Escape to Blue Ridge on a Budget



Getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and come escape to the peace & quiet of the mountains! At Escape to Blue Ridge your home away from home will be filled with wonderful amenities and so many fun activities that you won’t even need to leave the comforts of the cabin to enjoy yourself! But if you want to get out and explore the town you can easily do so without going over budget. We’re here to help make your mountain vacation affordable and fun! 

*Photo Courtesy of @mattarnold7

Fun at the Cabin

You don’t even have to leave the cabin to have a good time! You can enjoy all the amenities and luxuries that your Escape to Blue Ridge cabin offers without having to spend any extra money. Get outdoors and play a game of football on the extensive yard, take a dip in the hot tub, challenge your family to a game of pool, take in the views, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. There’s so much to do at your cabin!

Game Rooms

Game Night Courtesy of Hermosa Brown

Kick off your cabin fun with a game night in your cabin’s amazing game room! Play round after round of pool and darts, soar the puck through the goal with a game of air hockey, watch as the ball bounces back and forth with ping pong or foosball, take things old school with some fun on a classic pinball machine, start up the TV and play some video games, or gather the whole family around the table for a board game or cards. Our game rooms have everything you’re looking for and more! Having a game night is a great way to put the electronics down and really focus on the friends and family in front of you. Just have a great night eating, drinking, and playing games with the ones you love the most. Check out some of our favorite cabin game rooms here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/9-cabins-with-incredible-game-rooms/

Home Cooked Meal

Homecooked meal Black Dog Courtesy of @jean_pedraza13

Save some money dining out by making a home-cooked meal in one of our cabin’s extraordinary large kitchens! Our favorite cabin kitchens have stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of space to prepare your meal. Our fellow chef extraordinaires will love cooking up their favorite meals in these dreamy kitchens! And once the meal is finished the whole family will have plenty of choices on where to dine whether it be at the kitchen bar, dining room table, or outdoors on the patio. Check out our top cabin kitchens here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/gourmet-kitchens-in-blue-ridge-cabins/ 

And if you’re interested in preparing meals on the grill instead, many of our cabins have grills out on the patio. You can fire up the grill and cook up some burgers for all your guests. Anyone in your party consider themselves a bartender? Send them off to the cabin’s wet bar to prepare cocktails for everyone in your party. With Escape to Blue Ridge’s wonderful in-cabin amenities, there’s no need to go out for dinner or drinks; when everything you need is right in house! 

Outdoor Fun at the Cabin

Photo Courtesy of @bayleigh_barnes staying at GrandView cabin

Looking for some outdoor fun? Stay right at your cabin to find it! Some of our cabins are right next to a river or pond that is always stocked with fish. So grab your pole and get to catching! Other cabins have plenty of yard space for a game of touch football or ultimate frisbee. For pet-lovers, we have some cabins with fenced-in yards or gardens where the dogs can run and play to their heart’s content. And a few of our cabins have fun outdoor sports and games like basketball and cornhole. Spyglass even has a pool and Big River & Blue Mist Heaven have playgrounds for the kiddos! If you have a lakeside cabin you’re just a few steps away from taking a swim or boat ride on Lake Blue Ridge. Some of our cabins even have their own hiking trails right out the back door! If you’re an avid hiker lover be sure to check these trailside cabins out: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/hiking-out-the-back-door/ 

Relax

Photo Courtesy of @phoenixlift_13 at Cardinal Ridge

Relaxation is the name of the game, and our cabins are made with comfort in mind. Wake up from a good night’s sleep on one of the queen or king-sized beds. Our beds are incredibly comfy and you’ll awake to the peace & quiet of mother nature. Make a cup of coffee from the cabin’s keurig or drip coffee maker, and then cozy up on the leather couch in the great room watching your favorite TV shows and staying warm by the fire. After a bit of binge-watching and taking in the cabin’s other wonderful amenities, head to the porch to take in the views. Sway back and forth on the porch swing or lay back in an adirondack chair. Whether you want lake views, mountain views, or to be completely surrounded by trees we’ve got just the view for you. Check out these 8 cabins with amazing lake & mountain views: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/8-cabins-with-incredible-lake-mountain-views/

