fine dining – Escape to Blue Ridge Blog | North Georgia Cabin Rentals

July 5, 2021September 10, 2023

Fine Dining in the Mountains

Fine dining is different at every restaurant, but there are common threads woven through all of them. First, there is a Chef-inspired menu, with his or her signature, stamped on each offering. Unlike casual restaurants, fine dining service usually includes eating utensils that are a matched set, and have more weight than your summer camp mess hall offered you. Generally, there is a linen napkin to lay across your lap, water served in a glass vessel sans the local bank logo and the table legs have been leveled to assure your plate doesn’t travel across the tabletop each time someone rests against it. There’s also the expectations of the staff. When visiting a fine dining establishment you expect the staff to deliver you a higher standard of service, where they understand the menu and can assist you with accurate answers and solutions to your dietary concerns and preferences. Blue Ridge is proud to be home to many of such dining establishments. Let us introduce you to a small plate offering of six of our favorites.

The Black Sheep Restaurant

This stylish, and classy restaurant believes in fresh food that’s locally sourced and artfully prepared. Set in a historic house (circa 1814) you have your choice of pet-friendly patio seating under a 200-year-old oak tree, the enclosed porch with its flaming heaters, up at the beautifully appointed bar or in the main dining room, where service is second to none. Start with an appetizer of pork belly and marmalade, add a perfect beet salad and eventually savor the lamb pappardelle. We can’t forget to mention that The Black Sheep offers a killer Brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4pm. The Sunday paper, an inspired Bloody Mary and a chicken & red velvet waffle. Who can resist? Reservations are recommended.

Chester Brunnemeyer’s Bar & Grill

Everyone just refers to it as “Chester’s”, and it’s Blue Ridge’s answer to “Cheer’s”, where everyone knows your name, or at least it feels like they do. But don’t let this friendly bar atmosphere fool you. The dining experience at Chester’s is so noteworthy. The amazing craft beer selection shakes hands nicely with signature appetizers like chili and beer cheese nachos or deep-fried sticky ribs. The soup, salad and sandwich menu all have a plethora of delicious, inspired choices, but if you have a heartier appetite, dig into the entrees like the 14 oz blackened ribeye, cooked to perfection and served with herb roasted fingerling potatoes, garlic broccolini and finished with fresh herb butter. This is fine……real fine.

The Dogwood

The Dogwood is a wonderful spot in the heart of Blue Ridge to spend an evening with friends and family. The outdoor patio is THE place to be on a Saturday night with live music, great drinks, delicious food, and an awesome atmosphere! With 150 outdoor seats, a beautiful mural, and 100+ year old trees you’ll have plenty of beautiful places to relax. For yummy eats and appetizers they have a limited menu of 10 items that will be just the delicious comfort food you’re looking for. And the drink options are as unique and personalized as it comes! Venture over to their Beer Garage where you can create your own six pack from over 70 options. The Dogwood also has a full bar with incredible craft cocktails and a specially selected wine list. Plus it’s dog friendly so bring your favorite pup with you!

Ferraro’s Kitchen Blue Ridge

Talented chef and owner, Igor Ferraro brings the “Italian Way” to Blue Ridge to create delicious food with exceptional quality. We can’t get enough of their Risotto di Mare and Lasagna alla Bolognese dishes. And their exceptional service is unapparelled! Be sure to pay them a visit on your next escape to Blue Ridge!

The General Ledger

The General Ledger is the newest restaurant in downtown Blue Ridge and you will definitely want to check out their menu for lunch or dinner. This contemporary American restaurant features upscale casual cuisine from both the land and sea. Chef Ryan is always creating specials to tickle your tastebuds and at the bar, Karen mixes up the coolest drinks in town! Whatever you choose, make sure to save room for Miss Holly’s Lemon Lavender Cake!

Harvest on Main

This is the second of three Chef Danny Mellman eateries to make our list of eight. This was his first establishment in Blue Ridge and it has become what all its competition aspires to be. You might think that it would be the service, the menu, the wine and beer selections that would put this place over the top. Not to minimize any of these, because they are all worthy of five stars, but it’s the rustic appointments of the décor that nails it. Every moment you are being treated to a dining experience at Harvest on Main you are made to feel you are dining at the most affluent of ski resorts, high up in the Grand Tetons when actually you are smack in the middle of downtown Blue Ridge. Make a reservation. Spend the evening. Know that you’ll be back to try every item on the menu. It’s that good.

