Georgia's Blue Ridge July Almanac

Daily
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Rail excursions at 11 a.m. daily from the Depot in downtown Blue Ridge; closed on Wednesday. Early evening trains on Saturdays as well. Call 877-413-8724 or book online at http://www.brscenic.com/.
Mercier Orchards - Fresh fruit in season, fabulous bakery and more. U-pick events and wagon rides, call for updated schedule. Mercier’s is open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. @ 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, 706-632-3411. http://www.mercier-orchards.com/
The Art Center – Galleries on West Main, located in the Historic Fannin County Courthouse downtown Blue Ridge. Don’t miss the Community Quilt Exhibit ends July 9th. Open Tuesday thru Saturday,
706-632-2144. http://www.blueridgearts.net/
The Swan Drive-In – 9 p.m. featuring first-run movies on weekends. $6.00 adults and $3.00 children.
Cash Only. http://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 – Saturday mornings in front of The Art Center, downtown Blue Ridge.
Ghost Tours – Two-hour tours every Fri & Sat at 7 p.m. in Downtown Blue Ridge. Call 706-455-9866.

Friday, July 1
Firecracker Special Train Ride – Take the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad to McCaysville to view the fireworks. Train leaves the depot at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call; 706-632-8724.
McCaysville/Copperhill Fireworks – Independence Day Celebration in downtown McCaysville at 9:30 p.m. North end of Hwy 5, (10 minutes from Blue Ridge.)

Saturday, July 2
Miners Homecoming Pancake Breakfast and Parade – Ducktown, TN. Pancake breakfast is at the Hoist House at the Ducktown Basin Museum, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.. Patriotic walking parade on Main Street at 10:15 a.m. For a full schedule of events; 423-496-5778 or www.cityofducktown.com .
Old Timey Fourth of July Parade and Roxie Watson Concert – Downtown Blue Ridge, parade begins at 10:00 a.m. The concert will be on Depot Street beside the Blue Ridge City Park, immediately following the parade.
Fireworks Celebration at Lake Blue Ridge – Lake Blue Ridge Marina, barbeque and live music beginning at 4 p.m. Fireworks are at dusk. For more information call; 706-632-2618.

July 8
Movies in the Park – Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, showing “Gnomeo and Juliet” rated G, movie shows at dusk.

July 8 – 31
Little Shop of Horrors – Blue Ridge Community Theater, weekends only. Call for tickets at 706-632-9223 or visit them online at http://www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com/ .

July 9
Singing in the Mountains / Gospel Concert – Fannin County Performing Arts Center, 6 p.m. 706-632-3771.

July 16
Gallery Walk – Downtown Blue Ridge from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Galleries include Multitudes Glass Art Gallery, Turning Leaf Wood Art Gallery, High Country Art & Antique and Abreu Fine Art Gallery.

July 20 – 30
Georgia Mountain Fair – Hiawassee, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Ten days of rides, exhibits and live entertainment. For schedule of events, visit http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/ or call 706-896-4191.

July 22
Classic Cars Cruise In – Dairy Queen Parking Lot. Come out for some ice cream and see the cars. 6 p.m. to dark.

July 24
Tri The Mountains Sprint Triathlon – Begins as a swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Blue Ridge at 7 a.m., followed by a bike course, and ends as a run to the Downtown Blue Ridge City Park. For more information visit; http://www.trithemountains.com/ .

July 29 – 30
Maxwell Taylor Back By Popular Demand – The Art Center in Downtown Blue Ridge. A different performance each night. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25.00. Call 706-632-5680 for additional information. http://www.maxwelltaylor.net/ .

For more details visit our website; http://www.blueridgemountains.com/

Visit Our Welcome Center!
Info about Shopping & Restaurants, Hiking & Outdoor Adventure
Free Info – Wi Fi & Postcards
152 Orvin Lance Drive– Or call 706-632-5680

Top Ten Blue Ridge Summer Experiences

1. Downtown Blue Ridge - Stroll though town and visit all the great little shops and restaurants. Find historic old buildings like the Baugh House and Art Center, Take a ride on a scenic railway or just sit on one of the many benches and watch the world go by. City Park is a great place to take a picnic. Get free Self-Guided Tours & maps by clicking here: Restaurants in Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge History - Downtown Blue Ridge Historic Walking Tour

2. Scenic Driving Tour #1, Mountains & Countryside - A twisty turny drive through beautiful mountain and river scenery. From the tumbling Toccoa River along Aska Road to the authentic Appalachian farm community of Dial to the deep forests along Hwy. 60, this drive has it all. It can take 2-4 hours, depending upon how many stops you make and how well you can handle these challenging mountain roads. Free Self-Guided Tour & map click here: Scenic Driving Tour #1- Mountains & Countryside
3. Shopping Fun - Little main streets in Blue Ridge and McCaysville/Copperhill plus the little towns of Mineral Bluff and Morganton have loads of unique shopping. All around the area you can find special spots and artist studios for one-of-a-kind purchases. We have free Self-Guided Tours & maps to area shopping spots. Click here: Shopping - Handmade, Homemade & Homegrown and Shopping in Downtown Blue Ridge and Shopping in Downtown McCaysville.

