This Georgia Mountain Town Is Home to a Scenic Railway and the Largest Apple Orchard in the Southeast
Here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia.
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If you follow the Blue Ridge Mountains into North Georgia, you’ll come across the aptly named small town of Blue Ridge (population: 1,244). It may be small, but Blue Ridge has no shortage of things to do — or reasons to visit. Within the town’s 2.2 square miles, you’ll find a main street lined with a variety of charming clothing stores, antique shops, restaurants, and breweries. “We have so many incredible small businesses here,” says Morgan Stephens, owner of Mountain Mama's Coffee Lounge. While you could spend an entire weekend browsing all of the downtown spots, there’s even more adventure — including hiking, kayaking, and fly fishing — to be had in greater Blue Ridge.
Located in Fannin County, the “trout capital of Georgia,” Blue Ridge beckons travelers who love the great outdoors. “Fly fishing unites sport and the pristine nature that envelopes us,” says Shannen Oyster, co-owner of Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods, a bamboo rod-making workshop in town. Whether you’re throwing your first cast or you’re an expert on the river, she suggests booking a guided trip with local fly shop Cohutta Fishing Company.
No matter your interests, there’s something for you in this gem of a mountain town — from embarking on half-day hikes and tastings at local wineries to riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and harvesting fresh fruit at the largest apple orchard in the Southeast. Oyster says visiting Blue Ridge for the first time “is like going on a ‘first date’ of sorts with our little town;” it’s exciting and refreshing, and it may just have you coming back for more.
Ready to experience that mountain town magic for yourself? Read on to discover where to stay, eat, and explore in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Related: 15 Best Places to Visit in Georgia — From Charming Mountain Towns to Sandy Beaches
Morgan Snellings/Blue Ridge Inn
Where to Stay in Blue Ridge, Georgia
Blue Ridge Inn
“For staying right in downtown Blue Ridge, I highly recommend Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast. It is charming with a modern touch, and walkable to everything downtown Blue Ridge has to offer,” says Emily Krueger, owner of 34th Degree Wine Merchant. First built in 1890, the Victorian home now serves as an eight-room boutique hotel, where its housemade breakfast, completely original “curiosity shop,” and expertly curated décor create a cozy, unforgettable getaway in the mountain town. “A major bonus is the super-cool on-site coffee shop, Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge,” adds Oyster.
Yurt Co.
“If you're traveling with a group, or looking for more space, check out Yurt Co. rentals. All their cabins have unique themes and upscale amenities,” says Stephens. Choose a “contemporary rustic chalet” with stacked stone fireplaces and a Jacuzzi, a “quintessential log cabin” complete with an observation deck and Sonos speakers, or any of the other beautifully designed mountain rentals.
The Perch Suites on Main
If you prefer a downtown Blue Ridge location, The Perch Suites on Main offers three rentals — each with exposed wood floors, new kitchens, 10-foot ceilings, and unparalleled access to some of the best restaurants and shops in the area. Downstairs, you’ll find Harvest On Main, the “OG of the Blue Ridge culinary landscape,” according to Oyster; Roe, a seafood and steakhouse; and The House of Threads, a women’s clothing and accessories shop.
Airbnbs
There are also several Airbnbs in the area surrounding Blue Ridge — many of which are only a few minutes from downtown. Enjoy the Georgia sunset from the porch of this three-bedroom cabin with a hot tub and pool table, bring the whole family to a riverfront abode on the Toccoa River, or plan the ultimate relaxation weekend at an A-frame home with picturesque mountain views.
Explore Georgia
Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge
Spend an afternoon strolling through downtown Blue Ridge.
“Between shops, galleries, restaurants, wine tastings, breweries, and more, it’s the ideal way to spend one of your first days in the area,” says Krueger. There’s also a self-guided walking tour, which details the history of some of the more notable downtown buildings and sites.
Head to a winery or a craft brewery.
Blue Ridge is in the heart of North Georgia wine country, so oenophiles have a wide selection of places to taste the region’s grapes. “Crane Creek Vineyards and Roo Mountain Vineyards are my favorites mainly because the views are so epic, and the wine goes down easy with friends in such a spectacular setting,” says John Lavin, owner of the Blue Ridge Inn. Bear Claw Vineyards is another option that’s closer to downtown Blue Ridge. Travelers who prefer beer should add Fannin Brewing Company, Grumpy Old Men Brewing, and Angry Hops Brewing to their itinerary.
Get out on the water.
“You can’t come to this area and not enjoy the water in some way,” says Lavin. “If you visit anytime from late spring to early fall, getting out on Lake Blue Ridge for a day of boating, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding is a must. The mountain views from the pristine lake can’t be beat,” Krueger adds. If you prefer moving water, Lavin, Krueger, and Stephens all suggest a float down the Toccoa River. “You could bring your kayak, or book with Float North Georgia, where they'll take you down secret tracks, and if you like, teach you all you need to know about fly fishing. The scenery is stunning, and the company is even better,” shares Stephens.