R.O.E. Blue Ridge

Make reservations at ROE. Blue Ridge for a fine dining seafood & steakhouse experience! ROE. brings the taste of the ocean right to our little mountain town! You’ll have both a raw bar experience with clams, oysters, and more delicious fresh seafood options; as well as an elegant steakhouse experience with smoked duck and filet mignon. Enjoy all your favorite dishes paired with a glass of wine to wash it all down! Enjoy elegant outdoor dining under the twinkling lights Tuesday-Saturday and live music on Wednesday nights.

The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm

The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm is the perfect place to gather with friends and family to enjoy their “all-day” menu. Here delicious wings, amazing burgers, healthy salads, and great starters, are paired with creative and tasty craft cocktails and beers in a setting that is most comfortable. The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm is open Mondays and Wednesdays through Sundays. Wednesday is dinner only. Sunday Lunch only. Thursday-Saturday: Lunch and Dinner. Reservations are recommended.

Whiskey & Water – Seafood and Bourbon Bar

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!

Michaelee’s Italian Life Caffe

Authentic and delightful Michaelee’s Italian Life Caffe is the premier spot for an elegant and delicious Italian dinner. Located about 30 minutes East of Blue Ridge in the town of Blairsville you find a seasoned chef that delivers quality dishes time and time again. The closest you’ll get to Italian food in North Georgia, Michaelee’s features creative pasta dishes, a noteable bourbon chicken, and the most flavorful chocolate shrimp! Yes, chocolate shrimp. Try them, you won’t be disappointed!

The Waterfront Bar

If you could create a fusion of gourmet fine dining, a honky-tonk roadhouse, a florida-style beach tavern, and a hipster craft cocktail joint, you would have The Waterfront Bar. No joke! When you dine here you dine in style; you’ll sit high above the Ocoee River on their expansive deck with amazing views of the Copper Basin below. Not to mention the atmosphere here is sure to keep you coming back for more! It’s always 5’oclock at The Waterfront Bar with amazing specialty cocktails like Oh Me, Oh Mai Tai or Chesney on the Beach. And when you’re ready to dig into some food you’ll have a great selection of traditional Sicilian cuisine prepared with a unique Southern twist. For great drinks, delicious food, and a fun night out with friends be sure to check out The Waterfront Bar!

Grace Blue Ridge

Experience the steak of your life at Grace Blue Ridge. The steaks here are aged 45 days or more and are hand cut and prepared with the maximum flavor and tenderness. While the menu is 5-star, you will also find their service is excellent and their cocktails are even better! A dinner at Grace is more than a meal, it’s an unforgettable dining experience.

January 11, 2021September 9, 2023

Romantic Date Ideas

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for romance. And we have the best date ideas for you to treat your special someone. A Blue Ridge vacation is the perfect romantic getaway for all those love birds out there. The small, charming town and beautiful mountain views will transport you to another world and help to enhance all the romantic feelings. It’s sure to be a trip of a lifetime; so grab your love and come escape with us!

@c_ozanich at Wander in Lodge

Dinner

You can never go wrong with a romantic dinner for two at any of Blue Ridge’s superb restaurants. Some of our favorites for a special date night out are The Black Sheep or Harvest on Main. Both of which are located in Downtown Blue Ridge. You could go for a stroll along Main Street together, admiring all the trendy shops, before stopping in for a delicious dinner.

At The Black Sheep, you can sip on a cocktail while enjoying a wonderfully handcrafted meal made with fresh, local ingredients. Put your worries to rest, relax, and enjoy an upscale dining experience with an atmosphere that will put you at ease. And the food is simply amazing, no matter what you get; they don’t call it the best dining in Blue Ridge for nothing!

Harvest on Main is another great restaurant for your perfect date night. They serve southern inspired global cuisine; and who doesn’t love a little southern flair, especially when you’re in the mountains. From steaks to fish to soup and salad, there’s a little something for everyone. These restaurants are meant to bring out the romance.

Horseback Riding

How about a romantic horseback ride through the wilderness? That’s like something you’d see in a romance movie but you can actually do it here! Check out Appalachian Trail Rides for this great opportunity. You can book a private trial ride for you and your “hon-neigh” to ensure everything goes exactly as planned. You’ll take a peaceful ride through the woods and see babbling brooks and maybe even some wildlife. And if this date is an extra special one and you want to pop the question, there’s a special proposal ride which takes you to a secluded romantic gazebo by the lake where you can spill all your heart’s desires. And there will even be sparkling cider! Doing something new and different like a trail ride together will be sure to bring the two of you even closer.

