your love fireside after a busy day of exploring Blue Ridge? We have so many great cabins with incredible fireplace and firepit features and we know it can be hard to choose the one just right for you. We’ve narrowed down the search and assembled a list of our top 16 cabins with firepits & fireplaces perfect for cuddling and staying warm this fall! Get that hot cocoa ready and find your perfect escape:
Come find your luxurious, private, mountain retreat chock full of great amenities at Black Bear Ridge! With breathtaking views, a spacious deck, and a screened in porch, there are already tons of places to enjoy time outside in the crisp mountain air. However, the real draw at Black Bear Ridge is the gorgeous patio with ample seating, a picnic table, a stunning outdoor fireplace, and a fire pit where your family and friends can hang out while you cook a delicious meal on the grill. And because this stunning home has it all there’s also a fireplace on the screened in porch, one in the main family room, and one in the king bedroom so that you can stay warm & cozy no matter where you go! With so much drawing you to the great outdoors (including the six-seat hot tub), it will be hard to go inside! But, when you do find yourself wanting to warm up inside, the breakfast bar, game room, and cozy amenities will keep you comfortable, entertained, and thoroughly relaxed because Black Bear Ridge is as beautiful inside as it is on the outside!
When you come to Off The Gridthat’s precisely what you’ll want to do; get off the grid! Put your phone up and enjoy the peace and quiet of mother nature while you cuddle up with your honey by the fire. You’ll love the cabin’s unique screened-in treehouse, equipped with a 55” TV, a warm & cozy stacked stone wood-burning fireplace, and ample seating. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset! Spend all your time in the great outdoors and enjoy dinner al-fresco straight from the grill and roast marshmallows for dessert at the firepit! Inside you’ll find plenty of time to relax in the cozy family room with an additional fireplace or in one of the 3-bedrooms. Come to Off The Grid to get away from it all and enjoy all of the activities that Blue Ridge has to offer just minutes away!
The Smokin’ Buck is all about the vibes; high end furnishings, a 7 person hot tub with jets & color changing lights, an awesome game room with neon letters spelling out the cabin name, and gorgeous fairy lights that surround the fire pit outside. Ready to stay cozy? Including the awesome firepit The Smokin’ Buck has 4 fireplaces! Stay warm and watch the big game on the deck by the neat two way burning stove fireplace, get your game on in the game room where another stone gas fireplace awaits you, curl up with your favorite book by the fire in the family room, or roast s’mores at the firepit outside! With so many warm places to cuddle & relax, The Smokin’ Buck is the perfect cabin for fall! Drink your coffee on the porch swing and bask in the glorious mountain views, before you head out to explore the local wineries, orchards, and downtown shopping!
A perfect place for families to relax, chill out, and reconnect with one another – welcome to Tranquility Base. There are endless ways to have fun here and truly reconnect. Step inside the cabin and immerse yourself in the cozy luxury of your new home base in Blue Ridge. With cabin accents everywhere, beautiful wood throughout the cabin, and little accents making this a perfect home away from home, you’ll be in bliss. Sink into a couch in front of the fireplace and unwind. The kitchen is truly dreamy, too, complete with unique cabinetry, granite countertops, and luxury appliances to make the perfect meal for the whole family. This cabin is perfect for all ages and is filled with amenities! Enjoy a regulation pool table and Smart TV in the game room, along with every type of card or game you could possibly enjoy. Or, slip outside and revel in the multiple outdoor spaces. Take in the night sky in the hot tub, then warm yourself up by the outdoor fireplace. There are multiple places to sit and eat some delicious food from the gas grill, too. Then, tell some tales (or ghost stories!) at the firepit in a cozy Adirondack chair. The opportunities are limitless at Tranquility Base.
Blue Mist Heaven is the luxurious mountaintop cabin of your dreams! With spectacular 180 degree views, beautiful designer touches, and plenty of space for the whole family, pets too. This kid-friendly showplace home has everything you need for a perfect family getaway! The kids will spend all their time on the playground swinging, sliding, and playing in the playhouse. When it gets too chilly and it’s time to come inside, the kids can keep themselves entertained until dinnertime in the fun downstairs kids room with 2 twin bunk beds or at the game table that has over 400 games installed. Grownups, you’ll love the beautiful gourmet kitchen perfect for the chef in the family, the movie room for watching your favorite flicks, and warming up at one of the two river rock gas fireplaces on the main level. One of our favorite features of Blue Mist Heaven is the giant covered gazebo with four bench swings, a rock firepit and incredible views of the surrounding mountains! You can even see the playground from the gazebo so you can keep an eye on the little ones while you sit cozy by the fire with a glass of wine. Need more places to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night? Cuddle on the loveseat by the outdoor fireplace on the deck, where you can sip on hot chocolate and watch the sunset below the mountains. Then head to bed in the upstairs master suite where a king sized bed awaits you along with a romantic electric fireplace and a private screened in porch. Sound like the perfect escape? Get the family together for a mountain getaway like no other at Blue Mist Heaven!
S’more House isjust as it sounds; the perfect home for roasting s’mores by the fire! Lay back in your Adirondack chair and gaze up at the beautiful twinkly lights above you, as you warm up with your favorite beverage by the fire. This awesome firepit is as functional as it is charming! Outside you’ll also find a gas grill, hot tub, picnic table, and a comfortable screened in porch perfect for relaxing! And there’s plenty of space on the lawn to play a game of flag football or soccer. When you’re ready to venture off the property you’ll find fun outdoor activities around every corner because S’more House is located in the Aska Adventure Area. After a busy day of exploring the trails and local waterfalls, come back to the cabin, put your feet up, and unwind in the cozy living room by the grand fireplace. Cook up dinner in the fully stocked kitchen, play shuffleboard and foosball in the game room, and take in the seemingly endless mountain views! Come to S’more House for adventure by day and fireside sitting by night!
The Haven on Toccoahas it all! This 4-bedroom picture postcard showplace is situated on 2+ wooded acres right on the Toccoa River with breathtaking 360° long-range Blue Ridge Mountain views! If you enjoy quiet, peaceful days spent riverside this cabin is the place for you! Trout fish right from your own backyard, splash in the shallow waters, and roast marshmallows at the awesome firepit on the riverside deck. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as sitting fireside on a chilly night listening to the sounds of the rushing water nearby. Time at The Haven on Toccoa is meant to be spent outdoors because there is also a great entertainment area on the deck with comfy seating and a wood burning fireplace, a 5 person hot tub, a gas grill, a large lawn perfect for playing frisbee, and even another firepit! While you’ll likely want to spend most of your time outdoors here, the interior of this cabin is still worth noting! As you enter the main level great room you’ll notice its cathedral ceiling and wall of windows to showcase the view, the comfy leather sofas and chairs, a custom remote-controlled gas fireplace, a selection of board games, a 75” Smart TV above the log mantel and Bluetooth speakers. And with 4 bedrooms and plenty of room to sleep up to 14 guests this riverside home was truly meant for entertaining!
