jump to navigation

R&A Apple Orchard, Ellijay Georgia July 11, 2008

Posted by Tomira L. Rosser in Fun, North Georgia Mountains.
Tags: , ,
add a comment

Idea for Family Fun! This entry is about a recent trip to the Apple Orchard in Ellijay, GA. The apples there are very sweet and delicious. Taking a trip to the R&A Orchard in North Georgia will prove to be a wonderful experience for parents and kids alike!  During the month of August, the orchard will have in full bloom:

  • Detroit Red,
  • Ozark Golden,
  • Gala, and
  • Jona Gold apples “ripe for the pickin’”.

The orchard also has a old country store on the property where you can buy loads of apple things. From apple cider to apple candy, to apple pies! This day trip will cost less than a tank of gas and a few dollars for the bags to put the apples you pick in them.

Check out their website at: R&A ORCHARDS, ELLIJAY, GA

Image Courtesy of R&A Orchards

Image Courtesy of R&A Orchards

Fishing in the Blue Ridge July 11, 2008

Posted by Tomira L. Rosser in North Georgia Mountains.
Tags: ,
add a comment

Fishing in North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is exciting for beginners and experts. With a wide variety of places to fish, you will want to know about the area and what it has to offer before you take off for a day of fishing.

Before you cast off you’ll need to ensure you have a Georgia fishing license. You can apply for a fishing license at various locations and even online. Once you have your fishing license, its time to decide where to fish.

Lake Blue Ridge Fishing:

A fishing trip would not be complete in North Georgia without visiting Lake Blue Ridge. The lake is actually a 3,290 acre reservoir on the Toccoa River. The reservoir, located near Blue Ridge, GA, is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Lake Blue Ridge fishing is exciting because of the diversity of fish you can catch. Those on the lake are likely to encounter bluegill, largemouth bass, white bass, yellow perch and walleye. Catching walleye is best spring to fall at night because of the clear water.

Another reason the lake is popular is the ease of navigation. The lake can be easily navigated by small boat, canoe, tube or you can wade in several places. Check with the Tennessee Valley Authority for water release times and safety information.

Georgia Trout Fishing:

If you’re a fly fishing enthusiast, then consider the lower Toccoa River to be a dream come true. The Wildlife Resource Division stocks the lower Toccoas River annually with adult and fingerling rainbow trout, and brown trout. The lower Toccoa River game fish is 75% trout, with an average size of about 9 inches. The Toccoa River supports natural reproduction, so it’s not unlikely to catch a 12 inch to 16 inch trout, even the occasional 20 inch trout can be found.

Did you know Georgia has roughly 4,000 miles of trout streams and over 100,000 trout anglers? The WRD and US Fish & Wildlife Service are busy stocking Georgia streams with trout from late March through August. Fishing season typically starts at the end of March and runs until the end of October.

Delayed Harvest Streams (beginners):

Are you new to fishing? Georgia offers a variety of delayed harvest streams. These streams are ideal for beginners and offer less experienced anglers the ability to get good experience in an ideal environment. Fannin County and White County both offer delayed harvest streams. In Fannin County the delayed harvest stream is located along the Toccoa River, near Blue Ridge, GA. White County’s delayed stream is located two counties over on Smith Creek.

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Fishing Vacations:

North Georgia is a great destination for a fishing vacation. Those that fish enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia region because of the diversity of fishing settings. Located about 90 minutes from Atlanta, the region is a great destination for adventure-seeking vacationers. An industry for tourism has grown around the beauty of the mountains and quality of fishing. The next time you are considering North Georgia cabin rentals, consider a fishing trip on this region’s rivers, lakes and streams.

Keith Kurtis is an avid adventurer with an interest in Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia, North Georgia Cabins and Blue Ridge Mountain cabin rentals

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Festivals July 11, 2008

Posted by Tomira L. Rosser in North Georgia Mountains.
Tags:
add a comment

North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains offer a variety of festivals throughout the year. The majority of festivals occur in the spring to fall seasons with the fourth of July being the peak time. It is notable that there are many festivals that also occur in December.

