Highway to Heaven!
There is probably nowhere I deem better for a weekend getaway than the North Georgia Mountains. I cannot tell you the times the NGM have lured me for a weekend of cooler temps and breathtaking scenery. Every time I see the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains come into view, my heart goes pitter-patter! From Greenville to Chattanooga, there is a weekend getaway perfect for you!
Melt in your mouth at Canterbury's
Weekend Getaway...Blue Ridge, Georgia
Blue Ridge, Georgia is a great place to visit if you have a free weekend. It's approximately a two-hour drive from Atlanta. Take I-75 North to I-575 and follow the signs.
Perhaps because I've been visiting this small town between Jasper and McCaysville for 25 years with a dear friend who just happens to have a second home there, I'm a bit partial to it...but Blue Ridge, Georgia is hands-down my favorite weekend mountain getaway. Not only do you experience the beauty of the foothills, but it oozes a bygone era with slower paces and people ready to sit and talk for a while. Really, the only part of the town that even bustles is the small downtown area. Don't be lazy about visiting early in the day, because the locals also go back to an earlier time and many close at 6:00 o'clock. There is quite an eclectic mix of shops that operate in the downtown (check out Owl's Nest and Huck's General Store, two of my favorites). If you're looking for antiques, locally handmade jewelry, unusual ladies attire, adorable children's clothing, specialty and gourmet foods, or that special gift for someone, you'll not be disappointed with your shopping adventure. You are also centrally located, where a day trip is altogether possible to the surrounding towns of Elijay, McCaysville, and Hiawassee, not to mention Murphy, North Carolina as well. If you've got the time, there are places to see!
Are you Hungry Yet? Great Dining is another area where Blue Ridge, Georgia really shines. I've seen restaurants come and go over the years, but there are a few that have stood the test of time and that really stand out in my memory for great places to eat!
Breakfast and Lunch For amazing coffee to start your day with a great breakfast (try the egg casserole or a slice of quiche) or if you're hungry for homemade chicken salad, delicious daily soup choices, and or an excellent gourmet salad for lunch, L&L Beanery is a Blue Ridge staple. I can't tell you the meals I've had in that cozy place, and I have never, not once, left hungry or without great service. They are on the west side of the railroad tracks and now have a location on the east side as well, right on Main Street. Another fairly new bistro that has not disappointed is Canterbury's. They are a bit harder to find, but have the best chicken and rice soup I've ever tasted! The decor is fun and a bit funky and it's a great place to indulge with your girls. Both L&L Beanery and Canterbury's have delicious food and are reasonably priced.
Once you're shopping-weary and the shops have closed for the day, there is no shortage of great restaurants to choose from for your evening dining experience. After all, that shopping has made you hungry, and lunch is just a memory!
Dinner in Blue Ridge also offers a good variety, but you'll need to check your wallet before you go. Dinner options are a bit pricier but totally worth it. Christy Lee's offers a varied menu with steaks, pasta, seafood and salad options. The restaurant is cozy, but cozier still is the outdoor patio seating. The last time my entourage dined there, it was a crisp autumn evening but Christy Lee's took care of us with their outdoor heaters, large outdoor firepit, and a low-key guitarist entertaining us as we waited for dinner. And did I mention I had an excellent glass of Reisling while I waited? Definitely worth the wait, but to guarantee you don't have to wait too long, they do take reservations. Harvest on Main is an experience that you won't soon forget. They offer mainstay dishes, but also offer the "small plate" options that are so popular now. There is a nice porch that is rather small, but it offers a great view of the downtown area, and is an excellent place to people-watch! And, God forbid that anything you order should come out wrong but, if it does, you will most likely get a personal visit from the executive chef/owner. You can see the chef's herb garden right outside the front door. Hospitality coupled with unusual food combinations is where this restaurant excels. Definitely worth the splurge! If you're up for a bit of a drive, head out to Aska Road, and experience a delicious meal on the river. Enjoy the beautiful drive along the Toccoa and take in the gorgeous scenery. Getting there around 5:00 or 5:30 pretty much guarantees you won't have to wait. Toccoa Riverside Restaurant is exactly what the name conveys -- dining on the Toccoa River. Order the pecan-encrusted river trout; it's a favorite. One plus for this restaurant...you can't beat the view!
Blue Ridge, Georgia is a great place to visit if you have a free weekend. It's approximately a two-hour drive from Atlanta. Take I-75 North to I-575 and follow the signs.
