Guide to Blue Ridge, Georgia
If the scenery alone doesn't draw you here, you'll quickly find many other reasons to get away to this charming town in the North Georgia mountains. Explore the top things to do, places to stay, great restaurants and fun events in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Blue Ridge, Georgia, is a beloved mountain getaway first settled in the 1800s as a railroad stop. Downtown features shops and art galleries, restaurants and breweries. Further out, visitors can enjoy the outdoors, including hikes, whitewater rafting, trout fishing and wildlife spotting. Spend the night in one of the area's rental cabins or a traditional hotel.
Things to Do in Blue Ridge, Georgia
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Downtown Blue Ridge has plenty to see, including antique stores, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and other attractions. Start with a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest along the Toccoa River. The restored train takes passengers on a four-hour trip between north Georgia and Tennessee with a layover for lunch.
Mercier Orchards
Mercier Orchards is a Blue Ridge landmark that grows more than 50 varieties of apples. Visit the orchard in the fall to go apple picking, and you'll also find cider (alcoholic and non), jam and baked goods. Other times of the year, you'll find peaches, cherries and strawberries. The farm also has you-pick areas and tractor rides.
Vineyards & Breweries
There’s no shortage of wineries and breweries around Blue Ridge. Bear Claw Vineyards offers mountain views to enjoy while sipping their red and white varieties, including the popular Cayuga White. They also have a treehouse where you can spend a night or longer. Another favorite is Serenberry Vineyards, which offers tastings of their sweet whites and rose. Sip on IPAs at Angry Hops Brewing and Grumpy Old Men Brewing, both located on East Main Street.
Waterfall Hikes & Mountain Biking
Go chasing waterfalls at places like Fall Branch Falls or Long Creek Falls, which can be seen on a 30-minute hike. Download a PDF map guide to Blue Ridge waterfalls. Hiking and mountain biking are also popular activities, especially the Appalachian Trail approach trail to Springer Mountain.
Lake Blue Ridge
Spend time on the water, including Lake Blue Ridge, which was formed by a hydroelectric dam. Lake Blue Ridge Marina is a place to put in your boat or rent one, along with paddleboards and paddle boats.
Tubing, Kayaking & Rafting
Tubing, kayaking and rafting provide high-octane excitement, which can be booked through local outfitters. Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters and Rolling Thunder River Company run river trips and also rent kayaks.
Rent a kayak from Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking, or float down the river with Toccoa River Tubing, and Toccoa Valley Campground and Tubing.
Trout Fishing
Blue Ridge is also a place popular for trout fishing. Arrange trips through guides and outfitters like Appalachian Anglers, Cohutta Fishing Company, Fly Fish Blue Ridge, Hulsey Fly Fishing, North Georgia Trout Fishing, Noontootla Creek Farms, On the Fly Excursions, Reel Angling Adventures, and Soaring Eagle Outfitters.
Ziplining & Horseback Riding
Soar through the trees with the ziplines and aerial adventures in Blue Ridge. The aerial obstacle courses at Blue Ridge Adventure Park are in various difficulty levels, appropriate for beginners to advanced. And Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge has 13 zips, including a 75-foot-high platform.
Go horseback riding at Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides at Hell's Hollow Adventure Outpost and Appalachian Trail Rides.
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Places to Stay in Blue Ridge, Georgia
Lay your head at one of Blue Ridge's cozy accommodations.
Hotels & Inns
The Hampton Inn Blue Ridge is located in the heart of downtown, just steps away from restaurants, retail shopping and the Blue Ridge Scenic Depot. Comfort Inn & Suites has standard hotel amenities like a large fireplace in the lobby, free breakfast, a fitness center, laundry facilities, and a business center. There are also several places to stay in town, so you're as close as possible to downtown Blue Ridge's shops and restaurants.
Cabins
Cabins are another popular option. Escape to Blue Ridge has luxurious hotel-style amenities including top-notch linens, free WiFi and cabins with hot tubs. All of the Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals are within 15 miles of downtown Blue Ridge and have friendly and responsive staff. Warm up near the gas fireplaces at Mountain Top Cabin Rentals, Blue Sky Cabin Rentals, Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals and Georgia Mountain Cabin Rentals are other options.
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Where to Eat in Blue Ridge, Georgia
Settle into one of Blue Ridge’s beloved restaurants for just about any type of cuisine.
Black Sheep Restaurant Bar & Patio
Black Sheep Restaurant Bar & Patio is a full-service eatery that combines Southern fare and fuses it with other styles. Favorites include the Asian tuna nachos, elk chops and fresh pasta, which can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio.
Harvest on Main
Nationally recognized Harvest on Main incorporates the best of local ingredients in Southern dishes with global influences. They proudly list their vendors in dishes like the Georgia-caught shrimp and Logan Turnpike grits, pan-roasted Springer Mountain chicken and Bramlett Farms trout BBQ.
Cucina Rustica
Old World Italian food is the draw at Cucina Rustica, covering many regions of the country. The menu includes wood-fired pizzas, seafood and pasta. Come on weekends for veal osso bucco, which has limited availability.
Masseria Kitchen & Bar
Another pizza hotspot is Masseria Kitchen & Bar, but it’s not all about the pies. They also serve house-made pasta, brisket and polenta, and salads.
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant
Come by Toccoa Riverside Restaurant for a glass of wine or beer on the river’s edge. Their menu features fresh local trout, steaks, seafood and pasta. They even have a menu for your four-legged friends!
Southern Charm
As the name implies, Southern Charm is all about hospitality with famous biscuits and apple butter, fried catfish and slow-roasted prime rib. Share a plate of fried green tomatoes with the table.
Chester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Grill
Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill is a rustic American restaurant that serves wings, sandwiches and entrees like steak, pork chops and rainbow trout. It’s located inside a 1920s hotel.
Grace Prime Steakhouse
At Grace Prime Steakhouse, dine on 45+ day-aged steaks that have been expertly chosen and cut by award-winning chef Daniel Barron. Pair your meal with selections from an extensive wine list and expertly crafted cocktails, and take in the 180-degree view of the city. It's a dining experience you won't soon forget!
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Events in Blue Ridge, Georgia
There’s no shortage of events year-round in Blue Ridge.
Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off
In February, the Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off combines chili made by local organizations and restaurants along with ice sculpting by professional carvers. There’s also live music and entertainment.
Blue Ridge Arts in the Park
More than 100 local artists and vendors come together at Spring & Fall Blue Ridge Arts in the Park every spring and fall. There are also local food vendors, live entertainment, and proceeds benefit a local arts organization.
Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival
Every spring, the Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival celebrates Blue Ridge’s great outdoors with conservation talks, local outfitters, vendors selling fishing gear and gifts, and fishing seminars. Fuel up at their Food Truck Alley and Beer Garden.
Blues and BBQ Music Festival
In September, the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Music Festival has a lineup of local and regional blues bands. Regional restaurants serve up barbecue and sell craft beer.
