Get away to this North Georgia town for mountain views, delicious dining and more to explore
BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA—MARCH 2021—Looking for a mountain getaway with all the amenities of a chic yet casual town? Choose Blue Ridge, an exquisite North Georgia mountain gem about 90 minutes north of Atlanta off Interstate 575 and an hour and a half from Chattanooga, Tennessee, on the Georgia-Tennessee-North Carolina line. Bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest in Fannin County, Blue Ridge is known for stunning views, hiking trails, waterfalls, wineries and craft breweries and was named by Southern Living Magazine as one of “2020 South’s Best Mountain Towns.” And now, a new hotel, the Hampton Inn Downtown, will make room for more guests to experience Blue Ridge’s downtown charm.
A new hotel with mountain-lodge style is accepting reservations for July 2021 and beyond (as of this writing). Hampton Inn Downtown has views of the Blue Ridge mountains enhanced by the city’s only rooftop bar and restaurant. Located on West Main Street between eclectic eateries, local breweries, wineries and a collection of specialty retail shops, the hotel’s distinctive design elements of cedar, stone and masonry complement the look of the historic district. Stays in any of the 109 guest rooms/suites include The Hampton by Hilton brand’s signature hot breakfast and On the Run ™ breakfast bags. Complimentary Wi-Fi, an oversized fitness center, a 24-hour business center, as well as 1,200 square feet of meeting space and an outdoor patio will make this a workcation destination hotel.
An intown stay with its proximity to a dazzling array of dining, art and antique galleries and unique artisan shops gives visitors a true Blue Ridge experience. Here, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, the historic railroad depot and caboose Visitor Center make for a storybook setting surrounded by sweeping views of the North Georgia mountains that can be seen all over town. Here are ways to stay in the walkable downtown district with unique accommodations, people-watching and leisurely exploration.
Several downtown lodgings have balconies and hidden nooks overlooking the scene while offering a feeling complete seclusion. Southern Comfort Cabin Downtown Blue Ridge Rentals features everything from surprisingly affordable suites off a courtyard on Main Street to cozy cottages with private decks to a penthouse loft featuring an outsized covered outdoor living/dining room with a massive stone fireplace. In addition to a unique bungalow, Downtown Accommodations by Mountain Top Cabin Rentals offers flexible options in multiple properties throughout downtown including an adorable bungalow with close proximity to restaurants and shops and an apartment-style lodging option with individual/adjoining luxury suites that can be connected to comfortable, elegant and expansive living and dining rooms. Separately or together, each can host individuals and couples all the way up to groups of a dozen or more. Additionally, lofts at Blue Ridge Station offer guests beautifully appointed two-bedroom, two-bath living spaces with easy access to Bin322 located in the same building, just an elevator ride away.
On a quiet block just off West Main Street, Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast (formerly the Kincaid House) offers Southern hospitality along with historic charm. Built in 1890s, the three-story Victorian inn has been elegantly restored and refurbished as a boutique property featuring rooms for two and suites for up to four. There’s even a Grande Suite apartment with a full kitchen and dining room. Twelve-foot ceilings, original hand-carved woodwork, heart pine floors and a rocking-chair front porch add to the B&B ambience.
For those who prefer staying even closer to the great outdoors, surrounding Blue Ridge/Fannin County accommodations include plenty of options. Included are sprawling properties with stunning mountain views, creek-side hideaways, riverfront fishing lodges and cabins on Lake Blue Ridge, ranging in price from less than $100 to $1,000+ per night. Visit www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/where-to-stay for a complete listing.
Indoor, outdoor and en-suite dining
Whether casual or fine dining is on the to-do list, Blue Ridge has plenty of choices. Close by and sophisticated are Harvest on Main, serving Southern-inspired global cuisine, including locally sourced beef, vegetables, local craft beers and an extensive wine collection. With a chef whose experience includes Denmark and the Caribbean, expect unexpected twists on traditional fare at Hansen’s Grill. Perhaps the most romantic is Black Sheep, featuring a New Americana menu, a Wine Spectator-recognized wine list and cocktails featuring house-produced moonshine in a historic residence. The patio is shaded by a 200-year-old oak tree. With a relaxed setting of vintage “living room furniture,” Bin322, located on West Main Street, welcomes guests with upscale yet casual food and wine samplings complemented by live music. Nearby on East Main Street, The Vine and Eatery is a small family-owned eatery and wine bar with amazing food and a wide array of wines as well as a selection of craft beers. A dog-friendly patio welcomes man’s best friend, too.
Beyond the well-traveled East and West Main Street restaurants are hidden gems, including casual and outdoor dining. Pete’s Place is a Southern comfort food kind of place frequented by locals and visitors. Dine inside the cabin-like space or on the porch on steaks, fish, seafood, chicken, salads, sandwiches and more. The Rum Cake Lady Cuban Café is a take-out spot for coffee, picnics and sweet provisions reminiscent of a Cuban walk-up window-café or “La Ventanita.” Stay and enjoy the recently added outdoor dining area, open for lunch. Among the offerings are award-winning rum cakes, authentic pressed Cuban sandwiches, Cuban food bowls and the best Cuban coffee in town.
A little farther out of town, Mystic Mountain Pizza serves fresh salads, gourmet hot dogs, wings and specialty pizzas (including gluten-free) with a comfortable, fun and groovy tie-dyed feel. It’s also a fun place to pick up a souvenir—visit the restaurant’s on-site shop.
In addition to DIY takeout and cooking in, Blue Ridge offers a spectacular dining-in experience. Cabin Concierge service delivers flowers, groceries and meals from a wide variety of sources around the area.
Some of the ever-growing list of options include catering and an impressive array of private chefs who can tailor to the tastes of the guests. A percentage of their services goes towards supporting Feed Fannin. Or, engage a private chef such as Chef Steven, of Blue Duck, or Chef Trey Griffith to prepare an amazing multi-course meal. The private chef will handle all the details while guests relax and enjoy.
More to explore
For more small town exploration with a taste of the mountains, drive 20 minutes north of Blue Ridge or take the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to the charming twin border towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Split by the Georgia-Tennessee state line, history, unique crafts and antiques can be found here, along with a popular selfie spot both inside and outside a fun souvenir shop. The Riverwalk Shops at McCaysville offer scenery, shopping, dining and sipping while savoring a view on the deck overlooking the Toccoa River.
Journalists: For more indoor/outdoor dining in Blue Ridge and Fannin County, please go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/2020/09/18/blue-ridge-georgia-dining-alfresco-with-an-altitude/. Find all dining options in Blue Ridge here. Peruse the breakfast options at the Blue Ridge Blog. Find wineries and craft breweries, outdoor activities, arts, history and shopping at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com. Welcoming options for Fido are plentiful as well.