Natural beauty, healthy practices and community spirit
BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA–JULY 2023–We all know getting away can be good for the soul. Today, many of us are looking for an escape that is good for the mind and body, as well. Travel is not only a great means of getting away from the everyday but is also a chance for exploration and adventure and a welcome opportunity for rejuvenation. For all that, Blue Ridge, Georgia, is the perfect spot.
Here are some suggestions for finding your center in Blue Ridge.
Immerse yourself in nature
Just 90 minutes north of Atlanta off Interstate-575, Blue Ridge and its surrounding Fannin County offer a nearby respite that seems a world away. The first wave of calm comes from the amazing mountain views. Those who find their Zen in nature will find plenty of enlightenment here, amid 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest, 300 miles of hiking trails and 100 miles of trout streams.
Legendary routes like the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail are included among the popular trails in the area, as are many day-long hikes. But there are also plenty of hikes of five miles or less for those who just want a short escape into the wilderness to recharge. The newly established Fightingtown Creek Nature Park (1126 Cedar Valley Road, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513; 678-974-2609) includes 12 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails. The park is a 190-acre project that has been envisioned to further the community’s commitment to free public use trails and preservation of vital natural resources.
For those refreshed by water, there are five waterfalls in the area and waterways ranging from soothing brooks to swift-moving rivers. From casting a line to paddling with the currents to just relaxing on the bank, there are plenty of ways to enjoy some water therapy along the scenic Toccoa River and other area waterways.
One such spot is Long Creek Falls (Forest Service Road 58, Morganton, Georgia 30560). It is located on the Three Forks, where the Appalachian, Benton MacKaye and Duncan Ridge Trails meet. There is a two-mile, out-and-back hike along Long Creek to reach the falls. Another is the 270-foot-long Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa. The approach to the bridge is via a short hike on the Benton MacKaye Trail.
There are plenty of options for exploring all the beauty and adventure of Blue Ridge with a variety of day trips. Scenic driving tours, walking tours, hiking and biking trails and paddling routes all offer unique views and experiences.
Enjoy the local bounty
Within this beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains setting there are a host of businesses that foster balance and wellness and welcome visitors to the community. A longstanding example is the well-known Mercier Orchards (8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513; 706-632-3411). This fourth-generation, family-owned and -operated apple orchard was founded back in 1943. While it is the largest apple orchard in the Southeast, it is a hometown favorite business here and one of many that embody the deep community spirit that has been created by local entrepreneurs. In addition to apples, the Mercier farm grows berries, hosts U-Pick events and makes ciders, hard ciders, baked goods and more.
At The Folk Collaborative (2984 Mobile Road, McCaysville, Georgia 30555; 706-492-7753) baked goods are only the beginning. The bakery has freshly baked pies, breads and pastries along with homemade soups and more. In the adjacent apothecary, the shelves are filled with all-natural products made from locally grown and foraged ingredients using traditions and knowledge passed down through generations of Appalachians. A walk through the shop and bakery is like a step back in time, where visitors are surrounded by natural remedies, time-honored recipes and traditions and local hospitality. Outside, the apple orchard is the perfect spot for a picnic or a U-Pick adventure. They also offer classes on subjects ranging from herbal medicine making to fly tying.
Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge (477 West 1st Street Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513; 762-228-5325) is the perfect spot to chill out in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge. Locally roasted, organic, fair-trade coffees and herbal teas are served in a comfortable, creative setting. All of Mountain Mama’s syrups are homemade using whole ingredients and their own recipes. They also serve pastries and baked goods from the Folk Collaborative.
Enjoy the 100 percent natural and organic products of Honey on the Hilll (577 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513; 706-946-2019), where you’ll find sustainably sourced local honey as well as gourmet candies and beauty products. Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company (511 East Main Street, Suite 100, Blue Ridge Georgia 30513; 706-946-OILS) carries only the purest of olive oils available, along with vinegars and other specialty products. Their International Olive Oil and Vinegar Tasting Room offers an opportunity to taste olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world.
Find your inner peace
Aspiring artists–and all art lovers–can find inspiration within the 4 Elements Art Gallery (491 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513; 706-258-2987) where exhibits of resident and featured artists are dedicated to each of the four universal elements. Visitors can express themselves through their own creations at monthly classes which feature art instruction along with wine and charcuterie tasting.
Whether your aim is pampering, cleansing or simple relaxation, a visit to Serenity in the Mountains Spa & Lodge (59 McKinney Road, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513; 706-258-2244) is in order. Serenity is a full-service spa known for its wonderful service and impressive array of treatment options in a luxurious mountain cabin atmosphere. Services include facials, nail treatments, body treatments, massages and more. A visit to the salt cave provides a healing breathing treatment in an otherworldly atmosphere. The quiet room affords guests a time of fireside repose to complete their spa experience.
Yoga Over Blue Ridge (3900 East 1st Street Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513; 910-616-9101) is a welcoming studio that offers a variety of yoga classes as well as an array of fun events. There is also a boutique and juice bar onsite. Throughout the year, the event calendar includes retreats and additional events such as meditation sessions, SUP yoga classes and sound therapy. For full immersion, a retreat at Heartwood Health, Art & Yoga (711 Left Turn Road, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513; 706-632-2824) is the answer. The retreat center specializes in yoga, nutrition and art retreats and holds events throughout the year.
Visitors can choose from an impressive list of lodging options. From downtown hotels, bed & breakfast inns and condos to a host of mountain view or creekside cabins, the variety and quality of accommodations in this mountain destination are second to none. There are options to be found for any type outing. Whether for a weekend girls’ retreat, guys outing or couple’s getaway, the perfect “home” will add to the balance of any Blue Ridge escape.