About Blue Ridge, Georgia

This north central Georgia town is home to some of the best antique shops in the state and is a gateway city to the North Georgia Mountains. Its central location, plentiful accommodations and reputation for abundant outdoor recreation activities make it a great place to spend a few days.

Blue Ridge, Georgia history

Blue Ridge is a town built around a railroad depot. The town came to life with the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia in 1886, which chose the level valley west of the county seat to build the railroad. Eventually, Blue Ridge became the county seat, and a hotbed for tourism, even back in the 19th century.

Although the original tourist boom did die down, Blue Ridge's core business (agriculture) did not. Even after passenger traffic died in the 1960's, freight shipping kept the railroad in business until the 1980's. By that time the town became an antique shopping destination, although not to the extent of Marietta, Georgia.

In 1998 the town, and the town of McCaysville were revitalized with the arrival of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

Interesting things to do in Blue Ridge, Georgia
Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad
Railroad from Blue Ridge to McCaysville

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