4. Mercier Orchards - Blue Ridge on Highway 5 north just a mile and a half out of town. Southern Living Magazine’s favorite roadside apple market and more – best fried pies, home made ice cream and apple cider anywhere. U-Pick events are awesome family fun and a chance to go out in the orchards and pick your own fresh fruit. Expanded shopping holds all kinds of goods, from gourmet meats and specialties to birdhouses, to maps and books, to art, to all kinds of delectible take home foods. And fresh fruits galore. (706) 632-3411 or on the web at http://www.mercier-orchards.com and follow them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercier-Orchards/108441886766

5. Lake Blue Ridge, Morganton Point - The crystal clear aquamarine waters of Lake Blue Ridge make it one of Georgia's most picturesque mountain lakes. The 3,290-acre lake and surrounding area boast over 90 national forest campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina and public swimming and picnic areas. 80 percent of the shoreline on Lake Blue Ridge is in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service. Morganton Point Campground, in Morganton, features a public swimming area, along with 43 campsites, picnic tables and pavilion and a boat ramp. Take U.S. 515 north from Blue Ridge for 4 miles to GA 60; turn right (southwest) and go 3 miles to Morganton. In Morganton, turn right on County Road 616 for 1 mile. http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/mgntncmp.htm

6. Appalachian Trail, Three Forks - A junction of the Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail is here. To get to the trailheads Go 13.5 miles south on Aska Road to its end. 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. Turn 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 the left) and starts as a gradual hike alongside Long Creek. There are three short ascents before reaching the blue blazed side trail to Long Creek Falls at 1.1 miles. Springer Mountain, the starting point of the Appalachian Trail on its 2,200 mile journey north to Maine is near by. You can start a 3.7 mile hike to Springer from Three Forks. Get good hiking advice, maps and gear at Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters on Main Street. And you can download our free hiking Self-Guided Tours & map for local hiking access points click here: Outdoor Adventure - Area Hiking Trails Access Points

7. Toccoa River Fun - From fishing to hiking to tubing to kayaking, the Toccoa River offers plenty of outdoor fun as it winds through the entire area.You can download 2 free Self-Guided Tours & maps to all the different recreational opportunites along the Toccoa River by clicking here: Water Spots - The Toccoa River south and Lake Blue RIdge and Water Spots north - Lake Blue Ridge Dam to Ocoee River
8. Waterfalls, including Amicalola Falls - Located within Amicalola State Park, the falls drop 729 feet in seven cascades; Amicalola is said to be the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi. From Blue Ridge, take Hwy 515 south toward Ellijay. Turn left onto Hwy 52 East from Ellijay about 19 miles. Look for the left fork toward Amicalola Falls State Park. For a free Self-Guided Tour & map of all of our area waterfalls click here: Water Spots, Area Whitewater & Waterfalls

9. Summertime Rail Trips with Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - A 3.5 hour ride along the Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville makes for great summer fun. Daily trips run during the summer and special excursions can be found on their web site. Also Raft & Rail adventures, twilight trips and more. 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513 (877) 413-8724; (706) 632-8724 or on the web at http://www.brscenic.com or follow them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/blueridgescenicrailway
10. Rafting, Hiking & Biking at the Ocoee Whitewater Center - From Blue Ridge take Hwy 5 north to McCaysville, turn left on Hwy 68 and follow signs to Hwy 64. through Ducktown, Tenn. Built for the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Slalom Races, the center includes the Olympic race course, native gardens, paved walkways, hiking and biking trails, pools of water for wading or feeding fish and more. It's a great place to take a picnic. To make rafting reservations from Ocoee River outfitters, see our web site at www.blueridgemountains.com. (423) 496-0100 or (877) 692-6050 or on the web at http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ocoee/

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

EVERY DAY
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Rail excursions at 11 a.m. daily from the Depot in downtown Blue Ridge; closed on Wednesday. Call 877-413-8724 or book online at www.brscenic.com.
Mercier Orchards fresh fruit in season, fabulous bakery and more . U-pick cherries and blueberries. Mercier’s is open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. @ 8660 Blue Ridge Drive; turn north at McDonald’s on Hwy 5, the orchard is 1.5 miles on the left. 706-632-3411. http://www.mercier-orchards.com/
Whitewater Rafting and Tubing – Tube or kayak the Toccoa River in Fannin County or raft the wild Toccoa in Tennessee. For info call the Welcome Center at 706-632-5680.