Wolf Branch Retreat is the perfect getaway for outdoor lovers and it has the coolest firepit ever! The hardscaped fire pit seats up to 14 people on its beautiful stone benches. Can’t you picture yourself making the perfect s’mores here and telling ghost stories around the fire? But that’s not all that’s in store for you at Wolf Branch Retreat; there’s the wraparound deck with a stacked stone fireplace and hot tub on the lower terrace, a beautiful kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and even a detached garage apartment with two full beds, a kitchenette, and a lovely gas fireplace. And we can’t forget about the awesome game room that has cool custom arcade machines with over 7,000 retro games, a pool table, a wet bar, and a nice seating area next to the stone stacked gas fireplace. And Wolf Branch Retreat is nestled in the Aska Adventure Area in a private community with access to 3 private trailheads ready for you to explore!
Bert’s Hideaway is your private and peaceful retreat in the woods! Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Blue Ridge and a 15-minute drive from Lake Blue Ridge, you’ll be right by all the action, but still secluded enough to feel completely separate from the rest of the world. In fact, it is located in a gated community and is the only house on its street! When you want your mountain vacation to feel more like a stay-cation, you’ll have plenty to do inside the cabin. Bert’s Hideaway has a large game room, a wet bar, two full-sized entertaining decks, and a gorgeous hot tub on an uncovered, elevated deck that makes you feel like you’re floating among the stars! If you want to take in the great outdoors from the deck but are worried about getting cold on a crisp fall day, never fear, Bert’s Hideaway has 3 spots to warm up! Swap stories under the stars at the firepit, watch the big game on the screened in porch cozy beside the stacked stone fireplace, and enjoy dining alfresco at the stylish propane fire table with seating for 8. You’ll never want to leave the great outdoors here, but when you are ready to head inside 2 more fireplaces await in the upper and lower family rooms along with 3 comfortable bedrooms. Ready to enjoy nightly outdoor dinners among friends with the peaceful sounds of nature surrounding you? Then Bert’s Hideaway is the outdoor lovers retreat you’ve been looking for!
Lonesome Dove has everything you need to host the ultimate family reunion and keep your guests happy! Play a game of family football on the huge lawn, hang out in the loft and play foosball or a board game, or create a delicious home-cooked meal in the gorgeous kitchen with a butler’s pantry, stone hearth, and stainless steel appliances including a double size refrigerator. Not only are the amenities at Lonesome Dove incredible and luxurious, but the cabin itself is simply stunning with its long range mountain vistas, the 5.5 magnificent acres with a garden and waterfall all on a private wooded hillside, it’s easy access to Downtown Blue Ridge, and we haven’t even started talking about the interior of this rustically elegant home with beautiful features you won’t find anywhere else! And as far as fireplaces Lonesome Dove has not one, not two, not three, but four spots to warm up fireside! A stone gas fireplace in the living room, another stone gas fireplace on the screened in porch, a firepit with boulder seats, and even a fireplace in the master bath nestled right beside the copper tub. Think about the relaxing soaks you can have there! With 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, including a separate apartment, Lonesome Dove can comfortably sleep 13 people, so you’ll feel anything but lonesome here! Grab your friends and family, and escape!
Modern and luxurious are words you might use to describe Modern Bliss. The cabin has windows in every bedroom, large windows in the living room, a hot tub and outdoor entertainment center; all of them made for taking in the mountain views. You won’t be able to miss them! Prepare meals in the lovely fully-equipped kitchen and open the door to the back patio where you can set up the perfect al-fresco feast. There’s a modern dining table with room for 6 people, and when you’re ready for your after dinner cocktails you can enjoy them in the comfortable entertainment area with a fire table. You can sit under the stars anytime of day out here because beautiful, twinkling fairy lights dance over your head. You’ll want to spend all your time in this cozy spot with beautiful views and a great ambiance. And when you’re looking for some fun, play a round of skeeball and wall scrabble in the game room or take a cat nap on the comfy leather sofa in the family room curled up next to the gorgeous stacked stone fireplace. Be sure to check out the towns of Ellijay and/or Blue Ridge and get some shopping done as well! But before you leave for the day, don’t forget to check Modern Bliss’s in home weather station to prep your wardrobe for your outing! If you’re looking for mountain views and a modern, luxurious interior then Modern Bliss is just the cabin for you!
Welcome to Sundance Retreat! This beautiful cabin sits atop Sundance Mountain and is filled with stunning amenities that will wow you and your guests. Enjoy an outdoor oasis complete with rocking chairs, a comfortable seating area with a fire table, a fire pit, hot tub, a porch swing and outdoor fireplace. Talk about the ultimate outdoor entertainment! Then, partake in friendly competition in the game room over darts or shuffleboard or at the outdoor ping pong table. And have movie nights fireside in the family room every night. If you’re lucky enough to snag the upper master bedroom you’ll have the perfect place to getaway for some peace and quiet. Open the bedroom doors to your own private balcony with a fireplace just outside the door. This is a great place to start your mornings with a cup of coffee and end your nights with a glass of wine, fireside! And when you aren’t relaxing at the retreat, take in one of the many great spots nearby including Downtown Blue Ridge, Lake Blue Ridge, or one of the nearby hiking trails!
Luxury doesn’t even begin to describe what’s in store for you at Alpine Ridge! Thisspacious mountain cabin sleeps up to 10 guests, is located just 1 mile away from Downtown Blue Ridge and also has fantastic long range mountain views of the Cohutta Wilderness! You’ll be close to the shops & restaurants of Downtown here but in the peace & quiet of the wilderness too; you’ll get the best of both worlds at Alpine Ridge! You have 2,500 square feet of indoor living area and 1,700 square feet of covered outdoor areas to explore at the cabin! Some of our favorite spots in the cabin are of course spent fireside! We love relaxing on the porch on the huge outdoor sectional, cozy by the fire, with the smells of burgers cooking on the nearby grill and crisp mountain air filling our nostrils. It’s the perfect place for outdoor entertaining! The large great room also has plenty of room for entertaining; 2 full sized sofas, tall vaulted ceilings, a 50” TV with a DVD player, and a gorgeous full stone wall with a gas log fireplace! Enjoy preparing dinner in the farmhouse chic, fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and then head to the game room after dinner for a night of fun! The game room has everything you need for a good time; a game table, shuffleboard, 12-foot granite top wet bar with refrigerator, large seating area, 50” TV and DVD player and a 14-foot-high stone fireplace with gas logs. Sound like the perfect place for your next family gathering? Alpine Ridge is just waiting for you!
Blue Moon Lodgeis the incredible mountain cabin you’ve been searching for! Take in the long range mountain views from the floor-to-ceiling windows from the leather chair in the family room cozy by the gorgeous full wall fireplace. Want to step out and enjoy the views from the deck? You can still stay cozy and appreciate the views before you, as you admire them from the covered deck beside the wood burning fireplace, or from the hot tub, or even at the firepit! Blue Moon Lodge is also pet friendly so your pup can enjoy the great outdoors with you but stay safe because the deck has doggie gates to keep your pup contained to one area. Warm up inside in the game room over a round of pool or your favorite board game. Then fix your drink of choice at the wet bar, cuddle up on the recliner, pop in your favorite movie and relax by the 3rd fireplace in the game room! And after a full day of relaxing fireside it’s time to enjoy a delicious home cooked meal. Prepare a family dinner in the state-of-the-art kitchen, with granite countertops, custom circle sawn cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. R&R awaits at Blue Moon Lodge, the perfect place to lay your head after a long day of exploration on your Escape to Blue Ridge!
