Top 5 Reasons to Visit Blue Ridge in the Summer
While every season offers incredible fun in Blue Ridge, one of our FAVORITE seasons here is summer. It’s easy to see why: the days are longer which is perfect for exploring all the area has to offer, the temperature is perfect, the water is cool, and there is SO much to do! Here are some of our top activities to do in Blue Ridge all summer long:
Swim or Tube the Toccoca River at Ron Henry Horse Bend Park
If you’re looking for a great swimming hole to spend the day, look no further than Ron Henry Horse Bend Park on the Toccoca River. A true hidden gem, this spot is perfect for couples and families alike. You can bring tubes to tube the river (or rent them down the road for a small fee), fish along the banks, or just play in the crystal clear waters. There is a playground, benches, and picnic area as well. If you’re a music lover, make sure to visit on a Thursday evening at 6pm, when casual jam sessions for acoustic musicians are held under the trees and pavilions along the Toccoa River. Bring your picnic dinner to enjoy!
2. Pick Blueberries or Blackberries at Mercier Orchards
Summer is THE season for the best berries in Georgia! Mercier Orchards grows blueberries and blackberries during the summer; and you can pick some for yourself with their U-Pick events! Check out their website for upcoming U-Pick and tractor tour event dates!
While you’re a the Orchard, make sure to also check out the Mercier Market, where a fresh selection of farm-grown fruits and vegetables awaits. These will be some of the best sweet Georgia peaches you can find! Once you’ve got your produce in hand, check out the amazing tasting room for hard ciders, wines, and mead. Mercier Orchards was one of the first apple orchards in Georgia that grew, pressed, fermented, and bottled their own product, leading to a booming industry. The winery pours their very own seasonal wines and hard ciders all pressed in-house, as well as a variety of wines and mead from local vendors.
Tasting Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11:00am- 4:45pm
Sunday: 12:30pm- 4:45pm
Lastly, no trip to Mercier could be complete without a visit to the café for tasty treats, like homemade fried pies available in apple, blueberry, cherry, peach, and chocolate. Check their website for opening dates and times and a seasonal menu.
3. Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River
Feeling the need for some exhilaration? Check out the rapids and waves of the Ocoee River! This beautiful river is located just minutes from Blue Ridge and has become the most popular whitewater rafting adventure in America with over twenty continuous rapids and many play spots for miles of endless fun and adventure. Located in the Cherokee National Forest, the Ocoee River flows through a beautiful gorge surrounded by scenic wildlife.
One of our favorite rafting companies is Ocoee Rafting in Ducktown, TN. They’re the oldest rafting company on the Ocoee and have been guiding whitewater rafting adventures through the rapids for over 44 years! Tours are run every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and both beginners and experts are welcome!
4. Catch an Outdoor Movie at the Swan Drive-In
What could be better than a drive-in movie under the summer stars! One of four drive-in theaters in Georgia still in operation, the Swan Drive-In has been entertaining patrons since 1955 and is open year round with first run movies. Bring your dinner or movie snacks, tune your radio, and you’re set! Check their website for current showings.
5. Watch the Sunset
After a day filled with fun, cap it all off watching the sun set at your very own slice of paradise. If you’re staying in Rosiey, you can sit back and relax in the rocking chairs or soak in the hot tub on the open air porch! Douthit's wraparound porch has several outdoor spaces to choose from, all with amazing views as well. Grab your glass of wine, relax, and watch the sunset with Kick Back Rentals!