Cohutta Grandview From Above the Clouds

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.

Season’s Offering From The Blue Ridge Mountains…

As the holiday season takes hold and we move into a time of year that gives us an opportunity to gather with friends and family Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals would like to add some food for thought to your table with some AMAZING OFFERS! Share Blue Ridge with your friends and family and take advantage of these exclusive holiday offers from your trusted source for vacation homes!

Facebook Promotion… During the month of December “like” Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals on facebook and comment or share a picture from Blue Ridge and you will be entered to win a 2 night stay at Choctaw Mountain Lodge. Comment and “Share” our Facebook page with your friends and your name will be entered twice! So, a new “like” that comments and then “shares” our page will be entered 3 times!!! We will add all the names to a drawing which will be filmed in Blue Ridge and posted to the winner’s wall in January.  What a great way to start 2012. This promotion ends 12/31/2011 at the stroke of midnight.

LIMITED TOME OFFER December Only Treat your extended family to an early gathering in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Receive 15% off 4 days or more when you stay with Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals during the month of December. This is available on all cabins and nights excluding holidays. ALL DECEMBER RESERVATIONS made before the end of November will be entered to win an Apple TV just in time for the gift giving season! Apple TV winner will be posted on facebook and announced in our January newsletter. Contest ends 11/30/2011 at 5:30PM.

I Need To Recharge… Like Now! Would you like a getaway to the North Georgia Mountains sooner rather than later, but you only have a few days to do it? Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals is expanding the available dates on the Three for 2 winter special! Book any 2 nights November 28^th 2011 through May 31^st 2011 and receive 1 free night! Learn more about year round cabin rental specials in Blue Ridge, GA

Looking For an Outstanding Gift Idea? Give the gift of a vacation time! Southern Comfort is offering discounts on gift certificates for the holidays. Purchase a $100.00 certificate or more (applicable to all cabins and dates) and receive 10% off if purchased by December 23^rd. You will instantly receive a confirmation email that can be used in a card. An actual certificate will be mailed on the same day as purchase.

Thank you for trusting Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals for all your vacation accommodation needs in the north Georgia Mountains.

We hope to see you in the Blue Ridge Mountains soon!

“Many people call me a ‘camouflage artist,’ but that doesn’t really fit. If I have to categorize at all, I prefer to think of myself as a ‘concept painter.’ I am an artist who uses camouflage to get my story across, to slow the viewing process so you can discover it for yourself. Everything I do is intended to enhance the idea of each piece. For me, camouflage is a means to an end, not an end in itself. My meaning and message are never hidden.” – Bev Doolittle

Bev Doolittle ~ The Forest Has Eyes

Join SoCo Cabins in celebrating 9 treasured works of art in the beautiful reception lobby of the Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals office & Blue Ridge Adventure Center. October 15, 2011 – 4pm to 7 pm 240 West Main Street, Blue Ridge Georgia 30513

These exquisite pieces are being offered for sale by the collector. Persons interested in the entire collection may view the prints prior to the event. Contact heather@sococabins.com to set private appointment

Learn More about Bev Doolittle at: www.bevdoolittle.net

Events and Activities in Blue Ridge, GA for November, 2011:

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.

Taking part in the presentation, from left BRLA Members, Sam Walker, Beverly Seckinger, Tabetha Whitaker, C.J. Stam, Greg Spencer, continued HSBR, Jeny Donnelly, Anne Williamson, Robbie Muschamp, Jackie Seabolt, and Jack Donnelly Picture provided by The News Observer 9/30/2011

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.

Fannin County is blessed with a watershed that creates a large and diverse trout stream  network.  The foundation of the watershed is the Toccoa River, a medium-sized, wadable river which actually consists of two distinct and different fisheries:  The freestone stream above the dam and the Tailwater below it.  Each section of the Toccoa has its advantages.  In addition to the Toccoa itself, the watershed contains literally hundreds of trout streams from tiny higher elevation water containing native brook trout to lower elevation streams dominated by rainbow and brown trout.  Some waters in Fannin can be fished within sight of a parked vehicle while others offer the opportunity for wilderness walk-in fishing where few others tread. It’s all here in Fannin for visitors and locals to explore and enjoy.