For the ultimate relaxation take a dip in the hot tub. You’ll feel your worries wash away as the steamy water covers your body. Want a hot tub with a view? Check! A round tub? Check! A hot tub to fit up to 8 friends? Check! Whatever your style we’ve got the best hot tub for you: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-blue-ridge-cabin-hot-tubs/ 

End your night under the stars at your cabin’s very own firepit! You can roast marshmallows and compare who can make the best s’more, swap ghost stories and scare your friends, or just lay back, relax, and enjoy the warmth of the fire. And we have the perfect fire pit for you: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/10-cabins-with-awesome-fire-pits/

There’s so much fun to have right at your very own cabin but if you do want to get out and explore then check out these great free activities!  

Fun Downtown 

Head to the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge to take in the sights! Downtown is known for it’s amazing local shops and restaurants but you don’t need to spend a dime to have a good time. 

Window Shop

Photo Courtesy of Lily & Coco

You can take in all the great shops Downtown without having to spend any money. Check out trendy clothes, artisan goods, home decor, furniture and so much more at our local shops. Explore the local wares and take note of some of the great items you’ve found for next time. No need to bring back bags and bags of souvenirs, but if you see something that really speaks to you feel free to go for it! After all, you saved your money by not splurging on every cool thing you found. By window shopping you can learn more about Blue Ridge and get to know the community better as well.  

Live Music 

Photo Courtesy of Cartecay Vineyards

Live music is always happening in and around town! Downtown you can catch a performance from local artists at spots like Misty Mountain Hops, Blue Coyote, Hook & Eye, and The Dogwood. You can enjoy music from local singers and musicians most weekends in town. Outside of downtown you can also hear live music at spots like Grumpy Old Men Brewing, Cartecay Vineyards, and Bear Claw Winery. And head over to the Copper Basin for live music at Tooney’s or Copperhill Brewing. And during the summer you can enjoy live music by the waters of Lake Blue Ridge at Boat Dock Bar and Grill. There’s always something happening in Blue Ridge! 

Explore Landmarks 

Photo Courtesy of @korikwissmann

Take out your phone and get ready to say cheese as you explore great photo-op spots around town! Downtown Blue Ridge alone has a lot of great spots for a photo. There’s the welcome bears at Blue Ridge Mountain Mall or the Coca-Cola mural at the end of East Main Street. One of the most famous spots for a photo-op is the Blue Ridge mural which you can find on the corner of Mountain and East First Street. Have a blast running around town trying to get the best photos at some of these iconic locations. And find more photo-op spots with our guide here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/10-best-blue-ridge-photo-ops/ 

Fun in the Great Outdoors 

Mother Nature won’t charge you a thing to get outside and enjoy her beauty! Blue Ridge was made for outdoor lovers! There are miles and miles of trails to be explored by foot or by bike, multiple rivers and streams perfect for fishing, numerous waterfalls just under an hour away, and many beautiful and scenic spots perfect for a picnic. Grab your gear and get outdoors! 

Hiking 

Photo Courtesy of @hannahbtravelin

Over miles and miles of hiking trails are at your exposure in Blue Ridge! Hike to the tallest peaks in the state, cross over rivers, and venture through thick forests and discover what beauty awaits you. We have local trails perfect for hikers of any level of experience: from beginner to advanced. Many of our trails connect to the famous Appalachian Trail that stretches through most of the states on the east coast. A few of our favorite connecting trails include the Benton McKaye Trail, The Hemp Top Trail, and the trails in the Aska Adventure Area. For more details and more trails to explore check out our hiking blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/8-blue-ridge-hiking-trails/ 

Fishing 

Photo Courtesy of the Floen Family

If you love to fish then Blue Ridge is just the place for you as it is known as the Trout Capital of Georgia! Bring along your poles and fish on the waters of the Toccoa River, the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery, or Lake Blue Ridge. Some of our cabins even have their own fishing ponds or sit alongside the Toccoa River, so you can go fishing without having to leave the cabin! Learn more about fishing in Blue Ridge here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/blue-ridge-fly-fishing-capital-of-georgia/ 

After catching your dinner, keep the trout fun going by playing the trout game Downtown! Just print the trout map from Fannin County Chamber’s website (https://www.blueridgemountains.com/things-to-do/family-fun/trout-art-trail-kids-game/) then visit each trout statue around town to find each fish’s name on your map. The kids will love this fun free hunt around town! 

Mountain Biking 

Photo Courtesy of Sorella Cycling

Are you the adventurous type? If so, plan to bring along your mountain bike to explore the miles of trails in Blue Ridge perfect for a ride. We love cruising around the local Lake Chatuge on JackRabbitt Mountain Trail or soaring past waterfalls and country views on Pinhoti Trail, which connects to a 350 mile stretch of trails that goes all the way from Georgia to Alabama! We love exploring Blue Ridge by bike and if you’re up for the adventure too, check out more mountain biking trails here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/11-memorable-mountain-biking-trails/ 

Waterfall Hunting

Photo Courtesy of @suzann.dickens_hairstylist

Forget what TLC says, spend the day chasing waterfalls! Blue Ridge and the surrounding areas are home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state! Within an hour of Blue Ridge, there are over a dozen stunning falls for you to explore. Stay close by with Long Creek Falls or Fall Branch Falls, or make the trip out to the beautiful yet challenging hike to Jack River Falls, or pay a visit to the tallest waterfall in Georgia, Amicalola Falls. You’ll have a blast exploring the trails to these waterfalls, taking group photos in front, and then cooling off after your journey by splashing around in the pool below. Learn all about these falls and more with our North Georgia waterfall guide: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/8-best-north-georgia-waterfalls/ 

Picnic

Multi generation family having a picnic during mountain hike

Prepare lunch back at the cabin, then pack a cooler or basket filled with all kinds of goodies, and take to the outdoors for a lovely picnic! Have a relaxing waterside picnic at either Morganton Point on Lake Blue Ridge or the Toccoa River Park. After you finish your picnic you can dip your feet in and splash around in the cool waters. Or instead, hop in the car and drive a short while to get to one of these beautiful scenic overlooks: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/5-scenic-north-georgia-overlooks/  You’ll have a meal with a view! 

Blue Ridge Activity Booklet

Lastly, print off our fun Activity Booklet for your kiddos! This free educational booklet will keep your kids entertained as they venture around Blue Ridge with the help of Ricky the Raccoon. He will help them to identify trees, animal tracks, wildlife, and more. Visit awesome spots around town included in the booklet like Mercier Orchards and the Georgia/Tennessee State Line. Not only will this booklet get the whole family out and exploring town but it will also teach your kids about the great outdoors! Download & print the Blue Ridge Activity Booklet for free here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blue-ridge-georgia-activity-booklet.pdf 

With our helpful guide Blue Ridge can easily be a fun and memorable vacation without going over budget. We hope that  you’ll create lasting memories on your trip that the whole family won’t forget!  Please tag us with your photos on Facebook & Instagram using #escapetobr.

The Blue Ridge Experience: Winter Edition



It may be cold and a bit snowy this time of year but that doesn’t mean there isn’t fun to be had in Blue Ridge! In the winter you can take advantage of the lack of leaves on the trees and really get a good view of the mountains. You can embrace the cold and have an awesome snow day or stay cozy inside your cabin with all the great amenities we provide. There’s no shortage of things to do in the winter, so enjoy these suggestions and tag us with your winter Blue Ridge experiences! #escapetobr

Snow Days

Photo Courtesy of Katie Powalski

Who doesn’t love a good snow day? With many of our guests visiting from further south where they don’t often get cold weather, snow days are extra special! Get outside and have some fun! Will you have a snowball fight or a snowman-building contest? Or will you walk along the trails surrounding your cabin and take in the views? The mountains are even more beautiful with a blanket of snow covering their peaks, so be sure to take lots of photos. When you’re finished playing in the snow head back inside the cabin and make a warm cup of hot cocoa. Then you can admire the beautiful snow from inside, curled by the fire with a cup of cocoa in your hand. 

