Every family has many Christmas traditions that they enjoy preserving. For this writer, one of my family’s favorite things to do is to go drive around and see all the Christmas lights! However, when you’re not from around here, you wouldn’t even know where to begin to look for lights to enjoy. Well, we tried to make it easy for you and stalked as many of our friends pages to locate all the Christmas light displays that you HAVE to go check out!
Each community offers a brief directions, but click on the town name to access a Google map to help you find your way! If you’re a local reading this and know of other places we’re missing please drop a comment or send us a Facebook or Instagram message. Merry Christmas!
Escape to Blue Ridge offices – We are decked out for the season! Stop by and take a selfie with our Christmas Tree & pick up an activity packet for the kids and enjoy the lights by night!
Gwynn’s Christmas Light Show– Tune your radio to 91.9 and enjoy! Address is 121 Birch Cane Drive, Blairsville, GA 30512
262 Jewell Mason Rd
Stonehenge Assisted Living – Hwy 129 North towards Murphy, about 7 miles north of Hwy 76/129 intersection. Note: Nativity Scene
The Browns – Take Old Blue Ridge Highway out past Mulkey Gap. Right on Ed King Road. Just before the solar panel field. Note: Santa’s Mailbox – leave a letter to Santa and receive a reply!
The Jones – Take Blue Ridge Hwy, then a left on Mulkey Gap, right on Jones Rd.
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds– Mountain Country Christmas in Lights every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday from November 24-December 13rd. Come early on Saturdays for the Craft Show and stay for the lights 4pm-9pm! Open EVERY night from December 15th-23rd! (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Here you will enjoy beautiful light displays and food ops along with food, music, arts & crafts, hot chocolate, marshmallow, a petting zoo and Santa. Admission is $7 per person and children 12 and under are FREE! On the main drag – Hwy 76 in Hiawassee.
Bugscuffle Road – Through the town of Hiawassee, but before the School. See Uhaul & Parker Oil, next road on left is Bugscuffle. On Hwy 76, just west of Towns County School.
Scataway Road – About 5 minutes past the Towns County School, see sign for Mount Zion Church on left and follow the red glow. Off of Hwy 76, 5 minutes east of town. See Santa on certain nights. As seen on the Great Christmas Light Fight!
Panter House – Gumlog Rd off of Hwy 66 in Young Harris. On the Towns County side of Gumlog.
There is nothing like sweet summertime in the mountains! Lounging on the lake by day and sitting around the fire pit in the evening. Hiking up to waterfalls or splashing down a river. Exploring downtown or exploring nature. However you vacation, you’ll be happy to Escape to Blue Ridge for your summer getaway!
Partake in a fun run every Thursday night at 5:30pm! You’ll leave from the Burra Burra, and the 3.1 mile run will take you by the Toccoa river and through town. You’ll get to run through 2 states and cross the famous steel bridge! After the run stay for drinks at the Burra Burra overlooking the Toccoa River. Don’t walk, RUN to this great event!
Photo Courtesy of the Fannin County Recreation Department
Every Thursday night at 6pm, May – September visit Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville, GA for live music and picnicking by the Toccoa River. Picnic tables are available but feel free to bring a picnic blanket and lawn chair as well. Admission is free so bring the whole family to enjoy!
Come on out for live music at Tooney’s HUGE music venue select Friday and Saturday nights and enjoy the best live music McCaysville has to offer! Check their website often for live music updates. And every Thursday night get ready to take to the stage with open mic night!
June 2nd: Open Mic Night June 9th: Open Mic Night June 10th: The Comancheros with One for the Road June 16th: Open Mic Night June 17th: Jacob Bryant w/Tyler Leamon & Chase Baker
Stop by Grumpy Old Men Brewery Thursdays to sing along to your favorite songs for karaoke night! And drop by select Fridays & Saturdays from 3pm – 6pm for great drinks, great music, and a great time. With indoor and outdoor seating available you can even bring your dog to join in the fun! Enjoy a delicious hotdog from Jeff’s Hotdog’s while you listen to some fantastic local artists!
June 2nd: Thursday Karaoke June 3rd: Lindsay Beth Harper June 4th: Blue Lava June 9th: Thursday Karaoke June 10th: The Orange Walls June 11th: Paul Douglas Sanner June 16th: Thursday Karaoke June 17th: Dr. Paul June 18th: Saturday Karaoke June 23rd: Thursday Karaoke June 24th: Stephen Vaclavic June 25th: Troy Underwood June 30th: Thursday Karaoke
Photo Courtesy of teh North Georgia Highland Seafood Festival
Come enjoy premium seafood in North Georgia at the North Georgia Highland Seafood Festival in Young Harris! There will be music, arts & crafts, and plenty of delicious seafood. Admission is $5 a person.
Misty Mountain Hops is a music-centric restaurant and pub so it’s only fitting that they bring in live music. Stop on by Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm for great food and great live music from local artists!
June 3rd: Dan Foster June 4th: Rose Brown June 10th: Levi Ransom June 11th: The Stephen Busie Band June 17th: Jeremy Wells June 18th: Travis Bowlin
Relax on the beautiful patio, under 100-year-old trees at The Dogwood in Downtown Blue Ridge! With delicious cocktails, an amazing limited menu, and live music from local artists on Fridays & Saturdays starting at 5pm, you’ll love your time at The Dogwood!
June 3rd: Roscoe’s Roadshow June 10th: Travis Bowlin June 11th: Lindsay Beth Harper June 17th: Surrender Hill June 18th: David Welch June 24th: Robbie Litt June 25th: Matty Croxton
Relax on the shores of Lake Blue Ridge from the Boat Dock Bar & Grill at Lake Blue Ridge Marina. There you’ll have a beautiful view of the lake, delicious entrees and cocktails, and live music on the weekends! Live music is 6pm – 9pm on select Fridays. You’ll feel relaxed and renewed in no time!
June 3rd: Travis Bowlin June 17th: David Welch June 24th: Danny Rhea
For award winning wine, live music, and food trucks, Bear Claw Vineyards is the place for you! Join them every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for live music and food trucks. Kids and dogs are welcome too! The live music schedule for each weekend is shared on their website each Thursday so be sure to check back!
Take in downtown Blue Ridge from the roof of the Hook & Eye! This restaurant features excellent cuisine, a full bar, great views, an inviting atmosphere inside, and balcony seating on the outside!
Photo Courtesy of teh Benton McKaye Trail Association
Explore the beauty of North Georgia on a guided hiking tour with the Benton McKaye Trail Association. They offer 3 – 5 hikes a month varying in difficulty from easy, leisurely hikes to moderately difficult hikes.
June 3rd: Brush Creek Trail June 4th: 2022 National Trails Day June 17th: BMT: Lost Creek Section
Visit the winery at the beautiful Paradise Hills hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tasting room offers Paradise Hills wine, a selection of craft beers, hard cider, and wine slushies as well as cheese and charcuterie boards, tapas, and shared platters. You can enjoy your drinks and snacks as you listen to local artists perform Fridays 4pm – 8pm & Saturdays from 1pm – 5pm.
June 3rd: Rusted Melody June 10th: Sam B June 11th: Chris Carpenter June 17th: Emma Gullo June 18th: Tom Edwards June 24th: Trailer Hippies June 25th: Dr. Paul
Head over to Grandaddy Mimm’s Distillery in Blairsvile for a handcrafted moonshine or spirit! And drop by select Saturday afternoons for live music from local artists!
June 4th: Mountain Breeze June 18th: Kim & Curtis Jones June 25th: River Dixon
Head to the beautiful Vogel State Park for live music from local artists every Saturday evening all summer long! Drop by at 7pm for music at the lakeside pavilion!
Photo Courtesy of the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery
Bring your fishing gear & bait for Angler Appreciation Day at the fish hatchery! Rock Creek and the hatchery will be stocked with fish for the catching. Catch a tagged fish and you could win a prize! Come on out rain or shine for this awesome FREE fishing event!
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Sports Cards and Collectibles Show
Come stock up on sports collectibles, comics, and cards at this Blue Ridge show! There will be 60+ tables set up filled with awesome collectables. Admission is $2 for 15+ and children 15 & under are free!
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Head to Hiawassee for a night of 60’s & 70’s hits from artists like The Turtles, Gary Puckett & Union Gap, The Association, The Buckinghams, The Vogues, and The Cowsills! The show kicks off at 7pm and tickets are $45+handling.
Sip on delicious wine surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains! Enjoy live music select Saturdays & Sundays from 1:30pm – 5:30pm. Listen to the music of local artists while enjoying your wine outside either on the Chimney Patio or the Tasting Barn’s covered porch. Live music, good wine, and beautiful mountain scenery; it doesn’t get much better than that!
Enjoy this wonderful market every Saturday from 9am – 1pm now till November (weather permitting) right in the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge! There will be all kinds of vendors offering food, artisan goods, arts & crafts, furniture, and more!
Where else can you find regional wines from all over the world, tapas and other delicious international platters, and live music!? At Bin 322 Wine & Tapas Bar! Drop by Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm to enjoy live music from local artists and choose from their great wine selection. And on Monday nights from 6pm – 8pm join in on SINGO, music style bingo! There’s always fun to be had at Bin 322!
June 4th: Paul Arrado June 6th: Trivia June 11th: TNT June 13th: Trivia June 18th: Denise Moo June 20th: Trivia June 25th: Ray Labean June 27th: Trivia
Photo Courtesy of the Blairsville Scottish Festival
Come one, come all to this celebration of Scottish heritage in Blairsville! The event will have traditional games, highland music, Scottish food, border collies herding sheep, and plenty of Scottish flair! You and the wee ones won’t want to miss this great event happening all weekend long from 9am – 5pm.
