12 Blue Ridge Experience Gifts

You don’t have to read the famous study cited in Forbes to know in your heart-of-hearts that the secret to happiness is spending your money on experiences and not things. Experiences bring us together, the memories last forever, and they make life more interesting. Experience gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and Blue Ridge is home to dozens and dozens of opportunities to experience the good life together. We’ve collected 12 ideas here that are sure to impress even the hardest people on your list to buy for.

picturedSerenity in the Mountains Relaxation Room

creditBlue Creek Lodge with Escape to Blue Ridge

FOR THE ONE WHO WORKS SO HARD

Nothing acknowledges how much your special someone has worked all year quite like the way a spa day does. Send them off for a rejuvenating hydrotherapy soak in solitude or book a couples massage for some fireside down-time together. We’re not letting Santa keep it a secret anymore: Soaks, treehouse massages, salt cave therapy and more are available at Serenity in the Mountains.

FOR YOUR COZIEST COMPANION

Sometimes the best gift is simply time together. When you can escape to a mountain retreat, it makes the time even sweeter… there are no distractions, no laundry piling in the corner, no laptop calling you to finish that report for work. Pick an intimate cabin along the river or select a grand design for the whole family with views of the mountains. Build a fire, pull out your favorite board game, grab a local 6 pack from the fridge and enjoy the art of “nothing.”

picturedBear Claw Vineyards

FOR THE NEIGHBOR WHOSE WINE YOU ALWAYS DRINK
Do you have a neighbor that offers you a porch swing and pours you a glass when you’ve had a rough day? Treat them to a wine tasting at Bear Claw or head out together to visit one of the tasting rooms in Downtown Blue Ridge.

FOR THE FOODIE IN YOUR LIFE
If your bestie is a foodie then tickets to Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tours are the perfect present to slide into their stocking. You can pick from three different tours… a traditional food experience, a dessert-lovers tour or a brewhouse bonanza. Can’t decide? No worries. Just grab a gift certificate and let your friend pick! Maybe a gift certificate from one of our great restaurants.

pictured4 Elements Art Class

FOR YOUR ASPIRING CREATIVE FRIENDS
If you have a creative friend that wants to learn a new medium, then gift them time with Blue Ridge talent George Charriez of 4 Elements Art. His oil painting classes include professional art supplies, instructions to create beautiful landscapes, and your own take-home masterpiece.
Did I mention the charcuterie board and wine? Yes, you should absolutely join the class with your friend.

FOR ART-LOVERS AND ART-MAKERS
If you have a friend or two who have moved from aspiring artist to artist-supreme (or they are a passionate ally of the arts) then the gift of membership was made for them.
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association not only offers multiple classes and events, but a membership that gives back all year. From discounted classes and art purchases to opportunities to sell art to waived jury fees at festivals, it’s enough to keep your virtuoso busy in every season.

picturedClay shooting at Noontootla Creek Farms

FOR THAT GROUP OF EMPLOYEES THAT NEED TO LET OFF SOME STEAM
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your employees that also doubles as a team-building exercise then head to Tank Town. Your crew can drive a tank, scramble in an excavator… even crush a car with 17 tons of military steel.

Axe Throwing Therapy! Designed around having fun, getting competitive, and sometimes even relieving stress. Projection screen, computerized scoring, great team activity. They even have an urban winery, Shezmu Cellars producing local honey-wines (mead) while also pouring 30 taps of craft beer.

FOR THE OUTDOOR SPORTSMAN
Field shooting isn’t always an option, but your favorite outdoor sports-person can always enjoy a round of sporting clays at Noontootla Creek Farms. NCF offers 12 shooting stations with 100 targets, and golf cart transport between stations. Rainy day? Not a problem with the 5 stand and wobble trap.
If you’re just getting started in this sport or you’re bringing an out-of-town guest, then rifles can be rented, and instruction is available.

picturedOld Toccoa Farm

FOR THE ONE THAT CRAVES TEE-TIME
For some, tea time includes white tablecloths and grandma’s china. For others, tee-time is something altogether different, but no less special and Old Toccoa Farms award-winning course is where to take them.
Join your loved-one on the green during public golf times (families are always encouraged to golf together, so bring the kids!) or spoil them with a membership. Whichever you choose, don’t skip a meal at The Tavern after your 18-holes

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO TIE A FLY
Some find relaxation in a salt cave or at a canvas, but for others it comes in the still moments along the Toccoa, fishing rod in hand. Blue Ridge is the trout fishing capital of Georgia, a dream for every fly fisherman.

Spend time together in the water, renew their fishing license, grab a gift from Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods (a quick visit will tell you why this place is so special,) or gift them a guided trip with access to trophy waters on private property or a gift certificate from one of our fly shops.

Little girls playing pinball at Vertigo Pinball in Blue Ridge, Georgia

creditVertigo

FOR YOUR YOUNG-AT-HEART COHORT
Vertigo Pinball is the ultimate destination to relive those childhood memories with both old and new pinball games. Play for an hour for one low price or play all day for just a little more. You can also grab some lunch bites or a cold local beer and watch the season’s best sports games on their plethora of TVs. If your young-at-heart loved ones are also young-in-age then they are welcome, too.

FOR THE “PLAY TOGETHER/STAY TOGETHER” FAMILY
Need the perfect gift for a family? A gift certificate to 2nd Story Entertainment lets them play together - whatever the weather. A full 18-hole unique mini-golf course weaves in and out of eight themed rooms in a 112-year-old hotel. Along the course they’ll also find other “giant” games like a Connect 4, checkers and magnetic darts.

Stop in Escape Blue Ridge and try your luck in solving all the clues in this escape room adventure. You have one hour to solve the clues and puzzles. Bring your Friends, Family or Business for team building in a fun atmosphere. Work with your team against the clock to solve the mystery that awaits you.

man holding custom made knife at blacksmith

creditLedford Works

FOR THOSE THAT LIKE DIY

If you have someone who enjoys making things and doing hands-on fun, a blacksmithing class with Ledford Works is the perfect gift to give! They will learn from two-time "Forged in Fire" finalist how to grind, bevel, and heat treat a railroad spike or custom knife. All skill levels are welcome to engage in a 4 hour or 2 day - 4 day class, perfect for couples, groups, and BFF's to enjoy together!

From spouses to friends, neighbors to colleagues, young-in-age or just young-at-heart… Blue Ridge is ideal for all your experience gifting needs.