BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA—OCTOBER 2022—Combine a shopping experience with a getaway in Blue Ridge, Georgia, a charming North Georgia mountain town about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via I-575. From fresh air and scenic views to shopping, dining and relaxing places to stay, this chic and casual vacation spot was named by Southern Living Magazine as one of the “South’s Best Mountain Towns, 2021.” 

Of all the towns in North Georgia, Blue Ridge has the largest array of specialty shops, boutiques and galleries for fine furnishings, art, antiques, clothing and jewelry. These locally owned shops offer out-of-the-ordinary items that make perfect gifts and are perfect for yourself. This town boasts more than 120 shops, from children and pet boutiques to international wares worthy of a bazaar to clothing, outdoor outfitters, Peruvian, Middle Eastern and African shops, outdoor art, flea markets and even not-for-profit thrift stores that donate to favorite causes.

Crafted in Blue Ridge

Looking for unique artisan-crafted items? Blue Ridge has been named one of the “Top 10 Towns for Craft Lovers” in the country. For fly fishers, Bill Oyster, of Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods has created handcrafted bamboo fly rods for Presidents and for buyers across the globe. Each masterpiece rod takes about 50 hours to make. His fly rod crafting classes are in high demand. Either would make a treasured gift.

Shop Pezrock gallery’s collection of exquisite minerals; fossils and carved wildlife driftwood, teak furniture; petrified wood sinks and tables; custom fireplace mantels and more. 524 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513; (706) 632-6036

Creative entrepreneur Lynn Kemp, owner of Canoe, has turned her creativity from designing handbags to her love of painting. Large abstract statement paintings and small, from oil and acrylic to inks are for sale, along with handcrafted jewelry, luxury candles, coffee table books and books on entertaining. Hand-crafted furniture, live edge tables and accessories can be found in more than a few stores throughout the area. Christmas is Here! features hand-made and American-made artists’ work. Enjoy a range of Christmas and other gift items. 100 Blue Ridge Drive, Suite 115 McCaysville, Georgia; (706) 964-1166

Check out the downloadable Blue Ridge Shopping map: http://s3.amazonaws.com/blueridge-2018/documents/15Shopping-2022web.pdf  and find details here: www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/shopping/  

Shop ‘til You snack

Fortify yourself for a shopping marathon and shop while you snack. In Hampton Square in the heart of downtown, The Pasta Market—Blue Ridge offers a colorful and welcoming artisanal market, has a secret wine bar and offers wine tastings and tapas-style plates. Wines from Italy, Napa Valley, and Sonoma are sold by the bottle and exceptional pre-made and custom gift baskets are available, along with kitchen and home accessories such as ceramics, cheese boards and candles. The Sweet Shoppe of Blue Ridge is a winner of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” and some of their items can also be shipped. Post-shopping, relax with a beer, glass of wine or a hand-crafted cocktail and peruse the menu at Hook & Eye Rooftop Bar at the new Hampton Inn Blue Ridge, The Vine and Eatery or The General Ledger.

For gifts that showcase the bounty of the harvest (and to enjoy yourself) head just a little farther to Mercier Orchards. The largest apple orchard in the southeast, known as Southern Living Magazine’s “favorite roadside apple market,” has been in the family since 1942. The kitchens make irresistible fried pies, fritters, cider and apple butter, not to mention caramel apples, fudge, brittle and more. Have them wrapped up into deliciously unique gift baskets. 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513; (706) 632-3411

Blue Ridge is a true North Georgia foodie destination, with a cornucopia of casual, fine and late-night restaurants located throughout the downtown area. Don’t miss out on some memorable meals. Here’s a list of where to eat www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/restaurants and a map of area dining. 

Art galleries, antiques and uniques

Among the fine art galleries in the area are 4 Elements Art, High Country Art, Multitudes Gallery, and Turning Leaf – A Fine Art Gallery, in downtown Blue Ridge. The Art Center is headquarters for the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, located in the historic Fannin County Courthouse Peruse pieces from their 600 member artists. Watch some of them at work while selecting your purchases. Here’s a complete listing of art galleries. For a treasure-hunt shopping adventure, take the Antique & Uniques Self-Guided Tour featuring 24 local favorites along a winding trail from Blue Ridge to McCaysville. Click Antiques and Uniques Shopping Guide to download the free printable guide.

Where to stay

With so much browsing and shopping, plan on staying awhile. Intown, secluded overnight options are possible, ranging from chic lofts overlooking the town to an 1890s B&B or in the new, stylish Hampton Inn Blue Ridge featuring balcony rooms and the city’s only rooftop bar/restaurant, Hook & Eye. Follow this link to discover all intown Blue Ridge lodging. 

