News & Updates for our Tourism Partners
Welcome to our 'News & Updates for Our Valued Tourism Partners' page! Here, we're dedicated to keeping you in the know about the latest developments in our area. Discover what's new, stay updated on trail closures, and find information and ideas to enhance your guests' experiences.
2024 Train Schedule for Planning Purposes
School Calendars for the 2024 - 2025 School Year for Florida & Georgia
News-Announcements
EVENT UPDATES
Our Event Page is the most visited page on our website. We encourage you to keep us informed about your events so we can effectively direct visitors and residents to them. Our Event Page has three sections to include:
Live Music - showcasing the local musicians, epic concerts, and toe-tapping good times.
Annual Events & Festivals - all tourism-related events including parades, festivals, and those can't miss big events.
Community Calendar - your go-to for what's happening around town with local classes, fundraisers, and library events.
Let us know about your events by contacting Gabby Dunbar.
SHARE WITH YOUR GUESTS
Lights Off Fireflies On - Firefly Fact Hunt taking the young and young at heart to our beautiful parks to have fun while learning about our firefly habitat. Also available as a "Challenge" on our app, Download our App!
Latest edition of our Tourism E-News - This is full of timely information, fresh tips, and great events to assist visitors with having a great time.
RIDGE publication - A glimpse into Blue Ridge's charm, it's abundance of experiences, and unforgettable adventures.
2024-2025 Visitor Guide - perfect for every visitor, can be picked up from our office.
2024-2025 Self-Guided Tours - 20 different maps, something for every type of explorer, can be picked up from our office.
2024-2025 Information Please - a collaboration between the News Observer and the Fannin County Chamber full of great local info.
#loveblueridgega - Help us expand our marketing photo collection by encouraging your guests to tag their photos with #loveblueridgega to possibly be featured on our homepage, social media, and blog posts.
JUST FOR YOU!
Restaurant Coasters - We've got trendy coasters to guide your customers to the ultimate getaway! Blue Ridge coasters link to our main website, while Copper Basin coasters lead directly to that page. Want these at your restaurant? Reach out to Crystal to get yours.
Visit our Blog page, Itinerary page and our YouTube page for ideas to share with your visitors. Share our App!
Follow the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce on Facebook to stay informed about classes, new businesses, and community updates.
TRAVEL ALERTS
Lake Blue Ridge Dam Safety Study - TVA activity continues, equipment and TVA personnel are still on site, view TVA Q&A Sheet for updates.
Emergency Alerts - Register for timely weather and community alerts on your cell phone or via email.
Road Condition Advisory - US Forest Service - Stay updated on road closures and openings by visiting the US Forest Service Website as well as info on the Cohutta Wilderness Trailheads.
KEEP UP INFORMED
- Events you are hosting
- New services you are offering
- Change in your operating hours
- Change in Website or Social Media Accounts
- Keep us Supplied with Rack Cards
Tourism Tax Allocation - Tourism Product Development Funds
Tourism Product Development funds are derived from a percentage of the lodging tax collected in Fannin County. The 2023 Update -Tourism Product Development Funds , lists all of the great projects that have benefited from this.
Weekly Visitor Activity Report
The Visitor Activity Report reflects the occupancy numbers for the upcoming weekend. It shows the number of cabins that are rented for specific dates, compares numbers to the previous year and more.
We Have Received Some Great Press!
Weekend Getaway Guide: Blue Ridge, Georgia - Southbound
Kayaking in Georgia: 23+ Unbeatable Spots for Paddlers to Launch - 365 Atlanta Traveler
6 Exhilarating Places You Should Try White Water Rafting Georgia - 365 Atlanta Traveler
Glamping Georgia: 17+ Most Unique Places to Escape - 365 Atlanta Traveler (Blue Ridge Treehouse at Bearclaw Vineyard)
28 Best Small Towns in Georgia For A Quaint Escape - Southern Living
7 Of The Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Georgia - World Atlas
10 Best Mountain Towns in the South - Travel & Leisure
Transportation Fascination, Things to do with grandkids this week - AJC
40 Must -Visit Waterfalls in North Georgia - AJC
Southeast Mountain Towns of Blue Ridge, GA and Tellico Plains, TN Set to Host Celebrated Trout Festivals - Yahoo News
6 Serene Towns in Georgia for a Weekend Retreat - World Atlas
20 Most Scenic Train Rides in The South - Southern Living
Georgia gems: 5 unmissable stops along the Blue Ridge Mountains - AJC article that got picked up by The Brunswick News and The Epoch Times.\
10 Small Towns In The South For A Budget-Friendly Vacation - The Travel
7 Picturesque Small Town in Georgia For A Weekend Retreat - WorldAtlas
These Were Your Favorite Long-Weekend Destinations of 2023 - Southern Living
Blue Ridge GA Restaurants: 27+ Awesome Spots... - 365 Atlanta Traveler
3 Incredibly Unique Places to Stay in Blue Ridge - 365 Atlanta Traveler
The Best Seasons to Visit Georgia Farms - Explore Georgia (State Tourism Office)
16 Romantic Getaways That Guarantee A Sultry Valentine's Day - BRIT+CO
9 Ways To Make The Most of your Visit To Blue Ridge, Georgia This Winter - Just Short Of Crazy also being published on MSN
Revitalize Your Spirit in Blue Ridge, Georgia - Town Carolina Magazine
10 Unique & Fun Things To Do in The Blue Ridge Mountains - The Travel
13 of the Most Quaint Small Towns in Georgia - World Atlas
9 Coziest Small Towns in Georgia - World Atlas
10 Small Towns in Georgia To Visit For A Weekend Getaway - World Atlas
14 Best Small towns to Visit in Georgia - World Atlas
We worked with and provided some added video to WAFF48 On Your Side for this segment in Tennessee Valley Living.
30 Festive Small Towns in the South for a Charming Christmas Getaway - Southern Living
20+ Best Road Trips Across the Southeast USA - She Buys Travel
24 Wineries in North Georgia For Your Next Road Trip - Style Blueprint
Two north Georgia towns are among most romantic in the U.S., new ranking says - OnlineAthens (was also picked up by WSBTV
Here's how to plan the perfect trip to Blue Ridge, GA. - Travel + Leisure
12 Scenic Train Rides in the South - StyleBlueprint
The Best Off-Season Trips to Plan - Southern Living
The Best Weekend Getaways in Georgia - Southern Living
10 Things to do in Blue Ridge Georgia: Complete Guide To Georgia's Most Beautiful Fall Town - thetravel.com
10 Southern Food and Drink Festivals Bringing the Flavor - Garden & Gun Magazine
6 Reasons to Love Downtown Blue Ridge - MSN
Lodging Partners Information
Help your visitors have a great time by adding these links to your website or sharing them in your welcome letters.
Things to Do - Information and links to attractions, horseback riding, zip-lining and more.
Local Events & Festivals - Festivals, local events, live music, theater etc. You can sort the calendar by specific dates and also by type of event, live music, festivals etc.
Scenic Drives & Self-Guided Tours - Detailed map guides to scenic drives, waterfalls, hiking, restaurants and more.
Download the Visit Blue Ridge App - Quick access to "near me now" events, restaurants, shopping, trip planner, self-guided tours and more.
Recreate Responsibly - Help us protect our area and keep Blue Ridge beautiful by helping spread the word on how to recreate responsibly. This page has lots of information and videos.
Tips for Hiking with Kids gives some great information and some great suggested hikes for families with children. Do you have guests not ready to venture into the woods on their own? Book them a hike with Hike the Ridge!
Your Staff Could Become a Blue Ridge Expert!
- Add their email address to your representative list on your chamber membership so they can learn about new businesses opening up, new events and more, Contact our Director of Membership, Glenda Reilly; membership@blueridgemountains.com
- Sign your staff up to receive our Georgia's Blue Ridge Experience Newsletter which goes out the last Tuesday of each month. This newsletter consists of several blogs, links to events and more.
- Be an expert on what's happening, where to eat and more by Downloading the Visit Blue Ridge App.
Learn More About Our Visitor Centers
Explore our three fully-staffed visitor centers, each offering a range of services assistance. Our welcoming spaces are available for you, your guests, and customers to drop in, access the internet, print, host training sessions, and more.
Downtown Center: Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It features two restrooms, including a family-style restroom with handicap accessibility and a baby changing station. Don't forget to bring your furry friend, as we extend a warm welcome to "Fido" with doggie treats and special gifts!
McCaysville Office: Open daily, 10 am to 4 pm. except on Wednesdays.
Chamber Visitor Location (152 Orvin Lance Drive): Note that this location is closed on Sundays. However, you're encouraged to visit our Downtown and McCaysville locations, both open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For late-night or after-hours assistance, our main center offers a convenient kiosk.
