wine highway – Escape to Blue Ridge Blog | North Georgia Cabin Rentals

December 27, 2021September 9, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

August 1, 2021August 27, 2021

August 2021

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!

UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

2021 Georgia Wine Highway
August 1^st – 31^st
Location: Blue Ridge area

Photo Courtesy of Georgia Wine Producers

Join in the fun, because the whole month of August is wine highway month! Drink wine from vineyards and wineries all over the state of Georgia! Some of our local wineries that are participating this year are Cartecay Vineyards, Chateau Meichtry, Crane Creek Vineyards, Engelheim Vineyards, and Odom Springs Vineyards. Purchase your wine highway passport which includes a collectors glass and 4 tastings at participating wineries.

Picnic in the Apple Orchard
August 1^st – 31^st
Location: Deep Roots Orchard

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!

The Odd Couple
August 1^st – August 8^th
Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater

Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Community Theater

Blue Ridge Community Theater is putting on the classic comedy The Odd Couple! The play follows a clean freak and a slob who decide to live together with hilarious results. Shows are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. The show runs now till August 8th, call the box office at 706-632-9191 for tickets!

Live Music at Lake Blue Ridge Marina
August 1^st – August 29^th
Location: Boat Dock Bar & Grill at Lake Blue Ridge Marina

Photo Courtesy of the 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 – 4pm Sundays. You’ll feel relaxed and renewed in no time!

August 1^st: Lindsay Beth Harper
August 6^th: Bearfoot Boone
August 7^th: Buck & Oz
August 8^th: Travis Bowlin
August 13^th: Danny Rhea
August 14^th: Shannon York
August 15^th: David Welch
August 20^th: Danny Rhea
August 21^st: Adrian Stover
August 22^nd: Gerry Herndon
August 28^th: Gregg Erwin
August 29^th: Gerry Herndon

Live Music at Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery
August 1^st – 29^th
Location: Bear Claw Vineyards

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!

National Juried Photography Show
August 1^st – 28^th
Location: The Art Center (Blue Ridge Mountain Art Association)

Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association

Come on out to the Art Center now through August 28th to see beautiful digital media from local artists. Enjoy photography or videography? Submit your work and see if you can win Best in Show! Artists and art lovers alike are welcome!

Live Music at Cartecay Vineyards
August 1^st
Location: Cartecay Vineyards

Sip on delicious wine surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains! Enjoy live music selections 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!

August 1^st: Johnny Summers

3D Off the Wall Exhibit
August 1^st – 28^th
Location: The Art Center (Blue Ridge Mountain Art Association)

Winner of the 2019 3D Off the Wall Exhibit – Jim Smith, Courtesy of The Art Center

Admire the beauty of 3D art at the 11th annual Off the Wall exhibit!

Pickin’ In The Park
August 5^th– 26^th
Location: Horseshoe Bend Park

Photo Courtesy of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce

Every Thursday night at 6:00pm, 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!

Riverwalk Run Club
August 5^th– August 26^th
Location: Riverwalk

Partake in a fun run every Thursday night at 6pm from now till September 30th. 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 Bin 322 Wine & Tapas Bar
August 6^th – August 27^th
Location: Bin 322 Wine & Tapas Bar

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!

August 6^th: Loose Shoes Duo
August 20^th: Rusted Melody
August 27^th: David Welch

Live Music at Grumpy Old Men Brewing
August 6^th– August 27^th
Location: Grumpy Old Men Brewing

Stop by Grumpy Old Men Brewery select 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!

August 6^th: Gregg Erwin
August 13^th: Adrian Stover
August 27^th: Arnold Hill

Live Music at Misty Mountain Hops
August 6^th– 27^th
Location: 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 now till July 10th for great food and great live music from local artists!

August 6^th: Andrew Chastain
August 7^th: Hush Money Band
August 13^th: The Stephen Busie Band
August 14^th: Canon Tyler
August 20^th: Highbeams Band
August 21^st: Steve Baskin
August 27^th: Travis Bowlin

Movie Night at Deep Root Orchard
August 6^th
Location: Deep Root Orchard

Watch a free movie under the stars at Deep Root Orchard. The movie is “Dirty Dancing” 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!

Guitars & Grapes
August 6^th – 27^th
Location: Paradise Hills, Cabins-Spa-Farm Winery

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.

August 14^th: Trailer Hippies

Hiawassee Night Market
August 6^th
Location: Town Square on Main Street Hiawassee, GA

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!

Farmer’s Market
August 7^th– 28^th
Location: Deep Roots Orchard

Stop on by and enjoy a selection of Appalachian grown or made fresh vegetables and goods! Every Saturday from 8:30am – 1:00pm now till September 25th!