Looking for a mountain retreat? Because 40 percent of Fannin County is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, sweeping views can be enjoyed from windows and decks or on a close-by hike in the woods to a waterfall. Choices include mountain hideaways, creekside retreats, riverfront lodges, cabins on the lake and much more. Indulge in a one-of-a-kind escape in a romantic treehouse at Bear Claw Vineyard built by “The Treehouse Guys” on DIY network, complete with a galley kitchen and bath. Serenity in the Mountains offers spa and suite packages that include a 90-minute couples massage and much more. To search for the perfect accommodations, go to www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/where-to-stay. 

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First, energize at Cornerstone Coffee + Co, a chic coffee café offering locally roasted craft coffee, cookies and fresh pastries. Teas include specialties like Just Peachy, combined with premium peach puree (100 Pine Avenue Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-376-5538).

Shopping 

In addition to malls and national retailers, more than 20 boutiques and specialty stores provide unique, on-trend fashions, home décor and gifts, antiques and recreational and fitness gear. Albany’s many locally owned boutiques offer exclusive finds in all sizes and price ranges, starting at affordable prices. 

Bandit and the Babe is a modern bohemian boutique with an ever-evolving mix of eclectic, hand-picked clothing and accessories locally made across the globe (249 Pine Avenue Albany‚ Georgia 31701; 229-496-6836). Blush Albany Boutique solves denim and upscale dress dilemmas, and suggests the trendiest tops and accessories (2334 Whispering Pines Road Albany‚ Georgia 31707; 229-439-0332). Score “nice clothes for bad babes” and other bold youthful styles and statement jewelry at Ibiza Boutique (Hunters Mill Shopping Center, 2610 Dawson Road, Albany, Georgia 31707; 404-938-9640). From cozy family time, to a night on the town, Roots & Wings Boutique – Albany, GA has shoppers covered right down to stylish footwear (711 North Westover Boulevard, Suite F Albany‚ Georgia; 229-496-1532). Rebel Dolls specializes in standout, youthful clothing and accessories for women who aren’t afraid to be bold and trendy: rebels with a stylish cause (719 North Westover Boulevard, Albany, Georgia 31707; 229-449-1354). From a collection of dresses, tops and sets, to custom-designed looks from the mind of a true artist, Vizorre Fashions and Designs is a go-to for one-of-a-kind outfits in sizes small to 4X (Hunters Mills Plaza, 2610 Dawson Road Suite 13, Albany, Georgia 31707 or Albany Mall, 2601 Dawson Road #D-17, Albany, Georgia 31707; 770-855-1418).

For one-stop shopping, Livi & Company houses over 90 vendors with a wide variety of goods from hand-crafted to vintage and antique (3099 Ledo Road Leesburg, Georgia 31763; 229-496-1822). Rock the gypsy soul with distinctive gifts, accessories and more at The Paisley Fig, featuring a curated collection of products from local artisans as well as fair trade from around the globe (238 West Broad Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-894-2297). For a complete list of independently owned retailers, see VisitAlbanyGA.com/explore/category/shop.

Sip, savor and dine

Finished shopping already? Relax with a pint at the Good Life City’s farm-to-tap brewery, Pretoria Fields Brewing in downtown Albany (120 Pine Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-518-1770). For vino and stronger spirits, visit Still Pond Vineyard and Distillery (1575 Still Pond Road, Arlington, Georgia 39813; 1-800-475-1193), the only farm winery and distillery in the Southeast. Sample some of Still Pond’s 18 award-winning wines, flavored and straight moonshine, award-winning vodka, and other spirits. Head to Corks Wine & Charcuterie for a curated charcuterie board and a bottle of wine to take to your room (2700 Dawson Road, Suite 5, Albany, Georgia 31707; 229- 405-1500). Sip, savor and browse delicious dining options as you celebrate the day’s finds.

From elegant ambience to trendsetting eateries for foodies, Albany is known for destination dining, with more than 45 local choices in addition to noted chains and franchises. For elegant dining, choose The Flint, aptly named for its location alongside the Flint River, which serves succulent Southern fare like fresh seafood sensations of stuffed flounder and fried catfish (112 Pine Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-302-3568). The restaurant focuses on the fresh, not frozen, bounty of the Georgia and Florida coast, yet satisfies meat-eaters and vegetarians. The pub-style Harvest Moon has music and a menu to satisfy everyone in the group (2347 Dawson Road, Albany, Georgia 31707; 229-439-7077). A fave is the Harvest Pie pizza complete with pesto, grilled eggplant, Portobello mushrooms, tomatoes, tri-colored peppers, spinach and two kinds of cheese. Nearby, Blackbeard’s offers a far-ranging menu, including barbecue, freshwater and ocean seafood, steaks, salads and more (2209 North Slappey Boulevard, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-878-6369). 

