Adults-only getaway to Blue Ridge, Georgia

From waterfalls to wine, groups of couples can get away from it all in the North Georgia Mountains

BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA – JULY 2015 – For the ultimate adults-only weekend getaway, Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta, is the go-to destination for savoring football Saturdays with friends, adventurous outings, brewery tastings and outdoor fire pit gatherings. Offering several major trail systems, including access to the Appalachian Trail which extends for more than 2,000 miles to Maine through many of the states on the Eastern Seaboard, this is a hiker’s paradise where nature sets the scene for good times. Pursue these paths for outdoor explorations on one of the many trails in a system of over 300 miles, including short trails suitable for beginning hikers. Then wind down with sudsy sips at local breweries and tasting rooms before continuing the adventure, cooling off with excursions to nearby waterfalls. Top off the day with unbeatable Blue Ridge eats, including the nation’s #1 barbecue restaurant.

Take a hike

1. Three Forks to Long Creek Falls – The hike to Long Creek Falls is a great way to experience the Appalachian Trail. This adventure includes a scenic 5.3-mile drive into the forest following Noontootla Creek to the Three Forks area where you will begin your two-mile round-trip hike following Long Creek to a beautiful cascading waterfall with two drops totaling 50 feet. Take a picnic to enjoy at the falls.
2. Swinging Bridge Trail – Another awesome excursion requires rambling the Benton MacKaye Trail south from Hwy 60 for three miles to be rewarded with sweeping views of the pristine Toccoa River flowing beneath a structure known simply as the “Swinging Bridge.” The longest suspension bridge east of the Mississippi, the passage was built by the USDA Forest Service and the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club in the mid-1970s.
3. Hike to the Appalachian Trail terminus – One of the greatest outdoor adventures in the world, the Appalachian Trail, begins in Fannin County at the top of Springer Mountain.
4. Aska Trails – This is a popular 17-mile trail system near Blue Ridge, with hikes that intersect and loop ranging from one- to 5.5-miles.
5. Benton MacKaye Trail to Fall Branch Falls – A short distance away and part of the larger Benton MacKaye Trail, Fall Branch Falls is a double waterfall with mountain laurel and rhododendron growing along the trail and creek bank. The hike to the falls is about 30 minutes round-trip.

Get sudsy

1. At Blue Ridge Brewery, seasonal beers are featured on a regular basis. Pair sips with upscale eats like shrimp mac and cheese and catch live entertainment on the weekends without ever worrying about a cover charge. 187 Depot Street; BlueRidgeBrewery.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeBrewery
2. At Grumpy Old Men Brewing, Blue Ridge’s premier nanobrewery, co-owners Jim McKnight and Steve Weber – fraternity brothers at Georgia Tech in the 70s, embody their business name and tout the motto, “If we don’t like it, we don’t drink it. If we don’t drink it, we don’t sell it.” Signature brews include: Aska Pale Ale, Moon over Blue Ridge Wheat Ale, and the soon to be released Hell’s Holler Porter. 1315 East Main Street; www.GrumpyOldMenBrewing.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/GrumpyOldMenBrewing
3. Fannin Brewing Company’s motto sums up just about all you need to know: Fresh Air, Fresh Water, Fresh Beer. Started in association with the Blue Ridge Brewery, here you’ll find some of the same sought-after sips like Hiawassee Golden Ale and Toccoa Brown Ale. Fannin Brewing Company’s owner, Tom Fennell, spent a good bit of time in Germany where many of his trips involved a visit to a biergarten or two, sampling a host of German beer styles. He was bitten by the craft beer bug in 2012, when he partnered with Pat Walker at the Blue Ridge Brewery, and by December, the first beer was on tap at the Brewery where the brews, crafted with fresh Blue Ridge water, have been top sellers ever since. 187 Depot Street; www.FanninBrewingCompany.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/FanninBrewingCompany
4. Mercier Orchards Tasting Room is a popular U-Pick produce destination now featuring a tasting room offering hard ciders and wines, including locally-produced varieties. 8660 Blue Ridge Drive; www.Mercier-Orchards.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Mercier-Orchards/108441886766
5. Spend a relaxing afternoon savoring a glass of vino at Serenberry Vineyard in Morganton, where you can experience the simple and serene pleasures of the North Georgia Mountains. Opened in 2012 by husband-wife team Mark and Janice Jernigan, wines are produced using grapes that were born and raised in Georgia, a process that’s not only good for the environment but also supports local farmers. The owners claim that Serenberry is the special ingredient and you’ll find a bit in each bottle. Want to know more? You’ll have to ask Mark yourself! www.SerenberryVineyards.com Insider Tip: Book a winery tour with Classic Transportation of the Tri State for the ultimate date. 706-633-3668, www.classictransportationofthetristate.com

