Archive for the ‘Southern Comfort’ Category

The North Georgia Mountains have long been known as a haven for the weary businessman or businesswoman looking to get away from the congestion and frustration that comes with living in Atlanta. From the long-range mountain views that can be seen from one of the many cabins that Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals has enlisted in their program, to the one-of-a-kind shopping found only in Downtown Blue Ridge, it is easy to see why so many people flock to this jewel of North Georgia. As the city of Blue Ridge continues to grow, a number of events and activities have become synonymous with the city and the area, which you can only find in the North Georgia Mountains.

BRLA Blues & BBQ Festival Sept. 14^th, 12pm-9pm – Back for a third consecutive year, the BRLA Blues & BBQ Festival has drawn thousands upon thousands of Blues lovers and BBQ fanatics from around the Southeast and beyond. This year’s festival has even more unctuous BBQ treats, long-time local vendors and infectious Blues music than ever before, featuring the headlining act Big Bill Morganfield, the son of Muddy Waters. Bring a blanket to sit on the lawn and a healthy appetite for fun!

Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race, April 13^th  at 7am and Kids Race April 14^th  at 10am – The Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure race is unique in that it was Georgia’s first ever adventure race. With 16 years underneath its belt, this race is still the favorite of athletes from around the Southeast. Nowhere else in Georgia will you be able to witness the stunning scenery of North Georgia while competing in a challenging race that will test your determination and drive. New this year is the Kids Race, where parents and their children will run, cycle and paddle their way to the finish line as a team!

Hiking and Biking Trails – Only in the North Georgia Mountains can you find the beginning of two of the most well-known trails in the United States, the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail. Both trails begin atop Springer Mountain, with the Appalachian lasting over 2,000 miles and the Benton MacKaye stretching 286. Revered as perhaps two of the greatest outdoor adventures offered in Fannin County, hikers and bikers alike have the opportunity to explore nature in its most intimate beauty. Don’t forget about the Aska Trails either, which begin on Aska Road and wind themselves deep into National Forrest Territory.

Trout Fishing – Fannin County is known as the Trout Capital of Georgia, and for good reason! Fishermen from all over the United States make the journey to the North Georgia Mountains every year to experience some of the greatest trout fishing the Southeast has to offer. Follow in the footsteps of the Native Americans that once inhabited this region and cast a line on Lake Blue Ridge, fly fish in the McCaysville Basin or try your luck in the Toccoa River.

Whitewater Rafting, March to October – It has been said that hundreds of thousands of adventurous men and women from across the globe come to the North Georgia Mountains every year to board a raft and become one with the rapids of the Ocoee River. Rafters can choose adventures on the Upper portion of the river featuring the kayaking course used in the 1996 Olympic Games, or go for a five mile ride down the Middle Ocoee where your adrenaline will rush on the Class 3 and 4 rapids. Due to the nature of the whitewater, these rides are reserved for adults and children over the age of 12.

Visit the Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals Local Area Guide to find more to do in North Georgia

What a magnificent time it is to come and visit the North Georgia Mountains! Springtime is here, and much like the flowers that bloom during this magical season, Blue Ridge is blooming as well with a slew of activities, events and adventures for the whole family to enjoy.

When March ends and April begins, people from around the state know that it is officially time for The Taste of Blue Ridge. Back for a sixth consecutive year, the Taste of Blue Ridge is bigger and better than ever! Last year this important event brought in over $35,000 for the Humane Society of Blue Ridge and was a gathering place for hungry attendees to experience the true talent that local restaurants, caterers, and chefs have to offer in our beautiful city.

Make sure to cleanse your pallet, because this year’s Taste of Blue Ridge features over 30 participants that will take your taste buds on a culinary journey that you will never forget. Add to that a repeat performance by the one-and-only Buckner Brothers Band, and you will be telling your friends about this event for years to come!

Of course The Taste of Blue Ridge would not be complete without auctions! This year will feature both a live and a silent auction, with all proceeds going to the Humane Society of Blue Ridge.

Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals and its adventure partners is proud to announce that for the third year running we will be offering a fantastic “Blue Ridge Vacation Package” for attendees to bid on during the live auction. Package items include: A cabin rental package for two nights and two guests at the prestigious Choctaw Mountain Lodge, a thrilling adventure for two  Zipping and White Water Rafting with the awesome guides of RaftOne, a $50 gift certificate to the always happening microbrew pub (an event sponsor) Blue Ridge Brewery, and a ‘Gold Package’ scenic helicopter ride with Blue Ridge Helicopters above our lovely city of Blue Ridge gem of North Georgia! and the surrounding area.

