Eclectic shopping and dining in a quaint small town setting.

The town of Blue Ridge offers eclectic shopping and dining in a quaint small town setting. With the historic Blue Ridge Depot at its center, Blue Ridge is a center for arts and galleries, antiques, unique shopping and eateries.

Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. It was established as a railroad town, with the depot at its heart. Visitors would ride the train to town, eat dinner at the Blue Ridge Hotel, and take a leisurely walk to the mineral springs after dinner. Today's visitors still ride the train and take leisurely walks along Main Street, enjoying the antique and specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, small town atmosphere and friendly people of Blue Ridge. The town was founded in 1886 as a result of the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. In the early years, at different times, there were five hotels and several boarding houses in downtown Blue Ridge.

Blue Ridge Landmarks

The Blue Ridge Depot
As the home of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, the historic railroad depot remains the central focus in downtown Blue Ridge. Although the first depot burned, the present station was built in 1906. You can see the train depart the station at 11 a.m. most days in season.

Blue Ridge City Park
Downtown Blue Ridge City Park is the heart of downtown Blue Ridge. The park is a popular place for picnics, community gatherings and festivals. Take the kids to the playground to play, have a picnic in the park -- and watch out for resident roosters and their families!

The Art Center - Historic Fannin County Courthouse
The historic Fannin County Courthouse was built in 1937 after the previous courthouse burned in 1936. The courthouse is now the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association's Arts Center and has undergone an impressive renovation. Be sure to walk through the Galleries on West Main inside the Art Center, and see the exhibits in the restored court room. The Art Center has rotating exhibits, so there is always something new.

Baugh House
Baugh House, located at 411 West First Street, is owned by the Fannin County Heritage Foundation. It is open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 3:00. The home was built by James Baugh in 1890. Baugh was a brick mason and the bricks were made out of clay from the back yard. For more information, call 706-258-2645.

Historic Blue Ridge Walking Experience Map
Downtown Blue Ridge Shopping Map