A Relaxing Retreat: Cabin Life in Georgia's Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is simply the best destination in the Georgia mountains to rent a cabin for a relaxing escape from the stresses of everyday life. Enjoy the peace and solitude of nature while still having all of the comforts of home. Following are some ideas for creating your own long weekend retreat to the mountains. Consider it therapy -- it's the best medicine for self care.

Cabins come in all shapes and sizes - Take your pick!

There are more than 2,000 vacation rentals near Blue Ridge, some managed by companies and others offered on websites like Airbnb and VRBO. The best place to search is on blueridgemountains.com, here.

Mountainview Cabins - The most desired cabins of all have big beautiful views of the mountains. Most of them have decks with hot tubs and grills, along with game rooms and firepits. Expect them to have fully equipped kitchens, internet and big screen TVs. Some have multiple master suites and are large enough for gatherings with the family and friends. Mountainview cabins can be found throughout the county in areas like Cherry Log, Mountaintops and My Mountain; many are located in the Aska Adventure Area near Blue Ridge.
Along the Toccoa River or Fightingtown Creek - Blue Ridge is the Trout Capital of Georgia and there are many cabins along the river and creeks regularly stocked with trout. There's nothing quite like the sound of rushing water for relaxing and a good night's sleep. The Toccoa River runs north from the Coopers Creek area of Fannin County to Lake Blue Ridge, then from the dam to McCaysville-Copperhill, and there are vacation homes all along the way.On Lake Blue Ridge - Lake cabins offer a different experience, and you might find yourself spending the entire weekend on the water. Rent a pontoon, kayaks and paddle boards for the family and plan at least one lunch or dinner at the Boat Dock Bar and Grill at the Lake Blue Ridge Marina.

@forest_sanctuary
Rent a cabin on Lake Blue Ridge and spend the weekend on the water.

Friday - Arrival and Exploration

Morning and Lunchtime

Plan to arrive as early as possible on Friday to enjoy downtown Blue Ridge. Have a coffee at Mountain Mama’s or Das Kaffee Haus. Explore the shops and galleries downtown and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of many excellent restaurants on East and West Main Street. Pick up some goodies for the cabin at The Sweet Shoppe or a charcuterie tray and bottle of wine at the Pasta Market for an easy dinner. Other great spots for snacks and wines are Chester’s Provisions, Out of the Blue and 34th Degree Wine Merchant.

Afternoon

Check into your cozy cabin. Take some time to settle in, unpack, and get acquainted with your surroundings. Explore the amenities of your cabin, whether it's a private hot tub, a fireplace, or a scenic balcony with mountain views.

Evening

Relax with the beverage of your choice, have a simple dinner, experience a mountain sunset and later a campfire under the stars. The quiet, dark skies and clean air provide the ingredients for an amazing night’s sleep.

Brunch at the Black Sheep

Saturday - Relaxation and Natural Fun

Morning

Sleep in. Savor a cup of coffee and a light breakfast at the cabin. Do some morning stretches or yoga on the deck, screened porch, or dock, and take a stroll around the cabin property or nearby trails. (You could spot some wildlife along the way.)

Pack a picnic and head out for a nature hike on one of Blue Ridge's scenic trails, such as the Aska Adventure Area or Benton MacKaye Trail, or hike to Long Creek Falls on the Appalachian Trail. For a less strenuous option, picnic beside the Toccoa River at Horseshoe Bend Park or Lake Blue Ridge at Morganton Point. Horseshoe Bend has great access to the river for wading or fishing, plus a Dog Park. Morganton Point offers kayaks and paddle boards and has a pebble beach.

Afternoon

Return to your cabin for a rejuvenating afternoon break. Take a nap, read a book, or simply soak in the peaceful ambiance of the mountains.

Evening

Go out for a relaxing dinner at one of Blue Ridge’s finest restaurants, like Grace, the Black Sheep, Harvest on Main or Ferraro’s. Or have dinner on the river at Toccoa Riverside or Burra Burra in McCaysville.

--Tuck yourself in for another amazing night’s sleep in the mountains.

Sunday - Rest and Rejuvenation

Morning

- Start your day with a hearty breakfast either prepared in your cabin or at a local diner known for its delicious breakfast fare, like a Big Foot Biscuit at the Dogwood downtown.

Afternoon

Your Choice:
-- Go on a trout fishing expedition with a local guide
-- Play golf at the award-winning Old Toccoa Farms golf course
-- Ride horses along mountain trails
-- Go tubing, kayaking or rafting on the Toccoa River
-- Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway along the Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville
-- Visit Mercier Orchards for a farm tour and a hard cider tasting
-- Hang out at one (or two) of five local breweries
-- Have a wine tasting and relax at Bearclaw or Serenberry Vineyards

-- None of the above; finish your book and chill out at the cabin.

Serenberry Vineyard

Evening

-- Prepare a delicious dinner in your cabin's fully equipped kitchen or barbeque on the grill.

-- Spend the evening relaxing by the fireplace, playing board games, or the campfire, cooking s’mores and gazing at a gazillion stars (and maybe fireflies in season).

@bigsistercomplex

Monday - Renewal and Reality

-- Enjoy a slow morning in your cabin, savoring a leisurely breakfast and soaking in the tranquility of your surroundings.

-- Pack up your belongings and bid farewell to your cabin, leaving with memories of a serene mountain retreat that will last a lifetime.

--Head home and make plans for your next Blue Ridge R & R!