Were staying in ellijay in july ….in a cabin
besides going to wal-mart .. where’s a good place to go grocery shopping .. and great place to get fresh fish.

I was there about 3 weeks ago, and there was an arts festival downtown. An artist had framed and un-framed pictures of birds (very colorful). I would like to purchase some prints, but I failed to get a business card, and have no idea what his name is. Would you happen to know who this was? There were several vendors that had bird/animal prints, but these were the only vivid colorful ones that I saw. I appreciate your help. Thanks!

What stores are going in Blue Ridge Village. I have not been up in a while and know only of the Home Depot that was built. Has anything been built near there since the Home Depot? I heard rumors of a Dairy Queen. Is that true?

Yes, there is a Dairy Queen grill and chill being put in right in front of The Home Depot.
Ingles is also expanding to house a pharmacy and gas station. Also a new Comfort Inn behind Home Depot.

Be sure to check out Blue Christmas. The ornaments are beautiful, and the owners are the greatest people. Very friendly!

Yes, I love the Blue Christmas shop. Me and my sisters will be visiting that shop every time we go to Blue Ridge. They do have great stuff and the owners are really nice people.

I lived in Blue Ridge for 5 years then we moved back to our home town in Madison Georgia and have been here for 7 years. I’m so glad I found this web site, I love looking at the downtown area. And I’m glad to hear about all the new businesses going in, wish they were there when I lived in Blue Ridge. I was reading the comments about the Blue Christmas shop. Do they have a web site? And does anyone know of any other shops in town that have web sites? I would love to look at them and also hope I could mail order from them. Thanks

bluechristmasblueridge.com

Thinking about opening my own business in Blue Ridge - downtown area. Are there any available shops and do you know who I could get in touch with regarding space, lease terms and pricing?

A local photographer by the name of Brenda Chatham has wonderful photos of birds: bjchatham@etcmail.com

Great for an experience in coffee. Come sit by the fireplace and enjoy pastries, lite fare, smoothies and frappe’s

I was born in Blue Ridge, I am so glad to see that the town is growing. I was back about two years ago and I could see the big change. The best of luck to all the merchants. I hope to go back for a visit real soon.

I believe that the Gnarly Bear should be mentioned in this page. It is a great store and my kids love the shirts there. They also have Quiksilver apparel for teenage boys and I believe they mentioned Roxy for the girls as well. Anyways, you should mention the Gnarly Bear it is a great store.

I have been reading the responses from shoppers in the downtown area, and a big THANK YOU to all who wrote in about my shop Blue Christmas. It is very nice to read all of the good comments!
Thanks for visiting the “other side of the tracks”!!! Yes, the Gnarley Bear ROCKS!

I also noticed a cute new women’s shop in town next to the Gnarley Bear called Sweet Star Boutique. They have alot of reasonable women’s clothing and accessories for ladies of all ages. It’s nice to see Blue Ridge having alot more variety in town. You definitely need to add Sweet Star to your listing

I just returned from a Thanksgiving trip to the Blue Ridge area. I visited a store across from the train station and between Tica Cabin Rentals and Blue Ridge Antiques. After the train ride I returned to the store to purchase two black wood swans only to find the store closed. Since I was leaving town early the next morning I could not return. My search for this store has failed to come up with a phone number, etc. I remember the sign said something like “Somehwere in time” or something similar. I believe it is two or three doors to the left of BR Antiques(if you’re facing BR Antiques).Can you help me with name, phone number, etc.

Thanks,
Diana
ICHOP4FSU@comcast.net

I’ve been in Blue Ridge for several years and really enjoy shopping at WRAPSODY IN BLUE. I find it to have the most outstanding selection of furniture, accessories and gifts. Not only are they high quality but there pricing is unbelievable. I also find the owners Mike and Jack to be two of the most kind and sincere individuals. You will really enjoy shopping in this beautiful store. They will help you find anything that you may be looking for. CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!

P.S. They give free water…… very refreshing on a hot day.

Hi! We are visiting Blue Ridge with our family and staying in a cabin on the Toccoa River. Specifically Fightingtown Creek. We would like to go horseback riding while we are there. Which stable would you recommend?

