BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA—MARCH 2020—Blue Ridge, Georgia, a charming mountain town about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via I-575, has always been a vacation getaway spot for reviving the senses – mind and body. The town has become so popular with Atlantans and Floridians escaping the city for a little peace and quiet, that it has attracted millions in commercial investment in downtown Blue Ridge, along with thousands of mountain vacation homes in the 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest and along the banks of Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River.
Although most of the downtown development in Blue Ridge has occurred east of the tracks of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, there is currently a revival including $37 million of investment on the “other side of the tracks” along West Main Street.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Blue Ridge
A rooftop bar will be the perfect place to hang out at the $18.5 million 109 room hotel on West Main Street, currently in construction and expected to open spring of 2021. Developed by Vision Hospitality Group, Inc., in partnership with Blue Ridge Hotel, LLC, the hotel is anticipated to deliver a lodging experience new to the area also offering 1,200 square feet of meeting space and the city’s only rooftop bar and event space at the foothills of the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains.
The 109-room hotel is located on West Main Street in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge, tucked between a mix of local breweries, wineries, eclectic eateries and a collection of specialty retail shops that complement the Historic District. The property is thoughtfully positioned to provide a seamless experience for visitors and will offer a retreat for its neighboring city of Atlanta and surrounding region, all while maintaining an attractive price point. The hotel will feature distinct design elements of cedar, stone and masonry, as well as spacious guest rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center, oversized fitness center and outdoor patio. Every Hampton by Hilton guest will enjoy the brand’s signature free, hot breakfast with healthy options and On the Run ™ breakfast bags. For information, contact Emily Odeh with Vision Hospitality Group Inc. at ecrawford@vhghotels.com, call, 423-602-5851 or visit www.vhghotels.com
Blue Ridge Station
Next door, the recently completed $6 million Blue Ridge Station, by Hawthorne Ventures, offers 15 spacious lofts for full time living or vacation rental. Residents of the upper three levels can experience loft-living with outdoor balcony views of downtown Blue Ridge and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. On the main level Bin 322 is a wine bar bistro, and Mona Lisa’s offers dessert and champagne. Find out more at www.BlueRidgeStation.com or Julie Fitts Queen at juliequeen@remax.net, 706-455-4075.
Trackside Station
Coming soon, $9 million also by Hawthorne Ventures Blue Ridge LLC, Trackside Station retail village will feature 12 retail suites, each including approximately 2,100 square feet for a total of 25,200 square feet of new retail and restaurant space on West Main, including a parking deck with 189 spaces. Trackside Station is projected to be complete by the first quarter of 2021. Contact Julie Fitts Queen at juliequeen@remax.net or 706-455-4075.
55 Mountain Street
Right around the corner from the new Hampton Inn is 55 Mountain Street, 12,000 square feet, a $3.5 million investment with two spacious loft apartments, two large retail spaces and an upscale restaurant with a year-round deck for dining, featuring an excellent view of downtown Blue Ridge. Contact, Travis Coleman at 706-455-0415 or travis@colemanloghomes.com.
If you go
Blue Ridge is a collision of opposites resulting in a picture-perfect getaway for crafting memories, whether seeking solitude, uniting family, gathering friends or igniting romance and has long been a sought-after destination. Take a scenic drive, hike to waterfalls, go horseback riding or ride the rails with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Shop upscale artisans, linger over five-star meals and commune with nature in Georgia’s Fly-fishing Capital. Explore the Benton MacKaye Trail, spanning nearly 300 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, as well as the Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge. And now, indulge in a plethora of downtown conveniences that make a visit—even one that lasts a lifetime—easier than ever.