The Art Center – Galleries on West Main, located in the Historic Fannin County Courthouse downtown Blue Ridge. Don’t miss the Community Quilt Exhibit beginning June 4. Open Tuesday thru Saturday.
The Swan Drive-In – 9 p.m. featuring first-run movies on weekends. $6.00 adults and $3.00 children. Cash Only. http://www.swan-drive-in.com/
THURSDAY EVENINGS
Pickin’ in the Park – Bluegrass jam sessions on the Toccoa River in McCaysville’s 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 – Saturday mornings in front of The Art Center, downtown Blue Ridge.
Ghost Tours – Two-hour tours every Fri and Sat at 7 p.m. in Downtown Blue Ridge. Call 706-455-9866.




SPECIAL EVENTS FOR JUNE
June 4
Bringin’ the Blues to Blue Ridge – Blue Orleans Bistro, Downtown Blue Ridge.
Community Quilt Exhibit – Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.
June 17
Starlight Music in the Mountains Festival – Jonica Gap Campground, Mineral Bluff, 706-374-5465. www.jonicagapcampground.com
June 18
The Lilly Pad - Live music by Steel String Session, 8 p.m., reservations suggested @ $15 for advance tickets; call 1-534-1317. 7 miles out Aska Road, Blue Ridge. Gem-Mining, Putt-Putt Golf and Fishing daily.
Corvettes for the Arts – Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, Downtown Blue Ridge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 706-632-2241 www.blueridgearts.net
June 24
Classic Car Cruise-In, Dairy Queen parking lot, Blue Ridge Highway (GA 5) from 5 p.m. to dark.
June 25
Blue Ridge Goes to the Bahamas - Fundraiser dinner for Light Up Blue Ridge; take the tour bus to a secret location for special dinner and entertainment.  $40 per person. for more information, call 706-889-7415.

Visit Our Welcome Center!

Info about Shopping, Restaurants, Hiking, Outdoor Adventure

Free Info – Wi Fi and Postcards!

152 Orvin Lance Drive– Or call 706-632-5680

http://www.blueridgemountains.com/

Georgia's Blue Ridge Almanac: Special Events for Memorial Day 2011

Thursday Evening - May 26 

Pickin’ in the Park – Bluegrass jam sessions on the Toccoa River in McCaysville’s Horseshoe Bend Park beginning at 6 p.m. Bring a picnic and some lawn chairs and enjoy the music.

Thursday thru Monday - May 26 - 30
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Rail excursions at 11 a.m. daily, plus Twilight Train 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. Call 800-934-1898.

Friday and Saturday - May 27 - 28
Ghost Tours – Two-hour tours every Fri & Sat at 7 p.m. in Downtown Blue Ridge. Call 706-455-9866.
The Swan Drive-In – 9 p.m. double feature, Pirates of the Carribean – On Stranger Shores and Thor. $6.00 adults and $3.00 children. Cash Only.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Blue Ridge Community Theater, Dixie Swim Club, Friday and  Saturday @ 7:30 & Sunday @ 2 p.m. $10. 2591 East 1st Street, Blue Ridge, 706-632-9223.

Saturday
Classic Car Cruise-In, Dairy Queen parking lot, Blue Ridge Highway (GA 5) from 5 p.m. to dark.
The Lilly Pad, Live music by the Georgia Wayback Band, 8 p.m., reservations suggested @ $15 for advance tickets; call 1-534-1317. 7 miles out Aska Road, Blue Ridge. Gem-Mining, Putt-Putt Golf and Fishing daily.

Saturday and Sunday
Arts in the Park Festival 35th Annual Arts in the Park Festival. A southern tradition, features over 200 arts, crafts and food booths. The best in mountain crafts and fine arts, artist's demonstrations, music and dance. Historic Downtown Blue Ridge across from The Depot. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Assn. Visit their galleries in the Historic Courthouse.
Mercier Orchards U-pick Cherries from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Mercier’s is open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.@ 8660 Blue Ridge Drive; turn north at McDonald’s on Hwy 5, the orchard is 1.5 miles on the left.
Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River. Weekends only through May 30th.

Visit Our Welcome Center!

For Info about Shopping, Restaurants, Hiking and Outdoor Adventure

http://www.blueridgemountains.com/

Free Info – Wi Fi and Postcards!

