Fall Events in Georgia's Blue Ridge

September

 

 

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, runs Friday through Mondays for the month of September.

Pickin’ at Horseshoe Bend Park,  McCaysville , Thursdays at 6 p.m.
U-Pick Apples, Mercier Orchards and Mountainview Orchards

Sept. 8             National Juried Nature and Fine Arts Photography Exhibit, The Art Center.

Sept. 15           Surf Blue Ridge Stand Up Paddle Splash Event, Morganton Point.
Sept. 15           Galleries on East Main Art Walk,  Downtown Blue Ridge.
Sept. 15           Blue Ridge Mountain Story Tellers, Blue Ridge Community Theater.
Sept. 15-16      Ride the Rails Festival, Mineral Bluff Depot. Mineral Bluff, Ga.
Sept. 18-22      Kiwanis Fair of Blue Ridge, Kiwanis Fair Grounds.
Sept. 20-10/7   “Vincent” Play at Blue Ridge Community Theater.
Sept. 21           The 7^th Annual Rotary Great Train Event, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
Sept. 21           Blues Crawl, Downtown Blue Ridge.
Sept. 22           Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Music Festival, Downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
Sept. 22           Smoke on the Water BBQ, Downtown McCaysville.
Sept. 28           Classic Cars Cruise In, Dairy Queen Parking Lot.

October

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, runs daily except 2-3, 9-10 and 31^st for the month of October.

U-Pick Apples, Mercier Orchards and Mountainview Orchards

Oct. 4-7           “Vincent” Play at Blue Ridge Community Theater.
Oct. 6-7           Blue Ridge Home Builders Showcase 2012, Downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
Oct. 6-7           Indian Summer Festival, Suches, Ga.
Oct. 6-7           Cherry Log Fall Festival, Cherry Log, Ga.
Oct. 13            “Doug and Telisha Williams” Live music at Blue Ridge Community Theater.
Oct. 13            Blue Ridge Mountain Marching Festival, Fannin County High School.
Oct. 13-14       Fall Arts in the Park, Downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
Oct. 13-14       Cherry Log Fall Festival, Cherry Log, Ga.
Oct. 20            Paws In the Park, Downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
Oct. 20            Galleries of East Main Art Walk, Downtown Blue Ridge.
Oct. 20            “Roxie Watson Band” Live music at the Blue Ridge Community Theater.
Oct. 20-21       Fall Fest Arts and Crafts Sale, State Farmers Market, by Swan Drive-In.
Oct. 20-11/9    National Juried Art Show, The Art Center.
Oct. 26            Classic Cars Cruise In,  Dairy Queen Parking Lot.
Oct. 27-28       Fall Fest Arts and Crafts Sale, State Farmers Market by the Swan Drive-In.
Oct. 27            Halloween Safe Zone and Costume Parade, Downtown McCaysville.
Oct. 27            High Country Harmonizers at the Blue Ridge Community Theater.
Oct. 28            Pumpkin Train, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
Oct. 31            Halloween Safe Zone, Downtown Blue Ridge.

November

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway runs most days in November with few exceptions.

Nov. 2-11        “Charlotte’s Web” children’s production, Blue Ridge Community Theater.

Nov. 17           Playing On the Planet,  Live music at the Blue Ridge Community Theater.
Nov. 17           Galleries on East Main Art Walk,  Downtown Blue Ridge.
Nov. 17           Holiday Art Show and Sale, The Art Center. 
Nov. 22           Blue Ridge Turkey Trot, Downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
Nov. 23-12/9   “Over the River and Through the Woods”, Blue Ridge Community Theater.
Nov. 24           Light Up Blue Ridge, Downtown Blue Ridge.

 

                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

12 Cool Blue Ridge Summer Experiences...

1. Arts in the Park - Spring Arts in the Park, Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, Saturday, May 26 &
Sunday, May 27 features over 200 juried art, craft and food booths. The best in mountain crafts and fine art, artists demonstrations, music and dance. Live music by Mike Watson Band and Bear Celtic Notes. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a $5 admission.

The event draws in excess of 15,000 attendees. With fine arts, crafts and food booths, there is something for everyone, and always activities for the children, along with special events for the big kids. Recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Call (706) 632-2144 for more information from Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Or find information on the web at http://blueridgearts.net/

2. Chill Concerts - The local music scene in Blue Ridge is a great way to add fun to your your summer vacation. Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park is always a fun outdoor music experience. Every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. (all the way through September) in the scenic riverside Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville. Casual jam sessions for acoustic musicians are held under the trees and pavilions along the Toccoa River. Free admission to musicians of all levels and listeners who appreciate good music. Bring your picnic supper and enjoy the music!