Stay Warm

Photo Courtesy of Vertigo Pinball

Want to hide from the cold and stay warm inside? We’ve got plenty of great indoor activities for you all around town! Find Bigfoot at Expedition Bigfoot in Downtown Blue Ridge! You’ll see all kinds of interesting Bigfoot artifacts and exhibits at the largest Bigfoot display in the U.S!

Are you a putt-putt lover? Pay a visit to 2nd Story Entertainment where they have an 18 hole course that weaves in and out of cool-themed rooms! And that’s not all, they also have giant board games, lots of arcade games, and a wall maze. 2nd Story Entertainment is always a fun place to go for indoor family fun.

And if you really want to feel nostalgic end your night with Vertigo Pinball! They have dozens of themed pinball machines, a select menu of delicious comfort foods, and craft brews! Blue Ridge outdoors is beautiful of course, but there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors too, especially when it’s cold outside! 

Snag a selfie with a picture perfect backdrop at Flex Your Selfies– a fun selfie museum located in Downtown Blue Ridge! Inside you’ll find interactive installations, stunning backdrops, and awe-inspiring lighting effects. Capture all kinds of fun & memorable photos with your family and friends that will remind you of your trip to Blue Ridge for years to come!

Winter Hiking

Photo Courtesy of Scott Michael Anna

It may not seem like it but winter is a great time to explore the trails! With over hundreds of miles of hiking trails in North Georgia there’s so much to see. And in wintertime, the trails are less crowded, less buggy, and the views are extra beautiful. Weather permitting, if the trails are safe and there are no fallen trees, then venturing out in the snow can be a fun and unique experience. It’s neat to see Blue Ridge in a different way, covered in snow, and beautiful to look at as well. You’ll be in awe of the winter beauty that surrounds you. To learn more about winter hiking and great trails to explore check out our winter hiking blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/winter-hiking-blue-ridge/ 

Shopping and Dinner

Head Downtown for a shopping spree and a bite to eat! In peak season, the Downtown can be crowded and it can be hard to get a table; but you shouldn’t have a problem this time of year! Shop to your heart’s content at shops that are equal parts trendy, fun, and uniquely Blue Ridge. Some of our favorite places to shop are Huck’s General Store, Blue Ridge Adventure Wear, Pezrok, Blue Ridge Cotton Company, and Mitzi’s on Main; just to name a few!

Then after a day of stocking up on souvenirs, head to one of the many delicious restaurants Downtown. For dinner and drinks check out The Dogwood or Whiskey & Water, for Cuban food check out The Rum Cake Lady, for Italian check out Masseria’s or Blue Jeans Pizza, or for a little bit of everything check out Chesters or Harvest on Main. With so many great shopping and dining options, you could spend a whole day Downtown! 

Spa Day

Photo Courtesy of Serenity in the Mountains

Get your relaxation on with a spa day! Visit our friends at Serenity in the Mountains Spa for a full day of pampering. They do everything from massages, facials, body treatments, and skincare, to mani-pedis. Our favorite way to relax there is in the Himalayan Salt Cave.  You’ll lay back in the zero gravity chairs and feel completely at peace as your entire immune system improves! It’s such a unique experience we highly suggest.

Looking for something right Downtown? There’s also TeaTree’s Boutique Spa right in the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge. They offer massages, facials, body services, advanced beauty, and aromatherapy. Enjoy spacious treatment rooms as well as a serene outdoor area. Wipe your troubles away and come relax for a day!

Scenic Drives

Explore the area and see the snowy mountain peaks in the distance as you venture on a scenic driving tour of Blue Ridge.  You’ll pass by mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes on your journey. For a fun pitstop, we’d suggest visiting The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge or one of our local waterfalls like Fall Branch Falls. Need some road trip snacks? Drop by Mercier Orchards market for tasty treats and plenty of warm fried pies; yum! Follow our scenic drive blog for the best scenic overlooks to stop at on your drive: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/5-scenic-north-georgia-overlooks/ 

Warm Up with “Spirits” 

Photo Courtesy of Grumpy Old Men Brewing

Don’t let the winter cold get you down, warm up and cheer up with some local spirits! Pay a visit to a few of our wonderful local breweries and wineries for great drinks and an awesome time out with friends. On weekends, many of the breweries and wineries have live music and food trucks; including Bear Claw Winery, Grumpy Old Men Brewing, Copperhill Brewery, and Cartecay Vineyards. Sip to your heart’s content on delicious local flavors. Everything is fine with a glass of wine or craft brew in your hand. 