This lakeside home is stunning inside and out, and can hold up 14 guests so it’s the perfect place for your next family reunion or couples retreat! At 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀 you’ll have incredible lake views from every room in the house! The family room is the real showstopper however; with walls of windows that allow the beauty of Lake Blue Ridge to shine into each space, a lovely white washed stacked stone fireplace, a 65” Smart TV, cozy seating throughout and modern farmhouse decor that invites you to unwind. If you can bare to pull yourself away from this luxurious family room you’ll find that more fun awaits you both indoors and out! Take the boat out on the water, play a round of cornhole on the green, shoot some hoops at the downstairs Pop-A-Shot indoor basketball game, or prep some warm chocolate chip cookies in the large and stunning kitchen. One of the coolest rooms in the house is the Bunk Room Suite which has 4 built-in twin bunks, a loft bed, shuffleboard and darts, another 65” TV perfect for playing video games on or watching your favorite movie, a wet bar, and a second mini kitchen! There’s room for everyone at this beautiful and unique lakeside home!
Spyglass is 8,000 square feet of pure luxury! After a quick glance at this $5 Million custom lodge, you’ll notice that Spyglass has a fireplace for every occasion! When you first enter this stunning home you’ll be floored by the utter luxury and beauty of the great room’s grandeur; with its 32 ft. vaulted ceiling, the curved, windowed wall with built-in seating, the imposing iron chandelier, the custom woodcarvings of wildlife adorning the walls, and huge stone fireplace as the room’s centerpiece. You may find yourself drifting off to sleep on the huge sectional sofa cozy by the grand fireplace as beautiful piano music from the grand piano lulls you to sleep. After your nap step outside and be prepared to be wowed again. You’ll find a large in-ground pool, a helicopter landing pad, a gazebo, hot tub, and stone patio with a built-in firepit. Enjoy summer nights splashing in the pool as the fire flickers under the stars and in the fall roast marshmallows by the fire & then take a dip in the hot tub to warm up! Other notable features of Spyglass are the private movie room, the awesome game room/gym with another stone gas fireplace, and the gorgeous gourmet kitchen! Each of the 3 master baths even have gas wall fireplaces next to the tub and the downstairs king bedroom includes a stone gas fireplace as well! With all the warm fires and amazing amenities you’ll be incredibly comfortable at this gorgeous retreat!
Fall is in the air and October has a great lineup of fall festivals, family-friendly events, art shows, live music, and so much more! Plan your fall in the mountains with these awesome events!
Come enjoy some local theater with Blue Ridge Community Theater’s production of Savannah Sipping Society. This comedy follows 4 unique southern women looking to escape their daily routine. Over 6 months of hilarious misadventures these spunky middle aged women come together and find a way to get their life back on track. Come see what mayhem they cause Thursdays – Sundays from September 15th – October 2nd. Shows are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm or Sundays at 2pm. Call the box office at 706-632-9191 for tickets!
Picnic beneath the apple trees spring through fall at Deep Roots Orchard! Bring your closest friends and family to relax under the trees. Deep Root’s will provide you with everything you need; the picnic basket, blanket, and food. All you need to bring is your wonderful self! Prices start at $27 per person; call 706-492-7753 to book your picnic today!
Get ready for Christmas in Blue Ridge 2 months early at Merry Little Christmas Party which helps raise funds for Light Up Blue Ridge next month! This free event is for the community hosted by the community! Doors open at 6pm and dinner is served at 7pm. There will also be dancing and live music going on till 10pm!
Head over to Deep Roots Orchards in McCaysville for U-Pick apple picking all month long! Wednesday – Sunday every week you can pick apples from 10am – 5:30pm and go for a tractor ride as well!
Visit the winery at the beautiful Paradise Hills hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tasting room offers Paradise Hills wine, a selection of craft beers, hard cider, and wine slushies as well as cheese and charcuterie boards, tapas, and shared platters. You can enjoy your drinks and snacks as you listen to local artists perform Fridays 4pm – 8pm & Saturdays from 1pm – 5pm.
October 1st: Rusted Melody October 7th: Bob Keel October 8th: Trailer Hippies October 14th: Hill Roberts October 15th: Tom Edwards October 22nd: Dr. Paul October 28th: Curtis Jones (HalloWine Costume Party) October 29th: Chris Carpenter
U-Pick Apples October 1st – October 31st Location: Mercier Orchards
Photo Courtesy of Mercier Orchards
U-Pick at Mercier Orchards is scheduled for every Saturday and Sunday in October weather dependent! Bring the whole family for a day of apple picking, live music, food trucks, and fried pies!
Come on out to Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery the first weekend an October for live music, food, wine, and fun! Bring along a new and unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots to be entered in the raffle to win a Cigar Box Guitar! Visit Bear Claw Vineyards on Saturday from 1pm – 8pm and Sunday from 12pm – 5pm. Entry is free, but donations are welcome!
Photo Courtesy of Pickens County Chamber of Commerce
Jasper, Georgia is celebrating it’s 40th Annual Georgia Marble Festival! Join in the fun October 1st & 2nd where there will be live music, a fine art gallery, live demonstrations of marble & granite sculpting, delicious food, arts & crafts, and so much more! The fun runs at Lee Newton Park on Saturday from 10am – 6pm and Sunday from 10am – 4pm.
Enjoy this wonderful market every Saturday from 9am – 1pm now till November (weather permitting) right in the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge! There will be all kinds of vendors offering food, artisan goods, arts & crafts, furniture, and more!
Join in the fall festivities now thru October 31st! Your $18 entry fee includes all kinds of fun activities like; cow milking, wagon rides, cow train, new Jump Pad and Ball Zone, Live entertainment, pedal karts, big and little kid trike tracks, petting farm, apple tree maze, mini-golf, moonshine and apple museums, big slides and playgrounds, Fall photo spots, swimming pig races and duck races! PLUS there will be all kinds of great foods and of course apple ciders & slushies! The Apple Picking Jubilee is sure to be a blast for the whole family!
Sip on delicious wine surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains at Cartecay Vineyards! Enjoy live music select Saturdays & Sundays from 1:30pm – 5:30pm. Listen to the music of local artists while enjoying your wine outside either on the Chimney Patio or the Tasting Barn’s covered porch. Live music, good wine, and beautiful mountain scenery; it doesn’t get much better than that!
October 1st: Andrew Golden October 2nd: Zachary Alexander October 8th: Daisy Chain October 9th: Jorge Valenzuela October 15th: Hush Money October 16th: Travis Bowlin October 22nd: Thomas Hinds October 23rd: Gregg Erwin October 29th: Connor Priest October 30th: Tim O’Donovan
Stop by Grumpy Old Men Brewery Thursdays to sing along to your favorite songs for karaoke night! And drop by select Fridays & Saturdays from 3pm – 6pm for great drinks, great music, and a great time. With indoor and outdoor seating available you can even bring your dog to join in the fun! Enjoy a delicious hotdog from Jeff’s Hotdog’s while you listen to some fantastic local artists!
October 1st: Gavin Heath October 2nd: Lindsay Beth Harper October 15th: Oktoberfest
For award winning wine, live music, and food truck Bear Claw Vineyards is the place for you! Join them every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for live music and food trucks. Kids and dogs are welcome too! The live music schedule for each weekend is shared on their website each Thursday so be sure to check back!
