John Denver specified the Blue Ridge Mountains as his home in his song, “Country Roads”, perhaps not only because of its natural beauty but because it is welcoming as a vacation destination. Its atmosphere is ‘homey’ to the nature-loving active visitor as well as the pedestrian tourist out simply for the view. Even those who long for the peace and quiet can find them at the Blue Ridge Mountains in varying moods, none of them vexatious to the spirit. This makes Blue Ridge Mountains one of the top Georgia destinations.
It is easy to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mountain cabins that look over the mountain ridges and valleys may be rented, so that you can stay put and maybe just read a book, enjoying the mountain vista each time you lift your eyes, keeping your privacy and engendering romance. Or, a quiet day camping beside Lake Blue Ridge or Toccoa River can be meditative while being nature-revealing as well. Solitude at the Blue Ridge Mountains can be rewarding for the soul.
There are of course bed-and-breakfast hotels, regular inns, motels and lodges and campgrounds for the intrepid or adventurous. Some conventional lodging facilities also offer spectacular views of the mountains, so you don’t have to be out of modern conveniences to enjoy a Blue Ridge Mountains vacation. There are also stores, galleries and shops where you can buy antiques and local craft items to take home as mementoes, or even to showcase to friends. Some antiques or crafts can be quite interesting and unique.
Aside from the passive enjoyment, active tourists can enjoy various activities. There is the Ocoee River whitewater rafting for one, mountain hiking for another, horseback riding, and trout fishing for two more. In fact, a fishing festival is periodically held at the Blue Ridge Mountains, because trout fishing in its streams and rivers is quite excellent and challenging. Other events that gather the locals and visitors alike include the Adventure Race held every April; Arts in the Park that feature arts, food and crafts; Pickin’ in the Park that run May to September; Old Timer’s Day and Lake Fireworks on Independence Day; Concerts in the Park held in July and August; Smokey Bear’s Birthday and the Kiwanis’ Rodeo, both in August; the Labor Day Barbecue, and the Fishing Festival and the Arts Festival in September. So there is something for everyone in almost any month of the year to enjoy at the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Blue Ridge Mountains is a top tourist destination in Georgia not only because its nature is largely unspoiled and spectacular, but also because one can find his own mood and meaning there. There is no lost moment or boring day, as one can choose his activity for the day or even night as he sees fit and he is sure to enjoy it. No wonder John Denver can mention Blue Ridge Mountains as his home: it can be anyone’s.
So choose Georgia next vacation time, specify Blue Ridge Mountains and lose yourself in it for at least a few days of your own. Then maybe, just maybe, you can discover yourself, too.
