Blue Ridge GA is cool in so many ways... from wild and scenic spots in the surrounding mountains that are perfect little pockets of peace away from the heat of summer, to the bustling scene in our towns. Lots of unique shopping spots, plus charming little restaurants and shady outdoor places to get a cool drink. And our wineries, breweries and music clubs have a whole summer of entertainment planned in shady outdoor venues bustling with fun, friendly people of all kinds. So whether you’re into relaxation, adventure or fun times in town… Blue Ridge GA has got you covered with cool!

Cool Outdoor Restaurants

Blue Ridge is just filled with cool little restaurants and taverns. From places with shady outdoor patios like The Black Sheep, pictured above, (tip: Sunday Brunch is great and features live music). All new ROE Blue Ridge is right in the middle of downtown off the courtyard. Fightingtown Tavern, The Vine & Eatery and The Dogwood all have outdoor spaces for relaxation and libations. Toccoa Riverside Restaurant on Aska Road and Twisted Tomato in McCaysville and Blue Ridge both have outdoor decks, McCaysville's location is over the river along with Burra Burra Riverside Dining, and The Boat Dock Bar & Grill is outdoors at Lake Blue Ridge Marina. For a rooftop experience and outdoor dining, check out The Hook & Eye. Get our listing of restaurants on the web here and our free printable map guide here.

Cool water spots for paddling, swimming and picnics

Nothing beats the heat like getting out into the cool mountain waters surrounding Blue Ridge. The Toccoa River (and Ocoee River to the north) are perfect mountain rivers with places to go tubing, picnic, paddle or even go whitewater rafting. Lake Blue Ridge has a wide variety of water experiences, from renting watercraft and paddle boards, to beaches, camping and more. Here are free map guides for the Toccoa River & Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River north. Plus here’s a free guide for Area Outfitters who can help you get to the cool!

Cool shopping on Main Street & Thrift Shops

Shopping here is so unique, not just at the arty little shops in town, but also in the dozens of area thrift shops where you can make it a day of discovering treasures. Get our shopping info on the web here, and get our free shopping guide and thrift store guide.

Cool wineries with outdoor seating & music

Getting out into the country to one or more of our area wineries can be an adventure for the day or even a whole weekend of discovery and cool fun. Some have entertainment schedules and all of them have incredible scenic locations with vineyards and sweeping mountains views. One even has a treehouse that you can stay in! Check out Bear Claw Vineyards, Serenberry Vineyards, Ott Farms, Chateau Meichtry, Roo Mountain Vineyards, Cartecay Vineyard and even more, get a complete guide along with transportation options on our free winery and brewery self guided tour.

Cool breweries with outdoor seating & music

Blue Ridge’s brew scene is the essence of cool, with locals and visitors mixing it up at Grumpy Old Men Brewery, Angry Hops Brewery, Copperhill Brewery, Tipping Point Brewery and Buck Bald Brewing. Check out their entertainment schedule and stop by for a cold brew and a chill time. Get more info here on our free Brews, Wineries & Tastings self-guided tour.

Cool and Unique to Blue Ridge

When it comes to cool that you can’t find anywhere else, Blue Ridge has some unique attractions like The Swan Drive-in, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Tank Town USA, Mercier Orchards and cool little shops including Deaf Man Vinyl, Blue Ridge Knife Company, Pezrok Fossils and Furniture, and much more that you can discover on our Blue Ridge website or our free self-guided tours.

Cool music venues - Pickin in the Park, Tooney’s Music Venue and more…

Music floats through the cool nights in Georgia’s Blue Ridge with everything from outdoor concerts and festivals to intimate indoor venues around town. Check out Pickin’ in the Park every Thursday evening in Horseshoe Bend Park on the Toccoa River, Tooney’s Music Venue in McCaysville, Misty Mountain Hops (don’t miss their rock concert poster collection), The Dogwood and The Blue Coyote… plus check out our event calendar for lots more music throughout the summer at local restaurants and watering holes.

Cool waterfalls & shady river pools

Not only does Georgia’s Blue Ridge have some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the south, but also some little known river cool spots you can enjoy for picnics and swimming. Check out our waterfalls video and our free self-guided tour of waterfalls.

Also discover little known river and lake spots like Deep Hole Recreation Area, Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area, Tammen Park on the Toccoa River, Toccoa River Rapids on Aska Road and Sandy Bottoms on the Toccoa River. Plus check out the incredible Ocoee Whitewater Center. Get all the free self-guided tours here.