Don’t let the size of Blairsville sway your decision about visiting the North Georgia town. It may be a small -- population 700 -- but what it lacks in size, it makes up in mountain charm, outdoor adventures and culture.
The two-hour drive to Blairsville is worth the trek, and after spending a weekend you might find it difficult to return to the hustle and bustle of big-city life. From hiking on the town’s trails to perching on the state’s highest point to attending one of the most popular festivals in the South, it's a tall order to visit all of Blairsville’s attractions in just a few days.
Don’t miss
Scottish Festival and Highland Games
Blairsville will undergo a complete metamorphosis June 12-13, when North Georgia charm merges with Scotland in the Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Thousands of tourists are expected to visit the festival, which offers live entertainment, including continuous pipe and drum performances. Ancient Scottish games will be held, and falconry, Highland cattle and sheep herding demonstrations will take place. Adults: $10 per day or $15 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under are free. 490 Meeks Parks Road. 706-745-5789, www.blairsvillescottishfestival.org
Brasstown Bald
At 4,784 feet above sea level, Brasstown Bald outside of Blairsville gives tourists a magnificent view of Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee. The half-mile hike up to the highest point in Georgia gives visitors the opportunity to view Chattahoochee National Forest foliage and wildlife. If hiking isn’t your thing, take advantage of the shuttle offered. An observation deck and a visitor’s center with cultural, archaeological and historical exhibits awaits. Hiking is free, but it costs $3 per person to ride the shuttle. 706-896-2556, www.fs.usda.gov/conf
Vogel State Park
If spending time outdoors in the country sounds like fun, a day or two at Vogel State Park is a must. The second oldest park in Georgia, according to Assistant Park Manager Randy Gambrell, Vogel offers camping, picnicking, paddle boating, miniature golf, fishing and a beach by the 22-acre lake. The state park has about 19 miles of hiking trails, including the 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail, which may be the most popular and challenging of them all. Free. 405 Vogel State Park Road. 706-745-2628, www.gastateparks.org/vogel
Misty Mountain Model Railroad
What started 14 years ago as a hobby for Charles Griffin quickly turned into a Blairsville sensation. More than 24,000 tourists and natives visited the Misty Mountain Model Railroad in 2009, which houses the largest O-gauge train display in America. And the fascination continues to spread about the unique pint-sized trains depicting the history of railroads, courthouses and landmarks from Atlanta to the northernmost part of Georgia. All proceeds benefit Blairsville charities. $5 for adults and free for children 16 and younger. 16 Misty Mountain Lane. 706-745-9819, http://www.unioncountyhistory.org/page8/page8.html
Logan Turnpike Mill
This operating mill and old-fashioned store is located just a few miles from Blairsville. It’s worth the short drive to pop into the store to sample and purchase fresh bread and freshly ground grits. Owners George and Cecilia Holland use a stone grinding process to create the ever-popular grits and other grain products. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4494 Gainesville Highway. 706-745-5735, www.loganturnpikemill.com
If you go
Getting there
It takes about two hours to drive to Blairsville from Atlanta. Take U.S. 19 North for about 90 miles.
Where to stay
Paradise Cabins Resort and Spa. Spend a night or two at the 30-acre resort and enjoy a full-service day spa on site. Cabins range from one to four bedrooms, and the resort is located on a mountain ridge. $99-$239. 366 Paradise Road. 706-745-7483, www.paradise-cabins.com
Trackrock Campground and Cabins. Located on 300 acres of meadows and woodlands near Brasstown Bald, the Trackrock Archaeological Area, Blood Mountain and the Appalachian Trail, the facility offers one- and two-bedroom cabins as well as 95 campsites for tents to the largest RVs . A riding stable is open to the public and includes trail rides, overnight boarding and summer camps for kids. Cabins range from $109 to $139 per night; campsites range from $25 to $37 per night. 141 Trackrock Camp Road. 706-745-2420, www.trackrock.com
Where to eat
The Lodge at Copperhead. Offering comfort food with an attitude, the chef at the Lodge at Copperhead serves a wide array of revved-up food, including Fried Grit Balls and Shrimp and Scallop Cassulo. Guests can dine inside or outside on a lakeside porch. $12-$25.171 Copperhead Parkway. 706-835-7433, www.thelodgeatcopperhead.com
The Sawmill Place. Specializing in made-from-scratch country-style breakfasts, the Sawmill Place is one of the most popular restaurants in Blairsville. Sausage gravy, buttermilk biscuits and applewood smoked bacon are the most talked about items on the menu, as well as home-style lunches that consist of meat and veggie plates. $4.25-$8.99. 1150 Pat Haralson Memorial Drive. 706-745-1250, www.blairsvillechamber.com
Visitor information
Blairsville Chamber of Commerce. 706-745-5789, www.blairsvillechamber.com
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