Summer sun and ready for fun! Summer has finally arrived in Blue Ridge and we can’t wait for lake days, tubing down the river, outdoor dinner and drinks, festivals and so much more! With so much to do, it can be hard to narrow down what activities you’d like to prioritize on your escape. We’ve put together a Blue Ridge Summer Lovin’ Guide that will help you choose some of the best activities, restaurants, and cabins to experience on your summer escapes to Blue Ridge!
Looking for the perfect summer spot with cocktails, live music, delicious food, and stunning views of Lake Blue Ridge? Head over to the Boat Dock Bar & Grill at Lake Blue Ridge Marina! All summer long, you can enjoy your favorite comfort foods, from shrimp and buffalo chicken wraps to burgers and BLTs, wings and more. Pair your meal with a refreshing, fruity cocktail like the Blue Ridge Boat Wreck or the LBRM Ridge Runner, perfect after a fun-filled day on the lake. And on weekends you can dance the night away to live music from talented local artists. Plus, The Boat Dock Bar & Grill even welcomes your furry friends, so you can enjoy a night out on the lake with every member in your family, whether they have 2 or 4 legs! Make The Boat Dock Bar & Grill your go to summer hang out spot, you’ll be glad you did!
Summers are made for relaxing and having fun in the water! All that and more awaits you at the beautiful Lake Blue Ridge! Rent a boat at Lake Blue Ridge Marina and spend the day floating on the water. Have your own boat? Hit the lake at any of these access points:
-Lake Blue Ridge Day use Area and Boat ramp
-Morganton Point Recreation Area
-Lakewood Landing Boat Ramp
-Lake Blue Ridge Dam and Lake Blue Ridge Dam Recreation Area
-Lake Blue Ridge Marina
Or if you're in the mood for a refreshing swim, head to Morganton Point and jump right in! At Morganton Point, you can enjoy the beach by building sandcastles, having a picnic in the designated picnic area, fishing, or hiking around the lake. And if you're visiting for the 4th of July, make sure you catch the spectacular annual fireworks display over the lake!
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This lakefront cabin is the perfect warm-weather retreat! At Piney Cove you can sit on the lawn and watch the waves ripple on the lake. Or, rent a boat and spend your day on the water! You can even fish right off the two-story private dock or sunbathe on the upper level. Unwind after your day on the water on the covered patio or the firepit pavilion area, where you can still enjoy the soothing sounds of the lake. When the sun goes down, indulge in arcade games in the entertainment-packed game room or have a movie night up the spiral staircase into the loft. Piney Cove is the perfect cabin for lake fun this summer!
Enjoy riverside views and delicious Blue Ridge trophy trout at Toccoa Riverside Restaurant! Soak in the view of the Toccoa River on the outdoor, riverside patio and dine on their famous fried trout. Fried fish not your thing? You can get your trout boiled or smoked instead, they’ll prepare it however you like it! On top of trout dishes, this riverside spot also offers up award winning steaks and seafood. Begin your meal with a plate of Cajun Popcorn or Smoked Trout for an authentic taste of Blue Ridge. For the main course, delight in choices like Filet Mignon, Baby Back Ribs, or Fresh Local Rainbow Trout. Then finish off your meal with a sweet treat from their dessert menu! For a riverside dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine with breathtaking scenery, visit Toccoa Riverside Restaurant!
Unwind from your busy trip and embrace the joy of a fun summer adventure with a relaxing float down the Toccoa River! Imagine drifting along with your friends, the sun warming your face as you gently glide over calm waters. Sounds perfect right? Well lucky for you Blue Ridge has ample opportunities to make this dream a reality!
One of our favorite tubing companies is the Toccoa Valley Campground. Known for over 50 years of providing family fun in the Blue Ridge area, they offer tubing, rafting, and kayaking. But if you’re looking to really relax we recommend grabbing one of their famous pink tubes and getting your float on! Your tubing experience will typically take about an hour and a half as you leisurely float down 1.5 miles of the Toccoa River.Toccoa River Tubing Company and Blue Ridge Tubing also have great options for tubing experiences. Let all your worries drift away as you float down the river on your perfect summer day!
For more fun on the river and other thrilling outdoor adventures check out our Summer Outdoor Adventures Blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/9-summer-outdoor-adventures
Enjoy the sounds of the river when you stay at Luxury Lodge on the Toccoa! This cabin is brand new to our program, which means you could be one of the first to enjoy everything it has to offer! From beautiful views of the Toccoa, to sightings of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway engine, there's no shortage of beautiful sights from the plushly appointed deck. Inside, enjoy the game loft, the double bunk beds, and the breakfast bar! Plus there’s room for up to 12 guests so there’s plenty of room for all your friends and family to spread out and enjoy all the luxurious amenities on the banks of the Toccoa!
Just 15 minutes from Blue Ridge, in McCaysville, GA, you’ll find a delightful riverside ice cream spot that is just perfect for kids! Happy Bear Ice Cream & Treats offers delicious scoops of ice cream right by the Toccoa/Ocoee River, with awesome views of the famous Steel Bridge. With tons of flavors like Butter Pecan, Oatmeal Cookie Craving, Banana Pudding, and Candy Bar Overload, kids will have endless fun picking their favorite combinations of ice cream and toppings. Want to try something extra fun that the whole family will enjoy? Try The Very Happy Honey Bowl which is 20 scoops of ice cream with blueberries, raspberries, caramel, whipped cream, a cherry, and a honey drizzle. It's a giant treat that's perfect for sharing with the whole family! Bring the kids for a fun and delicious time by the river at Happy Bear Ice Cream & Treats!
