Blue Ridge Spring & Summer Bucket List

Book your Getaway! Check out this bucket list of top picks for spring outings with the family.

Toccoa River Rapids on Aska Road

WHERE TO STAY

Rent a cabin or luxury vacation home for the whole family. There will be lots of opportunities for family fun -- cookouts, fire pits with s'mores, and more. Click here to check out the options.

WHAT TO DO

1. Ride the Blue Ridge Railway and travel down the 13-miles of rails comprising the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The excursion is a generation-bonding adventure that starts at the historic 1905 depot in Downtown. Vintage climate-controlled rail cars or open air rail cars host more than 100,000 passengers each year for a ride that winds alongside the Toccoa River, with a stop in the twin border towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Copperhill/McCaysville is one town with two names because it is split by the GA/TN state line, where visitors have a two hour layover with plenty of time to eat lunch, shop for unique crafts and antiques, snack on ice cream or walk around. Get your picture taken with one foot in each state!

2. Take a scenic drive on Aska Road for beautiful views of the Toccoa River Rapids. Cross the historic Shallowford Bridge over the Toccoa to Sandy Bottoms Canoe Launch, for an up close view of the river. The perfect place for a family picnic. Here's a link to our driving tours.

3. Hike to Falls Branch Falls, where the upper portion is a series of cascades that lead to a single major drop of some 30 feet, with the water plunging into a deep pool at the base of the falls. Find out more about our local waterfalls here. Check out these tips about Hiking with Kids. Remember to Recreate Responsibly.

4. Go horseback riding at Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides (319 Hell's Hollow Road). Also onsite, kids will love fishing in the pond, riding ponies, gem mining and wandering the nature trail. Appalachian Trail Rides, in addition to horseback riding, offers up pony rides for your Little Buckeroo's 5 and under. You can also arrange a picnic ride from some of them. Check out other horseback riding companies in the area such as Blanche Manor and Cowgirl Up Stables.

5. Get hearts pounding with two feet off the ground at Blue Ridge Adventure Park, featuring an obstacle challenge course in the air with suspended bridges, tight ropes, climbing walls, ziplines and other fun obstacles for every age and ability. Reservations required.

6. Catch a movie the old-fashioned way at The Swan Drive-In, one of Georgia's four remaining drive-ins. Established in 1955, the Swan Drive-in features a full concession stand, including funnel cakes and fried Oreos.

7. Go gem mining, fishing, take a hike or play a round of mini-golf, all at Blue Ridge's destination for family fun--The Lilly Pad Village, has a fishing pond (poles provided) mini-golf and gem mining. For indoor fun visit 2nd Story Entertainment with their unique 18 hole mini-golf course, they also have arcade games, drinks and ice cream.

8. Take a farm tour of Mercier Orchards (8660 Blue Ridge Drive) and stock up the cabin with fried pies, fresh veggies and fruits. Merciers is a family-owned and -operated, primarily apple, orchard. The must-see Blue Ridge attraction will reward your senses with bushels of apples, strawberries and other produce, fresh pressed cider, warm fried pies--but, most importantly, memories. Started back in 1943 by Bill & Adele Mercier. Mercier Orchards is now celebrating more than 70 years of fruitful harvests. Beyond apples, their onsite store serves up a variety of farm toys, pet items, kitchen paraphernalia, home decor and is host to a meat and cheese shop. Visit the tasting room, offering hard ciders and wines, including locally-produced varieties.

9. 30 Fun Things to Do with Kids! Hiking, Catch a Fish, Explore the Ocoee Whitewater Center and many more ideas. Download the Kids Adventure Game its a fun activity the whole family can participate in. Find all of our trout statues scattered around town while you play the Trout Art Trail Kids Game.

10. Take the kids to Huck's General Store. Step back in time with an authentic general store experience in downtown Blue Ridge, complete with barrels of candy from yesteryear. 500 E Main Street.

Where to Eat

1. Whether the family is taking the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or driving to McCaysville, Burra Burra on the River is not to be missed. Enjoy dining on the deck by the Toccoa River for lunch or dinner with classic American food, beer and wine.

2. Carroll’s Barbeque serves everything a family loves, from smoked chicken, pork and beef to soups and salads, with Southern desserts like cobbler and banana pudding.

3. Rin Tin’s Barks & Brews Cantina: Bring your pet for the indoor dognasium and dog-friendly patios. Bring your appetite for the salads, soups and sizeable sandwiches. The market offers fresh meat, breads, dairy items, pastas and more to take home and prepare. Your dog is welcome for the hour or for the day.

4. Iron Bridge Cafe: Great spot to stop for breakfast or lunch if you are out exploring the Aska Adventure Area. Breakfast including a variety of sandwiches, burrito's, pancakes and more. For lunch, burgers, wraps, sandwiches and salads. Eat there or take with you for a picnic at the rapids or Falls Branch Falls.

5. Cucinella’s Pizzeria: A family tradition since 1932 serving brick oven pizzas with a wide variety of toppings along with specialty pizzas like Calzone, Margherita, Veggie Lovers, Spinach and more. Gluten-free cauliflower crust is also available.

More To Explore

Spring Drives & Hikes in Blue Ridge Learn More
30 Fun Things to Do with Kids Learn More
Birding Around Blue Ridge — Spring & Summer Learn More
Katie Reeder

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Katie Reeder

Laurie Rowe & Company

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