Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and that means it’s time to plan the perfect date for you and your Valentine! Book your romantic weekend getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and stay in a charming Escape to Blue Ridge cabin. Then plan for a fun-filled weekend where you can enjoy a romantic dinner on the town, explore the local scenery, get pampered with a couples massage, sample wine and sweet treats, and much, much more. Plan your romantic weekend getaway with our romantic Blue Ridge guide:
*Cover Photo Courtesy of @emilyroselance
WHERE TO EAT
Treat your Valentine to a night out on the town with dinner & drinks at one of these incredible upscale restaurants! One of the most beloved Blue Ridge restaurants is The Black Sheep. This fine-dining restaurant is dedicated to fresh, locally sourced food that is expertly prepared. The Black Sheep is currently offering a limited time winter menu where you can begin your culinary journey with a soup or salad, followed by delectable entrees like seared prosciutto wrapped salmon, tasso & shrimp pasta, the pork ribeye, or fried chicken. Then finish your meal off with a satisfying dessert like the raspberry cheesecake, coffee caramel brulee, or gluten free chocolate cake.
For delicious aphrodisiacs, like oysters, visit ROE. Blue Ridge for an exquisite seafood and steakhouse dining experience. Delight in a raw bar adventure featuring clams, oysters, and a variety of other delectable fresh seafood options. Additionally, savor the sophistication of a steakhouse experience with offerings such as smoked duck and filet mignon. And pair your meal with a glass of wine that will cleanse your palette for the next course.
And if you’re looking for an exceptional night on the town visit one of Blue Ridge’s newest restaurants, Grace Steakhouse. You’re in for a one of a kind experience here; all of their steaks are aged for 45 days or longer, meticulously hand-cut, and expertly prepared to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. And beyond the 5-star menu, you’ll discover outstanding service and even more delightful cocktails. A meal at Grace transcends mere dining; it’s a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
For more fine dining restaurants check out our Fine Dining in the Mountains blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/fine-dining-in-the-mountains/
ROMANTIC STROLL ON BLUE RIDGE’S BEST HIKING TRAILS
You’ll find no shortage of hiking trails in Blue Ridge, perfect for taking a romantic stroll on and enjoying the natural scenery of the area. Along your walk you may find local wildlife, picturesque rivers and streams, rushing waterfalls, and even the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi. You’ll be water “falling” in love with these great trails in no time! Here are a few of our favorites:
Situated in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area, is one of our most beloved trails, the Benton McKaye Trail. About 15 miles south of Blue Ridge, the trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail, passing by notable landmarks like the Toccoa Swinging Bridge, Fall Branch Falls, Long Creek Falls, and Springer Mountain—ideal spots for memorable photo opportunities!
Within the Aska Adventure Area, there are four interconnected trails—Stanley Gap Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Flat Creek Loop, and Long Branch Loop—forming a total of 17.0 miles of captivating trails to explore. These trails, accessible year-round, wind through the Chattahoochee National Forest, leading you across mountain streams and creeks, past area waterfalls, and so much more.
And if you want to see one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state of Georgia, then venture outside of Blue Ridge, to Dawsonville, GA to experience the beautiful Amicalola Falls in person. There are three different ways to access the falls, each varying in difficulty. The first option involves a straightforward drive to the top, while the second entails a steep but brief 2.1-mile hike on a loop trail. Alternatively, you can opt for a 7.5-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail. Fortunately, no matter which route you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking grandeur of Amicalola Falls.
SHOP FOR GIFTS WITH YOUR PARTNER
Forget to get a gift for your partner before heading to Blue Ridge? No problem! Downtown Blue Ridge is home to dozens of shops and boutiques, where you can easily find the perfect gift for the one you love most.
Get a new art piece for the centerpiece of your home at High Country Art Gallery or 4 Elements Art. At these beautiful galleries you’ll find paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, and crafts, all predominantly created by local artists. Many of the artists are even open to crafting personalized pieces, ensuring you take home something truly special.
