Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge was founded in 1886, it is located in Fannin County which was created in 1854 from portions of Union County and Gilmer County, with Morganton as the first county seat. Col. James Fannin, for whom the county is named, was a hero in the Texas War for Independence.
The Blue Ridge mountain range runs from Pennsylvania to Georgia. It's ridges run south and west reaching elevations in excess of 6000 feet. In southwestern North Carolina this high eastern ridge runs west and continues to Springer Mountain, in the southern Fannin County, Georgia. The starting point for both the Benton MacKaye and Appalachian Trail. The Benton MacKaye follows the western ridge of the Appalachians while the Appalachian Trail follows the eastern ridge.
The crown jewel of the Fannin County is Lake Blue Ridge. One of Georgia's most picturesque mountain lakes. Over 80 percent of the 3,290 acre lake's shoreline is the Chattahoochee National Forest. Lake Blue Ridge is actually a reservior on the Toccoa River managed by TVA. Fishing for Walleye, small mouth bass, white bass, and bluegill is a popular past time for residents and visitors.
Things to Do:
Lake Blue Ridge
The majority of Lake Blue Ridge's shoreline is Chattahoochee National Forest. It has over 3000 acres, is 11 miles long and has 65 miles of shoreline. Walleye, small mouth bass, white bass, and bluegill are what everyone is fishing for.
Ocoee River
The Site of The 1996 Summer Olympic Whitewater Games
Blue Ridge Mountain Railway
The Railway connects the towns of Blue Ridge and McCayesville offering a journey along the Toccoa River and views of the Blue Ridge and Cohutta Mountains.
Mercier Apple Orchard
Refered to as its "favorite roadside market" by Southern Living Magazine. Mercier Apple Orchard has the best selection of North Georgia Apples and applie pie.
Long Branch Falls, Approx. 50 Feet Falls
Directions: From Blue Ridge, head South on Aska Rd. for approx 13.5 miles. Turn right onto Newport Rd. for 4.5 miles then make a left onto Double Gap Rd. and continue 0.8 miles to the intersection. Turn right onto USFS 58 and proceed 5.3 miles .
Fall Branch Falls, Approx. 30 Feet Falls
Directions: From Blue Ridge, take Aska Rd. South for 8 miles and make a right onto Stanley Creek Rd. Continue on Stanley Rd. for 3.2 miles to parking area on the right just past the bridge.
Golf (If you want to hit the linx check out)
White Path Golf Couse , 1156 Shenendoa Dr, Ellijay, GA 30540, (706)276-3080, Public, 18 hole, 6,139 yds, Par 72, Course Rating -68.6
Calendar of Events:
7/25/2010 - Blue Ridge Triathlon
Location: Lake Blue Ridge Marina in Blue Ridge, GA
When: Sunday July 25th
Description: In this triathlon you will have to swim 600 yards in the waters of Lake Blue Ridge. Bike 18 miles through the beautiful countryside along green pastures and the lake. Run 5K will start from the marina and end in downtown Blue Ridge. The awards ceremony, food and celebration will take place in beautiful historic downtown Blue Ridge.
Contact: For more information call 770-926-2367.
9/6/2010 - Labor Day BBQ
Location: Downtown Blue Ridge,GA
When: Monday September 6th from 11:30 AM till 6:00 PM
Description: Everyone's welcome, come downtown on Monday September 6th for great family style entertainment, featuring Ole Time Music, Bluegrass and Gospel. Hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All the fixings including drink and dessert. Popular event don't miss it! Sponsored by The Good Samaritans of Fannin County Inc. Proceeds fund interdenominational benevolence. Event held rain or shine, the tents will be up.
Contact: For more information call Carlie Hammond at 706-455-3818.
9/18/2010 - 9/19/2010 - 11th Annual Wildlife Arts Festival
Location: Downtown City Park Blue Ridge,GA
When: Saturday September 18th and Sunday September 19th
Description: This festival features the works of the finest wildlife artists in the Southeast. More than 75 artists displaying original works including sculpture, painting and woodworking. Two days of herding dog demonstrations. Participants in the Expo will be showcsing all the best that our area has to offer, fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping and boating.
Contact: For more information call Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association at 706-632-2144.
