Blue Ridge, Georgia features numerous attractions for visitors of all ages. With a range of things to do from apple picking in the morning, to relaxing at an old-fashioned drive-in movie theater at night, Blue Ridge is where you’ll want to go for a vacation full of fun and adventure. Fresh mountain air, spectacular views, and lots of activities await you when you book a stay at a Blue Ridge vacation rental. Check out the top 15 things to do in Blue Ridge to make sure everyone in your family has an incredible time.
1. Fruit Picking at Mercier Orchards
“A” is for apple, and Mercier Orchards offers more than you can count. Known as the Southeast’s largest orchard, this popular Blue Ridge attraction allows you to pick your own fruit, so you and your family get exercise and gather delicious rewards. If your vacation time is not in sync with apple harvest time, don’t worry; it’s probably the season for blueberries, strawberries, or cherries, and you can pick those instead. If you prefer, take the easy way out and shop at the orchard market.
2. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Tour
Board the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway at the depot in downtown Blue Ridge for an exciting overview of the area between Blue Ridge and the historic mining town of McCaysville, Georgia. As the train travels along the scenic Toccoa River, you get a sense of the adventure and challenges that the copper, gold, and gem miners faced.
3. Morganton Point Recreation Area
If you’d rather engage in activities on the water instead of traveling alongside the river, take the family to Morganton Point Recreation Area. Rent a pontoon boat at this developed campground along Lake Blue Ridge and let the water rock you gently as you float along.When folks get hungry, head for the concession stand and order hot dogs and cold drinks.
4. Lake Blue Ridge Marina
Take your boat out of your vacation rental storage area and launch it from the marina at gorgeous Lake Blue Ridge. Want more physical activity? You and the kids can go for a swim, or rent kayaks, pontoon boats, and paddle boards for fun on the water.
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5. Ocoee River Rafting
Is there a daredevil streak in you? Go canoeing or whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River for big thrills. Located about 30 minutes from Blue Ridge, this fast-paced water adventure attracts people worldwide who test their skill and endurance against Mother Nature’s rapids.
6. Blue Ridge Trout Fishing
Did we mention that Blue Ridge is Georgia’s trout fishing capital? Bring your tackle, cast your line, and try your luck in Lake Blue Ridge. You can also head to the Toccoa River, or fish in nearby streams that the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery stocks regularly. After you catch the big one, take it back to your vacation rental and fire up the frying pan or grill.
7. Bunker Hill Golf Course
When you’re ready for activities on dry land, head for the Bunker Hill golf course at Old Toccoa Farm. Playing a nine-hole round at the course still gives you enough time to do some sightseeing with the kids.
8. Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge
Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge give you unique aerial views over 165 acres of the Blue Ridge area. Located six miles from downtown Blue Ridge, these exciting tours take you on ziplines up to 75 feet high, allowing you to zip your way through the Blue Ridge Mountains for up to a mile.
9. Blue Ridge Aerial Adventure Park
Are you ready for more sights and thrills? Visit Blue Ridge Aerial Adventure Park, just a mile from downtown. For this activity, you and the kids put on helmets, gloves, and harnesses, and go at your own pace on climbing walls, tight ropes, and obstacles such as Truth or Dare as well as Hang on Sloopy. You definitely won’t hear them say, “Boring,” at this park.
10. Tank Town USA
Channel your inner commando at Tank Town USA. This unusual Blue Ridge attraction gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive a 17-ton tank and crush a car. Each tank accommodates a driver with two passengers, and you get personal instruction. If you’d rather drive construction equipment, they offer that, too. Expect a vacation experience your family will talk about for a long time.
11. Stand in Both Georgia and Tennessee
Can’t decide whether you want to visit Georgia or Tennessee? Visit downtown McCaysville, Georgia, and look for the Blue Line on Toccoa/Ocoee Street. That’s where you can stand in both states at one time. It’s the perfect spot for sports fans who root for the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers.
12. Horseshoe Bend Park
After standing on the Blue Line, head to Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville, Georgia where the Toccoa River bends. You’ll find lovely views, picnic tables, fishing spots, a playground, and — restrooms.
13. Lily Pad Village, Aska Adventure Area
Travel about eight miles from Blue Ridge, Georgia to the Aska Adventure Area, featuring Lily Pad Village. Spend the day playing a friendly round of outdoor mini-golf, fishing in a pond stocked with bass and blue gills, and gem mining all in the quiet beauty of nature.
14. Swinging Bridge
Before heading back to your vacation rental in Blue Ridge, Georgia, take a hike to the Swinging Bridge on Highway 60 South of Morganton. Built in 1977, the 270-foot-long bridge hangs over the Toccoa River and is a popular attraction for vacationing hikers as an exciting way to cross the river.
15. Swan Drive-In Theater
End your busy day by watching a movie at Swan Drive-In, an old-fashioned drive-in movie theater. Operating since 1955, this historic drive-in is one of the four remaining in Georgia. Tucked just inside the city of Blue Ridge, Swan Drive-In shows first-run movies in FM-stereo sound and serves burgers at its back-in-the-day snack bar. You have to pay the old-fashioned way, too; this is a cash-only attraction.
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