Blue Ridge is one of the top Best Southern Mountain Towns
With 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest, 300 miles of hiking trails and 100 miles of trout streams, Blue Ridge is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, family vacation, mountain vacation home, retirement, or new location for your business. Blue Ridge was recognized by Southern Living Magazine as one of the 2022 South’s Best Mountain Towns. Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, following the Toccoa River to the town of McCaysville. Sample craft breweries, wineries, surprisingly upscale shops, galleries, and restaurants. Hike to a local waterfall on the Appalachian Trail, tube or kayak the Toccoa or go whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River.
Photo Credit: 365 Atlanta Traveler
Blue Ridge has an artsy vibe, with a vibrant arts scene, local art galleries and great community theater. The town has four craft breweries and live music on weekends. Blue Ridge was founded in 1886 because of the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. In the early years, there were five hotels and several boarding houses in downtown Blue Ridge, and the town was promoted as the “Switzerland of the South.” Be sure to visit these “must see” spots in downtown Blue Ridge:
Blue Scenic Railway
As the home of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, the historic railroad depot remains the central focus in downtown Blue Ridge. Although the first depot burned, the present station was built in 1906. You can see the train depart the station at 11 a.m. most days in season.
We are currently planning early 2023 trips
Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge City Park
Downtown Blue Ridge City Park is the heart of downtown Blue Ridge. The park is a popular place for picnics, community gatherings and festivals. Take the kids to the great new playground at the intersection of East Main and Church Streets.
Historic Fannin County Courthouse - The Art Center
The historic Fannin County Courthouse, built in 1937, is the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s Arts Center after a complete renovation, much of which was done by volunteers. Be sure to walk through the galleries inside the Art Center, and see the exhibits in the restored court room. The Art Center has rotating exhibits, so there is always something new.
Baugh House Museum
The Baugh House Museum, 411 West First Street, is operated by the Fannin County Heritage Foundation. The home was built by James Baugh in 1890. Baugh was a brick mason and the bricks were made out of clay from the back yard.
Mercier Orchards
Mercier Orchards is a family & veteran-owned and operated apple orchard now in its 4th generation. Started back in 1943 by Bill & Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards is now celebrating 79 years of fruitful harvest! The combination of our U-PICK events, Bakery & Market Cafe, Market Store, and now our Farm Winery makes us a great choice for a day trip by yourself or with the family! Spend the day experiencing what makes us unique! We’re constantly improving our products and our store to give you the best experience that we can possibly offer.
We currently grow strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples! Be sure to check out our upcoming events to see what’s going on at the orchard!