Budget Friendly Adventures – Blue Ridge and Ellijay
Posted 10.14.2024 in Travel Guides
Looking for a fun adventure for group travel that is budget-friendly? Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge, Georgia is an easy to get to destination for a bus that’s affordable, beautiful, and full of fun activities for Summer, Fall, and Holiday season. Here are 7 reasons to visit Blue Ridge or nearby Ellijay, GA to make affordable memories with your family and friends.
- Apple Picking– Blue Ridge, Georgia is home to several apple orchards which offer a “U-Pick” experience. Mercier’s, one of Blue Ridge’s largest orchards, allows pickers to explore up to 50 varieties of apples. A $10 entry fee provides visitors a bag to pick apples to take home and a tractor ride exploring the orchards. But a day at Mercier’s is not complete, until a sweet stop at the bakery for an apple fritter, apple cider, or any other apple treat you can imagine! Looking to plan your trip in the Spring or Summer? Mercier’s also offers “U-Pick” experiences for blackberries, vegetables, flowers, and more.
- Hiking– Blue Ridge’s mountain location provides access to many beautiful hiking trails including
- Long Creek Falls- walk to a beautiful waterfall in only a 2.5 mile roundtrip hike!
- Fall Branch Falls- also leading to a waterfall with an easier 1.5 mile roundtrip
- Appalachian Trail- encounter multiple breathtaking views on the nearby Appalachian Trail
- Blue Ridge Lake Loop- this easy to navigate 4 mile loop strolls along beautiful lake and mountain views
- Expedition Bigfoot: The Sasquatch Museum– Yes, you read that correctly. For only $9, explore 3,700 square feet of the nation’s largest permanent display of Bigfoot artifacts including footprint casts, audio recordings, and interactive exhibits.
- Blue Ridge Lake and Toccoa River– Kayak, paddle board, or fish in these beautiful bodies of water. Local rental companies offer affordable rentals, guided fishing trips, and kayak lessons starting at only $20.
- Charming, Affordable Vacation Rentals- While cheaper than comparable mountain destinations, vacation rental homes and cabins in Blue Ridge provide beautiful views in a quiet, picturesque setting. Enjoy cozy fire places and stunning sunsets, while paying a fraction of the cost of comparable settings.
- Georgia Apple Festival– Ellijay hosts Georgia’s Apple Festival this year on October 12-13 and 19-20. Smell the boiled peanuts, scale a rock climbing wall, grab a street taco, and discover unique hand-made items. With over 300 vendors, the Georgia Apple Festival is an iconic Fall event offering fun activities for kids like train rides, pony rides, inflatables, face painting surrounded by delicious food and live music all for only $10! (Kids 12 and under enter free!)
- Local wineries and breweries- Enjoy wine tastings or grab a flight of beer in relaxing atmospheres, often with live music in the Blue Ridge and Ellijay area. Whether wine made from local grapes or hard cider from local apples, North Georgia is home to many beautiful wineries where you can explore the location and sample a wide variety at an affordable cost.
When you’re booking your next vacation, there’s no need to settle on fun and adventure. Try Blue Ridge, GA- a hidden gem in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains in North Georgia an enjoy beautiful views, incredible local cuisine, and endless activities that are both affordable and memorable. Looking to travel with a group? We’d love to get you there with Eagle Christian Tours.