Shop,
dine and wine with a three-day weekend that screams,
“Girls
just want to have fun”
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BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA--DECEMBER
2016—Gather
the gals for a three-day getaway with this easy-to-follow itinerary to guide explorations
of Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via Interstate 575:
Day 1: Rent a luxury mountain
home with lots of room, a beautiful view and a hot tub—the ideal home base
for the ultimate girls’ weekend. Then, head downtown to discover the area’s
Appalachian heritage and historic areas. The town of Blue Ridge was founded
in 1886, when the Marietta and Northern Railroad came to Fannin County. The
rail line at Blue Ridge, with an altitude of 1,751 feet, was reported to be
the highest in Georgia at that time; Fannin County was called “the
Switzerland of the South” in promotional brochures. Learn about historic
buildings in Downtown Blue Ridge by following the Historic Blue
Ridge Walking Tour map guide. When you return to your cabin, savor the sunset
with a glass of wine on the deck of your cabin. And, don’t forget to stargaze
while roasting s’mores by the fire pit.
Day 2: Get moving! Spend the day
exploring Blue Ridge's major trail systems, including access to the
Appalachian Trail which extends for more than 2,000 miles to Maine through
many of the states on the Eastern Seaboard. The most popular of the
waterfalls in Fannin County is Long Creek Falls, which can be seen by hiking
down a short side trail from the combined Appalachian/Benton MacKaye Trail.
Then, rejuvenate with a trip
to the spa. A full service spa located in the heart of Blue Ridge, Serenity in the Mountains promises the R&R every
woman craves (59 McKinney Rd.) and draws guests from both around the corner
and around the country. Choose from restorative options like the
Neuromuscular Massage, Body Scrub or the Refresher Facial. Whether in search
of a hot stone facial, a relaxing massage, a haircut or just a manicure, this
is the go-to destination to get away from it all. For in-town pampering, try Teatrees Boutique Spa (3293 East 1st St.). Indulge
in a Vanilla Lavender Sugar Scrub or a French Rose Body Wrap. Book a
"spa party" for four or more girlfriends and enjoy complimentary
refreshments as well as 10% off lunch at Harvest on Main.
In the evening, sample a
Georgia Wine Tasting at The Vine, A Wine Bar and Bistro
Restaurant
(632 E Main St) where they also serve local wines and craft beers alongside
simple, delicious and fresh food best enjoyed to the tunes of the bar's live
entertainment on the weekends. Tip: Each Friday at 6 p.m., Paul John Kearins
of Chocolatasm guides guests through a six glass, six artisan chocolate
pairing at The Vine. Chocolatasm chocolates are handcrafted in Blue Ridge
using only natural and organic ingredients. The program consists of three
white wines and three red wines, originating from the USA and South America,
paired with one-of-a-kind ganache bonbons and infused couverture pieces. Make
reservations before the preceding Thursday afternoon; 706-946-8463.
Day 3: Round
out your Blue Ridge adventure with a shopping excursion. First stop: a visit to Blue Ridge's very own Canoe (624 East Main Street) where Lynn
Kemp showcases wearable art. What began as GawdyBobbles, the name of the
company for the majority of the 11 years it has been in operation, is
now Canoe--and Kemp's business has grown from primarily jewelry to a
complete line of leather bags, totes and accessories. Kemp's products, all of
which are handmade in Blue Ridge, can be found at nearly 700 independent
retailers nationwide. Visit her Blue Ridge retail store, where she can be
found helping customers pair leather totes with jewelry for a one-of-a-kind
look. Stop into the Blue Ridge
Olive Oil Company (511 East Main Street, Suite 100)
and treat yourself to a gourmet selection of more than 65 varieties of olive
oil and balsamic vinegars--such as roasted walnut or blood orange infused
oil--and the opportunity to taste these remarkable innovations from around
the world. Hunt treasure at High Country
Art and Antiques (715 East Main Street). Peruse this
gallery for traditional and impressionist fine art, folk art, photography,
pottery, jewelry, sculptures, antiques and collectibles. Find more treasures
at 3 Monkeys Antiques
(2380 East First Street), featuring the works of local artists among vintage
finds. At Turning Leaf
Wood Art (651 East Main Street) see works of more than 50
exclusively American artists. Pop next door to Wrapsody in Blue (652 East
Main Street) for home furnishings, accessories and gifts that emulate the beauty
of the mountains, lakes and rivers the area. Top off a visit to Blue
Ridge with a stop at Multitudes
Gallery (801 East Main Street), owned by Michael Lacey
and featuring high-end glass work, art and jewelry. Inside, also find Fishbone Studios--home to Betty
Wassmer Ceramics, showcasing the original creations of this noted
ceramicist.
If you go
Savor bites with
breakfast at The Vault (260 West Main Street). Built in the town's historic bank
building, it's no surprise that in the original bank's walk-in safe you find
an ample supply of their valuables: coffee. Start the day right with the
Banker’s Choice Breakfast featuring eggs, biscuit and a choice of bacon, ham
or sausage—serve with hash browns or cheese grits. Enjoy lunch at Harvest on Main (576 East Main Street). Harvest on Main uses
seasonal products whenever possible to support the local economy, farmer and
artisan. Another great mid-day option: Christy Lee's Courtyard Grille (588 East Main Street)
welcomes guests with outdoor fire pits, live entertainment and a menu with
temptations like Bacon Wrapped Scallops and Thai Chicken Wraps. Linger
longer over dinner at Black Sheep (480 West Main
Street), serving Southern comfort food in a historic residence once visited
by Margaret Mitchell, author of "Gone with the Wind." End a perfect
Saturday by satisfying a sweet tooth with confectionaries from The Sweet Shoppe (576 East Main Street D) where owners Nikki
Gribble and Susan Catron can boast of their win on the Food Network's
"Cupcake Wars." TIP: Book a guided three hour Blue Ridge Mountain
Food Tour or Brew House Tour at www.BlueRidgeMountainFoodTours.com, 678-697-1120. Each
tour will make five to six stops to various eateries offering a wide variety
of food and beverage tastings from artful appetizers, decadent desserts, to
local craft beer and wine. Get an insider's view from a local tour guide who
will provide you with fun facts and tidbits of history about the quaint
mountain town.
From mountain cabins with
lake-views and room for 20, to cabins hidden away and built only for two (hot
tub included!), find links to cabin rental companies at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.
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