Thankful for Blue Ridge



The holiday season is quickly approaching, and in a year like 2020, it is more important than ever to hold those you love close and not take anything for granted. With so many who have lost loved ones this year or who have been apart from those they love, it’s been an incredibly trying time.

While this Thanksgiving you might not be able to spend it with all your loved ones, make sure you cherish and hug the ones you can. Make sure to call those you can’t see, and let them know you love them. This is the time of year to be thankful for those special people in your life, and show them, and the world a little extra love during the holidays this year and always.

We need it more than ever. And in a time of so much stress and pain, a little mountain escape might be just what you and your family need. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, get away from your daily routine, and just be with the people you love. Here are 7 things we here at Blue Ridge are especially thankful for this year. 

Family

One of the most special things for us is family. We know how important family is to you and it’s important to us too. That’s why we specialize in vacations MADE for families. After all, what would life be without family? Who would teach you how to tie your shoelaces or teach you your first words? Who would be there for you through thick and thin? Who would love you unconditionally no matter what? Family, that’s who. Family means everything and without them, we would be lost.

Friends

Friends make the world a better place. Even if you’re miles apart, friends are always just a call away. One reason this year has been so hard is because we’ve been apart from our friends. But those wine night zoom calls or funny memes sent back and forth are what keeps us sane in times like this. And while we love our families, they may not always understand us like our friends do.

If you and your friends need a safe reunion, Blue Ridge is your place. With so many exciting adventures to go on and memories to make; it’ll be the trip of a lifetime! Hike the trails of the Chattahoochee National Forest with your best friends, explore one of Blue Ridge’s four local waterfalls, or enjoy food and drinks downtown. Whatever you and your friends do on your trip you’ll have a blast because you’ll be together! 

Good Food

Thanksgiving at “Noontootla Cottage

Food is a huge part of the holiday season, especially Thanksgiving. After all, food is what brings family and friends together around the table. Every family has special traditions and recipes that they share every year. Whether it’s grandma’s famous green-bean casserole recipe that’s been passed down for generations, or getting the whole family in the kitchen together to help cook and prepare the meal; chances are your family does something special when it comes to food during Thanksgiving.

Stories and laughs are shared from across a table filled with turkey, gravy, rolls, mashed potatoes, green beans, and sweet potatoes galore. After the meal, even if you are stuffed there is always room for a slice of pumpkin or apple pie! But, if this Thanksgiving you’re in Blue Ridge and need a break from cooking, check out some of our beloved local restaurants who are preparing meals special for Thanksgiving. And be sure to try our local restaurants every other day of the year as well! We are so thankful for them and all that they do for our guests and our community!

Great Outdoors

In a year of being cooped up in the house all day, we are so thankful for the great outdoors. And Blue Ridge is the perfect place to get your nature on! Nothing beats going on a peaceful hike through the mountains and then taking in the stunning views when you reach the top. Or sitting on your cabin’s porch and watching the sunset above the mountains.

We are thankful we have so many outdoor experiences to offer kids and adults alike. If you need to escape the confines of your own home and find an outdoor adventure, look no further than Blue Ridge. 

Entertainment

Lonesome Dove” cabin

Since we all spent most of this year stuck in the house we’re thankful that we had movies, tv shows, video games, and books to entertain us. I’m sure we all binge-watched a show (or 20) during quarantine and finished dozens of books. We had movie nights constantly and logged countless hours on our favorite video games. Thank goodness for Netflix and Disney + right!? With TVs by the fireplace and comfy sofas to curl up into, there is no better place to binge-watch than your home away from home. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean the entertainment has to stop, after all, what are vacations for if not relaxing?

Health

This year especially we are all incredibly grateful for our health. With so many loved ones who have lost their lives this year, it is more important than ever to be thankful that we are healthy when so many others are not. Drink your orange juice, take your cold medicine, wear your mask, get a good night’s rest; whatever it takes to protect you and the health of your loved ones this year is vital. Hold those you love extra close this year, and let them know how thankful you are for them and their good health.  Here’s to us; may we continue to take care of ourselves and others so that we may remain healthy for the year to come!