Waterfalls

Not much can inspire your love more than the natural beauty of the outdoors. So get outside and enjoy a beautiful hike to one of our stunning waterfalls. You’ll feel completely at peace as you listen to the water rushing down the rocks and see the beauty all around you. Relax on the rocks while the cool mist of the falls hits your face. Soak it all in and find yourself feeling 10 times calmer than before you arrived. Even snap a few cute couple photos while you’re there.

Stargazing

It doesn’t get much more romantic than cuddling up with your love and gazing up at the starry night sky. Grab a blanket and a bottle of champagne for a relaxing and romantic night under the stars. The stars go on for miles and you will get to enjoy a front row seat. So grab a glass and cheers to you and your love, lay back, cuddle up, and take it all in.

Spa Day

For the ultimate relaxation and stress relief, there’s nothing like a spa day. Drop on by Serenity in the Mountains to get the full works. You and your love can unwind together with a romantic couples massage. Feel an undeniable calm wash over you as you drift to a place of pure bliss. Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and finally getting treated will have you and your honey living on a high.

Wineries

Blue Ridge and the surrounding areas are home to so many wonderful wineries. In Blue Ridge check out Bear Claw Vineyards and Serenberry Vineyards, in Ellijay try Cartecay Vineyards, and in Young Harris visit Crane Creek Vineyards. All have a wide variety of wines, beautiful mountain views, and a relaxing atmosphere. Sit in the tasting room or on the patio and unwind with a glass of wine. On weekends you can also enjoy the sounds of local musical artists who will serenade you and your sweetie while you sip and snack. Any of these wineries will provide you with a perfect afternoon date.

Cozy Cabin

Maybe instead of a day or night out you can enjoy a night in your cozy Escape to Blue Ridge cabin. With all the amenities you could need you’ll be all set for your night in. Cook a fancy dinner in the kitchen or order in. Then relax in the hot tub to completely unwind. Afterward, come inside to escape the cold and cuddle by the fireplace while you enjoy a nice glass of wine and a movie. Our cabins will provide you with everything you need to enjoy a perfect, romantic night together in your warm, cozy cabin.

Watch the Sunset

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 for an even more relaxing spot why not watch the sunset from your hot tub? Now that’s what I call a romantic getaway!

April 7, 2019June 6, 2019

The Black Sheep

History, architecture, and flavor combine to bring you the most incredible Blue Ridge dining experience at The Black Sheep Restaurant. From the moment you walk up the marble steps, taking note of the pet friendly patio, and the door swings open to welcome you, there is no question that you are about to have a divine experience. From the attentive staff and thoughtful menu items, The Black Sheep is clearly not your average, ordinary run-of-the-mill dining establishment. It is in fact, an elevated, stylish, and classy restaurant that believes in fresh food that’s locally sourced and artfully prepared.

What to Expect

Expect your taste buds to do jumping jacks! Seriously, Executive Chef Greg Cornelius is an absolute master with his culinary talents and abilities. He specializes in taking your favorite American fares and elevating them about twenty notches. For example, you may think a hamburger or meatloaf is an odd item to find in at fine dining restaurant, but once that first taste of meat crosses your lips, you will become a believer because it will be like no other you have ever tasted! Of course, you will find traditional upscale dishes like rack of lamb or duck breast but add a gorgonzola cream or gorgonzola polenta and we’ve just crossed the line from ordinary to extraordinary!

You know what else you can expect? A Raw Oyster Bar! That’s right, the only one you will find in Blue Ridge. You can choose classic on the half shell oysters or if raw is not your thing, they can be prepared Rockefeller style. On Wednesdays and Sundays, you can select the Three Course Dinner Special. For either $19.99 or $26.99 you can enjoy an appetizer, main course, and dessert! Oh, and we’re not done yet. Saturdays and Sundays now feature a decadent Brunch menu. From 12pm – 4pm you can feast on Crab Cake Benedict or Corned Beef Hash, but the Chicken and Red Velvet Waffle is so good it’ll make your tongue jump out and lick the eyebrows right off your head!

Dine on the Black Sheep’s Pet Friendly Patio!

Happy Hour

The Black Sheep features not one but two bars to enjoy craft cocktails, beer, and wine. In fact, their wine cellar is so superb that they have been recognized by Wine Spectator for their impressive selection of vino. Both the owner, Brandon Lofton, and the General Manager, Patrick, are sommeliers and can help you pair the perfect bottle with your menu selections.