Misty Mountain Hops is a music-centric restaurant and pub so it’s only fitting that they bring in live music. Stop on by Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm for great food and great live music from local artists!
October 1st: Marla Vickers October 7th: Sean Bulow October 8th: Andy Johnson October 14th: Jack Byron October 15th: David Welch October 21st: Maddie Lane October 22nd: Jim Stapley October 29th: Canon Tyler
Where else can you find regional wines from all over the world, tapas and other delicious international platters, and live music!? At Bin 322 Wine & Tapas Bar! Drop by Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm to enjoy live music from local artists and choose from their great wine selection. And on Monday nights from 6pm – 8pm join in on SINGO, music style bingo! There’s always fun to be had at Bin 322!
October 1st: Melanie Dobbins and Tom Ladow October 8th: Denise and Friends October 22nd: David Flowers October 29th: Ray Labean
See some of the most spectacular homes in North Georgia showcased at this great event! Ticket purchases benefit the area’s local youth through the Parade of Homes Scholarship Foundation. Check out these incredible homes and get an idea for your dream mountain home September 30th thru October 2nd from 10am – 5pm.
Take a quick drive to Cherry Log, GA for their Fall Festival, happening the first 2 weekends of October! There will be arts and crafts, homegood goods and treats, bluegrass, country, and gospel music and of course lots of fall fun in Downtown Cherry Log!
Come on out for the annual Indian Summer Festival at Georgia’s smallest public school. There will be vendors selling pottery, quilts, jewelry, homemade goods, leather crafts, furniture and so much more! And there will be great food options like BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, funnel cake, and cotton candy. It’s sure to be a great event of family fun!
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
Come admire the works of this dynamic father/son duo Bill and Todd Suttles at Blue Ridge’s Art Center. Their works will be on display from September 3rd – October 9th.
Plein Air Exhibit October 1st – October 9th Location: The Blue Ridge Art Center
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
After the 2022 Plein Air International Paint Out you can come out to the Art Center to admire the artists beautiful creations. The works will be on display and available for purchase from September 13th – October 9th. You can also expect to see them at the upcoming Fall Arts in the Park festival.
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
Come out to the Art Center to admire Scott Davis’s beautiful and unique photographs. His work will be on display September 24th – December 17th. And the artist reception will be October 15th from 5pm – 7pm.
Come on out for this massive annual pickleball tournament hosted by Georgia Mountain Pickleball and Towns County! There will be over 350 players from all over the country competing. Friday, September 30th will be Women’s Doubles, Saturday, October 1st will be Mixed Doubles, and Sunday October 2nd will be Men’s Doubles. Bring a chair and come enjoy the tournament!
Photo Courtesy of Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce
Come on to the Hiawassee Square for a Fall Fest on October 1st from 10am – 3pm for a celebration of fall! There will be an artisan market, live music, a chili cookoff, children’s activities, food and fun!
Photo Courtesy of Blairsville Union County Chamber of Commerce
Join in a whole week of delicious bbq and fun at the Blairsville Farmers Market from September 26th – October 1st! There will be live music, prizes, and amazing bbq dishes from local restaurants. And Saturday, October 1st is the BBQ Cookoff from 4pm – 7pm. Purchase your $5 tasting ticket and help pick Blairsville’s next best bbq. All you have to do for the Swine & Dine is pick up your passport for the week, eat at 3+ eateries during the week to get your passport stamped, then turn in your complete passport to the Chamber by October 3rd at 5pm to be registered for the grand prize of $500 in dining gift cards! You won’t want to miss this awesome, bbq filled week of fun!
Come race away at the park for 4 to 8 hours at the 4th Annual Lady of the Lake Race. You’ll race on the 1 mile trail loop around the beautiful Lake Trahlyta nestled at the base of Coosa and Blood mountains at Vogel State Park. Try to run as many or as few laps as you please in 4 or 8 hours!
Line Dancing Class October 3rd – October 31st Location: Tooney’s Music Venue
Photo Courtesy of Tooney’s Music Venue
Have you ever wanted to learn how to line dance? Well now’s your chance! Tooney’s now offers free, weekly line dancing classes Monday nights! The class is open to people of all ages and dance experience! Doors open at 6pm and classes start at 7pm. Come on down and show us what you can do!
Explore the beauty of North Georgia on a guided hiking tour with the Benton McKaye Trail Association. They offer 2 – 4 hikes a month varying in difficulty from easy, leisurely hikes to moderately difficult hikes.
October 3rd: BMT Dyer Gap to Shadow Falls October 7th: Shady Falls Trailhead to Lake Blue Ridge and back October 14th: BMT in Tennessee between Ducktown and Coker Creek October 21st: BMT Highway 515 to Weaver Creek and return
Come out to Blue Ridge’s newest restaurant ROE. Tuesday & Wednesday nights from 6pm – 9pm for live music! Catch performances in the captains quarters bar every Tuesday & Wednesday while you dine on delicious fresh seafood!
Come on out for live music at Tooney’s HUGE music venue select Friday and Saturday nights and enjoy the best live music McCaysville has to offer! Check their website often for live music updates. And every Thursday night get ready to take to the stage with open mic night!
October 6th: Karaoke & Open Mic Night October 13th: Karaoke & Open Mic Night October 14th: 49 Winchester October 20th: Karaoke & Open Mic Night October 21st: Hush Money October 27th: Karaoke & Open Mic Night October 29th: 2nd Annual Halloween Party & Costume Contest! With The Wandering Willows
Partake in a fun run every Thursday night at 5:30pm! You’ll leave from the Burra Burra, and the 3.1 mile run will take you by the Toccoa river and through town. You’ll get to run through 2 states and cross the famous steel bridge! After the run stay for drinks at the Burra Burra overlooking the Toccoa River. Don’t walk, RUN to this great event!
Head to the beautiful Hamilton Gardens in Hiawassee GA Thursday nights this month for their Acoustic Sunsets Concert Series. The event takes place every Thursday night now through October 6th from 6pm – 9pm and will include craft vendors, food trucks, and live music. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets and come on out for an evening of fun!
Calling best local talent in North Georgia! Fannin Brewing Company in Downtown Blue Ridge is now hosting weekly open mic nights every Friday evening from 3pm – 6pm. Join their house band and simply plug in and sing away! Each artist gets 30 minutes. Sign up when you arrive and then get ready to sing!
In Hiawassee, GA you can join in all the fun at their week-long Georgia Mountain Fall Festival! There will be carnival rides, craft vendors, delicious food, musical performances, educational demonstrations, and so much more! You won’t want to miss out on the fun, happening daily October 7th – 15th! Admission is $12 and children 12 & under are free!
We love drinking beer and supporting our local chimps! Come on out to Fannin Brewing Company for this year’s Cheers for Chimps! Each ticket holder will receive a limited edition Project Chimps glass, one pour of apple ale and a food ticket. Your ticket gets you one food item for free, choose from either a pretzel or their famous chimp chili. Hang out, play games, drink beer, and learn all about Project Chimps!
Rat Road Rally October 7th – October 8th Location: Towns County Recreation & Conference Center
Photo Courtesy of Car Cruise Finder
Car lovers this one’s for you! Come on out to Young Harris for a Rat Road Rally, Swap Meet, and Cruiz-In on the square!
