If you live anywhere in the Southeast, you're within driving distance of Blue Ridge, only 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575 on the Georgia-Tennessee-North Carolina line. With thousands of acres of Chattahoochee National Forest and hundreds of miles of hiking trails and trout streams, Blue Ridge is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or family vacation. In fact, the city was ranked by Southern Living Magazine as one of the 2020 South’s Best Mountain Towns and 2019 Top Small Mountain Towns for Retirement. 

Start with a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest along the Toccoa River into McCaysville. The restored train takes passengers on a four-hour trip between north Georgia and Tennessee.

Swing by Mercier Orchards, a famous local farm. Go apple picking or shop for cider, jam and baked goods. In the spring, find peaches, cherries and strawberries. 

Looking for high-octane thrill? Book tubing, kayaking and rafting adventure through local outfitters like Lake Blue Ridge and Rolling Thunder River Company.

As if the city’s natural scenery isn’t delightful enough, Blue Ridge’s culinary scene shines. Black Sheep Restaurant Bar & Patio features fare like elk chops and fresh pasta, while Cucina Rustica offers Old World-Italian, like veal osso bucco.

End the night stargazing at a cozy cabin. Escape to Blue Ridge has luxurious hotel-style amenities. Get toasty in front of gas fireplaces at Mountain Top Cabin Rentals and Georgia Mountain Cabin Rentals.