North Georgia Mountain town is an entertaining treat
BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA—MAY 2022—Whether it’s a bachelorette party or a generational getaway, a retreat with your best gals is a delight for all the senses in Blue Ridge, Georgia, a charming North Georgia mountain town about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via I-575. From fresh air and scenic views to shopping, spas and dining, this chic and casual vacation spot was named by Southern Living Magazine as one of “2020 South’s Best Mountain Towns.”
Centered around the historic Blue Ridge Depot, downtown’s restored buildings blend perfectly with modern industrial and mountain architecture, showcasing the arts, antiques, unique shops and restaurants. Bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest in Fannin County, Blue Ridge is also 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.”
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, which is located in downtown, adds to the storybook setting. Check in to the new lodge-like Hampton Inn Blue Ridge featuring a hot breakfast, balcony rooms and the city’s only rooftop bar/restaurant, Hook & Eye. Plenty of downtown lodging options including loft apartments and B&Bs can be found here: https://www.blueridgemountains.com/where-to-stay/intown-lodging/
Here are suggestions to include in a build-your-own BFF itinerary.
Spa Sessions and Wellness
Blue Ridge attracts some of the best wellness and bodywork practitioners in the Southeast. More than 15 centers for beauty, fitness and wellness are located here, encompassing day spas, salons, Crossfit, yoga, herbal therapy and more. Learn more about the spas, yoga and wellness options at the Blue Ridge blog. For a full listing, visit www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/things-to-do/spas-wellness.
Yoga Over Blue Ridge is a yoga community with practitioners who also offer bodywork, Thai massage, Energy Work/ Reiki AromaTouch and sound therapy. After a session in the studio, refresh at the Zen and juice bar. Look into their destination yoga events and private yoga parties. (3900 East 1st Street, Blue Ridge, 30513; 910-616-9101). Encircled by acres of woodlands and lush green spaces overlooking a vineyard and peaceful lake with the Blue Ridge mountains as a backdrop, The Med Spa at Willow Creek Falls offers IV hydration therapy, massage therapy, yoga and fitness classes to de-stress, relieve anxiety, increase flexibility and build strength (35 Trackside Lane, Blue Ridge, 30513; 706-946-1030). Clients come from around the country to experience the sanctuary of Serenity in the Mountains Spa and Lodge, which offers massage and hydrotherapy, Zen floating and a softly-illuminated Himalayan salt cave (59 McKinney Road; Blue Ridge, 30513; 706-258-2244). Teatrees Boutique Spa is located in an intown luxury cabin and offers a full range of services from soothing massage therapy, holistic facials and therapeutic body treatments. Book a group of five or more girlfriends and savor a complimentary wine or cider, cheese, and cracker platter in the fireside lounge or on the outside deck. (3293 East 1st Street, Blue Ridge, 30513; 706-946-2015).
Wines, Vines, Views and Brews
Award-winning wineries, Georgia grown hard cider, distilled spirits and outstanding craft breweries are all part of the Blue Ridge experience. Take a short drive to Mercier Orchards, one of the South’s largest orchards and a family farm for 65 years. Buy just-picked fruit, local vegetables and baked goods for your stay, visit the tasting room and sample Georgia’s first hard cider and fruity wines like strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and apple. Bear Claw Vineyards delights with views of the mountains, the vineyards and unique and romantic treehouse accommodations. (2281 Tennis Court Road, Blue Ridge, 30513; 706-223-3750)
Peruse the map of all the area wineries and breweries at https://s3.amazonaws.com/blueridge-2018/documents/18BR-Brews-Wineries2020.pdf For a listing and description of each, visit https://www.blueridgemountains.com/restaurants/breweries-wineries
If you’re looking for safe and reliable transport to wineries, dining or outdoor adventure, or your party is coming in from airports in Georgia, Southeastern Tennessee or Southwestern North Carolina, discuss your needs with Mountain Transportation, a prearranged car service that will drive you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Shopping
Of all the towns in North Georgia, Blue Ridge has the largest array of specialty shops, boutiques and galleries for fine furnishings, art, antiques, clothing and jewelry. Looking for unique artisan-crafted items? Blue Ridge has been named one of the Top Ten Towns for Craft Lovers in the country. Check out the downloadable map https://s3.amazonaws.com/blueridge-2018/documents/15Shopping-2021web.pdf and find details here: https://www.blueridgemountains.com/shopping/
Dining
Blue Ridge is also a North Georgia foodie destination, with a plethora of casual, fine and late-night restaurants located throughout the downtown area.
For a sophisticated girls’ night out, The Black Sheep, features a locally sourced, chef-inspired New Americana menu and a Wine Spectator-recognized wine list and cocktails featuring house-produced moonshine in a historic home shaded by a 200-year-old oak tree. Favorites include Fried Calamari, Cold Water Oysters, Ribeye and Lamb Lollipop Chops, as well as desserts and cocktails featuring house-produced moonshine. Nearby, The Dogwood delights with 150 outside seats, a huge hand painted mural and 100+ year old trees—a completely unique dining and drinks experience that is ideal for soaking in the beautiful Georgia weather, amazing live music and the company of your best girlfriends. For rooftop dining with a view, Hook & Eye at Hampton Inn Blue Ridge offers a full bar, live music and inside or outside seating. The upscale yet casual bin322 Wine and Tapas Bar offers charcuterie plates, a wide variety of tapas including Duck Rillete, Pintxos and more-familiar varieties. Among the entrees are Mojo Chicken, Crab Cakes and Shrimp Calabria. Wine dispensers enable guests to sample a taste or a glass. Wines are also available by the bottle with a meal or to take home. The Vine and Eatery is Blue Ridge’s original wine bar, serving cheese plates, flatbreads, sandwiches and pours, tastings and bottles to go. The dog-friendly patio, along with a selection of craft beers and wine slushies make this Blue Ridge’s go-to place for unwinding. It’s possible to have fresh, sustainable seafood far from the coast at Whiskey & Water – Seafood and Bourbon Bar. Choose from oysters, clams, mussels, lobster and saltwater fish in on-point appetizers and entrees, with delicious options for those who don’t love or can’t eat seafood. For a complete list of dining options including desserteries, visit https://www.blueridgemountains.com/restaurants/
In-House Chef or Concierge
In addition to 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 such as Chef Steve of Blue Duck, Chef Jeff Servin or Chef Trey Griffith. Each can prepare an amazing multi-course meal, entertain and provide all the details while guests relax and enjoy.
If you go
In surrounding Fannin County choices include lodging and restaurants with stunning mountain views, creekside retreats, riverfront lodges, cabins on the lake and much more. www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.