Thankful for Blue Ridge



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

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

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

Family

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

Friends

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

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

Good Food

Thanksgiving at “Noontootla Cottage

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

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

Great Outdoors

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

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

Entertainment

Lonesome Dove” cabin

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

Health

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

You

Family at “Nighthawk” Courtesy of @danalutz_2.0

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

Giving Thanks in Blue Ridge



All the tell-tale signs of fall coalesce at this time of year to slow the pace of life, just in time to allow us to fully appreciate the holiday season. The bare trees offer more opportunities for soaring vistas, the chill at night encourages comfortable sweaters and cozy fires, and the cheerful spirit in the air is nothing short of magnetic.

Grateful

View from Almost Everest Cabin

It’s a perfect time of year to reflect and be grateful for all we have. We live in the most perfect part of North Georgia and we are thrilled to welcome others to experience the dynamic nature and beauty of our beloved town of Blue Ridge. If you have had the opportunity to experience the splendidness of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the shimmering of our lake and rivers, take part in our exciting events, learn about the history of our area, and experience the unique culture of our town then you can understand why we count our blessings every day for this beautiful area.

Reflections

We consider how hard we work for our guests to make the most of their Escape to Blue Ridge, but realize that we can only do it because of the hard work of our colleagues, our partners, and our team of hospitality professionals. We make it a point to always take the time to consider how fortunate we are to be in the business of helping others make memories. There is no greater satisfaction than the reaction we get from guests when we’ve found them the perfect cabin and hear about the memories and experiences they’ve had on vacation.

Our Pride & Joy

We represent a wide variety of vacation properties from grand and luxurious to quaint and cozy. It’s a portfolio that we believe provides something for everyone, and we have a wonderful team that takes good care to honor the trust of our property owners. Our owners count on us to promote their properties, manage their care, and return value.  A great deal of work and dedication by our sales team, our property managers, reservations planners, housekeepers, landscapers and many others makes this business work for everyone.

Thank You!

As we head into this week of Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed to the success of Escape to Blue Ridge. We are appreciative for the dedication of our team members, the trust of our property owners, and the support of our guests.  As we go forward from here, we are dedicated to continue to improve our services, expand our lodging options, and to build our reputation and acclaim as Blue Ridge’s premier property management company!

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is our sincere wish that this holiday season you gather with your family and friends, break bread, and reflect on all the happy times you’ve experienced this past year. As we approach the end of the decade and turn the calendar to 2020, we hope that your plans will include an Escape to Blue Ridge.

Blue Friday Deals For YOU!

Ladies Shopping in Downtown Blue Ridge

If you are lucky enough to be spending the Thanksgiving holiday in the mountains, we have an extra special treat for you this year! Not only do you get to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the comfort of your luxury cabin rental, but you also get to adventure out into the most quintessential little town. From our abundance of natural resources like hiking trails, waterfalls, and soaring mountains, we are also proud to share with you the heartbeat of our community – Downtown Blue Ridge.

Of course, anytime is a fantastic time to Escape to Blue Ridge, but when you plan a visit during the holiday season, you will feel like you are stepping into a Hallmark Movie. The town is beautifully decorated and festive from every streetlight to each of the shopkeeper’s windows. The crispness of the mountain air and the excitement for the possibility of snow heightens your exhilaration and desire to explore every corner.

We could list one thousand plus reasons why you should visit Downtown Blue Ridge and of course shopping would be included on that very long list just as dining in our restaurants, meeting our residents, and experiencing the specialness of our beloved mountain community. This year you have ten more reasons to shop here because we have arranged for special Blue Friday savings to all of our Escape to Blue Ridge fans!

What? You don’t know what Blue Friday is? Well, allow me to explain. Blue Friday is Blue Ridge’s version of Black Friday, but it goes far beyond shopping and it is really the local kick-off to the entire holiday season! Let’s look at all the fun things there are to do and before we wrap this up, we’ll share your 10 special savings! Promise.

Blue Ridge Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 28th

Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Turkey Trot

The Blue Ridge Turkey Trot is a family event for all ages and abilities from walkers to competitive runners. Kick off the Thanksgiving Day at 8am with a 5K race/walk. Registration starts at 7am and you are encouraged to bring a canned food item for the Good Samaritans food pantry. You’ll be able to enjoy all the holiday food guilt free after completing this run/walk and be back to the cabin in time to put on the turkey. Registration is $30 in advance or $40 on race day. Money raised will be donated to Blue Ridge charities.

Light up Copper Basin

Friday, November 29th

Photo Courtesy of Copper Basin Business Association & Riverwalk Shops

Help light up the twin cities of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, and cookies. Donation are welcome to support Christmas for Kids. The music begins at 4pm and the tree lighting is a 7pm.

Christmas Market

Saturday, November 30th

Photo Courtesy of Downtown Market Blue Ridge

Local produce, handmade arts and crafts, baked goods and more! The Christmas Market opens at 7am and will stay open until dark.

Light Up Blue Ridge

Saturday, November 30th

Photo Courtesy of Light Up Blue Ridge

Light up Blue Ridge is a festive event for children and adults alike. A full day of fun begins when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway where they will then be available in the town gazebo for pictures. There will be performances all day. Santa and Mrs. Claus will then be in the holiday parade at 5:30pm. Food vendors will surround the park, winners of the window decorating contest will be announced, and then the lighting of the 27 foot “Great Tree” takes place at 7:00pm.

Even More Holiday Events!

We covered all the BIG events, but there is so much more fun to be had in this great little town. Our November Events Newsletter features the play It’s A Wonderful Life at the Blue Ridge Community Theater, live music, and a community Thanksgiving event! Our December Events Newsletter features Santa Trains, a Tour of Homes, and Ice Skating!

