Shoot, fish, shop and spa–Blue Ridge, Georgia, is the ultimate getaway for gals
BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA–JULY 2019–Girls just want to have fun! The saying is true and making the truth a reality is as close as a visit to Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via Interstate 575. Here, put the feminine in fun–whatever form it takes, from skeet shooting to hiking and biking, fishing to upscale, plush shopping and spa-ing.
Annie, get your gun
Grab your shotgun and ammo and enjoy a competitive round of clay shooting in a sport frequently referred to as “Golf with Shotguns.” Noontootla Creek Farm (NCF)(3668 Newport Road, Blue Ridge, Georgia) offers 12 shooting stations for a total of 100 targets. Sporting Clay Course hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 1-4 p.m., Sunday. Call 706-838-0585 for groups or any other days.
Make trails
Spend a refreshing day hiking or biking to local waterfalls on forested trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest–without making a dent in the budget. Find a hiking map here. Hike to Fall Branch Falls, where the upper portion is a series of cascades that lead to a single major drop of some 30 feet, with the water plunging into a deep pool at the base of the falls. Restock hunger-quelling supplies at Chester’s Provisions (733 East Main Street), which features unique food and beverages, including craft beers and wine, as well as an assortment of entertainment accessories. Gear up at Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters (500 East Main Street), a full service outfitter store offering premier brands in the outdoor industry. They also offer guided mountain bike rides and hikes out of their McCaysville and Blairsville locations.
Take the adventure to two wheels and bike these trails. Rent mountain bikes at Ocoee Adventure Center (4651 Highway 64, Copperhill, Tennessee) and challenge yourself with routes throughout Blue Ridge. For a different experience, check out
Pedego Electric Bikes (257 East Main Street) with rentals that feature pedal assist, as well as options for guided tours. Enjoy one of the trails they suggest along the Toccoa River or by Lake Blue Ridge without wearing yourself out.
Cast a line
Georgia’s Blue Ridge is the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia! According to Georgia Outdoor News, the Toccoa River is one of the region’s rivers that holds the characteristics required for anglers to find big trout. Serious trout fishermen know that there is serious trout fishing in Fannin County not only in the Toccoa, but in Rock Creek, Cooper Creek and Noontootla Creek. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources publishes a comprehensive trout fishing guide to Georgia, available at the Welcome Center. NCF also offers two miles of guided trophy fly-fishing. With two locations, one in Copperhill near the Toccoa and Ocoee, and another on Lake Blue Ridge, Toccoa River Outfitters (120 Grand Avenue, Copperhill, Tennessee) provides guided wade trips and float trips on both the head waters and the tail waters of the Toccoa River. Or, shop Cohutta Fishing Company (490 East Main Street) where you’ll find goods from companies such as Filson, Orvis, Simms Fishing Products, Mountain Khakis, Howler Brothers, Scott Fly Rods, Thomas & Thomas Fly Rods, Nautilus Reels and Pendleton, as well as guided experiences. Access points to fishing in the area can be found on these handy printable maps and guides:
R&R
When it’s time to relax, splurge on soothing massage therapy, holistic facials or therapeutic body treatments during a spa day at Teatrees Boutique Spa (3293 East First Street). Nearby, Serenity in the Mountains (59 McKinney Road) offers spa and suite packages that may seem like a splurge, but are actually a bargain. Serenity in the Mountains was rated one of the “10 best value spas in the country” in Rachael Ray’s magazine. Try the tree house suites for a spa treatment with heightened perspective and the newly opened Himalayan salt cave, which offers a peaceful area to detox and rejuvenate.
Treasure hunting
Find the perfect memento to memorialize your getaway with jewelry and bags at Canoe (624 East Main Street) where Lynn Kemp showcases wearable art. Foodies will love restocking the pantry with splurge-worthy treats at Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company (511 East Main Street, Suite 100) which hosts a gourmet selection of more than 65 varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegars–such as roasted walnut or blood orange infused oil–and provides the opportunity to taste these remarkable innovations from around the world. Nearby, Out of the Blue (647 East Main Street) offers an extraordinary selection of the finest wines, beers and artisan cheeses from around the world. They sport the only beer growler station in Blue Ridge, too. Outfit your home at New Blue Home and Gift (531 East Main Street, Suite 103) and Mitzi’s on Main (631 East Main Street); then, accessorize with treasures from 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. Find more treasures at 3 Monkeys Home Accents (35 East Thomas Road) featuring the works of local artists among vintage finds. At Turning Leaf Wood Art (651 East Main Street) see works of more than 50 exclusively American artists. 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, find Fishbone Studio–home to Betty Wassmer Ceramics, showcasing the original creations of this noted ceramicist.
Seeking reasons to stay? Try these additional outdoor adventures.
If you go
For accommodations complete with kitchens, choices include lodges with stunning mountain views, creek-side hideaways, riverfront fishing lodges, cabins on the lake, cozy cabins, hotels and resorts–which range in price from $100 to $1,000 per night. Visit www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/where-to-stay for a complete listing.