Shop, spa, sip suds and “just breathe”– the North Georgia Mountains promise fun and restoration
When it comes to girls-only getaways, Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via Interstate 575, promises memories and more with shopping and spa-ing, plus sips and suds, all set against the backdrop of Mother Nature’s finest handiwork. Plan a weekend where you can get away with the gals — whether it’s to take a break from being “mom,” to savor a sip of wine with sisters, or, simply to reconnect with friends in the beauty of the North Georgia Mountains.
Shop locally-owned and one-of-a-kind
First stop: a visit to the Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company (511 East Main Street, Suite 100) and treat yourself to a gourmet selection of more than 65 varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegars — such as roasted walnut or blood orange infused oil — and the opportunity to taste these remarkable innovations from around the world. BlueRidgeOliveOil.com
Hunt treasure at High Country Art and Antiques (715 East Main Street). Peruse this gallery for traditional and impressionist fine art, folk art, photography, pottery, jewelry, sculptures, antiques and collectibles. www.HighCountryArt.com
Find more treasures at 3 Monkeys Antiques (2380 East First Street), featuring the works of local artists among vintage finds. www.3MonkeysAntiques.com
Pop next door to Wrapsody in Blue (652 East Main Street) for home furnishings, accessories and gifts that emulate the beauty of the mountains, lakes and rivers of the area.
Top off a visit to Blue Ridge with a stop at Multitudes Gallery (801 East Main Street), owned by Michael Lacey and featuring high-end glass work, art and jewelry. Inside, also find Fishbone Studios — home to Betty Wassmer Ceramics, showcasing the original creations of this noted ceramicist. www.MultitudesGallery.com; www.FishboneGallery.com
Spa-ahhh
A full service spa located in the heart of Blue Ridge, Serenity in the Mountains promises the R&R every woman craves (59 McKinney Rd.) and draws guests from both around the corner and around the country. Choose from restorative options like the Neuromuscular Massage, Body Scrub or the Refresher Facial. Whether in search of a hot stone facial, a relaxing massage, a haircut or just a manicure, this is the go-to destination to get away from it all. www.SerenityintheMountains.com
For in-town pampering, try Teatrees Boutique Spa (3293 East 1st St.). Savor a vanilla and lavender sugar scrub or a phyto pumpkin peel. Book a “spa party” for four or more girlfriends and enjoy complimentary refreshments as well as 10% off lunch at Harvest on Main. www.TeaTreesMassage.com
Bites
Breakfast at The Vault (260 West Main Street). Built in the town’s historic bank building, it’s no surprise that in the original bank’s walk-in safe you find an ample supply of their valuables: coffee. Start the day right with Payday Buttermilk Pancakes or The Banker’s Choice Breakfast, complete with eggs, biscuit or toast, bacon or sausage, hashbrowns and the oatmeal of the South–cheese grits. www.TheVaultBlueRidge.com
Savor lunch at Harvest on Main (576 East Main Street). Harvest on Main uses seasonal products whenever possible to support the local economy, farmer and artisan. HarvestonMain.com
Another great mid-day option: Christy Lee’s Courtyard Grille (588 East Main Street) welcomes guests with outdoor fire pits, live entertainment and a menu with temptations like Bacon Wrapped Scallops and Thai Chicken Wraps. www.ChristyLees.com
End a perfect Saturday by satisfying a sweet tooth with confectionaries from The Sweet Shoppe (576 East Main Street D) where owners Nikki Gribble and Susan Catron can boast of their win on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” www.TheSweetSouth.com
TIP: Book a guided three hour Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tour or Brew House Tour at www.BlueRidgeMountainFoodTours.com, 678-697-1120. Each tour will make five to six stops to various eateries offering a wide variety of food and beverage tastings from artful appetizers, decadent desserts, to local craft beer and wine. Get an insider’s view from a local tour guide who will provide you with fun facts and tidbits of history about the quaint mountain town.
Sips and suds
Blue Ridge doesn’t disappoint when it comes to savoring a sip. Raise a toast to these local haunts:
- Grumpy Old Men Brewing, A “Nano Brewery,” is home of sought-after beers like Moon Over Blue Ridge Wheat, Aska Pale Ale, Devils Den IPA and Hell’s Holler Porter. Established in 2012 by two “old retired guys” who were home brewing in an outdoor shower and graduated to their brewery on East Main in Blue Ridge, Grumpy Old Men Brewing’s corporate mission is simple: “If we don’t like it, we don’t drink it. If we don’t drink it, we don’t sell it.” Open for tastings from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 770-331-8870 or 404-966-2665; www.GrumpyOldMenBrewing.com.
- Blue Ridge Brewery, “The Brewery,” is Blue Ridge’s brewpub, with the capacity to pour six house brews and eight beers from other craft breweries. The Brewery also serves food and offers live acoustic music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights starting at 6 p.m. Open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. 706-632-6611; www.BlueRidgeBrewery.com.
- Fannin Brewing Company’s Tom Fennell brought his brewing skills to Fannin County for two simple reasons: Fresh air and fresh water make for fresh beer. Being local is important to Fannin Brewing; it’s in the name of their beers: Hiawassee Golden Ale, Toccoa Brown, Dahlonega Gold. They also source local ingredients in many of their beers. Their Tasting Room and Beer Garden is open on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. 706-258-2762; www.FanninBrewingCompany.com.
- Once you’ve had your fill at a Blue Ridge eatery, sample a Georgia Wine Tasting at The Vine, A Wine Bar and Bistro Restaurant (632 E Main St) where they also serve local wines and craft beers alongside simple, delicious and fresh food best enjoyed to the tunes of the bar’s live entertainment on the weekends. Tip: Each Friday at 6 p.m., Paul John Kearins of Chocolatasm guides guests through a six glass, six artisan chocolate pairing at The Vine. Chocolatasm chocolates are handcrafted in Blue Ridge using only natural and organic ingredients. The program consists of three white wines and three red wines, originating from the USA and South America, paired with one-of-a-kind ganache bonbons and infused couverture pieces. Make reservations before the preceding Thursday afternoon; 706-946-8463.
Insider tip: Visit the Self-guided Tours page on www.BlueRidgeMountains.com for complete descriptions and driving directions.
If you go
From lake-view with a mountain vista and room for 20 to cabins hidden away and built only for two (hot tub included!), find links to cabin rental companies at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.