A PERFECT TOWN FOR CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE 

It is almost Independence Day!

Hopefully; in this year most Americans will be experiencing a little more freedom than last year. Our freedom is so important!  Perhaps we all will be in a much better frame of mind when it relates to traveling to nearby Independence Day celebrations.

Last year many towns had to close up the streets and wait on things to get better.    Let’s all be offering thanks to God for the positive changes that have arrived lately.

Even though we were in pandemic stages last year; my husband and I decided we really needed to get away to some unique little town that was not too far away from home; but just far enough away to feel like a mini-vacation. 

Being forced to stay home for so long was making us stir-crazy. 

SUMMER IN BLUE RIDGE MEANS CELEBRATIONS

We found exactly what we were looking for by driving a few hours up the road to Blue Ridge, Georgia.  

Summers in Blue Ridge, GA mean celebrating Independence Day in a big way!  

 The July 4th celebrations of Blue Ridge never fail to bring out the Patriot inside each of us as the hot summer days begin to evolve around our nation’s holiday called Independence Day. 

This little mountain town is always decorated and ready.  The locals are friendly and excited to be in this moment. 

What is a little pandemic compared to celebrating out nation’s freedom?  We are way beyond that now and we are so very grateful.

These people have the right attitude and the proper spirit for an All-American holiday celebration.  

A VERY PATRIOTIC PLACE

Some very true Patriots live in Blue Ridge, Georgia; and American history and pride is definitely part of the personality of this beautiful little place.

In July every conceivable activity is geared toward celebrating America’s Independence.

We will fill you in on some of those details as we take you on a short imaginary tour through the scenic lay of the land.

THE RAILROAD DEPOT  

Any driving or walking tour would be just great to tour Blue Ridge; but the BEST tour of the town is always taken by boarding the train at the Mineral Bluff Depot. 

Of course, you don’t have to wait until July 4th to ride the train, or enjoy its pleasures.  There is a Ride The Rails Festival held ever year in late June.  The historic Depot has open house events during this time.  If you want more information just call 706-632-2144 and they will help you with all the details.    

On July 5th of last year we found ourselves attending an event called Riverfest which is held in the McCaysville Copperhill Basin.  We got there by taking the train!  The fireworks began at dusk. 

The best way to arrive for this event is on The Firecracker Special.  This train leaves Blue Ridge at 7 p.m. and returns at 11 p.m. 

In between, you are treated to a relaxing ride in the moonlight with the lights reflecting off the Toccoa River as you wind through the foothills of Georgia toward Tennessee on this special old train.  

 

The train ride is offered all through out the year (not just for July 4th.) The Depot has special events around some other special holiday weekends too.  We have also taken the same train ride in the fall in order to catch the foliage along the riverbanks.  The fall scenery here is lovely.  

Just touring the Depot is very interesting. 

TOURING THE DEPOT

The Mineral Springs Depot is over 132 years old.  Until 1962 the Depot saw trains arrive and depart daily. 

The last freight shipment was in 1990. This Depot is the lone surviving Marietta and North Georgia Railroad in North Georgia.  Mineral Springs Depot is a popular and favored hang-out for the Tri-State Model Railroaders. 

This group of enthusiast has constructed some interesting models for the Depot. Bumping into one of their members is like finding a walking/talking history lesson. 

Stories abound here, and most of them are true!

This Old Depot is the hub from which the whole town of Blue Ridge evolves.  If you ask for directions anyone will tell you to go to the Depot in the center of town first; then they will give you directions from that point.

Definitely take the train ride.

It is SO MUCH FUN!!! 

OTHER PRE-4TH EVENTS 

Every June you can take in the annual Blue Ridge Mountain Wine and Jazz Festival that is held at Mercer Orchards.   

If you are planning to catch this event, you can get the exact dates and times by calling 706-632-3411.  It never hurts to plan a year in advance. 

This is a very popular and beautiful event.  There is just something about hearing jazz in an apple orchard!  It is a lovely experience. 

If you can’t make it out to the jazz festival; at least make it a point to check out breakfast at the Mercer Orchards Restaurant in Blue Ridge.  It is wonderful!

THE COMMUNITY THEATRE

For even more local talent and culture, you might want to find out what is happening at The Blue Ridge Community Theater. 

There are interesting concerts and plays being held here all throughout the year.

EXPERIENCES WITH NATURE  

It gets pretty hot in the summer time; but the mountains make that hot weather much more durable.  The air never feels as hot as the thermometer says.  There is usually a nice breeze blowing through the trees. 

If you want to really cool off though; hit the Toccoa Valley Campgrounds and take a tubing or rafting trip down the river.  These are trips up to six miles in length with life vests and shuttle service included. 

There are also kayaks for the more adventurous and seasoned water-rats.  The place to begin is located on 11481 Aska Road in Blue Ridge, GA.  

