This Tiny North Georgia Town Is The Dreamiest Fall Destination
Tennessee and North Carolina are a few of the first places that come to mind for Southerners seeking a mountain escape. Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains have international appeal, so it's not just regionals visitors booking stays in the area. While destinations like Asheville and Gatlinburg can crowd quickly, hidden gem destinations like North Georgia's Blairsville are more likely to provide a relaxing retreat. The entire population (under 1,000 people) of this teeny tiny town live in the shadow of Brasstown Bald, the state's highest peak. Situated within the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blairsville is one of the best places in the South— if not the country—to get outside. From sparkling lakes to scenic hikes to wineries and distilleries, Blairsville has it all. Here are the 15 best things to do in Blairsville, Georgia, on your next trip.
The Best Things To Do In Blairsville, GA
See The Iconic View At Brasstown Bald
Every visit to Blairsville must start with a trip to the top of Brasstown Bald, the state's highest point. A visitor's center is situated 4,784 feet above sea level in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Folks can take a 0.6-mile trail to the top, or ride a shuttle. Either way, you'll be privy to panoramic views of the gorgeous surrounding mountain range. The round observation deck allows viewers to see into four states: Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Picnic tables, a general store that stocks locally made products, a mountaintop natural science and history museum, and three trailheads also await at the top.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10542
Spend The Day At Vogel State Park
The second oldest state park in the state, Vogel sits at the base of Blood Mountain, the highest summit in Georgia's portion of the Appalachian Trail. The lush park is home to a 22-acre lake, where folks love to swim in the summer months, as well as a variety of overnight accommodations ranging from campsites to cottages. If you're looking to lace up your boots, consider the 4-mile Bear Hair Gap loop, which includes a path to popular Trahlyta Falls.
gastateparks.org/Vogel; 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-745-2628
Discover The Town's Moonshining History
Appalachian moonshine is the stuff of legends, so you'll want to get acquainted with the spirted spirit in Blairsville. Head to Grandaddy Mimm's Distilling Co., which was named for owner Tommy Townsend's great-grandfather Jack 'Mimm' McClure. The downtown distillery and bar uses the original Great Depression-era recipe for its moonshine, but has also expanded to produce vodka, whiskey, sorghum rum, and beer. For the ultimate experience, sign up for a tour and tasting.
grandaddymimms.com; 112 Wellborn St, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-781-1829
Take A Winery Tour
Nothing helps you sit back and enjoy the view like a glass of wine. You can find something excellent to sip on and something even more excellent to see at area wineries like Odom Springs Winery, with its four distinct vineyard areas, and Living Water Winery and Vineyards, which is located on a sprawling 7-acre farm.
odomspringsvineyards.com; 637 Odom Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-745-3094livingwaterwinery.com; 291 Living Water Lane Blairsville, GA 30512; 832- 270-3212
Hang Out At Meeks Park
If you're bringing the family to Blairsville, plan to spend some time at Meeks Park. For the past 30-plus years, folks have flocked to this gathering space to take advantage of outdoor amenities like a dog park, disc golf course, nature and walking trails, a playground, sport courts, pavilions, and plenty of scenic spots for a picnic near a gurgling creek.
unioncountyga.gov/parks-recreation/meeks-park; 490 Meeks Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706 -439-6074
Visit Rhatigan Farms
This family-owned working farm in the North Georgia mountains does a little bit of everything. They have dairy goats, specialty chicken breeds, pedigreed holland lop rabbits, and Great Pyrenees dogs. Visit their gift shop/farm store (open every day except Wednesday and Saturday) to shop for artisan products like natural body care and candles made from goat milk, pottery, jewelry, and art. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, stop by on Sundays at 1 p.m. to participate in goat yoga.