Downtown Market Blue Ridge
August 7^th – 28^th
Location: 400 West Main Street

Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Farmers Market

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!

Concert on Hiawassee Square
August 7^th– 28^th
Location: Hiawassee Square

Bring your family, friends and pets to Hiawassee Square ever Saturday night at 7pm for some great live music! There will be chips, hot dogs, and sodas available to purchase as well. Relax for the evening and listen to some incredible local artists!

Georgia Mountain Fair
August 13^th – 21^st
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Photo Courtesy of the Georgia Mountain Fair

Venture on over to Hiawassee, Georgia for some good old fashioned fun at The 70th Annual Georgia Mountain Fair! There will be carnival rides, music performances, arts & craft booths, special attractions & experiences, delicious food, a parade, a beauty pageant and so much more! This fantastic event runs daily August 13^th-21^st from 10am-10pm except Sunday!

Live Music at Tooney’s Music & Bar
August 14^th
Location: Tooney’s Music & Bar

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 7pm – 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! Nights are always filled with good drinks and music at Tooney’s Music & Bar!

August 14^th: Aarron Evans & The Low Down

2nd Saturdays at Riverwalk
August 14^th
Location: Riverwalk Shops McCaysville

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!

25^th Annual Kiwanis Rodeo
August 20^th – 21^st
Location: Kiwanis Fairgrounds

Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Kiwanis Club

Prepare to be entertained at the 25^th Annual Championship Rodeo! There will be bronco riding, calf roping, calf scrambles, bareback riding, bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and so much more! There will also be a “Boot Toss” raffle and food vendors. You won’t want to miss this fun filled event running from 6pm – 11:30pm August 20^th– 21^st.

Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses
August 26^th – 29^th
Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater

This comedic play takes place at The Lover’s Landing Beach Hotel, now known as the home of Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses. What was once a hot wedding venue has now turned to illegal activities thanks to hotel manager, Uncle Bubba. When mother and daughter duo Beatrice and Traci come to check out the hotel for Traci’s wedding, Uncle Bubba is forced to take over since the wedding planner has eloped. Throughout the play Uncle Bubba has to be himself and pretend to be the missing wedding planner, Madame Coco to please Traci and her mother. Antics and hilarity of course ensue! Shows are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. The show runs August 26^th – September 19^th, call the box office at 706-632-9191 for tickets!

North Georgia Highlands Seafood & Wine Festival
August 27^th – 29^th
Location: Mayor’s Park

Head over to Mayor’s Park in Young Harris for some delicious seafood and sweet treats. Also enjoy over 50 arts & craft vendors, live music, and a variety of wines. Even bring your dogs to join in the fun! Admission is $5 a person and children 12 & under are free! The event runs Friday, August 27^th from 11am – 9pm, Saturday, August 28^th from 10am – 9pm, and Sunday, August 29^th from 10am – 4pm. You won’t want to miss out on this fun & food filled festival!

March 1, 2020June 21, 2021

March 2020

March is when things start to come alive in North Georgia. After a winter that’s been warmer than normal, then colder than normal, then wetter than normal, and finally, just … normal! Now we have buds and early flowers, parades and green beer, and of course the wineries and brewpubs are waking up with tastings and special events. What a great time of year! Let us help you plan your next getaway. Check out the events below and come stay with us this month!

UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Music & Hops
March 3 – 28
LOCATION: 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!

March 3 – Open Mic Night Hosted By Danny Rhea
March 6 – The Orange Walls (duo)
March 7 – Paul Constantine
March 13 – Quinn Leach
March 14 – Gopher Broke
March 20 – Travis Bowlin
March 21 – Danny Rhea
March 27 – Dave Dale
March 28 – Rivertown Road

Four Old Broads!
March 5 – 22
LOCATION: Blue Ridge Community Theater

Forgive the name, but enjoy the play! This is one of those plays where the setting could be anywhere, like “Our Town”, but when you localize it (in this case, Helen, Georgia), it makes it all the more fun for those who know the places and the sometimes obscure references. For those who are not familiar with North Georgia’s little slice of Bavaria, just sit back and relax, you’ll get it soon enough!

Opening Day for Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
March 6
LOCATION: Downtown Blue Ridge

Starting from a historic rail station in downtown Blue Ridge, this classic ride of 26 miles, or about four hours, winds its way along the scenic Toccoa River, through small towns and along pastoral and dramatic topography. You have your choice of vintage, climate controlled or open-air cars, and there’s even time built in for lunch and shopping for unique gifts.