Photo Courtesy of AR Georgia Premier Adventure Racing Events
The Blue Ridge Ultra Race is a 50K loop trail race through the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest. You’ll start and finish at the Shallowford bridge and make your way through 6 miles of the Benton MacKaye trail, 6 miles of Hidden trails and 9 miles of Forest Service roads. Choose either the 15K race or the 30K race and be sure to register by October 6th!
Country music legends the Oak Ridge Boys are coming to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds! The Oak Ridge Boys have been performing gospel and country tunes together since the 1940’s and have helped to popularize and modernize Country Music over their many years in the business. See them live in concert October 8th at 7pm! Tickets are $45+ handling and also gets your free admission into the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival earlier that day!
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Marching Festival
If you love the sounds of a marching band this is the event for you! Over 2,000 marching band members are expected to participate so the Fannin County football field will be filled with the sounds of music! The bands will range in size from 40 member to 150+ members.
You can’t have fall without apples so head over to Ellijay, GA for The Georgia Apple Festival! With over 250 vendors, an antique car show, a parade, and so much more it’s sure to be a blast! Visit Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds on weekends October 8th – 16th to have an “apple”achian good time!
The Sorghum Festival is one of the longest-running festivals in North Georgia. The event kicks off with a parade and then there will be crafters, cloggers, bluegrass music and more! Visit Meeks Park in Blairsville, GA Saturdays & Sundays October 8th – 16th to take part!
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
Calling all art lovers! The popular Arts in the Park event is back this fall! Beautiful art, great live musical performances, and delicious food. Plus you’ll get a chance to admire the stunning and colorful fall trees that surround the park! The event takes place October 9th – 10th at Downtown Blue Ridge and continues into Veterans Memorial Park. Admission is $5 a person and children get in free!
Harvest Sale of Blue Ridge October 15th – October 23rd Location: Fannin County Schools Agriculture Facility
Photo Courtesy of blueridgemountains.com
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping and come shop hand made items from local craftsmen and artisans at the Harvest Sale. Sale hours are 9am – 5pm Saturday, October 15th & October 22nd and 10am – 5pm Sunday, October 16th & October 23rd.
Ashley McBryde October 15th Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
She’s worked with some of the very best artists in all of country music and now she’s a talented star in her own right! Known for her hits like “A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega,” “Livin’ Next to LeRoy,” and “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” Ashley McBryde is ready to rock the night away at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on October 15th at 7pm! Tickets are $50+ handling and also gets your free admission into the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival earlier that day!
Come enjoy the authentic, accessible, organic music of Just Roxie at Blue Ridge Community Theater! Their style is a little bit of everything from Classic Country, Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, Rock’n Roll! Come on out to Blue Ridge Community Theater on October 15th from 7:30pm – 9:30pm. Tickets are $38.50.
It’s the 14th Annual Southern Appalachian Artist Guild (SAAG) National Juried Show! This great art event shows off a variety of national artists in a wide variety of mediums right here at the Blue Ridge Art Center. These talented artists works are on display October 15th – November 11th with an opening reception October 15th from 5pm – 7pm.
Gold Rush Day Festival October 15th – October 16th Location: Dahlongea – Lumpkin Chamber of Commerce
Photo Courtesy of the Gold Rush Days Festival
Celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold at Gold Rush Days Festival, October 15th – 16th with the Dahlonega – Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce. Take in the 300+ food and art vendors that will be selling their wares all weekend long! This HUGE event is expected to have a crowd of over 200,000 over the weekend and has been voted as one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Pay a visit to Talking Rock, GA for the 2022 Heritage Day Festival. Arts & crafts, antiques, live music, great food, and interesting demonstrations await you October 16th – 17th.
Paws in the Park October 15th Location: Downtown Blue Ridge Park
Photo Courtesy of Humane Society of Blue Ridge
Bring your furry friend to Paws in the Park for a fun filled day! Local Animal Rescue Groups come together to create awareness about the needs & concerns of the homeless & abandoned animals. There will be a parade of animals starting at the corner of East Main and Church Street at 10am and Ultimate Air Dog Dock Diving as well!
The Mountain Moonshine Festival & Car Show is back at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville for the 55th year in a row! This huge event has hundreds of vintage cars, live music, great food & drinks, a Moonshine Run, and over 300+ vendors! You can even meet legendary race car drivers! Don’t miss out on one of the largest car shows in the Eastern US October 21st – 23rd.
Winnie the Pooh October 21st – October 31st Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Community Theater
Children and adults have built a special bond with the beloved Winnie the Pooh and his friends over the past few decades. Come on out to Blue Ridge Community Theater to see your favorite friends on stage as they go on fun adventures! See what Pooh and his friends get up to on Fridays – Sundays October 21st – November 6th. Shows are Fridays – Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm. Call the box office at 706-632-9191 for tickets!
This will be the “wurst” festival you ever attend, wink wink! Your $30 entry fee will get you a custom pint glass, one free beer and the best wurst sausage you have ever had. There will also be live music from David Welch. All proceeds benefit Georgia Forest Watch. Come on out to Fannin Brewing Company from 12pm – 7pm on October 22nd!
Craft brew lovers will flock to Hiawassee, GA for the Appalachian Brew, Que, and Stew Festival at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. If the name didn’t give it away there’ll be 63+ breweries, delicious food, and awesome Appalachian Music all happening on October 22nd!
38 Special October 22nd Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Southern Rock legends 38 Special are coming to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on October 22nd at 7pm! You know them from their hits like “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” and “Fantasy Girl”. Don’t miss out on this awesome concert and come early to enjoy the Appalachian Brew, Stew, and Que Festival! Tickets will be $47 + handling.
Barktober Fest October 23rd Location: Grumpy Old Men Brewing
Photo Courtesy of Humane Society of Blue Ridge
Bring your pup to Grumpy Old Men Brewing on October 23rd for their annual Barktober Fest! Have lots of fun with your furry friend and human friends as you enjoy Grumpy Old Men Brewing’s specialty beer for the event. Come on out to this FREE event from 12:30pm – 5pm.
Trick o trunk. Siblings brother and sister celebrating Halloween in trunk of car. Children kids boy and baby girl celebrating October holiday outdoor. Social distance and safe alternative celebration
Come on out to for a day of Halloween family fun in Blairsville at the House of Prayer! Kids will visit cars and trucks all decked out for Halloween and full of candy! There will also be games, hot dogs, live music, hayrides, and lots of fun!
Get ready to party at Paradise Hills adult costume party! Come dressed in your costumes and receive a free wine tasting! There will also be live music from Mountain Gypsy so you can “boo”gie it up on the dance floor! The Halloween fun goes from 4pm – 9pm.
Bring the family out for a Halloween movie night of Hocus Pocus! Bring your chairs & blankets and come dressed in costume for a fun night! The costume contest starts at 6pm and the movie starts at 7pm.
Come on out to Chateau Meichtry in Talking Rock, GA for a night of live music! Gary Wilder opens the show from 6:30pm – 7:45pm and then A Stevie Nicks Tribute Concert by Trouble in Shangri-La featuring Kristin Tinsley will be on the main stage from 8pm – 9:45pm. There will also be a costume contest, apple bobbing, and plenty of wine!