Cozy in the Cabin

Photo Courtesy of Hermosa Brown

Who says you have to leave the comfort of your cozy cabin? No one! Feel free to stay in and take advantage of our luxurious amenities all created with your comfort in mind. Cook up a delicious dinner for the whole family in your gourmet kitchen or hire a private in-cabin chef to do the cooking for you. Have a movie marathon, nestled by the fire or a family game night filled with board games and tabletop games in your cabin’s incredible game room. Roast marshmallows outside at your cabin’s toasty firepit and then take a dip in the hot tub while you gaze at the night sky. Does that sound like a perfect evening? Then book your winter escape today! 

February 2022



February is the month of love and we LOVE having you Escape to Blue Ridge with us! With plenty of live music, special Valentines Day events, and more fun February is going to be a great month in the Blue Ridge mountains!

Live Music at Grumpy Old Men Brewing 
February 3rd – 19th 
Location: Grumpy Old Men Brewing 

Photo Courtesy of Grumpy Old Men Brewery

Stop by Grumpy Old Men Brewery on select Thursdays – Saturdays from 3pm – 6pm for great drinks, great music, and a great time. Make plan to sing your heart out with karaoke days! 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!

February 3rd, 10th, & 19th: Karaoke Thursday 
February 11th: Doctor Paul 

Live Music at Tooney’s 
February 3rd – 12th 
Location: Tooney’s Music Venue

Photo Courtesy of Tooney’s

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 performances. And every Thursday night get ready to take to the stage with Open Mic Night!

February 3rd & 10th : Open Mic Night 
February 5th: Joe Olds Band 
February 12th: Shannon York Live

Live Music at Hook & Eye
February 3rd – 25th 
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!

February 3rd & 17thCalvin Webster
February 4th 11th, 18th, & 25th: Trevor Ciongoli 
February 5th & 19th: Rusted Melody 
February 12th: David Welch 

Thursday Fun Runs at the Riverwalk
February 3rd – 24th 
Location: Riverwalk Shops

Photo Courtesy of Riverwalk Run Club

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!

Live Music at Misty Mountain Hops
February 4th – 26th 
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!

February 4th: Rusted Melody 
February 5thStephen Busie Band 
February 11th: Danny Rhea 
February 12th: Dave Flowers 
February 18th: Gregg Erwin
February 19th: Steve Bryson 
February 25th: Lindsay Beth Harper 
February 26th: Steve Baskin 

Live Music at Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery
February 4th – 27th 
Location: Bear Claw Vineyards

Photo Courtesy of Bear Claw Vineyards

For award winning wine, 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! 

February 4th: Tommy Joe Connor 
February 5th: Hunter Flanagan & The Shetlands 
February 6th: Gregg Erwin 
February 11th & 27th: Hunter Flanagan
February 12th & 26th: Travis Bowlin
February 13th & 25th: The Shetlands 
February 18th: Brooksie Wells 
February 19th: Rob Grater & The Shetlands 
February 20th: Trish Adams 

Live Music at Cartecay Vineyards 
February 5th – 27th 
Location: Cartecay Vineyards 

Photo Courtesy of Cartecay Vineyards

Sip on delicious wine surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains at Cartecay Vineyards! Enjoy live music select Saturdays & Sundays from 1:30pm – 5:30pm 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!

February 5th: Ryan LittleEagle 
February 6th: Special Guest 
February 12th: Rusted Melody 
February 13th: Travis Bowlin 
February 19th: Hush Money 
February 20th: Adrian Stover 
February 26th: Gregg Erwin 
February 27th: Luke Woltanski 

Local Artisan Fair
February 5th
Location: Sublime Roots

Photo Courtesy of Sublime Roots

Join in the fun at Sublime Roots first ever Local Artisan Fair! There will be amazing local artists, live music, and a special one day only elixir drink special. Drop by from 10am – 2pm to join in! 