Check out live demonstrations from artists all weekend from all over North Georgia! Just follow the Art Tour signs in Towns & Union County, Clay County, Rabun County, White County, and Habersham County. The event runs from 10am – 5pm each day. You’ll see artists creating beautiful paints, pottery, folk art, jewelry, glass, photography, handcrafted furniture, and so much more! Get your map from https://artstour.org/
Summer Youth Arts Camp June 14th – June 30th Location: The Art Center (Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association)
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Art Association
Looking for something to keep your kids busy and entertained this summer? Sign them up for the Summer Youth Arts Camp! The Art Center offers three weeks of full day camp with wonderful art classes like clay, painting, and much more! Chose to sign your child up for one week or all three! Your creative and artistic child will come home with new skills and techniques and an even greater love for art in no time!
Head to Blairsville for the 11th Annual Pro Rodeo! Catch all the action in the covered arena from 8pm – 11pm. There is also plenty to do for the littles ones as well, along with food and fun! Tickets at the gate are $15 for adults, children 6 – 12 $10, and children 5 & under free.
Come admire beautiful works of art from some of your favorite local artists at the Sunshine Arts & Crafts Market! There will 35 artists with their works displayed in the dining room and on the outdoor covered patio. Admission is free.
Photo Courtesy of Georgia Mountain Classics Car Club
Admire a selection of classic cars at this free event happening on the 4th Friday of every month March thru September at 6pm! Bring your own classic car to register and get $4 off Dairy Queen certificate when you register! Ice cream, classic cars, and a good time!
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Come on out to Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds for the annual summer British in the Blue Ridge Rally! This is THE premier British motorcycle rally in the southeastern United States and has been held every year since 1985. The event will have a motorcycle show, vendors, field events, mountain motorcycle rides, and camping! All makes and models are welcome to join and campsites are available as well!
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival
Make your way over to the beautiful White Path Creek Farms in Ellijay for Blue Ridge’s annual Wine and Jazz Festival! There will be great music, delicious wines, beautiful art, tasty food! The food is prepared locally and the jazz performers are some of the top in the region. Come on out and enjoy this wonderful event!
Made in Georgia Festival June 25th – June 26th Location: Towns County Recreation & Conference Center
Photo Courtesy of the Made in Georgia Festival
If you’re ready to shop for unique items made right here in Georgia then check out the Made in Georgia Festival! You’ll be able to shop at over 75 vendors who offer a wide variety of products made, grown, brewed, harvested, stitched, crafted, or inspired by Georgia. Take home fashion accessories, home décor, health and beauty products, and so much more! Even enjoy gourmet food and treats from some of Georgia’s top chefs! The event runs Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 4pm. Entry is $7; children 14 and under are free!
Come on out to the beautiful INOLA for a celebration of freedom! Celebrate the hundreds of dogs that have been freed from life on a chain at the 4th Annual Fido’s Freedom Celebration. Tickets are $50 per person and will grant you access to a silent auction, live music by Double Play, a raffle, and more. All proceeds of this fundraiser go towards freeing more deserving dogs.
The signs of spring are in full effect in Blue Ridge! April welcomes visitors traveling to beautiful Blue Ridge for Spring Break and many wonderful spring activities and events happening in and around town. Escape to Blue Ridge this spring and enjoy all our beautiful mountains have to offer!
Live Music at The Dogwood April 1st – April 30th Location: The Dogwood
Photo Courtesy of The Dogwood
Relax on the beautiful patio, under 100-year-old trees at The Dogwood in Downtown Blue Ridge! With delicious cocktails, an amazing limited menu, and live music from local artists on Fridays & Saturdays starting at 5pm, you’ll love your time at The Dogwood!
April 1st: Roscoes Roadshow April 2nd : Jack Byron April 15th: Surrender Hill April 22nd: Robbie Litt April 30th: Mattie Croxton
Live Music at Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery April 1st – 30th Location: Bear Claw Vineyards
Photo Courtesy of Bear Claw Vineyards
For award winning wine, live music, and food truck Bear Claw Vineyards is the place for you! Join them every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for live music and food trucks. Kids and dogs are welcome too! The live music schedule for each weekend is shared on their website each Thursday so be sure to check for the weekly line-up!
Live Music at Misty Mountain Hops April 1st – April 30th Location: Misty Mountain Hops
Photo Courtesy of Misty Mountain Hops
Misty Mountain Hops is a music-centric restaurant and pub so it’s only fitting that they bring in live music. Stop on by Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm for great food and great live music from local artists!
April 1st: Gaven Graves April 2nd: Rusted Melody April 8th: Travis Bowlin April 9th: Dave Brown April 15th: Gabe Myers April 16th: The Stephen Busie Band April 22nd: Frankie Sparks April 23rd: Canon Tyler April 29th: Danny Rhea April 30th: Lindsay Beth Harper
Live Music at Tooney’s April 1st – April 29th Location: Tooney’s Music Venue
Photo Courtesy of Tooney’s
Come on out for live music at Tooney’s HUGE music venue select Friday and Saturday nights and enjoy the best live music McCaysville has to offer! Check their website often for live music updates. And every Thursday night get ready to take to the stage with open mic night!
April 1st: Aaron Walker Band April 2nd: Dusty Leigh w/ Special Guest Drew Plowman April 7th – Open Mic Night April 8th – Rosewood Grips April 9th – Joe Olds Band April 14th – Open Mic Night April 29th – Saints-N-Rebels
Live Music at Hook & Eye April 1st – April 9th Location: Hook & Eye Rooftop Bar
Photo Courtesy of the Hook & Eye
Take in downtown Blue Ridge from the roof of the Hook & Eye! This restaurant features excellent cuisine, a full bar, great views, an inviting atmosphere inside, and balcony seating on the outside!
April 1st: Trevor Ciongoli April 2nd: Ray Labean April 9th: Trevor Ciongoli
Guided Hikes with the Benton McKaye Trail Association April 1st – April 27th Location: Cherry Log, GA
Photo Courtesy of teh Benton McKaye Trail Association
Explore the beauty of North Georgia on a guided hiking tour with the Benton McKaye Trail Association. They offer 4-5 hikes a month varying in difficulty from easy, leisurely hikes to moderately difficult hikes.
April 1st: BMT to Rock Creek Trail in the Cherokee National Forest April 4th: Thunder Rock Express April 6th: Long Branch Connector off Aska Road to Lake Blue Ridge April 8th: Flat Creek Loop April 18th: Wildcat Creek/Turner Trail Loop April 22nd: BMT – Hudson Gap, out and back April 25th: Park Creek/Park Ridge Trails April 27th: Lady Slippers! Mulky Gap Blairsville
Cartecay Wine Run 5k April 2nd Location: Cartecay Vineyards
Photo Courtesy of Cartecay Vineyards
Race through the beautiful hills of Cartecay Vineyards at this wonderful new event! Walk or run this course and admire the mountains as you go; then after have a delicious glass of wine!
Spring Arts & Crafts Sale of Blue Ridge April 2nd – April 3rd Location: Fannin County Schools Agriculture Facility
Photo Courtesy of Fannin County Young Farmer Association
Live Music at Paradise Hills April 2nd – April 30th Location: Paradise Hills, Cabins-Spa-Farm Winery
Photo Courtes of Paradise Hills
Visit the winery at the beautiful Paradise Hills hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tasting room offers Paradise Hills wine, a selection of craft beers, hard cider, and wine slushies as well as cheese and charcuterie boards, tapas, and shared platters. You can enjoy your drinks and snacks as you listen to local artists perform Saturdays from 1pm – 5pm. Check their facebook page for an updated list of musicians.
Live Music at Grandaddy Mimm’s April 2nd – April 23rd Location: Grandaddy Mimm’s
Photo Courtesy of Grandaddy Mimms
Head over to Grandaddy Mimm’s Distillery in Blairsvile for a handcrafted moonshine or spirit! And drop by select Saturday afternoons for live music from local artists!
April 2nd: Mountain Breeze April 9th: Elliott Sperin April 16th: Music Bingo April 23rd: Curtis & Kim Jones from Mountain Gypsy Music
Live Music at Grumpy Old Men Brewing April 7th – 15th Location: Grumpy Old Men Brewing
Photo Courtesy of Grumpy Old Men Brewing
Stop by Grumpy Old Men Brewery Thursdays to sing along to your favorite songs for karaoke night! And drop by select Fridays & Saturdays from 3pm – 6pm for great drinks, great music, and a great time. With indoor and outdoor seating available you can even bring your dog to join in the fun! Enjoy a delicious hotdog from Jeff’s Hotdog’s while you listen to some fantastic local artists!
April 7th: Karaoke Thursday April 8th: Lindsay Beth Harper April 14th: Karaoke Thursday April 15th: Travis Bowlin
Thursday Fun Runs at the Riverwalk April 7th – 28th Location: Riverwalk Shops
Photo Courtesy of the Riverwalk Run Club!
Partake in a fun run every Thursday night at 5:30pm with the Riverwalk Run Club! You’ll leave from the Burra Burra, and the 3.1 mile run will take you by the Toccoa river and through town. You’ll get to run through 2 states and cross the famous steel bridge! After the run stay for drinks at the Burra Burra overlooking the Toccoa River. Don’t walk, RUN to this great event!
The Play That Goes Wrong April 7th – 24th Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Community Theater
Come see this hilarious play about actors trying to make it through a disastrous opening night! Will they make it through to the final curtain call? Find out at Blue Ridge Community Theater’s production of ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’. Shows are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. The show runs now till April 24th, call the box office at 706-632-9191 for tickets!