This fall, family fun event takes place at the Haralson Memorial Civic Center in Blairsville from 6:30pm – 9:30pm. There will be candy for the kids, snacks & drinks, a raffle, and old school dj music! Come dressed in costume and be ready to donate if you can! All donations will go to Joshua’s Warriors.
Photo Courtesy of Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company
Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company in Blairsville is celebrating 6 years in business! This awesome celebration will be an outdoor concert with music from Taylor Austin Dye, Wilkes & The Coles, and Whiskey Stills & Mash. Bring your own chair and enjoy this awesome event with food trucks, ax throwing, caricature artists, and plenty of moonshine!
Blue Ridge’s very first Lumberjack Festival kicks off on October 29th! The Country Boy Stone will be hosting world class, professional lumberjacks who are ready to show off their skills at this family fun event! There will be log rolling, chainsaw carving, ax throwing, live music, food trucks, pop up shops, and so much more! Don’t miss out on the first year of this fun new tradition!
Dress up and head to Project Chimps October 29th for “Chimp or Treat”. Not only will kids get a goodie bag full of treats but they’ll also get a close-up look of the chimpanzees in their habitat.
Run 3.1 miles through 2 states! The Bigfoot Boogie 5K takes place in the beautiful twin cities of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. Food, drinks, and music will be ready for your enjoyment before and after the race. Come on out and get ready to RACE, costumes encouraged!
Bring the kiddos to enjoy some trick or treating in the Twin Cities from the local merchants! The Halloween fun starts at 5pm! And adults don’t miss out on the Haunted Halls of McCaysville in the Riverwalk Shops from 6pm – 8pm.
Celebrate Halloween with fellow adults at Tooneys Music Venue! This year’s event is bigger and better than ever with a costume contest, live music from The Wondering Willows, cash prizes, and more to come! Check their website for more details closer to the event.
More Halloween fun awaits the kiddos with trick treating in Downtown Blue Ridge on Halloween night! Not only will there be lots of candy but there will also be a costume contest and a pet costume contest for cats & dogs! The fun starts at 5pm!
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Hiawassee has it’s own Halloween fun at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on October 31st from 5pm – 9pm! Bring the kids in their best costumes and get lots of candy from local businesses!
There’s nothing quite like fall time in the mountains! Leaf peeping on beautiful scenic drives on country roads, great fall festivals, apple picking, scenic train rides, and so much more! Don’t miss out on these 8 must do fall activities in Blue Ridge:
*Cover Photo Courtesy of Mercier Orchards
Apple Picking
Photo Courtesy of Mercier Orchards
My oh my, fall in Blue Ridge certainly is the apple of our eyes! And where better to spend it than at Mercier Orchards!? In the fall, Merciers comes alive with guests who come from near and far to pick apples, explore the market, and sample Merciers famous fried apple pies! Apple picking at Merciers is U-pick, which simply means you pick your own apples. Search high and low for the perfect apples to bake into a pie, mix into a fruit salad, or simply to enjoy crunching into the apple all on its own. Then take in the market where you can stock up on more goodies like jams, baking mixes, fresh produce, home decor, and more! And after a busy day of apple picking, rest your weary legs and feed your rumbling stomach with fried pies and apple cider donuts from the bakery. Pair your sweet treat with a nice refreshments of apple cider, hard cider, or wine. It’s always a day well spent at Mercier Orchards! Learn more about this special place here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/mercier-orchards/
We also love Deep Roots Orchards where you can pick apples, enjoy wagon rides through the orchard, and check out Folk Apothic’s wares. Or venture to Ellijay for the day, to explore many of the orchards that the Apple Capital of Georgia has to offer; like Hillcrest Orchards, B.J. Reece Orchards, andR & A Orchards. And don’t miss the Georgia Apple Festivalhappening every October in Ellijay! It’s 2 weekends full of live music, great vendors, and lots of apples!
A Scenic Train Ride
Photo Courtesy of @mvilaret
What a treat it is to admire the mountains and colorful trees by train! Let Blue Ridge Scenic Railwaywhisk you away on an adventure that you and your family won’t soon forget! On your 26 mile round trip you’ll journey through the beautiful countryside passing by mountains, streams, forests, and plenty of incredible fall foliage along the way. Choose either the 2 hour Fall Express train or the 4 hour Fall Foliage train which has a 2 hour layover in the twin cities of Copperhill, TN and McCaysville, GA. The train is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the fall trees each year! But reserve your tickets soon, because fall is one of Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s busiest times of the year and tickets sell out quickly! Don’t miss your chance to experience North Georgia in a whole new way!
Scenic Drives
Photo Courtesy of @hike_the_ridge
Spend the day on the open road with a scenic driving tour of North Georgia! Pass by dozens of colorful trees and stunning long range mountains. You may even pass by a landmark or two along the way that you wish to make a pitstop at! Pack a picnic lunch and find the most peaceful and idyllic spot to dine, chat with your road trip partners, and take in the views. For a beautiful scenic journey through the mountains with great picnic spots along the way we’d recommend taking Highway 5, through the Cohutta Wilderness. You’ll pass by Mercier Orchards, Prater’s Mill, and many other beautiful scenic spots. You might also want to explore The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Drive on Highway 180 or the Cherohala Skyway. Check out our fall scenic driving guide for more routes & pitstops: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/5-scenic-fall-drives/
Outdoor Adventures
Photo Courtesy of Appalachian Trail Rides
The mild fall weather paired with the colorful trees makes it the perfect time to explore the great outdoors! Strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails! Hike to local waterfalls like Amicalola Fallsor Helton Creek Falls. Or challenge yourself and hike to the top of Brasstown Bald or Fort Mountain, where the views below will take your breath away. See the North Georgia countryside and mountains covered with beautiful pops of color everywhere you look. It’s truly like something out of a fairytale.
You can even take in the trees from the water, aboard your kayak or canoe! Float through the waters of the Toccoa River and look up to see yourself surrounded by a beautiful canopy of reds, yellows, and oranges. Listen to the sounds of the babbling river while a cool breeze rushes past your face. Sounds perfect? Visit our friends at Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking or Toccoa Valley Campground to rent your boat today!
Grab a Drink
Our local breweries and wineries have some of the best outdoor patios around! And now that the weather is cool we intend to spend every minute on the patio listening to live music, with a drink in our hand, taking in the views! Grab a glass of wine at Bear Claw Vineyardsor Serenberry Vineyards. Or spend a “brew”tiful afternoon at Grumpy Old Men Brewingor Fannin Brewing Company. Enjoy the afternoon catching up with friends over an adult beverage. You can even bring along your furry friend to spend the day with you! Between Blue Ridge and Copperhill you’ll find many great spots to grab a beer or glass of wine. Check out these awesome local spots for brews with friends: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/beer-hunting/
Comfort Foods
Photo Courtesy of Mercier Orchards
Fall makes us think about sitting cozy inside with our favorite comfort foods, watching a spooky movie. No need to prepare the meal yourself though, Blue Ridge has all your favorite comfort foods around town! So put the pots and pans away, put your feet up, and let someone else prepare your favorite meal, just how you like it!
