Families looking to make special holiday memories head to Georgia’s Blue Ridge, named by Southern Living Magazine as one of the “South’s Best Mountain Towns.” Just 90 minutes north of Atlanta off Interstate-575, Blue Ridge is a treasured getaway in the North Georgia Mountains: outdoorsy; earthy; upscale; contemporary and historic. Centered around the historic Blue Ridge Depot, downtown’s restored buildings blend perfectly with modern industrial and mountain architecture, showcasing the arts, galleries, antiques, unique shopping, dining, wineries and craft breweries.
This town brings the beauty of the season and holiday fun, from autumnal hikes to Santa train rides and one-of-a-kind shopping to vibrant community theater. Here are the top reasons to have a family getaway during the holidays.
Feast on fall bounty
Visit Mercier Orchards, the largest apple orchard in the southeast, where apple picking extends to late November. The store, dressed up for the holidays, features wines and ciders, home décor and a bounty of local foods and products, including delicious fried apple pies served hot from the bakery. Santa even comes to visit.
Get a jump on holiday shopping
In all of North Georgia, Blue Ridge has the largest upscale array of specialty shops, boutiques and galleries for fine furnishings, art, antiques, clothing and jewelry. Looking for unique artisan-crafted items? Blue Ridge has been named one of the “Top Ten Towns for Craft Lovers” in the country and one of the “Top Five Art Towns in Georgia” by the Georgia Council for the Arts.
Just outside of town The Folk Collaborative serves up lunch specialties in its café and sells organic products that are grown, harvested and created in the North Georgia mountains. Treat yourself and loved ones to herbal extracts, teas and body care. A short drive north is the quaint town of McCaysville, home to more specialty shops and restaurants. Here’s a shopping preview.
The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s Holiday Art Show and Sale runs from November 16 through December 20, 2024 with a multitude of artistic and handcrafted items from jewelry, pottery, paintings and more, all made by member artists.
Have a retro movie night
Georgia has only four remaining drive-in theaters and one is located in Blue Ridge. The Swan Drive-in Theatre shows first-run and boutique films year-round, rain or snow included, offering a cozy family experience even when it’s chilly outside. If the weather’s good, bring lawn chairs or sit on your tailgate as the sun sets and the film emerges on the giant screen. The theater dates to 1955 and still owns a nostalgic charm. The diner serves up fun items such as wings and cheeseburgers and car hops will even deliver food to your car.
Hop aboard the Holiday Express
Take a magical and festive train ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, in vintage rail cars that wind along the Toccoa River, transporting visitors to and from the neighboring town of McCaysville. From November 29 through December 24, the Railway offers a one-hour ride on its “Holiday Express.” Children will be treated to holiday music, a reading of the classic “The Night Before Christmas” story and a visit from Santa. They’ll go home with a special Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell and candy cane. This generation-bonding adventure starts at the historic 1905 downtown depot. Delicious hot chocolate and other snacks are available for sale in the concession car.
Revel in holiday happenings
One of the most cherished Christmas stories remains O. Henry’s “Gift of the Magi,” where an impoverished young couple find ways to gift each other through personal sacrifice. Blue Ridge Community Theater places the story during the 1950 Atlanta Transit Strike for performances from November 21 through December 15, 2024.
Run up an appetite for the T-day feast by participating in the annual Turkey Trott 5K walk/run through downtown Blue Ridge on Thanksgiving Day. The race begins at 8 a.m. and is fun for the whole family, from casual walkers to serious competitors.
November 29 is Blue Friday in Blue Ridge and includes discounts at the downtown stores, entertainment, food vendors and the opening of the Gingerbread Village at noon at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s Arts Center.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 30, Blue Ridge rings in the holidays with strolling Christmas entertainment along Main Street, entertainment on the Depot Street main stage, a visit from Santa and a 5:30 p.m. parade during Light Up Blue Ridge. At the parade’s conclusion, around 7 p.m., there’s the lighting of the Great Tree.
Find peace on Earth
Venture out of downtown and discover that 40 percent of Fannin County is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, sweeping visitors a million miles away and offering waterfalls, trout fishing, biking and some of the most notable hiking trails in the United States. Not far from Blue Ridge lies the southern beginning of the Appalachian Trail at nearby Springer Mountain and the Benton MacKaye Trail, which includes the 270 foot long Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River. This is the perfect time of year, as the views are spectacular and the trails are uncrowded.
Secure the perfect stay
Intown, unique overnight options range from chic lofts overlooking the town to an 1890s B&B or in the Hampton Inn Blue Ridge featuring balcony rooms and the city’s only rooftop bar/restaurant, Hook & Eye. In surrounding Fannin County memory-making choices include lodging with stunning mountain views, creekside retreats, riverfront lodges, cabins on the lake and much more. www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/where-to-stay.
For dining and itinerary ideas, visit www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.
For more area events, go to www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/events.
