From Kudzu basket-weaving to Cuban coffee, find the unexpected in Blue Ridge, Georgia
BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA–OCTOBER 2019–Find the unusual and unexpected in Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via Interstate 575. From tempting taste buds with flavors from around the world to harnessing the powers of salt for relaxation, Blue Ridge has quirky ways to create a memorable escape.
Quell a craving
Treat your inner hippie to a oozy, cheesy slice amidst the peace signs and welcoming, relaxed vibe at family-owned and -operated Mystic Mountain Pizza (4118 E 1st St, Blue Ridge, GA). Eclectic décor is as colorful as the menu choices, which range from specialty pies to fresh salads to indulgent desserts.
For an authentic Cuban experience in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, try sweet bites of moist cake and warm, energy-surging Cuban coffee at the Rum Cake Lady Bakery and Cuban Café (111 Ocoee Street, Copperhill, TN), a family-owned, fast-casual cafe offering authentic Cuban comfort food, just like “mami” used to make. The icing on the cake? You can’t miss the café’s famous rum cakes. Satisfy a craving six days a week and enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, a retail selection of Cuban products, all flavors and sizes of their famous Rum Cakes, fresh roasted espresso Cuban coffee, fresh baked Cuban bread, pastelitos and a larger menu offering specials for lunch, as well as an assortment of ready to-go meals–perfect for stocking up the cabin during your getaway. An additional location in downtown Blue Ridge means a sweet treat is always within arm’s reach. The Rum Cake Lady to Go (205 West 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA) is reminiscent of a Cuban walk-up window-cafe, “La Ventanita,” and offers fresh-off-the-press Cuban sandwiches, pastries, the best Cuban coffee in town, grab and go Cuban food bowls, desserts and a full selection of their famous rum cakes.
For another delicious Blue Ridge foodie experience, stop at the Trailer Drive-In (2691 E 1st St, Blue Ridge, GA) where temptations like biscuits and gravy, patty melts and milkshakes make mouths water.
Nearby, at The Boro Inn Irish Pub and Restaurant (150 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA), savor a variety of ales, ciders, lagers, stouts, international gastro beers, spirits and wines, along with soft drinks, Irish foods, a song, a sonnet or a poem, a story of histories past and present.
Round out unique restaurant experiences in Blue Ridge with a visit to Rod’s Rockin’ Rolls (327 Main Street, Ducktown, TN), a family-owned restaurant specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine. Chef Rod’s food is prepared fresh daily. Enjoy hand-rolled sushi, Thai spring rolls and more.
Unusual souvenirs
Shop souvenir treasures at Folk Apothics (3586 East 1st St., Ste. 302, Blue Ridge, GA). The store specializes in remembering Appalachian Roots and purveys organic herbs, teas, salves, extraction, ointments, supplies, mountain knowledge and all things folk. Stories and wisdom are shared through hands-on workshops.
In Copperhill, Pic N Vine (104 South Grande Ave., Copperhill, TN), is the ultimate souvenir stop. Think you can’t be in two places at once? Think again! Here, take a picture while standing in two states (Copperhill, TN/McCaysville, GA) at one time. The state dividing line actually runs through the shop. Also here, you can dress up and step back in time with a vintage black and white picture ($5 per print and photos are emailed on the spot). And, in just 30 minutes, master the art of basket weaving using kudzu vines and leave with your own work of art. Pic N Vine offers individual and group basket-weaving instruction, $5 per person for one to five people and $10 for five or more people. Instruction is available during normal business hours and no appointment is needed unless you have a large group or would like a specific time slot.
One-of-a-kind adventures
Tap into childhood dreams at Tank Town USA (10408 Appalachian Hwy., Morganton, GA), the ultimate heavy equipment playground for adventure sports and off-road excursions. Whether you want to drive a military tank, military trucks or construction equipment, Tank Town USA has it all.
Make one final stop to see Expedition: Bigfoot! Adventure Outpost (721 East Main St., Blue Ridge, GA) where the legend comes to life through a well-done museum and souvenir gift shop.
Unusually relaxed
When it’s time to relax, splurge on treatments at Serenity in the Mountains (59 McKinney Road) which offers tree house suites for a spa experience with heightened perspective and a newly opened Himalayan salt cave, which provides a peaceful area to detox and rejuvenate.
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.