10/2/2010 - 10/3/2010 - 33rd Annual Indian Summer Festival
Location: Woody Gap School 2331 S Hwy 60 Suches, GA 30572
When: Saturday October 2nd and Sunday October 3rd from 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM
Description: Activities and family entertainment featuring arts and crafts, pottery, folk art and plenty of great food.
Costs: Admission is $4, 6 and under are FREE. Free parking
Contact: For more information call 706-747-2401.
10/9/2010 - 10/10/2010 & 10/16/2010 - 10/17/2010 - The 39th Annual Georgia Apple Festival
Location: Ellijay, GA Lions Club Fairgrounds
When: Saturday October 9th from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM and Sunday October 10th from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. October 16th from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM and Sunday October 17th from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Costs: Adults it is $5.00 for admission and for children 10 and under it is FREE.
Description: Come join us for the 39th Annual Georgia Apple Festival. There will be over 300 vendor on site selling arts and crafts. This festivals also features an antique car show held on October 9th at the Civic Center and a parade on October 16th.
Contact: Call the Gilmer Co Chamber of Commerce at 706-635-7400 for more information.
11/27/2010 - Light up Blue Ridge
Location: Downtown Blue Ridge,GA
When: Saturday November 27th
Description: The day starts off with Tuba Christmas on the main stage at 11:00 followed by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus arriving on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway at 12:30. Make sure you visit with Santa and have photos taken in the gazebo in downtown Blue Ridge City Park free of charge. Live reindeer, childrens trackless train rides and much more. The lighting of the "Great Tree" takes place at dusk. Downtown shops will be open late so bring the whole family for a holiday of fun, perfect to start the season off right.
Contact: For more information go to: www.lightupblueridge.com
12/4/2010 - 3rd Annual Christmas Bazaar
Location: High Hope Plantation, Located off Hwy. 5 on Old Post Road
When: Saturday December 4th from 10:00 AM till 5:00 PM
Description: High Hope is a village inspired by colonial Williamsburg. Sale items will include knitted goods, original paintings, birdhouses, handmade note cards, handmade canned goods, prints and Christmas items.There will be a raffle as well.
Contact: For more information call St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 706-632-8245.
Favorite Area Restaurants:
This space available...contact info@blueridgemountainchamber.com for more information.
Where to Stay:
This space available...contact info@blueridgemountainchamber.com for more information.
The Blue Ridge mountain range runs from Pennsylvania to Georgia. It's ridges run south and west reaching elevations in excess of 6000 feet. In southwestern North Carolina this high eastern ridge runs west and continues to Springer Mountain, in the southern Fannin County, Georgia. The starting point for both the Benton MacKaye and Appalachian Trail. The Benton MacKaye follows the western ridge of the Appalachians while the Appalachian Trail follows the eastern ridge.
The crown jewel of the Fannin County is Lake Blue Ridge. One of Georgia's most picturesque mountain lakes. Over 80 percent of the 3,290 acre lake's shoreline is the Chattahoochee National Forest. Lake Blue Ridge is actually a reservior on the Toccoa River managed by TVA. Fishing for Walleye, small mouth bass, white bass, and bluegill is a popular past time for residents and visitors.
Things to Do:
Lake Blue Ridge
The majority of Lake Blue Ridge's shoreline is Chattahoochee National Forest. It has over 3000 acres, is 11 miles long and has 65 miles of shoreline. Walleye, small mouth bass, white bass, and bluegill are what everyone is fishing for.
Ocoee River
The Site of The 1996 Summer Olympic Whitewater Games
Blue Ridge Mountain Railway
The Railway connects the towns of Blue Ridge and McCayesville offering a journey along the Toccoa River and views of the Blue Ridge and Cohutta Mountains.
Mercier Apple Orchard
Refered to as its "favorite roadside market" by Southern Living Magazine. Mercier Apple Orchard has the best selection of North Georgia Apples and applie pie.
Long Branch Falls, Approx. 50 Feet Falls
Directions: From Blue Ridge, head South on Aska Rd. for approx 13.5 miles. Turn right onto Newport Rd. for 4.5 miles then make a left onto Double Gap Rd. and continue 0.8 miles to the intersection. Turn right onto USFS 58 and proceed 5.3 miles .
Fall Branch Falls, Approx. 30 Feet Falls
Directions: From Blue Ridge, take Aska Rd. South for 8 miles and make a right onto Stanley Creek Rd. Continue on Stanley Rd. for 3.2 miles to parking area on the right just past the bridge.
