Blue Ridge Trip Report

We are back from our very first trip to the Blue Ridge. I can only say that we absolutely loved it! Completely opposite from our usual annual Caribbean cruise, but 110% more relaxing and enjoyable. At this point in time, the relaxation is the #1 priority.

We rented ';Hawk%26#39;s Ridge'; from Above the Rest Cabins and this was one gorgeous cabin. Everything was spotless, all amenities worked fine, no issues with WiFi. The master bedroom suite which was in the loft, had its own TV and gas fireplace. At night you could actually see all the stars at night because the back of the cabin was mostly glass and it was gorgeous.

We did a lot of driving around, went to Brasstown Bald, and Helen one day. Drove around the area in Ellijay, drove to Amicalola Falls and the Lodge, and then on to the pretty Dahlonega area.

Found plenty of good restaurants including the Blackberry Patch Eatery, the Cajun Depot, Sue%26#39;s Best Hamburgers, Indigo Hills, Repaz on Main.

The week went so much faster than I expected that I couldn%26#39;t believe it was time to leave when Saturday morning arrived.

We have already booked our next trip for 10/30 and hoping to see some wildlife this time.

any questions, feel free to ask!

Blue Ridge Trip Report

Glad you had a great time,I%26#39;d rather spend a week in the mountains than on some cruise ship(JMO).

I was suppose to spend a week in Blue Ridge the 2nd week of March but had to cancel for personal matters.

Blue Ridge Trip Report

Where is the Blackberry Patch Eatery?

Its in Blue Ridge, on a hill above 515 (Appalachian Highway). Hope I got the name right. Very nice atmosphere, felt very comfortable and clean, with friendly staff. Had chicken salad sandwich with awesome fried potatoes, hubby had meat loaf and loved. They present a cute little basket of mini biscuits with some blackberry butter that is very flavorful. Food appeared to be fresh, well cooked and presented nicely. We did pass it the first time trying to figure out how to get there - its on the northbound side of 515.

I believe it%26#39;s next to Monte Alban%26#39;s.I think she meant The Blackberry Ridge Eatery.

Blackberry Ridge Eatery, LLC

5140 Appalachian Highway

Blue Ridge, GA, 30513

706-632-5678

That%26#39;s exactly what I meant! Thanks a bunch for the posting the correct name. We really did enjoy this dining spot and we had hoped to get back for dinner, but would up being so comfortable in our cabin that we didn%26#39;t want to leave at night.

First week in November will be peak season for the fall leaf color. Take some of the dirt roads in the national forest. They are beautiful with no traffic. If you need any directions to my favorites please ask.

Jaded, thanks for offer on the local places for viewing the fall color. I%26#39;ll take you up on that! After seeing the beauty of the area in its wintery form, we decided we wanted to see it in all its glory and that%26#39;s why we decided on the beginning of November. About thirty years ago I lived in a small town in the Poconos called Tafton. At the time I was too young and dumb to appreciate it, but I%26#39;d give my right arm for the opportunity to have now what I had back then.

We%26#39;ll be counting down the days till we get back to Blue Ridge!

Sorry for the delay getting back to you.

These first two roads are off highway 75/17 just north of Helen.

1. Tray Mountain Road off 75 about 3 miles north of Helen. About 10 miles long comes back out on 75. Beautiful colors along here.

2. Wilks road about 10 north of Helen off 75. Goes about 5 miles and dead ends at a beautiful water falls. After seeing the waterfalls go south on the forest road. It follows the Chattahoochee River. In about 10 miles you come out back on 75 near Helen.

3. Closer to Blue Ridge is Rock Creek Road. It is located in Cherry Log half way between Ellijay and Blue Ridge. Take it east off 515/5. Follow the creek for several miles and turn onto Aska Road which turns into Old Dial and comes out on 60 very close to Blue Ridge.

Get a Georgia Atlas and Gazetteer made by Delorme. Great detailed maps. You can get one at walmart for 19.00. Great for exploring the back roads.

Anyone visiting the Blue Ridge/Ellijay area should buy this info map. It has a wealth of information on the area for 6.25.

http://www.info-map.com/

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