Vacation Guide in the Mountains - Fall 2025 - 18.4
Making memories is what life is all about! North Georgia offers so many things to do regardless of the season! Book your getaway in one of our beautiful cabins, many on streams, rivers, lakes and discover nature at a whole new level. Hike one of our beautiful trails, go horseback riding, take the kids to one of the apple houses and experience picking your own apples or strawberries, visit one of our fabulous wineries, enjoy a delicious meal at one or our local restaurants, check out some of the many stores, antiques and boutiques for a unique shopping experience and don't forget to take the kids to the wellknown "Big Foot Expedition", that all ages enjoy! Take memory photos and share them with us!
Your Local Guide to the North Georgia Mountains. Let the Vacation Guide in the Mountains help you find Events, Festivals, and Recreational Activities. Find the best local places to Eat, Shop, and lodge with handy Maps to make getting around easy.
Just find the # - for the advertiser’s location on the Local City Map or Centerfold Area Map.
Every Issue we will feature a Community Spotlight and point you in the right direction of Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, or Scenic Road Trips in our area.
View our website at www.MountainLakeGuide.com to find everything Online & Links to find more about our Restaurants, Shopping, Lodging, and Area Recreation.
And remember to like us /MountainVacationGuide /Mtnvacationguide
Tell them you “Found them in the Vacation Guide”
13th Fall Edition, Volume 18, Issue 5
Need Advertising Info?
Call Kathleen Painter: 706-896-2412 or office: 888.896.2412
permission of the publisher. MLP, Inc. is not responsible or liable for misinformation,
UNPLUG, UNWIND, EXPLORE, AND
Fall in Love with Fannin County, GA
The town of Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. Blue Ridge was founded in 1886 as a result of the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. It played as a significant role in transporting materials for the mining & timber industries, including Copperhill.
Today, Fannin County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural charm. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it attracts visitors yearround for hiking, fishing, and exploring the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The county has embraced its natural and historical heritage, transforming into a popular destination while maintaining its small-town character.
The historical Main Street now features shops and small eateries where visitors can sit a spell on the benches along the way. Spend a day exploring the many unique shops and galleries that line the town. Taste local homemade pies and jams from the areas many orchard farms.
The Art Center / Historic Fannin County Courthousebuilt in 1937 and is now the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s Arts Center where visitors can view the galleries see rotating exhibits.
The weather in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is simply stunning. Blooming flowers in Spring & Summer and cool days and crisp nights in the Fall. During the winter days are highs 50’s, can be freezing at night. Snow usually blankets the mountains 3 or 4 times a year.
The Blue Ridge Depot & Scenic Railway remains the central focus in downtown Blue Ridge and although the first depot burned, the present station was built in 1906. Enjoy a train ride from Blue Ridge to McCaysville and experience Gorgeous Foliage in the Fall and a
ride with Santa and his elves for Christmas. The train route consists of a 26-mile round trip through historic Murphy Junction along the beautiful Toccoa River.
McCaysville is popular destination stop of The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Two parks provide a nice setting for a peaceful picnic or play area with McCaysville City Park or Horseshoe Bend Park just on the outskirts of downtown. Specialty shops, antique stores, gem shops, souvenir and art galleries line the streets. Eateries and pubs offer outdoor patio or dining on the Ocoee River for a relaxing day to enjoy the scenic “twin towns” of McCayesville & Copperhill.
The prominent Toccoa River feeds Lake Blue Ridge. The river flows soothingly for about 15 miles north of the dam. The dam-runoff from the reservoir provides great trout fishing; fishermen should only wade-fish the Toccoa River below the dam when TVA is not generating electricity. The Toccoa River becomes hazardous quickly when they release, so be sure to check the dam release schedule before planning your trip.
Lake Blue Ridge has crystal clear aquamarine waters and is one of Georgia’s most picturesque mountain lakes. The 3,290-acre lake and surrounding area offers boating, swimming, hiking camping, picnicking, water skiing and fishing. 80 percent of the shoreline on Lake Blue Ridge is in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, peace of mind, or a little excitement, Blue Ridge invites you to stay and enjoy the scenic beauty. It’s small town charm with many activities will keep you coming back every year!
Visit: www.blueridgemountains.com or Call 1-800-899-MTNS (6867)
Lake Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Downtown Blue ridge
Terri’s Treasure Trove
Morganton’s Cutest Gift Shop
Shop for soaps, local honey, jewelry, vintage items, antiques, home decor, and many gift items. Our creative gift items include socks, candles, Myra bags, locally made jams, sauces, salad dressings, plus so much more!