Songs and Stories – Jim McCutcheon 
February 5th 
Location: The Craddock Center

Photo Courtesy of The Craddock Center

Learn a little bit about the unique culture and traditions of the Appalachia. The annual performance will have storytellers and musicians sharing their tales of the Appalachia. Admission is free but donations go towards the purchase of new books for over 1,200 children! Drop by the Craddock Center in Cherry Log, GA from 3pm – 5pm. 

Live Music at Bin 322 Wine & Tapas Bar
February 11th – 26th 
Location: Bin 322 Wine & Tapas Bar

Photo Courtesy of Bin 322

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!

February 11th: Gabe Myers 
February 18thDavid Welch 
February 19th: Jess Goggans 
February 26th: Daisy Chain 

Kudzu Heart Wreath Basket Class
February 12th 
Location: Pic N’ Vine

Photo Courtesy of Pic-N-Vine

Make your own Valentine’s Day craft at Pic N’ Vine in Copperhill, TN! In this class you’ll learn to weave a heart wreath basket or heart wreath for you door. Tickets are $30 a person plus $5 for supplies. The class will take place from 10am – 2pm. Sign up and have some fun crafting!

Couple’s Crush
February 12th 
Location: Paradise Hills Winery

Photo Courtesy of Paradise Hills

Celebrate love Valentine’s Day weekend at Paradise Hills! It’ll be an evening of fun and romance with a kissing booth, couple games, live music, and plenty of wine! Admission is $15 a person and the fun goes on from 6pm – 9pm. 

Valentine’s Dinner
February 14th 
Location: Bin 322 Wine & Tapas Bar

Photo Courtesy of Bin 322

Have a romantic lunch or dinner at Bin 322! Your ticket of $160 per couple includes a delicious 4 course meal, a bottle of wine, a red rose, and live Big Band style music. Get your tickets for a romantic Valentine’s Day treat! 

Stand Up Comedy Tour
February 18th 
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! Top-notch travelling comedians will make you laugh all night long! Grab a glass of wine or a beer and let the laughter flow! 

11th Annual Fire & Ice Chili Cookoff & Craft Beer Festival 
February 19th 
Location: Downtown City Park

Photo Courtesy of Ashley Irvin

Have all kinds of winter fun at the 11th Annual Fire & Ice Chili Cookoff & Craft Beer Festival! There will be ice sculptures, live music, and plenty of chili and craft beers! You can try the chilis yourself by becoming a taster and check out the ice sculpting process from award winning ice sculptors. This is a great annual event you won’t want to miss! 

Live Music is Better -Randall Bramblett
February 19th 
Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater

Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Community Theater

Blue Ridge Community Theater is hosting Georgia born musical artist Randall Bramblett for a night of amazing music! He’s been in the business for over 40 years now, and has performed with artists like The Allman Brothers, Widespread Panic, and more. It’s going to be a great night filled with awesome music so come on down!’

Youth Art Month Opening Reception
February 24th 
Location: The Art Center

Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association

From the end of February thru the end of March artwork from students in Fannin County and the Copper Basin area will be on display at The Art Center. The opening reception kicks off at 3:30pm on February 24th

2022 Champions for Children – Snack in a Backpack
February 24th 
Location: Fightingtown Tavern 

Photo Courtesy of Fightingtown Tavern

Come support the community by heading over to Fightingtown Tavern from 6pm – 9pm to honor those who help children and to raise funds for the “Snack In A Backpack” Program. This limited seating event will include a light buffet dinner, dessert, cash bar, auction, and live music. Get ready to give back to the community! 

Cheers for Chimps
February 26th 
Location: Location: Paradise Hills Winery

Photo Courtesy of Paradise Hills

Get tickets for this great event at Paradise Hills and you’ll receive a limited edition Project Chimps glass, one pour of a wine, and some vegan dark chocolate to pair with it! And all proceeds go towards Project Chimps! There’s no better excuse to drink than helping out some adorable chimps! 