Hi! If you are looking for some shopping, go to North Georgia Premium Outlets! (here is the address: 800 Highway 400 South Dawsonville).
When I was in the region with my friends we decided to go there, and found heaven!! I mean they have 25%-65% off sales every day on brands such as Puma, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Banana Rep. and plenty more!!
It took us an hour from Blue Ridge to head there, totally worth it!
I think they also have accommodations and special offers if you want to stay overnight… This is the website: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=16
One last thing, when we went we didn’t look at the website before, and missed out on great savings… sign up for VIP shopper club for free online and you’ll get tons of coupons!!!!
It was allot of fuuuuun

Tom and Sonja at the Blue Ridge Birdseed Company are wonderful. Every time we go in their store they are so nice and helpful and friendly. They even stayed late after closing the other day so that we could get some ant moats for our hummingbird feeders. They seem to love what they do and it shows.

Love Dogs and Cats Too are great people too; you can tell they love what they do too. They doted over our little tiny American Eskimo Dog, Gracie, and were very friendly chatting with us.

Hi! Glad to hear all are enjoying their visits to Blue Ridge. Don’t forget to come in and check out Mountain Holly Quilters for all your quilting supplies or just to look at the quilts on display. Yes we do have a wonderful shopping area and it has made many improvements over the past few years. Come and enjoy the day, ride the train or just enjoy a nice cup of coffee.

As a young girl (amazing I can still remember that many years ago! ha!) I used to do a little sewing and embroidering. But then life happened, and I have not been doing anything with a needle and thread in years except mend the occasional ripped seam, etc. BUT…I have always dreamed of making my own quilt. I am hoping that if all goes according to plans, that we will retire up there in about a year or so….and I would love to start my quilt at that point or shortly thereafter….will definately try to stop by your store next time we are up!

We are planning a visit to Blue Ridge next week as we are planning on moving south next summer - can anyone tell us where we go to inquire about job possibilities (nursing & farming) in the area and what are some things for us to do in the area. We both love the out of doors. Looking forward to our visit south!

We have read the comments about Blue Ridge and are very curious of the business market there. Does anyone know anything about the Happy Days soda shop? We presently own a country grocery store in south Ga, and would love to retire in the North Georgia mountains. It would be a dream come true for us. Any information on the city would be appreciated and hope to visit all with our scheduled trip in a few weeks!

Hello…… Blue Ridge is a beautiful and wonderful town. You can check out the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce. It will give you a list of the members.

There are places that can be leased, not sure if you were looking for a building to purchase.

Good Luck and hope your dream comes true.

Just returned from a few days in Blue Ridge and discovered THE BEST little music store on East Main St.
If you love finding a great selection of classic rock, blues, old country and bluegrass you have got to check out Big Frog Music Co.!
The owners are really friendly folks and if they don’t have the cd you are looking for they can order for you (just about any cd you can think of) and they ship really cheap! AND THEY SELL VINYL!!!

I know you will just love this store so don’t forget to check it out!!

My husband always stops by Big Frog every trip…he loves it. I do too, but am usually spending more time than him in the “bear store” (Tommorrow’s Antiques Today) and the bird store (Blue Ridge Birdseed Co….Tom and Sonja are GREAT). Anyway, yes, the owners of the music store are really nice to just hang out with and talk with, and the store is really unique. It is definately a part of what makes downtown Blue Ridge so wonderful!

FYI: Today while my husband and I were taking our nearly walk in downtown Blue Ridge, we we shocked to see furniture, etc. being removed from Happy Days. We haven’t talked to anyone in the last couple of days who mentioned that they were leaving…but looks like their gone. Maybe someone else will be opening it or they just took a quick exit due to the economy. Business seems to be stead except for the last couple of weeks and probably due to the gas shortage…hope it ends soon.

Hello again

Steve and I drove up to Blue Ridge a few weeks ago and visited The Happy Days Ice Cream shop. We knew that it was up for sale as we had contacted a realtor about it. We were greated by some very friendly folks and decided to have an ice cream. The atmosphere was nice but there just seemed to be something missing. As we walked through the town and strolled through the stores, we just couldn’t get a comfortable feel for the area. We think your town is very pretty and I’m sure it attracts many tourists, but frankly with the alcohol situation and the majority of the merchants closing so early we are afraid of buying a business and relocating to Blue Ridge. We own a business in South Georgia, and alot of our customers patronize our store after 6pm in the evenings. Being a “tourist” in your area we found ourselves driving to nearby cities to enjoy the late evening events that the folks had to offer. We are not heavy drinkers but the choice to have a drink in a restaurant is appealing. We so well know how a non-pouring law inhibits growth of a potential thriving community. Our county is also in a “bible belt” and this issue has all but stopped the appeal of econmic growth, not to mention the percent of newcomers to the area has been 0 in the last 2 years.
Again, we will visit your area again I’m sure as we will be buying and moving to Dahlonega, Ga.
Thanks to all we ejoy reading your blogs

