EXCITING NEW ADVENTURES AND CHANGES ABOUND IN BLUE RIDGE/MCCAYSVILLE

Blue Ridge is one of my favorite mountain towns — and it just keeps getting better!  

And not only is Blue Ridge continuing to grow, but so is McCaysville!  This border town is on fire with exciting, new changes too.

Not familiar with McCaysville? It’s the little town at the “end” of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad…where the layover occurs. And if you’re not riding the rails, it’s just a hop, skip and jump from Downtown Blue Ridge.

Here’s all the new and exciting new things you’ll find in these two amazing towns.

 

WHAT’S NEW IN MCCAYSVILLE?

If you haven’t been to McCaysville in awhile, the change that you’ll probably notice most is addition of the Riverwalk Shops.  This is the complex that sits on the Toccoa/Ocoee River just over the bridge (after you get off the train).   It’s received a COMPLETE facelift…with new shops and restaurants you have to see for yourself!

Start with lunch at Burra Burra — the seafood, burgers and salads are delicious! Make sure you try the 1929 Sandwich — sliced roasted beef brisket, provolone cheese, grilled onions, red wine, and thyme infused au jus dip on a French roll. Yum!  (All the restaurants at the Riverwalk Shops are currently open Thursday-Sunday.)

After lunch, peruse the shops…Blue Ridge Adventure Wear, The Pasta Market, River Laurel...and new ones opening up regularly. It’s all indoors – ideal for a rainy day or a respite from the humidity.

Before you leave, grab an ice cream, a coffee, and other treats from Happy Bear Ice Cream & Treats!  If your group is up for it, you can even try the Very Berry Honey Bowl —  20 scoops of ice cream with blueberries, raspberries, caramel, and whipped cream, topped with a cherry and a honey drizzle for $25.  Woah!  

Other new shops in McCaysville that we love include one of four Blue Ridge Olive Oil locations – you MUST step in for samples and a nice loose leaf tea.  And Rum Cake Lady – one of Georgia’s “100 Plates Locals Love.” You NEED a mini (or full size) rum cake and some Cuban coffee.

Across from the train you’ll find Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters, with clothing, gear and the like!

Finally – in case you haven’t been for a while, you can now find brews in McCaysville. I have an affinity for Buck Bald...it’s a renovated gas station with the perfect patio for enjoying a pint (or growler).  It’s open Thursdays-Sundays.

See what I mean? McCaysville is growing, growing, GROWING!

 

 

WHAT’S NEW IN BLUE RIDGE?

Now, let’s talk Blue Ridge.

You know the list of why we love Blue Ridge is looonnnggg…and with all the new additions, we get to keep adding to it! 

Although most of the original downtown development in Blue Ridge occurred east of the tracks of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, there is currently a revival happening on the “other side of the tracks” along West Main Street.

The newly opened Hampton Inn by Hilton Blue Ridge not only offers an amazing place to stay, it also features a rooftop bar — Hook & Eye. Hook & Eye is the city’s only rooftop bar and the perfect spot to unwind, while taking in enchanting views of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Also on West Main Street, you’ll find new eateries on the main level of the new Blue Ridge Station. You’ll find loft living on the three upper levels of Blue Ridge Station, but the main level features two eateries — bin322, a wine and tapas bar and Mona Lisa’s Dessert House, serving house-made desserts, cocktails, wine and champagne.

Happening on Mountain Street, you’ll find the restoration of the former Hampton Square building which currently houses The Pasta Market, a specialty Italian market offering a variety of pasta, sauce, pesto, utensils, cookbooks, gifts and more. Additionally, two new restaurants are planned for the remaining space in the restored building. 

Located on the opposite end of West Main Street from Hampton Inn is The Dogwood, an authentic homegrown spot for enjoying food, drinks and live music. Situated in the historic McKinney House, this new hangout features 150 outdoor seats nestled among century old trees, a large hand painted mural and a unique food and drink experience. 

Pedago Electric Bikes is the perfect place to visit for those who want to see all that Blue Ridge offers on two wheels. Rent a premium or specialty bike to cycle about town OR (love this!) take to the falls! In fact, they even offer bike tours at Fall Branch Falls, the Ocoee Whitewater Trail, and more. They also offer Segway tours.

MORE BLUE RIDGE FUN

• BLUE RIDGE CABIN RENTALS: 33 Dreamy Blue Ridge Cabin Rentals
• WINTERTIME TRAIN RIDE: 23 Spectacular Christmas Train Rides in Georgia
• SPRING AND FALL ON THE BRSR: Spring and Fall Delight on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
• BLUE RIDGE TREEHOUSE: 5 Reasons You Should Stay at This Incredible Blue Ridge Hideaway
• ALL THINGS BLUE RIDGE: 50+ Best Adventurous Things To Do In Blue Ridge