If you are looking to go to a place rich in culture, history, and natural beauty then Blue Ridge, GA may just be the place for you. Located in the Southern Appalachian region, this charming mountain town has developed a thriving community for art, music, and life outdoors.
Founded in the 1880s as part of the development of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad, Blue Ridge quickly became a hub for goods, transportation, and connections between people! Through time, Blue Ridge has managed to maintain and build on the attraction and influence of their small town.
Today there are more exciting adventures and experiences to enjoy than ever before. Once you become aware of all that Blue Ridge has to offer, you will be booking your next trip in no time!
Here are 4 reasons that you should plan a trip to Blue Ridge, GA:
As part of the Northern Georgia mountains and a rich Southern Appalachian culture, Blue Ridge is a focal point for outdoor living. Whether you are taking your first trek outdoors or you are a seasoned veteran, Blue Ridge will be the perfect place for you.
Our favorite outdoor activities: Horseback Riding, Hiking Trails, Fishing, White Water Rafting
Regardless of what your particular interests are, Blue Ridge is equipped to satisfy all desires, especially where mother nature is concerned!
Other outdoor activities in Blue Ridge include horseback riding with Appalachian Trail Rides, a local outfitter offers guided tours through the stunning mountainside. The guides know every trail intimately and love sharing local legends and history. There are also options for golfing at the Old Toccoa Farm, white water rafting in the Ocoee and Toccoa River, Tubing in the Toccoa River, Camping at the Chattahoochee National Forest and Lake Blue Ridge Campground, water sports, hunting, rock climbing, caving, and so much more!
If you are into hiking, you can try Aska Trail System which hikers and mountain bikers come to explore. This network of interconnected trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest offers everything from easy loops perfect for families to strenuous climbs that'll test your endurance. The Long Branch Loop is a favorite that's manageable for most skill levels, while the Green Mountain Trail rewards you with those panoramic views that make the effort worth it. You don't have to hike all the way to Maine, but even a day hike on this famous trail is something special.
The Benton MacKaye Trail also winds through the area, offering another iconic footpath through the Appalachian Mountains. And if you prefer fishing, the Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge are what fishing dreams are made of. Lake Blue Ridge is the only lake in Georgia. You'll need a Georgia fishing license, and if you want insider knowledge, Lake Blue Ridge Marina offers guided fishing trips.
Blue Ridge is saturated in culture and wonders through the history and traditions of this incredible mountain community. If you are looking to truly enjoy the ambiance of the Blue Ridge culture then there are more than a few options to take advantage of!
The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association is a hub for the art and culture community in Blue Ridge, often hosting workshops and exhibitions. There are also a number of local galleries featuring Appalachian-inspired art. True mountain tradition also runs deep within this community, with an emphasis on handcrafted goods, you can often find incredible pottery, woodworking, and textiles.
Blue Ridge also offers a lot in terms of music, as part of the Appalachian music tradition. From bluegrass and folk music, the real stuff that's been passed down through generations. For a proper concert experience, head to TOONEYS Music Venue in McCaysville, just a short drive from Blue Ridge. This riverside venue hosts live music Thursday through Saturday nights with Open Mic Thursdays where anyone can take the stage. Bear Claws Vineyards & Winery offers live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday while you sip local wines with mountain views. And if you're looking for something special, INOLA Blue Ridge hosts outdoor concerts in their unique colonial-style village setting, it's unlike anything else you'll find in the area.
If you are searching for something a bit more straightforward to give you a true feel for the history of Blue Ridge, then the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway provides a scenic view along the Toccoa River. This train ride takes you back to the roots of this town, as a major stopping point for the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. Culture and history can be experienced in the most incredible ways in Blue Ridge and still, they have much more to offer!
Blue Ridge combines mountain comfort food, southern flavors, and farm-to-table dining and emerges as a destination for all food and drink lovers. With unique restaurants such as Black Sheep, located in a historic home and offering southern-inspired dishes, as well as The Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, serving up fresh local trout, it is no wonder Blue Ridge has made its mark as a hub for flavorful delight.
There are an endless number of delicious restaurants, bakeries, and coffee houses to choose from including Chesters, Kaffee Haus, Blue Jeans Pizza, Misty Mountain Hops, and so much more! However, great food and incredible ambiance is not all Blue Ridge has to offer as far as food and drinks go.
If you are looking for a winery, brewery, or distillery to spice up your trip, then Blue Ridge has a variety to choose from! Vineyards such as Bear Claw, Cartecay, and Serenberry offer tasty local wines, scenic views, and serene atmospheres that you cannot pass up.
If you enjoy beer more than wine then there are several breweries to choose from as well, such as; Grumpy Old Men, and Blue Ridge Brewery. Grumpy Old Men also often hosts food trucks and live music as well, adding to the laid-back and enjoyable atmosphere. If you enjoy your drinks to have more of a kick then you could also visit one of the distilleries available in Blue Ridge such as Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co. or White Path Creek Distillery, both incredible places to unwind and taste some of the region's most incredible moonshine!
Much like everything else, Blue Ridge has no shortage of excitement where food and drinks are concerned. Regardless of where you end up, you are sure to be satisfied with the end result.
Often when traveling, you want the chance to do something you can't do anywhere else. Blue Ridge is a town full of history and culture, but there is some lore to be explored too!
Expedition Bigfoot is an incredible family-friendly museum where education, entertainment, and folktales are combined to bring forward the history of BigFoot in the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy life-size exhibits, sighting maps, real artifacts, and more during a tour you will never forget!
If you are looking for more of a historic and retro feel, the Swan Drive-In Theater is a great option! This is one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in the entire state of Georgia, fully equipped for a fun, retro experience with family and friends.
Depending on the time of year you are visiting, you may also be able to catch one of the many festivals hosted in Blue Ridge throughout the year. Festivals such as the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival and the Annual Arts in the Park Festival showcase the culture and history of Blue Ridge in the most enjoyable of ways.
With all of the excitement Blue Ridge has to offer, you are going to need the perfect place to stay to truly make the most out of your vacation. Luckily, at the 100 Collection™, we always know the best spot in town to enhance the joy and memories made during your vacation. Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals offers much more than just a cabin in the woods.
12 Guests | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms
Custom luxury cabin with stunning mountain design, fully equipped gourmet kitchen, multiple cozy living spaces with vaulted ceilings and enchanting stacked stone fireplace, game room for entertainment, and outdoor lounge areas with scenic mountain views.
Amenities include:
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16 Guests | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms
Spacious luxury mountain retreat featuring walls of windows showcasing spectacular mountain views, upscale amenities with plush furnishings and surround sound, covered deck with outdoor fireplace and dining area, perfect for large family gatherings or multi-family getaways.
Amenities include:
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18 Guests | 7 Bedrooms | 6.5 Bathrooms
Magnificent lakeside estate offering ultimate luxury with custom wood and stone design, expansive living areas bathed in natural light, outdoor spaces with covered porches and screened-in areas, outdoor swings and daybeds for relaxation, ideal for large groups seeking an unforgettable mountain experience.
Amenities include:
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These unique and custom homes are the definition of quality and luxury with hot tubs, outdoor lounge areas, saunas, and much more to make sure your stay in Blue Ridge is your best vacation yet, Whether you are enjoying a romantic getaway or a large family trip, Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals has you covered!
