Top Five Family Attractions in Blue Ridge
Get to know the best of Blue Ridge, 90 minutes north of Atlanta, and make memories with these unique Blue Ridge attractions, catering to multi-generational fun.
Mercier Orchards
A family-owned and -operated primarily apple orchard, this must-see attraction will reward senses with bushels of apples, strawberries and other produce, fresh pressed cider, warm fried pies – but, most importantly, memories. Started back in 1943 by Bill & Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards is now celebrating 80 years of fruitful harvests. Beyond fruit, the onsite store serves up a variety of baked goods, kitchen paraphernalia, home decor and a meat and cheese shop. Visit the tasting room offering hard ciders and wines, including locally-produced varieties. Gather the family for a u-pick experience and fill baskets with fresh-from-the-tree apples or other seasonal produce.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Chugga-chug down the 13-miles of rails comprising the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The 45-minute (each way) excursion is a generation-bonding adventure that starts at the historic 1905 depot in downtown. Vintage climate controlled rail cars or open air rail cars host more than 70,000 passengers each year for a ride that winds alongside the Toccoa River, with a stop in the twin border towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Copperhill/McCaysville is one town with two names because it is split by the GA/TN state line, where visitors have a layover with plenty of time to eat lunch, shop for unique crafts and antiques, snack on ice cream, and walk around.
Swan Drive-in
Catch a movie the old-fashioned way at one of Georgia’s four remaining drive-in theaters. Established in 1955, the Swan Drive-in also features a full concession stand, including funnel cakes and fried Oreos.
The Lilly Pad Village
Mine for gems, go fishing, take a hike or play a round of mini-golf, all at The Lilly Pad Village, Blue Ridge’s destination for family fun. Pets are welcome, too.
Fall Branch Falls
The upper portion of Fall Branch Falls is a series of cascades that lead to a single major drop of some 30 feet, with the water plunging into a deep pool at the base of the falls. These falls, along the Benton MacKaye Trail, west of Aska Road, are a shorter, although a bit harder walk than Long Creek Falls.
Plan A Family Trip to Blue Ridge
Insider tip:
Visit the Scenic Drives and Self-guided Tours page on www.BlueRidgeMountains.com for complete descriptions and driving directions.
If you go:
From lake-view with a mountain vista and room for 20 to cabins hidden away and built only for two (hot tub included!) find links to cabin rental companies at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.