152 Orvin Lance Drive– Or call 706-632-5680

Right off of Hwy 515 on the hill behind CVS

Signs of Spring in Georgia's Blue Ridge

After a long, cold but beautiful winter, spring is finally on the horizon in Blue Ridge, GA and there are signs everywhere, including blooming Bradford Pear Trees, gorgeous Tulip and Cherry Trees, Forsythia and lots and lots of pollen!  Word on the street is that the hummingbirds have even arrived in Blue Ridge!

What We are Looking Forward to this Spring in Blue Ridge

Lake Blue Ridge is Coming Back!
It might take a couple of months, but the Tennessee Valley Authority is beginning to let Lake Blue Ridge refill after repair work since fall.  We can't wait to see beautiful Lake Blue Ridge full again and take a pontoon ride or a chilly swim in the cleanest water in the Georgia Mountains. 

Strawberries and Sweet Cherries at Mercier Orchards
Strawberries will be ripe for the pickin' at Merciers in early May, followed by sweet cherries, peaches, blueberries and apples.  But Merciers is also celebrating spring with " Let's Go Fly a Kite Day" on Saturday March 26th from 10am-4pm. The cost is $10.00 for the first child and $6.00 for each additional sibling.

Return of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway begins its 2011 season at the depot in downtown Blue Ridge on April 1st.  Call 706-632-9833 to reserve your seat on the first train of the season.  The Easter Eggspress train will run on April 22.

The Blue Ridge Writer's Conference

The Blue Ridge Writer's Conference will take place on April 1 and 2 at The Art Center in downtown Blue Ridge.  Focus of the year is on how to get your book published, and the keynote speaker is independent literary agent Sally Hill McMillan.


Pickin' in the Park returns on April 7!
Our annual Pickin in the Park returns to Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville on April 7 and each following Thursday evening through September.  Bring a blanket and picnic dinner and enjoy listening to jam sessions by local acoustic musicians.  Or bring your fiddle and join in!

April 9th is the 14th Annual Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race!
This year's race will end at The Art Center in downtown Blue Ridge Park with food, fun and music by the Natti Lovejoys beginning at 2 p.m.  Theme for the year is Art and Adventure, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association is sponsoring their Plein Air Festival at the same time on April 9 and 10.

All this is coming soon and much more!!
Back later with more stuff.

Thanksgiving Events in Georgia's Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge, GA

Lighting of the Great Tree -- Light Up Blue Ridge

November 18-21, 25, 26-28
“Nunsensations,” The Nunsense Vegas Review, Blue Ridge Community Theater, Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2 p.m. Special Thanksgiving evening performance! Call for reservations 706-632-9223.

Saturday, November 20
Holiday Show & Sale, Opening Reception from 6 to 8 p.m., The Art Center, Historic Courthouse, Downtown Blue Ridge. Show runs thru December 23.

November 22 – 27
Festival of Trees, The Art Center, Historic Fannin County Courthouse. Reception & Silent Auction Nov. 26th at 6.

Thanksgiving Day
Blue Ridge Turkey Trot 5K race/walk. Downtown Blue Ridge. 7 a.m. registration and 8 a.m. start. Call 727-458-8556 for more information.

Thanksgiving Feast at the Martyn House. Back by popular demand Author and Chef Heather Antonelli returns. Come feast on traditional and global delicacies. Thanksgiving day from 3 to 6 p.m. Call for reservations, 706-635-4759.

Friday, November 26
Blue Friday in Downtown Blue Ridge, all-day entertainment, including Toast of Christmas Past" "Blue Ridge Bones" (Brass Band) and "Holiday Classics." Shopping Specials and other treats. Shops open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Light up the Basin, Downtown McCaysville/Copperhill. 6 p.m. in downtown McCaysville. Carolers, tree lighting and lighting of the old iron bridge.

Illuminate Aska, Lilly Pad Village in Blue Ridge. 50,000 lights, floating Christmas tree - meet Santa, enjoy roasting marshmallows, sing along, Christmas carols, enjoy a great hay ride and much more!

November 26 – Dec. 24th
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Express. Featuring Mr. and Mrs. Santa and the elves! Day trips or Evening excursions to Santa’s Village in McCaysville. Call for info 800-934-1898.

Saturday November 27
Light Up Blue Ridge, Downtown Blue Ridge. All day entertainment. Santa arrives at noon on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway! Photos with Santa. Live reindeer, childrens trackless train rides and much more. Parade at 5:30 and the lighting of the "Great Tree" at dusk.