The Taste of Blue Ridge will be held at Willow Creek Falls, which can be found at 13 Trackside Court next to the Cohutta Country Store. Tickets can be ordered online for $40 at http://humanesocietyofblueridge.org/taste-of-blue-ridge-2/, or for $45 at the gate. Last year tickets sold out fast, so make sure you secure yours for you and your family today!

Enjoy food, drinks, good times for a good cause and BID it up!

“Catch & Release”

Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals in Blue Ridge, GA offers special package rates for Fly Fishing and lodging.

Everybody loves a win – win scenario and we are happy to announce a new partnership with Kent Klewein, owner of Reel Job Fishing, LLC. His services are well known in Georgia and throughout the nation for putting his clients on trophy rainbow and brown trout on the streams and rivers of North Georgia. Reel Job Fishing isn’t just your average run of the mill fishing guide service. They’ve been operating guided fly fishing trips full-time since 2001 and their professional staff have been hand picked and trained by the owner to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience possible on the water. They’re known for not only catching fish but teaching their clients how to do it on their own. Hands down, Reel Job Fishing is one of the most qualified and competent fly fishing guide service in the Southeast. Its superb customer service rating and it’s 85% repeat business provides you with a guarantee you can take to the bank.

Kent Klewein has been recognized in just about every print fly fishing publication in the fly fishing industry. He’s been featured on multiple Radio and TV shows on ESPN and The Outdoor Channel.

Partnering with Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals gives Reel Job Fishing clients the “best of both worlds”. A wide variety of  affordable North Georgia cabin rentals conveniently located near the fly fishing streams and rivers that Reel Job knows best! Skill level is no concern. Reel Job Fishing can accommodate the first timer or the veteran who’s fly fished all over the world. Contact Southern Cabin Cabin Rentals to take advantage of this great offer.

 $50 OFF for Guided Fly Fishing Trips with Reel Job Fishing!

All trips include (Wade | Float | Lake)

• Refreshments
• High end – well maintained gear
• Waders
• Boots
• Rod and Reel
• Tippet
• Fly’s

Suggested Items:

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

New anglers or first timers will have tutorial to get the basics down before catching fish…

Is this the Southern Comfort Secret ingredient?

Blue Ridge Fire & Ice – Chili Cook Off is February 16

Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals will be at it again this year! This time the “Chicks”…  Heather Stam and former Cooking Chick Kathryn Harris will be preparing  a Top Secret chili. This recipe is so Top Secret that we will feature it in the SoCo Cabins March newsletter! This annual event is sure to be a hit so show up early and taste your way down Main street. Fire and Ice Chili Cook Off will feature Interactive Professional Ice carvers as well as demonstrations. Chili Cook off, Live music, Ice skating rink set up in the City of Blue Ridge Park. Lots of fun for the whole family!

Blue Ridge Fire and Ice event information – 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Live Music from 1 to 4pm. All located in the Downtown Shopping district. Entry fee is $35, tasting tickets $5. Activities for Kids too!

Make it a weekend and book a Luxury or Cozy cabin rental near Blue Ridge or tucked away in the forest near a mountain stream. Visit the SCCR website to learn more and check availablity.

The Blue Ridge Fire and Ice Chili Cook Off is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Association

Plan on Blue Ridge this Holiday Season… Where to go & what to eat when you get here.

Thanksgiving Day Hike to Fall Branch Falls in Aska, GA

For most families and groups the holiday season is the best opportunity to reconnect. A common logistical challenge for most is where and when? Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals has compiled helpful Thanksgiving information and some ideas that can help you find some relaxation between the holidays.

Family dynamics and logistics can oftentimes present a wonderful opportunity to escape to a cabin in the mountains. Our family celebrates up to 4 times around each holiday! Every year we manage to take the week or extended weekend before or after the actual holiday to rent a cabin and celebrate. We consider this as our gift to each other. If you are not planning to be here for Thanksgiving you should consider the weekend before or after and take advantage of one of our Blue Ridge cabin rental specials like the “3 for 2” or the “Fill in the Gap”. On the other hand if you have made plans to be in Blue Ridge over Thanksgiving we have put together some helpful dining and meal planning information…

Thanksgiving Dining Options in Blue Ridge

All of the great restaurants in Blue Ridge will be open before and after Thanksgiving Day. There are also a few restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving day or selling prepared meals including the turkey! If you are planning to order ahead be sure to order at least one week prior to your pick up day (11/14/2012).

