2022 Bucket List



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. 

Grab a Drink

Photo Courtesy of Cartecay Vineyards

Blue Ridge has so many great bars, breweries, and wineries so why not grab a drink or two? Downtown you can grab a cocktail at Whiskey & Water, The Dogwood, or Hook & Eye. Bar hop to Misty Mountain Hops, Blue Coyote, and Black Bear Bier Garten. Then play a round of pinball with a drink in your hand at Vertigo Pinball. And even relax lakeside with delicious food and great drinks at the Boat Dock Bar & Grill on Lake Blue Ridge. For local breweries we’d suggest Grumpy Old Men Brewing or Fannin Brewing Company. And for wine check out Bear Claw Vineyards or Serenberry Vineyards. Even Mercier Orchards has hard cider! 

Eat a Fried Pie

Photo Courtesy of Mercier Orchards

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

Escape to Blue Ridge

Eagles Landing cabin

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! 

7 Remarkable Blue Ridge Cabins



Your Blue Ridge Mountain escape deserves to be a unique and special experience that you won’t soon forget. We pride ourselves on offering the most remarkable and luxurious cabins and making them feel like a home away from home for you. Whether you are searching for a cabin with incredible mountain views, a riverside lodge, or a retreat with amenities to entertain the family, we’ll help you find your perfect Escape to Blue Ridge. Let’s take a look at 7 of our most remarkable cabins.

Themed Cabin

Have you been looking for a wonderful and cozy place to stay during your upcoming vacation? Then, let us introduce you to the beautiful Bearfoot Retreat cabin at Black Rock Ridge. You will surely love the cabin as it makes you feel like you are in a cozy treetop and has seasonal long-range views. This beautiful cabin was named Bearfoot Retreat, as there is bear-themed decor throughout. Enjoy peace and serenity at this private log wood cabin with all the comforts of home. From the ceiling fans in all rooms to the beautiful furnishings and cozy fireplace, it will be somewhere you’ll want to come back to year after year.

You won’t believe the excellent outdoor amenities! Enjoy swinging life away on the twin wooden rockers on the wrap-around porch or playing an intense game of cornhole. The kids will love their own outdoor dining area, and the adults will love the hot tub. Make some burgers on the gas grill and enjoy one another’s company. It’s the perfect spot. When it comes to entertainment, the cabin media room won’t disappoint you! With Smart TVs throughout, a great game room complete with a 412-cocktail arcade game table, and a billiards table, there’s something for everyone. Board games, card games, and puzzles galore await you, too. You’ll have the most comfortable and peaceful rest you’ve had in a while during your stay. The cabin bedrooms are complete with comfortable, lovely furnishings. From the king master suite (complete with an ensuite bathroom), to the loft area with twin bunk beds, everyone will feel at ease and welcome.

Amazing View

Why do so many people vacation in the mountains? For the views of course! High Five Lodge will provide you with the best mountain views and then some! Perched 2,300 ft. high on Watson Mountain, you’ll have a birds eye view of Blue Ridge. It’s stunning views were even featured in Southern Living October 2015 “Take to the Mountains – Best of the South” article.

High Five Lodge has a couple of great spots to take in the views. Admire the sights from the pavilion style deck curled up next to the wood-burning fireplace, or take it in from your bedroom’s own private deck, or even from the 6 seat hot tub with a glass of wine! The possibilities are as endless as the views. We know you’ll likely want to spend most of your time outside admiring the mountains but the cabin’s interior and amenities do not disappoint! 5 huge bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, a cozy downstairs game room and more! If you’re looking for a spacious cabin with amazing views for your next family getaway then High Five Lodge is the place to be!

Riverside

Find yourself in a wooded oasis, where you can relax by listening to the calming sounds of the flowing Toccoa River. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Row Harder.  Fish or kayak on the river or settle into a swing, rocker or hammock on the porch and instantly feel your daily stresses disappear. This beautiful cabin is truly a nature lover’s dream!

Row Harder is unique in that it has not only the main house but a guest house as well; so there’s plenty of space for the whole family to gather both indoors and out. Inside the main house you’ll find a fully stocked kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops, a beautiful living room with it’s wood-burning fireplace and large windows that overlook the river, and 5 bedrooms between the two houses.

