Exploring the Beauty of the North Georgia Mountains: A Family Adventure Gudie
North Georgia Mountains: The Ultimate Family Outdoor Adventure Destination
My family recently took an impromptu trip to the North Georgia mountains for a fun day of outdoor adventure. Gilmer County is the apple capital of Georgia and home to the Blue Ridge Mountains. With plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities and just a short hour's drive from Atlanta, the Blue Ridge Mountains are by far my favorite day trip destination.
As a long-time Georgia resident with over 20 years of experience, I thought I knew all there was to know about this beautiful state. However, it was only recently that I opened my eyes to the true beauty of the North Georgia Mountains and all the incredible experiences it offers. From picturesque orchards where you can pick fresh apples and savor mouthwatering baked apple pies to charming wineries and cozy resorts scattered throughout the region, the North Georgia Mountains have something to offer every lifestyle enthusiast.
When traveling to Blue Ridge, we frequently visit the tri-cities: Jasper, Ellijay, and Blue Ridge. Jasper and Ellijay are both friendly cities with the cutest eclectic downtown areas, and Blue Ridge is a slightly busier tourist town. Our good friends own a beautiful country cottage in Ellijay. Surrounded by trees and offering an expansive view of a small private lake, their home is the perfect destination if you desire a slower-paced life on the weekends.
Family Time in Georgia's Tri-Cities: Jasper, Ellijay, and Blue Ridge
Upon our arrival at the cottage, we took our son on a property tour, ending on the private dock overlooking the lake. As a family, we slowly took in the picturesque views of the lake, standing in awe; our son couldn't resist the urge to engage in a playful game, joyfully throwing sticks into the sparkling waters.
After our time on the dock ended, we headed to a local barbecue spot called Bub-B-Q, whose slogan is “the best BBQ in town!” Indulging in a full rack of their prize-winning ribs, I think there may be some validity behind their claim. As a tough critic of ribs, I’m often disappointed when I order ribs from restaurants, but this was not the case with Bub-B-Q’s. They nailed it. The succulent ribs fell right off the bone, boasting a crispy outside and a moist, juicy inside that had my husband and me head over heels.
The next stop on our adventure was downtown Jasper. We couldn't resist stopping by Lollidrops Sweets Shoppe, a charming ice cream parlor filled with sweet novelties from my childhood. Upon entering, nostalgia washed over me, filling my heart with joy. My son laughed at the sight of life-sized gummy bears and stared in amazement at walls adorned with candy sharks and sour worms. We each ordered a half scoop of ice cream and savored our treats while seated on the covered patio, observing the locals passing through the town's square.
Once we wrapped up dessert, we made our way to Bad Donkey art studio, a delightful local art studio where our friend purchased fresh farm eggs. As we entered, we were captivated by the array of art, photography, and DIY products crafted by talented local artists, all available for purchase. A standout feature was the children's art table, thoughtfully stocked with art supplies, providing little ones with creative enjoyment while their families explored the studio.
Bad Donkey is a pet-friendly space. Don't be alarmed if you cross paths with one of the docile cats leisurely lounging around the studio, adding to its inviting atmosphere.
Fishing Fun: Instilling Patience and Joy in the Great Outdoors
Finally, after walking off our BBQ and ice cream, we returned to the cottage to try our hand at fishing. This was our son's first time fishing, and he enjoyed every moment of his time out on the dock. He found his own live bait and learned how to cast and reel the fishing line. In full transparency, he was more interested in reeling the line in than he was in catching fish, but nonetheless, his excitement and joy were unlike anything I'd ever witnessed.
As our son ran back and forth across the dock, trying to find the perfect fishing spot, he learned an important lesson in patience. His eagerness to reel the line in before the fish had a chance to bite gave us the opportunity to teach him the value of patience. Although we didn't catch any fish, the experience left us with hearts full of joy and cherished family memories.
Nature's Lessons: Instilling Gratitude and Love for the Outdoors in Your Child
I am grateful for wonderful friends who love us enough to host us on a whim and share their sanctuary with my family. I am also grateful for the memories collected that day. Spending time outside as a family is important and plays a significant role in our lives, and it is my hope that my son always has a deep connection with Mother Nature.