New Culinary Adventures in Georgia's Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge, GA
Wow! In 2010 the food scene in Georgia’s Blue Ridge went from good to great. We already had lots of local eateries that we still love, from down home cookin' to riverside dining. Now, with the addition of some wonderful new restaurants, the choices of dining spots are simply amazing. To download a free restaurant guide that's great to print out and bring along, just click here.


Harvest on Main


Extraordinary Dining Experiences
Blue Ridge Brewery – White table cloth dinners + microbrew tastings
Christy Lee’s Courtyard Grille – Courtyard seating, live music, fresh seafood & great steaks
Cucina Rustica – Fine Italian dining in the mountains
Harvest on Main – Chef Danny Mellman’s imaginative New American Cuisine
Toccoa Riverside – Riverside dining & local mountain trout
VH/Blue Orleans Bistro – Blue Orleans Cajun in the Blue Ridge Mtns

Fun Eateries
L & L Beanery Café – Local favorite for breakfast, lunch, coffee and just hanging out with a cappuccino and a laptop
Angelina’s – Yummy panini’s, huge desserts and takeout dinners
Blue Jean’s Pizza & Pasta – Great Pizza, huge portions of pasta, big screen TV and more
Cucina Pizzeria – Real oven fired pizza and microbrew on tap Danielle’s – French dinners & deli lunches at this popular spot
Serenity Garden – New location – same great food for breakfast, lunch & dinner
Sue’s – Best hamburger in Blue Ridge according to Facebook poll
Whistle Stop Grill – Wings, cold beer and Jack Morton’s Mama’s Sloppy Joes



Breakfast at Mercier's

Good Food with Southern Roots Bumblebee’s Café – Breakfast all day and good homestyle lunches at this casual new cafe’
Blue Ridge B-B-Q – Authentic wood-smoked barbecue – try the smoked chicken salad!
Circle J Steak House – Family steak house with Southern style buffet as well
Mercier Orchards Deli – Local sausage and gravy breakfast, deli lunch and fried pie for dessert! Yum Yum.
Plus plenty of take-home goodies for later.
Pete’s Place – Popular local restaurant reminiscent of the old Fannin Inn, open for lunch & dinner
The Village Restaurant – “Where the locals eat,” breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet
The Yellow Jacket – Family restaurant offering delicious country style food for 50 years

Gourmet Take-Out
Anthony’s Bakery – Real Italian baked treats (try the cannolis)
Boo Bear’s – Baked goodies & Bar-B-Q ribs – what a combo!
Buck’s of Blue Ridge – Gourmet meats, cheeses and wines for a cozy cabin dinner
Meyer’s Breads & Bagels – Old world German pastries, breads and bagels, homemade German specialties for lunch or take-out
Out of The Blue – Wine shop plus – gourmet snacks, local goat cheese,
all perfect for a relaxed dinner or picnic
Taste of Amish – Large selection of Amish goods, including Amish butter, deli meats and freshly cut steaks.



Christy Lee's Courtyard

 Culinary Adventures
Chef Douglas’ Cabin Cuisine – Gourmet meals prepared just for you at your mountain cabin, or ready for your arrival.
The Martyn House – Seasonal Farm to Table dinners in relaxed country setting.
U-Pick Mercier Orchards – Pick your own locally grown fruit at Mercier Orchards, strawberries, sweet cherries, blueberries, apples in season.
Appalachian Fresh Market & Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market – Fresh eggs and produce in season.

Ethnic Food Spots
El Rio Mexican Restaurant – Copperhill’s authentic Mexican restaurant. Mariachi band on special occasions.
Monte Alban Mexican Restaurant – Local favorite for delicious dishes, incredible Mexican chicken soup.
Meyer’s Bread & Bagels – Real German lunches and baked goods in Blue Ridge with lots of regulars – go early!
Tin Loong of Blue Ridge – Japanese, Chinese, Thai and American buffet in a Blue Ridge setting

Insider Tips: All around Blue Ridge are hidden treasures, just ask any local. What other small Southern town has an Amish deli, German Bakery, fresh seafood market and the largest apple orchard in the Southeast? You’ll find your dining experience at our new restaurants equal or better than any you might have in a much larger city. What makes us different is also what makes us special.

During your visit, try to find Natalie's Hotdog Cart when she is on a corner in downtown Blue Ridge. Come on down to L&L Beanery for a laptop cappuccino or a delicious breakfast and strike up a conversation with a local or another visitor.

People are nice here. Stop by our Welcome Center and ask a local what there is to do and where to eat. In season our local farmers markets offer the best in fresh locally grown produce at Appalachian Fresh Farmers Market and the Downtown Blue Ridge Farmers market.