Live Music at Mystic Mountain Pizza
March 6
LOCATION: Mystic Mountain Pizza

Pizza, beer, tunes. It’s a perfect combination for relaxing, refreshing, rejuvenating. And it’s simply fun. The atmosphere in Mystic Mountain allows you to dine and delight with food, beverages, and live music! Every member of the family will enjoy this, and they serve soft drinks too!

March 6 – Gopher Broke
March 24 – The Foothill Brothers

Bracelet Trio
March 6
LOCATION: Blue Heaven Studio

You don’t have to be crafty to make crafts, especially when you have the care and guidance of accomplished artists. In this case, you’ll have a chance to make three macramé bracelets, and you choose your own focal pieces. Then take it easy, maintain attention to detail, get into a rhythm, and complete your piece at your own pace. It’s fun, and rewarding.

Grumpy Old Men Brewing
March 6 – 27
LOCATION: Grumpy Old Men Brewing

Photo Courtesy of Grumpy Old Men Brewing

Great beer (18 beers on tap), a fun atmosphere and a stellar philosophy (delicious beer, dog-friendly, people tolerated). Plenty of craft beers, including those brewed in the brewery, and lots of live music. It’s one of those places that locals like!

March 6 – Travis Bowlin
March 13 – Captain John
March 14 – Steve Baskin
March 20 – Hunter Lyons
March 27 – Trailer Hippies

Music at The Blue Coyote
March 6 – 28
LOCATION: The Blue Coyote

The Blue Coyote is known for their live music and entertainment. While you’re there you can enjoy their tasty bar food and a whole bunch of beer! They even have a dog-friendly patio! Stop by, check it out, and enjoy the music!

March 6 – Bad Ju Ju and the Ems
March 7 – Adrian Stover
March 13 – Natti Lovejoys
March 14 – Gregg Erwin
March 20 – Topper
March 21 – Mind the Stepchildren
March 27 – Donnie Hammonds
March 28 – Breaking Point

Live at The Bin
March 7 – 20
Location: Bin 322

It’s hard to beat a relaxed setting for live music and Bin 322 Tasting room and Tapas Bar has managed to accomplish that with comfy, family style furniture in a restaurant so you don’t have to cook or even walk to the fridge. Relax. Take your shoes off. Well…at least relax!

March 7 – Chip McCain
March 14 – Robbie Litt
March 20 – Loose Shoes Duo

Cork and Canvas
March 7
LOCATION: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association

Photo Courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association

This should be obvious – cork=wine; canvas=art. Put the two together and you have the perfect combination for some fun and fundraising. Wine, a silent auction, a count-the-corks raffle, live music and tasty delectables all contribute to a fine event each year.

Kudzu Vine Shamrock Class
March 7
LOCATION: Pic ‘N Vine

It’s not like there’s any shortage of kudzu. So, what do you do with it? Well, it’s rumored that goats eat it, but what fun is that? Much better to get all crafty and artistic with it. Weave it, along with some nice green ribbon, into a kudzu vine shamrock! A perfect gift for your favorite leprechaun.

Live Music at Cartecay Vineyards
March 7 – 29
LOCATION: Cartecay Vineyards

A beautiful vineyard and winery set in pastoral farmlands in the heart of the Southern Appalachians. Cartacay’s wine history dates to 2007, but it’s heritage is comprised of Cherokee roots (in fact, Cartecay translates to “bread valley”). The winery features plenty of locally sourced wines, tastings and special events, plus live music on most weekends.

March 7 – Craig Hendricks
March 8 – Camille Rae
March 14 – Gregg Erwin
March 15 – Cagle Pitts Duo Review
March 21 – April Cummings
March 22 – Thomas Hinds
March 28 – Adrian Stover
March 29 – Travis Bowlin

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14
LOCATION: Downtown Blue Ridge

Photo Courtesy of The Boro Inn Irish Pub

This is a day when you’re encouraged to act a little nuts! Dress up in green, maybe even dress your dog up in green. Starting at about 11 am, put on funny hats, pants and shoes, maybe some green sunglasses, and join in a parade down Main Street in Blue Ridge with a couple hundred of your new best friends. Then stay in costume if you like, do a little shopping, eat some cabbage, and maybe drink a bit of green beer. It’s a party, ya’ll!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14
LOCATION: East Ellijay

Photo Courtesy of the Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter

There are discernable differences in how different towns celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in these parts. For Ellijay, it includes all the usual green stuff. Dress in green, eat green muffins, drink green beer, but add to that, green pets. A pet parade is a big part of Ellijay’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. So, get your dog, or cat, or turtle ready to have fun!