Chase waterfalls

1. Fall Branch Falls – The upper portion of Fall Branch Falls is a series of cascades that lead to a single major drop of some 30 feet, with the water plunging into a deep pool at the base of the falls. These falls, along the Benton MacKaye Trail, west of Aska Road, are a shorter, although a bit harder walk than Long Creek Falls.
2. Long Creek Falls – The most popular of the waterfalls in Fannin County is Long Creek Falls, which can be seen by hiking down a short side trail from the combined Appalachian/Benton MacKaye Trail. These falls total about 50 feet in two distinct drops. A leisurely 30 minute hike to the falls is uphill on the way in, downhill on the way out.
3. Sea Creek Falls – Located in the Cooper Creek Scenic Area, Sea Creek Falls are an easy walk of less than .1 mile. The first, or upper falls are a series of steep cascades ending in a brief drop. The second falls are also a series of steep cascades. When the water flow is heavy either in late winter or spring, or after a summer rain, these are a remarkable sight.
4. Amicalola Falls – About 21 miles from Ellijay on Hwy 52 is a spectacular 729-foot falls, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Also, a strenuous 8.5-mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the start of the famous Appalachian Trail.
5. Helton Creek Falls – There are two falls on Helton Creek near Blairsville. A short trail descends to the first waterfall then climbs to the second larger waterfall. Beware – the rocks are slippery. From Blue Ridge, take Hwy 515 north to Blairsville. In Blairsville, take US 19/129 south about 11 miles. Turn left onto Helton Creek Road, the first road past the entrance to Vogel State Park. Go 2.2 miles; the road turns to gravel. There will be a small parking lot on the right in a curve, and the trail is marked.

Satisfy hunger pangs

1. So successful, Harvest on Main expanded their offerings in 2013 with the addition of Harvest’s Blue Ridge Grocery offering a from-scratch bakery, deli and café, coffee bar and menu for take-away meals. Again the restaurateurs will soon expand their portfolio with a Mediterranean-style restaurant. 560 East Main Street, Facebook www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeGrocery
2. Relax, unwind at Black Sheep, serving Southern comfort food in a historic residence once visited by Margaret Mitchell, author of “Gone with the Wind.” 480 W. Main Street; www.BlackSheepBlueRidge.com
   www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Sheep-Restaurant-Bar-Patio/293729370780405?ref=hl
3. From lake-view with a mountain vista and room for 20 to cabins hidden away and built only for two (hot tub included!) find links to cabin rental companies at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com. Fannin County Chamber of Commerce,www.BlueRidgeMountains.com, 1-800-899-MTNS.

If you go

1. For unbeatable hickory smoked meats, including fall-off-the-bone ribs, seek out Joe’s BBQ, featured on TripAdvisor’s list of Top BBQ Joints in the USA. 3365 E 1st Street; www.JoesBBQBlueridge.com, www.facebook.com/pages/Joes-BBQ/126378257461698
2. Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar and Grill is a newcomer to the Blue Ridge restaurant scene but a seasoned pro when it comes to drawing groups in for a great time. Check out the rustic American bar and grill featuring Southeastern-inspired food – as well as departures from the ordinary and a rotation of seasonally inspired selections, an extensive wine list, signature cocktails, and regionally crafted beer. 733 East Main Street, www.ChestersBlueRidge.com,
3. Harvest on Main uses seasonal products whenever possible to support the local economy, farmer and artisan. Harvest was listed as one of 11 best restaurants outside Atlanta recently and was also featured in the August issue of “Blue Ridge Country.” 576 E. Main Street; HarvestonMain.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarvestonMain