Beautiful Blue Ridge Sunrise

Sitting atop a mountain ridge, our home rewards us with panoramic vistas, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and a blessed peaceful refuge for which we are so grateful

Time for Sprucing up the Cabins!

We always look forward to this time of year when we get to stay in our cabins in order to experience what our guests experience, as well as to make sure they have all the luxurious accoutrements that we like to provide.  We have the passion to create a luxury mountain escape, and with the snow and cold temps this week, it truly was a picturesque wintry scene from out of a book.

In addition to our cabin maintenance "retreat" this week, the regional offices of Starbucks' Coffee have planned their Corporate Retreat to be held in Fallen Timber Lodge and Riverview Lodge, just up the river from The River's Edge.  We will be catering that event both Wednesday and Thursday for 10 guests.  Our river cabins are the perfect setting for business retreats and corporate team-building, and when the event can be catered, it allows more time to focus on meetings, projects, and team-building.  I look forward to serving our Starbucks' guests this week!

Glowing Comments from our Guests

We received a most thoughtful email sent from our guests who stayed at Outlaw Ridge during the Christmas and New Years Holidays.  Our staff works hard every day of the year to gain rewarding comments such as these.  We so appreciate all the thoughtful comments from our guests, and this particular email was worth publishing.  We love doing what we do - providing and maintaining luxurious accommodations in the North Georgia Mountains that are second to none in the Blue Ridge, GA area.

Morning Gary and Lissa!

I am back in the office today and I know how Cinderella must have felt after the ball ended.  Our stay last week at Outlaw Ridge was like being in a fairy tale.  The accommodations and the area in general far surpassed our expectations.  My husband and I have stayed at 5-star resorts in California, Europe and the Caribbean and we both agree that Outlaw Ridge was definitely in that league and beyond!  We were so impressed by the attention to detail in every area – from the positioning of the cabin to take in the incredible views, to the well stocked kitchen, to the wonderfully comfortable bedding and furniture.  In addition, the place was meticulously clean.  All in all – a great week of luxurious relaxation for our family.  We are already checking our calendars to plan a return trip!

Thanks for everything and Happy New Year,

The Aregoods

The first snow of 2010 in the North Georgia Mountains!

What a beautiful winter snowy scene of Lake Blue Ridge and the North Georgia Mountains!  I know our weekend guests enjoyed themselves immensely with the true cabin experience - beautiful snowy scenes, blazing fire in the fireplace, snuggling up and relaxing, creating lasting memories in truly luxurious North Georgia Mountain Cabin Rentals.

The kids enjoyed sledding down the driveway - a sledder's paradise indeed.

As beautiful and novel as the snow was, we most certainly look forward to warmer temperatures this week as we start back to our homeschool co-op, continue teaching piano lessons, and catering a corporate retreat for two days at two of our river cabins, Fallen Timber Lodge and Riverview Lodge.

Light Up Blue Ridge!

It's that special time of year again!  On the day after Thanksgiving, the town of Blue Ridge lights up for Christmas.  Enjoy the beginning of Christmas all day long from 11 a.m. till 8:30 p.m.  Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrive in Blue Ridge around 12:30 on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.  In the gazebo in the park, get free photos with Santa!  Free horse and carriage rides through town.  Live reindeer, children put their letters in the mailbox to Santa, and enjoy holiday entertainment throughout the day.  At 5:30 there's a Christmas Parade, and the Big Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration begins at 6:45!  Shops will stay open until around 9p to get all your shopping in!  Rain or Shine, Christmas begins November 28 in Blue Ridge~Come join the fun!

Looking Forward To Post-Holiday Blue Ridge

There’s something special about the Winters in Blue Ridge. The crisp air, occasional snowfall, and quiet mountain wilderness all make an alluring scene. In contrast, downtown shopping in Blue Ridge will still be quite active. But, it won’t be as busy as during the Holidays…which can be a good thing. Depending on when you visit, you’ll still see Christmas lights ablaze, holiday nick-nacks and post-holiday deals.

Which brings me to another reason that post-holiday Winter is one of my favorite times to visit Blue Ridge. You can get great deals on North Georgia cabin rentals during this season. Prices typically drop 20%-30% as cabin rental companies and owners work extra hard to bring guests in.