Perhaps because I've been visiting this small town between Jasper and McCaysville for 25 years with a dear friend who just happens to have a second home there, I'm a bit partial to it...but Blue Ridge, Georgia is hands-down my favorite weekend mountain getaway. Not only do you experience the beauty of the foothills, but it oozes a bygone era with slower paces and people ready to sit and talk for a while. Really, the only part of the town that even bustles is the small downtown area. Don't be lazy about visiting early in the day, because the locals also go back to an earlier time and many close at 6:00 o'clock. There is quite an eclectic mix of shops that operate in the downtown (check out Owl's Nest and Huck's General Store, two of my favorites). If you're looking for antiques, locally handmade jewelry, unusual ladies attire, adorable children's clothing, specialty and gourmet foods, or that special gift for someone, you'll not be disappointed with your shopping adventure. You are also centrally located, where a day trip is altogether possible to the surrounding towns of Elijay, McCaysville, and Hiawassee, not to mention Murphy, North Carolina as well. If you've got the time, there are places to see!
Are you Hungry Yet? Great Dining is another area where Blue Ridge, Georgia really shines. I've seen restaurants come and go over the years, but there are a few that have stood the test of time and that really stand out in my memory for great places to eat!
Breakfast and Lunch For amazing coffee to start your day with a great breakfast (try the egg casserole or a slice of quiche) or if you're hungry for homemade chicken salad, delicious daily soup choices, and or an excellent gourmet salad for lunch, L&L Beanery is a Blue Ridge staple. I can't tell you the meals I've had in that cozy place, and I have never, not once, left hungry or without great service. They are on the west side of the railroad tracks and now have a location on the east side as well, right on Main Street. Another fairly new bistro that has not disappointed is Canterbury's. They are a bit harder to find, but have the best chicken and rice soup I've ever tasted! The decor is fun and a bit funky and it's a great place to indulge with your girls. Both L&L Beanery and Canterbury's have delicious food and are reasonably priced.
Once you're shopping-weary and the shops have closed for the day, there is no shortage of great restaurants to choose from for your evening dining experience. After all, that shopping has made you hungry, and lunch is just a memory!
Dinner in Blue Ridge also offers a good variety, but you'll need to check your wallet before you go. Dinner options are a bit pricier but totally worth it. Christy Lee's offers a varied menu with steaks, pasta, seafood and salad options. The restaurant is cozy, but cozier still is the outdoor patio seating. The last time my entourage dined there, it was a crisp autumn evening but Christy Lee's took care of us with their outdoor heaters, large outdoor firepit, and a low-key guitarist entertaining us as we waited for dinner. And did I mention I had an excellent glass of Reisling while I waited? Definitely worth the wait, but to guarantee you don't have to wait too long, they do take reservations. Harvest on Main is an experience that you won't soon forget. They offer mainstay dishes, but also offer the "small plate" options that are so popular now. There is a nice porch that is rather small, but it offers a great view of the downtown area, and is an excellent place to people-watch! And, God forbid that anything you order should come out wrong but, if it does, you will most likely get a personal visit from the executive chef/owner. You can see the chef's herb garden right outside the front door. Hospitality coupled with unusual food combinations is where this restaurant excels. Definitely worth the splurge! If you're up for a bit of a drive, head out to Aska Road, and experience a delicious meal on the river. Enjoy the beautiful drive along the Toccoa and take in the gorgeous scenery. Getting there around 5:00 or 5:30 pretty much guarantees you won't have to wait. Toccoa Riverside Restaurant is exactly what the name conveys -- dining on the Toccoa River. Order the pecan-encrusted river trout; it's a favorite. One plus for this restaurant...you can't beat the view!
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant... See those little rolls there? They rock! (but in the soft buttery kind of way) And the salad is a precursor to the excellently-grilled shrimp I enjoyed... |
View from the deck at Taccoa Riverside Restaurant |
Another excellent choice for lunch or dinner is a must if you're craving a good, New-York style pizza. Blue Jeans is a favorite with locals and tourists alike, and offers a reasonably-priced option for dinner. Their pizzas are delicious and their salads are large enough for two or three to share! It's housed on the north side of town (walking distance from downtown) in the old "Blue Ridge Theater" building. Another local favorite is Sue's. Sue's is a bit off the beaten path, but ask any local and they're sure to know exactly where it is. A big sign reads "Best Burgers in Town," and, believe me, it is not false advertising. The burgers are big, well-cooked on an old-fasioned grill, the sides are generous and the desserts are made by Sue herself. If you are lucky, you might even see Sue and her granddaughter working side by side. It's somewhat of a hole in the wall, but it's clean and the burgers truly are the best in town. Bon Appetit in Blue Ridge!
