If you’re looking for an event that combines the best of all worlds, look no further — the 13th Annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival is here! On Saturday, September 21st, 2024, the best blues and barbecue will come together at West Main and Church Street for an unforgettable experience. From smoky ribs to sweet jams and seasonings, there’s something for everyone.
Festival Activities & Live Music
The festival features a variety of activities sure to please music lovers and foodies alike. Starting on Thursday, September 19th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the event officially kicks off in Downtown Blue Ridge with The official kick-off party for Blues & BBQ Weekend.
Main Event – Blues & BBQ
On Saturday, September 21tst the main event comes to Downtown Blue Ridge as the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival gates open at 11:30 a.m. rain or shine tickets are $10, and kids 12 and under are FREE. All while you take in the sweet smell and mouth-watering taste of BBQ from local and regional cookers.
+ Live music starts at Noon with Shannon York until 1:00 p.m.
+ William “Bluesman” Reed and the Juke Joint Dukes play from 1:00 to 3:30.
+ The Crossroads band starts at 3:30 p.m. and goes until 5:00 p.m.
+ Ray Fuller and the Bluesrockers from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
+ Tee Dee Young takes the stage from 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Also returning again is the legendary Kids Korner. Children 12 & under can play for free. Kids over 12 can play for $5 and will receive a special bracelet that will allow them to enjoy the inflatable rides all day, while inside the festival grounds.
Reserve Your Place
Mark your calendar for this fun-filled event — the 13th Annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival. Get ready for some great music, mouthwatering barbecue, and plenty of fun — it’s going to be an unforgettable time! Tickets are available at the gates or here. Reserve your perfect Blue Ridge Cabin Vacation Rental from SCCR to make your Blue Ridge BBQ & Blues Festival even better. See you there!
Discover a true Blue Ridge gem: The Swinging Bridge, a renowned attraction that beckons visitors from far and wide. Extending an impressive 260 feet across, this bridge holds the distinction of being the longest swinging bridge to the east of the Mississippi River. A cherished destination, particularly among day hikers and paddlers embarking on a journey along the Toccoa River, the Swinging Bridge is an unforgettable landmark. To reach this marvel, follow these directions from Blue Ridge: head east on Hwy 515 for approximately four miles, then take a right onto Hwy 60 towards Morganton. Continuing past the Post Office, make a right towards Suches/Dahlonega, and proceed for 11.3 scenic and winding miles. Keep an eye out for the Old Skeenah Mill, and after passing it, travel 0.7 miles until you encounter FS816. Take a right onto the gravel road, where a subtle “hiker sign” stands across the way—it might be easy to overlook, so stay vigilant. The journey ahead involves a three-mile bumpy ride, ideally suited for SUVs, as low cars might find the path challenging. After parking, a brief hike downstream along the Benton/MacKaye Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail leads you to the magnificent Swinging Bridge, spanning the Toccoa River it is an impressive site for the memory books.
Nestled within the captivating wilderness of Blue Ridge, Georgia, the Mineral Springs Nature Trail (0.5 miles) awaits, offering a serene and rejuvenating outdoor experience. This enchanting trail, known for its tranquil ambiance and natural beauty, meanders through a lush forested landscape, creating a perfect escape for hikers of all skill levels (6 feet elevation gain). As you embark on this journey, you’ll be greeted by a tapestry of vibrant flora, with native wildflowers and towering trees providing a picturesque backdrop throughout the seasons.
Experience the enchanting Long Branch Loop Trail in Blue Ridge, Georgia, an oasis of natural beauty inviting both novice and experienced hikers. The trail (2.2 Miles) winds through pristine woodlands, immersing you in the heart of the North Georgia mountains. A serene escape awaits as you follow the well-maintained path, surrounded by lush native flora, the gentle murmur of Long Branch Creek, and the occasional wooden footbridge crossing. Elevation changes (310 feet) provide occasional vistas, rewarding your trek with sweeping views of the mountains and valleys. Whether you’re seeking solitude or shared exploration, the Long Branch Loop Trail promises an unforgettable journey into the unspoiled wilderness of Blue Ridge.
Embark on an invigorating journey of 6.0 miles through the picturesque landscapes of Blue Ridge, Georgia, on the captivating Flat Creek Loop trail. This well-loved trail invites moderate hikers to discover the beauty of the North Georgia mountains in a serene and rewarding adventure. As you set foot on the trailhead, the soothing sounds of nature surround you, guiding you through a diverse ecosystem that reveals vibrant wildflowers, towering trees, and the gentle course of Flat Creek. The trail’s wooden footbridge provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the creek’s flow, and elevation changes (1,023 ft) add excitement, granting panoramic vistas of the rolling hills and valleys that define the region.
Discover the allure of Blue Ridge’s captivating waterfalls, with Long Creek Falls standing out as a local favorite. Nestled within the heart of Fannin County, this enchanting waterfall beckons hikers through a leisurely 2-mile hike there and back along the Appalachian/Benton MacKaye Trail intersection. The journey follows alongside Noontootla Creek and is a picturesque blend of lush landscapes and gentle ascents with more minor falls, taking you uphill on the way in and downhill on the return. Upon reaching Long Creek Falls, your senses will be captivated by the breathtaking 50-foot double-tiered cascade that graces the scene. The falls, easily accessible from downtown Blue Ridge, provide the perfect spot to sit on the edge of the boulders, absorb the stunning views, and bask in the natural beauty that defines the spirit of this remarkable area.
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the nearby waterfalls, where Fall Branch Falls stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur. A mere 20-minute journey from Blue Ridge, this cascading marvel is nestled along the Benton MacKaye Trail, promising a rewarding half-mile loop hike. While the trail may present a bit of a challenge with its slippery rocks, the 30-foot waterfall that awaits is a sight to behold. As water gracefully descends into a serene pool at the base, you’ll find yourself captivated by the scene.
Embark on a cross-state expedition to Turtletown Falls in Tennessee, a captivating 3.8-mile loop trail that introduces you to the breathtaking beauty of Turtletown Creek and the Hiawassee River. As you traverse the path, the scenic wonder of two remarkable waterfalls, Turtletown Falls and Lower Turtletown Falls, will unfold before you. The falls cascade gracefully into tranquil pools below, creating an ambiance of serenity that’s perfect for relaxation and reflection. This natural gem is just under 20 miles from Blue Ridge, making it an easily accessible outdoor adventure.
Embark on an adventure to the stunning Jacks River Falls, a renowned destination within the Cohutta Wilderness Area that promises awe-inspiring beauty. This waterfall, nestled amidst rugged wilderness, stands as the most frequented site in the Cohutta. To reach this natural wonder, hikers undertake a 4.5-mile trail, requiring the longest journey among all falls in Fannin County. For a more direct route, consider approaching from the northwest access point. Keep in mind that this trail demands advanced hiking experience and a careful adherence to safety measures, including carrying the 10 Essentials and utilizing the USFS map of the Cohutta Wilderness.
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