Nothing screams summer like summer movies at the drive in theater! Blue Ridge’s famous Swan Drive-In Theater has been showing movies since 1955! Step back in time and experience the magic of the 1950s by watching movies the old-fashioned way. Simply tune your car radio, enjoy some delicious classic movie theater snacks, and relax in the comfort of your own vehicle. The whole family will love coming together to watch some of the biggest movies of the summer and a few favorite classics. It's the perfect way to spend summer nights! Check their website for movie showings: https://www.swan-drive-in.com/now-showing.php
And for more family-friendly fun check out our Kid-Friendly Blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/kid-friendly-fun-in-blue-ridge
Today is your lucky day... You get to book a trip to 4 Leaf Clover! This absolutely astounding cabin sleeps 12, so everyone you love can get in on the fun. There's even a kids room complete with two sets of bunk beds (for the ultimate sleepover!) and a view of the train tracks. When you're ready for some adventure, you'll be near some beautiful spots for outdoor activities including fishing, horseback riding, hiking to waterfalls, and more! You can even get up to some trouble right at the cabin at their newly added pickleball courts, then unwind after your game at the firepit next to the courts. Roast hot dogs & marshmallows for the kids (and adults alike) and then head inside for a family game night in the game room complete with a pool table, poker table, shuffleboard, and plenty of board games! You’ll feel nothing but lucky after your family’s stay at 4 Leaf Clover!
Refreshing cocktails, delicious apps, and amazing views of Downtown Blue Ridge? Count us in! Located atop the Hampton Inn, Hook & Eye is a stunning rooftop bar where you’ll love spending your summer nights! And when it comes to cocktails and fun drinks they’ve got a wide array of options; try The Squatch or Just Peachy for a fruity twist, or get into the Blue Ridge spirit with the Blue Ridge Margarita. For a classic touch, the Ocoee Old Fashion is a must-try, featuring locally distilled bourbon from Blairsville, GA. And for food, snack on dishes like the Higher Ground Nachos, Oven Roasted Wings, Flatbreads, Burgers and more! As the only rooftop bar in town, Hook & Eye offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience!
One of the best parts of summer is spending time with friends! Relax with your closest pals at a local winery or brewery. Many of these spots feature live music on the weekends, stunning mountain views, comfortable outdoor seating, delicious food, and a relaxing atmosphere. Plus, many even have dog-friendly patios! Some of our local favorites include Grumpy Old Men Brewing, Bear Claw Vineyards, Cartecay Vineyards, Serenberry Vineyards, Angry Hops Brewing and Tipping Point Brewing Co. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing glass of wine or a cold beer on a summer day while laughing with your best friends. To learn more about our local wineries & breweries and to see even more of our favorites, check out our beer & wine guides here: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/beer-hunting/ & https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/8-north-georgia-wineries/
A good drink and an amazing mountain view? It doesn't get much better than that! At Bourbon Barrel Ridge you can end every day with a glass of whiskey in hand while you take in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains from the porch, cuddled up next to the wood burning fireplace. Even the interior of this lovely home will remind you of a good bourbon, from the exquisite bourbon barrel table to the enchanting lighted whiskey bottles. And this home has the perfect blend of modern and historic charm. For the history lovers you'll find a 200 year old China hutch in the dining room and beautiful photos of the Blue Ridge area dating back to the 1920's adorning the cabin walls. And to keep up with the modern times you'll find Smart TVs, a sound bar, a gas fireplace, and a Nintendo Switch! Book your stay at Bourbon Barrel Ridge where you'll get the best of both worlds, the old & the new!
The Dogwood, located in the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge offers a unique dining and drinks experience, with a select menu, customizable drink options, and plenty of room for all your friends and family on their extensive patio. While the menu may be small don't be fooled, every dish is utter perfection and a mix of your favorite comfort foods like the Loaded Baked Potato Skins, Sticky Ribs, Fish Tacos, Smash Burgers, and more. And when it comes to drinks The Dogwood offers a full bar, craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a unique beer garage with over 70 options and the chance to create your own personalized six pack! The Dogwood even offers breakfast Tuesday-Sunday so be sure to drop by for one of their famous Bigfoot Biscuits, yum!
There’s so much to experience in Downtown Blue Ridge that it may be hard to know what to check out first! Shop till you drop and dine at delicious and trendy restaurants in Downtown Blue Ridge! Bring home treats and souvenirs from some of our favorite shops like Blue Ridge Cotton Company, Hucks General Store, Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company, Pezrok, Out of the Blue, The Pasta Market, and many more. Visit some local art galleries like High Country Art and 4 Elements Art to admire Blue Ridge’s local art scene. Enjoy some quality family time and friendly competition at Vertigo Pinball and 2nd Story Entertainment. And even discover the legendary Bigfoot at Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum! Then, end your day with a sweet treat from The Sweet Shoppe or Three Sisters Fudge.
For more fun in Downtown Blue Ridge check out our Downtown Blue Ridge Experience Blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/downtown-blue-ridge-experience
What’s not to love at What’s Not to Loft, a charming loft for 4 in Downtown Blue Ridge! In this stunning, downtown loft you’ll find a sleek blue kitchen with stainless steel appliances and stylish leather seating to relax on as you watch the big game. Step out onto the balcony where you’ll have great views of Downtown Blue Ridge. Or climb the winding steps up to the loft where you can play your favorite arcade games or take a nice nap. This two bedroom, 3 bath home is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for a modern style and to be close to town. In fact, you’ll be just steps from Blue Ridge’s newest steakhouse, Grace so make sure to make plans for a nice dinner there before you leave!
These fun restaurants, activities, and cabins are just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in Blue Ridge this summer! For more ideas check out our Blue Ridge Summer Experience blog https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/the-blue-ridge-experience-summer-edition and follow our calendar of events as well!
