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 

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, and R & A Orchards. And don’t miss the Georgia Apple Festival happening every October in Ellijay! It’s 2 weekends full of live music, great vendors, and lots of apples! 

A Scenic Train Ride 

What a treat it is to admire the mountains and colorful trees by train! Let Blue Ridge Scenic Railway whisk 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 

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 

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 Falls or 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.

Or admire the beauty of fall on horseback as you trek through the mountain trails on a trail ride with Appalachian Trail Rides, Cohutta Stables, Cowgirl Up Stables or Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides at Hells Hollow. Enjoy a group outing or plan a romantic autumn date for two with one of their romance packages! Wind through trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest, past mountains, and rushing mountain streams on your idyllic horseback riding adventure. 

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 Vineyards or Serenberry Vineyards. Or spend a “brew”tiful afternoon at Grumpy Old Men Brewing or 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 

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 Orchards is 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 Grill is 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’s whole menu is made up of a select few comfort food favorites with a fresh twist, like loaded potato skins and fish & tots. 

Nothing can warm you up inside and out from a chilly autumn day like your favorite comfort foods can! For more delicious eats check out these other great restaurants: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/favorite-blue-ridge-restaurants/ 

Take in a Fall Festival 

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 for Fall 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 Festival comes 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 Festival every 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 Festival is 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 annual Lumberjack Festival in 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 5K on 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! 

And don’t miss out on the other great & notable events around the area like the Indian Summer Festival, Georgia Marble Festival, Paws in the Park, Barktober Fest, and more! Follow our event calendars posted monthly for more information. 

Stay Warm at the Cabin

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

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

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, and Copperhill 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

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 the Blue 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 Rods legendary 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 

There’s nothing quite like being out in the great outdoors and shooting your worries away! Noontootla Creek Farms is 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.  The Long 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 Park for 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 

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 Trail which 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 the Swinging Bridge on the Toccoa, Fall Branch Falls, and Long Creek Falls. For challenging mountain trails with amazing views check out Brasstown Bald and 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

What could be more fun than smashing and tearing things apart? At Tank Town USA in 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

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

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 

Nothing says guys weekend like a glass of whiskey on the rocks, prime seafood, and a night out with the boys. Whiskey & Water is 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

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

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! 

Everywhere you turn this time of year, you’ll find a plethora of lists heralding the best drives and hikes to traverse as your senses seek fresh autumn air and the vibrant colors of the season. So, not to be redundant, we thought we’d take a different route – offering up ideas for new opportunities you might want to consider when visiting this fall. We hope these ideas take the experience of shifting coloration to a new level as you catch more than a glimpse of these majestic mountains morphing into bright, rich shades of  gold, orange, and red.

*Cover photo courtesy of All About The View

By Land

Come on Ride that Train!

Have you ever wondered what the absolute best way to see all of Georgia’s fall foliage in one shot is? Well, hop aboard the train right in the middle of town. You don’t need a map, your GPS, a bunch of lists of the best roads to take. This is a historic and creative way to take a trip this autumn and see all there is to see from the comfort of a train. All aboard Blue Ridge Scenic Railway!

Climb to the Highest Georgia Peak

There is a lot of advice on how to hike up the mountain, but –pssst- let us let you in on some sound advice. Take the shuttle up to Brasstown Bald. The Brasstown Bald Visitors Center sits atop Georgia’s highest mountain at 4,784 feet above sea level. Surrounded by the Chattahoochee – Oconee National Forest, its cloud level observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of the colorful Southern Appalachian Mountains and valleys. On a clear day, one can see four states. Your cell phone camera will capture a lot, but for those who take their photography very seriously, hauling your tripod and lenses up the mountain via the shuttle is much easier. Shuttle service is included in the day pass for $7 per person. The shuttle runs 7 days a week 10am – 4:30pm, but closes for lunch break between 12:30 and 1:10pm.

By Sea

You ‘Oar’t Have a Great Time

If you prefer to be on the water when vacationing, autumn sightseeing while floating has become  “a thing”. Our lakes and rivers are relatively safe, with flat and calm waters. And even the most inexperienced ship hands can enjoy water sightseeing on a paddleboard, kayak or canoe.

Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters can set you up in a matter of minutes with whatever paddleboard or kayak equipment you might need to rent (or purchase). If you want to fish on a gorgeous fall morning, consider renting their Fishing Kayak, but rent it a little longer than planned. Once out on that serene lake, mesmerized by the red and white bobbing float, you might never want to return to land.

Henry David Thoreau wrote that every channel of water was a road for a canoe. You can rent your canoe and secure transportation to the Toccoa River launch with Toccoa River Outfitters. The Toccoa River Canoe trail starts at the Deep Hole Recreation Area and flows 13.8 miles to the take out at Sandy Bottoms. You’ll enjoy views of the colorful forested public lands, pastoral private lands, and most likely, some of their associated wildlife. Coupled with great fishing and some rapids make this a perfect canoe trip. This canoe trail is ideal for beginners and those who enjoy a less than vigorous float in a north Georgia Mountain River. This is the only designated canoe trail in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Length: 13.8 miles Use: Moderate Rating: Easy River Flow 3-4 MPH.

Peddling through a Photograph

We think that pedal boats and aqua cycles are arguably two of the top family-friendly water activities you can enjoy with your entire family- young and old alike. They are suitable for family fun, a picnic out on the water, or even fishing. Both of these water fun floats can be rented at Vogel State Park for use on this area’s favorite State Park lake, 22 acre Lake Trahlyta.

Pontooning

While summer might be the season that comes to mind as the prime time to enjoy a pontoon boat, we suggest you seriously consider a lake pontoon ride in Fall. The crisp air makes you feel alive, as you are no longer battling the oppressive heat.  Lake Blue Ridge is 11 miles long and has 65 miles of shoreline where the explosion of fall foliage will take your breath away. The opportunity to escape on the water before winter arrives makes spending a few hours on a pontoon seem like the best idea yet. To schedule your rental contact Lake Blue Ridge Marina.

By Air

It’s a Boat, It’s A Plane, It’s a Good Time!

Some vacations you might find yourself throwing caution to the wind (and your trip budget, too). If you find yourself on just that vacation then consider a tour by Sea Plane. Offered by Wing – In- It Adventures their Mountain Views Package is an exclusive 60 minute air tour of Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Nottely, and Lake Chatuge. Enjoy  the beautiful views of the Georgia Mountains Region with an eagles view. The deluxe tour plane holds up to three passengers -or- 450 lbs total passenger weight.

Get a Bird’s Eye View

To say autumn is the most visited time of year here is an understatement. Instead of crowded parks and trails to marvel at the cascade of blazing reds, yellows and oranges of these Blue Ridge Mountains, why not take in the fall foliage from the comfort of a helicopter?  Blue Ridge Helicopter Tours offers a dozen different tours from 8 mins to 90 mins long. Choose your location and your price point.    

Hanging Out

Have you been to Town’s County’s (Hiawassee)  Bell Mountain yet? If you aren’t sure, then you probably haven’t, because the ride up there is better than any hair pin ride Disney has to offer. Yet, for some, it isn’t enough to experience the journey up by car, and then be rewarded with a view of up to four states and a Lake that looks more like it was woven in and out of the Swiss Alps. The views once at top and higher platforms -150 more steps straight up- is even more amazing.  And still… STILL, this isn’t enough. So Bell Mountain serves as a launching pad for area Hang Gliders. Maybe jumping off the top of a mountain wrapped in an unpowered flying apparatus consisting of a frame with a fabric airfoil stretched over it isn’t your idea of vacation fun, but going up the mountain to watch others find their thrill on Rosemary Hill, well that’s a freebee experience we think you’ll find is worth the admission.               

Zipping Around

Maybe not hang gliding, but there is something about flying through the air that is alluring. So, why not fly through the colorful forests attached to a zipline? Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge is set on 165 acres of beautiful North Georgia Mountain property. Located  only 6 miles from downtown Blue Ridge they  offer a one-hour tour with seven multiple ziplines ranging from 150 to 550 feet in length for a total of half a mile of cable. They also offer a two-hour zipline tour that features one mile of cable with 13 multiple ziplines, ranging from 150 to 1,000-feet in length and ranging from 25 – 75 feet in height. All zipline tours are guided and require no experience.