Breakfast? Among several choices, Pearly’s Famous Country Cookin’ is known for Southern favorites like blueberry pancakes and cathead biscuits with gravy along with a morning cup of Joe 9814 North Slappey Boulevard, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-432-0141). Pearly’s is equally delicious for lunchtime with a good handle on the meat and three possibilities. In addition, many of Albany’s more than two dozen hotels offer complimentary breakfast.

Looking for even more local dining, lodging, shopping and attractions? Find it at VisitAlbanyGA.com. 

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Shake up traditional gift giving; ditch possessions that will inevitably fade or go out of style and instead give the only present that will last a lifetime: a treasured experience. Henry County, Georgia, offers an indelible getaway with a variety of enticing attractions. Feel a rush of adrenaline at the EchoPark Speedway (formerly known as the Atlanta Speedway), climb high and achieve stunning views at Panola Mountain State Park or get in on the action with a behind the scenes TV show tour. Only 30 minutes south of Atlanta, and the perfect stopping point for those en route to Savannah or Orlando, a vacation to this unique part of the Peach State will be forever etched into the fondest of memories.

Ride on

The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation honors the military’s “Sky Soldiers” by restoring and maintaining vintage aircrafts of the Vietnam War. The experience takes flight when climbing aboard a UH-1H Huey, where a veteran pilot takes guests high into the clouds aboard this impressive chopper. Thrill-seekers will enjoy a more intense ride by taking a seat inside the AH-1F Cobra attack helicopter. The Foundation connects the American soldier to the American public as an active, accepted, and admired member of the American family by presenting the story of Army Aviation and the American soldier. https://armyav.org/about/

If you are an Academy of Model Aeronautics member, fly your beloved aircraft at Red Hawk Nature preserve, home of the Henry County RC Club for Radio Controlled Airplanes. If you are not a member, you can still take in the view as dozens of these impressive model aircrafts take the gorgeous Georgia skies. The RC Club is located at 143 Henry Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253 and members typically fly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

If your loved one has ever envisioned slipping on a fire suit and becoming a NASCAR racer, EchoPark Speedway is in the business of making dreams come true. There are several driving schools to get racing enthusiasts burning rubber on the same track as racing greats Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. Whether you prefer an expert driver to take you around the 1.54-mile quad oval or want to take the wheel yourself at speeds in excess of 150 mph, there is a driving class that will have you pulling into Victory Lane as the champion gift-giver. For more information on EchoPark Speedway’s driving schools, go to:  https://www.nascarracingexperience.com/atlanta-motor-speedway-2/

Get Out

Outdoor enthusiasts can take aim at Panola Mountain State Park. Shoot arrows at one of two types of archery ranges: the traditional static range where archers shoot into “bow butt” targets or realistic targets where deer, turkey and other critters move on several lanes. Elevate the mountain experience with an adventure exploring the canopy above with tree climbing. Exercise buffs will enjoy this strenuous activity where they use a rope and a harness to ascend into a 200+ year old Southern Red Oak, where they can climb, swing and scramble. Climbers can choose how high they would like to go and even swing to and walk on branches 30+ feet off the ground. After a long day of outdoor fun, catch some ZZZ’s in the Trees. Soak in a tranquil night in the canopy as you lay in your “treeboat,” viewing stars through glistening branches. For more information on these programs, go to:
http://www.gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain 

Tours Galore

Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary is a must-see for animal lovers. Take in the sights of 1,500 animals and over 100 different species roaming the peaceful grounds. The Walk on the Wildside tour allows guests to get up close and personal with lions, bears and livestock. For a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, let your animal enthusiast be the Keeper for the Day. With this tour, they will receive a behind the scenes, hands-on experience focused on what goes into the care of every animal at Noah’s Ark by working side-by-side with the Keeper all day long.
For more information and prices, visit:  
http://www.Noahs-Ark.org/tours2

Feed the Senses

For the chef, a cooking class at Olive in a Bottle is what’s on the menu. A retailer of Ultra Premium extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegars from around the world, their unique and extensive selection of olive oils and vinegars are uniquely harvested to bring new flavors to your home. Once a month, the chefs at Olive in a Bottle teach guests how to use first-rate ingredients to enliven their menu repertoires and bring the luxury of fine cuisine back to the home kitchen. For more information check out:
http://www.oliveinabottle.com/home

This year, instead of wrapping boxes, wrap up a gift that truly keeps on giving: a trip to Henry County, Georgia, where unique experiences turn into stories and memories to relive again and again.

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