If you’re unfamiliar with the festivals in Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia below will help give you an overview of the festivals and some basic information to help you plan your next trip to the mountains.

Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race, April

This race is held annually in April. For this race 80 co-ed teams of three hike, mountain bike, run and kayak in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The race begins in the Chattahoochee National Forest and ends in downtown Blue Ridge City Park where competitors are greeted with live music, food and the finish line.

Cinco de Mayo Festival, McCaysville-Copperhill – May:

The Cinco de Mayo Festival is held each May. What makes this festival unique (and fun) is the food, music and dancing that occurs on the street bridge between McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN.

Arts In The Park, Blue Ridge – Memorial Day Weekend:

Blue Ridge City Park is the site of over 200 arts, crafts and food booths each Memorial Day Weekend. Arts in the Park is a great demonstration of mountain crafts, fine art, music and dance, and has been recognized as one of the Top 20 events by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

Old Timers Day, Downtown Blue Ridge – Saturday Closest to July 4th:

This celebration includes a parade in downtown Blue Ridge. This is a great place to be for food, crafts, ice cream and entertainment.

Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks, Marina – on or near July 4th:

During the afternoon this is a great place for live music and food. At night people enjoy fireworks over Lake Blue Ridge.

Concerts in the Park, Downtown Blue Ridge Park – July & August:

This venue is a source of good music in a beautiful setting on warm summer nights. Bring your own quilt or lawn chair and a picnic supper, then enjoy the music.

Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo – August:

This western rodeo is fun for all ages. Rodeo features bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and other special events.

Labor Day BBQ, Labor Day in Downtown Blue Ridge

This annual BBQ at downtown Blue Ridge City Park starts at 11 a.m. and runs until the food runs out.

Wildlife Festival of the Arts, Downtown Blue Ridge Park – September:

The Wildlife Festival includes forest service information, fly-fishing demonstrations, great food and entertainment. There are more than 75 artists on site that sell sculptures, paintings and woodworking.

Family Fishing Festival, Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery, September

Fly-tying and casting demonstrations, educational exhibits and plenty of fish to catch in Rock Creek. Call (706) 838-4723 for more information.

Mountain Harvest Sale, Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market – 3rd and 4th weekend in October:

The Mountain Harvest Sale features local arts, crafts, food and fun on two separate October weekends.

Halloween Safe Zone, Downtown Blue Ridge

Downtown Blue Ridge Main Street is closed and kids of all ages trick or treat from shop to shop.

Holiday Art Show & Sale – November through December:

Shop for regional art and crafts at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Thanksgiving through Christmas.

Light up Blue Ridge, Downtown Blue Ridge, Saturday after Thanksgiving:

See the official lighting of the Christmas tree and watch as Santa arrives. The Christmas festival in downtown Blue Ridge includes Music, refreshments, caroling and all-day activities.

Hometown Christmas, Downtown McCaysville – First Saturday of December:

See the lighting of the bridge in McCaysville, GA. This parade includes Santa’s arrival, food, refreshments and entertainment.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Express – Weekends in December:

Bring the kids to ride the Blue Ridge’s holiday train and see Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves. Listen to Christmas stories and sing carols.

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Vacations:

North Georgia is a great destination for a family vacation. People enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia region because of the relaxed setting and beauty of landscape. Located about 90 minutes from Atlanta, the region is a great destination for adventure-seeking vacationers and those that want to take it slow. An industry for tourism has grown around the beauty of the mountains and quality of fishing. The next time you are considering North Georgia cabin rentals, consider a trip on this region’s rivers, lakes and streams.

See this video of North Georgia Cabins

Keith Kurtis is an avid adventurer with an interest in Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins, North Georgia Cabin Rentals and Cabin Rentals in North Georgia