I'll give downtown Blue Ridge a five out of five. We rented a cabin about 10 minutes away from…read moredowntown. When we arrived downtown, we saw parking on both sides of the street (if you don't get designated parking in downtown, you'll have to wind up paying to park). There were cute restaurants, boutiques, and shops lining the streets. Everything from a bear store (literally, it had toy bears lol), to cute coffee shops and ice cream shops, to restaurants (they had everything from pizza to perogies). They also had a bunch of t-shirt shops, ladies clothing shops, to toy stores for the kiddos. Downtown, you'll also notice a train (where you can take either a 2 hour or 4 hour ride....in the nicer weather months and during higher peak times like spring break, I'd recommend purchasing your tickets online, as they sell out regularly). The downtown area is walkable, but there is a bit of a hill, so beware for those that may have mobility issues. This is def worth a trip if you're staying the area, get out stretch your legs, and shop locally. Also, be on the lookout for their free range roosters and chickens that you'll hear regularly downtown and you'll be able to figure out why the chicken did cross the road.

When I brought some friends up here I had a hard time finding the area where all the shops and…read morerestaurants were located. It doesn't have a name but all the store and restaurants are all grouped together on the main street....I actually just typed in Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company because I know last time I was here I came specifically to that store and I know there are other places in the area... Since there isn't technically a "downtown" at least that's what one local person told me. I suggest if you're coming here you just type in E Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513 into your GPS or https://goo.gl/maps/avJ8TnjH1nxxtAtk6 You can also type in Blue Ridge Scenic Railway which is also in the same area... https://g.page/blueridgescenicrailway?share The area has at least 3 dozen or more fun and unique shops and there are lots of free and paid parking...most of the parking places I saw charged $5 and you have to bring cash.... Be sure to visit Stella the Dinosaur and get your picture taken with her https://goo.gl/maps/Diu8QH46zKZJvnfN7 Here is a list of some of the places in and around 1. Chester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Gril https://goo.gl/maps/9fkM3Jw4z4FJPxFV7 2. P J's Rusted Buffalo https://goo.gl/maps/zEgBJeY8ZrpvRJFp6 3. E Quinn Book Seller LLC https://goo.gl/maps/BP7i7SoHpQyjqNZY7 4. Three Sisters Fudge https://g.page/3sistersfudge?share 5. Blue Ridge Adventure Wear https://goo.gl/maps/LbBpDAc1bGpZft65A 6. Silk Road Traveler https://goo.gl/maps/9tW1eX5ddotPLXx96 7. Tupelo Tea https://goo.gl/maps/U6aUjA8wfk9NgKd36 8. Cohutta Fishing Company https://goo.gl/maps/QAyCf4aUg4pSe7cg6 9. Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company https://goo.gl/maps/j9H1RXhy4dr1j2av5 10. Masseria Kitchen+Bar https://goo.gl/maps/DHJmu5PWyR7CoFeL9 You can check this website for more things to do https://www.blueridgemountains.com/things-to-do/ Please just double check the hours before you head on up there because some store are not open on Sundays and some are only open in the weekends!

Visiting Blue Ridge and stoped by Mercier Orchards on a perfect cold day. Let me just say this is a…read morepopular tourist attraction so it had its fair share of people so come with some patience. Outside it has some beautiful views worth stopping for a photo and stopping at the bakery inside for some fried pies and cider donuts are a must! The fried pies were okay but the Cider Donuts are a show stopper. They also have tons of other things like fruits and veggies, toys, books, figurines, wine and more!