I agree with your comments. It’s a shame that Blue Ridge doesn’t realize it. Hopefully soon they will. Everyone is trying to get beer and wine in the city. It’s very hard on the restaurants.

Sorry. that your not moving to Blue Ridge. We wish you the best of luck in Dahlongega. Hope that you will return and visit Beautiful Blue Ridge.

The “alcohol situation” as you call it, is probably a reason most people return to your town. I know the drunks yelling & drinking & partying in the town of Helen keeps me from going to shop in their town when I visit in October.
I am looking forward to a quite, peaceful place to walk the streets & shop.

I didn’t mean to sound mean in the above post.
I realized some people like to have a drink with their meal & they don’t behave badly.
So I know there are two ways of looking at it.

We own a cabin in Blue Ridge and have found the “dry county” law to be easily managed. If we plan to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, we’ve found that “brown-bagging” wine is acceptable to us. If you consider the 100% - 150% mark-up on bottles of wine in restaurants, it is a much more affordable to enjoy wine with a meal….by bringing it to the restaurant with you. However, I believe that if the vote is favorable to allow beer & wine that it should be restricted to the city rather than county. I have not found that Fannin County is able to plan much successfully. We truly would not want to see beautiful Blue Ridge to appear as Ellijay does…..rows of bland restaurants all lined up on the four lane. Right now, Blue Ridge doesn’t look as appealing as it always did with Arby’s, Zaxby’s, Home Depot, Subway and the smaller stores all lined up too. Carefully look at that area when traveling on the four lane and I think you’ll see the invasion of concrete rather than charm. We’re beginning to look like a mini urban sprawl. If the beer & wine ordinance is restricted to our downtown merchants… outdoor dining under the stars would add to the charm of BR. Merchants could stay open beyond the dreaded 5:00 pm shut down and everyone would benefit. As I mentioned, this is all dependant on careful planning that would provide support to the mom and pop restaurants, rather than chain restaurants. Chain restaurants will only add to the problem and detract from the beauty of the mountains….and no one wants that!

Don’t go to Town and Country Furniture. The furniture they sell is used at least that what it looks like to me. Thier beds sag. And the nasty sloppy overweight women that runs the place curses at you and cries if you have a problem. The delivery men damage your house when they deliver and she doesn’t warranty or stand behind what she sells.
Stay away from that place the owner is bad news and her stuff is junk.

Mrs. Donald Trumpp,

Sorry that you had a bad experience at Town & Country. I have purchased furniture there and have not had a problem at all. I’ve had my sofa and chair since 2006. Also I purchased a glider rocker and ordered the material from them and swivel bar stools. Did you talk with the owner, her name is Donna? She has always been very pleasant.

Hope that you will go back and make sure that it was the owner and let her know.

Just wanted to let everyone know that Wrapsody In Blue has moved to there new location. I stopped in and it’s beautiful. The first floor is done and they are working really hard to get the second floor finished within a couple of days. I couldn’t believe all the new furniture and decor they are carrying. Remember 652 Wrapsody In Blue on Main Street.

I am looking for the store in Blue Ridge that sells very inexpensive wrought iron decor, I have beautiful dragonflies from there on the wooden struts of my screen porch and would like some more. I eas in Blue Ridge last weekend and was unable to find the store.

Hi,

My husband and I are retired and are considering moving to BR. We have no idea about the area other than it is beautiful, especially in the fall. Has anyone heard of the new 55 plus community, called the Oaks of BR? We don’t want much grass to cut. Does anybody have any news to tell me as to what areas to stay away from? I would not mind being no more than 5 miles from Walmart. What else is up there as far as shopping and where do you have to go and how far to shop for nicer clothes. I am used to Dillard’s or Belk, etc for my church clothing. We do not want an all pine cabin, but a regular house in the 200,000 more or less. Any input would be appreciated?

