#4 Blue Ridge Ga Winter Experience

Have Some Fun! Fire & Ice Chili Cookof and Ice Sculpting Event

Come on up to the Georgia mountains for the President's Day long weekend and have some fun at downtown Blue Ridge's Fire & Ice Chili Cookoff and Ice Sculpting event.  The weather is going to be gorgeous -- in the 60's, just warm enough for outdoor adventures during the day and just cool enough for a warm fire and a good book at night.

Saturday, February 18th from Noon to 5PM it's hot and cool fun during the Fire and Ice event: Amazing ice sculptures all over town and in the Downtown City Park, and live carving demonstrations by master ice sculptors. Heat up with the Chili Cookoff where you can sample the hot stuff from dozens of local chefs and aspiring chili cooks from Noon to 4PM.

Live music from 1PM to 4PM, food, shopping and even an ice skating rink set up in the City of Blue Ridge Park. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Association. Get more info: click here and on their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/fireandicechilicookoff

Other Fun Events this Weekend in Blue Ridge ....

February 17 and 18th
Francine Reed Live at Christy Lee's Courtyard Grille588 East Main Street, Blue Ridge

Courtyard which is down below East Main Street.Live Blues and Jazz, limited seating available. As a support act, Ms. Reed appeared on the bill with luminaries such as Miles Davis, Smokey Robinson, Etta James, and The Crusaders. In 1985, she met the then unknown singer Lyle Lovett and they formed a strong alliance that continues to this day. Enjoy a fabulous dinner in a wonderful atomosphere listening to the wonderful sounds of Francine Reed. Reservations only! Call to see availability of seating for live music only.  Call for reservations 706-946-5100.

Anne Frank and Me

Blue Ridge Community Theater

2591 E. First Street (Directly across from The Swan Drive-In Sign)
A Sunny D Children's Theater Production that should not be missed! This multiple national award-winning American classic is about the awakening of a modern teen Holocaust denier. Nicole Burns doubts the truth and cares even less, but ultimately comes face to face with the hell of the Holocaust, and--in an extraordinary sequence--meets Anne Frank on a cattle car to Auschwitz. We start out with Nicole in today's teen world of MTV, hip-hop dancing, unfinished homework and young love, which is transported with her to 1942 occupied Paris and then brought forward again to the light and hope of present time.
Blue Ridge Community Theater.  Call 706-632-9223.

#3 Blue Ridge Ga Resolution: A Valentine's Get-away!

Put a Little Romance in your Life...
With a Blue Ridge Valentine's Get-away

Nothing beats a special Valentines Day like booking a weekend in our charming mountain town. Filled with lots of warm Winter activities, fabulous restaurants and mountains of fun, you can make your Valentines Day celebration as active, or relaxing, as you please. How about a warm fire in your luxury cabin, a day of shopping in Downtown Blue Ridge, dinner at a quaint local restaurant, and a massage at Serenity in the Mountains Spa?

Check out lodging by clicking this link, download our free restaurant guide by clicking here, and see our Itineraries and Self-Guided Tours pages for lots of free information on local activities. And how about the absolutely perfect Valentines present... go shopping for a Getaway Cabin of your own! Our professional real estate agents can show you listings all over gorgeous Fannin County real estate agent link.

#2 Resolution with a Blue Ridge Ga Twist

# 2  Learn Something New!  Fly Rod Classes with Bill Oyster

William "Bill" Oyster is a full-time career bamboo fly rod maker with a workshop in one of the south's most authentic mountain towns, Blue Ridge, GA. Each Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod is intensely hand crafted. Bill is the only professional bamboo fly rod maker in the world who personally hand engraves his own rods. The performance and aesthetics of each rod is truly remarkable. 

Bill has been commissioned to make rods for many of the world's finest anglers including President Jimmy Carter. As the most prolific teacher of this rod making art alive today, Bill draws students from as far away as England and Scotland as well as every corner of the US to his southern mountain town studio. Each year, Oyster introduces a little more of the world to this traditional craft and a look into the life of a bamboo fly rod maker. 