You

Family at “Nighthawk” Courtesy of @danalutz_2.0

We are so incredibly thankful for you, our faithful guests! This year has been hard on businesses all over the world, but we thank you for your continued support and that you continue to stay with us. It is a gift to have you and your beautiful family and friends stay with us, this year especially. We love seeing your fun photos and videos of your trip, and hearing all about what you did. So continue to share with us and support us, and we will do the same! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Fire Pit Fixings



Last week this blog featured a tremendous round up of cabins with great firepits. One of our favorite things about the weather changing is sitting around the fire pit with a chill in the air, but you are completely warm, not just by the heat of the fire but by the company you are so enjoying.  Adding to the ambiance of the evening includes singing songs, swapping tall tales, and of course fire pit cooking!

It’s so fun if someone in your group has a guitar or harmonica, they could play for everyone to sing and clap along, but you don’t even need music to sing your favorite campfire songs! Telling ghost stories always proves to be a good time too. Although the ghost stories typically end up in squeals of laughter because you know that one person that is SUPER scared and they end up falling out of the chair, jumping & panicking, or making funny noises as they try to tame their heebee geebies. Oh yes, good times! Most importantly, you can’t forget about marshmallows!

Who doesn’t love to roast marshmallows? This might be the best and most memorable part about having an outside fire. First, you go on a stick hunt to find that perfect length and sturdiness then roast your marshmallow to the perfect amount of burnt that you prefer. Or, take it to the next level and break out the chocolate and Graham crackers for a melt in your mouth, perfectly crafted s’mores! But s’mores aren’t the only thing you can cook over the fire. Try one (or all) of these “fire pit fixing” ideas next time you Escape to Blue Ridge!

The Healthy-ish Approach

Have you ever considered roasting fruit over an open fire? No? Well, you should because it is F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S! Choose from pineapple, bananas, watermelon, apples or peaches. The fruit sugars almost caramelize making for a divinely delicious guilt free treat. Of course, having a little caramel or chocolate on hand to dip your roasted fruit into never hurt anyone, and definitely adds more “pow” to your taste buds! Make ahead fruit kabobs or just place them on your stick like you would a marshmallow! Side note: strawberries dipped in marshmallow fluff and then roasted will make your mouth do a happy dance!

Go Fancy

Who says fire pit cooking has to be basic and boring? Impress your guests with fireside Shrimp Scampi! This meal is super easy to prepare, but even more divine to eat! All you need is foil, butter, peeled & deveined shrimp, a little lemon, and your favorite seasonings. We typically improvise with a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but for you by-the-bookers, here’s a simple go to recipe with exact measurements.

Classic

It may not be fancy, but there is something extra delicious about a roasted hot dog! It really doesn’t get any easier than this. Pick your favorite dog, we are partial to the Hebrew National all beef hot dogs, pierce it with your stick and roast away. You can even toast your hot dog bun on a stick for a well-rounded hot dog experience!

Kid Friendly

Fast, easy and delicious…that’s my kind of cooking!  You can prepare these French bread pizzas ahead of time or create a little make-your-own station on the picnic table. Slice your French bread, cover with marina sauce, add your favorite toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, Canadian bacon, olives) and finish with mozzarella cheese. Wrap your creation in heavy duty aluminum foil and throw them on the fire!

Dare To Be Different

Super easy, but super delicious is campfire cinnamon rolls! Simply buy your favorite brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, we personally love Pillsbury Grands. All you have to do is unroll a cinnamon bun and divide the long pieces of dough into sections. Wrap a portion around your stick, careful not overlap for even cooking, and roast away!  

Next Level S’mores

Bacon. Yes, you read that right. A little graham cracker, a little marshmallow, a little chocolate, and a couple of pieces of bacon (which you could also roast over the fire) will have your tongue jump out and lick the eyebrows right off your head!

We also encourage you to mix up your chocolate options. Truth be told, it’s hard to beat a piece of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, but have you ever thought of using a Reese’s Peanut Butter cup? What about a Kit Kat Bar? We suggest you try a York Peppermint Patty next time, you won’t regret it. In fact, you may never go back to the traditional s’mores again!

Adults Only

If you’re looking for a way to warm up from the inside out, a Hot Toddy is definitely in order and extra enjoyable sitting outside by the fire. Boil water over your fire and add a tea bag to your cup. Let your tea steep for about two minutes, then add a shot (or two) of whiskey, a little honey, a slice of lemon, and some cloves for extra spice. Bam! Now we are ready to make some fireside memories!