What is There to do in Blue Ridge?
Other than the gourmet shopping that will keep a man busy for the better part of a morning and a woman busy for the better part of a weekend, Blue Ridge offers a train ride to McCaysville every day on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. It's a great opportunity to sit back and see the scenery without moving your car from its parking place. It's impossible to miss, as the railroad track splits the little town right in half; you can purchase tickets at the depot. The cars are open-air, so plan it for a nice day and take in the cool breezes! Lake Blue Ridge is just a short drive from down, and is absolutely gorgeous if you are a boating and fishing enthusiast. The Blue Ridge Theatre is a performing arts center, which offers plays and concerts. I saw a performance of Steel Magnolias there and it was a great performance! There is nothing like a live theatre! Check online for their schedule. There is even an old-fashioned drive-in for those who wish to have a totally retro experience while in the "Ridge." For a full listing of local activities, restaurants, and lodging, go to http://www.blueridgemountains.com.
Other than the gourmet shopping that will keep a man busy for the better part of a morning and a woman busy for the better part of a weekend, Blue Ridge offers a train ride to McCaysville every day on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. It's a great opportunity to sit back and see the scenery without moving your car from its parking place. It's impossible to miss, as the railroad track splits the little town right in half; you can purchase tickets at the depot. The cars are open-air, so plan it for a nice day and take in the cool breezes! Lake Blue Ridge is just a short drive from down, and is absolutely gorgeous if you are a boating and fishing enthusiast. The Blue Ridge Theatre is a performing arts center, which offers plays and concerts. I saw a performance of Steel Magnolias there and it was a great performance! There is nothing like a live theatre! Check online for their schedule. There is even an old-fashioned drive-in for those who wish to have a totally retro experience while in the "Ridge." For a full listing of local activities, restaurants, and lodging, go to http://www.blueridgemountains.com.
Weekend Getaway...Let's Head East to Greenville, South Carolina!
It's time to visit Greenville!
Greenville, South Carolina is the perfect weekend getaway if you live in the metro Atlanta area! It's approximately a two-hour drive from Atlanta; take I-85 North and follow the signs.
There is no shortage of restaurants, activities, shopping, or cultural excursions in Greenville. In the approximate one-mile stretch of the downtown area which has been completely renovated, you can: Stay in a four-star hotel, eat breakfast, lunch and dinner; shop for everything from unusual gifts to picnic provisions to a new outfit for the Peace Center in the evening. The Peace Center for the Preforming Arts offers every thing from Concerts to Live Theatre to Holiday Specials and is home to the Greenville Symphony Orchesta. While in Greenville, we purchased tickets for a production of Mama Mia! and it was awesome to say the least. The Peace Center brings in top-notch performances and is a great activity to center your weekend around. It is located in the heart of the downtown district and is in walking distance to, well, pretty much everything.
Don't forget to step back in time and pay a visit to Mast's General Store. They have everything from penny candies to quality sportswear. It's a great place to stay and wander around for a while. And did I mention picnic provisions? Grab sub sandwiches and head to the park! One of my absolutely favorite attractions in Greenville is Falls Park on the Reedy. Slap dab in the middle of bustling downtown Greenville is situation a beautifyl park on the Reedy River, complete with walking trails and an amazing waterfall. You can stroll under the main street bridge and take in the art exhibits and meet local artists after you enjoy your picnic on the green. To further your search for art and history, continue past Falls Park into the West End Market and Historic District, all without having to think about a car!
There is every kind of dining experience imaginable in Greenville! Quiet spots for morning coffee...elegant evening dining, bistros for a quick sandwich at lunch, locally-owned and sourced restaurants, you name it! There is no shortage of excellent dining in Greenville, S.C. To plan your next trip and for complete information on restaurants, lodging, and attractions, go to http://www.greenvillesc.gov/
There is no shortage of restaurants, activities, shopping, or cultural excursions in Greenville. In the approximate one-mile stretch of the downtown area which has been completely renovated, you can: Stay in a four-star hotel, eat breakfast, lunch and dinner; shop for everything from unusual gifts to picnic provisions to a new outfit for the Peace Center in the evening. The Peace Center for the Preforming Arts offers every thing from Concerts to Live Theatre to Holiday Specials and is home to the Greenville Symphony Orchesta. While in Greenville, we purchased tickets for a production of Mama Mia! and it was awesome to say the least. The Peace Center brings in top-notch performances and is a great activity to center your weekend around. It is located in the heart of the downtown district and is in walking distance to, well, pretty much everything.
