Although you may find many amazing small towns sprinkled through North Georgia, you'll never find one as breathtaking as Blairsville. Perfect for any wedding, honeymoon, corporate retreat or romantic getaway, Blairsville will make you feel like you're on top of the world.
The town
With a population of only 566, downtown Blairsville will transport you to another time where you'll still find local charm, Southern hospitality and enough outdoor recreation to keep you fit for a lifetime. Meandering through this beautifully maintained village, you'll feel a sense of peace with its uncrowded streets, picturesque mountain views and quaint shops. With waterfalls, hiking trails, golfing, spas, shopping and unbeatable lodging, Blairsville makes an ideal one-stop-shop for your vacation or event.
Local attractions
Located right in the middle of the North Georgia Mountains, Blairsville offers a plethora of outdoor activities, leisure sports and relaxation. Whether you're looking for an exciting adventure, or serene solitude, Blairsville has you covered.
You can find many hiking opportunities at Vogel State Park, home to many gorgeous waterfalls, like Wolf Creek Falls and Helton Creek Falls. If you're looking for a more rigorous hiking experience, you can access the Appalachian Trail right in Blairsville at Meeks Park. If you continue through the Walasi-Yi Center at Neel Gap, you'll get a chance to experience the only part of the Appalachian Trail that goes through a man-made structure.
A visit to Blairsville isn't complete without visiting the highest point in Georgia -- Brasstown Bald. This peak rises 4,784 feet above sea level, and boasts striking 360-degree views of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. You can either hike up to the summit by trail or take the shuttle if hiking isn't your thing. At the Visitor Information Center, enjoy a short film about the ecosystem and changing seasons at Brasstown Bald.
Fish all day long at Lake Nottely, with 106 miles of shoreline just waiting for you to enjoy. Home to largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie and spotted bass, this fisherman's dream features a pristine lake with truly memorable mountain views. Sport shooters will love Noontootla Creek Farms, which offers quail hunting, fishing and a 12-stand automatic clay course.
Not-to-miss events
At the end of May around Memorial Day, Blairsville hosts the Blairsville Arts, Crafts and Music Festival with more than 60 vendors, live music and delicious fair food.
If you have Scottish ancestry, you can't miss the Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games in June, which showcases clan heritage with traditional Highland games, sheep herding, falconry, dancing, live music and food.
This long-running festival in October celebrates sorghum with demonstrations on how to make sorghum syrup, as well as fun contests and competitions, vendors and yummy treats.
If you have kids, try trick-or-treating in downtown Blairsville on Halloween. On the Historic Town Square, your little ones can fill their sacks with candy from all the local merchants, who set up Halloween booths and spooky displays for the event.
A Georgia Christmas isn't complete without the Holiday on the Square and Christmas Parade in Blairsville every December. Enjoy a charming parade, holiday music, gift shops and even a visit from Santa.
Dining
Copeland's Burgers and Southern Eats. 17 Merchants Walk, Blairsville, Ga. 706-944-3600. www.copelandsburgers.com.
This local favorite offers gourmet burgers, hand-dipped shakes and floats, Southern sides and regional craft beer.
Michaelee's Italian Life Caffe. 6C Town Square, Blairsville, Ga. 706-400-5603. www.italianlifecaffe.com.
If you have a taste for Italian, you'll love this boutique restaurant, which delivers the best Italian fare in town.
The Aviator Cafe. 417F Blue Ridge St., Blairsville, Ga. 706-781-1043. www.theaviatorcafe.com.
At the Aviator Cafe, try one of the top local picks, including the Greek Gyro, Sunrise Wrap, and Will's Prime Dip that features tobacco onions, Swiss cheese, thyme mayo, toasted panella bread and rosemary au jus.
Nani's Cuban Restaurant. 51D Earnest St., Blairsville, Ga. 706-745-0010. www.nanisdeliandmore.com.
At Nani's, enjoy authentic Cuban and Puerto Rican dishes, like the Palomilla Steak Sandwich, Cuban Sandwich and Piggy Bowl.
Cabin Coffee of Blairsville. 44A Town Square, Blairsville, Ga. 706-745-0073. www.cabincoffeecompany.com.
When you need a cup of Joe, come on down to Cabin Coffee in downtown Blairsville, which offers the best fresh roasted coffee in the area.
American Catch Seafood Exchange. 94F Town Square, Blairsville, Ga. 706-745-3754. www.theamericancatch.com.
If you're craving a little seafood, American Catch Seafood Exchange has you covered. It serves just about every type of seafood, including oysters, mussels, clams, catfish, crawfish, rainbow trout, lobster, shrimp and crab legs.
Lodging
Your Home in the Woods B&B. 143 Timber Lane, Blairsville, Ga. 706-745-9337. www.yourhomeinthewoods.com.
Relaxing bedrooms with private baths with homemade breakfast served each morning in the dining room.
Enchanted Mountain Retreats P.O. Box 298, Blairsville, Ga. 706-781-3892. www.georgiaemr.com.
Luxury vacation rentals in and around Blairsville.
Cabins At Highland Falls. 105 Highland Forge Lane, Blairsville, Ga. 706-781-1550. www.highlandfallscottages.com.
Private mountain cabins along Coosa Creek on a 33-acre site that abuts national forest.
Majestic Mountain Getaways P.O. Box 22, Blairsville, Ga. 706-379-9929. www.majesticmountaingetaways.com.
Cabins with lake and mountain views around Blairsville that include hot tubs and game rooms.
Paradise Hills, Resort and Spa 366 Paradise Road, Blairsville, Ga. 877-745-7483. www.paradisehillsresort.com.
Cabin rentals with optional spa packages, wedding facility rentals and vineyards.
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