Trip to Blue Ridge early Feb... good idea? (Atlanta, Dahlonega: chapel, house)

[go falcons]

aus10 is right . The drive from Atlanta to Blue Ridge / Blairsville is almost about the same time wise as Chattanooga to Blue Ridge / Blairsville .
The Chattanoga to Blue Ridge drive would be the most scenic though . Going along the Ocoee River is a beautiful but windy drive .

[MattCW]

Yes, it's about the same, and the fares might be higher, but A. stranger things have happened and B. it's an OPTION. Just because everyone else would do ATL-Blue Ridge doesn't mean CHA-Blue Ridge isn't worth looking at to see if there might be an advantage. Sheesh!

[Saintmarks]

One another note, the mountains on a clear winter day are a wonderful time to visit. The lack of the prevalent haze in the summer can give crystal clear views for miles and miles. Sometimes you don't get that in summer. Add to that that the lack of foliage will give you vistas that are otherwise cloaked in summer months.

[WanderingImport]

Originally Posted by Saintmarks

One another note, the mountains on a clear winter day are a wonderful time to visit. The lack of the prevalent haze in the summer can give crystal clear views for miles and miles. Sometimes you don't get that in summer. Add to that that the lack of foliage will give you vistas that are otherwise cloaked in summer months.

I've heard that you can see a tiny glimpse of the Atlanta skyline from the top of Brasstown Bald, the highest mountain in Georgia. I don't remember the mileage, but it's pretty darn far away. Over 60 miles at least. Probably more like 80.

No way you could do that in the summer with all the smog and haze.

[Guitarmaan]

ok so the weather could be suitable for mountain views then? That's a plus. I've only been to Blue Ridge once before, and didn't see any sights. We'll spend most of our time with relatives, but if you had to choose one thing to see fairly nearby what would it be?

[flyonpa]

If the BlueRidge RR is running that kinda cool.
Call Now 877-413-TRAIN (8724) - Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (Never mind its not running till March)

[COUNTRYFRIED]

Originally Posted by Guitarmaan

ok so the weather could be suitable for mountain views then? That's a plus. I've only been to Blue Ridge once before, and didn't see any sights. We'll spend most of our time with relatives, but if you had to choose one thing to see fairly nearby what would it be?

Yeah the train isn't running now and really its a waste of time and money. There really isn't much to see in Blue Ridge. Mostly Blue Ridge has just become a tourist trap...a trap with no cheese. But with a few hours drive theres places to visit North and South of Blue Ridge.

[aus10]

Originally Posted by Guitarmaan

ok so the weather could be suitable for mountain views then? That's a plus. I've only been to Blue Ridge once before, and didn't see any sights. We'll spend most of our time with relatives, but if you had to choose one thing to see fairly nearby what would it be?

In order to answer that a lot depends on your personal likes and dislikes.

If your into touristy kind of things... North Georgia doesn't disappoint. From Helen and its Alpine decor trinket shopping, to the Railroad in Blue Ridge to a trip up Brasstown Bald over in Blairsville there's actually a lot to keep you busy. If your into the outdoors no trip is complete with out a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Beautiful waterfalls and just pretty scenery. If you want normal shopping... take 515 down to Woodstock to the new outlet mall. The Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta... or the other big outlet in Dawsonville. In Blue Ridge itself... go to the Drive-In. Yes.. it's open in the winter! Swan Drive-In Ellijay is a quaint little town. If you like to antique shop... lots to be found in the whole area. From Blue Ridge don't forget your just a hop skip and a jump from Tennessee and North Carolina as well...

We may not be glitz, glamor, and non-stop 24 hour excitement like Vegas or even Atlanta... but.. there's something for everyone and hospitality that you just won't find everywhere. Look up Union, Fannin and Gilmer Counties.. each has a website with the things to do in their counties. Have fun!!!

[go falcons]

If you love wandering through quaint shops and eating at great local restaurants , it is hard to beat Blue Ridge . We love the restaurant ,Harvest on Main .
The Sweet Shoppe , - located just below Harvest on Main, is a treat not to be missed . ( The Sweet Shoppe - is a winner of Food network's Cupcake War's and when you go there you will see why ! )

[Saintmarks]

If you get a nice day, would suggest this as a nice day outing:

Go east from Blue Ridge to Blairsville, go south on US 129 then east on GA 180. Just a few miles to the road to the top of Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest mountain.

Back to 180, retrace your steps but turn south on the Richard Russell Scenic Highway (GA 348) and drive over to Helen. This is arguably the most beautiful state highway in all of Georgia. 348 dead ends into GA 75A, a left will take you into the quaint town of Helen.

Just north of Helen on GA 356 is Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls. These falls are perhaps the most scenic in GA (along with Amicalola west of Dawsonville) It is a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the base of the falls but nothing too strenuous and it is paved the whole way. The view at the end is worth it.

Another touristy thing in this area is just south of Helen in the White County seat of Cleveland. Babyland General Hospital is the site of the original Cabbage Patch Dolls. This might not be everyone's cup of tea however.

Would recommend returning to Blue Ridge via US 129, west on US 19 and then north on GA 60. GA 60 is one of my other favorite mountain roads and will take you through mountain country unspoiled by tourism.