Here's a sampling of summer concerts in Blue Ridge:
June 9 – Jonathan Byrd, Blue Ridge Community Theater.
June 10 – Air National Guard Band of the South, downtown Blue Ridge City Park, 2 p.m.
June 15 – Blue Ridge Cabin Concert, C.J. Solar Band.
June 16 – Maxwell Taylor, The Art Center.
June 23 – Blue Ridge Cabin Concert, Phoenix Drive.
June 30 – Gabriel Russo, Blue Ridge Community Theater.
July 28 – Cowboy Envy at Blue Ridge Community Theater.
For more information, see www.blueridgemountains.com/events

Cool Nightspots: Check out the Whistlestop Grill, 500 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, for entertainment nightly and great live music. Call for schedules at 706-946-2466 or on the web at http://www.thewhistlestopgrill.com. Christie Lees Courtyard Grille, 588 East Main Street presents live music on weekends. Call 706-946-5100 for reservations http://christylees.com/. The Vine, 632 East Main Street presents live music on weekend nights. Call at 706-946-VINE (8463) http://www.thevineofblueridge.com/. Others featuring regular music include the Blue Orleans Bistro, 224 West Main Street, 706-258-2275, Blue Ridge Brewery, 187 Depot Street, 706-632-6611 and Cucina Rustica's Veranda, Forge Mill Crossing, 706-374-7474.

3. Breezy Canopy Tours and Cool Air Adventures - Take the kids on a treetop adventure! There are some great new zip lines and canopy tours in Blue Ridge. Firewire Zip Lines, on the web at http://www.firewireziplines.com/ or phone 706-946-1010. The Blue Ridge Canopy Adventure is also at 1408 Appalachian Highway, www.theblueridgecanopyadventure.com, 706-946-1010. Zip Line Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge, 810 Old Cashes Valley Road, Blue Ridge on the web at http://www.blueridgeziplinetours.com/, 800-251-4800, 706-800-4800. Wildwater, Ltd. has their Ocoee River Basin Canopy Tours, on the web at http://www.wildwaterrafting.com/aazct.php or call them at 1-866-319-8870.

Another new adventure is Blue Ridge Helicopter Tours! See our beautiful mountains and attractions from the best view in town, 500 feet above the ground, flying over Downtown Blue Ridge, Lake Blue Ridge, the Toccoa River, the Ocoee River (site of 1996 Olympic event), Burra Burra Mines and Amicalola Falls. For info call Blue Ridge Helicopters at 706-633-9311 or on the web at http://www.blueridgehelicopters.com/

4. Cool Fourth of July Fireworks and Festivities - We have awesome Fourth of July Festivities in Georgia's Blue Ridge! On Friday, June 29th it's the 37th annual Miner's Homecoming Weekend and Fireworks In Ducktown. Enjoy an old fashioned Fourth of July Celebration and walking parade. Two day event beginning with live music on the Ducktown City Stage from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday starts off with a pancake breakfast at The Hoist House at the Burra Burra Mine from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Walking parade on Main street begins at 10:15 a.m. Saturday evening enjoy live music beginning from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m at The Hoist House and 7:30 to 9:30 at the Ducktown City Stage. Fireworks will begin at dark. For more information, call 423-457-5960 or on the web at http://www.cityofducktown.com/.

Saturday, June 30th, come on down to historic downtown Blue Ridge. The Annual Fourth of July Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. by the Blue Ridge City Park. This year once again featuring Feed & Seed Marching Abominable Band. This amazing band is very energetic and lots of fun, you don't want to miss this! Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks are on Saturday, June 30th. Experience fireworks over the scenic mountain and lake setting of Lake Blue Ridge for a spectacular display of nature and Fourth of July Festivities! Held at Blue Ridge Lake Marina, the fireworks begin at dusk, but live music, BBQ and lots of fun precede the main event, so come early. Take Highway 515 east to Windy Ridge Road (Conoco station & Kentucky Fried Chicken) go to the flashing red light turn left, follow Old Hwy 76 to the Marina.

July 3rd the TriCities Business Association continues a long standing Copper Basin tradition of celebrating our nation's independence with a fireworks display from the top of "Tater Hill" in McCaysville a half an hour past sunset (approximately 9:30 p.m.). The fireworks can be seen from almost all areas of town. Stores & restaurants will be open late. Other activities during the Independence Day weekend include an old fashioned street parade on Main Street in Ducktown, a Pancake Breakfast in Epworth and Miner's Homecoming activities all weekend.