Here are some of the most popular trout destinations in and close to Fannin County:

Toccoa River Tailwater: The Tailwater, as it is called locally, runs from Blue Ridge dam to the Tennessee State line and is fishable throughout year-round thanks to the fact that the water in the Tailwater comes chiefly from the colder water near the bottom of Lake Blue Ridge, it is supplemented by oxygenation on the lake bottom courtesy of the TVA, and the river is cleansed by higher flows due to periodic generation at the dam. The fish are healthy, diverse in size due to holdover fish, and located throughout the length of the river. The advantages are year-round fishing, heavily stocked by Georgia DNR, floatable and wadable sections with public access at the dam, Tammen Park, Curtis Switch Bridge, and Horseshoe Bend Park. The disadvantages are the need to know the generation schedule and to be constantly vigilant for scheduled and unscheduled releases and the fact that public access is limited to the locations noted above.  Even where the river is visible from the road between the public access points, fishing without landowner permission is prohibited.  Floating through private lands on canoes, kayaks, float tubes, or pontoon boats, however, is permitted and commonly done, but the floats between access points will take take 6-8 hours depending on the amount of time one fishes. TVA Blue Ridge Dam information:  To get daily releases: dial 800-238-2264 then 423. Releases for the next day are available after 4 pm.

Toccoa River above Lake Blue Ridge: The Toccoa River is a magnificent fishery in its beauty, diversity, and quality during certain times of the year.  It is a year-round fishery, but hot-summer months can substantially curtail trout fishing in July, August, and early September when water temperature exceed comfort levels for trout, especially in the lower elevations closer to Lake Blue Ridge.  Much of the Toccoa is private, but miles of the river run through the Chattahoochee National Forest, including a 1.2 mile section with special Delayed Harvest (DH) regulations (See Georgia Fishing Regs).  From November 1-May 14, the river is stocked with lots of trout, including some 15-20 inch fish. Much of the Toccoa River on public lands is accessible by paved and forest service road.  One can literally fish in sight of the car, including some sections of the DH. Sections of the river susceptible to summer heat will also hold largemouth Bass, shoal bass, smallmouth bass and other warm water species instead of or in addition to trout. Occasionally private landowners will give permission to fish, but some sections of the Toccoa River are closed to public fishing when by landowners on both sides of the river.  Signs are prominent in those sections of the river. When in doubt, stick to public lands.

Coopers Creek: This tributary of the Toccoa River is in the Chattahoochee National Forest off Hwy 60 near Suches, Georgia, and offers camping, hiking, and fishing.  There is a public campground and parking area.  In addition, the creek may be accessed by Forest Service road in its upper sections.  Coopers Creek stocked and operates under general trout regulations.  This is an excellent and beautiful place for public fishing.  Advantages:  Good for families. Disadvantages:  Smaller water and heavily used.

Rock Creek: This public access fishery is open year-round and boasts frequent stocking and the side benefit of the USFWS Hatchery off Hwy 60 near Suches.  The Hatchery conducts public education and tours and feeds the trout daily.  Rock Creek flows through the Hatchery and is accessible by forest service road for several miles below the Hatchery.  It is heavily used, but a fun place to fish.  Advantages:  Great for families.  Disadvantages: Smaller water and heavily used.  Hint:  For the technical fly fisher or spin fisher, Little Rock Creek is a tributary of Rock Creek, the upper portions of which may be accessed by a forest service road off the Hatchery Road offers backwoods small stream fishing for tiny trout.  This is less used.  The stream is small and somewhat enclosed by vegetation; and the fish are small, but born in the stream, as this stream is not stocked.

Wilderness Fishing

Noontootla Creek: This is a gem of a stream operated year-round under special regulations on size of fish and type of gear and wilderness license (See Georgia Fishing Regs).  It is a favorite of fly fishermen.  Surprisingly, the public sections of Noontootla are easily accessible by a forest service road that runs the length of the public section.  It is beautiful and holds surprisingly decent sized fish for its size.  It is not stocked, so these are resident fish.  The fishing is quite technical.  Advantages:  Beautiful small stream fishing easily accessible and an ace in the hole when lower waters are swollen with rain. Disadvantages:  Technical fishing, some pressure especially on weekends, and decreased chances of success if someone fishes before you do.  Hint:  Rainy days that take away some clarity of the water will make the fishing easier.  Note:  There is a private, trophy section of Noontootla Creek accessible only by appointment with a guide on a fee basis.  This is a protected, limited access trophy water within 30 minutes of  downtown Blue Ridge.

Jacks and Connasauga Rivers: These are two premier trout streams in the Cohutta Wilderness. Both rivers hold resident fish in a magnificent setting on public lands. .  Jacks is a Mar-October fishery and the Connie is open year-round (See Georgia Fishing Regs).  The trail distances distance in and out are formidable, but worth it to the wilderness fisher.  A wilderness trout license is required.