rhatiganfarms.com; 629 Burt Nix Road, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-897-7096
Shop At Mountain Crossings
This history-filled pitstop is the only where the Applachian Trail passes through a building. The Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center, which is now home to Mountain Crossings, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and has had many lives since, including time as a dining hall and lodge for hikers. In the 1980s it became Mountain Crossings, an outfitter and Appalachian Trail gift store, that is a major resource for thru-hikers as well as a landmark for all who visit the area.
mountaincrossings.com; 12471 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-745-6095
Experience Early 20th Century Farm Life
Pulitzer-nominated poet and novelist Byron Herbert Reece was born in Blairsville in 1917. Today, visitors can visit his former home at the Reece Heritage Farm and see what life was like on an early 1900s farm. From farm animals to fruit and vegetable gardens to restored barns, chicken houses, and smokehouses, you'll get a glimpse into what life was like for the incredible writer. The site also includes a visitor's center, gift shop, picnic tables, cabin rentals, and an amphitheater for events.
unioncountyga.gov/reecefarm; 8552 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-745-2034
Stop Into Sunrise Grocery
As the oldest operating business in all of Union County, this teeny tiny country store is more than worthy of a quick trip. Inside the humble store that was established in the 1920s and has 'a lil' bit of everything,' you'll find handmade soaps and candles; locally made food products like honey, relishes, and sauces; and even art.
sunrisegrocery.com; 7568 Gainesville Hwy., Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-745-5877
The Best Places To Eat in Blairsville, GA
Sample A Seasonal Menu
Local is the name of the game at The Sawmill Place Kitchen & Market, which utilizes food products from local farmers, purveyors, and growers for tasty breakfast and lunch dishes. Inside the charming cabin, you can sit down to a plate stacked high with sweet potato pancakes or brisket hash made with dry-rubbed and slow-cooked brisket, golden hashbrowns, and grilled onions. The restaurant's market opened in 2017 and specializes in more locally made goods like honey, goat milk soap candles, specialty coffee, jams, and more.
thesawmillplace.com; 1150 Pat Haralson Drive, Blairsville, Georgia 30512; 706-745-1250
Get Authentic Mexican Food
Sit down to a plate of tacos and a margarita at Lucky's Taqueria & Cantina in downtown Blairsville. The restaurant, which opened in 2020, is known for its menu of authentic Mexican dishes that range from Yucatan Coconut Ceviche to Tostones Con Puerco. Visit on from 2-5 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday for half-priced apps.
luckystacoshop.com; 17 Merchants Walk, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-487-4231
Have Real Deal Barbecue
Named on Yelp's 2024 list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., Jim's Smokin' Que earned high praise for its delicious smoked meats and excellent accompaniments. To try it all, order a Carnivore Combo Plate, where you'll have your choice of two to four meats (pulled pork, turkey, brisket, ribs, chicken, and chicken sausage) alongside two sides. And yes, peanut butter pie, banana pudding, and chocolate delight all count as sides.
jimssmokinque.com; 4971 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA. 30512; 706-835-7427
The Best Places To Stay In Blairsville, GA
Rent A Cozy Cottage
For a private and comfortable retreat, spend the weekend at Creekside Cottages, which has three quaint stays located along the serene Butternut Creek. Sit back and relax in an Adirondack around a crackling fire, or take a short walk to nearby shops, restaurants, trails, and a weekly farmers' market.
creeksidecottagesga.com; 20 Cottage Creek Way, Blairsville, GA 30512; 833-220-2497
Book A Night In A Sprawling Resort
If you're looking something a little more luxe, head to nearby Young Harris (a 15-minute drive from Blairsville) and unpack your bags at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa. Offering an 18-hole Championship golf course, a full-service spa, and three dining options, you'll have everything you could need or want at your fingertips. Excursions to go horseback riding, try axe throwing and archery, or go fishing are all easy to plan as well.
