Recommended Food Shops
If you would rather explore the area and discover the many treasures that Blue Ridge has to offer, we recommend the following shops that we frequent regularly:
One of the great joys of this business is creating an environment that is pleasing to all the senses, and there are several shops in Blue Ridge which accommodate our discriminating tastes. The heart of the home is in the kitchen and since we love to entertain as much as we do, we have included a few of our favorite shops in Blue Ridge that help to enhance the art of hospitality. We hope you find these shops as inviting and invaluable as we do.
Before you get to these specialty shops, however, just a few mainline grocers and locations that are essential:
Ingles Grocery
Located in Blue Ridge on Hwy. 515. They carry a wide selection of items, as well as a vast array of organic foods.
Wal-Mart
Located in Ellijay, the town right before Blue Ridge. Hwy 515 on your right. Also located right before you enter Blairsville on Hwy 515, turn left at new intersection. Tractor dealership on left.
Costco
Located on I-575 north of Atlanta at Exit 1. Turn left and go under freeway onto Barrett Parkway, go under freeway. At first light turn left, then make first right and go up the hill to Costco.
BJ's
Located on I-575 north of Atlanta at Exit 7. Turn left and go over freeway. At first light (Lowes) turn left, then make first right and go up the hill to BJ's.
Out of the Blue Gourmet Living
706-258-2750
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 10am to 5pm
Friday & Saturday - 10am to 6pm, Sunday - 1pm to 5pm
Closed Wednesdays
This is a fantastic Kitchen Gourmet shop on Main Street in Blue Ridge, and our friend, Sarah, is the owner. The very moment you walk in the door you feel as though you have walked into Sarah's kitchen ~ full of lively conversation, good cheer, and laughter. If you want a great bottle of wine at a great price, this is the place. Out of the Blue carries a large selection of fine wines and beers that are perfect for any occasion. Sarah carries beautiful table linens, unique kitchen accessories, outdoor furniture, gourmet foods, exotic spices, cheeses, and home accessories from Italy and France as well as cooking demonstrations and classes. Every Saturday and Sunday they have gourmet food tastings in their fully equipped gourmet kitchen - so stand around the kitchen island and share in some great food, conversation, and laughter! Sarah has a wonderful gift of hospitality in that you feel like she is an old dear friend ~ her shop is so warm and inviting. So be sure to step into her shop and have a great time!
Penland's Mercantile
56 River St
Ellijay, GA 30540
(770)789-7298
The Penlands Mercantile Store was recently restored and reopened in downtown Ellijay. The store's focus is to offer both daily staples for the downtown residents and workers, but also specialty food and gift items with a focus on Georgia and Appalachian made products. Buying from 10 local farms and tailgate markets, Penland's offers a variety of fruits and berries, dairy and eggs, nuts and seeds, as well as baked goods, preserves, beer, wine, and specialty goods. The store carries old-time soft drinks such as Cheerwine, Dr. Enuf, cream sodas, tobacco products, gourmet easy to make food kits, hot sauces, barbecue rubs and sauces, and various Penland Orchard food products. Our focus is on excellent customer service, and we have a chalkboard where shoppers can write down items they wish the store to purvey for their next visit. Come feel like you are stepping back in time where you will be treated as a person, not as a big chain shopper.
Open ALL YEAR LONG!
Memorial Day-Thanksgiving
Monday-Saturday 8-6 & Sunday 10-6
November 25-May 27
Monday-Saturday 8-5 & Sunday 10-5
CLOSED: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve through New Year's Day,and Easter Sunday
8660 Blue Ridge Dr Blue Ridge, GA 30513 - (706) 632-3411
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. Whatever you do, you have to indulge in the fried pies. They are the best, hands down! Mercier's is also MUCH more than an Apple Orchard, offering a wonderful specialty shop featuring unique gifts, a vast array of specialty foods, and merchandise.
Adele's Kitchen: Unique Kitchen gifts & Cookbooks
Blue Ridge Birdseed Company: Gifts for all your birding needs
Mountain Blooms: Fresh cut flowers and special arrangements
Sugar Creek Market: Kids farm toys featuring John Deere
The Poundarosa: Unique pet supplies
Wrapsody in Blue: Specialty Home furnishings
BOXED LUNCHES PROVIDED! Whatever your excursion for the day includes, Mercier Orchards can make a fabulous boxed lunch for you to pick up.
During the month of September, enjoy picking apples - a fun thing to do with the kids! Every Saturday and Sunday in September offers great apple-pickin' fun. Don't forget your sunscreen, bug spray, and picnic lunch!
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