There are so many Blue Ridge cabins available for rent that you can pick and choose. Just thinking about warming up after being out in the crisp mountain air, sitting beside a large, beautiful hearth filled with a dancing fire, makes me long for January in Blue Ridge. This might sound crazy, but the cooler it is in the mountains, the more I enjoy stepping from the frigid air into a 102 degree hot tub perched on a deck, high above the rolling mountain valley. Few hot tub experiences can match it.

Consider taking a January trip to Blue Ridge. It will warm your New Year’s spirit.

It’s Hard to Resist The Value of a North Georgia Cabin Rentals Vacation

When it comes to sight-seeing, relaxation, beautiful surroundings, travel time, etc., few luxury vacation destinations can beat a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia. There are a large variety of luxury Blue Ridge cabin rentals.

Let's take a look at some comparisons to a few 4-night vacation options for those looking for a luxury getaway. Note: drive times are estimated from Georgia suburbs North of Atlanta.

Blue Ridge Luxury Cabin
Drive: 100 miles – 1 hr, 40 min. $25 in gas
4 guests – 3 bedroom, 4 bath
Hot tub – private with view
Kitchen – medium
Price for 4 nights: approx. $1,200
Approx. Sq. ft. living space: 3,000
Mountain views, Toccoa River, Lake Blue Ridge,
fishing, boating, hiking, shopping, golfing

Total travel and accommodations: $1,225


Destin, FL: Beachfront hotel
Drive: 400 miles - 7 hrs $100 in gas
4 guests – 3 bedroom 3 bath
Hot tub – not private
Kitchen – small
Price for 4 nights: approx. $1,330
Approx. Sq. ft. living space: 1,250
Gulf views, beach, local attractions

Total travel and accommodations: $1,430


Ritz Carlton –Downtown Atlanta
Drive: 30 miles – 30 min., $8 in gas
4 guests – 2 Queen beds
Hot tub – not private
Kitchen – none
Price for 4 nights: approx. $6,800
Approx. Sq. Ft. : Presidential Suite 990 sq. ft.
Downtown skyline views, sports venues,
Restaurants, World of Coke, Museums, Aquarium

Total travel and accommodations: $6,808
(parking not included)

Group travel and corporate retreats hit Blue Ridge

They came from afar, from a world of stress. Early morning and late nights; high-powered meetings to determine the fate of dollar signs and numbers followed by several zeros, or the fate of someone’s future with the company. “I need a decision on this,” “Get me that report by Monday.” At some point, they decided they needed to get away from the office, clear their minds, and slow down the pace to regain their objectivity. Right then, at that moment, this corporate retreat in Blue Ridge was born.

It’s not that they were totally tuned out. It’s just that fishing has a way of softening the passing minutes and hours. Most of them play golf as a form of escape, but golf presents an inherent pressure to succeed. Fishing consists of hope mixed with a touch of skill and a lot of fate. And, even though some adrenaline might be triggered, pressure is not a part of an angler’s vocabulary.

The Crooked Creek Cabin stood gallantly above and behind the group of “suits” as they stepped into the cold, rushing water in their new uniforms - waders. They stepped gently as they discovered the contours of this beautiful creek that meandered along National Forest Land outside of Morganton, Georgia.

Stalking their yet unseen prey, they began preparing their fly-fishing gear and began casting the alluring flies inches above the water’s surface. They could not see what was happening below. But, I have seen this spectacle: The fly catches the trouts’ eyes on first pass, the dominant fish quickly position themselves for the meal, chasing off any younger, smaller fish who have broken rank. When the fly returns and rests atop the flowing water, helpless, the trout shoot to the surface and bend, mouths wide open, to capture the prey before it releases from the watery trap. The unsuccessful fish return to their position in rank, while the victorious fish begins its fight to release the surprisingly feisty fly.