Small Stream Fishing

Fannin County boasts hundreds of miles of trout streams, as do nearby counties .  Some trout streams are on private land and others are not practically fishable.  However many small streams offer wonderful opportunities for seasonal and year-round fishing.  Some are fairly accessible and others are more remote. Naming small streams in a forum like this ruins their appeal and ambience by having crowds descend upon them.  There are, however, sources of information from which a determined fisherman can locate wonderful places.  Unicoi Fly Shop and local book stores in Blue Ridge have books for sale on North Georgia fishing with information on all the aforementioned streams and many of our smaller streams as well. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources publishes a comprehensive trout fishing guide to Georgia, available for free at the Fannin Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center.

Big Creek: This pristine mountain stream is almost 100%  private. The only way to fish this stream is by invitation by a land owner or private guide service such as Upper River Adventures. A year round dense canopy offer many shady and cool areas. Couple this with deep well maintained holes and you will find the perfect habitat for several species of mountain trout.

Some guides and outfitters have access to terrific private access water with limited traffic  such as Noontootla Creek Farms,  Mountaintown Creek, Big Creek, and Frog Hollow.  Check with local fly shops, the Blue Ridge Adventure Center  for availability and fees.

Surrounding Areas

Fannin County is in the epicenter of trout fishing in North Georgia. In addition to the rivers and streams right around Blue Ridge, within an hour more or less west (Tennessee), North (North Carolina) and East (Clayton County, Ga.) one may find excellent trout fishing in the Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala River, and Chattooga River.  In addition, within the similar distances are special regulation areas at Dukes Creek (Smithgall Woods), Amicalola Creek, Waters Creek and other terrific public fisheries, not to mention private water trophy experiences.

Fishing is Fishing

Dare we mention Lake Blue Ridge and Lake Nottely? These lakes provide awesome destination fishing in their own right for numerous species other than trout. How about fishing for bass and bream on ponds and surrounding lakes or fishing for shoal bass or smallmouth in the Toccoa River?

WHERE TO GO FOR INFORMATION

Download  printable safety information on the Toccoa River Tailwater here

TVA Blue Ridge Dam information:  To get daily releases: dial 800-238-2264 then 423. Releases for the next day are available after 4 pm.

Fannin Chamber of Commerce: Orvin Lance Extension off Hwy 515 (behind CVS);

Unicoi Outfitters and guide service: 490 E. Main Street, Blue ridge, GA 30513. www.Unicoioutfitters.com

Fishing Guides: There are numerous north Georgia trout fishing guides in the Blue Ridge area. Contact Upper River Adventures for Private Guided Trout Fishing in the Aska Adventure Area

Current Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations, available at the Chamber of Commerce, Unicoi Outfitters, or anywhere licenses are sold and online See our local area guide to buy a fishing license in Georgia

Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited, is local, extremely active TU chapter meets monthly on the second Saturday of each month, 9 am at the Chamber of Commerce. TU and its members are dedicated to preserving trout waters but provide a public service of information on fishing and fishing safety in the area.

SOURCE: Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited

Click here to see more pictures - Justin Rush Photography

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

Postmortem – Blue Ridge Community Theater 2591 East 1st Street across from The Swan Drive-In
By Ken Ludwig. (You may remember his other plays the theater has done, Lend Me a Tenor, Leading Ladies and Moon Over Buffalo which were all sellouts) This clever thriller is set in a magnificent pseudo-medieval castle on a bluff overlooking the Connecticut River. Here, an avid Sherlock Holmes actor has invited guests for a séance. The scene is set for murder, humor and intrigue and the actor works to solve the case himself, à la his alter-ego, Sherlock Holmes. Rated R (mature subject matter, language and suspense) Friday’s at 7:30 and Sunday’s at 2:00 p.m.  Blue Ridge Community Theater Box Office or you may purchase tickets online 706-632-9223 Visit web site

John C. Campbell Fall Festival – Brasstown, N.C. October 01, 2011- October 02, 2011
Celebrate the rich heritage of the Appalachians at the annual fall festival, featuring over 180 juried and non-juried crafts people. Continous Live Music and dance, craft demonstrations good food and much more!
John C. Campbell Folk School 800-365-5724 Visit web site

Indian Summer Festival – Suches, Ga Woody Gap School October 01, 2011- October 02, 2011
Car Show ~ Music ~ Pottery ~ Quilts ~ Home made Goodies ~ Leather Crafts ~ Needlework ~ Folk Art Jewelry ~ Furniture ~ ~ Photographs ~ Stained Glass ~ Whirligigs ~ More Free Parking, Admission is $4.00 Children under 6 are free.
Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce  706-747-2401 Visit web site

