Take a Day Trip to Blue Ridge

Two options for a fun and relaxing daytrip to Georgia’s Coolest Mountain Town

For a fun and relaxing change of pace, take a day trip to the mountain town of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Although it's just a 90-mile drive from Atlanta or Chattanooga, you'll feel worlds away from the city's traffic and hustle and bustle. The moment you see the beautiful scenery of the Georgia mountains, you'll begin to unwind.

The heart of the town of Blue Ridge is the 100+ year old Rail Depot, where the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers excursions by train and by rail bike. The brisk activity surrounding the depot is a glance at the past, when the town was the highest point on the rail line. Even then, visitors journeyed to the “Switzerland of the South” (aka Blue Ridge), to escape the heat of the city.

Spend some time in downtown Blue Ridge City Park, where you can enjoy people-watching (and maybe spot a few roosters). The park has benches, picnic areas, and a playground for children (see the giant trout). Don't forget to visit the Blue Ridge Visitor Center on West Main Street for information on local attractions and activities.

Following are two options for spending a fun and relaxing day in the Blue Ridge area:

Credit: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Option # 1 – Ride the Scenic Railway

To see the most mountain scenery with the least amount of effort, take a half day excursion on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway from Blue Ridge to McCaysville. Reserve tickets in advance on brscenic.com to guarantee a seat in a historic rail car or open-air car (hint: best choice for warm, sunny days). Board the train at the depot in downtown Blue Ridge for an 11 a.m. departure, then sit back and enjoy the ride along the beautiful Toccoa River.

Watch for wildflowers and wildlife, kayakers (maybe tubers) and fly fishermen attempting to lure trout from the chilly waters of the Toccoa. The Toccoa flows northward from the Lake Blue Ridge dam to McCaysville. You’ll also see Cherokee fish traps in the river: fish were channeled into a V-shaped cone of boulders into baskets or nets. As you approach the twin cities, the train crosses the river over a historic rail trestle.

The scenic railway crosses an old rail trestle over the Toccoa River as it enters McCaysville, Ga and Copperhill, Tn.

Take time to explore the twin cities' unique charm and history.

1. Locate the Georgia-Tennessee state line (locally called the Blue Line) on Toccoa/Ocoee Street.

2. Visit the McCaysville Visitor Center on the river to learn about the area's mining heritage.

3. Enjoy lunch at a local spot like the Rum Cake Lady Cuban Café, the Copper Grill, or on the deck at Burra Burra at the Riverwalk Shops. (suggestion: For a fun alternative, take a picnic lunch to McCaysville City Park on the river.)

4. Cross over the historic Steel Bridge from one state to the other. The McCaysville/Georgia side of the river features the Riverwalk Shops, the visitor center and the “iconic” McCaysville Drug and Gun Store (buy a funny t-shirt to take home). On the Copperhill/Tennessee side of the river, see shops like the Folk Collaborative and Blue Ridge Olive Oil.

Board the train at 2 p.m. for a relaxing return trip to Blue Ridge. There will still be time to browse the shops on Main Street (see the list of attractions below) before heading back to the city. Also time to visit Mercier Orchards, five miles north of Blue Ridge on Highway 5. Take home some fruit, locally sourced veggies and baked goods (not to miss: Fried Apple Pies and Apple Cider Doughnuts!).

Visit the Riverwalk Shops and Restaurants on the Toccoa River in McCaysville. You can cross the Old Steel Bridge from one state into another.

Option # 2 – Explore Blue Ridge, Mercier Orchards and MCaysville

For a more leisurely adventure, start out with a stroll along Main Street in Blue Ridge and browse the charming shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Have a hot drink at Mountain Mama’s Coffee Shop or Das Kaffe Haus. Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Center in the old Fannin County Courthouse (see Lady Liberty!), relax in Blue Ridge City Park, do some people watching or take the kids to the park to play.

Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the shops and galleries along East Main Street.

Walk and Shop East Main …

Start at Downtown Blue Ridge City Park.

Deaf Man Vinyl – 777 East Main – New and vintage vinyl, from classics to deep finds and a few guilty pleasures.
Love Dogs and Cats Too – 757 East Main – Located in a 1950’s gas station.
The Sweet Shoppe of the South – 721 East Main – Winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars.
The Vine and Eatery – 632 East Main – Blue Ridge’s original wine bar with wine slushies to beat the heat, and a dog friendly patio out back.
Red Man Tobacco Building (you’ll recognize it immediately because of the mural) – 530 East Main – Built in the early 1900’s as a hardware store, later a boarding house operated by Granny Blackstock: “get a meal, moonshine, a room, and if you wanted, a gal!”
Pezrock – 524 East Main – Discover nature’s artistry in this gallery of minerals, fossils and gems.
Blue Ridge Olive Oil Co – 511 East Main – Offering 65 varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegars.
Huck’s General Store - 500 East Main – Old fashioned candy, games, t-shirts, toys and more.
Vertigo Pinball – 500 East Main – Pinball, craft beer and unique eats. What could be better?
Blue Ridge Adventure Dog – 342 East Main – A place for dogs to socialize off leash and for people to unwind.

Lunch Spots

Cantaberry is a cozy spot with delicious sandwiches, fresh salads and soups.
Southern Charm is a local favorite for classic Southern dishes like chicken and dumplings, biscuits and apple butter.
Chester Brunnemeyer’s Bar & Grill has a varied menu, great wings and cold beer to wash it down.
Fightingtown Tavern’s deck has a great Blue Ridge view, along with handmade burgers and cold beverages.
Find a lot more options for lunch here.

Mercier Orchards is the largest family-owned orchard in the south.

Visit Mercier Orchards

After lunch, head out to Mercier Orchards, the largest family-owned orchard in the southeast. Treat yourself to fresh picked fruit and yummy baked goods like apple cider doughnuts, fritters, and their iconic fried pies. Take a tractor tour of the orchard or pick fruit in season. Finish with a taste of cold cider or hard cider in the tasting room. If time allows, venture north on Highway 5 to see the mountain and river towns of McCaysville and Copperhill.

More Tips …

Remember to plan ahead by reserving tickets for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and checking the operating hours of attractions and restaurants.

Don't forget to capture memories of your day trip with plenty of photos and post with #visitblueridgega after your visit!

Pick up brochures at the Visitor Centers to help plan your next trip.

No matter which option you choose, a day trip to Blue Ridge is filled with unforgettable experiences and beautiful mountain scenery. Come for a day and discover why this charming mountain town is a hidden treasure in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains.