Blue Ridge Georgia

Although Blue Ridge is considered to be a city with a population today of roughly 1,200 citizens, the word city does seems to be quite a hefty title for such a small mountain town with so few residents. I prefer to think of Blue Ridge as a beautiful classic mountain town, with an intimacy that is ever so inviting. Today the Blue Ridge city limits have spread to the very shores of Lake Blue Ridge, even though you can't see the lake until you get past the trees.

The development of the downtown historic district of Blue Ridge by means of renovations and new construction, along with the ever expanding commercial development along Highway 515 (east to west) and Highway 5 (north to south) have brought Fannin County to the forefront of other North Georgia mountain communities.

Today Blue Ridge seems to be busting at the seams with progress through the first and into the second decades of the 21st century. Shopping, other amenities and services all along the outer Highways of 515 & 5 only compliment the charming historic downtown shopping, restaurant and art district. Throughout the week and even more so on weekends, the historic downtown district of Blue Ridge is a haven of residents, vacationers and day visitors that enjoy strolling the main-streets of the town, stepping in and out of specialty shops while taking time to linger and observe the many fine artworks within the galleries. There are a variety of restaurants, eateries and coffee shops throughout the county with a nice selection of cuisine offering the comforts of their indoor or outdoor cafe' style in the fresh mountain air.

As often the case throughout the mountains the largest town is also the county seat, yet that's not the way this town began. Morganton, a neighboring Fannin County town founded in 1853 was the original county seat before the railroad came through Fannin County in 1886. Today the historic Fannin County courthouse in downtown Blue Ridge which was constructed in 1937 stands next to the newly constructed 72,000-square foot county courthouse. The old historic courthouse is now the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association.

Not only does the city of Blue Ridge have all the amenities visitors are looking for, the town is located close to the very shore of Lake Blue Ridge offering water sport recreation, swimming and fishing that are either exciting or tranquil depending on your choice of lake activity.

Blue Ridge is a great destination for a day trip, a getaway or a lifetime. The city of Blue Ridge has it's own unique personality and hospitality, definitely one of the Highlander's top favorites towns.

The Railroad and Blue Ridge

Though some gold and an abundance of copper was discovered in the region along with a large amount of timber being harvested in the surrounding mountains, it would take a railroad to haul out all the natural resources to market. The need for a central railroad hub site to be established in the region led to the founding of the town of Blue Ridge (incorporated in 1886,) which also became the new county seat due to the new rail line. With the coming of the railroad, hotels, restaurants and stores began popping up all along the tracks. The new town of Blue Ridge along with its rejuvenating mineral springs was fated to become a popular health-resort destination and leading commercial center in the region.

Today there are no longer any mineral springs available for visitors to submerge in, even though un-maintained springs still do exist on private property in the area if you know where to look. Yet Blue Ridge has continued to grow as a popular tourism destination replacing the springs of old with luxury lodging equipped with hot tubs and Jacuzzis for relaxing and rejuvenation.

The historic Blue Ridge Depot that received so many visitors at the turn of the century is still a center of attention today; this historic structure was built in 1906 after the first depot burnt down. Today the Depot is the home of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad offering sightseeing and rail adventure along the banks of the beautiful Toccoa River between the towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville to the north with a round trip train excursion of about 3 1/2 hours, approximately a 26-miles round trip.

Blue Ridge City Park • Events and Festivals

The picturesque Blue Ridge City Park located in the heart of Blue Ridge's downtown historic district is also positioned along the rail line; the park is home to several of Fannin County's events and festivals.

The main events in Blue Ridge are  Spring and Fall Arts in the Park, and two Plein Air Festivals, Labor Day Barbecue, Halloween Safe Zone and Light Up Blue Ridge Holiday Festival. Check out the Highlander's event calendar for more information on these events.

When the park isn't hosting an event, visitors and county residents alike find the park to be a quiet setting offering picnic tables, a gazebo, and a playground for the kids so they can let off some of that adolescent energy while the adults watch on from a picnic table, comfortable lawn chair or blanket.

Fannin County Welcome Center in Blue Ridge Georgia

Fannin County Welcome Center Surround yourself with beauty, relaxation and natural fun in Georgia’s Blue Ridge. Relax in a mountain cabin overlooking peaceful ridges and valleys. Explore charming mountain towns. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Discover our rivers, streams, lakes and waterfalls. Hike, fish, shop or simply relax. Stop by the "Welcome Center" when you come to Blue Ridge for brochures and maps to make your trip more enjoyable. Go Directly to Fannin County Chamber and Welcome Center's Web Site...

Art Galleries & Shopping in Blue Ridge Georgia
	BRMAA - Art Center Gallery The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association is passionate about art. Our Art Center Team is devoted to bringing new exhibits, new events, and new programs to our community through art and culture. We endeavor to provide a haven for artists to flourish and grow. We measure success by the success of our artists and the many galleries that help to make up our Art Town in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia. We boast the largest Gallery Experience in the North Georgia Mountains, come visit us and experience a true Art Town in the Mountains. Go Directly to BRMAA & the Art Center & Station's Web Site...
	The Art Station The Art Station was created to provide economical pricing for supplies for artists and for our art classes for children and adults. We surveyed our artists to determine the supplies most needed and we are adding to that inventory every day with requests from our artist members. We encourage you to visit, check out our supplies. “Art, We are it!” Go Directly to BRMAA & the Art Center & Station's Web Site...

Adventure in and around Blue Ridge Georgia
	Raft the Ocoee River The Ocoee River is often described as the roller coaster of the southeast. Come experience what has been called the greatest whitewater center in the world.   Professional river outfitter with over 30 years experience. Our safety record is unsurpassed in the industry. We believe our staff is simply the best in the business. Guides are chosen for their character and enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with you.
	Zip Line Canopy Tours on the Ocoee • Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Pigeon River Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US. All our courses offer a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual drop in elevation. All trips offer fully guided tours with 2 or more Rangers on at least 10 zips, 4 bridges beginning with a training course at each location.Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US. All our courses offer a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual drop in elevation. All trips offer fully guided tours with 2 or more Rangers on at least 10 zips, 4 bridges beginning with a training course at each location.
	Guided Fishing Trips throughout the North Georgia Mountains Great mountain adventures is offering the "Best Fishing" available in the Mountains. We create a fishing trip, designed specifically towards your needs with a professional fishing guide to guide you to make the most of your fishing adventure on the Finest Lakes, Rivers and Streams in the Southern Appalachians! Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade Trips • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing Instruction • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips. So much water to choose from and an adventure you'll never forget. Go Directly to Great Mountain Fishing's web site....

Entertainment in Blue Ridge Georgia

Blue Ridge Community Theater invites you to "Come Out and Play." There is nothing like the energy you feel when attending a live performance and we are here to help you experience that feeling. Blue Ridge Community Theater's mission is to enrich the cultural life of residents and visitors through performances, productions and education of all aspects of contemporary and classic theater.  2015 we will be hosting 7 Main Stage Shows with 12 Performances for each show, 8 evenings of music along with 13 Sunny D Performance, our Children's Theater Program. Go Directly to our web site.....BlueRidgeCommunityTheater.com...

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