Two trains, two states, two rivers and more equal too much fun in this North Georgia town
BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA–FEBRUARY 2019–Too much fun–there’s no such thing! But, in Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via Interstate 575, you’ll find two times the adventure when it comes to outdoor explorations, sipping suds and riding the rails.
Two choo choos Take a train ride and chugga-chug down the 13-miles of rails comprising the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (241 Depot Street). The 45-minute (each way) excursion is a generation-bonding adventure that starts at the historic 1905 depot in Downtown. Vintage climate-controlled rail cars or open air rail cars host more than 70,000 passengers each year for a ride that winds alongside the Toccoa River, with a stop in the twin border towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee.
Copperhill/McCaysville is one town with two names because it is split by the Georgia-Tennessee state line. Here, visitors have a two-hour layover, with plenty of time to eat lunch, shop for unique crafts and antiques, snack on ice cream or walk around.
Nearby, the Tennessee Valley Railroad offers an extended 94-mile round-trip day-trip excursion through the lower Hiwassee River Gorge, over the Hiwassee Loop and onto the joint cities of Copperhill, Tennessee, and McCaysville, Georgia, where a 90-minute layover provides opportunity to eat and shop before returning to the departure city of Etowah.
Two restaurants on the river
While in McCaysville and Copperhill, stop at the Burra Burra Seafood Co. (100 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, Georgia 30555), where you can dig into a variety of fresh seafood including oysters, clams, crawfish, shrimp and more inside or while savoring a view on the deck overlooking the Toccoa River.
Next door, Twisted Tomato Restaurant (100 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, Georgia 30555) opens in September, serving brick-oven pizza and Italian food with a view overlooking the banks of the Toccoa River.
Sip suds
Enjoy a beer (or two!!) in these six breweries, spanning two states:
Fannin Brewing Company’s (3758 East 1st Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513) Tom Fennell brought his brewing skills to Fannin County for two simple reasons: Fresh air and fresh water make for fresh beer. Being local is important to Fannin Brewing; it’s in the name of their beers: Hiawassee Golden Ale, Toccoa Brown and Blue Ridge Lager. The brewery often features live music and also sources local ingredients for many of their beers. Their Tasting Room is open 2-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, and from 1-6 p.m., Sunday.
Grumpy Old Men Brewing (1315 E Main St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513) was founded in 2012 by a couple of retired beer enthusiasts that went from brewing in an outdoor shower to opening their own microbrewery. In 2018, the guys decided to pass over their tap handles to another Grumpy Old Man and his Crabby Old Tap Lady. Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday-Saturday.
Copperhill Brewery (105 Ocoee Street, Copperhill, Tennessee 37317) offers high quality, diverse and exceptional tasting craft beer. Enjoy the variety of craft beers offered in the tap room. Open 3-8 p.m., Monday-Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m., Sunday.
Buck Bald Brewing (160 Ocoee Street, Copperhill, Tennessee 37317) was born in the mountains of Blue Ridge and is dedicated to brewing the highest quality beer. From the flagship Ragin’ Red Ale and Hollerin’ Man Pale Ale to styles from across the spectrum, you’ll love every sip. Open noon to 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., Sunday.
Copper Ale Station (123 Grand Avenue, Copperhill, Tennessee 37317) is rumored to be haunted and one of the oldest bars in the state, making it a great dive bar with a side of history. Open 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Two rivers run through it
Both the Toccoa and Ocoee Rivers offer adventure for all.
Pack a picnic and try tubing, kayaking the Toccoa or an Ocoee River whitewater rafting adventure. Plenty of outfitters can provide everything you need, including transportation.
Try rustic tent camping at Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area, showcasing a beautiful spot on the river that is ideal for fishing and wading. Toccoa Valley Campground, also on the Toccoa River, offers RV and tent camping. Bonus: Expand the experience here and spend the next day on the river by taking advantage of onsite rental options for tubes, rafts and kayaks.
With two locations, one in Copperhill near the Toccoa and Ocoee and another on Lake Blue Ridge, Toccoa River Outfitters (120 Grand Avenue, Copperhill, Tennessee 37317) offers guided wade trips and float trips on both the head waters and the tail waters of the Toccoa River. The Fly Shop carries the very best fishing gear and accessories and all of their flies are tied by local guides and retired fishing enthusiasts.
Take it to two wheels
If you prefer adventure on dry land, check out Pedego Electric Bikes (257 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513) with rentals that feature pedal assist. Enjoy one of the trails they suggest along the Toccoa River or by Lake Blue Ridge without wearing yourself out. Or, rent mountain bikes at Ocoee Adventure Center (4651 Highway 64, Copperhill, Tennessee 37317) and challenge yourself with routes throughout Blue Ridge.
If you go
For accommodations complete with kitchens, choices include lodges with stunning mountain views, creek-side hideaways, riverfront fishing lodges, cabins on the lake, cozy cabins, hotels and resorts–which range in price from $100 to $1,000 per night. Visit www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/where-to-stay for a complete listing.