Don't forget to step back in time and pay a visit to Mast's General Store. They have everything from penny candies to quality sportswear. It's a great place to stay and wander around for a while. And did I mention picnic provisions? Grab sub sandwiches and head to the park! One of my absolutely favorite attractions in Greenville is Falls Park on the Reedy. Slap dab in the middle of bustling downtown Greenville is situation a beautifyl park on the Reedy River, complete with walking trails and an amazing waterfall. You can stroll under the main street bridge and take in the art exhibits and meet local artists after you enjoy your picnic on the green. To further your search for art and history, continue past Falls Park into the West End Market and Historic District, all without having to think about a car!
There is every kind of dining experience imaginable in Greenville! Quiet spots for morning coffee...elegant evening dining, bistros for a quick sandwich at lunch, locally-owned and sourced restaurants, you name it! There is no shortage of excellent dining in Greenville, S.C. To plan your next trip and for complete information on restaurants, lodging, and attractions, go to http://www.greenvillesc.gov/
Weekend Getaway...Heading South to Charleston, South Carolina!
This could be a little village in the South of France but it's Charleston!
If you are looking for a weekend getaway and live in South Carolina, Georgia, or North Florida...Charleston, South Carolina is a place rich in history, culture, cuisine, shopping, and top-notch accommodations.
From the east side of Atlanta, we took I-20 East to Columbia and followed the signs. From the south side of Atlanta, take I-75 South to I-16 in Macon and follow the signs (five hours from Atlanta). I had been to Charleston several times before, but recently traveled there for a "girls" weekend with my sister and my three very best friends. Two of our four had never been to Charleston! If you have never been, it's a must-see!
The rich history for which Charleston is known amazed me more than anything. You can tour Fort Sumter and see where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Take a tour of some of the beautiful and stately homes that have been standing since that time in our country's history. Or you can venture out of the city and tour a plantation home. Everywhere you turn, history engages you. The architecture also pleases. Charleston has some of the most beautiful buildings, churches, and private homes in the southeast. It also is home to some of the oldest and most interesting cemeteries in the south. Old cemeteries intrigue me!
We were on a budget so we stayed at the Hampton Inn in the city. Hampton Inns are my go-to if you're looking for simple amenities, well-appointed clean rooms and the most bang for your buck! The Hampton Inn in the Historic District is where we landed, and the accommodations were pleasing. Our daily rate was decent, and included their full hot breakfast bar, saving us an average of $15 a day per person. We could have fared better (more luxury for less) staying across the river in Mount Pleasant, but we wanted the in-town experience of parking our cars in the parking deck and not seeing them again till we were ready to leave. You avoid traffic this way AND save on fuel. And that we did! We left our cars on Thursday evening and didn't see them again until Sunday afternoon when we very sadly pulled out to head back toward Atlanta. Everything you could possibly want to see or do is within walking distance if you stay in the city and this is exactly the experience we wanted.
From the east side of Atlanta, we took I-20 East to Columbia and followed the signs. From the south side of Atlanta, take I-75 South to I-16 in Macon and follow the signs (five hours from Atlanta). I had been to Charleston several times before, but recently traveled there for a "girls" weekend with my sister and my three very best friends. Two of our four had never been to Charleston! If you have never been, it's a must-see!
The rich history for which Charleston is known amazed me more than anything. You can tour Fort Sumter and see where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Take a tour of some of the beautiful and stately homes that have been standing since that time in our country's history. Or you can venture out of the city and tour a plantation home. Everywhere you turn, history engages you. The architecture also pleases. Charleston has some of the most beautiful buildings, churches, and private homes in the southeast. It also is home to some of the oldest and most interesting cemeteries in the south. Old cemeteries intrigue me!
We were on a budget so we stayed at the Hampton Inn in the city. Hampton Inns are my go-to if you're looking for simple amenities, well-appointed clean rooms and the most bang for your buck! The Hampton Inn in the Historic District is where we landed, and the accommodations were pleasing. Our daily rate was decent, and included their full hot breakfast bar, saving us an average of $15 a day per person. We could have fared better (more luxury for less) staying across the river in Mount Pleasant, but we wanted the in-town experience of parking our cars in the parking deck and not seeing them again till we were ready to leave. You avoid traffic this way AND save on fuel. And that we did! We left our cars on Thursday evening and didn't see them again until Sunday afternoon when we very sadly pulled out to head back toward Atlanta. Everything you could possibly want to see or do is within walking distance if you stay in the city and this is exactly the experience we wanted.
