By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Georgia > Northwest Georgia Mountains > Fannin County > Blue Ridge

Join the fun on a trip through the Northwest Georgia Mountains on the narrow gauge Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. 

Railroads played a significant role in the development of the Northwest Georgia Mountains between the 1800s and the early 1900s. They saved an ailing mining industry, contributed to the growth of small towns as resort communities, made it possible to log the last remaining virgin timber in the area, and eventually, determined the routes of local roads.

Today, just for fun, you can travel the route that was originally built as the narrow-gauge Marietta & North Georgia Railroad in the 1880s. Tucked into the charming mountain village of Blue Ridge, Georgia, in the lush Chattahoochee National Forest, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway takes you on the trip of a lifetime. The area is known as the “antique capital” of Georgia with friendly folks and an old-time atmosphere.

The regular 4-hour, 26-mile round trip in vintage climate-controlled or open-air railcars is a scenic smorgasbord, including one hour winding along the course of the beautiful Toccoa River. (more…)

 By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Artists and artisans from around the country travel to the North Georgia Mountains on Memorial Day weekend to participate in the annual Arts in the Park Festival in Blue Ridge.

For the 33rd year, the Arts in the Park Festival is taking place this weekend, May 23 –May 24, in historic Blue Ridge City Park in Blue Ridge at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association—which also sponsors the Wildlife Art Festival of North Georgia, the Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference, and the Southern Appalachian Artists’ Guild National Juried Show—the event draws about 15,000 people each Memorial Day weekend.

The festival boasts some of the finest arts and crafts in the southeast. You’ll find more than 150 booths with fine art, handmade crafts, and good food. There will be artists’ demonstrations and children’s art activities as well—and as you might expect, there will be plenty of fine mountain music. (more…)

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Kids, adults and horses enjoy the adventure of mountain riding at Adventure Trail Rides in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. 

If riding a horse along trails in the North Georgia Mountains sounds like a true adventure and a great way to spend a day with your family, consider Adventure Trail Rides in Blue Ridge.

This family-owned business offers guided trail rides, with “bum level” factors ranging from 1 to 3. All trails come complete with an abundance of Fannin County’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain scenery and wildlife! The Valley Trail is enjoyable for children and adults alike, the Cashes Trail covers more advanced riding terrain, while the Sam Callihan Excursion Trail allows for a little cantering for the more experienced rider. (more…)