First things first -- get ready for a drive. This place is…read morenot just "down the street." It's a journey. But let me be very clear: it is 100% worth it. From the moment you arrive, you can tell Mercier Orchards is something special. There is so much packed into this one location that it almost feels like a small village built around apples and everything that comes with them. Inside the main store, the selection is honestly overwhelming in the best way possible -- home goods, gifts, jams, jellies, preserves, baking mixes, sauces, butters, ciders... anything and everything apple-related, plus plenty of other fruit-based goodies. It's the kind of place where you say "I'm just going to browse" and then walk out with bags of stuff you didn't know you needed. Then there's the bakery. Seven lines. All long. And all moving surprisingly well. I eventually stepped out of line after about 15 minutes, but not before getting a solid look at the pastries, pies, breads, and desserts -- everything looked incredible. Even without buying anything that round, the bakery alone is worth the stop. Now let's talk about the apple picking experience -- because this is where the magic really happens. Riding out on a trailer attached to a tractor felt like something straight out of a fall movie. The views, the air, the vibe -- it's peaceful, exciting, and nostalgic all at the same time. The apples change with the season, and the ones we picked were delicious and lasted a long time. No pesticides, just straight calcium. Fresh, crisp, and perfect. And yes... get a bag or three like I did. You're going to want them. The entire place also makes for amazing photo opportunities. Whether it's the orchard, the tractor ride, the store, or the scenery -- this is one of those spots where your camera roll is guaranteed to fill up. The only negative moment of the day happened when I went to grab some cider and one of the guys behind the counter completely ignored me. I actually had to call him out -- like, "Did you not see me standing here?" Not great. But that one interaction couldn't even come close to outweighing everything else this place offers. Bottom line: If you're anywhere in the area -- or even thinking about making a day trip -- you absolutely have to go. It's a little off the beaten path, so I don't expect most people to just "stumble" upon it... but if you plan it, you won't regret it. This is an experience, not just a stop.

Well after living in Canton for 3 years, checking in here and posting photos and reviews of all the…read morecool business in Canton I figured it's time to right a review. Canton is fantastic small City. Growing in popularity every year mostly due to the way city officials run and manage the City. Located near the center of Cherokee County in Northwest Georgia about 40 miles north of Downtown Atlanta. Canton lies in the foothills of the Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. I just love the location of Canton. 30 minutes to the Blue Ridge Mountains. About 5 hours to the Gulf Coast and about the same to the Shores of the Atlantic Coast. Also short drives to such cool cities as Nashville and Memphis TN., Charleston SC. Savanna and Augusta GA. Highly rated school districts and lovely parks and recreation are a standard in Canton.The Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River, flows from East to West through the center of the city which makes for very beautiful settings. It's so refreshing to see the police and fire Departments with programs that interact with the community. It seems to bring everyone together into one big happy family. The shops, retail and restaurants are so cool. Very few chains in Canton with almost all locally owned and operated business. I like it because they seem to care more than a chain and really want to do good. Most of my reviews are right in line with all other Yelpers as all are 4 or 5 star reviews. I love how the city officials continually create events that bring the business and people of Canton together. Saturday Farmers Market, First Friday (of every month) Concerts in downtown Canton at Cannon Park and Canton Cash Mob are just a few that are such cool events. And i just found out the Canton Ga has been nominated for #CoolestSmallTownInAmerica by Independent We Stand. Canton is no stranger to this contest as it finished 6th in the Nation last year! I'm so very proud to call Canton GA home.

My home town is a small historic town that needs to be seen to believe. When it comes to visiting…read morethe city of Canton, GA you really do need to drive here to enjoy it. There is a gazebo in the center of our town park. It's where they host second Fridays during the warmer months into fall. Our towns local eateries are fabulous. From the old fashion ice cream shop to five star restaurants we have it all. Local on the North, Queenies, Downtown Kitchen, Salty Mule, and Going Coastal are just a few of my favorites. The other shops and stores are the best retailers that offer a variety of beautiful items. We even have store fronts available to rent. Hollywood movies were shot on our streets ( including a Marvel movie). Come on by to our town and check out our parks, shops, and spectacular eateries. You'll be glad you did- shop local at Etowah Mills. Come back once Crystal Lagoons is built our beach front resort with Crystal blue waters. You'll remember our town once you do.

LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE SHOP PEZROK…read more Stella the dinosaur is a popular statue in the downtown area of Blue Ridge. It's located in front of the store called Pezrok. The dinosaur is a popular spot with tourists for photos and selfies. There is a sign in front of the dinosaur that says: Hello! My name is Stella. I am a baby Stegosaurus. My species names comes from the Greek words stego and sauros meaning "Roofed Lizard." I have 17 plates on my back I use to absorb heat fro the sun during the day to keep me warm at night. I lived during the late Jurassic period (about 150 million years ago) Although when grown I am around 9 meters (30 ft) in length, 4 meters (14ft) in height and up to nearly 5 metric tons in weight, my brain is only the size of a dog's. Think I'm interesting? Come on inside to see what else Pezrok has to offer! (Display only NOT for sale)

Grumpy Old Men, a satirical name for such a great place!! They're always friendly and anxious to…read moreserve some of the best craft beer anywhere! Very dog oriented, assuming they're behaving...standards are similar for kids. Basically one rule for both species...No Biting. . Everyone is welcome, everyone is family.