Let Bill Oyster guide you personally through the process of creating your very own custom bamboo fly rod. Each student works at their own solid maple work bench which is outfitted with an arsenal of the highest quality tools, such as Lie-Nielson planes and Bellinger planing forms. In fact, these are the very same tools and methods used to create every Oyster bamboo rod. Our year-round trout fishing will afford you the opportunity to put your new rod to good use. This, after all, is the true test of a complete rod making class. At Oyster Bamboo they make sure you finish what you start, the crafting of an instant heirloom. (complete your very own rod from a raw culm to a ready-to-fish fly rod in a 6-day class. Apply online on their website or visit them in Historic Downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia at 534 East Main Street . 706-374-4239.

New Year's Resolutions with a Blue Ridge GA Twist

#1 Get Fit!   Fitness Hiking in the Mountains
Try Fall Branch Falls for a short, beautiful hike up the Benton MacKaye Trail. A double waterfall with Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron growing along the trail and creek bank. The hike to the falls is about 30 minutes round trip. In Blue Ridge, follow Aska Road south for eight miles. Turn right on a paved road (Toccoa Riverside Restaurant is on the left). The trailhead is about three miles on the right (.2 miles from where pavement ends). 

Ready for more strenuous hiking workouts? Georgia's Blue Ridge boasts some of the most famous and challenging hikes in the South, including the famous Appalachian Trail which begins here. Our self-guided hiking maps are available here: Hiking Trails Access or Waterfalls.

Georgia's Blue Ridge Almanac: October 2011

Special Attractions

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Daily rail excursions from the Depot in downtown Blue Ridge.  Pumpkin Pickin’ Special Oct 23; Halloween Train Oct 29.  Call 877-413-8724 or book online at www.brscenic.com.
Mercier Orchards - U-pick apples every weekend 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., wagon rides and special events, call for updated schedule. Open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, 706-632-3411.  www.mercier-orchards.com .
Blue Ridge Community Theater – Showing Oct 1-2 - “Postmortem”; Oct 6-9/13-16- “Grace and Glory”; Fri-Sat at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., 706-632-9223. blueridgecommunitytheater.com
The Art Center – SAAG National Juried Show on display until November 12^th.   The Art Center, historic Fannin County Courthouse, downtown Blue Ridge. Open Tues–Sat.  www.blueridgearts.net
The Swan Drive-In – 8 p.m. featuring first-run movies. Double-feature on Friday and Saturday with one show only on Sundays.  $6 adults and $3 children, cash only.  www.swan-drive-in.com .

Events & Festivals

October 8-9
Fall Arts in the Park – Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, Fri-Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 706-632-2144.  www.blueridgearts.net .
October 13-15/21-23
Halloween Horror Putt-Putt – Lilly Pad Village, Thur-Sat 6 to 9:30 p.m., 706-534-1317.  www.lillypadvillage.com .
October 15-16
Home Builders Showcase – Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 15-16/22-23
Mountain Harvest Arts and Craft Sale – Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market, Sat-Sun, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 706-258-4848.
October 18-22
Kiwanis Fair of Blue Ridge – Kiwanis Fairgrounds, Rides, Fairway, Food and Local Entertainers performing each day, 5 to 11 p.m.  706-455-0998.
October 21-22/28-29
S.P.O.O.F. Spooky Pumpkin Old Orchard Fest – Mercier Orchards, Fri-Sat, 4 to 9:30 p.m., 706-632-3411, www.mercier-orchards.com . 
October 21-22/28-31
Haunted House – Blue Ridge Community Theater, 7 to 10 p.m., 706-632-9223, www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com .
October 22
Paws In The Park – Parade, demonstrations and pet education in Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 706-632-5224. www.humanesocietyofblueridge.org .
Spooks and Spirits – Annual Benefit Auction at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 6:30 p.m., 706-632-2144, www.blueridgearts.net .
October 28
Classic Cars Cruise In – Dairy Queen Parking Lot on Hwy 5, 6 p.m. to dark. 706-838-4701.
Blue Ridge Ghost Special Tour – Blue Ridge Ghost Tour at 6 p.m., call for info 706-455-9866, www.blueridgeghosttour.com .
October 29
Halloween Costume Parade and Trick or Treat – Downtown McCaysville, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
October 31
Halloween Safe Zone – Downtown Blue Ridge, Streets close and fun begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m.