For adorable apparel and decor for her visit The Owl’s Nest of Blue Ridge or Julianna’s Boutique. At Julianna’s you can find her the perfect outfit for date night and then head over to the Owl’s Nest and grab a unique & stylish accessory to match! And for gifts for him, visit OAR Finer Goods. A gentleman’s store that offers men’s jewelry, ties, socks, books, novelty gifts, and more. The two of you can even coordinate your gifts to ensure the tie matches the dress perfectly! You’ll be dressing in style for your big date night on the town in no time!
Stock up on some wine for the cabin at Out of the Blue or 34th Degree Wine Merchant. Both shops have a wide selection of both global and local wines to ensure you find the best bottle. Additionally, they offer gourmet foods, artisanal cheese, craft beer, wine accessories, and ready-to-go wine & snack packs, perfect for a cozy night in at the cabin.
And plan to go antiquing together at the Blue Ridge Antique Mall & Consignment! This is a truly unique treasure trove with a vast selection of vintage items. From furniture to collectibles, textiles to glassware, and ceramics to art, this shop has it all, including locally made products ideal for mountain souvenirs or thoughtful gifts!
For more Blue Ridge shops to check out read our Downtown Blue Ridge Shopping Spree blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/shop-downtown-blue-ridge/
COUPLES MASSAGE AT SERENITY IN THE MOUNTAINS
Enjoy a day of relaxation and pampering with a couples massage at Serenity in the Mountains Spa. When you arrive you’ll be whisked away to the gorgeous couples sanctuary where you can unwind before your treatment and sip on Serenity’s special seasonal elixirs. Enjoy a rejuvenating experience in the Himalayan Salt Cave, known for its immune system benefits, or take a soak in the brand new sauna. Then indulge in a full-body couples massage with your partner, where the experience will not only foster a deeper connection between the two of you but will also allow you to genuinely feel the burdens and tensions of life effortlessly dissipate into thin air. There’s just no feeling like it!
WINE BY THE FIRE
Picture this: You’re cuddled up with your love by a nice warm fire, with a glass of wine in your hand and a spectacular view of the beautiful mountains in the distance. Sounds perfect right? Well lucky for you, you can make that dream a reality! North Georgia is home to dozens of wonderful wineries & vineyards. You can make plans to just visit one or winery hop to a few because they’re all so close! When you think of wineries you may think of frolicking through the rows and rows of grapes in the spring, but these great local wineries are still very much open in the winter! And when it’s chilly out they have fires going on their outdoor patios, which makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine.
One of our favorite places to sip wine by the fire is at local Blue Ridge winery, Bear Claw Vineyards! As you sit and take in the stunning mountain views and calming atmosphere, you’ll feel relaxed in no time! And with a wide array of delicious wines to choose from, it will be hard to pick just one! Fortunately, Bear Claw Vineyards offers various tasting options. And for a special Valentine’s Day treat, pair your wine with one of their famous wine truffles—milk chocolate ganache and vanilla cake truffles made with Bear Claw wine. Yum!
Another crowd favorite winery is Serenberry Vineyards! Their charming tasting area, once a barn from the 1920s, has been transformed into a beautiful space. The now open air barn is the perfect place to enjoy a wine flight, take in the views, and cuddle up by the stone fireplace. And venture outside of Blue Ridge to visit Engelheim Vineyards in Ellijay. Engleheim offers a selection of over 20 different award-winning wines so you’re in for a real treat. Cozy up by the fireplace and enjoy a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Engel Weiss. And on weekends you’ll find that there’s always something going on from wine pairing classes and wine-paired dinners to art and music events. On February 9th, they are even hosting a special Valentine’s Day dinner that will include an intimate & delicious dinner, wine, and a piano recital from Michael Ewbank.
