Christy's Guidebook
Hiking
Whether it is a nature hike, intermediate or difficult hike, you will enjoy this volunteer built and maintained trail system.
Bring a picnic and relax by the pond or hike to the observation deck ( yellow trail). Listen for chimpanzees communicating from inside the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is home to 81 chimps retired from medical research
17 locals recommend
Project Chimps
2031 Lowery RdWhether it is a nature hike, intermediate or difficult hike, you will enjoy this volunteer built and maintained trail system.
Bring a picnic and relax by the pond or hike to the observation deck ( yellow trail). Listen for chimpanzees communicating from inside the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is home to 81 chimps retired from medical research
Helton Creek Falls
I short hike to a beautiful waterfall.
This is the first place we hiked when we moved here. The bridge doesn’t actually swing very must, but the expansive bridge crosses the river. Be warned, there are a lot of stairs.
112 locals recommend
Swinging Bridge on the Toccoa River
Swinging Bridge on the Toccoa RiverThis is the first place we hiked when we moved here. The bridge doesn’t actually swing very must, but the expansive bridge crosses the river. Be warned, there are a lot of stairs.
A beautiful waterfall that you can hike or ride to. It was a hit with my family.
106 locals recommend
Amicalola Falls
A beautiful waterfall that you can hike or ride to. It was a hit with my family.
Winery
Close to the cabin and delicious wine. With a family friendly atmosphere, being a picnic and dine indoors or out. Or let Queen Bee Dawgs fix you up a delicious hot dog off her food truck! Local talent will give you some music, too. Walk the vineyards, relax by the fire pit or play a game of Jenga. It is up to you, at this family friendly winery.
156 locals recommend
Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery, Inc.
2281 Tennis Court RdClose to the cabin and delicious wine. With a family friendly atmosphere, being a picnic and dine indoors or out. Or let Queen Bee Dawgs fix you up a delicious hot dog off her food truck! Local talent will give you some music, too. Walk the vineyards, relax by the fire pit or play a game of Jenga. It is up to you, at this family friendly winery.
Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery
439 Vineyard WayParadise Hills, Winery Resort & Spa
366 Paradise RdWonderful location and great wine.
Cartecay Vineyards
5704 Clear Creek RdPerfect after a day of floating the Cartecay River.
Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery
1862 Orchard LnBest red wine!
Sightseeing
A destination in and of itself, this apple farm has been an institution in the county. Grab a basket of apples, fried pies, and a bottle of cider or wine.
The frozen wine slushies are awesome on a hot summer day !
Check their website for u-pick strawberry and apple dates.
420 locals recommend
Mercier Orchards
8660 Blue Ridge DrA destination in and of itself, this apple farm has been an institution in the county. Grab a basket of apples, fried pies, and a bottle of cider or wine.
The frozen wine slushies are awesome on a hot summer day !
Check their website for u-pick strawberry and apple dates.
Another great apple orchard. They offer other fruits, veggies and canned preserves and pickles.
It is a much quieter orchard but also offers u.pick opportunities.
R &A’s also offers a great simple lunch menu at a reasonable price. Think BLT or burger.
67 locals recommend
R & A Orchards
5505 GA-52Another great apple orchard. They offer other fruits, veggies and canned preserves and pickles.
It is a much quieter orchard but also offers u.pick opportunities.
R &A’s also offers a great simple lunch menu at a reasonable price. Think BLT or burger.
A perfect spot for the family to pet farm animals and grab a scoop of ice cream. Open 10-6 daily. And, if you are looking for a great cut of meat, the butcher has you covered.
40 locals recommend
Mountain Valley Farm Store
2021 Homer Wright RdA perfect spot for the family to pet farm animals and grab a scoop of ice cream. Open 10-6 daily. And, if you are looking for a great cut of meat, the butcher has you covered.
My husband and son-in-law loved going here. It is a little “touristy” for me, but the owner is truly into the history. You’ll find great gifts for people in their gift shop.