St. Patrick’s Day Baking Class
March 14
LOCATION: Mercier Orchards

Forget Green Eggs and Ham! Despite the urgings of “Sam I Am, this unique event is a chance to eat green stuff that tastes GREAT! It’s mostly for kids, but, as always, adults get drawn into the fun, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself combining colors to make various shades of green cakes, cookies and frostings. And it’s highly likely you’ll be eating more than you take home!

Wine Highway Week
March 20 – 29
LOCATION: All over North Georgia

Photo Courtesy of the North Georgia Winegrowers Association

Here’s a simple concept: 1. Love wine 2. Get passport for wine tastings 3. Taste wine all over North Georgia during an entire week! Several of the participating wineries are located central to Blue Ridge, Ellijay, and Blairsville, so you don’t have to go far. But if you decide to venture further, you can use the Blue Ridge Region as home base for hub-and-spoke forays into WineLand. It’s a fun and fruitful way to explore new wineries, enjoy different wine venues, music, entertainment and tasting varieties. One piece of advice: don’t overdo it in a single day. After all, you’ve got all week. Take your time; sip and enjoy!

Bowls of Hope
March 28
LOCATION: Willow Creek Falls Vineyard

Here’s a chance to enjoy wine and do something truly good for the local community. Purchase a piece of local pottery and a contribution will be made to the Fannin area food banks. You also get to sample local soups (use your new bowl!), breads and desserts from local restaurants.

Drifters, Coasters, Platters
March 28
LOCATION: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

If all those sound like kitchen and living room amenities, you probably missed the 1950’s and 60’s the first time around. You’re young. Be happy. But if you remember the Drifters, Coasters and Platters, or you found them among the nostalgic music on YouTube, dig out your dancing shoes and come join the fun!

Randall Bramblett
March 28
LOCATION: Blue Ridge Community Theater

Randall Blamblett is quite simply a wonder. He’s like a musical encyclopedia (remember those?) of the last thirty years, having played with, and written music for, the likes of Bonnie Raitt, The Allman Brothers, The band, Widespread Panic, and he and his band effortlessly cover iconic bands like Hot Tuna, Delbert and dozens of recognizable others. As part of the Live Music is Better series, all attention is on Bramblett – his skills, diversity and variety.

NEW HOMES ADDED TO OUR PROGRAM

This 4-bedroom, 3-bath cabin is the epitome of beauty and class! Aska Easy Day features incredible views of both the Blue Ridge mountains and Lake Blue Ridge, once you check in, you’ll never want to leave! The best part about this gorgeous cabin is that you can bring your 4-legged family members with you on your escape!

https://youtu.be/YWm1QuU3r1c

Perched on a mountaintop more than 3,000 feet above the trees with dramatic, sweeping long-range mountain vistas in the distance, The Owl’s Perch is like a magnificent picture postcard come to life. Located northeast of Lake Blue Ridge on a large lot in Morganton that borders unspoiled U.S. Forest Service land, it’s a calm oasis far removed from stressful city life, but just a short drive away from the shops and dining of downtown Blue Ridge.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Photo Courtesy of Pedego Electric Bikes Blue Ridge GA

SPRING BREAK IN BLUE RIDGE

Spring Break is just around the corner and now is a great time to start planning your end-of-winter getaway. Afterall, we only get 18 school years with our kids, so we should make each and every school vacation count! Because if we’re being truthful, you are dying for a reason to escape from the stresses of work and Spring Break is the perfect guilt-free excuse for a fun family trip! KEEP READING.

November 3, 2019July 13, 2020

Move over Napa, Georgia is for Wine Lovers!

Who needs Napa Valley, when you have North Georgia? In fact, North Georgia, and specifically Dahlonega, has been called the Napa of the East. So, what’s the point of hopping on a plane, enduring crazy traffic, and dealing with stifling crowds? Right here in North Georgia you will be better served, remain relaxed, and meander the charming and scenic back roads of Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Dahlonega, Blairsville, and Helen to enjoy a wine experience that’s even better than what the wild west can offer!

1st Place Winners

Photo Courtesy of Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery

Surprisingly enough, it turns out North Georgia wines also are winning quality competitions in California’s very own backyard which is causing quite the “Bottleshock” to all the more seasoned western vineyards. So quality-wise, the wine is not a concern. Which makes another good reason to stay close to home!

Country Drive

Starting in Blue Ridge, it doesn’t take long to feel like you’re in wine country. Within an hour’s drive you might swear you just caught a glimpse of Tuscany, or around the corner there’s what looks like Oregon, California, or Upstate New York. North Georgia looks like a lot of other states in the beauty department. That’s why Hollywood likes Georgia, and especially North Georgia, so much. It could look like the Midwest, inland Oregon, or maybe even New England.

