Blue Ridge, Georgia ... Gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains

The quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge, Georgia, lies 90 miles north of Atlanta, 85 miles southeast of Chattanooga, and 136 miles west of Asheville, North Carolina ... but it is worlds away from the traffic, smog, and stress of big city life.

The town was founded in 1886 as a result of the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. Because of the railroad, Blue Ridge developed as a center of business and in 1895 the county seat was moved from Morganton to Blue Ridge.

The town of Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. Tourists would ride the train to town, eat dinner at the Blue Ridge Hotel, and take a leisurely walk to the mineral springs after dinner. Today, tourists can still ride the train and take a leisurely walk along Main Street, enjoying the antique and specialty shops, galleries, restaurants and small town atmosphere of Blue Ridge.

The Depot
The railroad depot remains the central focus in downtown Blue Ridge.

Although the first depot burned, the present station was built in 1906. One of the favorite activities of the day was to meet the train - whether meeting a passenger or just socializing with friends.

Blue Ridge City Park is the heart of downtown Blue Ridge. The park encompasses two blocks and is a popular place for picnics, community gatherings and festivals.

It is also home to a family of roosters, hens and chicks! Carriage rides are available at the park on weekends.

The historic Fannin County Courthouse was built in 1937, after the previous courthouse burned in 1936.

The courthouse is now the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.

Just as visitors during the early 1900's journeyed to Blue Ridge by train to enjoy the health resort's pure mineral waters, today's growing numbers of tourists are coming to the historic Blue Ridge area to shop for Appalachian arts and crafts, pottery, quilts, antiques, mountain home furnishings, apples, smoked trout, and even hand-made alpaca sweaters and shawls.

Artists are attracted to the Georgia mountains because the peace and quiet, misty mountains and clear starry nights provide time, tranquility and inspiration for creating wonderful art, from tradition arts and crafts to contemporary painting and sculpture. Examples -- blacksmithing, pottery making, wood carving, weaving, folk art and jewelry, handcrafted furniture, watercolor and oil painting, hand blown glass -- all produced by fine local artists and craftsmen.

Serious antique shoppers can spend hours or days snooping through a growing number of shops and antique malls from Blue Ridge to McCaysville and back. Blue Ridge's Main Street is dotted with unique specialty shops, galleries and eateries from one end to the other.

And speaking of eating ...

Eating traditional southern Appalachian foods is part of the fun when you visit the Blue Ridge area. The favorite, of course, is local mountain trout -- fried, broiled, pecan-crusted, smoked -- pick your variety. There is apple everything - apple bread, apple butter, fried apple pies, apple cider, you need to taste them all! And, of course, there's Georgia ice cream -- i.e., grits -- for breakfast, along with hot cat-head biscuits with honey or sorghum syrup, BBQ ribs, country ham, fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, watermelon ... well, you get the idea.

You'll find fine dining on the banks of the Toccoa River or in downtown Blue Ridge or McCaysville. There are lots of choices for a big southern meal, or "meat and three." Just for fun, there's a 50's style malt shop, Victorian tea room (for the "red hat" gang), a river shack, ice cream shoppe and several deli's to choose from. Of course, there's wonderful Italian food and pizza, plus several excellent Chinese and Mexican restaurants for variety. Oh -- and lots of fast food for the kids.

Some folks prefer to kick back and relax in the cabin with a romantic picnic supper from some fantastic gourmet catering shops. Or buy some homegrown tomatoes at a roadside stand and make tomato sandwiches for lunch! In any event -- eating is an experience in the Georgia mountains. It's part of the trip!

If you are planning a trip to the Blue Ridge area, you may find some of our recent blog entries helpful. You'll find stories about the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Mercier's Orchard, the Southern Tree Farm, and the Ocoee Whitewater Center, to name just a few ... and we'll be featuring new attractions on a regular basis.

