4 Reasons You Should Plan a Trip To Blue Ridge, Georgia
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!
1. Outdoor Adventures
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.
Regardless of what your particular interests are, Blue Ridge is equipped to satisfy all desires, especially where mother nature is concerned! Everything from fishing in places like the Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge to enjoying ziplining and canopy tours at Blue Ridge Adventure Park, there is truly something for everyone.
Other notable outdoor activities offered in Blue Ridge include horseback riding with Appalachian Trail Rides, a local outfitter that provides guided tours through the stunning mountainside. 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! The list goes on and on when discussing the outdoor experiences available in Blue Ridge.
2. Relish in the Culture
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 has a lot to offer as far as music, as part of the Appalachian music tradition, Blue Ridge is known for its bluegrass and folk music. Informal jam sessions are common around town, as well as local musicians often performing in downtown venues, celebrating cultural sounds with instruments such as banjos, fiddles, and mandolins.
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!
3. Food, Drinks, and Pure Satisfaction
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 wine, 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.
4. Outside the Box
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.
The Best Places to Stay in Blue Ridge
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. 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!
