Beat the Winter Blues in Blue Ridge

Shop, dine and wine with a three-day weekend that screams, “Girls just want to have fun!”

Gather the gals for a three-day getaway with this easy-to-follow itinerary to guide explorations of Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via Interstate 575:

A secluded log cabin with warm glowing light coming through the windows at night in Blue Ridge, GA

Day 1:

Rent a luxury mountain home with lots of room, a beautiful view and a hot tub—the ideal home base for the ultimate girls’ weekend. Then, head downtown to discover the area’s Appalachian heritage and historic areas. 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. Learn about historic buildings in Downtown Blue Ridge by following the Historic Blue Ridge Walking Tour guide. When you return to your cabin, savor the sunset with a glass of wine on the deck of your cabin. And, don’t forget to stargaze while roasting s’mores by the fire pit.

Day 2:

Get moving! Spend the day exploring Blue Ridge's major trail systems, including access to the Appalachian Trail which extends for more than 2,000 miles to Maine through many of the states on the Eastern Seaboard. The most popular of the waterfalls in Fannin County is Long Creek Falls, which can be seen by hiking down a short side trail from the combined Appalachian/Benton MacKaye Trail.

Then, rejuvenate with a trip to the spa. A full service spa located in the heart of Blue Ridge, Serenity in the Mountains promises the R&R every woman craves and draws guests from both around the corner and around the country. Choose from restorative options like the Neuromuscular Massage, Body Scrub or the Refresher Facial. Whether in search of a hot stone facial, a relaxing massage, a haircut or just a manicure, this is the go-to destination to get away from it all with special packages for girlfriend getaways. For in-town pampering, try TeaTree Spa. Indulge in a Vanilla Lavender Sugar Scrub or a French Rose Body Wrap. Check out their specials.

In the evening, visit Hook & Eye, the rooftop bar on top of the Hampton Inn. Great atmosphere, great places to sit inside as well as out on the patio enjoying the view. Check out their lite bites, great drink selection and live music on Friday & Saturdays.

Day 3:

Round out your Blue Ridge adventure with a shopping excursion visiting our many specialty shops, boutiques and galleries for fine furnishings, art, antiques and unique crafted items. Here are just a few suggestions: Stop into the Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company and treat yourself to a gourmet selection of more than 65 varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegars. Find some great souvenirs at The Cotton Company selling Blue Ridge inspired apparel and gifts. Check out Blue Ridge Adventure Wear and Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters for the latest trends in winter apparel. High Country Art, offers an selection of fine art, folk art, photography, ceramics, jewelry and more. To find a shop full of "fanciful finds and whimsical whatnots" then visit Lily and Coco! Some beautiful and unique selections of jewelry can be found at The Owl's Nest of Blue Ridge, Canoe and Mustang Sally's. Stop at Multitudes Gallery featuring high-end glass work, art and jewelry. Inside, also find Fishbone Studios- showcasing platters, mosaics, customized jugheads, flowerpots and vessels each in a unique style. Whatever your tastes and style, one of our shops is sure to have something for you.

Top off a visit to Blue Ridge with a side trip to McCaysville and Copperhill, The Riverwalk Shops offers riverfront restaurants and boutique shopping at places like River Laurel Gifts & Boutique, The Pasta Market and more. Use our walking map to help you discover these quaint mountain towns.

If you go

Savor bites: Chester Brunnemeyer's Bar & Grill is a rustic American bar and grill in downtown Blue Ridge, featuring high quality food, an impressive wine list, signature cocktails and regionally crafted beer. Harvest on Main with a nationally recognized chef at the helm, specializes in fresh ingredients to create fun, inviting cuisine in a relaxing beautiful lodge setting. Black Sheep Restaurant Bar and Patio, "sitting under the 200-year-old Oak tree, in the shadows of the old house, you Sip A Manhattan as the Appalachian mountains bring in the cool winds. at 1800’ feet altitude in the historic downtown everything seems simpler, a reminder of times past. The chatter of patrons, cocktails being shaken at the sleek bar & trumpets of classic New Orleans jazz transforms your mood into something cool, something smooth." End a perfect Saturday by satisfying a sweet tooth with confectionaries from The Sweet Shoppe where owners Nikki Gribble and Susan Catron can boast of their win on the Food Network's "Cupcake Wars." TIP: Book a guided three hour Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tour and take a Fabulous Foodie Tour, Raise Your Glass Tour or a Sugar High Tour, each tour will make five to six stops to various eateries offering a wide variety of food and beverage tastings from artful appetizers, decadent desserts, to local craft beer and wine. Get an insider's view from a local tour guide who will provide you with fun facts and tidbits of history about the quaint mountain town.

There is a perfect cabin, luxury vacation home, hotel or bed and breakfast waiting for you here.