Live Music at Cartecay Vineyards April 9th Location: Cartecay Vineyards
Sip on delicious wine at Cartecay Vineyards surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains! Enjoy live music select Saturdays & Sundays from 1:30pm – 5:30pm. Listen to the music of local artists while enjoying your wine outside either on the Chimney Patio or the Tasting Barn’s covered porch. Live music, good wine, and beautiful mountain scenery; it doesn’t get much better than that!
April 9th: Jesse Black
The Copper Express – Easter Train April 9th Location: The Copper Express
Photo Courtesy of The Copper Express
The Copper Express is back with the Easter Train! On April 9th this fun Easter celebration will have an Easter train ride, goodies, and a meeting & photo with the Easter bunny! Children are $6 and adults are $9.
Justin Moore April 9th Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Chart-topping, country music powerhouse Justin Moore will be taking over the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on April 9th at 7pm! And opening for Justin Moore is Thomas Fountain. Tickets are $55+ handling.
Stand Up Comedy Tour April 15th Location: Paradise Hills Winery
Photo Courtesy of Paradise Hills
Get ready for a night of laughs at the Stand Up Comedy Tour at Paradise Hills Winery. Top-notch travelling comedians will make you laugh all night long! Grab a glass of wine or a beer and let the laughter flow!
Chimps Rock April 16th – 17th Location: Project Chimps
Photo Courtesy of Project Chimps
Come see the chimps and take a guided tour of the Project Chimp sanctuary. Kids can also paint rocks with sweet messages for the chimps. For $10 children will receive an 45 – 60 minute guided tour, a rock to paint, a chance to see chimps close up at one of the viewing windows, and one adult ticket included.
Easter Egg Hunt at the Groovy Zoo April 16th Location: The Zoo Groovy Yard Art
Photo Courtesy of the Groovy Zoo
Come to the fun and unique Groovy Zoo in McCaysville, GA that’s covered in metal, plastic, and wooden zoo animals. And this year they’ll be having their first ever Easter Egg Hunt! There will be over 1000 eggs to find, all with prizes! The best find is one of the golden eggs!
27th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt April 16th Location: St. Luke’s Church
Join St. Luke’s in Blue Ridge for their 27th Annual Egg Hunt! The fun kicks off at 1pm with children of all ages welcome! Afterwards, prizes will be awarded to those who find the prize eggs and refreshments will be served.
Chris Janson April 16th Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Platinum-selling Country music recording artist, multi-instrumentalist, and award-winning singer/songwriter Chris Janson will be back at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on April 16th at 7pm! And special guests Ray Fulcher & Shane Profitt will be opening for Chris Janson as well! Tickets are $47+ handling.
The Rhododendron Festival April 22nd – April 30th Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Head over to Hiawassee for 5 weekends filled with spring fun at The Rhododendron Festival at their beautiful Hamilton Gardens. Not only will you have the chance to tour the lovely gardens at full bloom but you will also have the chance to enjoy live music, food and craft vendors, a plant sale, daily seminars, and much more! Admission to the Gardens is $5 and the event takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from April 22nd – May 22nd.
Cheers for Chimps at Bin 322 April 22nd Location: Bin 322
Photo Courtesy of Bin 322
Come on out to Bin 322 from noon – 9pm to support Project Chimps. Your $25 ticket will include a sampling of Bin 322 featured African wine, a Project Chimps glass, and a vegan dark chocolate to go with it. There will also be special African vegan dishes available to purchase as well as live music.
Georgia Mountain Classics Cruise Ins April 22nd Location: Dairy Queen / DQ Grill & Chill, Blue Ridge
Photo Courtesy of Dairy Queen
Admire a selection of classic cars at this free event happening on the 4th Friday of every month March thru September at 6pm! Bring your own classic car to register and get $4 off Dairy Queen certificate when you register! Ice cream, classic cars, and a good time!
Mile Long Yard Sale April 22nd – April 23rd Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Stock up on home décor, furniture, knick-knacks, and so much more at the Mile Long Yard Sale at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee. Come shop 1 mile worth of treasures! Admission & parking is free!
2nd Annual S.T.E.A.M Festival April 23rd Location: Blue Ridge Farmers Market
Photo Courtesy of Fannin County High School
Come support Fannin County High School and their 2nd Annual S.T.E.AM Festival at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market. The local students will be showing off their many talents with live musical and drama performances, as well as arts & crafts for sale. There will also be a community partners table and food & drinks for sale. Admire our local students works from 10am – 4pm.
Trout Trot 5K April 23rd Location: Riverwalk Shops
Photo Courtesy of Riverwalk Shops
Run 3.1 miles through 2 states! The Riverwalk Trout Trot 5K takes place in the beautiful twin cities of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. Food, drinks, and music will be ready for your enjoyment before and after the race. Come on out and get ready to RACE!
Memory Lane Classic Car Show April 29th – April 30th Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
If you are a car lover this event is for you! There will be cool cars, live music, arts & crafts, food trucks, a Swap Meet, auction, raffle, and so much more at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds! Entry to this great event is $10 a person and children 12 & under are free!
Movie Night at Deep Root Orchard April 29th Location: Deep Root Orchard
Photo Courtesy of Deep Root Orchard
Watch a free movie under the stars at Deep Root Orchard. The movie is “The Goonies” and starts at 8:30pm. Bring blankets and pillows and get comfy as you enjoy your movie. And if you’re in the need for movie snacks concessions will be sold as well!
Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival April 30th Location: Downtown City Park
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival
The Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival is back for the 5th year in a row and bigger than ever! Learn all about fly fishing from dozens of local guides. There will even be outdoor activities to try out like a climbing wall, a mountain bike course, axe throwing, gem mining, trout fishing and more! After your adventures shop for beautiful outdoor art made by local artists and have some food & drink in the beer garden. You won’t want to miss out on all the fun!
Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby April 30th Location: Fannin County Middle School
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby
Watch the annual Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby at Fannin County Middle School! It’s going to be an afternoon of fun, with all profits going to STEM education in Fannin County Schools. Interested drivers should register by April 15th.
Josh Turner April 30th Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Country music star Josh Turner will be back at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds performing all of his biggest hits like, “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” and “All Over Me,” and songs from his latest record “A Country State of Mind.” And opening for Josh Turner is Mo Pitney! It’s going to be an awesome night of country music! Tickets are $47+ handling.
There’s no better time to hit the trails than on a beautiful spring day! The weather is absolutely perfect this time of year for a stroll through nature. Temperatures are mild, the forests are lush with greenery and flowers, and the water may be a little chilly but it can be a refreshing way to cool off after a long day of hiking. From trails just a little over a mile to challenging, multi-mile hikes there’s the perfect route for everyone.
And what do you hope to see on your journey? Peaceful babbling brooks, a tall rushing waterfall, a unique swinging bridge that dangles over the waters of the Toccoa River, or views as far as the eye can see? Blue Ridge has miles and miles of trails with everything and more to offer! So bring along your friends, family, and your favorite pup too, and get ready to explore the great outdoors! Discover the best trail for your group here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/8-blue-ridge-hiking-trails/
Ride the Rails
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountain Scenic Railway
Spring means that train rides are back at Blue Ridge Scenic Railway! Running from March 5th to late December the train is a favorite Blue Ridge activity. You’ll fly past mountains, rivers, and farmlands as you ride through the beautiful countryside of North Georgia. For a short and sweet adventure, take the 2-hour scenic ride but if you are looking to make the trip an all-day event why not go for the 4-hour ride? On the longer ride you’ll have a 2-hour layover in the charming sister cities McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. Stand in two states at once on the Georgia/Tennessee border that lies between the two cities. Go for a quick shopping spree or grab a bite to eat. Then hop back on the train for another scenic journey back to Blue Ridge. Tickets are available online: https://brscenic.com/tickets/
Family-Friendly Outdoor Fun
Photo Courtesy of Ashley Williams
The kids are off of school for spring break and there’s no better way to celebrate than with some family fun in the great outdoors! One of our favorite spots for family-friendly activities is at The Lily Pad Village. One of their biggest attractions is their gem mining experience. The kiddos will love sifting through the dirt to find their own beautiful gemstones. The staff is friendly and are always ready to explain to the little ones what they’ve discovered. Not only is this experience educational but it’s also fun & rewarding because the kids can leave with a bag full of goodies.
On top of gem mining, Lily Pad Village also has fishing and mini-golf, so the fun times can last all day long! Another great outdoor activity the whole family will enjoy is horseback riding! You can go on a relaxing trail ride through the forests of North Georgia and become best friends with your horse along the way. Cowgirl Up Stables is great for new riders and Appalachian Trail Rides is always a wonderful choice as well. Giddy on up and bring the whole family along to explore Georgia on horseback!
Spring at the Orchards
Photo Courtesy of Mercier Orchards
Mercier Orchards may be known for their apples but there’s more to them than that! The orchards are incredibly beautiful during the spring because the peach and apple blossoms are in full bloom! On weekends, you can take a farm tour to learn more about Merciers and see the blossoms up close, it really is quite a sight. Pay them a visit in May for strawberry season! Pick the biggest strawberries you can find and turn them into your own delicious strawberry pie or eat them straight from the plant! Recover from your strawberry hunting with a refreshing glass of hard cider or wine, made right at Merciers. And before you leave, shop in the market for all kinds of goodies to bring home with you, and be sure to pick yourself up a fried pie from the cafe too!