For wine production purposes in these parts, the secret lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, which provide ideal weather, geography and geology for successful vinifera grape growing due to its long springs, hot, dry summers, and elevations between 1,300 – 1,800 feet.

It’s All About The Grapes

The trail of six farm wineries that lead from Dahlonega north and east into White County and Helen is a great example of how terrain changes dictate grape production and variety of purpose. Designated as the “Dahlonega Plateau”, an AVA (American Viticultural Area), on July 20, 2018, the area encompasses 133 square miles with the same climate, soil, elevation and physical features creating conditions that are ideal for growing grape varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot.

Passport to Wine

2020 Wine Highway Week is now a MONTH long! Enjoy touring 24 participating vineyards in the beautiful mountains while you discover Georgia wines! There will be a $50.00 fee for each participant which will be collected at the first winery visited. Travelers will receive a “Wine Highway Week” collectors’ glass and Passport which will give them admission to ALL participating wineries at no additional charge. Be sure to keep you Passport and Collectors glass with you at all wineries visited! You can purchase your Passport on line at: www.georgiawineproducers.org/shop

The Wine Highway

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery is tucked in the hills just 45 minutes from Blue Ridge and a five-minute drive from downtown Dahlonega. Wolf Mountain is elegant, with spectacular views, the perfect wedding and event venue, but also the ideal place for Sunday brunch, or fun gatherings with friends. A lot of the North Georgia wineries multi-task that way.

Photo Courtesy of Melissa Prosser Photography

Montaluce Winery and Restaurant, with its elegant, ivy-covered walls, and its porches with views to the vineyard, conjures up images of Italy, but is also the site of bike races that have featured the likes of Lance Armstrong and Georgia Hincapie. This breathtaking destination offers a spectacular brunch on Sunday and lunch and dinner Monday through Sunday.

Kaya Vineyard & Winery, in White County, makes the best of the perfect perch, with 360 degree views of Blue Ridge scenery. Wines produced from Kaya’s vines have received over fifty awards and most recently, the vineyard was recognized for producing grapes for one of the “Top 50 Wines of the Year” reviewed by the Wine Report.

Photo Courtesy of The Cottage Vineyard & Winery

The Cottage Vineyard & Winery, one of the earliest Georgia farm wineries on the scene, founded in the late 1990s, actually has church services on Sunday mornings, with inspiring views of the vineyard. Paying homage to all military men and women is a North Georgia Honor Wall that features the 5 service flags of the US Armed Forces: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corp., and Navy as well as the POW and U.S. Flags.

The wineries of all three – Dahlonega, White County and Gilmer make for a pleasant mix of wine trail possibilities – from upscale to downhome; and from farm to fancy. At Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery you can even pet donkeys and alpacas. It’s a local favorite, especially on Friday nights, and live music is always a draw, as it is at most wineries on the weekends.

You’d guess by the name, that Three Sisters Vineyards was a family winery started by siblings – good guess, but wrong. It is indeed a family winery, but the name refers to the three Blue Ridge Mountain ridges that form the perfect backdrop for wedding and special events.

Frogtown Wine, a perennial winner of prestigious national and international wine competitions, offers dramatic 50-mile views, but the ambiance is decidedly California casual, especially the bright white main lodge with deck seating. There are 23,000 grape vines in Frogtown’s North Georgia vineyards capable of producing up to 180 tons of premium wine grapes each year. This tonnage equates to over ten thousand cases of Estate grown wine per year!

The Foothills

On the Ellijay side of Blue Ridge, Fainting Goat Vineyards (yes, they actually have fainting goats), and Cartecay Vineyards, with its distinctive fireplace and iconic chimney, both make for fine outdoor enjoyment most times during the year. Chateau Meichtry specializes in combining wine tasting with learning a lot about the wines, and the entire process of wine production. All three feature live music most weekends.

Local Favs

Right here in Blue Ridge we are lucky to have two great wineries: Bear Claw Vineyards and Serenberry Vineyards. Bear Claw Vineyards is welcoming for every member of the family, both two legged and four. Well behaved pets are welcome and there are plenty of games to keep the kids busy while you catch up with your friends and family while you sip their delicious wines. At Serenberry, you are invited to savor the day by relaxing in a beautiful mountain setting while tasting delicious wines!

So, who needs Napa? With the broad variety of wines, and the expanse of experiences, plus the proximity and easy scenic drives (be sure to stop along the way at Amicalola Falls, the highest cascading waterfall on the East Coast), or at charming farmers markets, orchards and food stands – that is indeed the question.