Play in Ellijay the Pick of Gilmer County
Every Fall Ellijay is the perfect pick for everyone looking to enjoy the Apple Capital of Georgia. Agritourism is just one of Gilmer County's many attractions that provide more than 600,000 bushels of delicious mountain-grown apples each year. Valleys also abound with peaches, blueberries, a variety of vegetables, flower-picking fields, and several vineyards for wine tasting.
What makes Ellijay more unique is the variety of outdoor recreational opportunities that make it a great place for playing in wide open spaces. Gilmer County has over 276,000 acres of diversified landscapes and waterways to hike, bike, see waterfalls, enjoy the lake, or just relax viewing majestic mountains for scenery.
OUTDOOR RECREATION for Gilmer County is a bonus with 100 + miles of single-track mountain biking trails known as Georgia’s “Mountain Biking Capital” Maintained year-round Trails like Bear Creek or Pinhoti offer 6-10 mile rides for intermediate to advanced riders.
Waterways offer a broad variety of options for fishing, tubing, & and kayaking on the Coosawattee, Ellijay, and Cartecay. Enjoy catching bass, bluegill, catfish, walleye, and trout. Recreational areas like Harrison Park have walking trails and wildflowers while River Park, located near the Cartecay River and fairgrounds, offers playgrounds and other family activities.
If your path is a fairway, Whitepath Golf Course is Gilmer County's public 18-hole golf course with rolling hills and beautiful mountain views.
CARTERS LAKE is one of the deepest reservoir lakes in North Georgia with 62 miles of shoreline. Enjoy camping, hiking, bird watching, boating, biking, fishing, hunting and picnicking. Although fishing is popular; visitors can access the lake by canoe, kayak, powerboat, or sailing. Several campgrounds with many amenities are located around Carters Lake including Doll Mountain, Woodring Branch, and Harris Branch Beach.
FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Enjoy a scenic drive on Highway 52 near the Cohutta Wilderness to 2,850 ft above sea level, at Fort Mountain. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders will find beautiful trails and streams encircling a lake. Scenic views, a stone fire tower & ancient rock wall that stands on the highest point of the mountain. Go to GaStateParks.org for more information.
APPLE ORCHARDS Every year harvest season is fluttering in the “Fall” to a variety of activities from “You Pick”, music, hayrides, petting farms, games, and baked goodies. Sample apples and produce from Red Apple Barn, B.J. Reece, Panorama, Hillcrest, Aaron Family Orchards, R & A Orchards, and Mack Aaron’s or Penland's Apple House.
WINERIES, BREWERY & DISTILLERS Fertile soil, hillsides, and temperatures help to grow award-winning wines. Gilmer Co. wineries celebrate with live music & and food at several facilities including Engelheim, Cartecay Vineyards, Buckley Vineyards, Ellijay River Vineyards, Grapes & Ladders, Roo Mountain Vineyards, and Ott Vineyards & Winery. Additional hospitality continues for brewery, distillery, and hard cider at Cartecay River Brewing, Whitepath Distillery & Reece Cider Co. Nearby Vineyards are also located in Talking Rock, Jasper, & Blue Ridge.
DOWNTOWN ELLIJAY: Experience a true “Main Street” community. Receive welcoming hospitality at accommodations that include quaint B&B's, cabins, hotels, or camping.
Festivals happen throughout the year including Georgia Apple Blossom Festival, July 4th, Apple Festival in the Fall + Holiday Lights of Ellijay start Nov. 20th – Dec. 23.
Shopping and dining are the heart of Downtown with many antique stores, galleries, and great food at the local restaurants and taverns. Other fun places like Expedition: BIGFOOT! (outside town) offer interesting exhibits and Mountain Cinemas has the latest movies.
GILMER ARTS offers a wide variety of performances throughout the year! The Gallery shows annual juried art exhibitions + quilt and fiber art shows. The George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse in downtown Ellijay venue brings the finest in musical and theatrical entertainment.
Whether you are out for a weekend destination or vacation, be sure to “Pick” Ellijay and have a fabulous Stay!
