Labor Day weekend is typically summer’s last hurrah. Visitors flock to the mountains to escape the southern city heat, hoping to “chill” before the final quarter of the year kicks into full gear. (Yikes, only 12 weeks till Christmas? Say it isn’t so!)
Whether you came to be entertained, experience the great outdoors or just eat and drink your way through these three days, we wanted to give you a heads up on what’s happening over this holiday weekend. If the event is kid-friendly we’ve noted it with a KF seal.
U Pick Apples
Enjoying the fresh air and summer breezes in the mountains is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Labor Day Weekend is the start of one of our annual visitors favorite family traditions and outdoor activities, Mercier’s Orchards U Pick Apple season. For more details, visit their website here. (KF)
RACE TIME
If you like your outdoor entertainment to be loud and dirty, then you might want to head over to the Blue Ridge Motorsports Park on Saturday night, Aug 31 for a full racing program. A night at the racetrack is fun for the whole family! (KF)
LIVE MUSIC
If you love live music then you have some exceptional options this long weekend!
Friday, August 30th - Frankie Sparks at Misty Mountain Hops
Saturday, August 31st - Jeff Rogers at the Blue Coyote
Saturday, August 31th - Road Kill Rangers at Grapes and Ladders
Saturday, August 31th - Anderlan at Tipping Point Brewing Co
Saturday, August 31st - Venae at Roo Mountain Vinyeards
Saturday, August 31st - Nick Stuard at Cartecay Vinyeards
Saturday, August 31st - CJ Prather & The Rocco's Food Truck at Chateau Meichtry
Saturday, August 31st - Skelton Key at Buck Bald Brewing
Though Southern BBQ is good twelve months a year, there’s something special about smellin’ that smoker cooking some tender butts for hours on end. If it’s BBQ that you are yearnin’ for, then head into the heart of Blue Ridge for the 42nd Annual Labor Day BBQ. On Monday, Sept. 2 from 11:30-6, enjoy the annual Labor Day Bar-B-Q with all the fixings served. Presale tickets are available from participating churches, Fannin Chamber of Commerce, and American Wholesale Print Shop. (KF)
GRAPE STOMP FESTIVAL
One of the most iconic episodes of the I Love Lucy Show was the show where Lucy and Ethel take a job in a vineyard stomping grapes. It is impossible not to belly laugh your way through this episode, and Paradise Hills Winery Resort in Blairsville, offers you an opportunity to experience this adventure at their 11th Annual Grape Fest, Saturday, August 31st. Local BBQ food will be available for purchase. They’ll be having an “I LOVE LUCY – Look-alike Contest” at 2pm and 4pm. Wine Prizes for best costume! You don’t want to miss this fun time (KF). Admission is just $25 per person includes a souvenir glass and a basic tasting.
Mountain Heritage Festival
Every Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend downtown Blairsville hosts, the Mountain Heritage Festival. Presented by the Union County Historical Society, the festival celebrates the history and mountain culture of these hills and valleys. Mountain arts/crafts, music, living history activities, demonstrations on quilting, spinning, basket making, chair caning, farm animals, and gold panning, along with activities for children. The activities will be centered around the restored 1861 Payne family log cabin, the Mauney family barn, the Duncan family cabin, and other structures from Union County’s past. Festival hours are 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free and there’s plenty of free parking around the Square. (KF)
Where to Eat!
One of our favorite things about living in the mountains of North Georgia is the incredible southern food! We may be biased but Georgia folk do southern cooking best- with warm, homemade biscuits, shrimp & grits, collared greens, bbq & ribs, and so many other southern favorites. Check out some of our favorite Blue Ridge Restaurants.
SUMMER’S LAST HURRAH
William Shakespeare penned “Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” We couldn’t agree more. We look forward to seeing you here in the mountains this Labor Day weekend for summer’s last hurrah!