For more romantic wineries to visit Valentine’s Day weekend check out our 8 North Georgia Wineries blog: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/8-north-georgia-wineries/
SWEET TREATS FOR YOUR SWEETIE
What’s sweeter than your love for each other? Well maybe a delicious cake or sweet treat from one of our local dessert spots! Indulge in the most extraordinary cupcakes you’ve ever tasted at The Sweet Shoppe of the South, winner of the hit show Cupcake Wars! The Sweet Shoppe offers a special Valentine’s Day themed menu that includes chocolate dipped strawberries, heart cakes & brownies, chocolate and caramel apples, and delectable cupcakes decorated with love. The Little Bakery, home to incredible cheesecakes, cookies, and more, also offers a special Valentine’s Day menu. Stay tuned to their social pages for more details as we get closer to Valentine’s Day, because everything is made fresh and from scratch! Mona Lisa’s Dessert House is always cooking up something sweet with their ever-changing “specials” menu. It truly is heaven on earth for dessert enthusiasts, with delicious offerings of cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, mousse, and dessert cocktails. The Chocolate Express is your one stop shop for picking up rich chocolates and truffles for your Valentine! Each chocolate is crafted from scratch using the freshest ingredients. And with over 60 different kinds of chocolate to choose from, you’re sure to leave with a bag full of chocolatey goodness that will last you and your Valentine for at least a few days!
UNIQUE DATE IDEAS
If you’re looking for a fun & unique date for you and your Valentine, don’t worry! We’ve got a few ideas!
For putt-putt golf lovers 2nd Story Entertainment will thrill and delight, as you navigate through 18 holes of putt-putt, in 8 individually themed rooms within a 112-year-old hotel. Putt-putt not your thing? No problem! 2nd Story Entertainment also has giant board games like Connect Four and Checkers, magnetic dartboards, and a wall maze AND a arcade with classic games like Air Hockey, Ms. Pac-Man, Big Buck Hunter, and more! Grab a beer and play some ball (pinball that is) at Vertigo Pinball! Here you can enjoy your favorite old school game with a modern flair. You’ll play on vintage and fun themed pinball machines like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Marvel, ACDC, and more with a wristband, instead of coins or tokens. Pair your gaming experience with comfort foods like Fripper’s hot dogs, paninis, and grown-up grilled cheeses, along with your choice of regional craft beer, cider, or wine. Bring back some great photos from your romantic weekend away at this picture perfect museum- Flex Your Selfie! Snag all kinds of selfies in fun interactive installations with stunning backdrops and captivating lighting effects. The photos you take will be a wonderful reminder of all the fun you had on your trip to Blue Ridge!
Head outside of town for a heart-pumping adventure at Tank Town USA! You and your partner can chase thrills by driving real tanks, crushing cars, operating construction excavators, and shooting M-1919 machine guns. How cool is that!? Or if you’re looking for something more lowkey, catch a movie at the Swan Drive In. This charming drive-in has called Blue Ridge home since 1955, and is one of the few drive-in theaters left in the state! Grab some tasty movie snacks from the concession stand, tune your car radio to the right station, and watch the newest blockbuster films from the comfort of your own vehicle. It’s a fun and romantic way to spend an evening!
You can even enjoy a romantic horseback ride through the beautiful North Georgia countryside with Appalachian Trail Rides. Opt for a private trail ride for you and your “hon-neigh” to ensure a peaceful and intimate experience. You’ll take a serene journey through the woods, passing by babbling brooks and tall mountains, and maybe even encounter some wildlife along the way. If your date is extra special and you’re planning on proposing, there’s even a unique proposal ride that takes you to a secluded romantic gazebo by the lake, where you can express all your heartfelt desires and pop that special question. To make the moment even more magical, sparkling cider will be provided!
DREAMY ROMANCE CABINS PERFECT FOR COUPLES
And finally nothing is more romantic than a weekend getaway to a cozy cabin in the mountains! Enjoy the privacy and intimacy that the mountains allow, connect with nature and each other, and take in the spectacular views that surround you. And be sure to take advantage of all the luxurious amenities at your disposal. Prepare your partner’s favorite meal in the state of the art kitchen, challenge each other to a game or two in the game room, cuddle up by the fireplace or outdoor firepit, and soak in the hot tub with a glass of wine in hand. There’s so much to experience together in a Escape to Blue Ridge cabin. Here are a few cabins that are just perfect for two: https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/6-cozy-one-bedroom-cabins-perfect-for-couples/