Angelina’s Deli – Open Wed. 11/21 until 7 p.m.  closed Thanksgiving Day

Offers a fantastic fully prepared meal! Taking orders week before Thanksgiving.  Must pick up orders Wed. 11/21.

Tin Loong Chinese and country cooking – Open Thanksgiving Day 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Buffet only.

The Village Restaurant Country Cooking – Open Thanksgiving Day 7 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Buffet only.

Yellow Jacket Country Cooking – Open Thanksgiving Day 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Buffet only.

Holiday Things to Do in Blue Ridge, GA

Cozy up at the cabin… Cooking a large meal or specific holiday meal can be a wonderful experience in a vacation home. All of the kitchens at rental cabins managed by Southern Comfort come fully equipped will all the basics and in some cases can be even more equipped than most full time residences. To play it safe we always recommend if you’re planning to cook that super special holiday treat, you should always consider the specialty item needed to complete your dish. Some suggestions to bring to the cabin could be a large or over sized roasting pan, food processor, pie pans, casserole dishes, turkey baster, Tupperware for leftovers and a cooler to take those prized extras home!

Here is a list of fun holiday things to Do in Blue Ridge:

• Light up Blue Ridge
• Santa Train
• Hiking and Biking
• Zipline Canopy Tours
• Holiday Shopping
• Relax in a Hot tub on cool fall night
• Camp Fire Stories
• ***NEW*** Ice Skating Rink in the Downtown City Park
• Snuggle and sleep in!

Create new family traditions and memories this holiday season in Blue Ridge. We can help! Call Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals and plan your family getaway.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN and AROUND BLUE RIDGE, GA

Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals and the Blue Ridge Adventure Center are located in downtown Blue Ridge directly across the street from the downtown visitor’s center and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway depot at 240 West Main Street. Because of this prime location we have countless walk-ins looking for all the “fun stuff to do”. We have compiled a list of the top 10 Activities / things to do near Blue Ridge.

* For Everyone  ** For the Adventure Seeker

1. * The Blue Ridge Scenic Rail Road – The perfect family activity. This is a great way to spend quality time with friends or family. The volunteer scenic tour begins in Blue Ridge, GA and travels along the Toccoa River to McCayesvill, GA / Copperhill TN.
2. ** Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River – There are several great outfitters on the Ocoee River. Often referred to as “America favorite river” because of its easy access and thrilling rapids it’s a real treat for anyone who is looking for a rush! (Raft1 pictured above)
3. * Mercier orchards – This family owned and operated orchard provides countless options for visitors in the area. Activities and amenities include Upick fruits, General store, farmers market, and bakery severing world famous fried pies and homemade ice cream!
4. ** Zip Line Canopy Tour – Going had in hand with whitewater rafting adventure enthusiasts love the zip line canopy tours for its off the ground rush and free flowing feeling of flying tree top to tree top.
5. * Lake Blue Ridge – This man made reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offers crystal clear waters and multiple access points for enjoyment. Boat and personal watercraft rentals are available at the marina Public beaches, camp sites and access points are available. Thanks to Surf Blue Ridge stand up paddle boarding has become a very popular activity on Lake Blue Ridge.
6. * Guided Fly Fishing – Known as the Trout Capital of Georgia there is no shortage of opportunities to fish for trophy trout. Increase your chances and hire a guide to navigate public waters or better yet gain access to private steams abundant with large good fighting trout in the cool year round north Georgia streams.
7. ** Blue Ridge Scenic Helicopter Tour – A new addition to Blue Ridge but not to the skies of Georgia. Blue Ridge Helicopters has operated commercially in Georgia for years they are now offering several scenic helicopter packages that will give you a whole new perspective on the area.
8. * Hiking & Waterfalls – This could really go both ways for everyone or the adventure seeker based on the trail system. The Blue Ridge Area is dotted with several well marked and mapped trail systems.
9. ** Tubing or Canoe the Toccoa River – One of the best spring, summer and fall activities. With several outfitter providing the gear it will be easy foryou to find that free flowing feeling on the Toccoa River. Float the upper Toccoa or Tail water (Toccoa below Lake Blue Ridge Dam) in a canoe or Tube, pack a lunch and let your worries melt away on the most scenic river in North Georgia
10. ** Horseback Riding in Cashes Valley or the Cohutta Wilderness Area – What better way to feel in charge than by horse back! Blue Ridge, Ga horseback riding is available through several family owned and operated stables.