For an extra special experience you can book the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to the fireworks in McCaysville on July 3rd (book super early, it sells out far in advance). Enjoy the fireworks and ride the Firecracker Special to McCaysville, no worries about where to park or sitting in traffic! Watch the fireworks from the comfort of your seat on the train or absorb the excitement around you by hanging out downtown. The fireworks are shot off from the top of Tater Hill outside out town, so can be viewed from anywhere in town. Train begins boarding at 7:00 p.m. and departs at 7:30 p.m. for a ride along the Toccoa River to McCaysville for the fireworks. Reservations are strongly suggested so you don't miss this awesome opportunity. 877-413-8724 or 706-632-8724 or on the web at http://brscenic.com/

5. Misty Waterfalls - Our Waterfalls Self-Guided Tour (now with GPS!) is a great resource for area cascades: click here. Two of the best waterfalls in Georgia's Blue Ridge are Fall Branch Falls and Long Creek Falls.

Fall Branch Falls is 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 Stanley Creek Rd. The trail head is about three miles on the right (.2 miles from where pavement ends). TIPS: never climb on a waterfall. It is very slippery and dangerous. There is a nice platform in front of the falls. GPS fix: N 34°47.017' W084°18.166'

Long Creek Falls is accessed via the Appalachian-Benton MacKaye Trails beginning at Three Forks, and follows Long Creek 1.0 miles upstream to a short blue blazed side trail that leads to the falls. The hike is an easy 2.2 miles round trip. From Blue Ridge, follow Aska Road to the end (13.5 miles). Turn right onto Newport Road, go 4.5 miles to end. Turn left onto Doublehead Gap Road, cross a concrete bridge and come to a dirt gravel road. Continue on this road .3 miles to the intersection with dirt-gravel FS Road 58, intersecting sharply from the right. Continue east into the forest and uphill 5.3 miles to Three Forks. Noontootla Creek is on the right as you ascend. The trail begins on the north side of the road (on your left) and starts as a gradual hike alongside Long Creek. There are three short ascents before reaching the blue blazed side trail to the falls at 1.1 miles. GPS fix: N 34°39.815' W084°11.053'

Loads of info and maps are also available on the USFS Chattahoochee National Forest web site at: http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/welcome.htmI

6. Rushing Whitewater - Our area is renowned for its mountain waters... rivers and streams that rush down the mountains in frothy, bubbling cascades into cool natural pools. Get into it with a wide variety of rafting, kayaking, tubing and paddling experiences. The Ocoee River was chosen for the 1996 Olympics for the whitewater events. Check out The Ocoee Whitewater Center right here. And whitewater adventure outfitters are the way to book your own half-day or full-day adventure on the Ocoee. See our listing at: click here.

For a more calm float down a scenic river, our tubing outfitters are the ticket. You can float the Toccoa River on a tube for a cool dip. See our listing of outfitters: click here. Kayaking and boarding adventures are a click away at: kayak rentals or stand-up paddling.

7. Breathtaking Scenery - The area around Georgia's Blue Ridge is some of the most scenic in the whole USA and we have a bunch of ways to get out into it. Whether you want a cool summer picnic spot, a drive through the rich, shady forests or a sampling of the best Appalachian scenery with mountains, rivers and rural farms, our Self-Guided Tours can take you there. Click these links to download free copies: Mountains & Countryside (shorter drive); Mountains, Forests & Valleys Driving Tour (longer drive); Cohutta Wilderness Mountain Forest Driving Tour (longer drive, unpaved roads); Hiking Access Points; Biking Routes; and Historic Discovery (drive through historic old settler areas).

8. Fresh Produce - The availability of fresh and healthy summer produce is getting into full swing, and you can find it all around the area. Shop for locally grown produce and baked goods at the Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings in downtown Blue Ridge City Park, http://www.blueridgefarmersmarket.blogspot.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Ridge-Farmers-Market/110101665644. Pick your own cherries, blueberries, peaches and apples at Mercier Orchards (or pick them up in their market). For the very latest fruit harvests and events check out their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercier-Orchards/108441886766 or call (706) 632-3411 or www.mercier-orchards.com on the web. Enjoy local farm to table specialties in local restaurants like Harvest on Main (576 East Main Street Blue Ridge, 706-946-6164 on the web here.) and The Cook’s Farm, inspired by local chef Danny Mellman click here. Or pick up some fresh goods at one of our local outlets like the Taste of Amish (they sell fresh produce from the Mennonite Farm in Benton...2460 E. 1st Street, Blue Ridge 706-632-8989), or fresh baked yummies with fresh fruits at The Sweet Shoppe 576 East Main Street Suite D, 706-632-6886 or on the web at http://www.sweetshoppeblueridge.com/.

