Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and that means it’s time to plan the perfect date for you and your Valentine! Book your romantic weekend getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and stay in a charming Escape to Blue Ridge cabin. Then plan for a fun-filled weekend where you can enjoy a romantic dinner on the town, explore the local scenery, get pampered with a couples massage, sample wine and sweet treats, and much, much more. Plan your romantic weekend getaway with our romantic Blue Ridge guide:
*Cover Photo Courtesy of @emilyroselance
Treat your Valentine to a night out on the town with dinner & drinks at one of these incredible upscale restaurants! One of the most beloved Blue Ridge restaurants is The Black Sheep. This fine-dining restaurant is dedicated to fresh, locally sourced food that is expertly prepared. The Black Sheep is currently offering a limited time winter menu where you can begin your culinary journey with a soup or salad, followed by delectable entrees like seared prosciutto wrapped salmon, tasso & shrimp pasta, the pork ribeye, or fried chicken. Then finish your meal off with a satisfying dessert like the raspberry cheesecake, coffee caramel brulee, or gluten free chocolate cake.
Ready for luxury like never before? Then visit one of our area's newest fine dining restaurants, The Falls Blue Ridge! This Ellijay mountain based restaurant offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience, serving carefully crafted dishes made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The venue also features both indoor and outdoor spaces, private waterfalls, gardens, and serene mountain views. It's the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two or maybe even an intimate wedding ceremony.
And if you’re looking for an exceptional night on the town visit one of Blue Ridge’s best steakhouses, Grace Steakhouse. You’re in for a one of a kind experience here; all of their steaks are aged for 45 days or longer, meticulously hand-cut, and expertly prepared to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. And beyond the 5-star menu, you’ll discover outstanding service and even more delightful cocktails. A meal at Grace transcends mere dining; it’s a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
For more fine dining restaurants check out our Fine Dining in the Mountains blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/fine-dining-in-the-mountains/
You’ll find no shortage of hiking trails in Blue Ridge, perfect for taking a romantic stroll on and enjoying the natural scenery of the area. Along your walk you may find local wildlife, picturesque rivers and streams, rushing waterfalls, and even the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi. You’ll be water “falling” in love with these great trails in no time! Here are a few of our favorites:
Situated in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area, is one of our most beloved trails, the Benton McKaye Trail. About 15 miles south of Blue Ridge, the trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail, passing by notable landmarks like the Toccoa Swinging Bridge, Fall Branch Falls, Long Creek Falls, and Springer Mountain; all ideal spots for memorable photo opportunities!
Within the Aska Adventure Area, there are four interconnected trails—Stanley Gap Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Flat Creek Loop, and Long Branch Loop; forming a total of 17.0 miles of captivating trails to explore. These trails, accessible year-round, wind through the Chattahoochee National Forest, leading you across mountain streams and creeks, past area waterfalls, and so much more.
And if you want to see one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state of Georgia, then venture outside of Blue Ridge, to Dawsonville, GA to experience the beautiful Amicalola Falls in person. There are three different ways to access the falls, each varying in difficulty. The first option involves a straightforward drive to the top, while the second entails a steep but brief 2.1-mile hike on a loop trail. Alternatively, you can opt for a 7.5-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail. Fortunately, no matter which route you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking grandeur of Amicalola Falls.
Forget to get a gift for your partner before heading to Blue Ridge? No problem! Downtown Blue Ridge is home to dozens of shops and boutiques, where you can easily find the perfect gift for the one you love most.
Get a new art piece for the centerpiece of your home at High Country Art Gallery or 4 Elements Art. At these beautiful galleries you’ll find paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, and crafts, all predominantly created by local artists. Many of the artists are even open to crafting personalized pieces, ensuring you take home something truly special.
For adorable apparel and decor for her visit The Owl's Nest of Blue Ridge or Julianna's Boutique. At Julianna’s you can find her the perfect outfit for date night and then head over to the Owl’s Nest and grab a unique & stylish accessory to match! And for gifts for him, visit OAR Finer Goods. A gentleman’s store that offers men’s jewelry, ties, socks, books, novelty gifts, and more. The two of you can even coordinate your gifts to ensure the tie matches the dress perfectly! You’ll be dressing in style for your big date night on the town in no time!
Stock up on some wine for the cabin at Out of the Blue or 34th Degree Wine Merchant. Both shops have a wide selection of both global and local wines to ensure you find the best bottle. Additionally, they offer gourmet foods, artisanal cheese, craft beer, wine accessories, and ready-to-go wine & snack packs, perfect for a cozy night in at the cabin.
And plan to go antiquing together at the Blue Ridge Antique Mall & Consignment! This is a truly unique treasure trove with a vast selection of vintage items. From furniture to collectibles, textiles to glassware, and ceramics to art, this shop has it all, including locally made products ideal for mountain souvenirs or thoughtful gifts!