Fall Festivals Nearby

October 1-2

• John C. Campbell Fall Festival - Brasstown, N.C.
• Indian Summer Festival - Suches, GA
• Marble Festival - Jasper, GA

October 7-15

• Georgia Mountain Fall Festival – Hiawassee, GA

October 8-9 and 15-16

• Apple Festival – Ellijay, Georgia

October 15-16

• Gold Rush Days – Dahlonega, Ga

October 22-23

• Moonshine Festival – Dawsonville, GA

Much More!

Hiking ● Rafting ● Tubing ● Kayaking ● Putt-Putt ● Gem-Mining ● Zip-Lining ● Waterfalls

Download a free brochure and check out our Calendar of Events @ www.blueridgemountains.com
Visit the Fannin County Chamber Welcome Center!                  

Open M-F 8:30 to 5:00 p.m.; Sat 9 to 5 & Sun 1 to 5

 152 Orvin Lance Drive– Blue Ridge - 706-632-5680

Georgia's Blue Ridge Almanac: Special Events for September

Daily

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Rail excursions from the Depot in downtown Blue Ridge., Friday thru Monday.  Call 877-413-8724 or book online at www.brscenic.com
Mercier Orchards - U-pick apples every weekend 10 – 4 p.m., wagon rides and special events, call for updated schedule. Open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, 706-632-3411.  www.mercier-orchards.com
The Art Center – The Art of Zoe Schumaker along with the National Juried Photography Show and Fall Plein Air Artist event Sept 9-11.  Historic Fannin County Courthouse, downtown Blue Ridge. Open Tues – Sat.  www.blueridgearts.net
The Swan Drive-In – 9 p.m. featuring first-run movies daily plus double features weekends.  $6 adults and $3 children, cash only.  www.swan-drive-in.com

Thursday Evenings

Pickin’ in the Park – Bluegrass jam sessions on the Toccoa River in McCaysville Horseshoe Bend Park beginning at 6 p.m.  Bring a picnic and some lawn chairs and enjoy the music.
Weekends
Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market – Fresh local veggies, local crafts and more. Saturday mornings in front of The Art Center, downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
Ghost Tours – Two-hour tours Fri & Sat at 7 p.m. in Downtown Blue Ridge. Call 706-455-9866.

Friday, September 2 – Casino Night & Silent Auction – Aska Farms from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets available at our Welcome Center.

Saturday, September 3 – Roxie Watson Band – Enjoy a little “alterna-grass” music at the Blue Ridge Community Theater, 7:30 p.m., $20.
Monday, September 5 – Labor Day BBQ – Old time gospel music and great barbeque beginning at 11:30 a.m. in downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
September 8 – Oct. 2 - Postmortem – Fun mystery at Blue Ridge Community Theater Thurs-Sat, 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com.
Saturday, September 10 – Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ – Chill out to great blues and barbeque in downtown Blue Ridge City Park, 3 to 10 p.m., $5 entry fee.
Surf Blue Ridge Stand up Paddle Race – Morganton Point on Lake Blue Ridge, www.surfblueridge-sup.com
Saturday, September 17 – Ride the Rails Festival – Mineral Bluff Depot, railroad motor car rides & country music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., www.tsmri.org
Galleries of East Main Art Walk – Downtown Blue Ridge from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.  Galleries included are Multitudes Glass Art Gallery, Turning Leaf Wood Art Gallery, High Country Art and Antique Gallery and Abreu Fine Art Gallery.
Friday, September 23 – Classic Cars Cruise-In – Dairy Queen Parking Lot on Hwy 5, 6 p.m. to dark.
Rotary Great Train Event – Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad reception & dinner.  Western Costume Contest, $75 couple; $40 individual.
Saturday, September 24 - Farm to Table Dinner – The Martyn House, Ellijay, featuring Chef Danny Mellman of Harvest on Main. www.themartynhouse.com

Much More!

