By Debi Lander
mail@floridanewsline.com
The railroad’s arrival in 1886 brought the sleepy little town of Blue Ridge, Ga., to life. Located about 90 minutes north of Atlanta, Blue Ridge continued to grow and today, the gem offers refined yet rustic appeal. It’s a welcoming place for a getaway to a cabin in the woods or a luxury downtown condo.
Over the years, railroad traffic decreased, so the city decided to save the train. Blue Ridge’s own Scenic Railway makes just one run a day. The hour-long trip takes passengers to the developing river-town of McCaysville. Adults love riding in vintage cars, but kids prefer the open-air ones. The tracks run through the Chattahoochee National Forest and alongside the Toccoa River, where you’ll likely see fishermen and people tubing along.
Before the train returns, passengers enjoy lunch and shopping in McCaysville and the adjacent town, Copperhill, Tenn. Be sure to take a quirky photo straddling the Georgia/Tennessee state line.
Fly fishing reigns big in Blue Ridge, the Trout Capital of the state. Coldwater streams provide ideal conditions for the fish. The catch and release rules help sustain the environment. If you need equipment or a fly fishing lesson, stop by Cohutta Outfitters. I did and signed up for a guided session that even included waders. My pro soon had me casting a line in an idyllic mountain stream.
In 1930, Blue Ridge acquired a lake when the dam was built for hydropower. You’ll find a mix of log cabins and luxury homes overlooking the 11-mile long crystal clear beauty. Many make popular vacation rentals while the marina offers pontoon boat rentals, ideal for cruising with family and friends. For a more energetic outing, rent a kayak or canoe.
Hikers and bikers take to the mountains on more than 300 miles of trails. The North Georgia area features 16 photo-worthy waterfalls.
For the visitor desiring some pampering, look no further than the Serenity Spa. The owners designed the complex to incorporate the log cabin look — but they offer the latest treatments and products. You can even reserve a massage in one of their treehouse rooms.
An actual vacation means dining out, and Blue Ridge presents plenty of options. Pick from casual, down-home eateries to white tablecloth gourmet meals. Try the Fightingtown Tavern or Masseria Kitchen and Bar for casual dining. A gala evening might start with cocktails overlooking downtown from the new Hampton Inn rooftop bar. Then walk to indulge in a luscious repast at Black Sheep and perhaps an after dinner drink at Whiskey and Water.
Fun afternoons and evenings call for a stop into Grumpy Old Men, an authentic local brewery and hangout. Those who prefer wine can check out the lovely grounds of Bear Claw or Serenberry Vineyards. Shopping on Main Street brings surprises you don’t find in chain stores. Look for country furniture and accessories, outdoor attire, boutique clothing, art galleries, antiques, and specialty gift shops.
Entertainment beyond the ordinary includes a pinball arcade, the nearby Bigfoot Museum (seriously), or a chance to drive a tank at Tank Town. (I went on my first visit to Blue Ridge, and it remains an often talked about memory.) You might consider visiting recused research chimps in their retirement village at Project Chimps or pick apples at Mercier Orchards.
Seriously, if all that isn’t enough, just grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine, and sit on a porch and rock. Blue Ridge lets you escape but won’t let you be bored.
Get a free trip app at Visit Blue Ridge, GA. The drive from Jacksonville to Blue Ridge is about seven hours.
Visit www.bylandersea.com to read more of local travel writer Debi Lander’s stories and travel tips.
Photo courtesy Debi Lander
Mountain view from Mercier Orchards.
