Escape to the Georgia Mountains for a Memorable Fall Weekend

One of the things I love about where we live is there is never a shortage of easy road trips we can take nearby. Adorable Southern towns, beaches, and even the beginning of the Appalachian Mountains.

Blue Ridge, GA

We first decided to ride over to Blue Ridge, GA when I heard they had a train ride that you could take through the forest to see all the changing colors of Fall. The cost for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is $54 per person. Because of the cost, this was a one time trip on the train for us. The 4-hour, 26 mile round trip winds along the beautiful Toccoa River in vintage, climate-controlled or open-air rail cars. The relaxing ride starts at the historic depot, built in 1905 in downtown Blue Ridge, then stops for a layover in the quaint sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Here, visitors have a 2-hour layover; plenty of time to eat lunch, shop for unique crafts and antiques, snack on ice cream, or walk across the old bridge in town to view the river. Passengers then re-board the train for the one-hour return trip. We chose to take the afternoon train as we wanted to have lunch in Blue Ridge before our trip. We also chose the enclosed car, which was a mistake. Choose the open air car and sit on the right side, this is where you will have the best views.

Apple Festival – Ellijay, GA

The Georgia Apple Festival brings two exciting weekends to Ellijay every year in October. There are vendors offering food, art, crafts, and more, as well as visitors from all over. There is a $5 entrance fee.  Unfortunately, no pets are allowed unless they are service animals. We were camping near by so we were able to leave our pups in the RV. Don’t worry about the heat, we have a great AC unit plus our RV Pet Thermometer would have alerted us if the temps began to rise. The temps in October don’t normally get over 70 and this weekend was no exception. Don’t forget to check out the many orchards in the area that help contribute to this wonderful festival. 

Toccoa Valley Campground

When visiting this area, we stayed at the Toccoa Valley Campground, located on the banks of the Toccoa River. The campground is located only 11 miles from Blue Ridge. This campground was very comfortable and clean. There are several tent sites right on the river, but most of the full hook ups are near the river, but not waterfront. You can still hear the rushing water at most of all the campsites. This campground is for campers and RVs that are under 25ft, so plan ahead to be sure your rig will work. 

Toccoa River Tubing

Toccoa River tubing, kayaking, and canoeing are great float trips for families with children too young for whitewater rafting. The Toccoa River is perfect for those who just want to relax and enjoy the gentile flow of the water. This river is actually the headwaters of Tennessee’s famous Ocoee River but changes its name to the Toccoa River when it crosses the line into Georgia. Be sure to bring water shoes as the bottom of the river can be rocky.

Restaurants

Southern Charm has the best home cooked country style food you will eat in this area. We have to eat there every time we come to Blue Ridge. I am sure there are other fine places in Blue Ridge, but this is our favorite. Home cooked rolls brought to the table as soon as you sit down, sweet tea in mason jars, and some of the best green fried tomatoes you will eat. We always sit outside under the screened-in porch and watch the people stroll by in downtown Blue Ridge. Check them out if you are in the area! Southern Charm

 

This area really has a ton of charm and too many outdoor activities and great restaurants to name them all. If you come to the area for the orchards, the Apple Festival or just some good down time, this area does not disappoint.

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