Take the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
The whole family will find merriment in hopping aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a four-hour, 26-mile, round-trip journey that begins and ends at the historic depot in Blue Ridge. Passengers are transported to sister towns McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, where they enjoy a two-hour layover before commencing the hour-long leg back to Blue Ridge.
Go apple picking at Mercier Orchards.
Nothing says fall in North Georgia quite like apple picking, baked goods, and a glass of cider — all courtesy of Mercier Orchards. Along with apples, the family-owned operation grows peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, and even has a bakery and market cafe, a market store, and a farm winery.
Geoff Johnson/Explore Georgia
Best Shopping in Blue Ridge
Canoe and Oar Finer Goods
“Canoe is full of perfect selections for my female family and friends (plus some self-gifting), and Oar has great gifts for guys,” says Krueger. The sibling stores are located directly next to each other on East Main Street, so you can easily pop into both of them and shop handcrafted jewelry and luxury candles, among other items from brands like Fulton & Roark and Brackish Bowties.
Blue Ridge Adventure Wear
“Blue Ridge Adventure Wear offers all the hiking and adventure gear you'd ever need, a lot of which has the Blue Ridge theme,” says Stephens. The store carries classic activewear brands like Teva, Keen, Merrell, and Columbia Sportswear. Plus, she says, “The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful if you need suggestions.”
Blue Ridge Cotton Company
What’s a vacation without picking up a location-specific t-shirt, sweatshirt, or baseball hat? Stock up on comfortable layers and accessories at Blue Ridge Cotton Company, and while you’re at it, select some pieces of artwork to remind you of your North Georgia trip.
34th Degree Wine Merchant
While you can certainly head to one of the local wineries for a tasting, you can also create your own with a selection of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines from 34th Degree Wine Merchant. Stop in before you head to your vacation rental to pick up some goodies, or participate in the store’s weekly wine tastings on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Best Restaurants in Blue Ridge
Ferraro’s Italian Kitchen
“The authentic Italian cuisine, friendliness of the staff, and quality of service consistently deliver an experience that we’re fortunate to have in this small mountain town,” says Krueger, who lists Ferraro’s Italian Kitchen as one of the best restaurants in Blue Ridge. Oyster echoes this sentiment, adding you should let the “knowledgeable and professional” servers choose your wine: “It never disappoints.”
Grace Prime Steakhouse
“If you’re celebrating, this is the place to do it,” says Lavin, who shares that Grace Prime Steakhouse has a “beautiful dining room and bar, great servers, and outstanding cocktails and steaks.” Stephens suggests bringing along a few friends and sitting at the bar: “The portions are large, plus, the more you share, the more of their incredible menu you all get to try.”
The General Ledger
Trout frequently appears on menus in the area, but Lavin reveals his favorite version can be found at The General Ledger, a restaurant housed in a historic bank building. Get the pecan-crusted trout and pair it with the cast iron cornbread for what he calls the “best casual dinner in town.”
The Black Sheep
“The Black Sheep is incredibly inviting and has a plethora of seating options,” says Oyster. Dine on entrees from the “New Americana” menu while seated in the restaurant’s heated pavilion or opt to eat inside the historic building that dates to 1914.
Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe
“If you’re looking for a casual lunch spot, Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe is a no-frills, walk-up counter with patio seating,” says Lavin. “The empanadas, rice bowls, and sandwiches are the best this side of Miami.”
Explore Georgia
Best Time To Visit Blue Ridge
Similar to other mountain towns in the Southeast, Blue Ridge is ideal for escaping the summer humidity while still appreciating the warmer weather. “Summer is the best time to enjoy everything in the mountains, from tubing, rafting, and kayaking to fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, boating, shopping, breweries, and wineries,” says Lavin. Fall, on the other hand, is just as enjoyable. “The fall season is stunning with abundant foliage and perfect temperatures for hiking and enjoying the outdoors,” says Krueger.
How to Get There
Part of Blue Ridge’s beauty lies in its remote location; the closest airport, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CYA), is 73 miles away. Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is 93 miles away, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is 102 miles from Blue Ridge. Driving from Atlanta, you’ll take I-75 N and I-575 N to GA-5 N/GA-515 E/State Rte 515; pending traffic, it should take about an hour and a half.
How to Get Around
“To explore further out (hikes, lakes, rivers), you’d need a car,” says Lavin. However, he notes the town’s walkability is a “big reason people like to spend their weekends here.” Within just a few minutes, you can get to just about everything on foot — and if you need a break, feel free to find a bench in Downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
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