131 locals recommend
EXPEDITION:BIGFOOT! The Sasquatch Museum
1934 GA-515My husband and son-in-law loved going here. It is a little “touristy” for me, but the owner is truly into the history. You’ll find great gifts for people in their gift shop.
Swan Drive In
651 Summit StSo much fun!
Food scene
It is our local soup and sandwich go-to! I personally love the Reuben and chicken and wild rice soup.
Their desserts are locally made and amazing!
47 locals recommend
Cantaberry
524 E Main StIt is our local soup and sandwich go-to! I personally love the Reuben and chicken and wild rice soup.
Their desserts are locally made and amazing!
This is our favorite Mexican restaurant. With only 6-8 tables, you will find fresh, authentic food cooked with the best ingredients.
7 locals recommend
Las Dos Huastecas
4114 E 1st StThis is our favorite Mexican restaurant. With only 6-8 tables, you will find fresh, authentic food cooked with the best ingredients.
Regularly voted best bbq in Blue Ridge by locals on Facebook, this family friendly storefront restaurant will satisfy your BBQ needs.
You can also order to-go and bring back to the cabin after a day of hiking.
40 locals recommend
Carroll's Barbeque
39 Lance StRegularly voted best bbq in Blue Ridge by locals on Facebook, this family friendly storefront restaurant will satisfy your BBQ needs.
You can also order to-go and bring back to the cabin after a day of hiking.
Black Sheep Restaurant
480 W Main StHigh end dining. Chef Ryan is amazing.
Here is where to get good ole’ country cooking! Save room for dessert.
95 locals recommend
Southern Charm Restaurant
224 W Main StHere is where to get good ole’ country cooking! Save room for dessert.
Best pizza in town. Due to minimal Staff, they are take out only, limited days
Hours this Christmas week.
Tuesday thru Friday 1130-8pm.
Saturday 1130-3pm.
Sunday & Monday CLOSED.
See you soon….
53 locals recommend
Blue Jeans Pizza & Pasta
140 Progress CirBest pizza in town. Due to minimal Staff, they are take out only, limited days
Hours this Christmas week.
Tuesday thru Friday 1130-8pm.
Saturday 1130-3pm.
Sunday & Monday CLOSED.
See you soon….
Tin Loong
5771 Appalachian HwyInexpensive, family-friendly, offering chinese and hiabachi.
Love this “hole in the wall” for a good and hearty breakfast. Get there early or you will be waiting.
26 locals recommend
BumbleBee's Cafe
5850 Appalachian HwyLove this “hole in the wall” for a good and hearty breakfast. Get there early or you will be waiting.
Wow! This just opened up in September 2023 and it is great. They have a soup of the day and a large selection of sandwiches.
Jamy’s Sandwich Shop Blue Ridge
Wow! This just opened up in September 2023 and it is great. They have a soup of the day and a large selection of sandwiches.
Brewery
A local favorite. They don’t sell food, so have something before you go. Indoor and outdoor seating. I’ve heard they now have karaoke on Thursdays from 3-8 pm.
154 locals recommend
Grumpy Old Men Brewing
1315 E Main StA local favorite. They don’t sell food, so have something before you go. Indoor and outdoor seating. I’ve heard they now have karaoke on Thursdays from 3-8 pm.
Cartecay River Brewing Co.
26 River TerraceReece’s Cider Company
Tea and coffee
Great place to grab a drink; tea, coffee in the day and cocktails at night.
Das Kaffee Haus
612 E Main StGreat coffee
Mountain Mama's Coffee Lounge
Houseplants meets coffee house and oodles of tea blends. Owner Bella has outdone it with what she offers and the cozy vibe!
Daffodillys Plant Co.
Houseplants meets coffee house and oodles of tea blends. Owner Bella has outdone it with what she offers and the cozy vibe!
Water Fun
Bring your paddle board or kayak and enjoy a day on the water. Also, the beach area is great for kids.
Morganton Point Recreation Area
475 Lake DriveCartecay River Experience-River Left
1554 Lower Cartecay RdBlue Ridge Tubing
8436 Aska RdOcoee Adventure Center
4651 US-64