Blue Ridge, GA

If you’re looking for a new way to get out and enjoy the beauty of the North Georgia mountains, look no further than Merciers Apple Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia. September is the month when, every year, Merciers opens their groves to the public. Every weekend for the entire month you can board the tram and venture out to the vast fields of apple trees and pick the fruits of your own labors.

Once you board the wagon and journey out to the fields of apple trees, you will find yourself surrounded by the most diverse selection of apple varieties to choose from, though you'll want to note that different varieties ripen throughout the month. Every row is clearly labeled, but the only way to truly know which flavors appeal to you the most is… you guessed it… eat your way through the orchard.

Everywhere you turn there are fruit laden branches as far as the eye can see; every branch bursting with apples. Some trees have more apples than leaves or branches. No ladders or climbing are required because most of the trees are newer and the fruit is easily accessible, though a long reach can come in handy.

We were told not to worry about all the fruit that falls to the ground, as it is composted into the soil for next year’s fruit, and there’s more than enough apples for the plethora of tourists and locals that get to attend this time honored tradition.

It’s really quite simple. You enter the store and there in the front is the U-pick desk where you can purchase your bushel or 1 & ½ bushel bags. Then you head out to tram stop and hitch a ride out into the the fields where you are surrounded by tree covered hills and picturesque views.

With all that Mercier Orchards has to offer, extensive gift shops and a full service café and bakery, it’s easy to turn this visit into an all day affair. We love to go as a family, and find this more entertaining than a movie, with the added benefit of free healthy snacks and even more treats to bring home.

During other months, Merciers Orchards also offers pick-your-own Cherries, Blueberries, and next year, they are adding Strawberries to their selection, so whenever you visit, don’t miss this fun-filled fruit-filled excursion. And after a day of picking our favorites, all I have to say is... HOW YA LIKE THEM APPLES!?

L.&L. Beanery & Café in historic downtown Blue Ridge Georgia has done it again! Last year they expanded their unique coffee shop & bakery to include a very successful breakfast and luncheon café, and now, this: Great dining with fine food, libations and live music, set in an ambient atmosphere that reeks of high quality, but offers diners an affordable elegant evening.

We were seated right away. The accent lighting and live music created the perfect setting for a fine dining experience. It was a pleasure to finally be offered a wine list with dinner, as Blue Ridge is no longer a DRY county. By the bottle or by the glass, the prices were a pleasant surprise. We decided on a Riesling, and the entire bottle was $17.00. It was crisp and light, a great accompaniment to the vegetarian lasagna, which was a gourmet step above any lasagna I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying. We were left with no room for dessert, but the plethera of delectable offerings were tough to resist.

I know this new night spot will fill a niche that Blue Ridge area residents and visitors have been painfully aware of: someplace to have a lovely dinner with a bottle of wine and not end up spending a week’s pay. With the passing of the liquor licensing laws, it seems Blue Ridge will soon be the site of many quaint taverns and local breweries. There are two more evening establishments already in the works just around the corner, getting ready for an opening this Fall.

Little by little, places like L.&L. Beanery and Merciers Orchard & Café are offering later hours for those who like to stay up past sunset. Little by little, little Blue Ridge Georgia is stepping up with the times and expanding on what it offers visitors and residents. It’s actually an exciting evolution to watch. Bravo L.&L.!

P.S.- Dinner is ONLY offered Friday and Saturday nights, at this point. Due to the crowds we experience up here in the mountains during the Fall, be prepared to linger and enjoy the ambience, as home-made foods and persoanable waitstaff combined with high customer volume can create wait times.

Lot 23 Lakeview Road, Ridges Over the Lake, Blue Ridge Georgia

USFS road meanders along Lake Blue Ridge through national forest as it makes its way to the gated entry of the presitigous Ridges Over the Lake, nestled off the beaten path in the ever popular Aska Adventure Area. Private 2.2 acres with paved roads, underground utilities and community water ready to build your dream home in the North Georgia Mountains. Feel like you are a million miles away from it all but only 8 miles to historic downtown Blue Ridge. This upscale development is comprised of beautiful luxury log cabins and lodges, offering long range views of Lake Blue Ridge and layers of the famous "blue" mountain ridges. Priced well below other tracts in this development.

Price: $135,000 MLS #: 191105 VIRTUAL TOUR

Thank you Fred Carver, Victoria Real Estate for the tip to "Just Google"

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Early morning on Lake Blue Ridge

Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
706-633-0644 cell 706-632-7311 office
Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
www.move2northgeorgia.net
donna@ellijay.com