Find out first hand why Blue Ridge, GA is often referred to as the base camp for adventure. You’ll discover that Blue Ridge is right in the center of the North Georgia Mountains and its close proximity to fun places such as the Aska Adventure Area, Toccoa River, Lake Blue Ridge, Appalachian Trail, Ocoee White Water Rafting, numerous Fly fishing streams and seasonal mountain festivals like the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ every September in the city park downtown.

The staff at the Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals is ready to help you find the fun things to do while you’re visiting Blue Ridge, GA so be sure to stop by because “Any Time of Year You’ll Find Southern Comfort Here!”

Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals & Blue Ridge Adventure Center
240 West Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-258-3737

Right when you thought things at the iconic Blue Ridge Brewery were perfect, business at 187 Depot Street is about to pick up!

Set to open September 1, 2012, the all new and recently expanded Brew Room offers thirsty patrons a place to come and enjoy everything that the Brewery already offers plus some! The recent upgrades include; another full bar, increased seating capacity, and an intimate live music stage. These additions promise to add an enhanced flavor to the already diverse menu that visitors to the North Georgia Mountains swear by as their favorite fine dining establishment.

The new Brew Room is an extension of the existing bar, which offers a truly unique atmosphere in and of itself with shelves housing custom made mugs, walls with metal and wood accents and an incredibly deep selection of domestic and foreign craft beers and liquors. This expanded space also allows the brewer to create a wide variety of in-house brews to complement the impressive collection of current beers. Innovative and thoughtfully designed, the Brew Room boasts three custom built walk-in refrigerated coolers, laagering tanks, brewers kitchen and dry storage to support the all the brewers receipts.

If you have never been there before, the Blue Ridge Brewery isn’t your typical watering hole. For all of the high quality beverages and fine dining that the Brewery offers, the clientele that the Brewery attracts is most certainly not of the snooty variety, but rather a mish mash of all types. On any given day you’ll find everyone from bikers to local business owners, Blue Ridge cabin owners to local professionals and everyone in between. You can easily strike up a conversation with someone at the bar sitting next to you about local trout fishing or politics, and moments later find yourself talking to owner Patrick Walker about what his favorite German beer is and why.

Relaxing and entertainment are fantastic! It seems as if there is always something happening at the Blue Ridge Brewery. The sound system is great, often times spinning a cornucopia of different tunes off of an iPod. What’s better, soon customers will be able to enjoy their music totally live, starting with the soft opening from Danny Rhea on September 1^st! Other events like the Blue Ridge Blues Crawl on September 22^nd will feature musical talents of Roger “Hurricane” Wilson. This will be a welcome and well accepted addition to this growing music scene in the North Georgia Mountains.

So next time you plan to rent a cabin in Blue Ridge, GA or if you’re just passing through be sure to stop by the Blue Ridge Brewery. Because you never know who you might meet or what they might say, but we can guarantee it will be cool.

The Brew Ridge Brewery would like to thank Joe Placher of Cabin Watch for the swift and quality craftsmanship of the demolition and overall renovation of both bars. Also special thanks to Innovative Spray Solutions, a residential and commercial spray foam insulation company who aided in the completion of the custom built walk-ins. Be sure to stop by the Blue Ridge Brewery and check it out first hand.  Learn more or preview the menu at http://www.blueridgebrewery.com/

Blue Ridge Brewery | 187 Depot Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513 | 706-632-6611

Looking for FREE Tickets to the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ?!

Everybody Loves Good Music, Good Food and Good Beer!

September is approaching fast, and as the air gets just a little cooler and the leaves begin their yearly transformation from green, to orange and to red, the 2^nd annual Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival is back for another year of the best BBQ and Blues North Georgia has to offer!

Thousands came last year, and this year we expect an even better turn out for what promises to be a memorable weekend in gorgeous Blue Ridge, Georgia. Start booking your vacation cabin rental early this year and stay for the weekend, because the fun starts on September 21^st, the day before this year’s Blues and BBQ Festival with the first annual Blue Ridge Blues Crawl!

Brought to you by the Blue Ridge Lodging Association, the Blues Crawl takes place from 6pm-10pm and allows Blues and BBQ enthusiasts from all parts of the Southeast to make their way through Downtown Blue Ridge, where local restaurants Blue Orleans Bistro, Blue Ridge Brewery, Christy Lee’s Courtyard Grill, The Vine Wine & Bistro, and The Whistle Stop Grill will all put a distinctive, exciting twist on their versions of BBQ!

