The 10 Best Restaurants in Ellijay GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Restaurants in Ellijay GA- Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza

Located west of the Chattahoochee National Forest, about 15 miles southwest of Blue Ridge, Ellijay is widely considered one of the best places to live in the Georgia mountains.  The moderate elevation and temperate climate make it a perfect place for apple orchards, farms, and wineries. And of course, wherever there are fresh fruits and … Read more

Hiking the Indian Seats Trail at Sawnee Mountain Preserve (Near Atlanta)

Indian Seats at Sawnee Mountain Preserve by Jason Dominy

For many metro Atlanta residents, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains can often mean a full-day commitment once you factor in driving times. But hiking at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve in Cumming GA offers numerous opportunities for hiking near Atlanta, all within 40 miles of Downtown.  The other benefit of Sawnee Mountain hiking is that … Read more

Visiting the Dahlonega Gold Museum in Dahlonega GA

Dahlonega Gold Museum in Dahlonega GA

Located in the mountain town of Dahlonega, the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site chronicles the discovery of gold in Georgia and the pivotal role it played in the history of Georgia.  Gold was first discovered in Lumpkin County in 1828, and it triggered the first major gold rush in the country by 1829. (There … Read more

The Ultimate Ocoee River Rafting Guide

Located in Southeast Tennessee, the Ocoee River is a 93-mile river that flows northwest through the southern Appalachian Mountains. It’s known as the Toccoa River in the state of Georgia, where it passes through the towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville. The river is world-renowned for its Class III-V rapids, which served as the dramatic … Read more

The 20 Best Things to Do in North GA in July 2022

Things to do in North GA in July

Although many people wait for the fall colors to reach their peak, summer is truly prime time for visiting the North Georgia mountains. The Chattahoochee National Forest is lush and green, the temperatures are 5º to 10º cooler than they are in metro Atlanta, and the myriad lakes and waterfalls offer excellent options for cooling … Read more

The 10 Best Apple Orchards in Ellijay, Georgia

Ellijay GA Apple Orchards

There are dozens of charming Blue Ridge Mountain towns in North Georgia, each of which has a certain something for which they are widely renowned. For example, Helen GA is known for its Alpine-influenced architecture and Bavarian-style restaurants. Dahlonega GA is known for being the site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush, while Blue Ridge GA is … Read more

Lake Blue Ridge Boat Rentals, Cabin Rentals, Camping & Fishing

Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA

Spending a sunny day on a glistening lake is one of our favorite ways to enjoy time in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And in our opinion, the region has few lakes that are more beautiful than Lake Blue Ridge. Comprising 3,290-acres of clear blue water, Lake Blue Ridge is arguably among the best lakes in … Read more

The Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in GA

White Water in GA with NOC

If you’re looking for a pulse-pounding adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains, white water rafting in Georgia offers a rush of adrenaline and a fun way to immerse yourself in the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. North Georgia river rafting is especially popular in summer, in part because many of the rivers make for easy day … Read more