This house is beautiful inside, out, and all around! We had 8 people stay here, and it was a perfect fit! We loved waving at the passengers of the train that would go by—we even went and rode the train. The orchard down the road is a must see! Riding down to the orchard in...
North Georgia Mountains: the Vacation Destination for the Entire Family 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.If you’re seeking 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 associated with the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association, 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.
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.
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. 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. 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 and Adele are always helping out around the North Georgia orchard. Bill still drives the rows of the trees every day 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 peak season. It's a real family affair with four generations of family still pursuing Bill and Adele's dream.
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. The Swan Drive-In is equipped with FM stereo sound where patrons use their car radio or even a portable radio to tune in. It is family oriented and bad behavior is not tolerated. The Swan Drive-In operates year round with current first run movies. Motor homes and RVs are welcome; however, there are no hook-ups. We have a full concession. See menu below: You can enjoy a movie outside under the stars or in the privacy of your car.
Eleven of Gilmer County’s apple orchards are spread across this picturesque valley along Georgia State Hwy 52. Enjoy stopping at the many orchards for a variety of activities offered by the Apple House and farms. They're all group friendly, family-friendly, with free admission. A few of the orchards or barns for purchasing are: BJ Reece Orchards, Hillcrest Orchards, Little Bend Orchards, R & A Orchards, and Panorama Orchards & Farm Market. |  The Memories This house is beautiful inside, out, and all around! We had 8 people stay here, and it was a perfect fit! We loved waving at the passengers of the train that would go by—we even went and rode the train. The orchard down the road is a must see! Riding down to the orchard in the tractor to pick the apples was definitely an enjoyable experience—there were even baby pigs you could pet! Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip and want to come back next year! God has a way of showing himself and the wonders of his works. The mountains are simply beautiful. Waking up wach morning looking at the view it appears we are inside a perfect picture. We are thankful to God for the quiteness, peace and comfort that the mountains provide.... God has a way of showing himself and the wonders of his works. The mountains are simply beautiful. Waking up wach morning looking at the view it appears we are inside a perfect picture. We are thankful to God for the quiteness, peace and comfort that the mountains provide. Thankful for the priceless time spent with family. Our stay in this beautiful cabin was awesome! |