Blue Friday Specials

Now for your special treat! Some of our favorite shops and downtown Blue Ridge have decided to offer YOU special savings beginning on Blue Friday and lasting all weekend long! (November 29-December 1) All you have to do is let the proprietor know that you are a fan of Escape to Blue Ridge!

Appalachian Trail Rides at S & T Stables

Photo Courtesy of Appalachian Trail Rides at S & T Stables

Appalachian Trail Rides offers guided horseback trail riding from beginner to advanced through the Blue Ridge Mountains on 250 acres located minutes from downtown Blue Ridge GA. On your ride take in beautiful views, wildlife, and creek crossings on customized rides with experienced guides. From family outings to corporate events and private rides to proposal rides, Appalachian Trail Rides will make your time in the Appalachian Mountains as memorable as possible.

Deal: 10% Off Trail Rides

Canoe

Photo Courtesy of Canoe

Canoe is a lifestyle brand of bags and jewelry made right here in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Their unique collection of bags and jewelry effortlessly marry rustic charm with contemporary sophistication. Utilizing natural materials with enduring appeal, every piece you purchase from Canoe will be your new favorite for years to come!

Deal: Free gift with purchase (Friday Only)

Blue Ridge Cotton Company

Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Cotton Company

Blue Ridge Cotton Company is a thoughtful store with a big heart. Here you will find quality apparel at affordable prices for the entire family. They are also your source for inspirational gifts, books and journals, home accessories, unique gifts, and so much more.

Deal: 10% off your Entire Purchase!

Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association

Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association

The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (the Art Center) has been fostering the creative process in these mountains in excess of 32 years. The Art Center endeavors to promote art, artists & art experiences across the Southern Appalachian Region.

Deal:

  1. 15% off ALL Art Supply Station supplies and items
  2. Receive $5 off Holiday Gift Memberships!
  3. All active BRMAA Members will receive 10% off all purchases

Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters

Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters

This full-service outfitter represents the premier outdoor brands including The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, YETI, Chaco and much more. They are also authorized Trek and Cannondale bike dealers and offer service of all makes.

Deal: Receive 10% off all North Face purchases

Fly Shop Co

Photo Courtesy of Fly Shop Co

Fly Shop Co specializes in locally tied flies, apparel, gear, and a large selection of made in the USA items. Here you can also book guided fly fishing trips and specialized instruction.

Deal: 10% discount on Guided Fly Fishing trips with Will

Pedego Bikes Blue Ridge

Photo Courtesy of Pedego Bikes Blue Ridge

If you are looking for a fun experience you need to tour Blue Ridge by bike! Pedego Electric Bikes sells & rents the most fun electric bikes in the world. They even offer guided tours that include waterfall and swinging bridge adventures!

Deal: 20% off all Tours & Rentals

Misty Mountain Hops

Photo Courtesy of Misty Mountain Hops

If you love eating and music then you will love the laid back vibes of Misty Mountain Hops. Good food and sweet tunes make this Vinyl Pub a must!

Deal: 10% off all Food Orders

Mystic Mountain Pizza

Mystic Mountain Pizza is a family owned and operated pizza restaurant with fantastic food and an inviting atmosphere! They have a passion for crafting fresh salads, all-beef gourmet hot dogs, wings, desserts, and specialty pizzas in their oak-fired brick ovens.

Deal: 10% Off Meal

Escape to Blue Ridge

Cloud Nine Cabin

If you’ve never experienced a Thanksgiving weekend in the mountains, you should discuss it with your friends and family this year and make your plans early because we book up fast!

Deal: For every $100 Escape to Blue Ridge gift certificate purchase, get an extra $10 credit! Please use promo code “Gift10” when booking.

Thankful in Blue Ridge



As we approach the commencement of the holiday season, we want to take a minute and reflect on the things that we are most thankful for not just this week, but every week. It is our absolute pleasure and privilege to provide our guests with the most outstanding vacation properties in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you are seeking relaxation or adventure, we have cabins that will suit your needs and feel like your home away from home.

Thank you, Guests

There is always a great reason to escape to Blue Ridge. Spring is delightful with all the budding flowers, sparkling lakes in the summertime, changing leaves in the fall, and snow in the wintertime. However, there is something special about that time between Thanksgiving and the New Year that makes a Blue Ridge escape extra special. Maybe it’s the cheerful joy of the season. Maybe it’s the time for extended families to come together. Maybe it’s the opportunity to unplug from our chaotic lives and get back to the simple things. Whatever your reason may be, we are so grateful that you choose us as your go to vacation rental company.

Thank you, Team

We are certainly grateful for the entire team that works tirelessly to make Escape to Blue Ridge the leading provider of North Georgia vacation rentals.

To our reservation planners, maintenance personnel, housekeepers and many other hospitality professionals, you go above and beyond your call of duty on a daily basis. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Thank you, Partners

We are most thankful for the property owners that entrust us with their real estate investments. We take pride in cleaning and caring for each and every home that is enrolled in our program like it is our very own. We are so fortunate for the opportunity to promote and represent your beautiful properties.

Thank you, Blue Ridge

Lastly, the love we have for this community is second to none. The beauty of the area, the kindness of the people, and the quaintness of the downtown area make Blue Ridge the most amazing community to live in and visit. Adventures abound and tranquility awaits almost everywhere you look in this wonderful little mountain town! We truly hope, wherever in the world you may be, that you and yours gather together, eat some delicious food, and enjoy each other’s company.

Happy Thanksgiving!