Three Dog Night
February 26th 
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

The fun never stops at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Head over to Hiawassee, GA for a night of classic rock from legendary band Three Dog Night! Tickets are still available!! 

January 2022



A New Year is here! And that means new events & activities, along with some great annual traditions as well! Why not make one of your New Year resolutions to Escape to Blue Ridge more and take in as many fun local events as you can! Here’s what you can look forward to this month:

Live Music at Cartecay Vineyards
January 1st
Location: Cartecay Vineyards

Photo Courtesy of Cartecay Vineyards

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!

January 1st: Rusted Melody

Riverwalk Run Club
January 6th – 27th
Location: Riverwalk

Partake in a fun run every Thursday night at 6pm from now till November. 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!

Live Music at Hook & Eye
January 6th – 21st
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, live music, and balcony seating on the outside!

January 6th: Andrew Chastain
January 7th, 14th, & 21st: Ray LaBean
January 20th: Andrew Chastain

Live Music at Misty Mountain Hops
January 7th – 29th
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 select Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm for great food and great live music from local artists!

January 7th: Dan Foster
January 8th: Travis Bowlin
January 14th: Gavin Graves
January 15th: Maddie Lane
January 21st: Gabe Myers
January 22nd: Jennifer Lynn Simpson
January 28th: Andrew Chastain
January 29th: Frankie Sparks

Live Music Is Better – Just Roxie
January 8th
Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater

Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Community Theater

Come see the talented Just Roxie at the Blue Ridge Community Theater! Their music style is organic and unique and honors country, folk, Americana, bluegrass, rock & roll, and so much more!

Disney’s Descendants The Musical
January 14th – 30th
Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater

Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Community Theater

Blue Ridge Community Theater is putting on the Disney Channel hit movie musical Descendants! Follow the story of Mal, daughter of the evil Maleficent, and her friends as they attend a prep school in the kingdom of Auradon. Will Mal and her friends follow in their parents evil footsteps or learn to be good? Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm.

for KING & COUNTRY
January 29th
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Talented gospel duo for KING & COUNTRY are coming to the Anderson Music Hall Saturday, January 29th at 7pm! You won’t want to miss the Grammy Award winning duo sing their biggest hits like “God Only Knows”, “TOGETHER” and so many more!

Other activities to do this month:

Shop & Dine

Downtown Blue Ridge is ready for you no matter the season! Check out all of the shops downtown and bring back unique and fun souvenirs that you can’t find anywhere else. We have a little bit of everything from home décor, apparel, athletic gear, antiques, artisan goods, and so much more; we have something for everyone! And be sure to hit up some of the delicious restaurants afterwards for a wonderful and filling meal.

Hike

Photo Courtesy of Hike the Ridge

Winter is a great time for a hike because the leaves have fallen off the trees so you’ll get spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. We love hiking to waterfalls in the winter, especially when there’s snow covering the cliffs of the falls; just be extra careful if you do choose to hike in the snow! Bundle up & explore the trails this winter, and check out our hiking blog for more recommendations: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/8-blue-ridge-hiking-trails/

Visit Mercier Orchards

Photo Courtesy of Mercier Orchards

Even with no fruit available to harvest in the winter Mercier’s is still open and a great spot to visit! Stock up on delicious goodies from their market like apple butter, baking mixes, and other artisan goods. Have a glass of hard cider or wine made from the fruits at Mercier’s. And of course don’t forget to get yourself a fried pie or two!

Enjoy the Snow

Snow days in Blue Ridge are extra special! We love seeing the snow dust the mountain tops, it is truly a beautiful sight. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or go sledding. There’s lots of fun to be had in the snow!

Have a Bonfire

Family at Nighthawk

Nothing like a cozy bonfire to keep you warm on these cold winter nights. Cozy up next to the fire, get your favorite warm beverage, and some s’mores of course and you’ve got yourself a perfect mountain night nestled under the stars!

And as always, no matter the season, it’s always a great time to Escape to Blue Ridge!