Wildlife and waterfalls flow among the many natural treasures in Blue Ridge, Ga.
The city is the seat of Fannin County, which boasts more than 100,000 acres located in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Hiking, horseback riding and rafting on the Ocoee River are among activities available in the city.
Tourists may also enjoy taking a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and self-picking fruit from the abundance of orchards before returning to one of the area’s cozy cabins and mountain vacation homes.
“The Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia” is also home to the Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge, which offer a full-service marina, public swimming and picnic areas.
FAST FACTS
* Population: 1,290* Distance from Chattanooga: 81 miles* Square miles: 2.4
FESTIVAL FUN
* Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo: This local rodeo is anything but a small-time event. Seven events — bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and more — are shown each night. Held the third full weekend of August each year, this Western rodeo even features a professional rodeo clown. (Blue Ridge Kiwanis Club, 124 Jones St.; blueridgekiwanis.org)* Interdenominational Labor Day Bar-B-Q: Since 1981, the Good Samaritans of Fannin County group has invited locals to chow down for a good cause. The association of area churches uses the event to raise funds for neighbors in need. Sample all the fixin’s and folksy fun Sept. 3-5 this year. (Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, 350 Gray St.; 706-455-3818 or 706-633-6459; goodsamfc.com)* Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival: Blues and barbecue combine to benefit local feeding initiative Snack in a Backpack. This year’s event, Sept. 14-16, features more than 10 regional vendors. Admission is $5; ages 12 and younger free. (Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, 350 Gray St.; stayinblueridge.com/blue-ridge-blues-and-bbq-festival)* Fall Fest Arts & Crafts Festival: Whether you’re in the market for quilts or canned goods, wood carvings or homemade snacks, you’ll find it here, along with live musical performances spread over two weekends. Just swing by the State Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 14-22. Free admission. (787 Summit St.; 423-761-9985)* Halloween Safe Zones: Enjoy safe Halloween fun in downtown Blue Ridge and neighboring McCaysville. Kids of all ages can trick or treat from shop to shop, carve pumpkins, enter costume contests and enjoy food and entertainment. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
EAT IT UP
* Black Sheep Restaurant Bar & Patio: Southern fusion dishes include hand-cut steaks and chops, seafood, poultry and fresh pasta dishes. Open 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon to 3 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. (480 W. Main St.; 706-946-3663; blacksheepblueridge.com)* Joe’s BBQ: Specializes in select pork, chicken and ribs using a slow-cook method with hickory wood for flavor. TripAdvisor rated Joe’s No. 1 out of nearly 70 Blue Ridge restaurants in 2014 and 2015. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday-Wednesday. (3365 E. First St.; 706-455-3517; joesbbqblueridge.com)* Boat Dock Bar & Grill: Located at Lake Blue Ridge Marina, this is a great place to refuel with smoked wings, shrimp tacos, sandwiches and salads. Swing by between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday or 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, but know that the kitchen closes an hour before the full bar. (335 Marina Drive; 706-632-2618; lakeblueridgemarina.com/boat-dock-bar-grill)* Toccoa Riverside Restaurant: Dine on the river with fresh local trout, seafood and certified black Angus steak. Menu also includes signature pasta dishes, sandwiches, Southern platters and more. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday. (8055 Aska Road; 706-632-7891; toccoariversiderestaurant.com)
RUSTIC RECREATION
* Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: The railroad connects the towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville and journeys along the beautiful Toccoa River. Board the train at the historic depot in Blue Ridge April-December. (1-877-413-8724; brscenic.com)* Toccoa River Swinging Bridge: The longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River spans the Toccoa. The 270-foot bridge can be accessed from the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail. (Parking lot: N 34°44.350’ W084°10.213’)* Expedition: Bigfoot!: The Sasquatch Museum is a 4,000-square-foot complex where visitors can see the country’s largest permanent display of Bigfoot artifacts, life-sized exhibits, photos, sketches and large, up-to-date sighting maps. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Tuesday until Jan. 1. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-12. Active military with identification and children under 4 free. (1934 Highway 515 S; 706-946-2601; expeditionbigfoot.mdom.mobi/home)* Mercier Orchards: Stop by the largest apple orchard in the Southeast, where you can pick your own or sample the on-site winery’s hard cider, among other offerings. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Closed holidays. (8660 Blue Ridge Drive; 706-632-3411; mercier-orchards.com)* Swan Drive-In: Established in 1955, the Swan is one of the few drive-in theaters in North Georgia, and one of only 330 in the U.S. Watch current first-run movies from the comfort of your car or camping chairs, but be sure to bring cash. Should you want some popcorn or “The Mayor Burger,” you’ll need it at this cash-only establishment. Input the address as 2672 E. First St. for any mapping devices, which will take you to the shopping center near the marquee. Then follow the signs. (706-632-5235; swan-drive-in.com)
The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center calls Long Creek Falls, located in Blue Ridge, the most popular of waterfalls countywide. There are 12 waterfalls within 30 miles of downtown Blue Ridge.