Finding Fall Relaxation in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains
October 5, 2008 by admin
Filed under Relaxing Vacations
Finding Fall Relaxation in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains by Keith Kurtis
As Atlanta residents ease back into the rhythm of school days and relentless scheduling, that relaxing summer vacation fades quickly from the mind. Can it really be only a short time ago that the family was enjoying a beach vacation? Now, between packing lunches, back-to-school nights and soccer practice, not to mention your own job, closing your eyes on the beach is a distant memory.
With no long weekends or holidays between Labor Day and Halloween, back-to-school season can become dreary and routine. Instead of falling into a mind-numbing cycle of carpools and homework, plan something the whole family can look forward to.
Fall in North Georgia is a beautiful season, the air crisp and cool, the leaves fiery and bright. From most areas of Atlanta, it’s a simple trip of about 90 minutes to reach the windy mountain roads and escape the city’s traffic. With a variety of activities perfect for visiting families, a trip to Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia might be just the thing to look forward to this fall.
Cabin rentals in North Georgia can make it easy to set up your family’s home base for the weekend and allow you to experience the full effect of being engulfed by the slow, peaceful way of life. With several bedroom options, a kitchen and plenty of entertainment, your family will be able to enjoy the cozy feeling of being home, rather than a generic hotel. Pet-lovers will be glad to know that many of the Blue Ridge mountain cabins even allow your four-legged friends along for the trip.
Once you’re established a reservation at a Blue Ridge Georgia mountain cabin, it’s time for the fun seasonal activities the area is known for.
The Mercier Orchard has been producing some of the state’s top apples for over 60 years, and is still a family-run business. Fall weekends see them opening their orchards to visitors, who can pick Gala, Honey Crisp, Golden Supreme, Jonathan, Ginger Gold, and Detroit Red apples to their hearts content. If all that reaching and picking has you work up an appetite, the Orchard has several on-site snack options to choose from, including a full deli for gourmet sandwiches. Kids will love their apple-cinnamon bread or fried apple hand pies. Somehow, Blue Ridge mountain cabins feel even more homey with a bowl of freshly picked apples sitting on the kitchen table, and maybe even a fragrant apple pie in the oven!
If it’s a crisp October weekend you’re taking advantage of, pumpkin picking might be more appropriate. A short drive from most North Georgia cabins, there are two well-known pumpkin farms in the area. Burt’s Pumpkin Patch, though a bit further away, really encapsulates everything fall. From hay rides to pumpkin rolls and apple cider, Burt’s Pumpkin Patch has it all, even curly squash and bumpy gourds for decorating. The thousands of pumpkins they’ve grown range in size from miniature (the palm of your hand) to gigantic (the size of a wheelbarrow)! One rule of thumb that will help when your children want to bring home a hundred+ pound pumpkin: If you can carry it, you can bring it home!
At Southern Tree Plantation, you’ll find much more than just pumpkin picking. During the colder months, they also grow Christmas trees. For the fall season, though, the family will have a blast on a long hayride, winding through a wooden maze, or petting plantation animals in their petting zoo. Pony rides and marshmallow roasting also has a place on this 60+acre farm in the midst of Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia.
With all the activities available, your time in one of the Blue Ridge Mountain Top vacation rentals will fly by, but at least you’ll have apples, pumpkins and a taste of fresh mountain air to show for it!
Keith Kurtis is a Georgian traveler with an interest for Blue Ridge, GA Mountain Activities , Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Cabins and North Georgia cabins for rent.
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