Grace and Glorie – Blue Ridge Community Theater 2591 East 1st Street across from The Swan Drive-In
By Tom Ziegler. Grace is Velveeta and Wonder Bread and Gloria is Brie and lobster. Grace can’t read or write and Gloria can’t figure out Grace’s wood stove. Gloria volunteers for Hospice, an organization that, among other things, helps the terminally ill live their last days comfortably. Grace is her uncooperative new assignment. This tightly crafted play explores the differences and similarities between the two women. The contrast results in a touching and funny play. Rated PG (language) Showtimes on Thursday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday’s at 2:00 p.m.
Blue Ridge Community Theater Box Office or On-line 706-632-9223 Visit web site

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival – Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Hiawassee, Ga. October 07, 2011- October 15, 2011
Arts, crafts & exhibits. Clogging, singing, authentic mountain demonstrations, pioneer village, kiddie rides and a new show, Kay Rosaires Big Cat Encounter. Regional food and lots of fun for the whole family. Also included in this is the Ole Time Fiddlers Convention.  Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191 Visit web site

Fall Arts in the Park – Downtown Blue Ridge City Park October 08, 2011- October 09, 2011
A southern tradition in the Spring, we are now adding a second Arts in the Park in the Fall, featuring over 200 arts, crafts and food booths. The best in mountain crafts and fine arts, artist’s demonstrations, music and dance. Arts in the Park in the Spring has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Admission is $5.00.
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association 706-632-2144 Visit web site

Apple Festival – Ellijay 15 minutes west of Blue Ridge October 08, 2011- October 09, 2011 & October 15, 2011- October 16, 2011
40th Annual Apple Festival, over 300 vendors with handmade/hand crafted items, on-site demonstrations. Lots of good things to eat. Other fun things to do will be an antique car show on the 8th and a parade on the 15th.
For more information, call the County Chamber of Commerce @ 706-635-7400 or visit the web site. Visit web site

Home Builders Showcase 2011 – Downtown Blue Ridge City Park Saturday October 15, 2011- October 16, 2011 from 8-5 p.m. and Sunday from 10-5 p.m.
No admission fee and is open to the public. Exhibitors from the building industry; Architects, Builders, Cabinet Makers, Developers, Flooring, Glassworks, Heating/Cooling, Home Furnishings, Insurers, Mortgage Lenders, Realtors, Security Systems, Stonework, Surveyors and more. Food vendors & prize drawings.
Tammie / Fannin County Building Industry Association 706-632-8361 Visit web site

Mountain Harvest Arts and Craft Sale – Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market October 15, 2011- October 16, 2011 & October 22, 2011- October 23, 2011
40th Annual Event. 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Mountain Arts & Crafts, food and fun for the whole family. No admission fee and free parking. Lots of local vendors.
Fannin County Homemakers Council / Joyce Patrick 706-258-4848

Halloween Safe Zone – Blue Ridge, Downtown October 31, 2011
Hundreds of costumed kids and grown-up kids plus your pets are welcome gather in downtown Blue Ridge to celebrate. Fun begins at 6:00 and runs until 8:30. Costume contest begins at 6:15, with a pet contest at 7:30. Halloween Movies in the park beginning at dusk. 706-633-7400 Visit web site

SEE NOVEMBER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Would you like to add an event to our post? use the comments section below.

Also, see our Blue Ridge Local Area Guide to find many more events and activities in North Georgia…

Pickin’ in Horseshoe Bend Park Sept. 1, 8, 15
Location:  Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA. Hwy 5 (Blue Ridge Highway) north till it ends, then right on Hwy 60 and then right on River Road, follow to the park entrance on your right.
Pickin’ in Horseshoe Bend Park – every Thursday, 6:00 PM to dusk. Live music jams and pickin’ on the banks of the Toccoa River at the Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville. Free Admission. And the park is wheelchair accessible. Come out, bring the whole family to enjoy the experience. Picnic tables available, nice grassy lawn but you are also welcome to bring a blanket or chair.
Fannin County Parks and Recreation 706-632-7696

Blue Ridge Farmers Market Sept. 3, 10
Location:  Historic Downtown Blue Ridge
West Main Street across from the Fannin County Courthouse.
Local farmers set up with their crops for sale, farm fresh eggs, produce etc…. also locally made products and crafts. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Vendors pay $3.00 for market space and they set their own prices for the items they sell. They will also be offering classes on select dates with topics such as “Local Herbs,” “Cooking with fresh herbs and vegetables” Facebook users can become a fan and follow their schedules at the following link. Email contact: Linee2@tds.net Vendors contact 706-258-4552