See us at 696 1st Avenue, East Ellijay, or Downtown Welcome Center, 10 Broad Street, Ellijay For more information about Ellijay, Call 706-635-7400
Visit www.pickellijay.com
Picture yourself on a wooded riverbank with sweeping mountain vistas on the horizon and wildlife frolicking just out of reach. Picture yourself at Coosawattee River Resort: a private, gated community nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
C 12 Miles of River Frontage
C Meeting Facilities for up to 200
C Vacation Rentals (1, 2, & 3 Bedroom)
C Year Round Indoor Heated Pool
C Two Outdoor Pools & Tennis Courts
C Fitness Center & Game Room
C Pickleball Court
C Catch & Release Fish Pond
C Riverfront Parks & Playgrounds
C Vineyards, Hiking & Waterfalls Nearby
C Summer/Fall Concert Series
Come see catapults, air cannons, trebuchets, and other powerful machines toss pumpkins several thousand feet in a battle between champion pumpkin chunkers and the home teams.
Saturday, Oct. 18 - Sunday, Oct. 19
811 Settawig Road • Brasstown, NC
$5 Parking | $5 Admission | Children under 5 years old get in FREE Chili Cook Off and Anything Pumpkin Competition on the Square in Hayesville | Friday, Oct. 17 at 6pm | $6 Admission Fee
Sponsored by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce For more information visit claychambernc.com or call (828) 389-3704
The Clay County Historical & Arts Museum, located in an old jail since 1972 and adjacent to the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, contains numerous examples of Cherokee heritage, art, and related historical information. In a prominent corner of the Cherokee room sits a life-sized figure of a Cherokee woman basket weaver, made by local artist and Native American expert, Darry Wood. Hand-carved from pine trees and cherry wood that he cut down himself, Wood created the sculpture with local mid-wife Lura Patterson Ledford in mind. The display depicts a Cherokee woman in the midst of weaving a rivercane basket, surrounded by rivercane, rivercane baskets, pottery, and tools for stripping the rivercane.
The remainder of the room contains wooden masks, baskets, leather clothing and moccasins, pottery, beading, projectile points, tools, handmade quilt with a Trail-of Tears connection, and historical information.
In addition to the Cherokee collection, the museum shares glimpses of Clay County history through an early farmhouse kitchen, doctor’s office from 1920-1940, switchboard from 1916, loom and textiles from the late 1800s, post office from 1869, oral and video history of Clay County, photos from early 1900s, and vintage farm implements. A docent is available to answer questions. The museum is open Friday and Saturday in May, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, then Friday and Saturday through October. For additional information, visit the web: clayhistory.org or call (828) 389-6814. Entry to the museum is free.
by the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association, a non-profit 501C3 organization.
Please visit http://cccra-nc.org/ or write to PO Box 1533, Hayesville, NC 28904 for more information.
THE LODGE
Sheltered, Private Hot Tub & Pool Table
3500 sq. ft / 5 BR / 4 BA
Mountain Views / Electric Fireplace
Grand Porch Flat Top Griddle / Fire Pit
4 Kings / 1 Queen / 1 Twin / Sleeps 13
GOLD MINERS CABIN
Private Hot Tub Behind the Cabin
Mountain Views / Electric Fireplace
Flat Top Griddle / Fire Pit
1 King / 1 Queen 5 Twins / Sleeps 9
HIDEAWAY CABIN
Private Hot Tub
3 BR / 2 BA / Mountain Views
Electric Fireplace / Large Deck
Flat Top Griddle / Fire Pit
3 Kings / Sleeps 6
FISHERMAN’S CABIN
Private Hot Tub Under Cabin
Overlooks River / Small Deck
Lofted A-frame / Flat Top Griddle
1 King / 1 Queen / 2 Twins
Sleeps 6
HILLTOP LOFT
Private Hot Tub on Deck
Mountain Views / Small Lofted A-frame
Flat Top Griddle / Fire Pit
1 Queen / 3 Twins
Sleeps 5 (2 Adults, 3 Kids)
THE TREEHOUSE
Private Hot Tub Under Cabin
Overlooks Waterfall / Grand Porch
Flat Top Griddle
2 Queens / 1 Twin Sleeps 5
RIVERVIEW CABIN
Private Hot Tub on Deck
Mountain & River Views
Lofted A-frame / Spiral Staircase
Flat Top Griddle / Fire Pit
1 King / 1 Queen / 1 Twin / Sleeps 5
THE LOG CABIN
Built in 1928 / Hand Hewn Beams
No Hot Tub / Overlooks River
Electric Fireplace / Flat Top Griddle
1 King / 1 Queen Sleeps 4
COZY COTTAGE
Private Hot Tub on Porch
Over Natural Spring
Mountain Views / Parking Near Waterfall
Walking Trail to Cabin
1 Queen / Sleeps 2
Sept 4 – 7, 11 – 14, & 18 – 21
Sept 25 – Nov 2 Daily Oktoberfest Parade Sept 6th at noon
18TH
Helen Christmas Market
November 29 & 30 and December 6 & 7 NEW
Dropping
8pm
Blairsville
RECONNECT
- Nov. 20th Does not include
We have 14 unique cabins located on our 42-acre property and two additional cabins that are offsite but nearby. Each cabin is different; some are dog-friendly, and some have hot tubs. We offer standard in-cabin amenities to enhance your getaway, and we are happy to customize your experience with additional items. It’s simple to add items to your stay, like wine & chocolates, flowers, breakfast, spa treatments, and more.