“Got One!” declares one of the intruders, as he pulls back firmly on his fly rod. He reels and lets out a yelp, “yeeehoo.” Soon, he has the 14” Rainbow Trout in his hands and quickly extracts the well-buried fly hook from the inner mouth of the beautiful animal. He holds it up to show one of his coworkers, with a full-faced grin. He bends down, lowering the trout back into the water, moving him side to side, and the powerful fish swims away to rejoin the head of the school, a bit stressed, but mostly unharmed.

As we get more and more of these corporate groups, corporate retreats, family reunions, etc., we’ve begun to see the real value in bringing in groups who are typically interacting in a much more stressful environment, or are separated from each other by distance, or circumstance. Something about gathering together in such a beautiful, peaceful setting, eating good food, passing the hours in bliss, retiring to luxury mountain homes and lighting fires, or hitting the hot tub, sipping wine and taking in the smell of pine trees…has a palpable impact on the human soul. It improves the relationships these people have with each other. In great part, it eliminates the excuses for not getting to know each other on a more personal level; for maintaining professional barriers that have undermined a spirit of teamwork; for holding back your expressions of joy in your life and allowing others to see you joyful.

When they come, there’s always common ground to be discovered. When they’re here, everyone agrees on at least one thing – they’d rather be here than where they were.

Beautiful Fall Leaves Beginning to Peak

Our favorite time of year! This was taken 10.24.2009

A Day in Blue Ridge at Huck's General Store

Yesterday we walked through Blue Ridge to enjoy all the shops while most of the people were at the Festival in the Park. Taylor wanted to gem-mine at Huck's General Store, so we decided to have some fun. What an education we received! Brett, the store owner, is such an enthusiastic "teacher" and just an all-round personable guy. There was hardly anyone there, so we had his full attention, not to mention an amazing education in the art of gem-mining. For $25 you can buy a large bucket of dirt which contains REAL hidden gems - this comes directly from Franklin, NC, the gem mining capital of the world. Brett has devised an amazingly authentic system for gem mining, that is the next best thing than going to Franklin for beautiful gems! He has a sign outside that says, "WARNING: Gem-mining can be addictive", and boy, is he right! The excitement you get from each scoop of dirt being poured into your wooden box to sift through, never knowing what beautiful authentic gems you might unearth, is like opening a present time and again until the bucket is empty. Taylor walked away with beautiful garnets, emeralds, tiger's eyes, large crystals, a sapphire, among other beauties.

In addition to gem-mining, your $25 buys you a round of Putt-Putt in a uniquely designed rustic space. The design for the course is from Donald Trump's Apprentice show, and it's more challenging than it looks! Brett and Company have a great thing going on at Huck's General Store. At our house, Brett's known as Uncle Huck! A treasure trove for ALL ages awaits you at the General Store. Besides such WONDERFUL merchandise, the camaraderie and fellowship rings from the days of yore - just good old-fashioned friendliness and warmth.

After browsing through several shops and chatting with shop owners, we decided to call it a day....until Travis heard the train from the distance. As we were walking to our car, we crossed the tracks and saw the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's headlight approaching closer and closer. Stopping right at the edge of the tracks, Travis got a fabulous thrill! Already an avid lover of trains, this was icing on the cake for him! He was completely mesmerized as the train passed by - awed by the "bigness" of the locomotive, the cars, the loud blowing of the horn- so much so that he couldn't bring himself to wave at all the passengers as he usually does from our river cabins when we're over there. The look on his face was priceless after the train passed - such a great thrill for him, and for us!

A lovely little memory we made for our children - a great joy of parenthood.

The Perfect "Staycation" in the North Georgia Mountains

Cabin Rentals of Georgia, an upscale North Georgia cabin rental company offering affordable luxurious accommodations, is proud to announce the offering of many new events and amenities that will be sure to thrill and memorialize a wonderful vacation experience for those discerning travelers who will be vacationing a little closer to home this year. It is our desire to make your Blue Ridge mountain getaway a vacation to remember.

If you are looking for a unique destination wedding locale, Cabin Rentals of Georgia is pleased to provide a serenely private stretch of 1,000 feet along the beautiful big waters of the Toccoa River. Beautiful white tents, chairs, and flowers with the rolling waters of the Toccoa River as a backdrop will make for a lasting memory! In order to offer a unique wedding experience, Cabin Rentals of Georgia has collaborated with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in transporting wedding guests to the river site while enjoying refreshments, and subsequently returning guests back to town.



