BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Spring had come to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The rhododendron and mountain laurel were popping out in unreal shades of pink, and the massive hardwoods of birch and maple only recently bare-leafed in winter had begun their seasonal metamorphoses with emerald-green new growth. Somewhere in those forest-covered North Georgia mountains, slumbering bears were just waking from their hibernation.
North Georgia is where flatlanders, and I am among that number, flock for fresh mountain air, cooler temperatures, and views to forever, all melded together with a heaping help of Appalachian lifestyle. It is where Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s tallest mountain, rises to 4,748 feet, a mere child compared to some Appalachian peaks, but a natural treasure and source of pride to not only locals but also to the rest of us Georgians.
On that spring day I drove nearly to the summit of Brasstown Bald, and when I stepped to the scenic overlook to take in the beauty that is the Blue Ridge Mountains, great whispers of the wind flowed through the trees like a melody, a song of sky and mountain and forest. I thought, yes, now I know where the sweet strains of mountain music originated.
Undoubtedly the soul of Georgia lies in its small towns, hubs of hospitality, locally owned shops and restaurants and where everyone still says, “Hi, there,” with a big smile and sometimes, yes, whether you’re known or unknown, a quite Southern-like, um, bear hug. Blairsville, in Union County in the heart of the Blue Ridge, is like that.
The heartbeat of any small town is its downtown, and Blairsville is no exception. The iconic Union County Courthouse is its jewel in the crown, anchoring the Square in Downtown Blairsville with its deep red brick and towering spire. Additionally, it houses an impressive museum of county and Native American history.
Also dotted all around the square are the most darling, whimsical and fun shops and restaurants that pay homage to the North Georgia and Appalachian lifestyle. I popped into Logan Turnpike Mill to browse for stoneground grits, flour and cornmeal before moseying over to Mountain Life Mercantile to search their colorful shop for locally made soap, honey and lots more. Other shops, with imaginative names including The Farmer’s Daughter, Beautiful Things and Sunflowers on the Square, are worth a meander.
When you think of Blairsville eats, think fresh mountain trout and vegetables and fruits grown in North Georgia’s rich, fertile soil. When you first get into town, visit Sunrise Grocery, a cool little country store, for a sample of Georgia caviar, otherwise known as boiled peanuts. From those salty, addictive boiled peanuts to homemade jams, jellies, candles, pickles and more, Sunrise Grocery has been supplying the needs of North Georgia since the 1920s.
If it’s not Sunday and you still want Sunday dinner, that big Southern spread complete with meats and veggies and cornbread and biscuits, plop yourself down at Sawmill Place Kitchen and Market and sit a spell. The concept is farm to table – and that means fresh – and it’s all nostalgic goodness with overflowing bowls of squash casserole, collard greens, fried chicken and, well, you get the idea.
Blairsville Restaurants Grits and Greens is just what the name implies, offering more Southern goodies like big bowls of hot grits, smothered biscuits, trout dishes, or a meat-and-two, which is a choice of meat, two vegetables including greens in season, and the staple of biscuits and cornbread. The ribs at its companion eatery, Smokeout BBQ, were voted No. 1 in Blairsville.
Among the gemstones nearby are not only Brasstown Bald, but the 18-acre Lake Winfield Scott, Wolf Laurel Top where you can walk the Appalachian Trail, the gloriously verdant Chattahoochee National Forest, the stunningly pretty cascades of Anna Ruby Falls and Helton Creek Falls, and Vogel State Park, one of Georgia’s oldest state parks showcased by the 22-acre Lake Trahlyta.
Underneath the shady oaks of Meeks Park, with its centerpieces of Butternut Creek and the Nottely River, you can hike, play in the splash pad, have a picnic or swim in its pool. Touted as one of the most beautiful parks in the North Georgia mountains because of its natural setting, it is also the site of several festivals, including the Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Butternut Creek Festival and the Blairsville Sorghum Festival.
With so many itineraries for fans of Southern fare, the outdoors, natural beauty and mountain culture, it’s the perfect altitude adjustment for the flatlander blues.
For more info, visit Blairsville Union County Chamber of Commerce at www.visitblairsvillega.com/Tribune News Service
