It’s easy to fall in love with Blue Ridge, Georgia, just about 90 miles north of Atlanta and a million miles away from it all. So many family adventures here revolve around the wonders of nature and natural resources, including fishing, swimming, and mountain trails. Museums and theaters represent the culture and the arts, and the town features a variety of restaurants and stylish shops. You can find orchards, wineries, riding stables, beautiful mountains, and lessons for hunting Bigfoot. Whether you visit for a family vacation or a weekend getaway, you can find vacation rentals that provide tranquil lakeside vistas, stunning mountain views, or creek side retreats. While you ponder the possibilities, here is a list of the top ten Blue Ridge vacation rental locations.
1. Blue Ridge, Georgia
Part of the fun is getting to Blue Ridge, and the rest of the fun is experiencing the beauty, the adventure, and the relaxation the mountains offer. You can go hiking, fishing, and kayaking in pristine forests, lakes, and rivers against the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. For just a half-mile hike from the parking lot on the Toccoa River, you can visit the 265-foot long swinging bridge where the Benton MacKaye and Appalachian Trails merge. Some visitors enjoy picnicking and swimming there before hiking back.
2. Dawsonville, Georgia
Blending in with the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, Dawsonville is home to one Amicalola Falls State Park, one of Georgia’s most popular state parks. The tallest cascading waterfall in the southeast, Amicalola plunges 729 feet. An eight-and-one-half-mile trail leads from the park to the southern end of the Appalachian Trail, while many other trails offer shorter, easier day hikes.
3. Ellijay, Georgia
Ellijay puts your family in the middle of lakes, vineyards, family activities, shopping, and museums. Starting in the quaint downtown area, visitors may sample local cuisines and visit antique shops. It’s easy to find a tasty craft beer at River Street Tavern or enjoy a wine tasting at Cartecay Vineyards. You can step back into the 1870s in the Tabor House and Civil War Museum in historic downtown Ellijay. It is one of the South’s largest Civil War libraries and it also features rooms staged from the 1800s.
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4. Cherry Log, Georgia
Your children are sure to remember a vacation adventure in Cherry Log if you take them to Expedition Bigfoot. The 4,000-square foot complex houses artifacts, life-size exhibits, photos, sketches and sitting maps. It is a huge family attraction designed to entertain and educate. All ages can go sightseeing on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, with children ages two and younger riding free.
5. Morganton, Georgia
Morganton, a mile from the lake, offers something for everyone from horseback riding stables to Tank Town USA, a number one activity in town where visitors can drive tanks to crush cars. Or, if you prefer, visit the marina to get paddle boards, boats, fishing tackle, or jet skis.
6. McCaysville, GA
Attractions all around the McCaysville area include the beautiful trails, antique stores, white water rafting, canoeing, and local music in the Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park. The Tennessee/Georgia state line runs through the center of town, and it is represented by “The Blue Line.” You can ask someone to take your picture with one foot in each state for a memorable souvenir.
7. Blairsville, Georgia
Beautiful mountain trails around Blairsville invite hikers to see the amazing views from Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest elevation. You can relax on Lake Nottely or visit pristine waterfalls. One favorite stop for families of all ages is Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm where visitors can pet the animals and learn about how they are raised. There is also a gift shop that features products made from the farm’s alpaca’s.
8. Epworth, Georgia
Epworth is a little place that has it all: mountains, lakes, streams, abundant wildlife and shopping. You can tube down Fightingtown Creek or canoe the Toccoa River, or do both since they are both so close. While you’re there, you can visit the Ocoee Whitewater Center, the sight of the 1996 rafting Olympics. It is only 15 minutes away. If you want something for the kids to take home, they can mine for some gems, geodes, or crystals at the Lily Pad Village Mini Golf and Gem Mining.
9. Helen, Georgia
The artistic town of Helen delivers the magic of a Bavarian village in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s like stepping back in time on the cobblestone walkways when you take the walking tour to sample Alpine food and drink, visit art galleries, and look for collectibles in potteries. Kids and grownups alike enjoy watching glass blowing and sculpting demonstrations at the Glassblowing Shop. Why not take a break from the rat race and saunter through a corn maze just outside of town or play a round or two of miniature golf on Main Street?
10. Mineral Bluff, Georgia
Some great nature photography opportunities await you at the Toccoa River tail waters near Mineral Bluff. Guides lead groups on spectacular trout fishing and hikes through Cherokee country along backwoods trails, where you learn about Native American history among the Blue Ridge Mountains and revel in the beauty of the Old Mill Pond waterfall. Hiking in woods and fields in the area typically offer opportunities to see deer, rabbits, and squirrels.
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