For the wedding party, five luxurious river properties can easily accommodate family and friends. Corporate and business retreats can also benefit from the wonderful offerings of luxury lodges and cabins, as well as private Blue Ridge Scenic Railway tours. Just contact our office for more information.


Because Blue Ridge, GA is within 2 hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and less than a day’s drive from surrounding Florida, North and South Carolina, it is the perfect staycation, promising as much adventure or relaxation as any faraway exotic resort. Blue Ridge is an easy escape from the city, where you will feel a million miles away, and yet, enjoy a vacation experience that is easy on your budget.





Blue Ridge, GA, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains which are part of the southern Appalachian Mountain chain, offers numerous recreational opportunities by way of hiking, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, boating, tubing, and canoeing, just to name a few.




If rest and relaxation are a part of your mountain agenda, finding restful repose at any of our luxurious cabins and lodges overlooking beautiful mountain vistas, or enjoying Toccoa River frontage, or magnificent views of Lake Blue Ridge will be sure to relax your mind and stimulate your senses.




National state parks, numerous antique and specialty shops, area festivals and attractions, as well as local wineries are also well worth exploring.

Since the advent of the railroad in Blue Ridge in late 1886, and its subsequent incorporation in 1887, Blue Ridge, GA has been, and continues to be a popular tourist destination. Known as a popular luxury resort and health spa area back then, so it remains to this day. Where investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists of the early 1900’s came to Blue Ridge via the railroad for the minerals springs, fresh air, lack of stress, beautiful landscapes and a laidback lifestyle, so they still do 100 years later.



So it was that Cabin Rentals of Georgia was created – to offer luxurious amenities, recreational opportunities, and lasting memories that are second to none. Mountain travel and its vast array of recreational activities are becoming more and more attractive to people as they plan their vacations this year. Because of our unique offerings of diverse luxury properties, be they along the Toccoa River,

on Lake Blue Ridge,


private creekside cabins,

equestrian community lodges,

or breathtaking panoramic mountain vistas,

we are able to offer our guests incredible value in these uniquely luxurious accommodations.






For water activities Cabin Rentals of Georgia offers amazing luxury lodges along the big waters of the Toccoa River, enjoying 1000 feet of river frontage providing convenient opportunities for fly-fishing, tubing, canoeing, and kayaking in the river.



For all your lake activities and boating adventures, 5-star mountain lodges are located on the pristine waters of Lake Blue Ridge with 2-story private boat docks with sunning decks and an assortment of “toys” for summertime fun on the lake.

For mountain vacation getaways, North Georgia’s breathtaking panoramic mountain views,

outdoor fireplaces,

and stunning sunsets and sunrises await you.





Due to the current economy, many people are changing the way they live, adjusting their budgets to fit their changing lifestyles, and in planning their vacations this year, will therefore, be pleased to find all the ingredients to a perfect staycation in our affordable upscale cabins with amazingly luxurious amenities. Your dollar goes a long way when you stay with Cabin Rentals of Georgia – the awe-inspiring views, the adventurous activities, the luxuriously indulgent comforts, the peace and serenity - priceless!

The Perfect Timing of Seasons

One of the many great things about living in Blue Ridge is the fact that we are fortunate to experience all four seasons. Back in South Texas where we came from, there's really only two seasons: hot and not-so-hot. So if the question were put to me, "Which season is your favorite?", I would have to say that it's a toss-up between Autumn and Spring. After the busy-ness of the summer months, the winding down, and the quiet and reflective repose of Autumn is so welcoming. After the bitterly cold winters and many days of "cabin fever",

the rebirth and freshness of springtime is quite beautiful and full of promise.




Last week was a beautifully warm week with temperatures in the 80's - feeling much like summertime already! We took advantage of the gorgeous weather and put our boat in the water for the summer. With the kids in tow, we took them for a fun spin around the lake at sunset, capturing a few photographs of this great beauty that never ceases to amaze me.


One might think that such pristine beauty would become old hat, seeing it all the time and thus, taking it for granted. But every spring, without fail, it's as though I am seeing it all for the first time.