A Day at the Wildlife Festival of the Arts

Yesterday we took the kids to the Wildlife Festival of the Arts in Downtown Blue Ridge. It was a beautifully cool day, clear blue skies, and a hint of autumn in the air. We enjoyed walking around, looking at all the different artists and their work. Taylor and Travis loved petting the puppy dogs and cats that were "asking" to be adopted. Of course, their main interest was to play in the park - it was fun for them to see their friends romping and playing at the park. We stayed there for a while, then walked down to the fly-fishing area, where instructors were giving mini-lessons. We talked with Mike McGinn (http://www.blueridgeflyfishingguides.com) for a while, as he showed Taylor how to cast a fly rod, trying to get the fly into a small area (a hula hoop). She did so well, and because she was able to get the fly in the hoop, she got a neat little pin to pin on her shirt! All in all, It was a fun afternoon, as we enjoyed walking down Main Street and taking in all the sights and sounds.

Southern Tree Plantation -- Fun for Kids, Blue Ridge, Georgia Area

Located in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains near Blairsville, Georgia (approximately 24 miles from Blue Ridge), Southern Tree Plantation is an active plantation growing thousands of pumpkins and Christmas trees. The Plantation is loaded with fun activities and things for children to do during the Fall and Christmas seasons, and is open to the general public during this time.

They also specialize in outdoor weddings and large group events which are available year-round.

Hayrides

This is not an average hayride. The enjoyable long-lasting hayrides will take you over 60 acres of beautiful plantation land with breathtaking mountain scenery. Also, an enchanting river and a creek that meanders through the plantation. And, of course, the "great" pumpkins and Christmas trees. Many surprises and things to see along the way.

Plantation Animals. Get an up close experience with their family of plantation animals. Whether it's talking with "Buckwheat" the pot bellied pig, feeding "Bo and Peep" our sweet sheep, or hanging out with "Poncho" the proud donkey ... just look forward to lots of fun with these lovable animals and many other plantation animals.

There's also a wildlife deer exhibit with "Donner," the deer.

Barnyard Maze.Included with this fantastic visit with the pets, is the permanent barnyard maze just waiting for you to get lost and then find your way out.

Miniature Train. All aboard the Southern Tree Express. You and your family are invited for some fun riding on their brand new miniature train.

The train runs on a road track and is just the right speed for youngsters. Chug-chug-choo-choo -- off we go! Just sit back and relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery as this little train takes you around the plantation.

Pony Rides.For the younger buckaroos, there's fun in the form of their quiet lovable ponies, each with its own personality and just waiting to accommodate little riders.

They look forward to meeting you just to have some fun as you pretend to be a real cowboy or cowgirl.

Roasting Marshmallows.Tell a few tales while roasting yummy marshmallows over the open fire pit.

The fun won't stop then either!Enjoy watching the flicker of the fire and perhaps even break out into a song or two.

In addition to their Christmas trees, Southern Tree Plantation grows thousands of pumpkins each year.

Be sure and visit during October and select your special pumpkin for Halloween.

And while you are looking for that special pumpkin, plan to stay for "Fun on the Farm," with pumpkins, hayrides, the petting farm, marshmallow roasting, kids' train ride, pony rides, and much more.

At Christmas time you can cut your own, get a pre-cut tree, or get one B&B to replant.

They have over 25,000 Christmas trees of eight different varieties growing: Colorado Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Spruce, Frasier Fir, Balsam Fir, Canadian Hemlock, White Pine, and Leyland Cypress are all presently growing in various stages on the Plantation.

The trees are sold cut and B&B (with roots).

You can also enjoy the holiday tradition of cutting your own family tree. Saws and wrapping available.

For more information about all the activities offered by Southern Tree Plantation, call (706) 745-0601, or visit Southern Tree Plantation online.

