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Blue Ridge Georgia
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Blue Ridge Georgia

Although Blue Ridge is considered to be a city with a population today of roughly 1,200 citizens, the word city does seems to be quite a hefty title for such a small mountain town with so few residents. I prefer to think of Blue Ridge as a beautiful classic mountain town, with an intimacy that is ever so inviting. Today the Blue Ridge city limits have spread to the very shores of Lake Blue Ridge, even though you can't see the lake until you get past the trees.

The development of the downtown historic district of Blue Ridge by means of renovations and new construction, along with the ever expanding commercial development along Highway 515 (east to west) and Highway 5 (north to south) have brought Fannin County to the forefront of other North Georgia mountain communities.

Today Blue Ridge seems to be busting at the seams with progress through the first and into the second decades of the 21st century. Shopping, other amenities and services all along the outer Highways of 515 & 5 only compliment the charming historic downtown shopping, restaurant and art district. Throughout the week and even more so on weekends, the historic downtown district of Blue Ridge is a haven of residents, vacationers and day visitors that enjoy strolling the main-streets of the town, stepping in and out of specialty shops while taking time to linger and observe the many fine artworks within the galleries. There are a variety of restaurants, eateries and coffee shops throughout the county with a nice selection of cuisine offering the comforts of their indoor or outdoor cafe' style in the fresh mountain air.

As often the case throughout the mountains the largest town is also the county seat, yet that's not the way this town began. Morganton, a neighboring Fannin County town founded in 1853 was the original county seat before the railroad came through Fannin County in 1886. Today the historic Fannin County courthouse in downtown Blue Ridge which was constructed in 1937 stands next to the newly constructed 72,000-square foot county courthouse. The old historic courthouse is now the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association.

Not only does the city of Blue Ridge have all the amenities visitors are looking for, the town is located close to the very shore of Lake Blue Ridge offering water sport recreation, swimming and fishing that are either exciting or tranquil depending on your choice of lake activity.

Blue Ridge is a great destination for a day trip, a getaway or a lifetime. The city of Blue Ridge has it's own unique personality and hospitality, definitely one of the Highlander's top favorites towns.

The Railroad and Blue Ridge

Though some gold and an abundance of copper was discovered in the region along with a large amount of timber being harvested in the surrounding mountains, it would take a railroad to haul out all the natural resources to market. The need for a central railroad hub site to be established in the region led to the founding of the town of Blue Ridge (incorporated in 1886,) which also became the new county seat due to the new rail line. With the coming of the railroad, hotels, restaurants and stores began popping up all along the tracks. The new town of Blue Ridge along with its rejuvenating mineral springs was fated to become a popular health-resort destination and leading commercial center in the region.

Today there are no longer any mineral springs available for visitors to submerge in, even though un-maintained springs still do exist on private property in the area if you know where to look. Yet Blue Ridge has continued to grow as a popular tourism destination replacing the springs of old with luxury lodging equipped with hot tubs and Jacuzzis for relaxing and rejuvenation.

The historic Blue Ridge Depot that received so many visitors at the turn of the century is still a center of attention today; this historic structure was built in 1906 after the first depot burnt down. Today the Depot is the home of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad offering sightseeing and rail adventure along the banks of the beautiful Toccoa River between the towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville to the north with a round trip train excursion of about 3 1/2 hours, approximately a 26-miles round trip.

Blue Ridge City Park • Events and Festivals

The picturesque Blue Ridge City Park located in the heart of Blue Ridge's downtown historic district is also positioned along the rail line; the park is home to several of Fannin County's events and festivals.

The main events in Blue Ridge are  Spring and Fall Arts in the Park, and two Plein Air Festivals, Labor Day Barbecue, Halloween Safe Zone and Light Up Blue Ridge Holiday Festival. Check out the Highlander's event calendar for more information on these events.

When the park isn't hosting an event, visitors and county residents alike find the park to be a quiet setting offering picnic tables, a gazebo, and a playground for the kids so they can let off some of that adolescent energy while the adults watch on from a picnic table, comfortable lawn chair or blanket.

 

 

Cabin Rentals & Lodging in Fannin County Georgia

Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals, Managing Privately Owned Cabins

Cabin Rentals in Blue Ridge Georgia
Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals offers many vacation rental cabins which allow you to experience a little piece of heaven every time you visit. Our private luxury cabins provide a getaway retreat for couples, families and friends who love nature and the outdoors. Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals manages these privately owned luxury cabin rentals, all of which are located within minutes of Blue Ridge, Georgia and the beautiful Ocoee River and Toccoa River.

224 Blue Ridge Dr  • McCaysville, GA  •  877.628.3353  •  www.CuddleUpCabinRentals.com

Blue Ridge Highlander's Gallery

Highlander Fine Arts, Authentic Mountain Photography and Fine Crafts

The Highlander Gallery
When you are visiting the Blue Ridge - Smoky Mountains, a stop by the Highlander Gallery is well worth your time. The Highlander Gallery represents some of the finest artists in the mountains.  With a large assortment of Fine Art Photography and Fine Crafts as well.

Here are a sampling of the artists you will find....Anthony Abreu • Michael Bedoian • Marla McCormicke • Don Milsaps • Don Blackwell • Juanita Greenspan • Tonya Fowler • Jason Fowler • Chris Jones • Mike Lalone • Les Smith • Chuck Waldroup • Joe Waldroup • Ed Rose • Billy Reynolds • David Hobby • Randy Rowe • Thomas Payne • Frances McCord • Rita Poole • Clive Poole

Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:00
10079 Old Highway 64  •  Brasstown, NC  • 828.835.9982  • www.HighlanderGallery.com

Art Galleries in Blue Ridge Georgia


Guided Fishing Trips

White Water Rafting Mountains


Zipline Canopy Tours

Adventure Camps in the Mountains

Real Estate & Property Management in Fannin County Georgia

Keri Conner, Realtor/Broker

Country Corners Real Estate in the North Georgia Mountains
My name is Keri Conner, I have lived in these mountains all my life, and have been a successful Realtor since 2001.  I know from personal experience why you want your own special place in the mountains and I know how to help you find that special place.  Whether you are looking for a luxury mountain home, log cabin, a view property, river or creek property, a lake front home or property, or a large tract of mountain property, I will help you not only find the right real estate purchase, I will help you through the entire real estate process, including closing.  If you are looking to sell your mountain home, to downsize or are finally ready to buy your new bigger dream home or cabin, I am the Realtor/Broker you need.  Check out our Featured Listings....

224 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA  • 706-964-6470  •  RealEstateGeorgiaMountains.com


Tim Noland, Realtor® - Buyer's Agent • North Georgia & Western North Carolina

Tim Noland, Realtor - Buyer's Agent
When looking to buy mountain property, you need someone that not only understands the mountains, you need someone that specifically represents you, the buyer. When you choose to work with a Buyer's Agent you are assured that you have an agent that is truly looking for your best interests, someone that will not only find what you are looking for, but someone that will negotiate the best price possible.

10950 Old Highway 64 • Brasstown, NC 28902  •  828.557.1009  •  GreatMtnRealEstate.com


Bill Banzhaf, Associate Broker  •  North Georgia, Western North Carolina & Tennessee

Bill Banzhaf, Associate Broker
As an agent who's an expert in homes for sale in North Georgia, North Carolina & Tennessee, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate in this gorgeous part of the south. Buying a new home or a new piece of land is not the same everywhere, so you need someone you can trust for up-to-date information.

Whether you're looking to purchase a year-round, luxury-style log home, buy a part-time residence for use during your getaway vacation, or prefer to use your property as a vacation rental, I am eager to serve you. Check out my Featured Listings...

11 Overview Drive, Suite 102  •  Blue Ridge, GA 30513  •  Mobile  706-851-5865
Office  706-946-1520  •  HomesinBlueRidge.com

 

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Travel and Real Estate Guide to the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, including North Georgia, Western North Carolina, Tennessee River Valley and Up Country South Carolina
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