The Beautiful Town of Blue Ridge, Georgia

Don't take our word for it, read what Southern Living Magazine has to say about wonderful Blue Ridge, Georgia!

"It’s one of the all-time best mountain towns in the state. We love Blue Ridge, Georgia, and we can count the ways. It's one of the coolest mountain towns in North Georgia, not least because of its vibrant arts scene and bountiful opportunities for outdoor adventures. Between the restaurant- and boutique-filled downtown and the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest and Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, there's fun to be had for everyone. Read on for a few of our favorite stops in Blue Ridge. And, if you have your sights set on a trip soon, download a copy of the town's walking tour and take yourself on a wander around town. They also have a handy list of all of the shops in the area, which is indispensable if your aims include window shopping—and they certainly should."

Scenic Murphy, North Carolina

Located in the Cherokee County of North Carolina, Murphy is a destination with a rich cultural history.

If you have always dreamed of escaping to the mountains and spending some time away from the busy city life, Murphy is probably the place for you to be.

With a population of 1,627, this small and beautiful town tucked away in the mountains will provide you with a calm and relaxing ambiance.

You can even catch picturesque landscapes, meet interesting people, eat and drink, and learn about the local history.

Try Your Luck at Harrah's Cherokee Valley Casino

Featuring 50,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 1,000 slots and 70 traditional table games, there is something for everyone. Wheel of Fortune, Monopoly, Quick Hits and Blazing Sevens are some of the 1,000 slots that make Harrah's Cherokee Valley River a favorite place to visit. Live table games include favorites like mini baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette, Mississippi Stud, three-card poker and more.

Beyond the lively gambling offerings, The River Tower offers plush comfort on seven stories, with 300 well-appointed rooms.

Nantahala National Forest

The Nantahala National Forest encompasses more than a half-million acres of pristine woodlands, with elevations from a high of 5,800 feet to a low of 1,200 feet. It is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina. Enjoy motor boating, bridle trails, fishing, nature/hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming.

“Nantahala” is a Cherokee word meaning “land of the noon day sun,” a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday.

The Nantahala River is popular for whitewater rafting with numerous outfitters available.

Lake Blue Ridge

The crystal clear aquamarine waters of Lake Blue Ridge make it one of Georgia's most picturesque mountain lakes. The 3,290-acre lake and surrounding area offer campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina and public swimming and picnic areas. Blue Ridge reservoir is 11 miles long and has 65 miles of shoreline, 25 percent of which is developed; the balance is land in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Pristine Hiwassee Lake

For a true “get-away-from-it-all” experience, spend the day at Hiwassee Lake in Murphy, NC. This 22-mile-long reservoir has over 160 miles of shoreline for fishing, boating, swimming, and just enjoying the lake views. Considered a non-commercial reservoir, because only 7% of it has been developed(!), the lake will help you find absolute peace in nature. For a choice of access points, drive the loop around Hiwassee Lake (a little over 2 ½ hours) until you find what you’re looking for, whether it be boating and swimming with other day trippers or your own quiet slice of heaven. For a panoramic view of this magnificent lake, visit the Hiwassee Dam, one of 3 hydroelectric dams on the Hiwassee River that is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Next to the dam is a park with lake access, trails, public restrooms, and picnic areas.

Beautiful Lake Nottely

Soak up the sun and enjoy a day out on the water! Lake Nottely, a 4,180-acre TVA lake with 106 miles of shoreline, is nestled in the mountains just northwest of Blairsville. Full pool is at 1,779 feet above M.S.L.

This popular lake is great for those who love boating, fishing and jet skiing. There are two marinas and several public boat ramps that offer access at different points on Lake Nottely. County-maintained Poteete Creek Park offers lake access, a white sand beach swimming area, campground, boating ramps and picnic facilities.

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