Dinner in Blue Ridge Georgia

Last night was our 12th year anniversary and with two children, Master Travis (2) and Miss Taylor (8), we rarely get to go out by ourselves. My mom and Uncle Rick came over to babysit so we could go celebrate at:

Cucina Rustica
76 Forge Mill Xing
Morganton, GA 30560
(706) 374-7474‎

We have been recommending this restaurant for about a year now based on friends reviews, and so we wanted to experience this fine dining experience for ourselves. We were not disappointed - the food was amazing! As good as you will get in Atlanta, and we are not that easily impressed, as we love good food. The portions are very generous, so much in fact we just couldn't fit dessert in.
Since Blue Ridge is a dry county, they can't serve liquor, but you can bring in your favorite beer or wine. We had a fantastic 2001 Brunello with dinner and the cost was a $5.00 cork fee! I love this!
We can't say enough about Cucina Rustica, except that we will be back many more times! Make your reservations early on Wednesday if you want a table on Friday or Saturday night, as they fill up fast, and are busy every day they are open. Of course, there are cancellations, so keep checking.
Wonderful evening, and such a treat to have a very special date night!

Ducktown Basin Museum, Ducktown, Tennessee

The Ducktown Basin Museum is located on the historic Burra Burra mine site in Ducktown, Tennessee, where 300 acres of denuded land has been set aside as a memorial to the devastation of the Copper Basin.

Tour the grounds of the Burra Burra Mine and see exhibits on the mining heritage of the Copper Basin. Call (423) 496-5778, or visit Ducktown Museum for more information.

The Swan Drive-in Theatre -- Entertaining Patrons Since 1955

History of the Swan:
In 1955, Jack Jones, Sr., and W. H. Tilley, Jr. built the Swan Drive-In Theatre. This drive-in theatre was the beginning of the real growth of Blue Ridge. People came from miles around to see movies on a large screen.

How the Swan got its name: During World War II, Mr. Tilley was stationed in England part of the time and while in England, he admired the swans swimming on the lakes and ponds. They were so beautiful and peaceful he suggested the name "Swan" for the new drive-in. Mr. Jones also liked the name as it was short and would be easy to have a neon sign made for it. Jack Jones Sr. and W.H. Tilley, Jr., operated the theatre until 1959, when Mr. Tilley sold to Mr. Jones.

One of three remaining drive-in theaters in Georgia, the Swan Drive-In Theatre offers a unique taste of the past with current first-run movies.

You can enjoy a movie outside under the stars or in the privacy of your car. At the Swan Drive-In Theatre, motor homes, campers, and RV's are welcome. There's plenty of space, but hookups are not available.

Swan Drive-In Theatre is located at 651 Summit Street, just inside the city limits of Blue Ridge, Georgia. To see what’s playing, call (706) 632-5235, and visit The Swan web site for more information.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway ...

It's a sightseeing trip through one of the most beautiful places in the South. It’s like going back in time … but mostly, it’s just a whole lot of fun.

It all starts at the historic 100-year-old depot in downtown Blue Ridge, and the train heads north from there.

As it winds through the mountains alongside the beautiful Toccoa River, the views are spectacular from both the vintage air-conditioned coaches and from the open-air coaches.

After a leisurely one-hour trip, the train stops in the unique twin-border towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. McCaysville is located on the Georgia-Tennessee state line adjacent to Copperhill, its twin city. You can actually have one foot in Georgia and one foot in Tennessee when you cross the Blue Line marking the place where the states meet (a great photo opportunity).

You’ll have an hour and a half to grab a bite to eat, do a bit of shopping and antiquing, or have a picnic at the pavilion. Then it’s back to Blue Ridge on the train.

My family and I rode the train on July 4th, 2007, and were delighted to be entertained by a group of very talented local musicians who rode in our car, and also performed at the pavilion in McCaysville before the fireworks display that evening. It was truly a memorable occasion and is one of our fondest memories of our stay in Blue Ridge.

Call 1-800-934-1898 or visit Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for more information.

Mercier Orchards, Blue Ridge, Georgia ...

Mercier Orchards is the largest apple orchard in Georgia (200 acres!), and it’s also Southern Living magazine’s favorite “roadside apple market,” according to a 2002 article.

The Mercier Family has a 60-year tradition of growing apples in the mountains of North Georgia. Bill Mercier started the apple house with his wife, Adele, in 1943, when they bought several acres of apple trees from Dr. C. G. Lloyd, a local pharmacist.

"Mercier Apple House," Bill and Adele 1952

Bill and Adele managed to struggle through raising a family and managing over 100 acres of apple trees. They continued to grow the business by adopting new ideas and practicing new ways of growing apple trees. They were the first to grow many of the varieties of apples that are popular today. Even today, Bill & Adele are always helping out around the orchard. Bill still drives the rows of the trees everyday inspecting the crop and the trees. Adele can be found back at the sample table slicing apples, or behind the register in the middle of all the excitement during our peak season. It's a real family affair with four generations of family still pursuing Bill and Adele's dream.

Your trip to Blue Ridge just isn’t complete without a visit to Mercier’s for one of their scrumptious fried apple pies. They open at 8:00 a.m., and there’s just no better way to start your day than with one (or two!) of their pies and fresh apple cider.

Mercier also lets you pick your own apples on weekends in September, complete with a wagon ride to and from the orchards -- a fun activity for the whole family. For more information, call (706) 632-3411, or visit http://www.mercier-orchards.com/.

A Wonderful Day in Blue RIdge, Georgia

Today is Lissa's birthday and Happy Birthday. I love you!

Ocoee Whitewater Center

One of the legacies of the 1996 Summer Olympics, the Ocoee Whitewater Center was the location of the Canoe, Kayak and Slalom events. Located on Hwy. 64 north of McCaysville, the center was built by the U.S. Forest Service.

Normally, whitewater adventure runs from June to September, when releases from Lake Blue Ridge dam increase the flow of the water on the Toccoa/Ocoee River (the Toccoa River becomes the Ocoee River at the Tennessee State Line). Rafters, canoers and kayakers all journey to the center located in the Ocoee River Gorge to enjoy the whitewater.

In addition to whitewater sports, the center has a one-mile hiking trail which crosses a 330-foot suspension bridge and circles the center. The trail is entirely accessible for those who are physically challenged. There are an additional 20 miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers, including the Bear Paw Trail and the Chestnut Mountain Trail, both of which are loops. A recent addition, the Thunder Rock Express, has received a lot of positive comments from bikers.

The Old Copper Road Historic Trail allows hikers and bikers an easier paced adventure along the restored path that was used to transport copper by wagon from Ducktown to Cleveland before the arrival of the railroad from Blue Ridge.

Even if you don't want to play in the whitewater, hike or bike, scenic U. S. Highway 64 through the gorge offers many photographic opportunities and there are swimming holes, picnic areas, a native garden, gift shop and much more.

Fun Things To Do ...

Hike or bike historic or forest trails
Play in the water
Picnic along the river
Native Garden and geology tours
Nature-oriented gift shop

Stroll along the walkways, view native and medicinal plants and the Olympic spirit garden. Slip into clear, calm pools of water formed by the rocks in the channel. Spread a picnic on a table under the cool shade trees on the river, or just enjoy the view from the rocking chairs on our back deck.

Water-Based Recreation ...

The Ocoee Whitewater Center offers a variety of water-based recreational opportunites. There are also 24 commercial rafting companies who use the Ocoee River for their adventure raft trips. Because the Ocoee is a dam-controlled river, unscheduled water releases cause swift-moving, extremely high water with dangerous currents and rapids. Visitors should always be on the alert for possible water releases and vacate the river should they occur.

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Directions to The Ocoee Whitewater Center: From Atlanta, take Interstate 75 north to I-575. Continue north on I-575 to GA 515, the Georgia Mountain Parkway. In Blue Ridge, take GA 5 north to McCaysville, then turn left on Tennessee Highway 68. In Ducktown, take U. S. 64 west to the Ocoee Whitewater Center on the left.

For more information, call (423) 496-5197, or visit the Whitewater Center web site.

Experience a Blue Ridge, Georgia Vacation ...

Whatever you’re looking for in a vacation, you can find it in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. Leave your cell phone and laptop at home and enjoy the splendor and exhilaration of a day hiking to nearby waterfalls, horseback riding on forested trails, or whitewater rafting on the beautiful Toccoa River.

Looking for a quiet romantic getaway? … or just a place to kick back and relax? We’re waiting to delight and pamper you in one of our cozy mountain cabins overlooking the Toccoa, or pristine valleys and ridge tops.

If you’re looking for a little excitement, discover the sheer joy of a whitewater rafting adventure, or a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Spend a day exploring our mountain art in the many galleries across the region, or browse for antiques in the shops that line our mountain towns. And after a day spent outdoors or relaxing, choose from a variety of dining experiences to cap off your night.

Blue Ridge has something to offer everyone, regardless of age or interests. It’s a perfect place for family vacations or reunions, where you can find luxurious cabins that will accommodate groups comfortably … where you can all be together, yet have plenty of room to “do your own thing,” if you’d like.

Whether you stay for a day, a weekend, or a month … the memories and the magic of your Georgia Blue Ridge vacation will last you a lifetime.

Surround Yourself with Special Places
[click map to enlarge]

1. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway A ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is more than a sightseeing trip through one of the most beautiful places in the South. It’s like going back in time … but mostly, it’s just a whole lot of fun.

It all starts at the historic 100-year-old depot in downtown Blue Ridge, and the train heads north from there. As it winds through the mountains alongside the beautiful Toccoa River, the views are spectacular from both the vintage air-conditioned coaches and from the open-air coaches.

After a leisurely one-hour trip, the train stops in the unique twin-border towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. You’ll have an hour and a half to grab a bite to eat, do a bit of shopping and antiquing, or have a picnic at the pavilion. Then it’s back to Blue Ridge on the train.

My family and I rode the train on July 4th, 2007, and were delighted to be entertained by a group of very talented local musicians who rode in our car, and also performed at the pavilion in McCaysville before the fireworks display that evening. It was truly a memorable occasion and is one of our fondest memories of our stay in Blue Ridge.

Call 1-800-934-1898 or visit http://www.brscenic.com/ for more information.

2. Mercier Orchards
Mercier Orchards is the largest apple orchard in Georgia (200 acres!), and it’s also Southern Living magazine’s favorite “roadside apple market,” according to a 2002 article.

Your trip to Blue Ridge just isn’t complete without a visit to Mercier’s for one of their scrumptious fried apple pies. They open at 8:00 a.m., and there’s just no better way to start your day than with one (or two!) of their pies and fresh apple cider.

Mercier also lets you pick your own apples on weekends in September, complete with a wagon ride to and from the orchards -- a fun activity for the whole family. For more information, call (706) 632-3411, or visit http://www.mercier-orchards.com/.

3. Swan Drive-In
One of three remaining drive-in theaters in Georgia, the Swan Drive-In Theater offers a unique taste of the past with current first-run movies.
You can enjoy a movie outside under the stars or in the privacy of your car. To see what’s playing, call (706) 632-5235, and visit The Swan for more information.

4. Ducktown Basin Museum
Tour the grounds of the historic Burra Burra Copper Mine in Ducktown, Tennessee, and see exhibits on the mining heritage of the Copper Basin. Call (423) 496-5778, or visit Ducktown Museum for more information.

5. Ocoee Whitewater Center (Ducktown, Tennessee)

Built for the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Slalom Races, the center includes the Olympic race course, native gardens, paved walkways, hiking and biking trails, pools of water for wading or feeding fish, and more.

Visit the Whitewater Center, or call (423) 496-5197 for more information.

6. Apple Orchard Alley (Ellijay)

Eleven of Gilmer County’s apple orchards are spread across this picturesque valley along Georgia Hwy. 52.

7. Southern Tree Plantation (Blairsville, Georgia)

Blairsville's Southern Tree Plantation has lots more than Christmas trees.

Visit during October for Fun on the Farm, with pumpkins, hayrides, a petting farm, marshmallow roasting, kid's train and pony rides and much more. For more information, call (706) 745-0601, or visit http://www.southerntreeplantation.com/