Guide to Blairsville
Tucked into the North Georgia mountains, Blairsville is immersed in natural beauty and history. Here are a few quick tips for things to do, places to stay, great restaurants and events you'll love.
Blairsville was founded in 1835 and named for Revolutionary War hero James Blair. The community is tucked in the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a natural wonderland with lakes Nottely and Winfield Scott nearby. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.
Things to Do
Recreation
There is no shortage of places to explore the outdoors. This area is home to Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak. One of Georgia's oldest and most beloved state parks, Vogel State Park is located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Lake Winfield Scott is an 18-acre lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Meeks Park has numerous hiking trails, sports fields, a community pool and a sculpture park.
Hiking
Blairsville and its surrounds have plenty of places to hike. Popular paths include the Blood Mountain Approach Trail, Helton Creek Falls, Mountain Crossings on the Appalachian Trail, Jacks Knob Trail, Coosa Backcountry Trail, Nottely Dam Reservoir Trail and Sosebee Cove Trail.
Horseback Riding
Amateur and expert horseback riders can participate in guided trail rides in Blairsville. A Step Above Stables, Trackrock Stables and Appalachian Trail Rides are a few of the local outfitters.
Lake Nottely
The 4,180-acre Lake Nottely with 106 miles of shoreline has many places to enjoy boating, jet skiing and fishing. In addition to accessing the public boat ramps, you can rent boats, jet skis, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks at Nottely Marina, North Georgia Watersports and Cozy Cove Marina.
Track Rock Archaeological Area
Located in the Blue Ridge Ranger District, the 52-acre Track Rock Archaeological Area contains preserved petroglyphs of Creek and Cherokee, from which this mountain gap (or pass) gets its name. The carvings resemble animal and bird tracks, crosses, circles and human footprints.
Farms
Experience Georgia-grown products at Blairsville’s working farms. 7M Family Farms, Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm, Reece Heritage Farm, Southern Tree Plantation, and Whimsy Flower Farm are all open to visitors. The Union County Farmers Market, held from June through October, features more than 85 vendors with locally grown produce and plants, beautiful handmade crafts by local artisans, and homemade food products.
Wineries
North Georgia is known for its many wineries, and Blairsville is no different. Visit places like Odom Springs Vineyards, Paradise Hills Winery and Crane Creek Vineyards for locally made wines.
Grandaddy Mimm's Moonshine Distillery
Named for an Appalachian moonshiner from Young Harris, Grandaddy Mimm's Moonshine Distillery opened in 2012 by his grandson, country musician Tommy Townsend, using his recipes.
Sunrise Grocery
Sunrise Grocery store, named by Southern Living as "One of the South's Most Charming General Stores," is a cozy spot to browse around for fresh produce, delicious jams and jellies, and mountain treasures.
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Places to Stay
Copperhead Lodge
This mountain retreat features a lodge with an award-winning restaurant and bar with a porch and fireplace for relaxing. The downstairs hotel has comfortable suites, and cozy log cabins are close by.
Crossing Creeks RV Resort and Spa
This isn’t your average campsite. The Crossing Creeks RV Resort and Spa on 100 acres has five-star amenities, including fully outfitted RV sites and real log cabins. There’s an onsite spa, sauna and pool, as well as laundry facilities.
Cabins at Highland Falls
The cozy Cabins at Highland Falls are nestled within the ridges of the North Georgia mountains on a 33-acre site, bordered by the Chattahoochee National Forest. Rooms have coffee makers and fireplaces.
Enchanted Mountain Retreats
This vacation rental company operates exclusively in Northeast Georgia. Enchanted Mountain Retreats offer luxury and pet-friendly cabins for special events, family vacations and romantic getaways.
Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa
The 35-acre Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa has one- to five-bedroom cabins with hot tubs, mountain views, and European spa facilities with a rock sauna and aromatherapy lounge. There’s even an onsite winery.
Best Western Milton Inn
The rooms at the Best Western Milton Inn feature balconies and mountain views. Amenities include daily newspapers, complimentary breakfast, high-speed Internet and an outdoor pool.
Comfort Inn - Blairsville
Guests at the Comfort Inn - Blairsville have access to complimentary breakfast, free high-speed WiFi, an indoor pool and an onsite fitness center. There is also free parking and daily newspapers.
Sunrise Cabins & Cottages
Enjoy a stay at these rustic riverside and mountain view cabins that come with fireplaces. Some of the Sunrise Cabins & Cottages have full kitchens for a comfortable stay. There is a two night minimum.