Stay the night in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains and have ease of access to the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival the day after the Blues Crawl. Gates open at 12pm, and the festivities last until 9pm. Attendees will sample the tasty culinary treats of local vendors like Merciers Orchards and the Blue Ridge Inn Bed and Breakfast, and also the regionally recognized BBQ  of cookers such as Sam’s BBQ 1 and Grillin Gangsters BBQ, just to name a few.

And what would a Blues and BBQ Festival be without Blues? Wash that BBQ down with a Sweetwater Brew, and listen to some of the most talented Blues musicians in the nation all in Downtown Blue Ridge. Rolling Bones, Roger “Hurricane” Wilson, Frankie’s Blues Mission and Revenge will provide soulful, energizing blues tunes throughout the afternoon and evening. And fresh off this year’s tour with legendary artist BB King, E.G Kight will make her presence known at this year’s festival, as she delights fans with her powerful, moving voice and blues rhythms.

Last year we were at capacity before the Blues and BBQ Festival took place, and this year properties will go even faster! So make sure to book soon and make your getaway vacation on September 21^st and 22^nd into an exciting weekend that you’ll remember for years to come! If you rent a blue ridge cabin two nights or more before September 1, 2012 Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals will buy up to 6 tickets to the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ festival. Tickets to the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival will be included in your arrival package!

Team Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals gets another podium finish at 2012 Tri the Mountains!

Matt Maddox (Swim), Elliott Dement (Cycle), & Ryan Squibbs (Run)

The Tri the Mountains Triathlon in Blue Ridge, Georgia is quickly becoming an attraction for those who love to challenge themselves in a rewarding, vigorous and adventurous way.  Composed of three legs, health conscious individuals and relay teams come from far and wide to try and accomplish their goals while also contributing to a good cause, with a portion of the proceeds from the event going towards St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

This event begin with a 600 yard swim which starts in the clear, pristine waters of Lake Blue Ridge and is a one loop lap around a triangular course, which is arranged for a competitively fast first leg of the day.

Once out of the water athletes run up the boat ramp to the transition area, where the biking leg of the race begins. Bikers will explore an 18 mile out and back course crossing over Lake Blue Ridge with the picturesque North Georgia Mountains towering in the background. The racers will then cycle up a slight climb out of the Blue Ridge Marina to a right on Old Hwy 76, and then enjoy the first of many enthralling downhill rides.

Finally comes the 3.2 mile run, which leaves the Blue Ridge Marina on a slight climb and eventually leads downhill towards the shopping and restaurants of Historic Downtown Blue Ridge. Participants are applauded as they enter, running past the shops, restaurants and lines of raucous fans until they cross the finish line.

Known for its post-race festivities, including fun activities for kids like a race around Downtown, Tri the Mountains Triathlon hosts a ceremony and meal for competitors underneath the trees of Downtown Blue Ridge City Park. Racers can be seen congregating around a host of North Georgia cuisine catered by Harvest on Main, a fine dining establishment in the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge. It is recommended that all attendees stick around for the after party and congratulate those who took part in the event.

More often than not those looking for a full vacation getaway experience will book a vacation cabin rental the weekend of the event, so they can see everything Blue Ridge, Georgia has to offer!

Looking for something unique to do when you visit Blue Ridge, Ga? Feel the ground rush and experience Blue Ridge in an unforgettable way… Check out the scenic tour of the North Georgia Mountains by helicopter! The one and only 600 Feet above the rest!

“It was awesome!” exclaimed two guests of Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals. They created a customized tour and flew over the cabin where they were staying then we went on to fly over Downtown Blue Ridge, Lake Blue Ridge, the Dam and the Toccoa River. The icing on the cake was the Texas two step and the ground rush experience, both which were executed on a private farm. The Texas two step is a special maneuver where the pilot holds the helicopter about 5 to 10 feet above the ground and starts to move it side to side. This motion creates a type of shimmy as you float right above the ground. After that they flew very fast across a field and a small lake then lifted off straight up to 600 feet. The pilot was extremely knowledgeable and you could tell he was very comfortable operating the helicopter and talking with us about the area.

Blue Ridge Helicopters has several tours available starting as low as $40 per person. Custom tours are also available for a special occasion (such as a proposal). The staff is very professional and accommodating.  Learn more about helicopter rides in Blue Ridge, GA with Blue Ridge Helicopters.

Stop in to the Blue Ridge Adventure center for more details or visit their helipad  located just south of Blue Ridge on hwy 515 at 1512 Appalachian Hwy. Blue Ridge GA 30513 Click here for a Google Maps Link