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Things to do around Lake Blue Ridge

Beyond the Lake

We live in the South. That means we don’t have to adjust our fun depending on the season. And we don’t have to wear lots and lots of layers. We can go with one – shorts, t-shirts, bathing suit – and sometimes a jacket. That’s instead of a combo of bathing suit, t-shirt/cover-up, sweater, pullover, puffy coat, earflaps and facemask at sometimes of the year. Ours is a simpler existence of sunshine and prevailing warmth most of the time.

That also means that important things like marinas, parks, wineries, and lakeside restaurants are also open most of the year. And it means that we don’t need to dodge ice flows when skiing or wake boarding in the spring.  So, as we come into glorious spring, even more entertainment and recreational options present themselves. We, at Nathan Fitts & Team have put together a list of things to do when not boating, swimming or just relaxing on Lake Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge and the surrounding area is continuing to evolve as a well-rounded destination for all kinds of recreational and entertainment activities – in and around the lakes.  

The Train

Front and center in downtown Blue Ridge is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. It’s one of those icons you can’t miss and if you haven’t taken the round trip to McCaysville yet, this is must-do that must be done. It’s a throwback; it’s scenic (thus the name), and it’s romantic. It’s hard to beat that lonely whistle echoing through the mountains, so pack up the kids and get ready to make some indelible memories.

The Ride

If riding a train isn’t excitement enough, consider Hells Hollow Adventure Outpost offering horseback riding on the trail, pony rides, a pony-go-round, fishing, gem mining, zip lining and more.  

The Pick

Early spring means early fruit just ripe for the picking. A number of strawberry patches in and around Blue Ridge, Blairsville and Ellijay open in early April for visitors to pick their own – and after strawberries, there’s a whole string of fruit picking that begins – be on the lookout especially for blueberries starting in mid-June.

The Zip

For something less sedate, consider ziplining through the trees at Blue Ridge Aerial Adventures. This heavily wooded adventure center features 13 ziplines, 50 obstacles and an 80-foot free-fall tower on 165 acres.  The effort to climb to the top of connecting platforms is rewarded with the exhilaration of a screaming free-fall through the forest. Don’t worry – it’s safe!

Family Fun

Daytime events are fun for families – but what to do at night?  To get the kids away from video games and their phones, consider a trip to the Swan Drive In – one of four drive-in theaters in Georgia.  This theater has been operating in Georgia since 1955.  But remember to bring cash – no cards accepted!

Biking is another easy way to enjoy year-round fun around the lake.  Blue Ridge has an extensive system of trails for those who bring their own bikes and are looking for some exercise.  But for those looking for an unusual was to enjoy the area without a lot of pedal efforts, you can rent an electric bike from Pedego Blue Ridge Electric Bikes for a trip around Lake Blue Ridge.

Tour Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery to see rainbow trout in their various life stages, hike the grounds or even stay here. You can even fish in Rock Creek, which runs through the hatchery. It’s always fun to see what you’re about to catch.

Blue Ridge Community Theater offers play performances for adults and children, as well as live music productions. It’s a great way to introduce kids to theater!

Explore Bigfoot exhibits, sketches and much more in the country’s largest repository of Bigfoot artifacts anywhere. The museum is located in Cherry Log, Georgia, just a short drive from downtown Blue Ridge. It’s an unusual and unique museum to discover on a day away from the lake or on a rainy day.

If you’re looking for something with a lake as a backdrop, consider golf – just don’t hit your ball over the green or well off the fairway, or you’ll spend time in the lake anyway, in a most unpleasant way. Several well-appointed golf courses, and even a couple semi-private courses are within a short drive of Blue Ridge, Blairsville and Ellijay.

Blue Ridge and the surrounding area is continuing to evolve as a well-rounded destination for all kinds of recreational and entertainment activities – in and around the lakes.  

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