As we mentioned earlier, Mercier Orchardsis known for their famous fried pies that are just to die for! They have every flavor imaginable from apple, to cherry, blueberry, to chocolate, coconut, peach and more! Having a warm delicious fried pie from Merciers always makes our day just a little bit better! Vertigo Pinball offers their own version of the beloved grilled cheese. Their “grown-up” grilled cheeses are as cheesy and delicious as they come with a new adult twist. Plus you can pair your sandwich with a beer and a round or two of pinball! Black Bear Bier Garten specializes in German fare so they of course have a giant pretzel! Their Giant German Pretzels are served warm with delicious homemade beer cheese, yum! Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar and Grillis known for their amazing wings! They offer an ever rotating selection of their wings with tasty flavors like garlic parmesan, old bay, honey soy, smokin’ hot wings, and so many others.For that southern flair you look for when you come to the south head to Southern Charm. Be sure to get some of their famous biscuits with apple butter. There’s something about a warm buttered biscuit that always hits the spot! And The Dogwood’swhole menu is made up of a select few comfort food favorites with a fresh twist, like loaded potato skins and fish & tots.
One of the best parts of visiting North Georgia in the fall, is its wide variety of great events and fall festivals! Check out some of our favorites below:
There’s the Cherry Log Fall Festival which happens every year on the first two weekends in October. There’s arts and crafts, homemade goodies and treats, bluegrass, country, and gospel music and of course lots of fall fun in Downtown Cherry Log!
One of Blue Ridge’s most favorite events is back this fall on October 8th & 9th forFall Arts in the Park. Take in beautiful art, great live musical performances, and delicious food. Plus you’ll get a chance to admire the stunning and colorful fall trees that surround Downtown Blue Ridge and Veterans Memorial Park.
Every fall in Hiawassee the Georgia Mountain Fall Festivalcomes to town! This year’s Fall Fest takes place at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds from October 7th-15th. There will be carnival rides, craft vendors, delicious food, musical performances, a tiger show, a cowboy show, educational demonstrations, and so much more! The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds also puts on the Appalachian Brew, Stew, and Que Festivalevery year. This awesome event takes place October 22nd and you can expect great craft brews from local breweries, delicious food from local vendors, and lots of Americana and Bluegrass music! You won’t want to miss these great events at the Fairgrounds!
Blairsville’s famous Sorghum Festivalis back for the 53rd year in a row! Join in the fun at Meeks Park October 8th-9th and October 15th-16th for the kickoff parade and then there will be crafters, cloggers, bluegrass music and more!
Ellijay is the Apple Capital of Georgia, so fall brings around their amazing annual Georgia Apple Festival!With over 250+ vendors, an antique car show, a parade, and so much more it’s sure to be a blast! Visit the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds on weekends October 8th-16th to have an ‘apple’lachian good time!
Celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold at Gold Rush Days Festival, October 15th-16th in downtown Dahlonega. Take in 300+ food and art vendors all weekend long! This HUGE event always features amazing craftsmen, fantastic musicians, and has been voted as one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
If you love moonshine and cars then Dawsonville’s 55th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival & Car Show is for you! Happening at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame October 21st-23rd there will be hundreds of vintage cars, live music, great food & drinks, a Moonshine Run, and over 300+ vendors! You can even meet legendary race car drivers at this awesome event that is one of the largest car shows in the Eastern US!
Join in the lumberjack fun at the first annualLumberjack Festivalin Blue Ridge on October 29th! The Country Boy Stone will be hosting world class, professional lumberjacks who are ready to show off their skills at this family fun event! There will be log rolling, chainsaw carving, ax throwing, live music, food trucks, pop up shops, and so much more! Don’t miss out on the first year of this fun new tradition!
For Halloween fun the little ones can enjoy trick or treating in the twin cities of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN at the Halloween Safety Zone on October 29th. Can’t make it on the 29th? No problem, the kids have another chance to get that candy in Blue Ridge on October 31st for Blue Ridge’s Trick or Treating. Dress the little ones up as their favorite characters and let them fill their buckets full of delicious Halloween candy!
And for Thanksgiving Blue Ridge is hosting their annual Turkey Trot 5Kon Thanksgiving day! With over 700 runners & walkers in attendance every year this is a fun tradition to burn some calories before your big feast later that day!
No one said you had to leave the cabin to have a good time! There’s lots of fall fun to be had right at the cabin! Soak your sore muscles from a day on the trails in your cabin’s hot tub. Pair your warm soak with a glass of wine & a sunset view, and you’ll feel refreshed in no time! Prepare your favorite warm drink at the coffee bar and then bring it outside to enjoy on the porch. A warm cup of coffee or apple cider is just what you need to warm you up as you relax in the crisp, fall, mountain air. Watch your favorite teams duke it out with Sunday Night Football inside in the family room or outside on your screened in porch. Then take to the yard to play your own game of football with the family! Head indoors to get cozy by the fire as you enjoy a family movie night on the flatscreen TV. Or have a game night in the large game room instead where you can play billiards, air hockey, shuffleboard, ping pong, video games, board games, and more! And end your night with s’mores and a hot chocolate at the firepit outside. At Escape to Blue Ridge our cabins have everything you need for the perfect fall day at the cabin!
Get the guys together for the ultimate mountain retreat! Golf, fish, shoot, and enjoy a whiskey dinner for your awesome guys weekend in Blue Ridge! Book your trip and plan your itinerary here:
*Cover Photo Courtesy of @acenator76 at Eagles Landing
Get a Hole in One
Photo Courtesy of Old Toccoa Farm
Get into the swing of things with a relaxing day on the course! Head to Old Toccoa Farm Golf Course for a full day on this beautiful 18 hole course. You’ll have amazing views of the mountains, the Chattahoochee and Cherokee National Forests, and the surrounding valleys. This Bunker-Hill designed course was one of Golf Digest’s “Best New Courses” in 2020, and one of Links Magazine’s 10 Must-Visited Public Golf Destinations for 2022. Come see for yourself what makes Old Toccoa so special! Be sure to visit the newly opened Tavern on the 9th hole in between games or after a long day on the green. The Tavern offers great views from the outdoor patio or bar area, delicious food, and wonderful cocktails.
Are you up for a challenge? If you’re looking for a hilly terrain and challenging course then Brasstown Valley is the place for you. You’ll have 18 holes of championship golf to try out. And not only is Brasstown Valley an awesome place to golf with your boys but you’ll also love the gorgeous mountain views and the active wildlife visible from the course.
Brews
Photo Courtesy of Grumpy Old Men Brewing
Blue Ridge is home to the best brews around! With 5 great breweries within 20 minutes of each other you could spend all weekend long trying the best craft brews in North Georgia. Be sure to visit Grumpy Old Men Brewing,Angry Hops Brewing, Fannin Brewing Company, Buck Bald Brewing, andCopperhill Brewing. From IPAs, to Lagers and Stouts, to Ales, and more, these breweries have it all plus a great atmosphere! Enjoy live music every weekend and take in the beautiful weather on the outdoor patio. You can even bring along your 4-legged bro for some fun because dogs are welcome at all these great local breweries!