 

 

FUN IN THE SUN

During the day oF the 4th of July people tend to be thinking of fun in the sun. 

Blue Ridge offers so many summer outdoor activities.

Maybe you dream of splashing through the wonders of nature in order to stay cool. Blue Ridge has a lot to offer in the way of water; the rivers, the lakes, the parks, the tubing, the rafting, the fishing, the waterfalls; the kayaking, etc.  Each place that these activities take place is breathtaking and beautiful to behold.

Hiking trails are everywhere you go. 

Zip-lining is very popular in this area.

Everything special about summer has been deposited within a few miles of the town limits. Not one summer outdoor (or indoor) activity has escaped this little town; and they definitely did not leave us wanting for more. 

The hardest problem we had was deciding what to do first.  Also we had a bit of trouble choosing between conflicting times and dates when we could not be two places at the same time.  There are so many exciting options of things to do and places to explore. 

LAKE BLUE RIDGE

The whole town of Blue Ridge is actually formed around a large lake.

Lake Blue Ridge is a beautiful 3,290 acre lake. It offers 65 miles of shore line, much of this is inside the Chattahoochee National Forest. The lake was formed when the Blue Ridge Dam was constructed on the Toccoa River in 1930.

The Tennessee Valley Authority purchased the Dam in 1939 for hydroelectric power production.

This pretty lake has become the perfect outdoor playground for the residents and visitors of Blue Ridge.

SURROUNDED BY FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAINS

The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and the quaint, picturesque little town is very close by for dining and shopping experiences that can be enjoyed after all the fun in the sun.

On the lake you will feel far away from civilization, yet have all of the modern conveniences just minutes down the road. There are rental cabins and camp grounds in abundance. 

FIREWORKS EVERYWHERE

We loved the fireworks display that was held at Lake Blue Ridge Marina that year. It was truly amazing to watch the sky explode over the lake.  While there; you could buy BBQ and/or bring a special picnic of your own.

The 4th lasts all weekend in this little town (and there are actually events all through the previous week.)  By the time the 4th arrives; you are prepped and completely ready to celebrate!

All of the fireworks displays are coordinated so you don’t have to miss one while attending the other.  We were so glad we got to catch the display over the lake as well as the fireworks we attended after our train ride on the 5th.

At 6 p.m. the day AFTER the 4th there is also a boat parade on this lake.

There are also many more beautiful lakes and parks in the area. Don’t stop at just one; especially if you love boating, swimming and fishing.

SUMMER MARATHONS 

Are you a marathon runner?

The Blue Ridge Freedom 5K  and 10K happens here every July. The runners make their way through the town and just blend right in with the Independence Day Parade. 

Don’t worry; you will be done and resting contently by the evening when the fireworks begin.

THE PARADE

There is an Old Timer’s Parade that goes through the town of Blue Ridge during the Fourth of July.  The streets are blocked off and this is a great old parade to attend. 

Bring a flag to wave! 

The parade usually begins around 10 a.m. on the 4th.  It is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Association.  They can give you next year’s details.

THE TOWN OF BLUE RIDGE

As mentioned already; there is one main attraction to pay attention to; no matter what time of the year you visit Blue Ridge. It is the historical Depot and Train that is located in the center of town. This little train station offers train excursions for every season.

We got to ride the Firecracker Special into the Great Copper Basin area’s fireworks display. The train departed just after dark and after the fireworks in neighboring McCaysville; it returned to the depot in Blue Ridge by 11 p.m.

The starlight ride along the river’s edge would have been fun by itself; but it became even more exciting when we reached the destination and saw such a lovely fireworks display.

On top of all of that a street festival was going on with music, food and vendors.

The whole trip was delightful and we didn’t have to miss the fireworks on the lake in order to participate. This fun train ride took place on July 5th; allowing us to catch both popular events. It was definitely a year of celebrating independence for us! The celebration lasted several days into the week.

After you have ridden the train though; you will need at least one whole day to walk around the quaint, old fashioned town.  Plan to eat out!  Nice restaurants suit every pallet.

Blue Ridge has lots of unique little shops and some terrific restaurants to try.  Whenever you have shopped and dined all you want; be sure to stop by Three Sisters Fudge and take a midnight snack home for later.  You won’t regret it!

Our favorite shops were The Cotton Company and The Bear Shop; but there were so many wonderful places for browsing!

The restaurant we chose for our anniversary dinner was Treo’s at 588 E. Main Street.  Their steaks melt in your mouth.  They have bartenders who can mix anything you want to drink.  My husband was fascinated with the great selections of Bourbon they offered. 

Our waiter was very attentive to our needs; but not annoying as can happen in lots of upscale establishments.  The feeling was an atmosphere of casual elegance.  It was a great choice for a special night.