Hiking ● Rafting ● Tubing ● Kayaking ● Putt-Putt ● Gem-Mining ● Zip-Lining ● Waterfalls

Download a free brochure and check out our Calendar of Events @ www.blueridgemountains.com

Visit the Fannin County Chamber Welcome Center!

Open M-F 8:30 to 5:00 p.m.; Sat 9 to 5 & Sun 1 to 5

 152 Orvin Lance Drive– Blue Ridge - 706-632-5680

Georgia's Blue Ridge Almanac: Special Events for August 2011

Daily Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Rail excursions from the Depot in downtown Blue Ridge.  Early evening trains on some Saturdays.  Call 877-413-8724 or book online at www.brscenic.com

Mercier Orchards - U-pick events in season, wagon rides and bakery classes for the kids, call for updated schedule.  Fresh fruit in season, fabulous bakery and more. Open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, 706-632-3411.  www.mercier-orchards.com

The Art Center – The Art of Zoe Schumaker  in the Artist in Residence Gallery, along with a 3D Exhibit, Off The Wall by the Southern Appalachian Artists Guild in the Main Gallery.  Located in the historic Fannin County Courthouse, downtown Blue Ridge. Open Tues – Sat.  www.blueridgearts.net
The Swan Drive-In – 9 p.m. featuring first-run movies daily plus double features weekends.  $6 adults and $3 children, cash only.  www.swan-drive-in.com

Thursday Evenings

Pickin’ in the Park – Bluegrass jam sessions on the Toccoa River in McCaysville Horseshoe Bend Park beginning at 6 p.m.  Bring a picnic and some lawn chairs and enjoy the music.
Weekends
Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market – Fresh local veggies, local crafts and more. Saturday mornings in front of The Art Center, downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
Ghost Tours – Two-hour tours Fri & Sat at 7 p.m. in Downtown Blue Ridge. Call 706-455-9866.
Calendar of Events

August 6 - Smokey the Bear’s Birthday Party – Ocoee Whitewater Center, TN.  Family fun day with games, goody bags, fire prevention programs and plenty of cake and ice cream.  Bring your camera for pictures with Smokey.  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  $3 parking fee.  Call for schedule of events: 423-496-0104.

August 6-7 - Family Farm Pond Fishing – Mercier Orchards, Sat 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fly fishing demonstrations & family fishing, with Trout Unlimited.  The event is free.
August 12 - Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In - Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee.  Live music, hundreds of hot rods, Moonshine still demonstrations, crafts and more.  $10 admission includes parking.   www.gammoonshinecruizin.com or call, 706-896-4191.
August 19-20 - Kiwanis Rodeo – Kiwanis Fairgrounds, Blue Ridge. Western rodeo with bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and more.  Gates open at 6 p.m. and starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate.  Children 8 and under are free with a paying adult.  For details call 706-632-6644.
August 20 - Copper Basin River Fest – Horseshoe Bend Park and downtown McCaysville, 8 a.m. til?  Fun for all ages, Park to Park and State to State, bike, tube and kayak races.  See local merchants to enter the Rubber duck race at 6 p.m.  For more info; www.ocoeeinfo.com .
August 26 - Classic Cars Cruise In – Dairy Queen, (by Home Depot on Hwy 5)  6 p.m. to dark.

 Much More!

Hiking ● Rafting ● Tubing ● Kayaking ● Putt-Putt ● Gem-Mining ● Zip-Lining ● Waterfalls

Download a free brochure and check out our Calendar of Events @ www.blueridgemountains.com
Visit the Fannin County Chamber Welcome Center!
Open M-F 8:30 to 5:00 p.m.; Sat 9 to 5 & Sun 1 to 5

 152 Orvin Lance Drive– Blue Ridge - 706-632-5680