Up Up and Away!

And for our last “by air” suggestion, we leave you with this. The Fifth Dimension sang about it, and those of us old enough to remember the lyrics, dreamt about it. “Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon. Love is waiting there, in my beautiful balloon…” If this fall vacation you are looking for the perfect place to ask for your love’s hand in marriage, look no further.  Balloons Over Georgia is located here in North Georgia, generally operating in the area between Canton and Cumming. Most of their flights launch from an area about 35 miles south of Blue Ridge, but they utilize several different launch sites in the area to take advantage of varying wind conditions and directions.

Whether by land, by sea or by air, experiencing these Blue Ridge Mountains this time of year is candy for your eyes and nourishment for your soul.

Happy Fall, ya’all.

Get your girls together and head to the mountains for the 𝗨𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱! Blue Ridge has everything you and your best gal pals need to have an amazing get together. Incredible wineries, fun outdoor activities & adventures, trendy shopping, delicious restaurants and so much more! Plan your girls trip to the mountains with these great girlfriend friendly activities: 

Cover Photo Courtesy @sydneyyshort

No Whining, All Wine

The North Georgia Mountains are home to some of the very best wineries in the state! The mountains put the grapes high above sea level which greatly helps them to grow, and the cool mountain breezes and rich soil help the grapes to flourish as well. This mountainous region of Georgia was made for growing grapes that turn into high-quality wine. A fan favorite winery of our guests is Bear Claw Vineyards. At this local Blue Ridge winery, you can enjoy delicious wine all year long! In the warmer months you can enjoy live music outside every weekend and in the cooler months you can stay cozy by the fire with your favorite glass of wine. Pair your wine with some of their delicious wine truffles for a super fun day out. Wine and chocolate? What more could a girl want!? Another great winery to check out is Serenberry Vineyards. This Morganton based winery offers guided wine tastings, wine flights, and bottles to share with your girls. You can relax here surrounded by the beauty of Chattahoochee National Forest while you sip on your “Apple-lachian” wine made from local apples.  Or head to Cartecay Vineyards in Ellijay for more great wine and incredible mountain views.  See our North Georgia wine blog for more wineries to explore: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/8-north-georgia-wineries/ 

Shop Till You Drop

You and your best girls can shop till you drop in Downtown Blue Ridge! Find trendy clothes and accessories at stores like The Owls Nest and Blue Ridge Cotton Company. You can pick out some unique and beautiful jewelry here for a night on the town. For souvenirs Hucks General Store has a little bit of everything. Hats & t-shirts, old school candies, artisan goods, canned & pickled fruits and vegetables, nostalgic gifts, games, soaps, and more! Huck’s has exactly the old school mountain feel that you’re looking for when you come to the mountains for an escape.  At Gather and Mitzi’s on Main you can find rustic and stylish home décor to bring back with you. Use your décor finds to spruce up your home with a little Blue Ridge flair. And you can grab everything you need to prepare a delicious home cooked meal at the cabin from The Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company and The Pasta Market; who offer unique and delicious artisan goods ready to be used in your next meal. And don’t forget the wine; stock up at Out of the Blue for the very best of wines from around the world! 

Horseback Riding 

Us girls love our horses, right? Then take your girls on an adventure of a lifetime and explore North Georgia on horseback. Take a trail ride through the forest, past mountains and peaceful streams. Admire the beauty all around you as you chat with your gals and catch up.  Appalachian Trail Rides and Cowgirl Up Stables can help guide you on your adventure! With experienced guides and horses available to work with a rider of any level of experience; you and your girls are sure to have a great day on horseback! You’ll probably even make some new (four-legged) friends on your journey! 

