An hour and a half away from Atlanta, Blue Ridge offers a laid-back refuge. Walking the quaint downtown streets, driving winding roads shaded by lush, old-growth trees and watching spectacular mountain sunsets relaxes us as though we've stepped into a different world. With fewer than 1,500 full-time residents, Blue Ridge occupies 106,000 lush acres in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Founded in 1886 in conjunction with the building of a train depot, the town — now the county seat of Fannin County — is tucked into the Toccoa River Valley and surrounded by the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains, which stretch north into Pennsylvania.
This story originally appeared in the September 2015 issue of Living Intown magazine.
Mountain high
Few activities offer more peaceful opportunities to commune with nature than fly fishing, and opportunities to cast your line abound in Blue Ridge. Swing by Blue Ridge Fly Fishing, where you can pick up one of hundreds of flies and ask one of the knowledgeable shopkeepers where the fish are biting. They'll likely recommend a spot along the Toccoa River, widely known as one of the best spots to reel in trout, as well as yellow perch, bass and bream.
To experience the spectacular scenery without exerting yourself, buy a ticket aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (from $25), where you can choose from open-air or climate-controlled cars departing from the charming train depot, built in 1905. The 26-mile route winds through the rich Chattahoochee National Forest, taking a two-hour stopover in McCaysville before returning. The railway is famous for its Fall Foliage and Santa Express rides, which appeal to the whole family.
Attention, shoppers
Blue Ridge has long been considered a mecca for antiques enthusiasts, but it's recently developed a name for boutiques with wide appeal, including artists' galleries, an olive oil store and a record store with vintage vinyl. You can make a day of shopping, starting with Wrapsody in Blue, where you'll find gifts and decorative items ranging from rustic to elegant. Meander over to Out Of The Blue, a mecca for foodies and wine aficionados. The shop stocks wine, beer cheese and culinary products from both far-flung and local purveyors. To pick up something truly one-of-a-kind, take a short drive to Jerry's Mountain Furniture, where craftsman Jerry Sisson builds tables, chairs and cabinets out of poplar, maple and pine. Pick up something from his store or commission your own bespoke piece.
Stay a spell
Private cabin rentals are a popular way to stay in Fannin County, but a quaint inn gives you the benefits of privacy, quick access to local attractions and the comforts of home. Catering particularly (but not exclusively) to the sporting public, Cast & Blast Inn Home (from $79 per room per night), is perched on the second floor of the now-famous Oyster Fine Bamboo Rods store and just a stone's throw away from Blue Ridge's dining and shopping outposts. Whether you rent one of four rooms or the whole home, you can while away an evening on the outdoor balcony overlooking Main Street. Plus, proprietors Bill and Shannen Oyster are always happy to lend personal insight on what to see or where to enjoy North Georgia's breathtaking natural charms.
A place at the table
For a quaint mountain town, Blue Ridge can feel surprisingly well-rounded, particularly when it comes to its burgeoning restaurant scene. Foodies spoiled by Atlanta's plethora of options won't be disappointed. Start with breakfast and coffee at L & L Beanery, which specializes in the cheesy egg, sausage and hash brown casserole and expertly crafted coffee drinks.
A must-stop lunch spot is the aptly named Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, where you'll eat to the soundtrack of the babbling river. The eatery is known for smoked North Georgia trout and fried catfish, though non-fans of seafood will find plenty to tempt their taste buds as well.
Finally, a seasonally inspired Southern dinner at Harvest on Main is a real treat, with menu standouts including house-spiced Marcona almonds and olives and the Blue Ridge Hot Brown: oven-roasted turkey topped with crabmeat, mornay sauce and Swiss cheese placed on toasted garlic bread. Chef Danny Mellman sources much of his ingredients — including produce, poultry, eggs and honey — from The Cook's Farm, run just a few blocks away by his partner, Michelle Moran. Blue Ridge turns in early, with most restaurants closing at 8 or 9 p.m., so plan for an early meal.
Beyond the ridge
A short drive from Blue Ridge's town center leads to plenty of sights, bites and attractions for every member of the family.
Mercier Orchards
Blue Ridge's landmark farm has been producing apples (as well as peaches and berries) for more than 70 years. Visit in the fall to pick your own, and be sure to refuel with a fresh fried apple hand pie or a refreshing glass of cider from the mammoth general store.
8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge. 706.632.3411. www.mercier-orchards.com
Hiking Trails
Fannin County hiking is renowned, due in large part to the fact that the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail starts at Springer Mountain. Even if you don't want to commit to months of trekking to Maine, plenty of day hikes are appropriate for all skill and endurance levels, such as the 4.75-mile Springer Mountain Loop Trail. The Aska Adventure Trail Area offers trails from 1.0 to 5.5 miles, some of which feature stunning views of Lake Blue Ridge and are great for novice ramblers of all ages. Those up for a bit more of a challenge can hike the backcountry Benton MacKaye Trail, stopping over for a walk along the 265-foot swinging bridge above the Toccoa River.
Noontootla Creek Farms
Bring your own gun, head over to this 12-station clay shooting course in the picturesque North Georgia Mountains. Yell "pull" and do your best to shatter the clays as you shoot 100 rounds ($35). You'll spare your feet, though — the golf cart is included.
3668 Newport Road, Blue Ridge. 706.781.4019. www.ncfga.net
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