brasstownvalley.com; 6321 Highway 76, Young Harris, GA 30582; 706-379-9900
Stay In The Heart Of Downtown
For a perch above the action, The Candler Station on Town Square offers three renovated suites in a 1948 building in downtown Blairsville. Listed on Airbnb, each space is outfitted with modern amenities. And when you're ready to start exploring, a cup of coffee is just steps away at Cabin Coffee Company located just downstairs.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49058645
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From sparkling lakes to scenic hikes to wineries and distilleries, Blairesville has it all. Tennessee and North Carolina are a few of the first places that come to mind for Southerners seeking a mountain escape. Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains have international appeal, so it's not just regionals visitors booking stays in the area. While destinations like Asheville and Gatlinburg can crowd quickly, hidden gem destinations like North Georgia's Blairsville are more likely to provide a relaxing retreat. The entire population (under 1,000 people) of this teeny tiny town live in the shadow of Brasstown Bald, the state's highest peak. Situated within the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blairsville is one of the best places in the South— if not the country—to get outside. From sparkling lakes to scenic hikes to wineries and distilleries, Blairsville has it all. Here are the 15 best things to do in Blairsville, Georgia, on your next trip. The Best Things To Do In Blairsville, GA See The Iconic View At Brasstown Bald Every visit to Blairsville must start with a trip to the top of Brasstown Bald, the state's highest point. A visitor's center is situated 4,784 feet above sea level in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Folks can take a 0.6-mile trail to the top, or ride a shuttle. Either way, you'll be privy to panoramic views of the gorgeous surrounding mountain range. The round observation deck allows viewers to see into four states: Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Picnic tables, a general store that stocks locally made products, a mountaintop natural science and history museum, and three trailheads also await at the top. Spend The Day At Vogel State Park The second oldest state park in the state, Vogel sits at the base of Blood Mountain, the highest summit in Georgia's portion of the Appalachian Trail. The lush park is home to a 22-acre lake, where folks love to swim in the summer months, as well as a variety of overnight accommodations ranging from campsites to cottages. If you're looking to lace up your boots, consider the 4-mile Bear Hair Gap loop, which includes a path to popular Trahlyta Falls. 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-745-2628 Discover The Town's Moonshining History Appalachian moonshine is the stuff of legends, so you'll want to get acquainted with the spirted spirit in Blairsville. Head to Grandaddy Mimm's Distilling Co., which was named for owner Tommy Townsend's great-grandfather Jack 'Mimm' McClure. The downtown distillery and bar uses the original Great Depression-era recipe for its moonshine, but has also expanded to produce vodka, whiskey, sorghum rum, and beer. For the ultimate experience, sign up for a tour and tasting. 112 Wellborn St, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-781-1829 Take A Winery Tour Nothing helps you sit back and enjoy the view like a glass of wine. You can find something excellent to sip on and something even more excellent to see at area wineries like Odom Springs Winery, with its four distinct vineyard areas, and Living Water Winery and Vineyards, which is located on a sprawling 7-acre farm. 637 Odom Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512; 291 Living Water Lane Blairsville, GA 30512; 832- 270-3212 Hang Out At Meeks Park If you're bringing the family to Blairsville, plan to spend some time at Meeks Park. For the past 30-plus years, folks have flocked to this gathering space to take advantage of outdoor amenities like a dog park, disc golf course, nature and walking trails, a playground, sport courts, pavilions, and plenty of scenic spots for a picnic near a gurgling creek. 490 Meeks Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706 -439-6074 Visit Rhatigan Farms This family-owned working farm in the North Georgia mountains does a little bit of everything. They have dairy goats, specialty chicken breeds, pedigreed holland lop rabbits, and Great Pyrenees dogs. Visit their gift shop/farm store (open every day except Wednesday and Saturday) to shop for artisan products like natural body care and candles made from goat milk, pottery, jewelry, and art. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, stop by on Sundays at 1 p.m. to participate in goat yoga. 629 Burt Nix Road, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-897-7096 Shop At Mountain Crossings This history-filled pitstop is the only where the Applachian Trail passes through a building. The Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center, which is now home to Mountain Crossings, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and has had many lives since, including time as a dining hall and lodge for hikers. In the 1980s it became Mountain Crossings, an outfitter and Appalachian Trail gift store, that is a major resource for thru-hikers as well as a landmark for all who visit the area. 12471 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-745-6095 Experience Early 20th Century Farm Life Pulitzer-nominated poet and novelist Byron Herbert Reece was born in Blairsville in 1917. Today, visitors can visit his former home at the Reece Heritage Farm and see what life was like on an early 1900s farm. From farm animals to fruit and vegetable gardens to restored barns, chicken houses, and smokehouses, you'll get a glimpse into what life was like for the incredible writer. The site also includes a visitor's center, gift shop, picnic tables, cabin rentals, and an amphitheater for events. 8552 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-745-2034 Stop Into Sunrise Grocery As the oldest operating business in all of Union County, this teeny tiny country store is more than worthy of a quick trip. Inside the humble store that was established in the 1920s and has 'a lil' bit of everything,' you'll find handmade soaps and candles; locally made food products like honey, relishes, and sauces; and even art. 7568 Gainesville Hwy., Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-745-5877 The Best Places To Eat in Blairsville, GA Sample A Seasonal Menu Local is the name of the game at The Sawmill Place Kitchen & Market, which utilizes food products from local farmers, purveyors, and growers for tasty breakfast and lunch dishes. Inside the charming cabin, you can sit down to a plate stacked high with sweet potato pancakes or brisket hash made with dry-rubbed and slow-cooked brisket, golden hashbrowns, and grilled onions. The restaurant's market opened in 2017 and specializes in more locally made goods like honey, goat milk soap candles, specialty coffee, jams, and more. 1150 Pat Haralson Drive, Blairsville, Georgia 30512; 706-745-1250 Get Authentic Mexican Food Sit down to a plate of tacos and a margarita at Lucky's Taqueria & Cantina in downtown Blairsville. The restaurant, which opened in 2020, is known for its menu of authentic Mexican dishes that range from Yucatan Coconut Ceviche to Tostones Con Puerco. Visit on from 2-5 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday for half-priced apps. 17 Merchants Walk, Blairsville, GA 30512; 706-487-4231 Have Real Deal Barbecue Named on Yelp's 2024 list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., Jim's Smokin' Que earned high praise for its delicious smoked meats and excellent accompaniments. To try it all, order a Carnivore Combo Plate, where you'll have your choice of two to four meats (pulled pork, turkey, brisket, ribs, chicken, and chicken sausage) alongside two sides. And yes, peanut butter pie, banana pudding, and chocolate delight all count as sides. 4971 Gainesville Hwy, Blairsville, GA. 30512; 706-835-7427 The Best Places To Stay In Blairsville, GA Rent A Cozy Cottage For a private and comfortable retreat, spend the weekend at Creekside Cottages, which has three quaint stays located along the serene Butternut Creek. Sit back and relax in an Adirondack around a crackling fire, or take a short walk to nearby shops, restaurants, trails, and a weekly farmers' market. 20 Cottage Creek Way, Blairsville, GA 30512; 833-220-2497 Book A Night In A Sprawling Resort If you're looking something a little more luxe, head to nearby Young Harris (a 15-minute drive from Blairsville) and unpack your bags at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa. Offering an 18-hole Championship golf course, a full-service spa, and three dining options, you'll have everything you could need or want at your fingertips. Excursions to go horseback riding, try axe throwing and archery, or go fishing are all easy to plan as well. 6321 Highway 76, Young Harris, GA 30582; 706-379-9900 Stay In The Heart Of Downtown For a perch above the action, The Candler Station on Town Square offers three renovated suites in a 1948 building in downtown Blairsville. Listed on Airbnb, each space is outfitted with modern amenities. And when you're ready to start exploring, a cup of coffee is just steps away at Cabin Coffee Company located just downstairs. Read the original article on Southern Living Solve the daily Crossword