Adventure
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Adventure Park
Sometimes you need a heart-pumping adventure! If you like to be dozens of feet in the air then we have just the thing for you! Navigate a challenging ropes course high up in the air at Blue Ridge Adventure Park. You’ll have 4 aerial courses to choose from with obstacles and challenges that range from moderate to extremely difficult. Make your way back to solid ground on the 125+ foot long zipline! Are you up for the challenge?
If you are all about the zipline and would rather skip the ropes course then check out Zip Line Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge. You’ll zip through the trees on over 6,000 feet of cables. You’ll feel like you’re flying as your soar past the Blue Ridge Mountains. Get ready for an adventure like no other at these two great spots!
Biking
Photo Courtesy of Pedego Electric Bikes
If you’re into mountain biking Blue Ridge is just the place for it! Weave through the winding mountain trails, with the wind in your face, and the trees zipping past. A few of our favorite trails for a ride are Jackrabbit Mountain, Bear Creek Trail, and Stanley Gap. Learn more about mountain biking in Blue Ridge here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/11-memorable-mountain-biking-trails/
Trout Time
Photo Courtesy of KC Outfitters
In Blue Ridge, we are known as the trout capital of Georgia so you’d be remiss not to head to the waters with a fishing pole in hand! Not only is the weather perfect for a day on the water but the trout supply is abundant in the spring. Our favorite spots to fish are on the Toccoa River or at the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery.
If you’re an experienced fisher then, by all means, get out on the water and do your thing but if you need a little extra assistance that’s no problem we’ve got you covered! A few of our favorite fish-loving teams are Cohutta Fishing Company, Blue Ridge Fly Fishing School, and Noontootla Creek Farms. Take your pick but all of these teams will give you the proper guidance and techniques to help you become a fishing expert! Looking for more fishing fun? Don’t miss the Blue Ridge Trout Festival on April 30th!
Outdoor Picnics
Photo Courtesy of ExploreGeorgia.org
Nothing says spring like a delicious picnic with your family! We think one of the most beautiful spots for a picnic is at Morganton Point beside Lake Blue Ridge. Set up at one of the picnic tables or spread your blanket out on the grass and enjoy your feast as you gaze out on the waters of Lake Blue Ridge.
For more waterside spots check out the Toccoa River Park to listen to the calming sounds of the river rushing by. You can even picnic in our Downtown City Park, just pick up some to-go from one of your favorite restaurants downtown and enjoy it in the warm sunshine. Or have your picnic premade for you and eat among the apple trees with Deep Roots Orchard’s picnic special at $27 a person. Wherever you choose to picnic you’ll be in the great outdoors and able to enjoy the beautiful spring weather!
Take in a Festival
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
Spring in Blue Ridge and the surrounding areas have so many great events worth checking out! Here’s just a few of our favorites:
The Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival: This year’s annual event takes place April 30th in our Downtown City Park. With all-new tents and exhibits, this year will be the best one yet! You can learn all about fishing, hiking, paddling, rock climbing, and more. Plus there will be plenty of craft beer, food, and music.
Easter Egg Hunt: Easter weekend will have lots of holiday activities happening around town. On Saturday, April 16th pay Deep Roots Orchard a visit for a day of Easter fun! There will be picnics, soup bean tastings, live music, blossom tours, food, a professional photographer for family portraits at the orchard, and of course an Egg Hunt! Also on Saturday is the Zoo Groovy Yard Art Easter Egg Hunt! With over 1,000 eggs hidden there will be plenty to go around! Mercier Orchards also typically hosts an Easter Egg Hunt as well. And stay tuned to our social media pages for more Easter events happening around the area!
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds events: Take a day trip over to Hiawassee, GA where they have a great line-up of events happening all spring long! They will have concerts featuring country artists Justin Moore, Chris Janson, Josh Turner, and Scotty McCreery. Every weekend from April 22nd-May 22nd you can be one with nature at the Rhododendron Festival. Stock up on all kinds of goodies at the Mile Long Yard Sale or admire cool cars at the Memory Lane Classic Car Show. Drink wine in the gardens at the 1st ever Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival. And end your spring with a Rodeo on Memorial Day weekend. Learn more about Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds great upcoming spring events & get your tickets here: https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/localevents
Spring Arts in the Park: Finish out your spring Memorial Day weekend (May 28th & 29th) by admiring beautiful art in Downtown Blue Ridge featuring over 175+ artists. This is the 46th year that Spring Arts in the Park has brought so many talented artists to Blue Ridge for such a great event!
No matter your spring break plans we’re happy to provide you with the perfect cabin to call home for a few days. Our cabins are not only comfortable and accommodating, but there’s fun for everyone with game rooms, hot tubs, fire pits, and more. Let us be your home base for all your spring adventures!
2021 is over? Already? Although the year went by quickly, we hope it was filled with as much fun, love, and joy for you as it was for us. With the world slowly going back to normal we’ve been happy to have visitors escaping to Blue Ridge once again. While 2021 was a great year, we want to make 2022 even better! Check out our 2022 Blue Ridge Bucket List and see how many of these places & activities you can cross off your list in the New Year!
Smash into the New Year
Photo Courtesy of Tank Town USA
Smash into the New Year at Tank Town USA in Morganton, GA. If you have ever wanted to be an action movie hero now’s your chance! You’ll feel on top of the world as you drive a tank over cars crushing them flat, drive construction vehicles and fire off machine guns. Grab your friends and have a blast driving big vehicles and crushing everything in sight!
First Day Hike
Go for a “First Day Hike” on the first day of the New Year, on any of our wonderful hiking trails. We have over 300 miles of trails ready for you to explore. Some of our favorites include the Benton McKaye Trail, the Aska Adventure Area trails, and Jack’s River Trail. Won’t be in town for New Years? That’s okay, our trails are always there for you and great no matter the season.
Mercier Orchards is famous for their amazing fried pies of every flavor! Which one will you try? After eating your tasty treats explore the market and stock up on all the goodies. Then pick some of the “in season” fruit, to make your own pies with! And even take a farm tour of the whole orchard to admire all the sights.
Find a Fairy Cross
All over Fannin County, you can find what are called staurolite crystals or what are more commonly known as Fairy Crosses. Legend has it that as the Native Americans embarked on the Trail of Tears, they shed tears of sorrow that fell to the ground and formed tiny crosses of stone. See how many you can find out in nature! And if you have trouble finding them yourself, you can always pick up a few at Pezrok downtown.
Try Something New & Adventurous
It’s a New Year so it’s time to try something new and out of your comfort zone! Live a little! Soar to new heights at Blue Ridge Adventure Park where you can zip through treetops and climb up to 50 feet in the air. Or let someone else do the flying and take a ride with Blue Ridge Helicopter Tours. You’ll get stunning scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains below and see the town from a new and different perspective. Or even hop on the Georgia Mountain Coaster in Helen, the first-ever alpine coaster in Georgia! And we can’t forget about the Toccoa Swinging Bridge! Jump on the bridge and give your friends & family quite a scare. We promise it’s nice and sturdy though, and the perfect adventure spot! Seek all kinds of new thrills and have a blast doing it!
Shop & Eat Local
We may be biased but we love our local Blue Ridge shops and restaurants! With dozens of unique stores downtown we’ve got a little bit for everyone! Fashion boutiques, artisan good shops, home décor, pet toys, and so much more. And after you finish a busy day of shopping grab a bite to eat at any of our amazing local restaurants. Some of our favorites are Chesters, The Black Sheep, Rum Cake Lady, and Carroll’s Barbecue. Yum!
Bond with Nature
Photo Courtesy of @littlebitty87
Become one with nature as you ride horseback through the winding trails of the Chattahoochee National Forest. You and your beautiful steed will bond as you take on a trail ride with Appalachian Trail Rides or Cowgirl Up Stables. Both stables have options for beginners and more advanced riders. Also, get a chance to feel more connected with nature by checking out one of our many local waterfalls. Some of our favorites are Long Branch Falls, Fall Branch Falls, and Amicalola Falls. You’ll feel all your daily stresses roll off your back and finally feel at peace as you listen to the water rush over the rocks. Horseback riding and waterfall chasing; perfect mountain experiences.
Push Yourself
Photo Courtesy of Whitewater Express
Push yourself to new limits as you hike to some of the tallest peaks in Georgia. Some of our favorite mountain hikes are Brasstown Bald, Fort Mountain, and Springer Mountain. The hike up will be strenuous but once you reach the top the views are all worth it. And you’ll be proud of yourself for the hard work you put in to get there. Or you can take to the water instead and try your hand at Whitewater River Rafting. Head over to the Ocoee River and make your way through waves and rapids with a team of others. It’ll be quite a workout but a fun experience you won’t soon forget!
Ride a Train
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Many of our guests all time favorite things to do when they come to town is to ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway! Enjoy the scenery every season of the year as the train departs from Downtown Blue Ridge and travels through the countryside to the twin cities of Copperhill, TN and McCaysville, GA. The views from the train are beautiful year round but some one of our favorite times to go is in the fall when the leaves are changing. And you can’t forget about the Holiday Express every December where kids will get the chance to meet Santa on this festive ride!
Appreciate Local Artists
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Arts Association
Local artists are always performing and displaying their art in Blue Ridge! Catch a show at Blue Ridge Community Theater where there are always local thespians ready to perform! Admire local artists’ works on display at High Country Art Gallery or Blue Ridge Arts Association. And listen to live music from local artists almost every weekend at venues like Tooney’s, Misty Mountain Hops, Bear Claw Winery, Grumpy Old Men Brewing and so many more!
Discover Bigfoot
Photo Courtesy of Expedition Bigfoot
Did you know that Bigfoot wanders the forests of Blue Ridge? You can learn all about him at EXPEDITION: BIGFOOT! The Sasquatch Museum, located just east of the city. You’ll find and explore artifacts, life-sized exhibits, photos and maps of Bigfoot sightings, the Bigfoot research and Tech Vehicle, and so much more. This fun and unique museum is the perfect way to spend an afternoon!
Experience Festivals & Holidays Blue Ridge Style
Photo Courtesy of Georgia Apple Festival
There are always special and exciting events going on in and around Blue Ridge! Whether it’s for the holidays or one of our usual annual events they are always a blast! You’ll want to experience these great events at least once in your life! Some of our favorite events include:
Fire & Ice Chili Cookoff & Craft Beer Festival: February 19th, 2022
Spring Arts in the Park: May 28th-29th, 2022
Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival: June 25th-June 26th, 2022
Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks: July 4th, 2022
Georgia Wine Highway: August 1st-31st, 2022
Georgia Mountain Fair: August 19th-27th, 2022
Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival: Mid September
Fall Arts in the Park: October 8th & 9th, 2022
Georgia Apple Festival: October 8th-16th, 2022
Light Up Blue Ridge: Last weekend in November
Mountain Country Christmas in Lights: November 24th- December 23rd, 2022
No matter the season we are always ready to provide you with a home base for all your Blue Ridge adventures! Come up in the winter to experience the snow, in the spring where you’ll see nature come alive, in the summer on the waters of Lake Blue Ridge, or in the fall to watch the leaves change colors. We are happy to be your home away from home and thank you for your continued support over the years. We look forward to serving you with your very best mountain vacation in the New Year. Now let’s make 2022 the best year yet!
The temperature has dropped, the colors are popping, and fun events are happening all over the North Georgia Mountains. Book a cabin and explore Blue Ridge by day and cozy up by the fire in the evening. Go on an adventure or kick back and relax. Your perfect mountain vacation starts with an Escape to Blue Ridge!
Partake in a fun run every Thursday night at 6pm. You’ll leave from the Burra Burra, and the 3.1 mile run will take you by the Toccoa river and through town. You’ll get to run through 2 states and cross the famous steel bridge! After the run stay for drinks at the Burra Burra overlooking the Toccoa River. Don’t walk, RUN to this great event!
Visit the winery at the beautiful Paradise Hills hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tasting room offers Paradise Hills wine, a selection of craft beers, hard cider, and wine slushies as well as cheese and charcuterie boards, tapas, and shared platters. You can enjoy your drinks and snacks as you listen to local artists perform select Fridays from 4pm – 8pm and select Saturdays from 1pm – 5pm. Check their Facebook page for an updated list of musicians.
Misty Mountain Hops is a music-centric restaurant and pub so it’s only fitting that they bring in live music. Stop on by select Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm for great food and great live music from local artists!
November 5th: The Orange Walls Duo November 6th: Match Box Radio
Travis Tritt November 5th Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
See Grammy award winning country artist Travis Tritt live in concert at the Anderson Music Hall on November 5th at 7pm. He’ll play some of his biggest hits including “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive” and “Best of Intentions.” And opening for Travis Tritt is his talented daughter Tyler Tritt! You won’t want to miss this awesome show!
Come on out to this great event at Fannin Brewing Company that benefits Project Chimps! Tickets for the event include a limited edition Project Chimps glass, one pour of “Apele” ale made from Mercier Orchards apples and a food ticket! There will be live music, games, and a chance to learn more about Project Chimps. Drop on by from 2pm – 8pm!
Head across the border to Ducktown, TN for a day full of fall fun! This family fun event runs from 10am – 6pm and will include a bounce house for the kids to enjoy, food & craft vendors, and so much more!
Drink some great beer at Buck Bald Brewings last outdoor event of the year! Join in the fun from 12pm – 8pm. All proceeds will go towards the Humane Society of Blue Ridge.
Sip on delicious wine surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains! Enjoy live music select Saturdays & Sundays from 1:30pm – 5:30pm. Listen to the music of local artists while enjoying your wine outside either on the Chimney Patio or the Tasting Barn’s covered porch. Live music, good wine, and beautiful mountain scenery; it doesn’t get much better than that!
November 6th: Travis Bowlin November 7th: Jorge Valenzuela
Fall Festival November 6th Location: 7M Family Farms
Photo Courtesy of 7m Family Farms
7M Family Farms in Blairsville has their annual fall festival from 9am – 4pm! There will be music, crafters, CBD, locally grown produce, food from 7M Family Farms, a Kid’s Corner and so much more!
Get all your Christmas shopping done early this year at Carroll’s Barbeque Christmas One Stop Shop! Local artists and vendors will be selling their wares, so you’re sure to find something great for everyone on your list! Drop by Monday or Tuesday from 5pm – 8pm.
Stop by Grumpy Old Men Brewery select Fridays from 3pm – 6pm for great drinks, great music, and a great time. With indoor and outdoor seating available you can even bring your dog to join in the fun! Enjoy a delicious hotdog from Jeff’s Hotdog’s while you listen to some fantastic local artists!
November 12th: Lindsay Beth Harper November 14th: Sean Bulow November 26th: Dave Dale
Where else can you find regional wines from all over the world, tapas and other delicious international platters, and live music!? At Bin 322 Wine & Tapas Bar! Drop by select Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm to enjoy live music from local artists and choose from their great wine selection. And on Monday nights from 6pm – 8pm join in on SINGO, music style bingo! There’s always fun to be had at Bin 322!
November 12th: Robbie Litt November 13th: Loose Shoes Duo November 19th: 2nd Helping November 20th: Mountain Gypsy Music
Visit art galleries and chat with local artists in the Northeast Georgia area all weekend long! Follow the Art Tour signs in Union, Towns, Rabun, White, & Habersham counties in GA + Clay Co., NC to find where to go and pickup a map from your local Chamber of Commerce. You’ll see artists demonstrating their pottery making skills, painting, creating jewelry and so much more!
Come on out for live music at Tooney’s HUGE music venue select Saturday nights and enjoy the best live music McCaysville has to offer! Check their website often for live music updates. And every Thursday night get ready to take to the stage with open mic night!
November 13th: Smokey Jones and The 3 Dollar Pistols November 27th: Topper
Photo Courtesy of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Calling all veterans! This event is for you! Join us for breakfast from 8am – 10am at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Then enjoy the Annual Veterans Parade when it kicks off at 11am. It starts on the corner of East Main and Church Street and concludes in the Veterans Memorial Park. The parade will have the Fannin County High School band, members of the military, antique and emergency vehicles, and representatives from several veterans organizations. And following the parade stay for a memorial service starting at 12pm.
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Community Theater
Come see Blue Ridge Community Theater’s comedic play ‘Four Old Broads at Christmas’! The play follows four old ladies who are ready for a new and fun vacation! With the help of a retired Elvis impersonator the ladies try to sneak away to the Sassy Seniors Caribbean Cruise! But will they get to go on the vacation of their dreams? Find out! Shows are Thursday – Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm; and runs from November 18th through December 12th.
Pick up Christmas gifts and goodies from local arts and crafts vendors at the Mistletoe Market! And enjoy some coffee or a sweet treat from The Ridges Resort Café. Join in the fun Saturday from 9am – 4pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm.
Head over to Blairsville for the day and enjoy more than 40+ local and regional artisans selling their wares. From soaps, quilts, furniture, décor, toys, and more, you can find something for everyone! The event runs from 9am – 5pm.
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
The 7th Annual WhoDunIt art event is a great opportunity to get your hands on amazing art from local artists at a great price! It’s your job to find out who the artist is who created your piece! There will be food, fun, and of course stunning works of art! Tickets ensure you go home with a beautiful piece of art!
Holiday Show & Sale November 23rd – 30th Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association will have a variety of art and handcrafted items for sale, all created from their member artists. Find everything you need for the holiday season Tuesday – Sunday, November 23rd – December 18th!
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
See the Christmas lights reflecting off the waters of Lake Chatuge at the Georgia Mountain Fairground’s Mountain Country Christmas Lights! There will be Christmas music, arts and craft vendors, holiday food, hot chocolate, Cowtown exhibit, pictures with Santa, and beautiful lights around the grounds. The event runs every Thursday and Friday 6pm – 9pm and Saturdays 4pm – 9pm from November 25th – December 23rd.
Holiday Express November 26th – 30th Location: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
The holidays are here! And Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has a special, 1 hour train ride on The Holiday Express! On the ride you’ll listen to holiday music, listen to the story of The Night Before Christmas, drink hot chocolate, and munch on delicious goodies. Kids will even get a candy cane, jingle bell, and activity packet as well!
Photo Courtesy of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
On Friday Downtown Blue Ridge will have a special Blue Friday event where there will be store discounts, food vendors, strolling entertainment, and Christmas cheer! The Gingerbread Village will also open that afternoon as well at The Arts Center. Then on Saturday the real fun begins! Santa will be in town ready to take photos with kids in the gazebo from 12pm – 5pm. And downtown will be filled with food vendors, strolling Christmas entertainment, and even more Christmas cheer! Then at 5:30pm the Christmas Parade starts at the corner of East Main street and Church street. It’s going to be a wonderful weekend of holiday fun!
Drop by the Historic L&N Depot for a fundraiser to benefit the Tri-State Model Railroaders and the Historic Mineral Bluff Depot! You’ll embark on a 5-mile round-trip ride by Railroad Motor Car. When you’re done you can even take a ride on a genuine Railroad Hand Car. And there’s plenty of fun activities for children of all ages to enjoy as well! Be sure to check out the inside of the Depot before you leave to learn all about L&N railroads. Donations are welcome!
McCaysville has their own light up celebration on Friday, November 26th. There will be shopping, dining, pictures with Santa, and holiday cheer all along the river. The fun starts at 4pm and the tree lighting is at 7pm!
Photo Courtesy of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Come on out for the 14th Annual Blue Ridge Tuba Christmas! Stay to watch the show or join in the fun and register to participate. Tuba & Euphonium players of all ages and abilities are welcome! The performance will begin at 11:45am!
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Classic rock groups Foghat and Night Ranger will be performing at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on November 27th at 7pm! See them rock out to their most popular songs all night long!
Fall is by far one of our favorite times in Blue Ridge. The weather is crisp and comfortable, the leaves are bright and colorful, it’s sweater weather and pumpkin spice time! We encourage you to take some time to soak in the fall beauty of Blue Ridge. Enjoy taking a scenic drive through the mountains, go apple picking, explore a waterfall, or simply relax in your luxurious mountain cabin sitting by the fire and enjoying the views! Find the perfect cabin for all your fall adventures and Escape to Blue Ridge this season!
A Bushel or A Peck of Apples
Photo Courtesy of Mercier Orchards
Nothing says fall like a trip to the apple orchard! Take a trip to Mercier Orchards where you can pick out your own apples and sweet goodies from the market & bakery. Their fried apple pies and apple cider donuts are a MUST! And be sure to sample their selection of wines and ciders while you’re there as well.
Want to pick your own apples straight from the tree? Pay a visit to Deep Roots Orchard where you can pick your own delicious apples. Then take the kiddos on a wagon ride through the orchard and even a barn tour! Our wonderful, local orchards always have something going on in the fall!
Hit The Road
Photo Courtesy of @hiketheridge
When the leaves reach their peak color in late October it’s the absolute perfect time to go on a scenic drive around the Blue Ridge mountains.
Grab the whole gang and drive around the surrounding mountains and forests to take in the views. Some of our favorite routes include The Russel-Brasstown Scenic Drive and Highway 60 through Suches. Check out our fall driving guide for more routes & pitstops: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/5-scenic-fall-drives/
Want to lay back and relax while someone else drives? Take a ride on The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway! You’ll pass by the rushing waters of The Toccoa River and the North Georgia Countryside. You can admire all the fall foliage from the comfort of the train as the trees zoom by!
Or you can feel one with nature and view the beautiful leaves on horseback. The weather is perfect for a trail ride past the mountains and forests of North Georgia. We rounded up a list of our favorite equestrian barns: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/horseback-riding-in-blue-ridge/
Take a Hike
Fall is also a great time to put on your boots and hit the trails! The weather is perfect, not too hot and not too cold; just the right temperature and very few bugs! You’ll love exploring the forests of Blue Ridge as you watch the wind rustle the colorful leaves in the trees surrounding you. Hike to a waterfall like Long Creek Falls or Helton Creek Falls, or up a mountain like Springer Mountain or Brasstown Bald, or even cross the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi. The journey is yours to decide! Our hiking guide: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/seven-blue-ridge-hikes/
Go to a Coffee Shop
Photo Courtesy of Das Kaffee
Stay warm and cozy this fall and visit a coffee shop! Pay a visit to Das Kaffee Haus in Downtown Blue Ridge for a delicious cup of your favorite coffee or a European classic. And don’t forget to pick up a dessert as well; choose from cakes, truffles, and more!
Visiting the twin cities of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN? Then check out Yellow Bird Coffee Shop! Sip espresso by the Ocoee River or if you’re in a hurry go through the drive-thru and take your coffee to-go! We know fall and coffee shops go hand in hand; so don’t forget to get yourself one of those pumpkin spice lattes! 😉
There’s nothing quite like a bonfire on a cool fall evening. Roast s’mores by the fire, swap ghost stories, and gaze up at the stars in the clear night sky. You’ll feel relaxed and cozy in no time curled up by the fire with your favorites!
Fall Festival courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Fall in the mountains is filled with many great festivals and events in and around the Blue Ridge area!
Take a quick drive to Cherry Log, GA for their fall festival, the first 2 weekends of October! There will be arts and crafts, homemade goodies and treats, bluegrass, country, and gospel music and of course lots of fall fun in Downtown Cherry Log!
In Hiawassee, GA you can join in the fun at their week-long Georgia Mountain Fall Festival! There will craft vendors, delicious food, musical performances, educational demonstrations, and so much more! You won’t want to miss out on the fun, daily October 8th-16th!
You can’t have fall without apples so head over to Ellijay, GA for The Georgia Apple Festival! With over 300+ 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 9th-17th to have an “apple”achian good time!
The 52nd Annual Sorghum Festival is one of the longest-running festivals in North Georgia. The event kicks off with a parade and then there will be crafters, cloggers, bluegrass music and more! Visit Meeks Park in Blairsville, GA Saturdays & Sundays October 9th-17th to take part!
Calling all art lovers! The popular Arts in the Park event is back this fall! 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 the park! The event takes place October 9th-10th in Downtown Blue Ridge and Veterans Memorial Park.
Celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold at Gold Rush Days Festival, October 16th-17th 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.
Pay a visit to Talking Rock, GA for the 2021 Heritage Day Festival. Arts & crafts, antiques, live music, great food, and interesting demonstrations await you October 16th-17th.
And craft brew lovers will flock to Hiawassee, GA for the Appalachian Brew, Stew, and Que Festival at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. If the name didn’t give it away, there’ll be 60+ breweries, delicious food, and awesome Appalachian Music all happening on October 23rd!
We’ve many a haunted spot around just in time for Halloween!
Check out the Haunted Copper Plant Rides on the grounds of the old historic Tennessee Copper Company October 16th-31st for a perfectly scary time! Go beyond the gates of historic copper mining company and go for a 45-minute ride with 6 scare scenes!
Join the master of Horror himself as Edgar Allen Poe guides you through a frightful evening of his most terrifying and popular works. Love & Death by Poe will be on stage October 28 – 31. Don’t miss this frightful night of terror at the Blue Ridge Community Theater!
And visit Deep Roots Orchards, October 30th for a night of horror movies! The double-feature will be Blair Witch Project and Halloween. Grab your popcorn!
Trick or Treat
Photo Courtesy of Lindsay Rhoads
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without a bag full of candy and a great costume! Head to Downtown Blue Ridge or the twin cities of McCaysville and Copperhill on October 30th for an evening of trick or treating! The kids will love dressing up and trick or treating from shop to shop. There will also be the Big Foot Boogie 5k, pumpkin carving, costume contests, food, and entertainment!
Looking for something a little more non-traditional for your tricks and treats this year? Dress up and head to Project Chimps October 30th-31st for “Chimp or Treat”. Not only will kids get a goodie bag full of treats but they’ll also get a close-up look of the chimpanzees in their habitat!
Spend your Thanksgiving in the mountains with the friends and family who mean the most to you! Select a fabulous cabin, cook up a delicious meal in our fully-stocked kitchens, take in the mountain views, and gather around the table for a great meal made with lots of love!
Take full advantage of the beautiful weather and great events happening this fall in Blue Ridge! There’s nothing quite like fall in the mountains!
The summer season has arrived! Here in Blue Ridge and the surrounding areas we have plenty of events happening to help make this summer the best one yet! If you’re escaping with us this June just know you’ll have plenty to keep you busy!
Picnic beneath the apple trees all through spring and summer at Deep Roots Orchard! Bring your closest friends and family to relax under the trees. Deep Root’s will provide you with everything you need; the picnic basket, blanket, and food. All you need to bring is your wonderful self! Be sure to check out Deep Roots’ other group experiences like the “Special Occasion Picnic” and “Food, Folic, and Flow”. Prices start at $27 per person; call 706-492-7753 to book your picnic today!
Every Thursday night at 6pm, May – September visit Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville, GA for live music and picnicking by the Toccoa River. Picnic tables are available but feel free to bring a picnic blanket and lawn chair as well. Admission is free so bring the whole family to enjoy!
Partake in a fun run every Thursday night at 6pm from now till July 29th. You’ll leave from the Burra Burra, and the 3.1 mile run will take you by the Toccoa river and through town. You’ll get to run through 2 states and cross the famous steel bridge! After the run stay for drinks at the Burra Burra overlooking the Toccoa River. Don’t walk, RUN to this great event!
Guitars & Grapes June 4th – June 25th Location: Paradise Hills Farm Winery
Photo Courtesy of Paradise Hills
Visit the winery at the beautiful Paradise Hills hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tasting room offers Paradise Hills wine, a selection of craft beers, hard cider, and wine slushies as well as cheese and charcuterie boards, tapas, and shared platters. You can enjoy your drinks and snacks on the patio as you listen to local artists perform every Friday night from 4pm – 8pm.
For award winning wine, live music, and food truck Bear Claw Vineyards is the place for you! Join them every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for live music and food trucks. Kids and dogs are welcome too! The live music schedule for each weekend is shared on their website each Thursday so be sure to check back!
June 4th: Hunter Flanagan: 3pm – 7pm June 5th: Travis Bowlin: 1pm – 8pm June 6th: Gabe Meyers: 1pm – 5pm June 11th: Lindsay Beth Harper: 3pm – 7pm June 12th: The Shetlands: 1pm – 8pm June 13th: Hunter Flanagan: 1pm – 5pm
Photo Courtesy of Hiawassee Downtown Development Authority
Bring the family to Hiawassee, GA for the night for an open-air night artisan market. The market goes from 5pm – 10pm and will be filled with live music, food trucks, fresh produce, games, and art. This monthly market is great for some outdoor family fun!
