It's Blue Ridge Mountain Time!

I've had enough of the long hot summer and fall won't arrive even though it's November.  It's time to pack it up and head to Blue Ridge, GA.  It's a nice little get-away for a mini-vacay.  We seemed to have hit it just right for the fall tree colors.  For starters, pick out a nice little cabin with an awesome view.   A lot of them have hot tubs, grills, decks for the views, fire pits, etc.  

No better cup of coffee in the morning than one with a view.

There's some scenic drives in all directions.   And you can be fairly alone out there, so it's nice.

At the end of a scenic drive or hiking day, hit the Blue Ridge Brewery for a great Kobe Burger and refreshments.

About a mile out of town is Mercier Orchards where you can load up on apples if you hit the timing right.  The store is mobbed out with scrappy women hoarding up all sorts of preserves, apples, artsy gifts and fried pies.  They make their own hard cider, so you can have a tasting there, or load a growler.  The fried pies are the bomb though....

McCaysville is a quaint little town split in half by the river with the north side being Copperhill, TN.  If you ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway from Blue Ridge, they'll dump you out here for 2 hours to poke around.   What's not to like about a Drug and Gun store?  

Love the t-shirts!

Head south out of Blue Ridge on the Aska Road, and (if you're looking for it) you'll eventually find the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.  It's located at the top of Springer Mountain which will involve about 6.5 miles of bumpy, curvy gravel mountain road followed by a 0.9 mile hike to the terminus, but it's all scenic and cool.

If you just happen to be in Dial, GA (somewhere between Springer Mountain and Hwy 60), stop into Van Zandt's Grocery and get some grub.   Had the place to ourselves and the fried hotdog was pretty blame good.

Brasstown Bald is worth a trip, south of Blairsville.   It's Georgia's highest peak, topping out at 4,784 feet.  Great views if the weather cooperates.

The whole deal is an awesome (small) mountains trip.

BONUS SECTION:    Did I mention the chipped pork at Phil's BBQ in Eufaula?   Well, it's awesome, so stop often...

And while you're at it, enjoy the fresh coating of snow in the South...