$37 million of investments on the “other side of the tracks” add even more charm and character to this North Georgia destination
BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA—JULY 2021—Blue Ridge, Georgia, a charming mountain town about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via I-575, has always been a vacation getaway spot for reviving the senses–mind and body. The town has become so popular with Atlantans and Floridians escaping the city for a little peace and quiet that it has attracted millions in commercial investment in downtown Blue Ridge, along with thousands of mountain vacation homes in the 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest and along the banks of Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River. Although most of the original downtown development in Blue Ridge occurred east of the tracks of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, there is currently a revival including $37 million of investment on the “other side of the tracks” along West Main Street.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Blue Ridge
The newly opened $18.5 million Hampton Inn by Hilton Blue Ridge, developed by Vision Hospitality Group, Inc., in partnership with Blue Ridge Hotel, LLC, is poised to deliver a lodging experience new to the area. Offering nearly 1,000 square feet in meeting and event space, along with a stunning rooftop bar, this new addition to Blue Ridge accommodates both the business and leisure markets.
Located on West Main Street, the property features 109 rooms and encompasses the true essence of Blue Ridge. Guests will find elements of the community’s buzzing art scene woven into the hotel’s interior design. Local photography showcasing the history of Blue Ridge is displayed throughout the hotel while works of local artists are used to appoint the lobby and rooftop bar, Hook & Eye. Hook & Eye is the city’s only rooftop bar and the perfect spot to unwind, taking in enchanting views of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Located on West Main Street, the Hampton Inn by Hilton Blue Ridge features 109 rooms and encompasses the true essence of Blue Ridge. Credit: Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
Tucked between a mix of local breweries, wineries, eclectic eateries and a collection of specialty retail shops, the property is thoughtfully positioned to provide a seamless experience for visitors and offers a retreat for its neighboring city of Atlanta and surrounding region, all while maintaining an attractive price point. Additional property highlights include spacious guest rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center, oversized fitness center and outdoor patio. Every Hampton by Hilton guest will enjoy the brand’s signature free, hot breakfast with healthy options and On the Run ™ breakfast bags. For information, contact George Harper with Vision Hospitality Group Inc. at gharper@vhghotels.com, call 706-642-9001 or visit www.vhghotels.com
Trackside Station
New to the Blue Ridge retail scene is Trackside Station, also located on West Main Street. The $9 million retail project, developed by Hawthorne Ventures Blue Ridge LLC, features 12 retail suites for a total of 25,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space. The exterior of each suite is thoughtfully constructed of a mix of stone, brick, stucco and siding to complement the small town charm of Blue Ridge. The retail village is accompanied by a two-level parking deck offering 186 parking spaces in the heart of Historic Blue Ridge. Contact Julie Fitts Queen at juliequeen@remax.net or 706-455-4075.
Blue Ridge Station
Next door, the new $6 million Blue Ridge Station, also by Hawthorne Ventures, offers 15 spacious lofts for full time living or vacation rental. Residents of the upper three levels can experience loft-living with outdoor balcony views of downtown Blue Ridge and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The main level features two eateries, Bin 322, a wine and tapas bar and Mona Lisa’s Dessert House, serving house-made desserts, cocktails, wine and champagne. Find out more at www.BlueRidgeStation.com or Julie Fitts Queen at juliequeen@remax.net, 706-455-4075.
55 Mountain Street
Just around the corner from the new Hampton Inn is 55 Mountain Street, a 12,000 square feet, $3.5 million investment with two loft apartments, retail shops and restaurant space overlooking downtown Blue Ridge. Two high-end retail shops offer shoppers a carefully curated shopping experience. BridgeHouse Interiors features specialty home furnishings and gifts while Kitchen Obsession is an authorized dealer of Big Chill Appliances and more. Contact, Holly Cox at 706-455-9552 or hollycox@tds.net.
Also happening on Mountain Street, the restoration of the former Hampton Square building which currently houses The Pasta Market, a specialty Italian market offering a variety of pasta, sauce, pesto, utensils, cookbooks, gifts and more. Additionally, two new restaurants are planned for the remaining space in the restored building.
The Dogwood
Located on the opposite end of West Main Street from Hampton Inn is The Dogwood, an authentic homegrown spot for enjoying food, drinks and live music. Situated in the historic McKinney House, this new hangout features 150 outdoor seats nestled among century old trees, a large hand painted mural and a unique food and drink experience.