The screened-in living room on the porch is likely where you’ll spend most of your time. It has a TV, comfortable seating, a wood burning fireplace and a spectacular view. Enjoy all this while Dad grills up burgers for everyone on either the charcoal or gas grill on the back deck. After dinner take advantage of the fenced in backyard and play a pick up game or let the dogs run free at this pet friendly cabin. And finish the night off by the rivers edge, roasting marshmallows and swapping stories at the firepit. You’ll leave feeling completely relaxed from your wonderful riverside escape. 

Lakeview

Want to be situated right on the water for those hot summer days? Eagles Landing is directly on Lake Blue Ridge and is your ultimate lakeside cabin! You’ll have spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You’ll find yourself spending most of your time in the water or on the 2-story dock that accommodates up to 16 people. Fish, swim, or relax as you listen to the water lap on the side of the dock. There are also 2 ramps for watercraft as well as accommodations for a motorboat, so you can have everything you need for a day on the water.

Inside you’ll love all the beautiful little details in the living room with a stone gas fireplace that stretches up 18 feet, or the hand-carved spiral staircase that spans four floors, and the unique loft down to the terrace level where you will find the fully equipped game room. Eagles Landing is truly a one-of-a-kind lakeside cabin that’s the perfect place for large groups of friends and family!

Best of Both Worlds

Bearway to Heaven has a little bit of everything. You’ll have an incredible view of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains but will also be able to see Lake Blue Ridge shimmering in the distance. It’s also close to all the outdoor activities in the Aska Adventure Area while not being far from the shops and restaurants of Downtown Blue Ridge. And it can accommodate up to 12 guests so there’s room for everyone!

This spacious mountain showplace offers everything you crave, with room for everyone you love. It’s tastefully decorated with comfortable furniture that invites you to kick back and relax and has a warm and cozy ambiance that makes you feel at home from the moment you enter. A cozy living room, a fully equipped game room, plenty of outdoor spaces, 5 bedrooms, a hot tub, and a fire pit!? What more could you ask for from this cabin that seems to have everything!

Log Cabin

https://youtu.be/Hw8usCwvK0E

If privacy, peace and quiet, and a spectacular view top your vacation wish list, you’ll find that and so much more at the North Georgia mountain cabin rental Bear Hug. It’s the kind of place that envelops you like a huge hug from a loved one, surrounding you in an atmosphere of fun, love and laughter.

Constructed of knotty pine floor to ceiling, the spacious tri-level lodge is warm, welcoming and inviting, just ten miles from downtown Blue Ridge but worlds away from civilization. So private you can see only two neighboring homes, Bear Hug overlooks the land-protected Chattahoochee National Forest to the west, ensuring you a breathtaking sunset view every evening. You can take the kids into the backyard to play while you break out the wine glasses for a relaxing happy hour. Bear Hug is ideal for families, with one bedroom outfitted with two custom log bunk beds and kids’ amenities like a strap-on highchair seat, Pack N’ Play, monitor, and a child safety lock on the basement door. The cabin is pet-friendly too, so you can bring your small dog.

All Around Fabulous

Nestled in the Rich Mountain Wilderness at over 2,000 ft. elevation, Top of the Ridge Chalet combines elegant, modern-rustic comfort with jaw-dropping mountain views. Truly a one-of-a-kind property, you will be in awe of the spectacular, unobstructed views once you reach it (yes, it’s a little bit of a drive up the mountain but well worth it!). Just take a moment to take in the spectacular view and the 1,300 sf. of outdoor decks. Explore the hot tub and outdoor shower area, envision making smores at the outdoor fireplace, and start enjoying the soothing sounds of the man-made waterfall.

When you step inside, you’ll see this is not your ordinary cabin! While it’s a true-log cabin, Top of the Ridge Chalet was professionally redesigned, renovated, and redecorated to provide understated luxury within today’s modern-rustic style, with all of the comforts of home. The many decorator touches include crystal chandeliers, a custom wood-burning fireplace, and panoramic windows that frame the breathtaking views!