Go Fish
Photo Courtesy of Cohutta Fishing
They don’t call Blue Ridge the Trout Capital of Georgia for nothing! Try your hand at fly fishing in the abundant waters of the Toccoa River. Catch your trophy trout and grill it up for dinner back at the cabin! There’s no better way to celebrate your incredible catch. If you’re new to fly fishing, never fear, we have plenty of guides who can assist you! A few of our favorites are Cohutta Fishing Company and theBlue Ridge Fly Fishing School. With their guided help you’ll be a fly fishing expert in no time!
Interested in your own custom rod? At Oyster Bamboo Fly Rodslegendary craftsmen, Bill Oyster can craft you your dream rod. If you’re interested in one of these beautiful custom rods, let them know as soon as you can because they work on a “first come, first serve basis”. You can even craft your own rod by taking a week long fly rod making class. Become a master fisherman in the Trout Capital of Georgia!
Target Practice
Photo Courtesy of Noontootla Creek Farms
There’s nothing quite like being out in the great outdoors and shooting your worries away! Noontootla Creek Farmsis the spot for outdoor adventures! Go quail hunting, take a guided fly fishing class, or try your hand at sports clay shooting. When you go quail hunting the dogs, your boys, and you will spend the day tracking the quail. Once the dogs lock up on a covey of Bobwhite Quail it’s time to shoot! You can choose a guided half day hunt or a guided full day hunt. How many quail will you shoot down?!
Test your aim on the Sporting Clays Course. The course winds up the ridge, and when you reach the top you can look below and see the Chattahoochee National Forest. Shoot your way through 12 stations on this awesome course. One hundred shots completes the course but you’re welcome to shoot as many as you please! No reservations needed!
Or you can shoot with paint at Blue Ridge Paintball. This 2 acre paintball field is filled with fun interactive gaming. You can choose from 8 different game modes including Capture the Flag, VIP, and Domination. With their one of a kind, unique interactive gaming system and their cutting edge gaming technology you’re sure to have a blast all day long!
Mountain Adventure
Fill your day with adventure and go on a mountain biking excursion with the guys! Fly through the winding mountain trails as fast as you can go, or if you’re new to mountain biking, take it at a leisurely pace. You can find some of the best mountain biking trails in Ellijay, which is known as the Mountain Biking Capital of Georgia, because of its 100+ miles of mountain biking trails. Venture on one of the oldest biking trails in the state, River Loop. This 3.4 mile trek will be a fun & exciting challenge for mountain bike lovers. Explore River Loop and more trails in Ellijay or stay in Blue Ridge for more mountain biking fun. TheLong Branch Loop is a great trail for beginners and has limited obstacles that may obstruct your path. You can even take a break and admire the falls if you’d like! And be sure to check out the newly opened Fighting Town Creek Nature Parkfor 3.6 miles of mountain biking trails to take on; as well as a disc golf course, an apiary, picnic areas, and more trails coming soon.
Hike
Photo Courtesy of @nannert31
If an adventure through some of the most beautiful forests on the east coast sounds like fun, then check out the hundreds of miles worth of trails in North Georgia! Many of our trails connect with the famous Appalachian Trailwhich spans 14 states! If you’re up for a challenge you and your boys could hike all of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia which is 78.1 miles starting at Springer Mountain. All you need is some snacks, your gear, and your boys to take on this awesome adventure. And you’ll have a cozy cabin waiting for you when you finish your section of the trail for the day.
There are plenty of other shorter trails that we love too! On The Benton McKaye Trail you’ll pass by some of the most beautiful landmarks in North Georgia like theSwinging Bridge on the Toccoa, Fall Branch Falls, and Long Creek Falls. For challenging mountain trails with amazing views check out Brasstown Baldand Fort Mountain. These trails are steep, and mostly uphill but once you reach the top you’ll be amazed at the incredible sights that sit before you. And you can’t take a trip to Blue Ridge without visiting Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia. Choose either the 2.1 mile uphill loop to the falls or the 10 mile trek to the top. The hike to these falls is one of the most popular in the state, and once you reach the top it won’t be hard to see why!
Smash It
Photo Courtesy of @jenkappy
What could be more fun than smashing and tearing things apart? At Tank Town USAin Morganton, GA you can cause as much damage and destruction as you want! Feel on top of the world as you drive giant tanks over cars, crushing them flat! Shoot machine guns and drive construction vehicles. This is a super fun and unique experience that you won’t soon forget! Book your group outing and feel like an action hero all day long!
Game On
Photo Courtesy of Vertigo Pinball
Or become a pinball wizard for the night at Vertigo Pinball. Go back in time as you play on fun classic machines like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Marvel, ACDC, and more! All you need is a wristband to play, no coins needed! And while you’re there you can watch the big game on the TV, enjoy a few beers, and feast away on delicious comfort foods like their adult grilled cheese. Can you beat your friends’ high scores!?
Cigar Night
Photo Courtesy of Smokey Bears Cigars & Cafe
Enjoy a nice cigar with the boys at Smokey Bears Cigars & Cafe. The cabin style interior has no TVs and promotes conversation, so you’ll have plenty of time to swap stories and catch up with old friends over a cigar. Not only can you enjoy your favorite cigars here but you can also sip on premium coffees and espressos while you swap fishtales by the fire. You’ll feel relaxed in no time while you smoke, sip on delicious coffee, chat with friends, and lay back in the comfy leather chairs. Smokey Bears Cigars & Cafe is a great place to spend an afternoon!
Whiskey on the Rocks
Photo Courtesy of Whiskey & Water
Nothing says guys weekend like a glass of whiskey on the rocks, prime seafood, and a night out with the boys. Whiskey & Wateris one of Blue Ridge’s only spots to get fresh seafood and a nice glass of whiskey. It’s home is a renovated, 1937 historic post office in Blue Ridge, where they serve up the best from America’s coasts. You’ll chat and catch up with your friends over fresh, high-quality seafood like Whole Fried Snapper and their delicious Maine Lobster Rolls. Pair your meal with a whiskey or bourbon from their wide selection of drinks from around the world. They also offer original cocktails and have a great wine selection. When you and the boys want to dress to the nines and enjoy a night of delicious food, great drinks, and good conversation then Whiskey & Water is the place for you!
Get your Nerd On
Photo Courtesy of Mountain Man Comics
Calling all superhero fans, it’s time to check out Blue Ridge’s only comic book shop – Mountain Man Comics! They have aisles and aisles of comics from your favorite heroes along with action figures, Pop figurines, and miniatures. They have everything from Marvel, DC, Star Wars, anime, gaming books & figurines and more! Stock up on cool collectibles and gear to bring back to your man cave!
Live it Up at the Cabin
Photo Courtesy of @keep_tabs_on_abs
Keep the party going when you come back to the cabin, from a full and busy day! Cook up some hot dogs and burgers on the gas grill on the deck. Find out which one of you is the ultimate grill master! Dine al-fresco and enjoy your dinner on the screened in porch, while you watch the big game on your outdoor TV. Then burn off your dinner with a game of touch football or soccer on your huge lawn. Some cabins even have cornhole, basketball, or horseshoes to play outside too! Or head inside to your cabin’s awesome game room! Challenge your friends to a round of pool, ping pong, air hockey, or play on the classic arcade machine. Fix yourself a drink at the wet bar and then head to the firepit to end your night with a drink in your hand, cozy under the stars. Swap stories, laugh, and catch up with your friends. Make memories to last a lifetime on your guys getaway to Blue Ridge!