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Look around and stock up on beautiful, hand-made arts and crafts from local artisans! You’ll find pottery, candles, soaps, paintings, jewelry, signs, knitting, and so much more! You’ll come home with bags full of hand-made treasures. The event runs all weekend from 10am – 5pm daily, and tickets are $5 a person and children under 12 are free!
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Enjoy classic rock groups Atlanta Rhythm Section and Orleans live in concert at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds! Hear their most famous hits and other favorites in person! The concert goes from 7pm – 10pm and is sure to be a great time. Get tickets online or call the office at 706-896-4191!
Enjoy this wonderful market every Saturday from 8am – 12pm now till November (weather permitting) right in the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge! There will be all kinds of vendors offering food, artisan goods, arts & crafts, furniture, and more!
Farmer’s Market June 5th – June 26th Location: Deep Roots Orchard
Photos Courtesy of Deep Roots Orchard
Stop on by and enjoy a selection of Appalachian grown or made fresh vegetables and goods! Every Saturday from 8:30am – 1pm now until September 25th!
Sip on delicious wine surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains! Enjoy live music Saturdays & Sundays from 1:30pm – 5:30pm. Listen to the music of local artists while enjoying your wine outside either on the Chimney Patio or the Tasting Barn’s covered porch. Live music, good wine, and beautiful mountain scenery; it doesn’t get much better than that!
June 5th: Rusted Melody June 6th: Sarah Forde June 12th: Johnny Summers June 13th: Second Helping Duo June 19th: Gregg Erwin June 20th: Gabe Myers June 26th: Timothy O’Donovan + Autism & Art Pop Up event – 1pm to 6pm June 27th: Ryan LittleEagle
See live music every Saturday at Reece Heritage Farms from 1pm – 3pm! The artists will perform on the deck next to Wolf Creek. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy great local music!
June 5th: Jim Wood June 12th: Jayna Jennings June 19th: Wyatt Espalin June 26th: Gregg Erwin
On Sundays from 11am – 3pm enjoy live music and a delicious brunch at The Black Sheep in Downtown Blue Ridge. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere that is dog friendly and take advantage of the brunch drink specials!
Tails and Tales June 7th – June 30th Location: Towns County Public Library & Mountain Regional Library
Photo Courtesy of Towns County Library
The local libraries “Tails and Tales” Summer Reading Program is going all out with the animal theme! There will be a petting zoo, Tall Tales of Georgia, Project Chimps, and many opportunities for students to engage with summer reading. Each event will also have hand-outs or take-and-makes as well. Students can also play games and attend events to be entered in a weekly prize drawing! Prizes might include, books, waterbottles, puzzles, toys, t-shirts, cups, bookbags, Splash Island passes, movie tickets, and so much more! “Tails and Tales” takes place daily June 7th through July 30th! For more information contact (706) 896-4966 or toll free 1 (800) 984-1543.
Check out live demonstrations from artists all weekend from all over North Georgia! Just follow the Art Tour signs in Union Towns, Rabun, White, and Habersham counties in GA + Clay Co., NC. The event runs from 10am – 5pm each day. You’ll see artists creating beautiful paints, pottery, folk art, jewelry, glass, photography, handcrafted furniture, and so much more. Maps are available at local Chambers or you can get them from www.ArtsTour.org
Hiawassee, GA’s Artworks Artisan Center is finally reopening at its new location at 243 Big Sky Drive. This weeklong celebration will run daily from 10am – 5pm. There will be a Make-and-Take demonstration, refreshments, and various guild members demonstrating their work. And on June 15th at 4:30pm there will be a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! Come on down to support the grand reopening of this special business!
Head on over to to Tooney’s Music & Bar in McCaysville, GA right by the Ocoee River for a night of fun! Select Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm – 11pm you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer and listen to some of the best live music that McCaysville has to offer! Want to do some of your own singing? Every Thursday night is open mic night from 6pm – 10pm; so, grab the mic and show off those singing chops! Enjoy a night filled with good drinks and music at Tooney’s Music & Bar!
June 11th: Shannon York with River Dixon June 12th: ShuffleJunkies
Where else can you find regional wines from all over the world, tapas and other delicious international platters, and live music!? At Bin 322 Wine & Tapas Bar! Drop by Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm to enjoy live music from local artists and choose from their great wine selection.
June 11th: Topper Acoustic June 12th: Zack Alexander June 18th: Jess Goggins June 19th: Heidi Pollyea and Johanna Millin June 25th: Jazz Jones Legacy June 26th: George St. John
Photo Courtesy of Lake Blue Ridge Marina Boat Dock Bar & Grill
Relax on the shores of Lake Blue Ridge from the Boat Dock Bar & Grill at Lake Blue Ridge Marina. There you’ll have a beautiful view of the lake, delicious entrees and cocktails, and live music on the weekends! Live music is 6pm – 9pm Fridays and Saturday and 1pm to 4pm Sundays. You’ll feel relaxed and renewed in no time!
June 11th: Danny Rhea June 12th: Travis Bowlin June 13th: David Welch June 18th: Gerry Herndon June 19th: Shannon York June 20th: Buck & Oz June 25th: Danny Rhea June 26th: Travis Bowlin June 27th: Gerry Herndon
Misty Mountain Hops is a music-centric restaurant and pub so it’s only fitting that they bring in live music. Stop on by Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm now till July 10th for great food and great live music from local artists!
June 11th: Hush Money Band June 12th: Dave Flowers June 18th: High Beams Band June 19th: Catfish Hill Roberts June 25th: Travis Bowlin June 26th: Canon Tyler
Bring your family, friends and pets to Hiawassee Square Saturday at 7pm for live music from Gnarly Fingers! There will be chips, hot dogs, and sodas available to purchase as well. Relax for the evening and listen to some great local music!
Visit the winery at the beautiful Paradise Hills hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tasting room offers Paradise Hills wine, a selection of craft beers, hard cider, and wine slushies as well as cheese and charcuterie boards, tapas, and shared platters. You can enjoy your drinks and snacks as you listen to local artists perform every Saturday from 1pm – 5pm.
June 12th: Dr. Paul June 19th: Trailer Hippies June 26th: Curtis Jones
Throughout summer be sure to visit the Riverwalk Shops in McCaysville on the second Saturday of each month. The shops will be open late that night! There will be fun shopping, great dining, free gifts, and special offers. For a fun late night shopping experience this event is for you!
Summer Youth Arts Camp June 15th – June 30th Location: The Art Center (Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association)
Photo Courtesy of The Art Center
Looking for something to keep your kids busy and entertained this summer? Sign them up for the Summer Youth Arts Camp! The Art Center offers three weeks of full day camp with wonderful art classes like clay, painting, and much more! Choose to sign your child up for one week or all three! Your creative and artistic child will come home with new skills and techniques and an even greater love for art in no time!
The Christian Motorcycle Association is a motorcyclist friendly fellowship who love their bikes and Jesus Christ. Their Eastern National Rally takes place from Wednesday, June 16th – Sunday, June 20th. CMA rides for Christ!
Stop by Grumpy Old Men Brewery Fridays from 3pm – 6pm and Saturdays 4pm – 7pm for great drinks, great music, and a great time. With indoor and outdoor seating available you can even bring your dog to join in the fun! Enjoy a delicious hotdog from Jeff’s Hotdog’s while you listen to some fantastic local artists!
June 18th: Dave Dale June 19th: Highbeams Music June 25th: Gerry Herndon June 26th: Hayden Miles Band
For a delicious Father’s Day Brunch head over to Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa. Brunch is served from 11:30pm – 3pm. Reservations are required, you can make your reservation by calling 706-379-4617.
Watch a free movie under the stars at Deep Roots Orchard. The movie is “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and starts at 8:30pm. Bring blankets and pillows and get comfy as you enjoy your movie. And if you’re in the need for movie snacks concessions will be sold as well!
Photo Courtesy of the Greater Atlanta British Motorcycle Association
Come on out to Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds for the annual summer British in the Blue Ridge Rally! This is THE premier British motorcycle rally in the southeastern United States and has been held every year since 1985. The event will have a motorcycle show, vendors, field events, mountain motorcycle rides, and camping! All makes and models are welcome to join and campsites are available as well!
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Pickin’ For Patton is a star-studded Bluegrass Festival! This all day event goes from 11am – 10pm. Many famous Bluegrass stars will be attendance including Patton Wages! There will be great music, great food, and a great time! Even bring your own instruments if you want to for some awesome outside jamming! Get tickets online or call the office at 706-896-4191!
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Wine & Jazz Festival
Make your way over to the beautiful INOLA Blue Ridge for Blue Ridge’s annual Wine and Jazz Festival! There will be great music, delicious wines, beautiful art, tasty food! The food is prepared locally and the jazz performers are some of the top in the region. Some of the great performers will be Fred Johnson, Rhythm Jets, Roman Street, and Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk. Come on out and enjoy this wonderful event! The festival is on rain or shine!
Made in Georgia Festival June 26th– June 27th Location: Towns County Recreation & Conference Center
Photo Courtesy of Lake Chatuge Chamber
If you’re ready to shop for thousands of items made right here in Georgia then check out the Made in Georgia Festival! You’ll be able to shop at over 100 vendors who offer a wide variety of products made, grown, brewed, harvested, stitched, crafted, or inspired by Georgia. Take home fashion accessories, home décor, health and beauty products, and so much more! Even enjoy gourmet food and treats from some of Georgia’s top chefs! The event runs Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 4pm. Entry is $7; children 14 and under are free!
You never need a specific occasion to Escape to Blue Ridge, but it’s fun to plan trips around fun mountain festivals and events. With that in mind, we are here to help, with some suggestions for Blue Ridge area festivals and special events that are not to be missed this year!