Stunning Architecture
In my opinion, the best way to see Charleston is to take out on foot and explore the city on your own. The very first night we were there, we headed down Meeting Street t to see what we could find and we ended up in Jestine's Kitchen, a cozy "soul food" restaurant serving up some really good collard greens and catfish. We were tired and hungry and the down-to-earth fare was just what we needed. Our first full day in Charleston took us on another adventure to the City Market, where every kind of hand-made item you never knew you needed can be found! I purchased an adorable hand-knitted cap for a friend's new baby. My traveling buds bought silver jewelry modeled after some of the beautiful gates in Charleston for a reasonable price, and my sister found an lovely infinity scarf for a song! Our wanderings (and a couple of local recommendations) led us to Bocci's Italian Restaurant just blocks away from City Market, where we enjoyed a hardy lunch with excellent service. We ordered a variety of entrees at our table, which included their authentic pizza, pasta, and delicious salmon & spinach salad. It seems as you wander through the streets of Charleston every corner you turn affords you another architectural gem. As you can see in the picture to the right, many of the old historical homes that face the bay have double porticos. I can just imagine the antebellum women in their full hoop-skirts standing at the rail gazing longingly toward the sea. The stunning architecture that abounds and the history that takes you back to an earlier time is a definitely a winning combination in my opinion.
If you do grow weary of walking, Charleston offers DASH (Downtown Area Shuttles) for your convenience at no charge. After a day of shopping and sightseeing and a quick rest back at the okay corral, we caught the shuttle right next to our hotel and headed to Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar for dinner. None of our party ate raw oysters, but I hear this is the place to go if you do. However, everything ordered that evening was equally delicious and the service was excellent. The ambience in this corner restaurant alone makes dining here totally worth it. It is very pleasing with low lighting and beautiful modern decor, complete with oyster shell chandeliers. The menu is a bit pricey, but everything is well prepared and presented and they do offer some small plate options if you're on a tight budget. My sister ordered the "Shrimp Corndogs," battered shrimp on skewers with a variety of dipping sauces. They were reasonably priced and delicious!
On Sunday afternoon, the last day of our trip we once again set out on foot, this day in a totally different direction. Our trek landed us down by the Harbor and the aquarium, and we ended up at Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar for lunch. It's a local favorite, so it may take you a while to be seated (hint: if you are willing to sit at the bar, you can be seated faster, which is what we did). This informal dining spot had a mixture of diners -- young and old, vacationers like ourselves in flip-flops and churchgoers still dressed in their Sunday best. The service was good, and their good ol' fried flouder with fries and cole slaw was well prepared and delicious.
We didn't even begin to touch the fabulous food and attractions in Charleston. I could literally spend a week there, and that's why I must go back soon! There are new restaurants to explore, new houses to visit, and more history to learn... For complete info on accommodations, dining, and excursions, go to http://www.charlestoncvb.com
If you do grow weary of walking, Charleston offers DASH (Downtown Area Shuttles) for your convenience at no charge. After a day of shopping and sightseeing and a quick rest back at the okay corral, we caught the shuttle right next to our hotel and headed to Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar for dinner. None of our party ate raw oysters, but I hear this is the place to go if you do. However, everything ordered that evening was equally delicious and the service was excellent. The ambience in this corner restaurant alone makes dining here totally worth it. It is very pleasing with low lighting and beautiful modern decor, complete with oyster shell chandeliers. The menu is a bit pricey, but everything is well prepared and presented and they do offer some small plate options if you're on a tight budget. My sister ordered the "Shrimp Corndogs," battered shrimp on skewers with a variety of dipping sauces. They were reasonably priced and delicious!
On Sunday afternoon, the last day of our trip we once again set out on foot, this day in a totally different direction. Our trek landed us down by the Harbor and the aquarium, and we ended up at Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar for lunch. It's a local favorite, so it may take you a while to be seated (hint: if you are willing to sit at the bar, you can be seated faster, which is what we did). This informal dining spot had a mixture of diners -- young and old, vacationers like ourselves in flip-flops and churchgoers still dressed in their Sunday best. The service was good, and their good ol' fried flouder with fries and cole slaw was well prepared and delicious.
We didn't even begin to touch the fabulous food and attractions in Charleston. I could literally spend a week there, and that's why I must go back soon! There are new restaurants to explore, new houses to visit, and more history to learn... For complete info on accommodations, dining, and excursions, go to http://www.charlestoncvb.com
The only transportation you need in Charleston!
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Which way to Ft. Sumter?
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The Gang (that's me second from right; sis is in the middle)
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