Cathy: It sounds like you would be more suited to the Ellijay or Jasper area rather than Blue Ridge. NOT trying to keep you out, mind you! BUT, there is a Walmart in Ellijay. The fastest/closest place to shop for nice clothing in in Canton, about 1 hr. drive south of Blue Ridge (much closer from Ellijay and Jasper). There is a Belks, Kohl’s, and a myriad of new shopping in Canton. You can also drive across to GA 400 and shop at the big outlet mall there (Saks 5th “Off 5th” store, tons of high end outlet stores there). I order most everything from the internet, but do go to the Atlanta area occasionally to visit family and friends that live there, and I shop my way back home! As far as homes, there are several great retirement communities around. Not all of our homes are rustic. I suggest you get with a good realtor and let them know your needs and they can work with you via internet to help you select several from the vast number that are for sale right now. It’s a great time to buy, by the way. Prices are great, interest rates are down, lots of homes on the market. We’d love to have you as a neighbor in Blue Ridge, but we don’t have the “big box” shopping that you find in larger cities.

Thanks so much.. We are in fact leaving to day to go toward Ellijay. We will also visit Jasper. Thank you so much.

Does anyone know if the new Walmart in Blairsville opened yet? Is it a Super Walmart?

Yep, it’s been open a couple weeks now. It’s a Super Walmart with grocery store. It’s laid out a bit different than most Walmarts and I had trouble finding my way around. Just seemed a bit strange since I can usually dart in to most any Walmart and go straight to the section I need. They have a weird parking lot entrance too … a circle that seems rather strange and out of place. Maybe it will make more sense down the road if they put in an outbuilding or something.

Cool… Thanks for the info… do you like it better than the one in Ellijay other than the layout? At least we have a choice now to go to either one.

Does anyone know of a reasonable hairdresser for color touch ups in Blue Ridge. We spend a lot of time at our cabin there. At our full time residence, we have places like First Choice and First Cuts where one can get a touch up at a reasonable price. They even run specials from time to time.

Tony, Weavers on First Street has wrought iron decor.

Hi, This may not go under business,
but I gave a workman a check to pick up some items but he cashed the check and did not produce the items. he was working on my house for some time so I figured he was honest!!!! Do I go to the police or an attorney???

I’d start with the police; wouldn’t cost you anything and I just think that is the first place to start. Good luck; Let us know how it works out!

My wife and I visited Blue Ridge several weeks ago and enjoyed the trip very much. While we were shopping, we entered a shop (I think it was on the main street) and noticed some beautiful refillable liquid candles. We didn’t purchase them at that time, but I wish we would have. Can some one tell me the name of the store and or the name of the candles? We can’t find them anywhere. Thanks

we are staying in blue ridge this week… is there any”malls” locally? that is, department stores, etc? where is the nearest outlet mall? we also visited the ellijay and jasper areas anything there?.. appreciate the help….

There is a huge outlet mall in Dawsonville. About an hour away.

Ed- The store is called Elements.

If you drive about an hour south on 76/515 from Blue Ridge, to Canton, on 20 East there is a large shopping complex with Kohl’s, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Books a Million, Pet Smart, couple of large shoe stores, Taco Mac and Olive Garden (you can’t see any of this from the highway). On Riverstone Parkway in Canton there’s lots of shopping there too. In Ellijay there is the strip shopping center with Walmart, Lowes, and several restaurants. We don’t have department stores in Blue Ridge, but we do have a Home Depot.

By the way, most people come to Blue Ridge to get away from the traffic and shopping mess of the big cities - to relax and unwind and smell clean, fresh mountain air, get out and enjoy the beautiful mountain and river scenery. That’s the charm of our beautiful town. Downtown Blue Ridge is full of quaint locally owned shops and restaurants with easy, level walking, and I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised at what all is in our downtown shopping area.

A lecture from Mama. Gotta love it.

Big Grin!

BTW, I do shop my way back home whenever I have to go to Hot ‘Lanta! I do have a good handle on just about every shopping mall and strip center between Blue Ridge and I-285!

I agree with Mountain Mama… when we go to Blue Ridge we go to escape the city life and hectic things associated with it. Blue Ridge is so serene and beautiful. It is my utopia for sure! I love being in the mountains listening to the wildlife and taking it all in. I am always in awe of the scenery everytime I go and then get shocked back into reality when
I have to return back to ugly flat FLORIDA!

