Best Blue Ridge GA Things to Do On a Weekend Trip

This guide is all about the best Blue Ridge GA things to do. Blue Ridge is a place you’ll probably fall in love with as soon as you set foot.

If you’re looking for cozy mountain village vibes an easy drive from big Southeast cities like Atlanta and Charlotte, this is your spot.

The town’s walkable streets, mountain train rides, and food scene make it a great day or weekend trip. It’s become one of my favorite getaways from the city, and I bet you’ll love it too.

Here’s the list I would give a friend who is visiting Blue Ridge.

Things to do in Blue Ridge GA

See downtown Blue Ridge
Try highly rated restaurants and breweries
Ride Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Explore Blue Ridge hiking trails
Cross the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
Tour Georgia wine country
Relax and enjoy the mountain scenery

Downtown Blue Ridge

Exploring downtown Blue Ridge is the number one thing to do. Start on one end of East Main Street and work your way down.

Downtown is home to dozens of local shops, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

I really appreciate that the majority of Blue Ridge businesses are independent and locally owned. That means you’ll find tons of locally made items and antiques.

If we were going together the first thing I’d do is stop into Das Kauffe Haus for a coffee. Then we’d take our time scouring the antique shops and boutiques.

*Grabbing a cup of coffee at Das Kauffee Hause in downtown Blue Ridge.*

Restaurants and Breweries

Blue Ridge has a great food scene. The number of highly rated restaurants and breweries along East Main Street alone will keep you busy for a full weekend.

A few restaurants I’ve tried and would recommend again:

Whiskey + Water
The General Ledger
Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe
Angry Hops Brewing

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

I’ve been wanting to ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for 2 years, and my schedule just has not worked out so far to do it. But, it is a must-see when you visit (if you can grab a ticket) – and you bet I’ll have this blog updated as soon as I cross it off my list.

Your Blue Ridge Scenic Railway adventure begins at the historic train depot (built in 1905!). Choose from the 2-hour express or 4-hour routes, then climb onboard for your journey along the Toccoa River, through the Chattahoochee National Forest.

I plan to ride the 4-hour option, because you get a nice little layover in McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee to shop and dine around.

This epic, scenic train ride is open during different seasons for Fall foliage or summertime.

*Exploring a piece of train history with Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.*

Blue Ridge hiking trails

Another great thing about Blue Ridge is that it puts you close to popular trails. Here are a few Blue Ridge hikes I have on my list:

Fall branch Falls: See a double waterfall.
Long Creek Falls: One mile in and out along Long Creek.
Lake Blue Ridge Loop: Forest trail along the lake.

Toccoa River Swinging Bridge

This is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi! At 270 feet long, the swinging bridge on Toccoa River is a pedestrian only bridge you can add to a longer hike, or seek out as it’s own destination.

Georgia wine country

I booked Cana Wine Tours, and was so happy with the experience.

Our driver (who was such a wonderful human being) picked up our group of ~12 from our Blue Ridge VRBO and transported us to Grapes and Ladders, Otts Vineyard and Winery, and Fainting Goat Vineyard in one relaxing afternoon.

Our tour included lunch, which we enjoyed outdoors at Ott Vineyard.

If you’re 21+, book a tour, and drink responsibly. 🙂

Travel Tip: North Georgia wine country includes dozens of wineries. Here are my curated guides to Dahlonega GA vineyards and wineries, and Helen GA vineyards and wineries.

*Ott Vineyard and Winery near Elijay, Georgia.*

Blue Ridge Mountain Scenery

The town of Blue Ridge is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain chain. It’s nestled right into the hillsides, and the scenery is beautiful year round.

Visit in the Fall to see the colorful leaves change. The Fall is a great time to ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

Visit in the summer for summertime outdoor activities and movies under the stars at the Swan Drive in Theater.

Most activities in Blue Ridge go year round.

Blue Ridge FAQs

Where to stay in Blue Ridge

I grew up in small towns. So, I know it’s not always the easiest to find a place to stay. Blue Ridge is really easy for hotels, boutique hotels, Airbnb, or VRBO.

Where is Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Georgia is nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, under 2 hours from Atlanta Georgia and under five hours from Charlotte North Carolina.

Best time of year to visit Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is great year round. Go in the warmer months for hiking and outdoor activities. Go in the fall if you want to ride the Blue Ride Scenic Railway through fall foliage. Shoulder and off seasons seem to be a bit less crowded.

Travel Tip: I’m all about weekend trips. This guide to best road trips from Atlanta is made to help you plan your next weekend adventure, check it out!