Deeply breathing the fresh clean air, the feeling of the wind in your hair, hearing your children's laughter - it's the confident expectation, the buoyant optimism, the faithfulness of God that permeates the air.

A view of the Toccoa River and Gazebo for Riverview Lodge, Fallen Timber Lodge and Outlaw Ridge

Today was another beautiful spring day in Blue Ridge so I decided to shoot sample videos of what you will see and hear when you get to the river from our cabins. Take a peek.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway comes by The River's Edge Luxury Lodge

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway comes through our property along the Toccoa River usually once a day. This is a viedo sample of what you will see and hear as the train comes by. This clip was shot from the octagonal deck at The River's Edge, a luxury 5-bedroom lodge on the Toccoa River. Notice the Cherokee Indian Fish Trap in the river, indicated by the large "V" shape. Easy access to the Toccoa River from The River's Edge is possible for endless recreational fun on the river, whether fishing for trout, canoeing, tubing, or kayaking. Come enjoy Summer Fun on the Toccoa River in Blue Ridge, GA!

Fun times at Crooked Creek Cabin

A couple of weeks ago, while the weather was on the chilly side as is typical of early April, we went over to Crooked Creek Cabin to lay down some mulch around the firepit alongside the creek, and build a fire. Our friends from St. Louis were visiting and enjoyed throwing the baseball in the large "yard". Crooked Creek is such an intimately private cabin, offering great recreation on the grounds. Enjoying 650 feet of creek frontage, there is ample exploration in the creek, on the banks of the creek and great hiking across the creek into the Chattahoochee National Forest. A felled tree provides the perfect "bridge" to cross to the other side! Fishing in the creek for rainbow trout is quite the treat, and top it off with a fish fry over an open fire right next to the rushing waters of Wilscot Creek. A fun day was had by all that day, a wonderful ending to a most memorable visit with our friends.

Video Views of Lake Blue Ridge from the Decks of Cloud 9, Luxury Mountain Lodge

As we stood on the decks of Cloud 9, an amazing mountain lodge on Lake Blue Ridge, we couldn't let the opportunity pass to videotape the panoramic view of the lake. Springtime is probably our most favorite time of year up here, and we try to capture some its breathtaking beauty wherever and whenever possible. Around 5p yesterday, this is what the lake looked like as seen from the spacious decks of one of our luxury 5-bedroom lodges.

Cloud 9 offers lofty views of Lake Blue Ridge and surrounding mountains inside an indulgently luxurious mountain lodge. The magic of Cloud 9 provides endless recreational opportunities provided by a large private boat dock and sun deck, complete with canoe, rafts, chairs, and hammock. Featuring a view of the big waters of Lake Blue Ridge, in addition to breathtaking sunsets, Cloud 9 is your Luxury Recreational Headquarters for the summer!

Field Trip to the Ocoee Whitewater Center

On April 2 our Fannin County Christian Homeschool Group took a field trip to the Ocoee Whitewater Center, the site for the 1996 Summer Olympics, for our classes.  Three classes offered that day were presentations about Snakes, Life in the Woods, and Streams.  A very informative and enjoyable day was had by both the kids and parents.  The staff at the Center is so friendly, and the classes offered that day were well-presented, lots of fun, and the educational interaction with the kids made for a memorable experience. 

One of the  Park Rangers offered a presentation on snakes, and brought several of his personal snakes for the class to touch.  What an experience that was!  When someone else is handling snakes, it's an amazing thing to revel in the beauty of these snakes.  A very lively and informative, fun and interactive presentation- the kids loved learning about snakes, meeting them personally, and hearing some wild stories! 

The second lively presentation about wildlife in the woods proved to memorable as well.  We learned about all the different types of wildlife living in the mountains and woods and how they survive.  Soft pelts of deer, bear, skunk, beaver, and possum were passed around for all to feel, after a brief explanation on proper handling of a pelt.  One very informative fact we learned was regarding the deer and her fawn.  When a mother deer leaves her fawn to go forage for food, the fawn is left unprotected, but perfectly camouflaged, lying very still in the same place his mother left him. As she departs she leaves a scent along the way, enabling her to find her way back to her baby.  The problem occurs when hikers stumble upon a fawn, scare him away, and consequently the mother is unable to find her fawn upon her return.  We were advised to never disturb a fawn in order to prevent this from happening.

