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By Kathy Dean
There’s a lot to love about living in
the city, but everyone needs a change
of scenery from time to time. Luckily
for Atlanta residents, some of the most
breathtaking scenery in the Southeast is
just north of the city, in the foothills of the
Appalachians.
“Mountain life is appealing because
it has a low-key resort feel with lots of
amenities and attractions,” said Nathan
Fitts, with Nathan Fitts & Team of REMAX
Town & Country. “Blue Ridge is just 90
miles from downtown Atlanta, making it a
great weekend escape for those looking to
get a break from the hustle and bustle of the
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city.
It’s a perfect fit for those who love the
great outdoors, as there are 106,000 acres
in the Chattahoochee National Forest
offering horseback riding, whitewater
rafting, tubing, zip lining, mountain biking
trails and hiking trails - including the
Benton MacKaye Trail and the beginning
of the Appalachian Trail at Springer
Mountain.
“Some of the best trout fishing waters
on the East Coast are in Blue Ridge, which
has been designated by the state as ‘The
Trout Capital of Georgia,”’ Fitts reported.
Local mountain trout is a popular dish
in many of the region’s eateries, too. The
historic downtown Blue Ridge area is full
of upscale and specialty restaurants. Other
favorite foods that visitors enjoy include
barbeque, fried apple pies, biscuits and
grits and sausage gravy.
“The mountains of north Georgia
provide peace, beauty, solitude and
outdoor recreation,” said June Slusser,
CEO, Coldwell Banker High Country
Realty. “Clean air, the night sky filled with
stars and a lack of urban noise is what
many city dwellers look for. What they
find is even greater than their expectations
- lively, small downtowns, quaint shops,
extraordinary restaurants, community
40 June 2016 | INtOWIl
Top photo: Lake Petit at Big Canoe.
theater, the arts and so much more.”
Among that “so much more” is the
ecotourism opportunities offered at
orchards, farms and wineries. Festivals -
such as Trout Fest, Wine and Jazz Fest, Big
Green Egg Fest, Blues and BBQ, Arts in the
Park and Apple Festival - fill the calendar.
Of course, visitors still ride the train
- The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - and
walk along Main Street while browsing
the antique shops, boutiques and galleries.
They enjoy stopping for a bite at the
cafes while drinking in the small town
atmosphere and chatting with the friendly
folks who pass by.
“Other big draws are the ever-growing
Union County Farmer’s Market, as well as
new wineries and wedding venues,” Slusser
said. “There’s always a crowd heading to
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in
Murphy and more musical events are slated
for the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in
Hiawassee. Expanding and upgraded RV
parks bring in more campers, too.”
Highlands gives the Atlanta
community a quick get-away spot with
a short 2-2 A hour drive. Bill Gilmore,
provisional broker, Highlands Cove Realty
and Atlanta Realtor with PalmerHouse
A rocking chair view of the mountains.
Bottom photo: Modern meets rustic.
Properties, noted that the elevation offers a
lower temperature of 10 to 15 degrees, and
fresh air cleaned by the National Forests
awakens the senses. Hikes and views
appeal to everyone, with the most popular
destination being Whiteside Mountain.
“Many Atlantans belong to one of
the 12 private golf clubs or play the three
public courses,” Gilmore said. “Visitors also
love the variety of restaurants and shopping
offered in both Highlands and Cashiers,
and there are many events that add to
special time spent in the mountains.”
He suggested stopping at local farmers’
markets that are open summer through fall
to stock up on fresh fruit, local cheeses and
produce from the region. Visitors should
be sure to schedule time for the Highlands
10th annual Culinary Weekend, Nov. 10-13,
too.
“In October, many Atlanta residents
come to see the shadow cast in the valley
from Whiteside Mountain,” Gilmore said.
“It’s called the Spirit Bear or Bear Shadow
and appears just before sunset.”
One key to Big Canoe’s attraction is its
proximity to Atlanta and the surrounding
metro area. It’s only one hour from the
high energy of the city, yet once a person
passes through the gates and crosses over
the covered bridge, they feel a million miles
away.
“In today’s nonstop, fast-paced world,
time is our most precious gift,” said Katie
Wercholuk, marketing director, Big Canoe
Company, LLC, the only real estate agency
inside the gates of Big Canoe. “Big Canoe’s
Continued on page 42
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