Spring has sprung, the temperatures are climbing, and everything is blooming! The last weekend in May, Memorial Day Weekend, is an excellent time to get away from the hub bub of daily life and Escape to the BlueRidge Mountains to enjoy the beauty that is bursting all around us!
Extreme or Serene
There is no shortage of fun to be had around town, but if just relaxing with your favorite people (and pups) in a fabulous cabin is your idea of a good time, we totally get it. Many of our cabins are equipped with game rooms, hot tubs, fire pits, and wooded trails to explore. There is also horseback riding stables, zip lines, and whitewater rafting close by for added immersion into the wonders of Mother Nature.
Downtown Blue Ridge
In downtown Blue Ridge you’ll enjoy attending the 50th Annual Arts in the Park event on Saturday and Sunday, May 23rd & 24th. This Southern tradition features more than two hundred arts, crafts, and food booths for you to admire fine arts and mountain crafts. You’ll also be able to see artist’s demonstrations, hear some great music, and support the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association! The event is held rain or shine, and well-behaved leashed pets are welcome. Admission is $5 and children 12 and under are free!
Photo Courtesy of The Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Center
Music will be abundant in the Downtown area as well. Grumpy Old Men Brewery and Tipping Point Brewing Co. will have live music playing. Check out our local vineyards for more fun and music as well! Another great spot for live music is the Boat Dock Bar & Grill, which by the way, did you know, they are a sunny spot for shady people? Check them out. They offer great views of Lake Blue Ridge, delicious food, and fantastic drinks! Last but not least, Misty Mountain Hops for late night music and drinks is a must stop!
And local winery, Kerith House will be have a special Memorial Weekend Market all weekend long! This curated market will feature local businesses offering food, art, retail goods, and so much more. Enjoy a fun afternoon of community, shopping, and wine at Kerith House!
And if you're looking to enjoy some art and entertainment check out the Miracle Worker at Blue Ridge Community Theater, Thursdays – Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm. The show runs May 21st-June 7th. Based on a true story, the play Miracle Worker follows a young Helen Keller and her extraordinary teacher, Annie Sullivan. With fierce dedication and unshakable resolve, Annie breaks through the silence and darkness surrounding Helen’s world, teaching her the gift of language and opening the door to connection. The show runs May 21st-June 7th. Please call the box office at 706-632-9191 for tickets.
Downtown Blairsville
About thirty minutes East of Blue Ridge in the town of Blairsville, you’ll encounter their annual Spring Arts, Crafts, & Music Festival. Saturday morning begins with a Memorial Day Parade and the rest of the day and all-day Sunday you can enjoy more than 200 local and regional artists. Many musicians will also be on site to entertain you and your family. There is no charge to attend, but plenty of family fun is sure to be had!
Hiawassee
Every year the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds hosts the Hiawassee Pro Rodeo Memorial Day weekend! Celebrate the long weekend by watching bucking broncos & bulls at the annual Hiawassee Pro Rodeo! See some of the world’s best contestants from the U.S. and Canada as well as some amazing specialty acts! The whole family will love it! Tickets are $25 for adults and children 5 & under are free!
Celebrate the start of summer with a FREE Summer Kickoff event at River Park in Ellijay on Saturday, May 23rd. There will be games, giveaways, free food, free summer supplies, and more. It'll be a family fun day of celebrating the end of school and the start of summer! Or enjoy a day of music and brews at Cartecay River Brewing & Kitchen's Mellow Mountain Music Festival! The 2026 music lineup includes Jonah Pierce, Porter Martin, and Shakedown Strings. Plus the taps & eats will be going from 2pm-10pm so it's sure to be an awesome day! Grab a pint, stake out your spot by the water, and settle in for a day of mountain views, live music, and good vibes all around!
Photo Courtesy of Cartecay River Brewing & Kitchen
Or enjoy a peaceful evening dining under the stars at Cress Creeks Farm's Spring Farm to Table. Enjoy a delicious 5 course meal alfresco under the twinkling lights suspended from Cress Creek’s old walnut tree. There will also be live music to enjoy while you feast on a 5-course tasting menu that includes farm and locally sourced ingredients prepared by a local chef. Wine will also be available for purchase.
Photo Courtesy of Cress Creeks Farm
And Fainting Goat Vineyards in Ellijay will even be hosting a special Stars & Stripes Bingo game at the winery on Saturday, May 23rd from 6:30pm-8pm. There will be American flag decor, red & blue slushies, and guests are encouraged to wear their American Pride!
McCaysville/Copperhill
If you’ve never experienced a trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, you should definitely consider boarding in downtown Blue Ridge and taking an enjoyable two hour ride to the revitalized cities of McCaysville, Ga and Copperhill, Tn. Yep, this is your chance to stand in two states at one time! Grab an ice cream or sweet treat at Happy Bear Ice Cream & Treats. Maybe Cuban is more your style and you prefer a Cuban coffee and empanada at the Rum Cake Lady for an afternoon treat. Pick up a new treat for your bestfriend at Mainstreet Mutt. And Saturday, May 23rd also kicks off this season's Twin Cities Farmers Market! Explore goods from local artisans and businesses on and around the famous steel bridge. There is so much to explore in the Copper Basin’s twin cities!
Whatever plans you make for the holiday weekend, we hope that you are spending it with all the ones you love creating memories and enjoying the freedom that we get to enjoy in the great United States of America. As we approach Memorial Day Weekend, we want to take a moment to thank all of the men and women that have so courageously given their lives to defend this beautiful country in which we are so fortunate to live. There is no greater sacrifice one can make and the patriotism that these honorable souls displayed deserves our recognition and gratitude, not just one weekend a year, but all year long. Thank you for your service.
