A couple’s guide to Blue Ridge in the fall

You don’t have to go far to enjoy a romantic weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just two hours north of Atlanta sits Blue Ridge, a town nestled in the north Georgia mountains and perfect for a romantic fall retreat.

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Your adventure begins at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge and takes you on a four-hour, 26-mile trip along the Toccoa River through the lush Appalachian foothills to McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. When you reach the towns, you’ll have about two hours to explore antique shops, art galleries and eateries before returning to the train for a ride back through the north Georgia mountains.

Indulge at local breweries, wineries and distilleries

Stop at one or make it a crawl. Blue Ridge has plenty of breweries, wineries and distilleries ready to serve you and your boo. Highlights include Serenberry Vineyards, a charming vineyard that offers Georgia-grown wine just a few miles from downtown Blue Ridge, and Grandaddy Mimm’s Moonshine Distillery, which serves authentic moonshine and often has live music.

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Dine in Downtown Blue Ridge

There are countless bed and breakfast options in Blue Ridge, but a few to take note of are the Aska Lodge Bed and Breakfast and the Iris Inn.

This story was originally published by Avery Newmark in 2021 and has since been updated.