Shopping in North Georgia's Blue Ridge
If you enjoy shopping, then you will love shopping in charming downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. Nestled in the southern Appalachians, it is an easy four-lane drive, just 90 miles north of Atlanta on Hwy 575/515. The North Georgia Mountains have a rich history of attracting artists and craftsmen because of the peace and quiet, the misty mountains and the clear starry nights which inspire them to create. Here you will find beautiful artwork, pottery, hand blown glass, handmade quilts, weaving, wood carving, hand worked jewelry and folk art. You’ll also find reasonably priced gifts and souvenirs. What makes Blue Ridge special is the friendly hospitality of its people. They’re knowledgeable and they enjoy talking to their customers. They know the stories behind their antiques. They might share fishing tips. They’re happy to live here and you will get that “peaceful easy feeling” when you visit.
Blue Ridge Antiques, at 733 East Main Street, has been here for about 22 years and is still going strong. It is located downstairs in the old Gartrell Hotel across from the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway depot. It specializes in antique furniture and collectibles. The Blue Ridge Antique Mall is located just upstairs. It is 10,000 square feet of quality antiques, primitive pieces and decorator accessories. Fifteen to twenty vendors rent out rooms in the old hotel. You can browse through rooms featuring candles, gourmet coffee, glassware, and antique fishing lures and rods—just to name a few.
High Country Art and Antiques, at 715 Main Street, is a charming art gallery with an excellent selection of traditional and impressionist fine art, folk art, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, antiques and collectibles. Many local and regional artists display their work here and you get a true feeling for mountain creativity.
Serenity’s Treasures, at 661 East Main, opened recently next door to the Serenity Garden Café. Take a break from shopping and enjoy a great lunch here. Serenity’s Treasures is set up with many different booths which offer such items as rustic décor, Americana, handmade birdhouses, seasonal items and gifts. Coming soon will be a booth of handmade florals.
Across the street is the Blue Ridge Mountain Mall, built about nine years ago at 618 E. Main. It looks like a huge log cabin or lodge. It houses about 30 artisans. You’ll find Coosa Creek Antiques, Nana’s Antiques, Grandma Betty’s original designs, a Knife Shop carrying everything from simple pocket knives to heavy hunting knives, various artwork, Civil War artifacts, home accents & gifts, wind chimes and custom twig furniture. According to Cecil Neal, the manager of the mall, there’s something for everyone and the mall is building all the time.
In fact, the whole town of Blue Ridge is undergoing a revival. In these tough economic times it is hard for any small business to survive. Yet, in the past few years many stores have kept going and several new stores and restaurants have opened. The Majestic Child carries high end children’s clothing and accessories. Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters has an abundance of name brand sportswear and hiking boots. Out of the Blue is a specialty kitchen and wine shop. Wrapsody in Blue is an upscale eclectic store with a distinctive mix of timeless furniture, gourmet treats, and unique gifts and accessories for the home. Humanity carries wonderful ladies clothing and Posh carries upscale urban womens wear. E. Quinn is a new antique bookstore located across the courtyard from Christy Lee’s Restaurant. Someplace in Time features antique and new merchandise. Gatewood Hall carries high end furniture. Sycamore Crossing, which has been here many years, offers an assortment of home décor choices. Shiny Baubles is a tiny store which is loaded with popular purses, jewelry & clothing and it stays busy year round. Two doors down you’ll find Glitzy Chix which offers unique costume jewelry, grouped by color, and fashionable reading glasses, among other things. Unicoi Outfitters is the place to visit for all things “fishing” related. You can hire a guide to take you fishing, buy a new pole and find a gazillion lures.
It’s impossible to list all of the shops that are located in downtown Blue Ridge in the scope of one article. But, now you know that you could spend hours or days here. Come explore the town on your own. Whether you’re an avid antiques hound, looking for some fine art, wanting to decorate a cabin, or just looking for mementoes from your happy trip to the mountains—you’re sure to find it all here. And, while you’re here in North Georgia, please stay at one of our relaxing North Georgia Cabin Rentals (www.Rainbowcabins.com.) Each cabin is located in a secluded tranquil setting on either the beautiful Toccoa River or the noisy Fightingtown Creek. After a long day of shopping, come home to relax in a bubbling hot tub, curled up by a cozy fire, or stick your toes in the creek and listen to the sounds of the water. It’s Heaven on earth.