Quirky Places & Local Treasures

Unusual and unexpected places to eat, shop and play in Blue Ridge and the Copper Basin.

Eating Places Locals Love

Rum Cake Lady Bakery and Cuban Cafe'

For an authentic Cuban experience in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, try sweet bites of moist cake and warm, energy-surging Cuban coffee at the Rum Cake Lady Bakery and Cuban Café (111 Ocoee Street, Copperhill, TN), a family-owned, fast-casual cafe offering authentic Cuban comfort food, just like "mami" used to make. An additional location in downtown Blue Ridge means a sweet treat is always within arm's reach. The Rum Cake Lady to Go (205 West 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA) is reminiscent of a Cuban walk-up window-cafe, "La Ventanita," and offers fresh-off-the-press Cuban sandwiches, pastries, the best Cuban coffee in town, grab and go Cuban food bowls, desserts and a full selection of their famous rum cakes.

Mystic Mountain Pizza

Mystic Mountain Pizza

Treat your inner hippie to a oozy, cheesy slice amidst the peace signs and welcoming, relaxed vibe at family-owned and -operated Mystic Mountain Pizza (4118 E 1st St, Blue Ridge, GA). Along with fire oven pizza, the specialty of the house is awesome hot dogs; the owners started the business as Hippie Hotdogs before making the shift to pizza! Take the time to buy a hippie inspired gift to take home from the gift shop.

The Boro Inn Irish Pub and Restaurant

The Boro Inn Irish Pub and Restaurant

Nearby, at The Boro Inn Irish Pub and Restaurant (150 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA), savor a variety of ales, ciders, lagers, stouts, international gastro beers, spirits and wines, along with soft drinks, Irish foods, a song, a sonnet or a poem, a story of histories past and present. Boro Inn is founder and home base of the Blue Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, which is a not to miss annual event.

Rod's Rockin' Rolls

Round out unique restaurant experiences in Blue Ridge with a visit to local favorite Rod's Rockin' Rolls (327 Main Street, Ducktown, TN), a family-owned restaurant specializing in Southeast Asian fusion. The spring rolls are the best and the menu changes daily.

Folk Apothic

One of a Kind Shops

The Folk Collaborative

Shop for Appalachian treasures at the The Folk Collaborative (2984 Mobile Rd. McCaysville, GA). The store specializes in locally grown produce, organic herbs, teas, salves, extraction, ointments, supplies, mountain knowledge and all things folk. Listen to a story or a little mountain wisdom from owner Luke Dilbeck.

Pic N Vine

Pic N Vine

In Copperhill, Pic N Vine (104 South Grande Ave., Copperhill, TN), is the ultimate souvenir stop. Take a picture while standing in two states (Copperhill, TN/McCaysville, GA) at one time, or better yet, do it in period costume! The state line actually runs through the shop. And in just 30 minutes, master the art of basket weaving using kudzu vines and leave with your own work of art.

Tank Town USA

One of a Kind Attractions

Tank Town USA

Tap into childhood dreams and check one off your bucket list at Tank Town USA (10408 Appalachian Hwy., Morganton, GA), the ultimate heavy equipment playground for adventure sports and off-road excursions. Drive a tank, or better yet, drive a tank over a car!!