Eat, Play, and Love Like a Local

Life is like a never-ending balancing act. Between work, bills, groceries, and other obligations, it feels like you’re juggling flaming swords on a unicycle. Eight hours of sleep? That just isn’t in the cards anymore. If you’re like most folks, you need a break from the madness – a place where you can decompress and enjoy the essence of mountain life like a local. Located just 90 minutes north of Atlanta, Blue Ridge is a beloved haven of Southern hospitality and unforgettable discoveries. Whether you’re looking to escape for a weekend or weeks on end, here’s how to eat, play, and love like a resident of Blue Ridge.

A family of 4 stands at the bar of an ice cream shop. A girl in a pink dress licks an ice cream cone.
Enjoy a sweet treat at Blue Ridge Creamery!

Eat Like a Local

You don’t have to break the bank to get a great meal in Blue Ridge. Whether you’re craving real-deal Southern food or fresh ice cream, there’s a local flavor for every palate.

Add a Little Southern Charm to Your Life

Celebrate the joys of family, tradition, and old-fashioned Southern cookin’. A lot of locals recommend the fried chicken livers, but just about everything on the Southern Charm menu is mouth-watering.

Try Conoco Chicken from the Copper Pantry

Yes, you read that right – we’re talking about fried chicken from a gas station! Ask any local who has lived in Blue Ridge or McCaysville for a while, and they’ll tell you this cute little convenience store packs a flavorful punch.

Enjoy Hand-Dipped Ice Cream at Blue Ridge Creamery

Why not slow down and savor some premium-grade artisan ice cream in the mountains? With 36 flavors, in-house-made waffle cones, and even flights of ice cream, this sweet spot is where locals flock to on warm summer evenings.

A Local’s Advice: Looking for something a little more upscale while you’re in town? There are plenty of casual fine dining options in Blue Ridge, from Grace A Prime Steakhouse to Ferraro’s Kitchen and other tasty alternatives.

A short waterfall cascades into a shallow pool, surrounded by trees.
Find hidden gems all throughout Blue Ridge!

Play Like a Local

If you prefer local sights and sounds over busy landmarks and locations, keep these tips in mind when it’s time to play in Georgia’s Blue Ridge.

Get Outside and Off the Beaten Trail

With 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest, 300 miles of hiking trails, and 100 miles of trout streams, the outdoor adventures are endless in Fannin County. Why not hike a lesser-known area in Blue Ridge, like a place on the river or lake that fewer people travel to? If only the wildest excursions will do, commune with nature in the Cohutta Wilderness, which is the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi.

Travel Back in Time at the Swan Drive-In

A Blue Ridge staple since 1955, the Swan Drive-In is the last of a dying breed and a popular entertainment spot for locals. Here, you can catch brand-new features and classic movies while you indulge in a famous fried Oreo (or three). You can even order popcorn and burgers from the comfort of your car!

Sip, Savor, and Toast to the Mountains

You don’t need alcohol to live like a local in Blue Ridge. BUT…enjoying a few chilled brews or a bottle of vino can make for memorable moments at our local breweries and vineyards.

A Local’s Advice: If you’re starting to see double after a few cold ones, don’t drink and drive. Instead, travel in style by using one of our many transportation services, like Mountain Transportation or Libation Transportation.

A lit-up log cabin overlooks the mountains at sunset.
Stay in one of our many luxury cabins!

Love Like a Local

Whether you’re looking to nurture a spark with your soulmate or give back to the mountain town you love, here are some of the ways that locals show their love in Blue Ridge, GA.

Cabin Rental Rendezvous and Romantic Sunsets

Booking a cabin rental may seem “touristy” to some, but locals love a romantic rendezvous for two, especially at a secluded property in the woods. Try to find a vacation home with a big back deck where you can cuddle up with that special someone and watch as the sun sets over the Blue Ridge mountains. If you’re staying with a cabin rental company, ask your reservationist about romance packages to surprise your partner. It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to splurge on chocolates, champagne, roses, or an in-cabin massage!

Volunteer While You Visit

#LovingLocal is all about making a concentrated effort to support and protect our cherished community in Blue Ridge. From river cleanups and trail maintenance days to packing lunches for less fortunate children, you can love like a local by donating your time while you’re in town.

Protect Our Local Firefly Population

Show your love of Blue Ridge by protecting the natural environment we enjoy year-round. Fireflies – AKA lightning bugs – put on amazing bioluminescent light shows. But they also play a big role in healthy ecosystems and are a welcome source of wonder for people of all ages. Whether you’re staying with friends or at a vacation rental, turn your outdoor lights off at night. This small step reduces light pollution, which disrupts firefly mating habits.

A Local’s Advice: A wise person once said, “What we appreciate, we love, and what we love, we protect.” While you’re visiting, do your part to care for the natural beauty of Blue Ridge by following these Leave No Trace Principles.

Ray Higginbotham

Author

Ray Higginbotham

Owner, The Blue Ridge Writer, LLC

Ray Higginbotham is a local resident and professional writer who works with digital marketing companies and business leaders around the country. From SEO and SMM to blog writing and long-form articles, Ray’s business is all about elevating your brand.
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