Ideas for special groups and gatherings

Whether you have one day or a week to spend in Georgia’s Blue Ridge, you’ll find yourself surrounded by water, forests, quaint small towns and beautiful scenery. We’ve put together some suggested itineraries for special visitors who want to spend their vacation taking in the sights in a special way.

For the Girls: Blue Ridge Girlfriend's Getaway Weekend
Rent a luxury mountain home with lots of room, a beautiful view and a hot tub! Chill out your first night, relax and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine on the deck of your cabin. Don't miss the stars -- they are spectacular! On the first day of your getaway, start on Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge and spend some time shopping for antiques, art and unique clothing and gifts. Create lasting memories with a photo shoot at River Junction Olde Tyme Portraits and Family Photos. Be sure to get the great shopping map put out by us by clicking here Shopping Guide 2012. Have a ladies lunch at one of the small eateries in town, then take a short drive to Mercier Orchards, one of the south's largest orchards and a family farm for 65 years. Buy some fresh fruit, local vegetables and goodies for the cabin. Here are some links to Shopping Maps & Guides:
Area Restaurants & Food Spots
Downtown Blue Ridge Shopping Map
McCaysville/Copperhill Shopping Map
Shopping 2012
Historic Blue Ridge Walking Experience Map
Spend your second day at Serenity in the Mountains Day Spa and enjoy their special Girlfriend's Getaway package (book in advance!). They provide a luxurious and restful setting, lunch and wonderful spa treatments. Have dinner afterwards at one of our great Blue Ridge restaurants, like Cucina Rustica, Blue Ridge Brewery, Christy Lee's or Harvest on Main.

For Naturalists: Hike the Appalachian Trail
Two of the greatest outdoor adventures in the world begin in Fannin County. Both the Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails start at the top of Springer Mountain. There are over 300 miles of hiking trails in the area, including short trails suitable for beginning hikers and families. Try this hike to experience the Appalachian Trail and see beautiful Long Creek Falls. Take snacks and lots of water; this is a ½ day adventure.
Here are the Directions: From Blue Ridge, go south on Aska Road 13.5 miles to end. Turn right onto Newport Road, go 4.5 miles to end. Turn left onto Doublehead Gap Road and continue on this road about .8 miles to intersection with dirt-gravel USFS Road 58 intersecting sharply from right. Turn onto FS 58 and continue into forest and uphill 5.3 miles to Three Forks. The parking area is on the right at Noontootla Creek, a beautiful trout stream. The trail to Long Creek Falls is on the left.

For History Lovers: Rural History Self-Guided Tour
Georgia’s Blue Ridge has plenty of Appalachian heritage and historic areas to discover. The town of Blue Ridge was founded in 1886, when the Marietta and Northern Railroad came to Fannin County. The rail line at Blue Ridge, with an altitude of 1,751 feet, was reported to be the highest in Georgia at that time; Fannin County was called “the Switzerland of the South” in promotional brochures.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia

Begin your day with coffee at L & L Beanery in a restored historic bank building right across from the depot. Learn about historic buildings in Downtown Blue Ridge by following our Historic Discovery map guide.

Board the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway mid-morning and experience first hand what passenger rail service was like in the old days. The train operates with period railroad engines and cars, following the Toccoa River as it winds its way to McCaysville. Here you disembark and have lunch, do a little shopping and see the GA/TN line marker where the towns of McCaysville, Ga. and Copperhill, Tenn. meet. You can stand with one foot in Georgia and the other foot in Tennessee at the same time! For an old-time fun evening, go to Blue Ridge’s Swan Drive-In, one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in Georgia. Or take a picnic to Horseshoe Bend Park and enjoy some foot tappin’ Appalachian bluegrass music at Pickin’ in Horseshoe Bend Park.
Historic Discovery - Blue Ridge Self-Guided Experience
Historic Discovery - Communities Self-Guided Experience
Area Restaurants & Food Spots

For the Guys: Guy's Fishing Expedition
Fannin County is the Trout Capital of Georgia. There are over 100 miles of great trout fishing rivers, creeks and streams in the area, including Jack's River, Conasauga River, Toccoa River, Noontootla Creek and Cooper Creek. When you rent a cabin, make sure it is located on a river, lake or trout stream. Before you come, we also suggest contacting one of our local fishing guides in advance so that they can help you plan a trip that is perfect for your group. Trout fishing is good every season, so plan your trip during football season and watch a game at Blue Ridge Brewery, Cucina Pizzaria or in your own cabin with the guys. While you are in Blue Ridge, don't miss an opportunity to visit Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods workshop on East Main Street downtown. Bill makes fine handcrafted bamboo fly rods and teaches classes to others who wish to learn.