The yin and yang of fire and ice is pretty compelling. Opposites attract, so they say, so this combining of hot and cold is just the thing to attract a crowd. And this festival certainly does that. Thousands are drawn to downtown Blue Ridge, regardless of the weather, to watch ice carving demonstrations and to sample chili concoctions. Some chili is hot, some is cooler, but all have tang and flavor to please a wide range of samplers. It’s a great time of year for this event, usually cool enough to bundle up, but not so cold as to be uncomfortable, but if you are cold, just find a cup of chili with some heat!
This 9th Annual music event, with a Mardi Gras Celebration, is for a good cause benefiting “Snack in a Backpack”. The event features music group the Crossroads Band, Cajun food, masks, dancing, auction, and door prizes. Tickets are $60 per person or $90 per couple for main dining and include appetizers, dinner, dessert and non-alcoholic drinks. Cash bar will be available.
Fast becoming an annual highlight in downtown Blue Ridge, you can walk in the 7th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade or just watch it anywhere along East or West Main St. Bring a float, be creative, dress festive and of course, the more green, the better!
The Georgia Knifemakers Guild presents a day of blade-related activities include bladesmithing, hawk forging, leather crafting and forge building. Watch, meet and talk with several talented bladesmiths. See what it takes to transform old discarded steel scrap metal into functional works of art. Fine craftsmen from several states attend, some collectors bring their collections to display, knifemaking supply vendors participate and others come just like to look and talk knives. This is a family oriented event open to all with no admission fees, so come join in the fun!
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival
The Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival showcases the art of Southern storytelling with an emphasis on Appalachian stories, both traditional and contemporary. The Festival’s events include two days of outstanding storytelling performances. Workshops will be available for students and visitors to learn storytelling, speaking, and performance skills.
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
The irony of writing is that writers can only write on their own since collaborative writing is uncommon, but they love to socialize and share the fruit of their labor, so a reason to get together is always welcome! Writers conferences and literary events like this one allow writers to showcase their work and rub elbows with other writers, and readers, who appreciate the skill it takes to produce words on a page. Readings, book signings, seminars, and receptions are all a part of this annual event that celebrates words both written and spoken.
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountains Parade of Homes
Gain inspiration for your dream home! Meet builders and tour homes that range from 1,600-square feet to 9,000-square feet. Purchase your ticket and take a self-guided tour through twenty stunning properties.
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Trout Fest & Outdoor Adventures
Trout in Georgia come in various sizes, colors and genres (native, brown, rainbow, etc). They are stocked, caught, and eaten in large numbers. And while there are several trout festivals around the state designed to help anglers learn about and appreciate one of America’s favorite fish, there is only one Official Trout Festival – and this is it. The festival includes great exhibits by outdoor organizations and businesses, education on trout fishing, entertainment, food trucks and more in downtown Blue Ridge’s City Park.
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival
Ellijay is apple country so no wonder an apple festival is a huge springtime attraction! Artists, crafters, music, entertainment, and children’s activities will all be there to kick off the spring season! Pet friendly and FREE admission!
An Eggfest is a gathering of Big Green Egg fans and experienced cooks from all across the country and Canada. The cooks will be showcasing their skills and talents and will be preparing their specialty recipes all day long!
Spring Arts in the Park Memorial Day Weekend Saturday & Sunday, May 23rd & 24th 10am-5pm All Over Blue Ridge
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
Arts in the Park is a spring kickoff to the festival season in Blue Ridge and it’s a time when artists of all types fill the expansive Blue Ridge Downtown City Park with activities, performances and even some dancing. More than 200 juried arts, crafts and food booths are featured. This event is often recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society. The Festival is held rain or shine. Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.
Blairsville’s Downtown comes alive Memorial Day Weekend with talented artists, musicians, and food. The weekend begins with a concert at the Old Courthouse Friday evening, a Memorial Day parade at 10am on Saturday, an outdoor concert on the Square Saturday evening and of course the festival! FREE and family-friendly!
Photo Courtesy of the Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games
There’s nothing quite like the sound of bagpipes on a lovely summer day – and you’ll hear and see that and more at the Blairsville Scottish Festival. Enjoy pipe and drum bands, a parade of tartans, border collie demonstrations, amateur athletics, children’s games, and more as Blairsville celebrates its Scottish heritage!
Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival
What is it about wine and jazz? You almost can’t have one without the other. Well, you can, of course. But why would you want to? Blue Ridge has made it easy to enjoy both at a festival that’s as naturally occurring as jazz and wine can be. All you have to do is show up and there’s jazz, and there’s wine, both peacefully, and perfectly coexisting in an idyllic setting in Blue Ridge.
JULY
Old Fashioned Fourth July 4th Weekend Downtown Blue Ridge, McCaysville-Copperhill
Photo Courtesy of Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
It’s the ideal 4th of July weekend package: Independence Day in a small patriotic town and several other small, and equally patriotic towns, and a beautiful lake to provide the perfect backdrop for fireworks. Blue Ridge’s Independence Day parade shows creativity and a good sense of humor. The Fabulous Fireworks will be shot off near the Lake Blue Ridge Dam and can be viewed from there as well as Morganton Point Recreation Area, Tammen Park and Lake Blue Ridge Marina. The marina will have live music and barbecue throughout the day. And if it’s an old-fashioned 4th that appeals to you, the small town Independence Day celebration in McCaysville is just the thing, featuring an impressive fireworks display from Tater Hill in downtown McCaysville-Copperhill.
This festival is one of the finest juried arts & crafts shows in the southeast and features work from over 65 artists and craftsmen. Located along the banks of Butternut Creek in Meeks Park, you’ll find something for everyone at this great festival!
Get ready for corn dogs and funnel cakes, but that’s not all. The Georgia Mountain Fair is a North Georgia icon, complete with living exhibits, arts and crafts, a pioneer village; a parade with antique cars, carnival rides and music that ranges from country to gospel including Pam Tillis, Lee Greenwood, and more!
Celebrating the history, heritage and mountain culture of Union County, this event is a Labor Day tradition, complete with regional arts and crafts, music, arts demonstrations. Since the event is centered around the restored 1861 Payne family log home, it makes sense that focus is on the activities that took place back in those days like basket making, chair caning, tending to farm animals and even gold panning.
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
Be on the lookout for artists painting everything everywhere in Fannin County during this four-day international event. You may see artists in parks, in farm fields, even alongside the road – wherever the spirit has moved them to sit, or stand, and capture the beauty and uniqueness of this region on canvas. This is a judged show with various events surrounding it, including opportunities to meet the artists and purchase their work.
Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival
The Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival starts with a Blues Crawl on Friday night, followed by great blues and barbecue on Saturday, which means you get to kind of a meander through eight different restaurants, enjoying live music, food and drink, before jumping full on into the Blues Weekend on Saturday. The blues and barbecue portion of the festivities features barbecue smells and great eats from local and regional cookers. That means aromas and music will be filling the air downtown, with blues musicians performing from stages set all around Blue Ridge City Park.
These are not marbles. Those small, round things that young boys and girls used to “shoot”, kneeling on the floor, or trading them. Remember “purees”, “cat eyes” and “steelys”? No, this festival is a celebration of indigenous rocks, quarries, and local art. Tate marble is historic and world famous and marble quarry tours will be given during the festival.
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
You’ve got to love a fair that spans weekdays, welcoming visitors for nine straight days! That gives you a chance to enjoy this annual event during large crowd days and during quiet times. You can even plan a fair food lunch. As usual, this year’s fair will feature arts and crafts vendors, educational demonstrations, a flower show, and exciting musical performances.
A true sign of autumn, the fall version of Blue Ridge’s popular Arts in the Park, set amidst the lovely, tree-filled downtown park, with fresh food smells all around, local art, special events and musical performances.
Sorghum Festival October 10th-11th & 17th-18th 10am-5pm Meeks Park, Blairsville
Photo Courtesy of Blairsville Sorghum Festival
Sorghum is one of those mystery words. Pork product? Dental affliction? Nope. It’s actually a cereal grain that grows tall, like corn, but boiled down it produces a sugary-like syrup. You’d be able to deduce that from one item on a list of events that’s part of this annual festival: a biscuit eating contest, with sorghum on top. You may know sorghum better by its full name – sorghum molasses. Whether the taste speaks to you or not, this festival also features live music, arts, crafts, and more fun contests like rock throwing and log sawing!
Georgia Apple Festival October 10th-11th & 17th-18th 9am-6pm Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds
Photo Courtesy of Georgia Apple Festival
For 49 years, apples have brought folks together in Ellijay, East Ellijay and Gilmer County. These days, people come from all over for the apples, the parade, the antique car show, the arts and crafts, and almost everything you can imagine (or eat) made from apples!
Photo Courtesy of Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Black Friday, the all-out dash for discounts, just got softened a bit by Blue Ridge’s very appropriate “Blue Friday”, with special emphasis on fun, a parade, community caroling, Santa’s arrival, and the lighting of a 27-foot tall tree! Also be on the lookout for strolling characters, food vendors and entertainment in the park on Saturday, November 28th and every Saturday through December. Make your escape memorable and join us as Blue Ridge ushers in and celebrates the holiday season!
Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Visit the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds for a Winter Walk through thousands and thousands of lights and exhibits! Visit Poinsettia Place, Candy Cane Lane, Santa’s Workshop, Toyland, Frosty’s Trail and many more light exhibits. 🎄There will be live music, arts and craft vendors, food, and most important…SANTA!!! 🎅 $5 for adults, $4 Group sales and children under 12 are FREE!!!