Trackrock Campground & Cabins
Enjoy shaded campsites complete with water and electricity hookups at this resort that offers sites for RVs, pop ups and tents. They also have cabins with full kitchens, bathrooms and air conditioning.
Your Home in the Woods Bed and Breakfast
This home away from home surrounded by trees has three bedrooms with private baths. Stay at Your Home in the Woods B&B to enjoy a hearty homemade breakfast served daily, and nearby trails and activities.
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Where to Eat
Jim's Smokin' Que
Come by for some of North Georgia’s best barbecue. Jim's Smokin' Que is open only Thursday to Saturday, often selling out of their ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken and turkey. Go early!
The Aviator Cafe
As the name implies, The Aviator Cafe has an aviation theme with delicious eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu options include sandwiches, salads, smoothies, soups and daily specials.
Michaelee’s Italian Life Caffe
This Italian restaurant uses only the finest ingredients imported from Italy, including pasta, cheese, olive oil and Balsamic vinegar. Michaelee's Italian Life Caffe opened in 2006 by Michael Collins, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.
Hole in the Wall
This humble restaurant has been serving home-cooked meals and desserts since 1931. The Hole in the Wall offers breakfast all day and world-class pies. The restaurant accepts only cash and check, so come prepared.
The Sawmill Place
Enjoy classic Southern breakfasts at The Sawmill Place, including made-from-scratch biscuits and sausage gravy, Applewood smoked bacon, grits, hand-pattied sausage and farm-fresh eggs. The lunch menu features locally grown produce, burgers made with certified Angus beef raised by Georgia cattle farmers, Springer Mountain chicken and more local specialties.
The View Grill & Restaurant
Located on the Butternut Creek Golf Course, the restaurant is upstairs in the community center. The menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and gourmet foot-long hot dogs. They also have a kids menu.
Sicily's Pizza, Pasta & Subs
Also near the golf course, Sicily's serves Italian fare. Share appetizers like buffalo wings or enjoy salads, calzones, pasta, subs and hand-tossed pizza.
Mike's Seafood Market
The casual atmosphere at Mike's Seafood Market is one of the perks, along with great prices. Enjoy fresh seafood like catfish and oysters with sides of hush puppies and veggies.
Copeland's Burgers and Southern Eats
Everything on Copeland's menu is made from scratch – from the sandwiches to burgers to Mexican-inspired fare. They also have a full bar with craft cocktails and beer.
Cook's Country Kitchen
Start your day with breakfast at this home-cooking restaurant, which has egg plates, fluffy pancakes, sausage and biscuits. They also have daily specials like chicken and dumplings.
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Events
There's always something going on in Blairsville. Visit during these festive events for a true taste of the community.
Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Held in June at Meeks Park, the Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games celebrates the area's Scottish history. Learn about the clans, enjoy traditional games, Scottish music, dancing and food.
Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival
In April, the Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival takes place at Young Harris College. The event showcases the art of Southern and Appalachian storytelling with traditional and contemporary performances.
Spring Arts and Crafts Festival and Memorial Day Parade
In May, the Spring Arts and Crafts Festival and Memorial Day Parade has more than 60 arts and crafts vendors from around the region. Enjoy mountain fair food and three days of bluegrass, gospel and country music. Admission is free.
Butternut Creek Festival
The Butternut Creek Festival, held in July, is one of the best juried arts and crafts shows in the region. The two-day festival features 65 artists and craftsmen with basketry, fine art, fabric art, decorative painting, pottery and more.
Green Bean Festival
July’s Green Bean Festival focuses on the beloved vegetable with kids activities, festive foods and free entertainment. Artists and craftsmen showcase their work, and food vendors offer different varieties of green beans and ways to cook them.
A Taste of the Mountains in Blairsville
Foodies love A Taste of the Mountains in Blairsville, held in August, which showcases the area's variety of restaurants and cuisines along with locally produced beer, wine and spirits. The family-friendly event has live music and cooking demonstrations.
Mountain Heritage Festival
The Mountain Heritage Festival in September features collections of mountain-made products during Labor Day weekend. The handiwork of local crafts vendors can't be missed at the free event.
Sorghum Festival
The Blairsville Sorghum Festival in October is the town's longest-running festival. It celebrates the sweet syrup from sorghum. Learn about how it is made, and enjoy contests like log sawing, horseshoe throwing and pole climbing.
Christmas Parade and Holiday on the Square
The first Saturday in December is the Christmas Parade and Holiday on the Square. Downtown Blairsville turns into a winter wonderland with holiday activities and concerts at the historic courthouse.
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