On the Road with Pensacola Mom Collective
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Covid and family vacations certainly did not mix. Neither did playing in the backyard all summer in the oppressive heat. So, when the social distancing finally began to cool down, literally “cooling down” was at the top of our list.
We searched for a destination within a reasonable driving distance but with enough elevation and latitude north to aid in our escape from the humidity and heat. Thus, we planned our first “real” family vacation post-pandemic.
By “real,” I mean there was no wedding to get to, other families to coordinate with, houses to crash, and no itinerary to be had. It would be perfect.
Theoretically, we could go anywhere and do anything … but with small children (ages two and four), our options were obviously somewhat self-limited.
We weighed the possibilities and took the bold plunge to go somewhere totally new for us.
That’s how we settled on Blue Ridge, GA.
Blue Ridge fell right into that sweet spot at a reasonable six-hour drive. The idea of a fun, accessible mountain adventure with cool mornings and evening bonfires after a grueling hot summer: perfection!
Lodging
While there are some hotels and bed & breakfast options in downtown Blue Ridge, including a new Hampton Inn, AirBnB-type accommodations are your best bet when traveling as a family. We found a great cabin nearby with an INDOOR jacuzzi and a fire pit outside for making s’mores around the bonfire. Self-catering also allows you to prepare home-cooked meals, including a hearty breakfast, before you set out to explore each day. No one wants “hangry” kids on vacation!
Things to Do
Lilly Pad Village
I never realized there were so many family activities centered around Blue Ridge until we began searching for things to do. After some deliberation, we started at the Lilly Pad Village for some kid-friendly activities.
We began with gem mining, complete with the wooden sluice and sieve (fancy river prospector talk, we learned), and once we’d prospected all we could take, we grabbed a couple of fishing poles and tried our hand in their (allegedly) stocked pond.
Joking, we could definitely see the fish, but thankfully, the kids determined they’d had their lunch and were taking naps. Although the fishing wasn’t as successful as the gem mining, the kids absolutely loved the whole excursion.
For families with older kids, there is also a 9-hole mini golf course as well.
Exploring Downtown Blue Ridge
The next morning, we all headed downtown to enjoy the nice weather at some local breweries and shops. The town highlight for our kids was Huck’s General Store, an old-time candy store complete with every childhood candy you could think of, including Pop Rocks, Bit-O’-Honeys, and even Nik-L-Nips.
Outdoor Adventures
We thought we’d walk off the excessive candy intake, which is how we stumbled upon Fall Branch Falls, a fantastic (toddler-friendly!) trail with waterfall views and a swimming hole tucked away in the forest. Honestly, the distance was perfect for our little ones, although Mom and Dad were also thankful!
In addition to the various hiking trails in Blue Ridge, those with older children may want to check out guided fly fishing (Blue Ridge is the Trout Capital of Georgia!), floating on the Toccoa River, or even whitewater rafting.
Nature lovers are never at a loss for things to do in Blue Ridge!
Sightseeing and Other Family Fun
While we didn’t get to any of these attractions, you may want to add them to your list (especially if you have older children):
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Sightseeing tours throughout all seasons of the year.
Expedition Big Foot Indoor museum for all ages
Swan Drive-In Theatre One of four drive-in theatres in the State of Georgia. Open on weekends. Cash only.
Tank Town USA Drive tanks. Crush cars. (Must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit).
Where to Eat
If you’re looking for dining options in Blue Ridge, here are a few recommended places:
Harvest on Main
Sue’s Burgers “Best Burgers in Town”
Fightingtown Tavern
Chesters
The Marina Boat Dock Bar & Grill
Wineries and Breweries
Bear Claw Winery (dog and child-friendly!) – live music on Fridays and Saturdays
Grumpy Old Men Brewery(dogs and kids are welcome in the taproom!)
Fannin Brewing Company (children and pets are welcome!)
Worth a Stop
The weekend eventually ended, but the fun didn’t end. On the way home, we stopped at a wonderful hole-in-the-wall BBQ place just off I-65 in Greenville, Alabama. Going by the aptly named BBQ 65, their self-described “no-frills counter-serve in a gas station” BBQ was amazing! Lunch or breakfast, it’s an easy and delicious place to grab a bite along the way.
We’re planning another vacation to Blue Ridge very soon and may make the trip a regular event for the family. Our next goal is to time it just right and visit during autumn for apple picking at Mercier Orchards. We may stop at a few wineries for Mom and Dad as well!
If you’re searching for a reprieve from the late summer heat or a relaxing family adventure this fall, I’d recommend putting Blue Ridge, Georgia, at the top of your list!
As an accessible, easy-to-get-to location, the North Georgia mountains are a perfect escape.
