Family Holidays in the Mountains
Unique shopping, dining & outdoor fun in a festive mountain town.
Looking for a holiday getaway with mountain air and breathtaking scenery, along with refined in-town shopping, dining and entertainment?
UNIQUE SHOPPING, DINING & OUTDOOR FUN IN A FESTIVE MOUNTAIN TOWN
Just 90 minutes north of Atlanta off Interstate-575, Blue Ridge is a treasured town in the North Georgia Mountain, at once outdoorsy, earthy, upscale, contemporary and historic. Centered around the historic Blue Ridge Depot, downtown’s restored buildings blend perfectly with modern industrial and mountain architecture, showcasing the arts, galleries, antiques, unique shopping, dining, wineries and craft breweries. Yet 40 percent of Fannin County is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, sweeping visitors a million miles away and offering waterfalls, trout fishing, biking and some of the most notable hiking trails in the United States. Among its many accolades, Blue Ridge was named by Southern Living Magazine as one of “2021 South’s Best Mountain Towns.” Photo-ops and memory-making are all around, especially during the holidays.
One-of-a-kind shopping
In all of North Georgia, Blue Ridge has the largest array of specialty shops, boutiques and galleries for fine furnishings, art, antiques, clothing and jewelry. Looking for unique artisan-crafted items? Blue Ridge has been named one of the "Top Ten Towns for Craft Lovers" in the country and one of the "Top Five Art Towns in Georgia" by the Georgia Council for the Arts.
The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s Holiday Art Show and Sale has a multitude of artistic and handcrafted items for sale, from jewelry, pottery, paintings and everything in between, all made by member artists. For a downloadable Blue Ridge shopping map, and find more details here www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/shopping.
Festive train rides
From Thanksgiving to Christmas climb aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Holiday Express for a festive one-hour train ride complete with holiday music, Christmas story readings and St. Nick himself. Children will receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, candy cane and activity packet while on board. This generation-bonding adventure starts at the historic 1905 depot in Downtown. Vintage climate- controlled and open-air rail cars wind alongside the Toccoa River. Delicious hot chocolate and other snacks are available for sale in the concession car.
Holiday Fun in Blue Ridge
The Friday after Thanksgiving officially starts the season. Downtown is lavishly decked out in holiday finery; merchants offer store discounts; food vendors and strolling entertainment complete the scene. On Saturday, Light Up Blue Ridge is a full day of seasonal cheer, strolling entertainment, food vendors and more, the day ends with the Christmas Parade and lighting of the tree. Children can visit Santa Claus from noon to 5 p.m. in the park gazebo. The Christmas Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by the lighting of the Great Tree at 7 p.m.
Another great way to kick off the season and get into the spirit is to attend The Gift of the Magi Great production and fun for the whole family. Better reserve your tickets now.
For more area events, go to www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/events.
If You Go
Intown, unique overnight options are possible, ranging from chic lofts overlooking the town to an 1890s B&B or in the new lodge-like Hampton Inn Blue Ridge featuring balcony rooms and the city’s only rooftop bar/restaurant, Hook & Eye. Check out these downtown locations. In surrounding Fannin County choices include lodging with stunning mountain views, creekside retreats, riverfront lodges, cabins on the lake and much more. To search for the perfect in-town hideaway or mountain retreat, go to: www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/where-to-stay. For dining and itinerary ideas, visit www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.