For more Blue Ridge shops to check out read our Downtown Blue Ridge Shopping Spree blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/shop-downtown-blue-ridge/
There’s nothing more relaxing than curling up with a good book by the fire. Head over to Copper Fox Books downtown and find yourself the perfect romance novel to keep you entertained on these chilly February days. You can browse the shelves here for hours but if you need help narrowing down your search, their knowledgeable staff is happy to help you find the perfect book! And be sure to pair your reading with a cup of coffee from the in store cafe. This months drink menu even includes delicious Twilight themed drinks, perfect for the romance season!
Enjoy a day of relaxation and pampering with a couples massage at Serenity in the Mountains Spa. When you arrive you’ll be whisked away to the gorgeous couples sanctuary where you can unwind before your treatment and sip on Serenity’s special seasonal elixirs. Enjoy a rejuvenating experience in the Himalayan Salt Cave, known for its immune system benefits, or take a soak in the brand new sauna. Then indulge in a full-body couples massage with your partner, where the experience will not only foster a deeper connection between the two of you but will also allow you to genuinely feel the burdens and tensions of life effortlessly dissipate into thin air. There’s just no feeling like it!
Picture this: You’re cuddled up with your love by a nice warm fire, with a glass of wine in your hand and a spectacular view of the beautiful mountains in the distance. Sounds perfect right? Well lucky for you, you can make that dream a reality! North Georgia is home to dozens of wonderful wineries & vineyards. You can make plans to just visit one or winery hop to a few because they’re all so close! When you think of wineries you may think of frolicking through the rows and rows of grapes in the spring, but these great local wineries are still very much open in the winter! And when it’s chilly out they have fires going on their outdoor patios, which makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine.
One of our favorite places to sip wine by the fire is at local Blue Ridge winery, Bear Claw Vineyards! As you sit and take in the stunning mountain views and calming atmosphere, you’ll feel relaxed in no time! And with a wide array of delicious wines to choose from, it will be hard to pick just one! Fortunately, Bear Claw Vineyards offers various tasting options. And for a special Valentine’s Day treat, pair your wine with one of their famous wine truffles—milk chocolate ganache and vanilla cake truffles made with Bear Claw wine. Yum!
Or visit one of Blue Ridge's newest wineries, Kerith House! Enjoy a glass of wine from the veranda while overlooking the beautiful vineyards, meadows, and pastures surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Feeling peckish? Pair your wine with cheese, crackers or chocolate from the on site market. And not only is Kerith House known for their views & incredible wine but there's always some kind of event or workshop happening on the farm! For Valentine's Day week Kerith House is hosting a Valentine Cookie Workshop, Valentine Chocolate & Wine Pairings, Dessert & Wine Pairings, food trucks, and plenty of live music! There's always something fun happening at Kerith House!
For more romantic wineries to visit Valentine’s Day weekend check out our 12 North Georgia Wineries blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/13-north-georgia-wineries
What’s sweeter than your love for each other? Well maybe a delicious cake or sweet treat from one of our local dessert spots! Indulge in the most extraordinary cupcakes you’ve ever tasted at The Sweet Shoppe of the South, winner of the hit show Cupcake Wars! The Sweet Shoppe offers a special Valentine’s Day themed menu that includes chocolate dipped strawberries, heart cakes & brownies, chocolate and caramel apples, and delectable cupcakes decorated with love. The Little Bakery, home to incredible cheesecakes, cookies, and more, also offers a special Valentine’s Day menu. Stay tuned to their social pages for more details as we get closer to Valentine’s Day, because everything is made fresh and from scratch! Mona Lisa's Dessert House is always cooking up something sweet with their ever-changing “specials” menu. It truly is heaven on earth for dessert enthusiasts, with delicious offerings of cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, mousse, and dessert cocktails. Plus for Valentine's Day weekend Mona Lisa's will be offering plenty of Valentine's Day treats, a Valentine's Dessert platter for two, and even homemade chili & frito salad in honor of the Fire & Ice Festival. And The Chocolate Express is your one stop shop for picking up rich chocolates and truffles for your Valentine! Each chocolate is crafted from scratch using the freshest ingredients. And with over 60 different kinds of chocolate to choose from, you’re sure to leave with a bag full of chocolatey goodness that will last you and your Valentine for at least a few days!
If you’re looking for a fun & unique date for you and your Valentine, don’t worry! We’ve got a few ideas!
