Escape to Your Perfect Mountain Getaway: Blue Ridge, Georgia

Go Shopping in downtown Blue Ridge — Roughly one mile long, Main Street is home to several trendy boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, gift shops and historical buildings. My personal favorite is Oak and Canoe, a brother-and-sister shop featuring handcrafted lifestyle items and accessories. I also love making stops at E. Quinn Bookseller, Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company and Tupelo Tea (try the Candy Apple). There is a bite and a store for everyone.

Hike Amicalola Falls - Amicalola Falls State Park is a scenic 45-minute drive away from Blue Ridge. It is home to the 7-mile approach for the Appalachian Trail, a stunning mountaintop lodge, and, most notably, a 729-foot waterfall. Amicalola Falls is the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi and does not disappoint. Hike up 175 stair-steps to breathtaking views and celebrate your accomplishment with a glass of wine or mocktail at the Amicalola Lodge.

Go wine tasting - Northern Georgia is known for its sweet muscadine grapes, and there are plenty of wineries to get a taste of them! My absolute favorite vineyard in the Blue Ridge area is Engelheim Vineyards, a German-inspired retreat that encourages its visitors to roam the vineyard freely. Serenberry Vineyards and Cartecay Vineyards are also honorable mentions. Cartecay has a stand-alone shop in Downtown Blue Ridge if you don’t want to take the trip out to Ellijay.

Get dessert at Mercier Orchards — Every time we go to Blue Ridge, we end up making multiple visits to Mercier Orchards. The Orchard houses a large marketplace with seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade jams, jellies and apple butter and other local goods. It is a MUST to visit the bakery and get apple donuts and fried hand pies. For the more adventurous, the orchard offers U-pick options and orchard tractor tours on the weekends.

Swim at Sea Creek Falls — A tiny little swimming hole nestled in the woods. Be cautious of snakes and slippery rocks. It’s a perfect cool-off if you’re in Blue Ridge during the summer months.

Visit the Toccoa Swinging Bridge — Make sure that you are comfortable driving on steep inclines and winding mountain roads OR have 4-wheel drive. This swinging bridge is a hidden gem. During the summer months, you can find people with hammocks below the bridge picnicking by the Toccoa River.

Go tubing on the Toccoa River — This is a must if you are visiting Blue Ridge in the summer. Toccoa Valley Campground offers a tubing adventure in class one rapids. The iconic pink tubes will take you down natural slides and provide a relaxing way to take in all of the mountain views.

Take the Blue Ridge Rail to McKaysville — This four-hour, 26-mile round trip is a perfect Fall or Winter activity. You’ll be able to see all of the changing colors or visit the Christmas Village once you arrive in downtown McKaysville.

Day trips

McKaysville: Take the Blue Ridge Scenic Rail to this quaint little town that sits on the Georgia-Tennessee line. You will want to take the day trip during the Fall and Winter seasons. The views are incomparable, and the Christmas Village will dazzle you with the lights and festivities.

Blairsville: A quick thirty-minute drive west, plan to go in the morning and get breakfast at The Hole in the Wall for a true Southern breakfast. Explore the many antique shops throughout the downtown area and end your day with a trip to Brasstown Bald. You can choose to hike or drive to the top of Brasstown Bald, where you will get a 360 view of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. It is the highest point in Georgia and features a view of four different states.

Harvest on Main: Southern-inspired, global cuisine. Be sure to make reservations in advance as they are busy year-round!

Grumpy Old Men Brewing: A great place for local beer, games and live music. If you’re not a beer drinker, get the root beer on-tap!

Mike’s Trackside BBQ: Barbecue is a must while you’re in Blue Ridge, and Mike’s offers some of the best!

Mercier Orchards: Fried hand pies and apple donuts. Need I say more?

Black Sheep Restaurant: Located in the historic Butt House, this menu is bound to have something for everyone. Plan to have a cocktail while you are here and be sure to make a reservation. The restaurant offers VIP transportation for those planning to indulge.