Have you heard of the Blue Ridge Lavender Smash? Made with fresh blueberry, lavender, lemon & Sipsmith London Dry Gin, this refreshing cocktail is the hit of the season! You can order one at the inside bar or step out to the patio and enjoy an adult beverage on the largest outdoor bar in Blue Ridge. Here you can take in the sights and sounds of Downtown Blue Ridge while sampling the Bar Bites like Truffle French Fries or Tuna Nachos, watching the game, and chatting it up with both old friends and new.

Distinctively Unique

The Black Sheep has been historically known as a place to go for special occasions and while that is still true, their mission is to cater to the every day patron while making each dining experience special. Speaking of catering, you don’t have to be onsite to enjoy the gourmet flavors of The Black Sheep. Treat your corporate partners or family and friends to decadent eats for your meetings or festive celebrations. If you prefer the ambiance of the restaurant, you may choose to make use of one of two private rooms – The Wine Room or The Library Room for large parties, banquets or special events.

Photo courtesy of Candy Murdock-Hagerman’s Birthday Celebration!

Since we’re talking about events, The Black Sheep likes to mix things up and keep fresh ideas flowing along with their fresh cuisine. Last summer they premiered their Outdoor Movie Nights on the front patio under the big oak tree. This year not only will they host Movie Nights, but they will also add Yoga on the Patio. Just picture this: Brunch, Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and Yoga. Oh yeah! Keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram pages for all the latest happenings and upcoming events.

Beauty, Brains & Bayou

Deep in the bayou of Louisiana, a young chef took his passion for Cajun cooking and restaurant management to work for a large restaurant conglomerate in Southern Florida. By chance, Brandon Lofton found himself in an airport in Puerto Rico making conversation with a beautiful corporate executive, Ashlee, also from the Ft. Lauderdale area. Eventually they would marry and purchase a vacation home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Brandon and Ashlee love the outdoor life – hiking, biking, and boating, but after one fateful trip, the whole game changed. The Lofton’s went back to Florida and made the decision to leave Corporate America, become entrepreneurs, and make the move to be full time mountain residents. If you ask the owners of The Black Sheep if they made the right move, you will get an unequivocal..YES! It’s the best decision they ever made. They love being a part of the Blue Ridge community. They also love having the great outdoors so accessible and all the great people they get to meet along the way!

After settling into the mountain lifestyle and getting his restaurant where it needs to be, Brandon wanted to be able to showcase his Cajun side. In partnership with his GM, Patrick, Lulu’s Gumbo Shop can now be seen in their branded tent around town at festivals, during special events with partners like Grumpy Old Men Brewing, and at private events like weddings. Lulu’s specializes in chicken & sausage Gumbo and Jambalaya – a shrimp and crawfish combination, made from old family recipes straight out of LA.

Ashlee has also become a certified yoga instructor. Her business, Yoga Over Blue Ridge, is a mobile yoga studio. She offers private instruction and lessons and destination yoga classes. These are perfect for Girlfriend Getaways, Bachelorette parties, or any private yoga party. Recently she has partnered with Bear Claw Vineyards for a Namaste & Cabernet class. Yoga class + wine tasting? Yes, please! She’s also partnering with local breweries for Bend & Brew events. That’s right, yoga and a flight of beer! Keep an eye on her social pages to find out about future events.

If all of this wasn’t enough, the power couple recently purchased Blue Ridge Brewery in downtown Blue Ridge. Located less than a quarter mile from The Black Sheep, Blue Ridge Brewery is located at 187 Depot Street. You can look forward to new beers crafted by an expert brew master, a new menu designed to delight the taste buds, and a stellar lineup of live music and events!

Up Next For The Sheep

A new menu was just released and includes amazing dishes like an heirloom tomato Panzanella salad and seared diver scallops with lemon risotto and smoked tomato coulis. If you haven’t yet been to The Black Sheep Restaurant, what are you waiting for? Put it on the top of your must do list. If you haven’t been in a while, you need to come back and check it out. The vibe is comfortable and not pretentious, the food is on point, and the atmosphere will make this your favorite downtown spot. If you’ve been there recently, then you know what’s up!

Heirloom Tomato Panzanella Salad topped with Ricotta Salata

As a special treat just for Escape to Blue Ridge Fans, The Black Sheep Restaurant is offering one free appetizer per table if you tell your waiter that you are the “Black Sheep of Your Family”. How cool is that? Now don’t be sheepish, make your dinner reservations today!