There are many other fine restaurants we want to try when we come back next year.  Top of my list would be Harvest on Main; a farm-to-table restaurant experience.  They seemed to be very crowded; I would recommend reservations. 

One of the neatest things about the town was the fact that you could just stroll from one unique establishment to another.  There was a surprise around every corner.  This town would be a great place for gift shopping.  There are plenty of lunch stops and snacking areas that offer drinks and ice cream and treats.  Yes, there is even a shop for your dog!

 

 

MCCAYSVILLE, GEORGIA

After the fun train ride; we decided to drive over to McCaysville again the next day.  We wanted to take in some of the things we didn’t have time for but had sparked our interest as we were walking through the street fair during the fireworks excursion.

STANDING IN TWO STATES AT ONCE

Anyway – you know we had to stand with one foot on each side of the blue line between the state of Tennessee and the State of Georgia. We didn’t have time to do that the evening of the fireworks.  You can do that in McCaysville; which is the town next-door to Blue Ridge.

Yep!  The state line happens right there in the middle of the little town of McCaysville.  This was probably the most novel part of our visit.

McCaysville runs right into Copperhill, Tennessee.   Toccoa Avenue (on the Georgia side of the line) turns into Ocoee Street (on the Tennessee side of the line.) The Toccoa River becomes the Ocoee River right under an old iron bridge built in 1911 which is still standing.

Copperhill was originally called McCays and McCaysville was Hawkinsville.

H.T. McCay bought a farm on the Copperhill side of the river. Aaron Matthews bought a farm on the McCaysville side. They built a ferry where the old river bridge is now located, and one of them operated it for one month, then the other operated it the next month.  Sounds like a dream job for someone!

ANTIQUES GALORE

The little town has a lot of unique antique and junk shops to explore.  

Our favorite restaurant in this area would be The Rum Cake Lady Cuban Food Cafe in Copperhill located at  111 Ocoee Street.   Casual and delicious!

STATE PARKS IN THE AREA

You must be sure to check out Vogel State Park while in the area.  It is a fun and beautiful side trip. 

If you visit in September take in the Mountain Music Day Festival that has Bluegrass and Gospel music going on. 

On any day of the year though, remember to go hiking out to the Trahlyta Falls Waterfall.  While you are in the vicinity; stop in the quaint little city of Blairsville on the way back to Blue Ridge. 

NEARBY BLAIRSVILLE 

Visit A Step Above Stables in Blairsville and take a scenic trail ride.  These people are wonderful guides and they know how to make newbies feel comfortable on horseback.  Great fun for the whole family!

There is a city park called Meeks Park that is great for picnicking and playing in the river.  Plan to do this if you can; especially if you have younger children.  The swings are good!

On Labor Day weekend Blairsville holds a Mountain Heritage Festival.  You can tour a little pioneer village and see people reenacting their heritage.  There are arts and crafts vendors on site and lots of enjoyable things to do.

In October, Blairsville hosts a Sorghum Festival.  There is always some type of festival in the area; no matter the time of year.

VISIT LAKE NOTTELY

If you are still craving water activities, you can drive out to Lake Nottely Marina.   While you are there you might want to rent a pontoon boat that would hold the whole family and tour the lake at your own leisure.

Everyone loves The Sawmill Place in Blairsville for a fantastic breakfast.  Lunch is great there too. It is all farm-to-table and there is a gift shop/store attached to the restaurant.     

For some fine-dining in this small town called Blairsville, try Michaelee’s Italian Life Cafe.  Get a view of the historic little town from the window at your table and enjoy the jazz music while you wait on some delicious food. 

Our favorite choices on the menu are the cheese tortellini with meatballs and the bourbon filet.  The desserts can’t be beat – definitely try the gelato with anything they have. 

If you want you can go next door and purchase a bottle of wine, and your server will be glad to accommodate your wishes to serve it with your meal.

BLAIRSVILLE’S HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

Tour the Historical Society Museum that is right in the middle of Blairsville.  It is interesting if you are a history buff.  

Blairsville is just a quaint and scenic place, very pretty and relaxing and fun to explore when you run out of things to do in Blue Ridge (which you probably will not!)  Maybe these should be two separate trips; but they are very close to each other.

OTHER NEAR BY TOWNS TO EXPLORE

Some other nearby destinations to consider are Helen, GA and Elijay, GA.  You could enjoy Hiwassee too, as well as a lot of other little mountain communities.  Ducktown and Young Harris are not too far away.  These lovely places are all within driving distance of Blue Ridge.

GREAT LOCAL ARTIST

We went back to Blue Ridge and took in the artsy part of town.  They have a terrific local art museum on the other side of the tracks from the shops and restaurants.  This seems to be a gathering place for local art events.

You will not run out of things to explore!

Be sure to put Blue Ridge, GA on your bucket list for the summer.