Surprisingly upscale restaurants in a charming small town setting

Georgia's Blue Ridge and Fannin County offer more dining experiences than ever, from upscale casual to gourmet treats to traditional Southern cuisine. Get the guide here. There are some things you just have to eat when you come to the mountains, however, including local mountain trout, barbeque and Brunswick Stew, grits and homemade biscuits. Don't forget to try out fried apple pies, apple bread, apple butter and naturally, apple cider.

Some of the finest food in the mountains can be found in Downtown Blue Ridge, where new upscale casual restaurants like Harvest on Main, Christy Lee's Courtyard Grille and Blue Ridge Brewery add flavor to traditional favorite spots like Serenity Garden and Danielle's Great Eats. On the outskirts of Blue Ridge, the new Toccoa Riverside Restaurant is a destination not to miss; great food in a wooded, riverfront setting. Cucina Rustica, on Forge Mill Road in Morganton, sets a new standard for fine Italian dining in the mountains, and a also offers a great casual choice at Cucina Pizzeria next door.

For breakfast, brunch or lunch, try L & L Beanery in downtown Blue Ridge, Sisters Restaurant or the Bumblebee Cafe in Blue Ridge. Don't miss lunch at Angelina's Italian Delicatessen, Joe's BBQ, Blue Ridge Barbeque, Mercier Orchards or Sue's... for the best hamburger in Blue Ridge! And for traditional Southern fare, you can't beat The Village Restaurant and Pete's Place, on Highway 515 at Cohutta General Store.

Some folks prefer to kick back and relax in the cabin with a romantic picnic supper from some fantastic gourmet catering shops. Or buy some homegrown tomatoes at a roadside stand and make tomato sandwiches for lunch! In any event -- eating is a treat in the Georgia mountains. It's part of the trip!

For a full list of restaurants, please see Area Restaurants & Food Spots
Restaurants