The third and last presentation was about Streams.  This was the presentation most eagerly anticipated, as it required the kids to get in the water, albeit the day was cold and windy.  When did that ever stop an eager child from wanting to explore the wonders of the waters!  The goal of this presentation was to find underwater creatures, capture them in the nets provided, and take them to a magnifying glass container to examine them up close.  Specimens captured included crawdads, water spiders, centipede-looking creatures, and other interesting little creatures. 

The Ocoee Whitewater Center features a large pavilion for grilling and picnicking.  We enjoyed a festive lunch, grilling hot dogs and celebrating one of our students birthday.  

A perfect destination for families and large groups, the Ocoee Whitewater Center promises to provide unending entertainment to all who enjoy the outdoors.  Hiking and mountain biking provided on beautifully laid out paths, capturing the breathtaking beauty around you will prove to be quite exhilarating.  Bring the kids to swim in the swimming holes in the river among all the boulders - certainly beats a swimming pool! The Ocoee Whitewater Center's gift shop is worth exploring, taking home a wonderful momento for a great time had on the river.  

Fishing at North Georgia Cabins

We decided that we had a craving for some trout and wanted to smoke it on the Big Green Egg. So we got our fishing gear and headed for Crooked Creek Cabin, which is close by our house, and had a great time. Gary caught the first beauty, and since this was Travis's first time to go fishing, he was beside himself with glee and wanted to stick his pole in the creek and catch a fish. Pretty soon after catching the first trout, Gary reeled in another beauty (quite miraculous given the commotion Travis was creating in trying to catch a fish), and we were well on our way to having a delectable and TIMELY dinner!



We smoked the trout in the Big Green Egg, put it on a bed of garlic/butter angel hair pasta, along with fresh peas, and a divine bottle of wine. There is absolutely nothing more satisfying than going out and catching your dinner, bringing it home, preparing it and savoring every flavor. This is one of many blessings we enjoy while living in Blue Ridge.

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/

Our little "vacation" at The River's Edge Lodge

Gary and I decided last Sunday to spend the week at The River's Edge Lodge since it was vacant. We packed up our stuff and pretended that we were guests. I have read that in your own home it's a good idea to stay in your guest room to make sure that your guests have everything they need, and even provide things that are over and beyond their imaginations. The moment we walked into this mountain home, it felt like a home and not a cabin rental. Even though Gary built this house, and I decorated it, you never really get to fully experience the total package until you stay in the house. It's been a lot of fun experiencing the river, taking long walks, enjoying wine in the evenings on the outdoor deck, as well as adding new touches and making The River's Edge better. The days have drifted into each other, and yesterday I had a heck of a time trying to decide what day it was! I was convinced it was already Thursday, but my daughter, who's almost 8, kept telling me over and over it was Wednesday!

Since we home school, it's an incredible environment for learning and doing assignments. Before the snow came yesterday, our daughter would take her school assignments and go down by the river and "do school" - while the days were somewhat warm. While she was down there the other day, some Canadian Geese floated by and hung around. That led to a nice little rabbit trail in our studies - to learn about Canadian Geese and their habits! There are also so many birds around here - from woodpeckers, cardinals, dark-eyed juncos, to chickadees and titmice. We're going to put bird feeders up here so that watching birds will be even more rewarding. We have enjoyed great nature studies while here.

We will leave tomorrow to go back to our home, Royal Mountain Lodge, which will soon be a fabulous mountain rental in the coming months. In the meantime, we are thoroughly enjoying our stay here. There is absolutely nothing like listening to the white waters of the river right below - so beautiful and calming to the senses.

Why we love what we do

An e-mail from a recent guest who stayed at Riverview Lodge:

Gary and Lissa,

I know you must hear this a lot but I needed to let you know how incredible your homes are. My husband and I were in awe of the breathtaking view, it was as if we were living in a postcard every day. You have thought about every need that your guests could possibly have and your attention to the little things comes though. You have a gift, an art, which is a blessing for all who visit the homes that you build. This gift of joy you provided us, as well as all the other guests who stay in the cabin, will come back to you and your family two fold.


