Small-Town Friendly Atmosphere in one of the South’s favorite Mountain Towns.
Okay, I may watch too many Hallmark movies, but you have to admit that the Hallmark movie settings are simply spectacular. One movie in particular sparked my interest in waterfalls. After watching that movie over and over, I started on my search to find waterfalls somewhere not too far from my home state of Florida.
Chasing a Waterfall in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains
Just 90 miles north of Atlanta, I discovered the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia, the closest thing to what I would describe as my “heaven” in the mountains. The most spectacular scenery, top-notch restaurants, and lots of outdoor activities including waterfalls. However, Blue Ridge is known to be one of the best little towns in the state. Not only does this location allow me to see the majestic mountains and breathtaking waterfalls in person but I also discovered really nice hotel options, restaurants, and a must-experience train ride.
Hampton Inn Blue Ridge Hotel Near the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
When I was searching for hotels in the area, the Hampton Inn Blue Ridge hotel caught my attention because it offered a country setting with an artistic vibe. The fact that it was a short walk from the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Depot, made it the ideal location. Located in the heart of the downtown area, it was also near many restaurants, museums, Main Street stores and boutiques, the Chattahoochee National Forest, and a great live music scene.
Room With a View and Great Amenities Like FREE Breakfast
I did some research ahead of making my hotel reservation that some rooms at the Hampton Inn Blue Ridge offered a balcony. Knowing how obsessed I get selecting just the right balcony on a cruise, I knew we just had to book a room at this hotel with a great view.
The balcony was so unique! It was a balcony like you’d see in France, a “Juliette” style where a door opens allowing the perfect amount of sunlight to enter the hotel room. It is not a balcony where you can sit, more of an enhanced way to look outside. And the view! Not only did we get a great view of the mountains and the scenic downtown area, but we also had the opportunity to view the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway trains, arriving and departing at the depot.
Room amenities include:
>> Flat-screen television/cable
>> Shower with rainfall showerhead
>> Complimentary toiletries
>> Microwave
>> Desk
>> In room safe
Hotel offerings:
>> Complimentary WIFI
>> Complimentary self-serve breakfast or American breakfast
>> Hot tea and coffee ALWAYS available
>> Snack bar/deli
>> Rooftop lounge/bar/restaurant
>> Local shuttle
>> 24-hour front desk
>> Fitness center
>> Wheelchair access
>> Business center
>> Pet friendly
I highly recommend this hotel for its cleanliness, comfortable rooms and wonderful staff. The check-in process was quick, easy and flawless. We received such a warm greeting, and each team member was super helpful with my never-ending tourist questions.
Rooftop Bar/Restaurant With Stunning Mountain Views
After a day of exploring, it was a pleasant treat to finish the day with a beverage at our hotel’s very special and unique hotel lounge called the Hook & Eye. In fact, Hook & Eye is the first and only rooftop bar in Blue Ridge, Georgia! There you can witness the most breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge mountains and the downtown area. Enjoy a full bar of wine, cocktails and craft beer along with delicious burgers, sandwiches, soups and other bar bites as well.
While we did enjoy dinner on other evenings at nearby restaurants, Harvest on Main and Southern Charm Restaurant (both very good!), Hook & Eye’s rooftop location with a scenic skyline view at the Hampton Inn Blue Ridge truly added extra excitement.
All Aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
The Blue Ridge Scenic Train tour is such a fun yet relaxing way to spend a few hours in Blue Ridge. We picked up our tickets and enjoyed a leisurely walk from the hotel to the train depot. Just like you’d see in yesteryear, the train actually crosses water on a clanking-sound metal bridge.
The excursion spans a generous four hours, riding 26 miles along the Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville. While you can choose to travel indoors on the train, we chose an open rail car for an optimal viewing experience. When we arrived in the mountain town of McCaysville, there was a two-hour layover, enough time to walk around and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Here’s an interesting fact about our train stop in McCaysville, Georgia …
… there’s a very special “Blue Line” on the street. Step over that blue line and you’re in the state of Tennessee! Of course, we followed other travelers and situated our feet in both states; one foot on the Georgia side and the other foot on the Tennessee side. It made for a cute photo opportunity.
Be sure to plan your trip accordingly because understandably, the train doesn’t run in the winter months of January and February.
Majestic Waterfall Did Not Disappoint
In Blue Ridge, Georgia, plan to visit the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest that boasts 106,000 acres. Among the mountains and lakes, there are many beautiful yet hidden waterfalls. And while, I typically don’t add hiking to my vacation activities, I would do so to uncover the breathtaking magic of seeing a cascading waterfall up close and personal.
With a little help from some locals in the area, we were directed to Falls Branch Falls in Cherry Log, Georgia. It was an approximate twenty-five-minute drive from the Hampton Inn Blue Ridge. Knowing my level of fitness, we chose one of the easier waterfalls to hike to. It turned out to be a pleasant one-mile expedition, excitedly walking a trail that would somehow reveal the breathtaking waterfall of cascading elegance. Upon arriving at the viewing platform, I was as excited as a kid in a candy store. I think I took fifty photos trying to perfectly capture the waterfall’s twinkling beauty with just the right peak of sunbeams shining through. Magical is the only word to describe what we witnessed.
Blue Ridge, Georgia: My Own Scene From a Hallmark Movie
Just like a Hallmark movie, I fell in love with this mountain town of Blue Ridge, Georgia. It may be only 90 miles north of Atlanta, but I felt like I was very far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, tubing or you prefer visiting a brewery, winery, shopping, or browsing art galleries there’s something for everyone in this location.
Exploring the main street area of this town while staying in the nicest hotel, Hampton Inn Blue Ridge, made for a perfect travel experience. The staff was the true definition of Southern hospitality. The room was clean, comfortable and offered a beautiful view from the Juliette balcony. I even appreciated the secure parking and free breakfast buffet. And, while taking a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway train and walking through downtown felt like I stepped into a quaint movie setting, chasing a waterfall was the highlight of our vacation. Seeing the cascading water somehow triggered an emotional response in me as I created my own little waterfall, as a tear traveled down my cheek. It was an experience like no other.