Postmortem Sept. 8,9,10,11,6,17,18
Location:  Blue Ridge Community Theater
2591 East 1st Street across from The Swan Drive-In
By Ken Ludwig. (You may remember his other plays the theater has done, Lend Me a Tenor, Leading Ladies and Moon Over Buffalo which were all sellouts) This clever thriller is set in a magnificent pseudo-medieval castle on a bluff overlooking the Connecticut River. Here, an avid Sherlock Holmes actor has invited guests for a séance. The scene is set for murder, humor and intrigue and the actor works to solve the case himself, à la his alter-ego, Sherlock Holmes. Rated R (mature subject matter, language and suspense) Friday’s at 7:30 and Sunday’s at 2:00 p.m.
Blue Ridge Community Theater Box Office or you may purchase tickets online 706-632-9223

Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Music Festival Sept. 10
Location:  Downtown Blue Ridge City Park
Make it weekend with your friends at Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals! Join us for this one-day festival including Sweetwater Brewery crafted beers, BBQ and food vendors from all over the state as well as regional sponsors. The festival is open to the public and will feature outstanding and well-known Blues Bands, Read more on our BLOG about the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival

Blue Ridge Stand Up Paddle Race Sept. 10
Round 4 of the SUP Splash Series will be held at the Morganton Point Beach park and recreation area. This event will also feature FREE SUP lessons and exciting event starts and dramatic finish line winners! Learn more here: http://surfblueridge-sup.com/events/

Arts Association Nation Exhibit Sept 10.
Following a very successful first year photography competition in 2010, the Blue Ridge Mountain Photographers and The Art Center are co-sponsoring their Second Annual National Juried Nature and Fine Art Photography Exhibit. 100′s of photos will grace the Richard Low Evans Gallery. All entries will be judged. Join us for this wonderful event. Take a look at the digital world of photography from across the nation. The show will open with a reception on September 10 from 5pm to 7pm and the exhibit will remain on display through October 9. This exhibit will be featured during the Fall Arts in the Park Festival taking place the second weekend in October 2011.

Ride the Rails Festival Sept. 17 & 18
Location:  Mineral Bluff
150 Railroad Avenue (Hwy 60 north, railroad avenue is next street on your left after the stop sign at Spur 60)
8th Annual Event. A 5 mile round trip by railroad motor car traveling through the Iron Bridge over the beautiful Toccoa River, then returning over the bridge back to the beautiful Mineral Bluff Depot. Train ride donations: $10.00 for adults $5.00 Children 2 to 12. Food, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Hot Fresh Coffee, Cold Soft Drinks, Model Train Sales, Tee Shirts, Motor Car Display Area and Local Vendors. A fun day for all! Visit the depot and see the progress being made on our large “HO” gauge model railroad based on the “Old Line” from Atlanta to Etoway, TN and through Mineral Bluff to Murphy, NC! Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Special! Mtn. Country Music by: Ralph Baker and the Stateline Band
For more information706-455-8903

Would you like to add an event to our post? use the comments section below.

Also, see our Blue Ridge Local Area Guide to find many more events and activities in North Georgia…

Join us for this one-day festival  including Sweetwater Brewery crafted beers, BBQ and food vendors from all over the state as well as regional sponsors. The festival is open to the public and will feature outstanding and well-known Blues Bands to include:

• The Black Top Blues Band from Florida.
• Frankie’s Blues Mission from Atlanta
• The King Bees from Boone, N.C. “The King Bees have delighted audiences for years. Queen Bee’s vocals are expressive and strong: Baskerville’s guitar playing is right on, from cool slide to sizzling licks.” -BLUE SUEDE NEWS.
• The Rolling Bones Blues Band from Macon, GA.  They are a high energy group with Sherry Paul as lead singer who looks and sounds like Janis Joplin!
• The South’s favorite Jazz and Blues Stylist, Miss Francine Reed.  She will be hot off the Lyle Lovett tour and ready to show us her soulful style and the blues like you have never heard.  Reed is one of Atlanta’s most treasured artists and continues to expand her fan base at venues around the world. She continually blesses audiences with her amazing vocals and vibrant personality; she is truly a musical experience that should not be missed.

With the addition of exciting children’s activities and a fun silent auction, this sensational food and music festival is expected to draw thousands of attendees from across Georgia (90 minutes from Atlanta), Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina.  Tickets are just $5 per person with children 12 and under free.

Plan a weekend getaway! Uniquely positioned in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains, Blue Ridge is convenient to numerous

outdoor activities and only 90 minutes from Atlanta, GA. Blue Ridge is recognized as an outdoor lover’s paradise with more adventure options than one day or one year could satisfy. September is a great time to bring the music and feast on BBQ from all around the South East…

Updated information will be available on the Blue Ridge Lodging Association website

www.BlueRidgeLodgingAssociation.com under the “Events” tab.