A Visit to the Town of Blue Ridge

The town of Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. Tourists would ride the train to town, eat dinner at the Blue Ridge Hotel, and take a leisurely walk to the mineral springs after dinner. Today, tourists can still ride the train and take a leisurely walk along Main Street, enjoying the antique and specialty shops, galleries, restaurants and small town atmosphere of Blue Ridge.

Blue Ridge was founded in 1886 as a result of the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. Because of the railroad, Blue Ridge developed as a center of business and in 1895 the county seat was moved from Morganton to Blue Ridge. In the early years, at different times, there were five hotels and several boarding houses in downtown Blue Ridge.

Blue Ridge Depot, home of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

The Depot
The railroad depot remains the central focus in downtown Blue Ridge. Although the first depot burned, the present station was built in 1906. One of the favorite activities of the day was to meet the train - whether meeting a passenger or just socializing with friends.

Blue Ridge City Park

Blue Ridge City Park
Blue Ridge City Park is the heart of downtown Blue Ridge. The park encompasses two blocks and is a popular place for picnics, community gatherings and festivals. It is also home to a family of roosters, hens and chicks! Carriage rides are available at the park on weekends.

Historic Fannin County Courthouse
The historic Fannin County Courthouse was built in 1937 after the previous courthouse burned in 1936. The courthouse is now the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.

Baugh House
Baugh House, located at 411 West First Street, is owned by the Fannin County Heritage Foundation. It is open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 3:00. The home was built by James Baugh in 1890. Baugh was a brick mason and the bricks were made out of clay from the back yard. For more information, call 706-258-2645.

Blue Ridge Inn
477 West First Street. The Blue Ridge Inn is a beautifully restored Victorian home built in 1890. It has 14 rooms, 8 fireplaces, 12-foot ceilings, original carved woodwork, heartpine floors and clawfoot tubs.

Chamber members in Blue Ridge