Sincerely,

Mario and Leida

More pictures of our Swinging Bridge outing

Rick took a picture of our family along the Toccoa River, and then we took a picture of Rick running down the Swinging Bridge, causing it to swing! Yikes!

A Fun Day at the Swinging Bridge

Before all the cold weather came down on Blue Ridge, we enjoyed a wonderful day at the Swinging Bridge with some very dear friends of ours. Rick Hughes, of Rick Hughes Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. and his family visited us and we had a most memorable time together.

The Swinging Bridge is a great place for hiking, great scenery, picnics, and in the summertime you can take the kids for a swim in the Toccoa River - there are shallow little pools at the river's edge that are perfect for small children. It's also a neat place for a romantic outing - take a picnic with a good bottle of wine and find a cozy spot near the river, listening to the rushing waters. This is one of our favorite spots in Blue Ridge.

Snow, Snow, Snow in the North Georgia Mountains of Blue Ridge, Ga

Today, Saturday January 18, 2008, it snowed again! This is the second time in 2 weeks. I was concerned that it was going to come in as freezing rain, but thankfully it came in as wonderful white snow. Can't wait to go outside and take pictures. Here are a few from my I-phone.

Fall Colors from the covered porch of Majestic Lake Cabin

This afternoon Gary, Travis (our 1 year old little guy) and I went over to Majestic Lake Cabin in our mule to take some panoramic pictures of the fall foliage, as it was just too pretty and the weather was so warm! Here it is November 14th and this is peak time! It came late this year, due to lack of rain. Thankfully we will be getting lots of rain tonight as a frigid cold front blows in. After all the high winds we'll be having tonight and tomorrow, most of this beauty will start to diminish. Just had to capture the colors while it lasted!

Fun hike to the Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River

This past weekend some friends of ours, who have a second home up here in Blue Ridge, took an afternoon hike (short and easy) to the Swinging Bridge and gave us a call on their way up. We planned dinner that evening at our house, and they said they would be done with their hike in a couple of hours or so.

That evening as they described their great time, they mentioned that that was one of their favorite hikes and they do it quite frequently. They take a backpack with some wine, grapes, cheese and crackers and have the best time. With the fall colors, they said it was just absolutely beautiful the other day. They also mentioned that in the summertime there are these little ponds that kids love to swim in. Now that our little baby boy will be almost 2 next summer, we will be sure to take our kids on that fun little adventure!

A spur-of-the-moment trip to the North Georgia Mountains from Florida

Gary – we just got home (long drive). We had such a good time at Five Peaks Cabin (my girls did not want to leave!) that we want to know if you have any other cabin(s) that may be available for Thanksgiving? I have my fingers crossed that someone canceled at the last possible moment….

P. & J
From: Florida

This e-mail came to me this morning and I wanted to post. These folks made a reservation late Saturday night and were on the road Sunday morning when I approved the reservation and gave them directions to the cabin -all while they were driving from Florida to Georgia. Great spontaneity!

Aska Adventure Outpost, a Luxury North Georgia Cabin Rental along the Toccoa River

We have just installed a new gazebo along our Toccoa River Property for guests to enjoy the sounds of the river, the quietness, serenity, and fresh mountain air. It's a great place for family to gather and watch the kids fish for trout along the river in a deep pool to the right of the gazebo - just ask our 7-year old daughter, as she caught a stringer full of rainbow trout!

Crooked Creek Cabin, a North Georgia Cabin Rental

Crooked Creek Cabin's newest renovations include new lattice on the lower deck posts as well as 325 feet of new cedar split rail fencing.

We have installed a TV in the basement where the pool table is located, as well as a gas log heater.

Fall Foliage in the North Georgia Mountains

Autumn is truly one of the most beautiful times up here in the North Georgia Mountains. It seems that every year, depending on rainfall amounts, peak season is different. In 2006, peak season was towards the end of October. This year it seems that mid-November is peaking quite beautifully, although a little late than usual.