An Outdoor Adventure 

Do you and your girls love the great outdoors? North Georgia has miles and miles of hiking trails just waiting to be explored! For scenic views we’d recommend climbing to the top of Springer Mountain, Brasstown Bald, or Fort Mountain. You’ll be amazed at the views that await you at the top! To discover beautiful mountain waterfalls, check out Amicalola Falls State Park or Long Branch Loop. Be sure to take a few photos in front of the falls with all your favorite hiking buddies! And if you want to discover something new on your hike explore the Benton McKaye Trail. Along the trail you’ll pass by the Toccoa River, more beautiful waterfalls and the famous Toccoa Swinging Bridge. This cool bridge is 270 feet long and stretches across the Toccoa River. It’s the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi, so you won’t want to miss the chance to venture across it! Discover more trails to explore here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/8-blue-ridge-hiking-trails/ 

Get a Tan and Cool Off

In the summertime you can head to Morganton Point on Lake Blue Ridge. Soak up the sun and get a tan while you lounge in the sand. Then cool off and take a dip in the lake. Splash in the water, dip your feet in, or even play a game of chicken with your girls! And just a skip, hop, and a jump away is the Lake Blue Ridge Marina where you can rent a pontoon boat, kayak, canoe or paddle board for a day of fun on the water.  After a day well spent on Lake Blue Ridge stay for dinner and drinks at the Boat Dock Bar & Grill. They offer great appetizers, delicious sandwiches, and awesome cocktails that will hit the spot after a busy day of lake fun!

Spa Day

Treat yourself to a day of pampering with a spa day from Serenity in the Mountains Spa. Here you and your ladies can get mani/pedis, a massage with a style of your choosing, a facial, a body treatment, have a relaxing experience in the one-of-a-kind Himalayan Salt Cave, or enjoy all the above! Just don’t forget to pair your treatments with wine, a charcuterie board, and delicious chocolate covered strawberries.  You can even partake in the cosmetic services that are offered by Southern Surgical Arts Beauty Bar on weekdays. They offer laser and technology treatments, injectables, and fillers to keep you looking youthful and refreshed. You can enjoy peace, relaxation, and ultimate pampering at Serenity in the Mountains Spa!

Eat Downtown 

Who doesn’t love a delicious meal paired with a yummy cocktail, beer, or wine? Bring the girls for a night out on the town! Dress to impress at one of these fine dining restaurants in Downtown Blue Ridge and enjoy an incredible meal made with fresh and local ingredients. Some of our favorite fine dining spots are The Black Sheep, Chester Brunnemyer’s Bar & Grill, Whiskey & Water, Harvest on Main, or ROE. For a great ambiance and fun drinks, we’d recommend Hook & Eye, Bin 322, The Dogwood, Misty Mountain Hops, or The General Ledger. Then end your fun night out with the girls with a sweet treat from Mona Lisa’s Dessert House or The Sweet Shoppe. The best part is that all of these restaurants are conveniently located downtown so you can come back each night and try something new! 

Game On

Enjoy some girl bonding time and play some games downtown! Become a pinball wizard at Vertigo Pinball! Play on a variety of new and classic machines with fun themes like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and more. Plus they have craft brews and delicious comfort food like their adult grilled cheeses ready to be enjoyed while you play games all day long! And put your mini golf skills to the test at 2^nd Story Entertainment. This 18-hole mini golf course weaves in and out of 8 individually themed rooms of a 112 year old hotel! How cool is that!? And they have giant games like connect 4 and checkers as well as arcade games! You can find all kinds of fun in one place at 2nd Story Entertainment!

Cabin Fun

You don’t even need to leave the cabin to have fun with the girls! Read a book in the hammock or take in the views from your porch. Enjoy a glass of wine from the hot tub and play pool & board games in the game room. Come together to make a delicious homecooked meal in your luxury kitchen and end the evening with a movie night in your cabin’s family room or media room. Want to really relax and wash your hands of all responsibilities? You can enjoy pampering right from the comfort of your own cabin by hiring a private chef who will prepare an incredible meal for you and your guests. Or hire Tea Tree’s Boutique Spa to bring the massages and treatments right to you. The newly opened, 34^th Degree Wine Merchant will even bring wine tastings right to the cabin so you and your girls can try the best wines of the area without ever having to leave the cabin! You can even hire a local photographer to come on out take some group photos to commemorate your girl’s getaway mountain vacation together. Learn more about in-cabin pampering & services here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/in-cabin-pampering/   

And book your girls ultimate getaway today!