Lodge 9am-6pm 7d/wk Spa 10am-6pm 7d/wk Tasting Room Th-Sat 11am-6pm; Sun-W 12pm-5pm Bistro Restaurant Open for Special Events or Private Parties Only.
Blairsville Pickers Barn
The Most Unique Shopping Experience in North Georgia
Over 150 Vendors • 30,000 sq. ft. Mall
Antiques - Collectibles
Quilts - Furniture - Coins
Rocks - Geods - Fine Jewelry
Glassware - Pottery - Crafts
Paintings - Yard Art
Taxidermy - Cowhides
Antique Signs - Man-Cave Stuff
Military & Civil War Items
Buy - Sell - Trade Open 7 Days a
Fall calendar of Events
Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling
Andrews, NC
September 5, 12, 17, & 26
Farmer’s Market
Andrews Farmers Market
September 17 – 20
Cherokee County Fair
Canton Fairgrounds
September 27
Oktoberfest
Main St
October 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
Farmer’s Market
Andrews Farmers Market
Blairsville
September 5
Redneck Market Nights
Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co
September 6, 13, 20, & 27
Music in the Park
Vogel State Park
Farmers Market
Union County Farmers Market
September 12 – 13
Quiltfest 2025
Union County Sports Center
September 13
Music Bingo
Lucky’s Taqueria & Cantina
September 20
Blairsville Extreme
Adventure Race (BEAR)
Meeks Park
September 22
Live Music with James Patrick Morgan
Lucky’s Taqueria & Cantina
October 4, 11, 18, & 25
Farmers Market
Union County Farmers Market
October 11
Sorghum in the Mountains
Festival Parade
Downtown Blairsville
Music Bingo
Lucky’s Taqueria & Cantina
October 11-12 & 18-19
Sorghum In The Mountains
Meeks Park
October 18
Cruise-In on the Square
Downtown Square
October 25
September 26
Forever Abbey Road: Live Music is Better
Blue Ridge Community Theater
September 27
Sugar Creek Outlaw
Classic Championship Race
Sugar Creek Raceway
October 3 – 19
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Blue Ridge Community Theater
October 11 – 12
15th Annual Fall Art
in the Park
The Art Center
October 17 – 19
Hallo-Wine Celebration
Paradise Hills Resort and Winery
Boo Bash 2025
Meeks Park
November 1
Day of the Dead Party
Lucky’s Taqueria & Cantina
November 8
Music Bingo
Lucky’s Taqueria & Cantina
Blue Ridge
September 4 – 7
The Mousetrap
Blue Ridge Community Theater
September 20
2025 Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival
Downtown Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Mountains
Parade of Homes
Various Locations
October 18
Pawsfest (Formerly Paws in the Park)
Downtown Blue Ridge Park
Brasstown, NC
October 4 – 5
49th Annual Fall Fest & 100th
Anniversary Celebration
John C. Campbell Folk School
October 7
Forge After Dark:
Blacksmithing Evening Event
John C. Campbell Folk School
October 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
October 18 – 19
Punkin Chunkin Festival
Settawig Road
Fall calendar of Events
Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling
Cherry Log
October 11-12 & 18-19
Cherry Log Fall Festival
Downtown Cherry Log
Clarkesville
September 5
First Friday Fun Downtown
Clarkesville
September 5 – 13
Chattahoochee Mountain Fair
Clarksville Fairgrounds
September 6
5th Annual Low Country Boil & Oyster Roast
Bleu Canoe
Clayton
September 20 & 27
Farmers Market
Covered Bridge Plaza
September 27
North Georgia Highlands Games for Charity
Rabun County Civic Center
October 4
Dahlonega
September 26 – October 12
Pippen
Holly Theater
October 18 – 19
Gold Rush Days
Downtown Dahlonega
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
Hello, Dolly!
Habersham Community Theater
October 1 – 5
Hello, Dolly!