"It's butt-cold out here and I'm fresh out of beer,"…read more Grandpa Gustafson ~Grumpy Old Men. Well it definitely was butt-cold out when we visited Grumpy Old Men Brewing, but luckily it was warm inside, and there was indeed plenty of beer! We happened to come across The brewery passing through Blue Ridge on Thanksgiving weekend. They place was packed and bustling, with a raucous holiday spirit, made even more fun with a performance by the Appalachian St Andrew's Pipes and Drum band. Service was great, beers were terrific . No grumpiness found on this day!

Great staff! We traveled here to see the Youth Arts Month exhibit. Loved seeing all the other art…read more Friendly staff!

We checked this place out after returning from the scenic railroad excursion around 2 p.m. It is…read morelocated facing the railroad tracks about 2 blocks south of the train depot. It is beyond the new county courthouse building it what appears to be the prior courthouse. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged. Given that Blue Ridge is a fairly small town, the scope of their arts building was quite impressive. When we visited, they had a gallery exhibit that took up the entrance hallways plus what was the main courtroom. Many of the paintings were very good. My impression was that they host rotating exhibits like this periodically. There are certainly towns much larger than Blue Ridge that have nothing like this facility for their arts communities. In addition to this main exhibit, they also had an arts supply store in the building, as well as a kiln in the basement for pottery (including classes). They also offered classes in upstairs rooms, on various arts-related topics. I believe the town also hosts arts events a few times a year (like plein air sessions and festivals). If we make it back to Blue Ridge in the future, we'll likely return here to see what new exhibits are on display. I'm giving it a 5-rating due to it exceeding expectations by a wide margin.

Quaint little town with a great history and most of all my hometown!…read moreMany shops to browse and several restaurants to eat!

Small cozy town, some decent shops and restaurants, but it is hard to spend more than a couple…read morehours there. The people were friendly in the various shops we went to, and it was clean. If you are in the area, it is worth a visit but not a "destination" city if you are wanting more to do.

Service is friendly. Good place for a few cold beers. Maybe a pretzel. Hole in the wall bar.read more

The food was not edible and they didn't have any German beer as they advertise that they have…read moreGerman beer. The waitress was too busy on her phone and couldn't care less. I guess there is a reason why we were the only ones in the bar lol. Did I mention we're not going back?

Beautiful view of the Mountain Mall. Workers are nice and the establish is very modern. Beer…read moreselections is good for all types of beer lovers. My fiance and I shared the Trackside Lager and another IPA I forgot the name of. Prices are what you expect for a craft brewery.

Stopped by here while the women shopped in Blue Ridge. They had a nice selections of beer. A lot…read moreof IPA options. I decided to try their hazy IPA section called Juicy Juice. It was refreshing and tasty. Our nephew and I sat on their balcony and watched all of the shoppers across the street. They didn't have food but there are a lot of food choices in the strip center they are in.

My wife and I were looking to get three growlers filled and stumbled upon this place. Walking into…read morethe shop, it was clear the only staff member was very much occupied with the four folks he was in the middle of giving a tasting. Actually, I'd characterize it as more of a performance than a tasting. Anyway, he was kind enough to give us a quick "hey guys" before going back into his routine, which included informing his guests receiving the tasting that he had a sour beer last night that tasted like a "jolly rancher". At first it was kind of funny. We walked around looking at bottles, and eventually just stood around holding our empty growlers in the middle of the store and watching this man's performance while being completely ignored. As we waited longer and longer, it was clear that he was completely occupied in his own show and could care less about serving us. How can you ignore customers holding empty growlers standing around in the middle of the store watching you? At this point we left, which he also ignored. I wonder if he cares that he lost our business? For what its worth, this shop has a decent selection of bottles and 4 taps ostensibly for filling growlers, should one actually be able to obtain service from the showboating staff. We ended up leaving and getting our growlers filled at Fannin brewing. Obviously, we won't be back.

This was the only spot to fill my growler after 8:00 pm in downtown Blue Ridge. The staff was nice…read moreand helpful but would not give out free samples of beer. They charge $2 for a big shot glass sample. They are also kind of expensive, it cost after taxes $44 to fill 2 growlers with one of Fannin Brewing Company's Lagers (the brewery itself is less than a mile away). They also do not fill their growlers with extra nitrogen to keep the beer fresh which for this price should be standard. I would not go to this place unless you had too.