Top 9 Things To Do In Blue Ridge, Georgia

We love Blue Ridge, Georgia, which is one of the coolest mountain towns in North Georgia, not least because of its vibrant arts scene and bountiful opportunities for outdoor adventures. Between the restaurant- and boutique-filled downtown and the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest and Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, there's fun to be had for everyone. Read on for a few of our favorite stops in Blue Ridge. And, if you have your sights set on a trip soon, download a copy of the town's walking tour and take yourself on a wander around town. They also have a handy list of all of the shops in the area, which is indispensable if your aims include window shopping—and they certainly should. With our guide, you'll be sure to hit all the best spots in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Shop The Charming Downtown

Blue Ridge's dynamic downtown is filled with shops, breweries, and restaurants. Wander down East Main Street, stopping in the Bear Store for all your "bear necessities," like charming mountain home decor and souvenirs. At the old-timey Huck's General Store, browse the endless barrels of candy, toys, and locally made goods. Then pick up fishing gear favored by former President Jimmy Carter at Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods, or sign up for one of their classes to make a handcrafted bamboo rod of your own. Don't forget to stop in Pezrock to see their unique collection of tables, lamps, and sinks made from natural materials like driftwood, onyx, and petrified wood.

Downtown also boasts a dozen antique shops, outfitters, and several clothing boutiques. There's enough there to keep you busy all day, but if you need a breather, find a bench in the nearby Blue Ridge City Park for a dose of fresh mountain air.

Ride The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Trains are an enormous draw in this mountain town, where they have been rambling through for more than a century. Today the whole family can have fun on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which offers a four-hour, 26-mile ride that follows the Toccoa River through the scenic landscape and Chattahoochee National Forest. During a two-hour stop, you'll set foot in two states in the sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee.

Explore Chattahoochee National Forest

If outdoor adventure is what you're after—and if you're not content to just drive through—plan a hike in Chattahoochee National Forest, a verdant gem that stretches for 867,000 mountainous and wooded acres. You'll find jumping-off points for the Appalachian Trail nearby; hard-core hikers can take a 35-mile drive south to the top of Springer Mountain, where the trail starts the 2,190-mile journey to Maine.

Admire Wonderful Waterfalls

Many of us like for a hike to end with a splash, and trips to Long Creek Falls, Falls Branch Falls, Sea Creek Falls, and Jacks River Falls do just that. The area is dotted with dramatic falls, which make for lovely hikes in and around Blue Ridge.

Check Out The Vibrant Arts Scene

Blue Ridge has developed a reputation for its strong community of artists and craftspeople. The town's Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and Art Center and the Blue Ridge Community Theater bring music, theater, visual art, and entertainment to town, while downtown galleries keep the community connected to local artisans and their works. If you're visiting Memorial Day weekend or the second weekend in October, be sure to check out the town's Arts in the Park festivals.

Visit The Southeast's Largest Orchard

Spend a few hours relaxing among the rolling green hills at Mercier Orchards, a family-owned operation now celebrating 80 years. Depending on the season, take your pick from 50 varieties of apples, as well as strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and blackberries. The Merciers also lay claim to the "most famous fried apple pies in the mountains," along with a list of other mouthwatering treats. The kids will love the tractor tour and fishing in the pond, while grownups can taste the orchard's mulled wine and selection of hard ciders.

Make A Splash

Lake Blue Ridge offers kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and stand-up paddling for those who want to get their feet wet. For a more relaxed pace, rent a pontoon boat and motor around this beautiful mountain lake. During the warmer months, Blue Ridge Tubing offers family-friendly trips down the Toccoa River.

Tour Wineries And Breweries

With half a dozen breweries in Blue Ridge, you're sure to find an ale, lager, porter, or wheat that suits your tastes. Just a short 4-mile drive away, Bear Claw Vineyards provides tastings of its Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other wines. The idyllic winery is child- and dog-friendly and offers entertainment from corn hole to live music on weekends. You can even stay on-site at the famed Blue Ridge TreeHouse, built by the TreeHouse Guys for the DIY Network TV show.

Travel outside Blue Ridge and you'll find more wineries, breweries, and distilleries in nearby Ellijay and Blairsville.

Get In A Game Of Golf

Golfers won't want to miss Old Toccoa Farm, Blue Ridge's picturesque, Bunker Hill-designed course. You'll feel like you're in paradise when you take in the spectacular views of valleys, meadows, and national forest along the winding fairways. Call ahead for a tee time and to make your reservation at the Tavern, where you can sample Warm Trout Dip and a porkchop with Apple Bacon Compote.

If you weren't already planning a trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia, consider this an opportunity to learn more about this great mountain town in North Georgia, and then chart your course.