9. Movies at the Swan Drive-In - Get into a blast from the past... a drive-in movie under the summer stars! One of four drive-in theaters in Georgia still in operation, the Swan Drive-In has been entertaining patrons since 1955 and is open year round with first run movies. The history of the drive-in is interesting, and a slice of Blue Ridge. In 1955 Jack Jones and "H" Tilley built the Swan Drive-In Theatre. It was a real challenge in locating a piece of land large enough that was suitable for a drive-in theatre. The City Of Blue Ridge owned a large area of property known as the Willingham Circle and they were able to lease several acres from the City, on which, to build a drive-in theatre. The name ""Swan" had come about during World War II, when Mr. Tilley was stationed in England part of the time before being sent into The Omaha Beach Landing in the Normandy Invasion. While in England he admired the Swans swimming on the lakes and ponds. They were so beautiful and peaceful he chose the name "Swan" for the new drive-in. Jack Jones Sr. and W.H. Tilley, Jr. operated these theatres until 1959 when Mr. Tilley sold to Mr. Jones. 651 Summit St. (Old Highway 76) Blue Ridge. (706) 632-5235 For more info check out http://www.swan-drive-in.com/

10. “Greater Tuna” at Blue Ridge Community Theater - A hilarious play that is back by popular demand! Local stars Bradley Benboom and B.T. Bean are amazing. For a special night out combine a great dinner in town and a show at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. There are lots of great restaurants in Blue Ridge, get our Restaurant Guide click here. Blue Ridge Community Theater, a community theater group located in downtown Blue Ridge, enriches the cultural life of residents and visitors through performances, productions and education of all aspects of contemporary and classic theater. Located at 2591 East 1st Street across from The Swan Drive-In. Call them at (706) 632-9223, or on the web at www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com/

11. Chilly Swimming Holes - Natural water parks abound in Georgia's Blue Ridge. Lots of chilly swimming holes in our creeks, rivers and Lake Blue Ridge. Get our water Self-Guided Tours for detailed information on how to find them: The Wild Toccoa River & Lake Blue Ridge, The Toccoa & Ocoee Rivers and Area Waterfalls. Also, a favorite spot for families is the Ocoee Whitewater Center just over the Tennessee line. It’s a perfect place for wading and sliding over the rocks in crystal clear cold water. Pack a picnic and sit on the rocks by the river and watch the whitewater paddlers shoot by on the rapids for a great family adventure. The Ocoee Whitewater Center website is right here.

12. Tranquil Time Out - There are a lot more cool summer experiences in Blue Ridge just chilling out with a good book, watching the sun rise and fall, and the millions of stars in the sky. It’s fun just to browse the shops and galleries in downtown Blue Ridge and McCaysville, stopping for a leisurely lunch or dinner. Here are more cool ideas for a tranquil time out. Dinner at a local food spot; a massage with a local, shopping and stopping in local towns; a leisurely walk through historic downtown Blue Ridge. Come visit our special place, Get our 2012 Visitor Guide here: http://blueridgemountains.com/brochure.html.


Please do not exceed your level of experience and fitness when
undertaking any activity, especially in wilderness areas.

12 Spring Experiences in Blue Ridge GA

Spring Break Experience #2

Family Adventures

There is so much natural fun for families in Georgia's Blue Ridge. We have designed some extra special family and kid friendly games for you. The Family Fun Adventure Game is a tour through the area, stopping off at special places for scenery, nature and fun. Great for kids of all ages.  Click here for more information.

Also great for older kids is Geocaching. Use your GPS to discover hidden treasures in the Blue Ridge and Fannin County area.  Our webite info leads you to special places you can find using a GPS. It's fun for the whole family! Click Here for more information.

And there's more! From special activities at local businesses like Huck's General Store and Huck's Lost Mine in downtown Blue Ridge (mini-golf and gem mining, penny candy and old-fashioned toys), to The Lily Pad Village in the Aska Adventure Area (lots of activities including gem mining, fishing and mini-golf fun). To download a copy of our Visitor's Guide, click here.

Experience Spring in Blue Ridge Ga

Spring is just beginning but thankfully it's coming faster than usual.  Already the Bradford Pear Trees are blooming, forsythia, quince and fruit trees brighten the countryside.  Soon, a million shades of green will fill the forests as a backdrop for wild flame azaleas, dogwood and mountain laurel blossoms, among ferns springing back to life. The first wildflowers pop up in April and May before the forests reach full canopy. For a relaxing scenic drive, try our 3 Scenic Drive self-guided tours click here.

