The Blue Ridge center point is around the area of Downtown Blue Ridge and 13 miles southeast of Ocoee Whitewater Center.
The warmest season in Blue Ridge is June through August. Average summer temperatures are hot but bearable, though occasionally highs reach the upper 90s. The best times to visit are the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October when temperatures are still warm but not excessively hot. You're also more likely to get a good hotel deal for those times rather than in high summer. Winter temperatures can often be below freezing, so if you decide to visit then you'll snap up a bargain for your accommodations, but you will need to bundle up.
Comfort Inn & Suites is close to the center of Blue Ridge, Georgia, and offers discounts of up to 20 percent to AAA members. Located in the mountains, this hotel is just a five-minute drive from the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, and reasonably close to other local attractions. All rooms come with flat-screen televisions for entertainment, and refrigerators and tea and coffee facilities are available for your convenience. There's an on-site fitness center for the more active traveler and a business center with desks and free local calls for those working on the road. Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the hotel, and a daily continental breakfast is included with your stay.
The Stratford Motor Inn East Ellijay offers great discounts of up to 10 percent to AAA members. Still within a short drive of Blue Ridge's attractions, the hotel offers 60 air-conditioned rooms with a refrigerator and microwave. Private bathrooms are standard, with either a shower or a tub, and cable programming is available to keep you entertained. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and a complimentary continental breakfast is available daily. The Stratford Motor Inn East Ellijay has a 24-hour front desk, free self-parking, and a seasonal outdoor pool to enjoy on hot days.
Best Western Mountain View Inn is a bit more of a drive, but the facilities at the hotel make it worth the extra travel. There's a scenic picnic area available for all guests to use, and Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the hotel. Every room features cable programming on flat-screen televisions for your entertainment, and each has a private bathroom with either a shower or tub facility. The front desk is open 24-hours, and there's self-parking available on-site. The indoor pool and spa tub offer a great way to unwind after a busy day exploring.
America's Best Value Inn Blue Ridge is a centrally located hotel, with 56 rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions with cable programming as standard. Each room has a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, and a microwave and tea and coffee machines are included. Wi-Fi is provided free throughout the hotel, and each day a complimentary continental breakfast is served. The front desk is 24-hour, free self-parking is available on-site, and pets are allowed by prior arrangement. As an added bonus for a budget hotel, America's Best Value Inn has an outdoor pool for all guests to enjoy.
If you enjoy craft beer or small-batch wine then Blue Ridge, Georgia, is a great place to visit. There are two vineyards, one apple orchard making their own cider, and three breweries. Both of the vineyards offer spectacular views over the mountains for you to enjoy while you sample their wines. Serenberry Vineyards has a 1920s tasting barn and an open-air patio looking out upon spectacular views. Bear Claw Vineyards is home to the Blue Ridge Treehouse and also has plenty of bubbling springs to enjoy on a stroll through the vines.
Mercier Orchards is unique in the whole of Georgia. It is the only apple orchard to completely create its own hard cider, from growing the apples to bottling the end product. It is definitely worth visiting this 120-acre farm, not just to taste the selection of cider, but also to try the delicious farm wines. Blackberry wine, Fall Harvest Apple wine, and Summer Sweet Peach wine are all available seasonally.
Fannin Brewing Company set up in Blue Ridge because of the fresh spring water supply. This water makes great-tasting beers, and they brew several including a golden ale, a lager, and an IPA. They source local ingredients wherever possible, and you can taste the results in the on-site tasting room or the beer garden. Blue Ridge has been home to a nano-brewery named Grumpy Old Men Brewing since 2012. Some of their beers, including the Moon Over Blue Ridge Wheat, are world-famous, but you need to be in town during the weekend to try it. Grumpy Old Men Brewery is only open for tastings on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons.
If you prefer to drink your beer in a pub, then check out The Brewery. With six of their own beers and eight delicious varieties from other local brewers, this place is ideal for tasting a wide variety of craft beers in one place. As an added bonus, The Brewery is well-known for its excellent food, and there is live acoustic music on Fridays and Saturdays. Plan your trip wisely, however, as they are only open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Blue Ridge is a beautiful city with a friendly local vibe. Whether you like to explore the great outdoors, enjoy a local art gallery, or taste a selection of craft beers and wine, Blue Ridge has something for everyone that makes for a truly memorable trip. With a selection of hotels to match, suiting any budget or requirement, there really is no reason not to visit this charming mountain city soon.
Below are reviews of the city of Blue Ridge, GA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Good restaurants!
The downtown area is wonderful and you absolutely must try the pork chop dinner at The General Ledger and the rum cake from The Rum Cake Lady.
Unique shops and restaurants. Blue Ridge Freedom Run.
The staff was very professional, friendly and helpful.
Always have loved Blue Ridge!
Everything! Convenient and gorgeous!
Love the people of Blue Ridge. Will be back. Great train ride and the food and shops were wonderful!
The leaves and country streams were nice!
Passing through but love downtown!
Great local shops and restaurants. Quaint and charming with very friendly people.
Great local shops and restaurants. Quaint and charming with very friendly people.
Lunch at Southern Charm restaurant was great, the Bear Claw Winery was fun. Loved the ladies clothing store named Juliann's Boutique!
We visited Mercier Orchards and the lake.
This was the "center" of everywhere I wanted to visit!
Shops are diverse and interesting. There are many different food places and the locals are very friendly.
Loved downtown shopping!