The Best Small Town In Georgia For A 3-Day Weekend
It’s hard to beat a three-day weekend in the railway town of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Situated just 90 miles north of Atlanta, where the Appalachians skim the northeast corner of the state, Blue Ridge has much to offer those seeking an authentic small mountain-town escape.
In addition to the many outdoor adventures available in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains (now you know how the town got its name!), the historic downtown is a delight to explore. Boasting a unique Main Street that’s quite literally split down the middle by a still-used railway line, many of the buildings here were constructed soon after the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad arrived in the late 1880s.
Little wonder, then, that you’ll find references to this railroad heritage sprinkled around town. In addition to the historic depot built in 1905 from which the town’s scenic railway operates (more on that in a moment), you can even spend your weekend getaway in the former 19th-century home of the railroad’s original owner.
Weekend Accommodation Options
First things first: where to stay in Blue Ridge. Given the town’s compact size and the fact that it gets busy in peak seasons, you’ll want to book a place to lay your head well in advance. The wonderful Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast comes highly recommended. I had the good fortune to visit this spacious Victorian-era home a couple of years ago and found everything about the experience top-notch.
Built in 1890 for the Kincaid family, owners of the original railway, it was one of the first residences constructed in Blue Ridge and retains most (if not all) of the original architectural flourishes, inside and out. Highlights include eight original fireplaces, 12-foot ceilings, and hand-carved woodwork that has been perfectly preserved over the past 135 years.
Comfortable, clean, and classy, you’ll sleep well and be fed well, too. Made-from-scratch, its scrumptious traditional Southern breakfast is served in the B&B’s elegant dining room and sets you up well for a day of exploring. It’s also handily located just steps from Main Street and the railway, meaning you can park and forget about the car for a few days. And check out their Porch & Parlor Curiosity Shop for antiques and mementos to take home with you as a reminder of your stay.
If there’s no room at the inn (again, book early to avoid disappointment), look into the nearby Hampton Inn Blue Ridge. Highlights include a rooftop bar, The Lookout, with its views of the mountains and the scenic railway. It’s also an easy walk from downtown shops and restaurants.
Take a Heritage Train Ride
Once settled into your accommodations, you’ll want to start checking those local attractions off your things to do list. First stop: pick up your tickets for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (you’ll need to book them in advance online to avoid disappointment). Steps away from both the hotel and the inn, the railway’s offices are set in the historic train depot built in 1905 that is itself worthy of a photo or two.
This wonderful heritage railroad offers a four-hour, 26-mile round-trip following the Toccoa River through the Chattahoochee National Forest to the towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. In Copperhill, you can hop off and enjoy a two-hour layover to explore shops, grab some lunch, and photograph the famous state line painted on the street; nowhere else can you stand with one foot in Georgia and the other in Tennessee.
Following the same route as the original railway line laid out in 1886, you’ll enjoy a choice of vintage carriages, open-air cars, meals and drinks, or even a private caboose rental for groups up to 10, depending on your budget. For a truly memorable experience, book one of the unique railbike experiences. These custom-built, four-person electric pedal cars travel the same route for around six miles (when the train’s not running, of course) and are a lot of fun.
Looking for an alternative to a summer visit? Fall foliage excursions in October and November, and special Santa Trains from Thanksgiving through Christmas, are some of the most popular seasonal offerings.
Blue Ridge Main Street
Historic Downtown Blue Ridge extends for about a mile along Main Street. Parking is free in the downtown area if you arrive early enough, though if you’ve booked your weekend stay at Blue Ridge Inn or the Hampton, you won’t need it.
It’s here you’ll find great eateries such as Harvest on Main. Set in a rustic-cabin-style building, its farm-to-table menu sources ingredients from local suppliers with signature dishes reflecting seasonal produce. Yummy indeed.
For something a little different, Rum Cake Lady Cuban Café is a popular-with-the-locals counter-service café that’s just a five-minute walk from the Hampton Inn, and 10 minutes from Blue Ridge Inn. Delicious pressed Cuban sandwiches, papa rellenas (mashed potato fritters stuffed with ground beef), and yuca fries. Top it all off, of course, with a rum cake.
Downtown Shopping
You’ll certainly want to bring your wallet with you on your Blue Mountain weekend retreat. Places to spend your hard-earned cash include Huck's General Store, a staple of Blue Ridge's Main Street for nearly two decades, boasting a back porch that overlooks the railroad tracks. Top-selling items include old-fashioned candy, Amish cheeses, country ham steaks, and jams and jellies, as well as handmade soaps, candles, and lotions.
Chester's Provisions is also worth visiting and specializes in gourmet food and beverages, including an extensive selection of craft beers, Georgia wines, and BBQ necessities. The Blue Ridge Cotton Company, which offers locally themed apparel and home goods, and High Country Art featuring paintings and sculptures by local artists, are also worth checking out.
Speaking of art, the Fannin County Courthouse from 1937 is now home to the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and Art Center. Pop in to view their studios and galleries featuring work by locals as well as their artist-in-residence program (artworks are for sale, too).
The Great Outdoors
If you enjoy the great outdoors, Blue Ridge is ideally located to easily access some of the best spots in Georgia for a little adventure. Long Creek Falls, one of the state’s most attractive waterfalls, is easily accessed via a two-mile round-trip hike along a portion of the Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails. This attractive double-tiered cascade drops 50 feet in two distinct sections, flowing year-round, even during the driest summer months, into a crystal-clear pool at its base.
Lake Blue Ridge is another great spot to get some fresh air. Located mostly within the Chattahoochee National Forest, this vast stretch of water is the result of one of the largest earth dams in North America. Located on the Toccoa River, the dam is perfect for photos and selfies, as well as an access point for launching canoes and kayaks and fishing. Smallmouth bass and muskie can be caught here.
If you want to get out on the lake and don’t have a vessel of your own, the folks at Lake Blue Ridge Marina can help. In addition to pontoon boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, it’s also home to the Boat Dock Bar & Grill if you’re in the mood for some lakeside dining.
Morganton Point Recreation Area, open April through October, is where you’ll find the lake's only beach with lifeguards on duty (summer months only). It also provides kayak rentals and campsites with bathrooms and showers.
If you’re on the lookout for a truly authentic Appalachian getaway, the small Georgia town of Blue Ridge should be on your short list. Not only is the town home to the state’s best heritage railroad, but it’s also full of references to its early days as an important Blue Mountains railway hub. A three-day weekend stay here also provides plenty of time to get outdoors and explore hiking trails, waterfalls, and still find time to enjoy a paddling adventure.
