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Anytime of Year You’ll Find Southern Comfort Here… As 2011 ends and the New Year begins, Blue Ridge is gearing up for the winter season, and we want you to join us!

It may be cold outside, but the deals are hot at Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals. See Cabin Rental Specials

Winter time means less congestion around town, and more of a selection when booking your favorite North Georgia Mountain cabin rental. January through March is prime shopping time in Downtown Blue Ridge. Local shops will have winter discounts throughout town, so make sure to take advantage while you still can!

There’s nothing better than sitting outside on the deck of your cabin rental with a cup of coffee or cocoa and experiencing a Blue

Ridge sunrise. You’ll be wowed by the incredible long range mountain views, picturesque vistas and charming wildlife. Add to that a dusting of snow, and you’ll be in the midst of your own winter wonderland!

Looking for a romantic getaway? It’s time to queue up the Barry White music, lay out a blanket near the fire and cozy up with that special someone. Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals offers several romantic packages, including everything from roses, to chocolates to fruits and even champagne. Start the new year off right with the loved one who knows you best, and treat them to a  memorable stay in the North Georgia Mountains with Southern Comfort.

Call 706-258-3737 to speak with a reservations agent to plan your escape today! Find Quality With Us.

The Blue Ridge Lodging Association supports the Humane Society of Blue Ridge with donation form 2011 Blues and BBQ Festival proceeds…

On Wednesday, September 28, 2011 the Blue Ridge Lodging Association donated $1,000 to the Blue Ridge Humane Society at the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, as an offering of thanks and support for their ongoing contributions to our city and community. The money will be used to further the success of the spay/ neuter program and toward the new building program. For those interested in adopting a new pet, or to offer your services as a volunteer, please contact the Humane Society at 706 – 632- 4357 to help continue enriching the lives of our pets and pet owners.

The Blue Ridge Humane Society has been an integral part of the Blue Ridge community for years, providing abandoned, mistreated or injured animals a safe haven in which to live while waiting for a permanent, loving home. It is through events like the Fifth Annual Paws in the Park, and educational courses on a variety of pet-related topics, that they continue to pursue their goal of increasing the awareness of animal issues through public education, ending euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals, and  promoting and offering affordable spay, neutering and rabies inoculation options.

Special thanks to YOU… The Fans, Volunteers, City of Blue Ridge, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & The Humane Society of Blue Ridge.

September 10th, 2011 was an exciting day as several thousand locals and tourists flocked to Downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia for the first annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival.  The sun was shining, the temperature was mild, and the smell BBQ filled the air.

The event was hosted by the Blue Ridge Lodging Association, and was run like a well-oiled machine thanks to Beverly Seckinger of Seckinger Productions and Sue Ann Morgan, president of ideaLand. Gate entry was quick and efficient, volunteers were helpful, and there were plenty of bathrooms and trash receptacles on the festival grounds.

Vendors were positioned along East Main Street and West Main Street, and featured Blue Ridge’s finest foods and products.

“Have you tried the alligator ribs yet?” asked one enthused festival attendee in between sips of Sweetwater beer. “I just had a fish taco too, and it was amazing. You’ve got to stop by Blue Orleans’ spot and some of the other food tents and check out the food.”

Such was the sentiment of all those who came to the North Georgia mountains for the event. With everything from brisket sliders courtesy of Harvest on Main to delectable fried pies from Mercier Orchards, it was hard to save room for the award-winning BBQ from Sam’s BBQ-1 and the plethora of other BBQ vendors. Enthusiasts were abound, as wait times for the ‘cue ran up to 20 minutes.

But the food wasn’t the only reason that so many came out to partake in the festivities. One couldn’t forget the authentic, soul-soothing Blues provided by Frankie’s Blues Mission, Blacktop Blues Band and The King Bees who played throughout the day, creating an almost palpable character and flavor that added to everyone’s enjoyment.

“I just can’t wait for Francine Reed to take the stage,” said Professor Phil Unger from Reinhardt University. “She’s a really big deal in the Blues community. I was at another BBQ event on Labor Day, and even there they mentioned her coming to Blue Ridge today.”

As the sun went down and night time came, the moon shone brightly on those that gathered and danced to the soulful styling of the Blues legend. It was the perfect scene to end a great day.

As the people of our great nation remember those who lost their lives in the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001 we are reminded that it is events like the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ festival that truly pay homage to our American culture. It is proof that the American spirit lives on defiantly in the face of adversity and threat. Through distinctly American food and song, that spirit was honored as all who came out gathered together as one, celebrating those things that truly define the Southeast and American culture as a whole.

Add your thoughts and comments here or on the official Downtown Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ facebook page

Independence day celebration in the north Georgia mountains

Whether you call it the Old Timers Parade, Old Timey Parade or just the 2^nd of July parade, Downtown Blue Ridge will kick off the 4^th of July weekend with a blast! Bring the whole family out and celebrate the independence of our great country beginning at 10:00a.m.

The day starts with the annual parade, which begins its march on West Main Street in Historic Downtown Blue Ridge near the

playground. Kids will fall in love with the floats and attractions, including Maggie the Mayfield Cow, Brooster the Giant Rooster and Grand Marshall Colonel George Pletcher. The parade will then veer left on Mountain Street, where it will continue on to cross the train depot and conclude on East Main Street.

After the parade, gather your family and friends in Blue Ridge City Park and enjoy the “alterna – grass” sound of the Roxie – Watson Band from Atlanta. Lovers of blue grass and good times can kick back in front of the stage setup and enjoy the music with an adult beverage from the beer tent provided. Visitors can stretch their legs and visit the Blue Ridge Farmers Market where farm fresh produce and locally made products will be for sale. All local vendors and eclectic shops in Downtown Blue Ridge will be open for business. Also don’t forget to enjoy BBQ and live music from local talent at the Blue Ridge Lake Marina, starting at 4p.m.

As the sun begins to go down, don’t forget to stick around for the breathtaking fireworks display. Visitors are encouraged to take in the views from atop the Lake Blue Ridge Dam, which will be open starting at 7p.m.(Dam is closed to cars, visitors must park and then walk to the Dam). Parking is available in all marked spaces, and also at the Fannin County Recreation Department. Come out this July 4^th weekend and have a great time with your friends and family in Historic Downtown Blue Ridge.

Be sure to stop by the Blue Ridge Adventure Center and see your friends at Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals while you celebrate freedom!