For putt-putt golf lovers 2nd Story Entertainment will thrill and delight, as you navigate through 18 holes of putt-putt, in 8 individually themed rooms within a 112-year-old hotel. Putt-putt not your thing? No problem! 2nd Story Entertainment also has giant board games like Connect Four and Checkers, magnetic dartboards, and a wall maze AND a arcade with classic games like Air Hockey, Ms. Pac-Man, Big Buck Hunter, and more! Grab a beer and play some ball (pinball that is) at Vertigo Pinball! Here you can enjoy your favorite old school game with a modern flair. You’ll play on vintage and fun themed pinball machines like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Marvel, ACDC, and more with a wristband, instead of coins or tokens. Pair your gaming experience with comfort foods like Fripper’s hot dogs, paninis, and grown-up grilled cheeses, along with your choice of regional craft beer, cider, or wine.
Head outside of town for a heart-pumping adventure at Tank Town USA! You and your partner can chase thrills by driving real tanks, crushing cars, operating construction excavators, and shooting M-1919 machine guns. How cool is that!? Or if you’re looking for something more lowkey, catch a movie at the Swan Drive In. This charming drive-in has called Blue Ridge home since 1955, and is one of the few drive-in theaters left in the state! Grab some tasty movie snacks from the concession stand, tune your car radio to the right station, and watch the newest blockbuster films from the comfort of your own vehicle. It’s a fun and romantic way to spend an evening!
You can even enjoy a romantic horseback ride through the beautiful North Georgia countryside with Appalachian Trail Rides. Opt for a private trail ride for you and your “hon-neigh” to ensure a peaceful and intimate experience. You’ll take a serene journey through the woods, passing by babbling brooks and tall mountains, and maybe even encounter some wildlife along the way. If your date is extra special and you’re planning on proposing, there’s even a unique proposal ride that takes you to a secluded romantic gazebo by the lake, where you can express all your heartfelt desires and pop that special question. To make the moment even more magical, sparkling cider will be provided!
And for more date night ideas check out our Romantic Blue Ridge Date Ideas blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/romantic-blue-ridge-date-ideas
Beautiful Ellijay based winery, Roo Vineyards will be hosting romantic Valentine's Day events all weekend long! On Friday, February 13th you can enjoy a luxury multi-course menu, crafted by Executive Chef Thomas Mikesell. The meal includes lobster bisque, beet salad, Alaskan halibut, Australian A6 wagyu, a trio of decant desserts, sparkling wine, and more. This intimate dinner experience is $125 per person with two seating options. And on Saturday, February 14th you and your partner can enjoy a romantic fondue experience in Roo Mountain Vineyards Bistro. For $50 per person, you and your partner can enjoy a relaxed tasting of savory gourmet fondues, indulgent melted gourmet chocolate, and a curated selection of bites for dipping as well as a welcome drink. Reserve your romantic fondue date today!
And our friends at Old Toccoa Farm will be hosting a romantic dinner at the Tavern on Valentine’s Day. This luxurious dinner will include a thoughtfully curated menu designed to captivate your palate. Savor exceptional dishes paired with fine wines, creating the perfect setting to honor your love. Dinner is $73.80 per guest and includes tax.
*Photo Courtesy of Ashley Irvin
Embrace the cold with your love and jump into winter fun at the 15th Annual Fire & Ice Chili Cookoff & Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, February, 14th! This wonderful annual event will include ice sculptures, live music, and plenty of chili and craft beers! Buy a $15 tasting card to try all the delicious chilis and be sure to check out the ice sculpting process from award winning ice sculptors. And if you're somehow not full from all the delicious chilis then head to one of Blue Ridge's fantastic local restaurants, just steps away from Downtown City Park!
*Photo Courtesy of Such a View Cabin
A romantic soak in the hot tub with the one you love most? Don't mind if I do! Warm up from the cold with a relaxing hot tub session at the cabin. Grab the wine, your partner in crime, and get ready to relax! The only thing that may beat unwinding after a busy day with your love beside you, is the mountain views that surround you! With over 280+ mountain cabins with luxury hot tubs you'll have ample places to choose to soak. Find your dream hot tub for your romantic evening under the stars here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-blue-ridge-cabin-hot-tubs
Take a seat on your spacious deck and watch the sunset below the mountains. Every Blue Ridge sunset is simply gorgeous and will leave you breathless. It’s hard not to get swept up in the beauty and romance of it all, so don’t fight it. Soak it in and curl up together in the twin rocking chairs or next to the firepit over s'mores. However you chose to enjoy the view there's no better way to end a Blue Ridge day than with a mountain sunset!
And finally nothing is more romantic than a weekend getaway to a cozy cabin in the mountains! Enjoy the privacy and intimacy that the mountains allow, connect with nature and each other, and take in the spectacular views that surround you. And be sure to take advantage of all the luxurious amenities at your disposal. Prepare your partner’s favorite meal in the state of the art kitchen, challenge each other to a game or two in the game room, cuddle up by the fireplace or outdoor firepit, and soak in the hot tub with a glass of wine in hand. There’s so much to experience together in a Escape to Blue Ridge cabin. Here are a few cabins that are just perfect for two: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/5-cozy-one-bedroom-cabins-perfect-for-couples