Golf (If you want to hit the linx check out)
White Path Golf Couse , 1156 Shenendoa Dr, Ellijay, GA 30540, (706)276-3080, Public, 18 hole, 6,139 yds, Par 72, Course Rating -68.6
Calendar of Events:
7/25/2010 - Blue Ridge Triathlon
Location: Lake Blue Ridge Marina in Blue Ridge, GA
When: Sunday July 25th
Description: In this triathlon you will have to swim 600 yards in the waters of Lake Blue Ridge. Bike 18 miles through the beautiful countryside along green pastures and the lake. Run 5K will start from the marina and end in downtown Blue Ridge. The awards ceremony, food and celebration will take place in beautiful historic downtown Blue Ridge.
Contact: For more information call 770-926-2367.
9/6/2010 - Labor Day BBQ
Location: Downtown Blue Ridge,GA
When: Monday September 6th from 11:30 AM till 6:00 PM
Description: Everyone's welcome, come downtown on Monday September 6th for great family style entertainment, featuring Ole Time Music, Bluegrass and Gospel. Hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All the fixings including drink and dessert. Popular event don't miss it! Sponsored by The Good Samaritans of Fannin County Inc. Proceeds fund interdenominational benevolence. Event held rain or shine, the tents will be up.
Contact: For more information call Carlie Hammond at 706-455-3818.
9/18/2010 - 9/19/2010 - 11th Annual Wildlife Arts Festival
Location: Downtown City Park Blue Ridge,GA
When: Saturday September 18th and Sunday September 19th
Description: This festival features the works of the finest wildlife artists in the Southeast. More than 75 artists displaying original works including sculpture, painting and woodworking. Two days of herding dog demonstrations. Participants in the Expo will be showcsing all the best that our area has to offer, fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping and boating.
Contact: For more information call Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association at 706-632-2144.
10/2/2010 - 10/3/2010 - 33rd Annual Indian Summer Festival
Location: Woody Gap School 2331 S Hwy 60 Suches, GA 30572
When: Saturday October 2nd and Sunday October 3rd from 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM
Description: Activities and family entertainment featuring arts and crafts, pottery, folk art and plenty of great food.
Costs: Admission is $4, 6 and under are FREE. Free parking
Contact: For more information call 706-747-2401.
10/9/2010 - 10/10/2010 & 10/16/2010 - 10/17/2010 - The 39th Annual Georgia Apple Festival
Location: Ellijay, GA Lions Club Fairgrounds
When: Saturday October 9th from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM and Sunday October 10th from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. October 16th from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM and Sunday October 17th from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Costs: Adults it is $5.00 for admission and for children 10 and under it is FREE.
Description: Come join us for the 39th Annual Georgia Apple Festival. There will be over 300 vendor on site selling arts and crafts. This festivals also features an antique car show held on October 9th at the Civic Center and a parade on October 16th.
Contact: Call the Gilmer Co Chamber of Commerce at 706-635-7400 for more information.
11/27/2010 - Light up Blue Ridge
Location: Downtown Blue Ridge,GA
When: Saturday November 27th
Description: The day starts off with Tuba Christmas on the main stage at 11:00 followed by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus arriving on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway at 12:30. Make sure you visit with Santa and have photos taken in the gazebo in downtown Blue Ridge City Park free of charge. Live reindeer, childrens trackless train rides and much more. The lighting of the "Great Tree" takes place at dusk. Downtown shops will be open late so bring the whole family for a holiday of fun, perfect to start the season off right.
Contact: For more information go to: www.lightupblueridge.com
12/4/2010 - 3rd Annual Christmas Bazaar
Location: High Hope Plantation, Located off Hwy. 5 on Old Post Road
When: Saturday December 4th from 10:00 AM till 5:00 PM
Description: High Hope is a village inspired by colonial Williamsburg. Sale items will include knitted goods, original paintings, birdhouses, handmade note cards, handmade canned goods, prints and Christmas items.There will be a raffle as well.
Contact: For more information call St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 706-632-8245.
Favorite Area Restaurants:
This space available...contact info@blueridgemountainchamber.com for more information.
Where to Stay:
This space available...contact info@blueridgemountainchamber.com for more information.
Real Estate Information:
This space available...contact info@blueridgemountainchamber.com for more information.