I agree with you both. However cindylou was looking for directions not opinions. To each their own.

thanks for the info - blue ridge is wonderful and serene - hope to buy here in future….. but sometimes a girl just needs to shop… ha. I will try out the Dawsonville mall…… I appreciate the help!!!!

Be sure to check out the website for North Georgia Premium Outlets, which is part of the Chelsea Premium Outlets before you go. There are often coupon specials that you can print in advance for your favorite stores.

Has the Blue Christmas store in downtown Blue Ridge relocated somewhere nearby? We were up there a few weeks ago to buy our grandchildrens annual ornament and found a restaurant in the location. We always made it one of our stops when viviting Blue Ridge.

They went out of business!

Thanks Bev! They were the nicest people. I had hoped they moved somewhere close by. Does anyone in the area carry some of the old fashined ornament like Blue Christmas did?

Check out the new Christmas shop in town:

Fezziwigs
699 E. Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA, 30513
706-632-3399
Owners: Bradley Bemboom or Candel Chacon

They are on the right hand side of the one way street, across from the train depot. Wonderful shop!

Thanks Mountain Mama! We are going to come up to Blue Ridge this Sunday. I hope the new Christmas store will be open. I’ll call before we come to be sure as we will be at Cherry Log Christian Church Sunday morning. Thanks again!

Yes go see BB & CC.

Our family is meeting in Blue Ridge for my father’s 80th birthday. We will be on Mountain Ridge Road. What would be the most convenient grocery store?

Thanks.

Ingles on 515.

Wow, Teatrees Boutique Spa is outstanding! The new location is great, beautifully appointed, so relaxing you can forget you are in the middle of downtown Blue Ridge. Wonderful customer service and the best treatments in Blue Ridge. The owner Betty Jane Bruce has outdone herself, products and therapies are truly outcome oriented. 5 STARS all the way! As an RN, massage therapist I have high expectations and they were exceeded at Teatrees. Great last minute holiday gifts also!
I recommend it highly!

My family and I are escaping to BR for a few days this week and we can’t wait! Since we’re staying in one of the area cabins, we’re not bringing food and will need to get the staples for our stay. What is the closest and best place to get groceries? Firewood? Also (sorry if this is a stupid question), but I’ve heard that it is a dry city/county. Is there alcohol for purchase at the grocery? THANKS!

There is a large, very nice Ingles on the Highway, but my family is partial to the Food Lion on Windy Ridge (it has a local feel and consistently good strip steaks). There is beer and wine in the groceries, but you can’t buy any alcohol outside of restaurants on Sunday any where in Georgia. Liquor isn’t available in Fannin County. Either bring it from home, or if you are coming up 515 (and it isn’t Sunday) there are a couple of large liquor stores on the highway before Fannin. I don’t know about firewood since our cabin has a gas fireplace. There is another blog that you might use for local info: http://www.ngaforum.com/blue-ridge. It is a bit more active than this one and I think you will get more responses to inquiries. Enjoy Blue Ridge!

Go to Ingle’s. Much nicer and they have firewood.

We are coming up in October to the Mountains and planning a very small intimate wedding. Anyone know of a local florist or bakery. We were there 2 years ago and loved it.. This time we are renting a Cabin for 12 people. I’m trying to plan a wedding from Florida. I just booked the Photographer from Blairsville. But now I need to find a bakery and florist. Also and suggestions on a nice Place to get dinner afterwards. that doesn’t close early. Since we are planning the ceremony at 4pm.

There are several restaurants that have opened since your last visit. I would recommend Harvest on Main. For a bakery I would use Anthony’s next to Ingles in Blue Ridge. Come by the chocolate express on E main for some gourmet chocolates and fudge while you are here.

Thanks Adam I appreciate the help. Do you have a phone number for Anthony’s. I will come by I love fudge…..

I agree with the referrals to Anthony’s (www.anthonysbakeryblueridge.com. It is near Ingle’s, not next to it, in a separate strip center) and Harvest. For a florist referral, I would call Gatewood Hall (706 946-6246) and ask them who THEY would use. They are very nice, helpful gentlemen with good taste. Congratulations and Best Wishes!