To experience a true Blue Ridge Spring you really need to go hiking. 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 challenging hike? With 106,000 acres in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia's Blue Ridge has some of the most famous and challenging hikes in the South, including the famous Appalachian Trail which begins here.on Springer Mountain. Our self-guided hiking maps are available here: Hiking Trails Access or Waterfalls.

The US Forest Service has a great website full of useful information at: USDA Forest Service Chattahoochee NF plus you want to be sure to Leave No Trace, check out : www.LNT.org

Spring Events in Georgia's Blue Ridge

2012 Spring Events

March

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway resumes weekends beginning March 17.
Whitewater Rafting resumes March 17.
6-23 - Youth Art Month, The Art Center, Historic Fannin County Courthouse.
1-18 - “Tom, Dick & Harry,” Blue Ridge Community Theater.                              
9 - “Songs and Stories Appalachian Style,” Bonnie Higdon Reeves Auditorium.
30-31 - Writer's Conference, The Art Center

April
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway rides Friday through Monday with some additional days during Spring Break.
5-22 - “Sylvia,” Blue Ridge Community Theater.
7 - Easter Egg-spress, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
Easter Egg Hunt, Downtown Blue Ridge.
Easter Egg Hunt, McCaysville/Copperhill, Tenn.
14 - 15^th Annual TDS Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race, Blue Ridge.
21 - Taste of Blue Ridge, Humane Society of Blue Ridge.
Back to Basics in Blue Ridge, Cohutta Country Store at Dunberry Farm.
21-22 - Blue Ridge Springfest, Blue Ridge Farmers Market.
28-29
27 - Relay for Life, Downtown Blue Ridge.
28 - Cohutta 100 and Big Frog 65 Mile Mountain Bike Race, Ocoee Whitewater Center,
31 - “Ronnie Cox,” Live Music at Blue Ridge Community Theater.

May
Pickin’ in Horseshoe Bend Park resumes Thursday evenings.
U-pick Cherries and Strawberries, Mercier Orchards.
4 - “Danny Schmidt & Carrie Elkins,” Live music at Blue Ridge Community Theater.
4-6 - Plein Aire spring painting weekend, The Arts Center.
5-27 - “Appalachian Renaissance,” The Art Center, Historic Fannin County Courthouse.             
6 - SERC Mountain Bike Race, Ocoee Whitewater Center, Ducktown, Tenn.
10-27 - “A Murder is Announced,” Blue Ridge Community Theater.
12 - Georgia Mountain Classics Car Show, Downtown Blue Ridge.
Atomic Adventure Race, Blue Ridge.
19 - Gallery Walk, Art Galleries along East Main St, Blue Ridge.
26-27 - Arts in the Park, Downtown Blue Ridge.

#4 Blue Ridge Ga Winter Experience

Explore The Past ... 

Ancient Indian (Mayan?) Ruins at Brasstown Bald,

Track Rock Gap and Fort Mountain

A hot debate has broken out about the possibility of Mayan ruins in the North Georgia Mountains in the areas of Track Rock Gap, Brasstown Bald and Fort Mountain. On December 21, 2011, Georgia architect and researcher Richard Thornton published an explosive article which suggested an archaeological site on the side of Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak, was an ancient Mayan site. Read all about the discoveries and theories, link to the story here on examiner.com and see directions to these ancient ruins. 

You can see the Track Rock Gap petroglyphs (web info here), and make a trip up to Brasstown Bald (weather permitting, road sometimes closed in Winter). Georgia’s highest mountain offers a visitor panoramic view of four states. For the best sunset in the south, the huge parking lot near the top has a picnic table and grassy area in the southwest corner that you can drive right to. If you get there early enough before sunset, you can also hike up to the top on a paved path (strenuous). Take warm winter clothes and a thermos of hot drinks. Drive Highway 515 east from Blue Ridge to Blairsville. From Blairsville, take U.S. 19/129 south for 8 miles. Turn left onto Georgia 180. Go 9 miles to Georgia 180 Spur and turn left. Go 3 more miles to the Brasstown Bald parking lot. Make sure the road to the parking area is open (can be closed because of weather). On the web at this link. For information, call 706-896-2556 or the Blue Ridge Ranger District at 706-745-6928.

Fort Mountain, a short distance from Georgia's Blue Ridge, is another interesting, and mysterious archeological site. An ancient rock wall stands on the highest point of the mountain. The mysterious 855-foot-long wall is thought to have been built by early Indians as fortification against more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies. Could it have been built by Mayans? Get directions to Fort Mountain State Park here.

#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.