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.







Calendar of Events:
 


3/20/2010 - Wine Highway Weekend
Description:
Nine Wineries from Young Harris to Dahlonega. Mark you calendar for our 5th annual "Wine Highway Weekend". Last years event was great and this year will be even better! Blue Ridge is a great central location to base from for this event. This is a perfect time to get back in the swing of spring activities and there is no better way to shake the winter doldrums than spending a weekend in the mountains and tasting the Award Winning wines that are made from Georgia Grown Grapes. Pick up a copy of the Taste a Perfect Day brochure here at the Fannin County Chamber to plan your weekend. This event is 2 full days, you choose which winery you visit first to pay your one time fee. Check the website for details as the event gets closer, the wineries will each have their own schedules of events. This is a wonderful weekend to explore in Georgia's Blue Ridge.
Contact: Georgia Winegrowers Association
706-878-9463

4/10/2010 - Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race
Location
: Blue Ridge, GA.  The start time and location will be announced on Friday night at the pre-race briefing. The race finish line is in the downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
Description: Run, mountain bike & kayak the Toccoa River in this 13th annual co-ed adventure race. 90+ co-ed teams of three participate.
Contact: Elaine Dilbeck
706-632-5680

4/17/2010-4/18/2010 - Blue Ridge Farmer's Market
Description
:
Sixth annual arts and crafts sale from 9 AMto 5 PM. Live entertainment, free admission and is sponsored by Fannin County Explorer Post 401.
Contact: For more information, call
706-946-6003.

4/24/2010-4/25/2010 - Blue Ridge Farmer's Market
Description
:
Sixth annual arts and crafts sale from 9 AM to 5 PM. Live entertainment, free admission and is sponsored by Fannin County Explorer Post 401.
Contact: For more information, call 706-946-6003.

5/15/2010 - Smokie Mountain Melodies Show
Description: Smokie Mountain Melodies presents, "Front Row Center 09" a Spring production with all female Barber Shop. Phyllis Baker is a highly-respected Director from Pinellas, Florida who has directed on International stage. She has taken the Smokie Mountain Melodies of 15 members singing four part harmony and grown it to approximately 39 members within a short period of time. Showtime is Saturday May 15th at 7:00 PM. 
Contact:
Fannin County High School 706-632-2081 or 706-632-2081

5/29/2010 - 5/30/2010 - Arts in the Park
Location :
City Park - Downtown Blue Ridge,GA
Description: The 34th Annual Festival, Features over 200 arts, crafts and food booths. The best in mountain crafts and fine arts, artist's demonstrations, music and dance. Arts in the Park has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society.
Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.
Costs: Admission is $3.00 under 12 is free.
Contact: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association 706-632-2144



Favorite Area Restaurants:
This space available...contact
info@blueridgemountainchamber.com for more information.


Where to Stay:
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Real Estate Information:
This space available...contact info@blueridgemountainchamber.com for more information.