Whether you’re looking to make a mini-vacation out of the wedding weekend or you’re just passing through, we can’t recommend Blue Ridge enough! Located about 30 minutes northwest of Engelheim Vineyards, downtown Blue Ridge is a sweet, southern, walkable destination. From great hangouts like an Irish pub and a pinball bar to activities like axe throwing and train rides, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite spots to hit up when we visit downtown Blue Ridge.

(NOTE: Downtown Blue Ridge is very walkable and fairly flat, which is a good thing because parking there is bonkers. There’s a tiny lot on the main drag that asks for $5 donations to a local animal shelter, but besides that, you’re looking at expensive paid parking in the heart of downtown. There is a parking deck, but expect to pay $20 for the day.)

Shop for new and throwback comics and collectibles at Mountain Man Comics.

Play a round or two of mini golf (though Annelise won't join you because she hates the psuedo-sport with the white-hot intensity of a thousand suns).

Ride the train on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway up to McCaysville and back. We loved the open-air railcar! The train has concessions for sale, but we brought a whole pie from Cucinella's Pizzeria onboard and no one said a word.

Work through your anger at 285 traffic with some therapeutic axe throwing.

Das Kaffee Haus

Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge

Tupelo Tea

The Black Sheep

Reliable, quality, and elevated yet accessible. Apps are great, and entrees are delicious. We always feel very taken care of by the wait staff. Indoor/outdoor seating options. You’ll definitely need to make a reservation ahead of time, unless you’re cool with eating at the bar (which we’ve done and definitely recommend!).

The General Ledger

Our favorite cocktail menu! Elevated dinner menu with specials that are absolutely out of this world. Would definitely recommend a reservation!

Southern Charm

Simple southern classics done well. Very generous portions (I think we got four whole tomatoes in one order of fried green tomatoes!), and very reasonably priced. They make their bread pudding out of their homemade biscuits. I mean, come on.

Cucinella’s Pizzeria

Great pizza, but be prepared to wait!

Grace

A new steakhouse from the owner of The Black Sheep.

Hook & Eye

The Hampton Inn’s rooftop bar. Small plates are our love language, and this place absolutely kills them. The desserts are great too. The cocktail menu is vibrant and fun, and the bartenders are very knowledgeable.

The Boro Inn

This Irish pub is run by a real Irishman. A quaint little hangout that’s a great place to kill time before a dinner reservation at The General Ledger. Don’t go in there looking for a frilly martini – Guinness is good for you!

There’s a reason we chose Engelheim Vineyards for our wedding venue: We love the wine! We’ll have our 4 favorite wines at the reception, but make time to indulge yourself with a wine tasting. And try the Hummingbird Bites – that’s a chocolate truffle with a Hummingbird wine-infused cake interior, not an actual bird – you won’t be disappointed!

Ellijay has been named Georgia’s apple capital, and for good reason! When you come for our wedding in late October, make some time to go apple picking and sample your favorite apple confections at one of several orchards in the area:

Red Apple Barn

The entire family is sure to love Red Apple Barn, which has games, picnics and fields with apples, pumpkins and flowers. The farm has been family-owned since 1927, and their market sells products using their produce, including apple fritters, candied apples and jellies.

Hillcrest Orchards

Hillcrest Orchards is one of the popular destinations, open since 1946. In addition to the U-pick orchard, there’s playgrounds, wagon rides, a petting farm, and a market selling their famous apple cider and donuts.

R & A Orchards

R & A Orchards started as an FFA school project in 1983, but is now home to more than 60 acres of apples, as well as 10 acres of peaches and nectarines. They welcome visitors for apple picking, flower picking and also sell vegetables and preserved goods.

B.J. Reece Orchards

Stop by B.J. Reece Orchards for U-pick apples every September and October. In addition, the farm has peaches, pears and nectarines, and it offers hayrides, pony rides, a corn maze and a pumpkin patch.

Aaron Family Orchards

Open August-December, Aaron Family Orchards is the place to load up on apple butter, apple cider vinegar, apple chutney and freshly picked fruit.

Panorama Orchards & Farm Market

Panorama Orchards and Farm Market is a family fruit farm established in the 1920s to produce and market apples. Today, they have more than 20 varieties of apples, as well as peaches and vegetables. This large market also has homemade baked goods, fudge and apple-related products.

Penland's Apple House

Growing Gilmer’s best since 1936! The family-owned and -operated (five generations and counting) Penland's Apple House offers fresh peaches, apples, vegetables, ciders, jams, and various baked goods, including homemade fried pies and apple fritters.

More details on the way!

More details on the way!