Habersham Community Theater
October 4
Fall Festival & History Harvest
Mauldin House and Gardens
October 18
2nd Annual Soque River
Fine Arts Festival
Clarkesville Main Street
October 31
Trick or Treating on the Square
Clarkesville Square
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
Foxfire Mountaineer Festival
Rabun County Civic Center
October 4, 11, 18, & 25
Farmers Market
Covered Bridge Plaza
October 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
Cleveland
October 11
Community Yard Sale & Art Show
Mountain Laurel Antique Mall
Cornelia
September 20
Big Red Apple Festival
Downtown Cornelia
October 31
Downtown Trick or Treat
Downtown Cornelia
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
Demorest
September 20
Bogey and the Viceroy Friends of the Arts Benefit Concert
Arrendale Amphitheater
Dillard
Four Old Broads: The Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant
Dillard Playhouse
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
Ellijay
September 6
Blue Ridge Mountains
Wine & Jazz Festival
White Path Creek Farms
September 6, 13, 20, & 27
Farmers & Artisans Market
Downtown Ellijay
September 20
Bluegrass Festival at Roo!
Roo Mountain Vineyards
September 28
2025 Ellijay Bacon Fest
Gilmer River Park
October 11
2025 Georgia Apple
Festival Parade
Downtown Ellijay
October 11-12 & 18-19
2025 Georgia Apple Festival
Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds
2025 Apple Arts Festival
Downtown Ellijay
Epworth
October 4
Fall Festival
Old Epworth School
Hayesville, NC
September 6
Firecracker Jazz Band 2025
Peacock Performing Arts Center
September 13
Songwriters Showcase 56
Peacock Performing Arts Center
September 20
Steins & Wine Festival
Downtown Square
Cherokee Hertage Festival
Cherokee Homestead Exhibit
September 27
Tractor Parade & Agricultural Day
Downtown Square
October 3-5 & 10-12
Wrong Window!
Peacock Performing Arts Center
October 17
Chili & Anything Pumpkin
Cook-Off
Downtown Square
October 18
Songwriters Showcase 57
Peacock Performing Arts Center
October 24
Johnny Folsom 4
Peacock Performing Arts Center
October 25
Stage Fright:
Scribes on Stage 2025
Peacock Performing Arts Center
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
November 8
Interstellar Echoes: A Tribute to Pink Floyd
Peacock Performing Arts Center
September 25 – 27
The Dailey & Vincent Music Fest
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
September 28
John Crist: Jokes for Humans
Acoustic Sunsets Fall Series
Hamilton Gardens
The Park After Dark
Hamilton Gardens
October 3
Hiawassee Night Market
Hiawassee Town Square
October 4
55th Annual Helen
Oktoberfest
Helen Festhalle
Hiawassee
September 11 & 18
Acoustic Sunsets Fall Series
Hamilton Gardens
The Park After Dark
Hamilton Gardens
September 19 – 20
52nd Annual Fall Regional
Shelby/Mustang & Ford Show
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Bob Seger Tribute Mainstreet
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
October 10
Neal McCoy & Ronnie McDowell
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
October 10 – 12 & 16 – 18
Georgia Mountain Fall Fest
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
October 11
Chase Rice
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
October 12
Gosepl Music Show: Southbound, The Martins, & High Road
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
October 16
Rickie Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Fall calendar of Events
Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling
October 17
Josh Turner:
This Country Music Thing Tour
Mineral Bluff
October 25 – 26
Tri-State Model Railroaders: Ride the Rails Event
Trace Adkins
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
October 27
Appalachian Brew & Music Fest
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
October 31
Halloween at the Fairgrounds
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
November 7 – 8
Rats, Rust, & Horse Power
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
Lakemont
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
McCaysville
September 6, 13, 20, & 27
Twin City Farmers Market
Downtown Park
October 4, 11, 18, & 25
Twin City Farmers Market
Downtown Park
November 8
Bigfoot Boogie 5K
Downtown McCaysville
Historic L&N Depot
Morganton
October 4
Project Chimps: The Great Ape Escape 5K-ish Morganton
Mountain City
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
Murphy, NC
September 6, 13, 20, & 27
Farmers Market
L&N Depot
October 4, 11, 18, & 25
Farmers Market
L&N Depot
Rabun Gap
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour Various Locations
Ferguson Family: Clay and Kin Exhibit
The Folk Pottery Museum
September 6
Hwy 255 Blues Club: Crossfire
Historic Gym
September 7, 14, 21, & 28
Farmers Market
Sautee Nacoochee Center
Sautee Plein Air Experience
Sautee Nacoochee Historic Gym
September 14
Hiroya Tsukamoto: A Journey Through Strings and Stories
