In the early years the town of Blue Ridge was known as a healing resort town because of its fresh mountain air and pristine mineral water. Settlers would travel into town  for a bite to eat and take a stroll to the mineral springs for the healing powers of the mineral water.

Nature’s Estates Resort & Spa continues that healing tradition by quietly carving into the mountainside a healing paradise and providing state of the art wellness and spa treatments combined with a luxury service resort atmosphere.

Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains are full of beauty and peace, but are also home to many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, hunting, boating, trout steam fishing, and many other types of adventurous outdoor fun. This area is home to many events and festivals, and the moderate temperatures allow you to enjoy the outdoors during all four seasons.

The little mountain towns are lined with quaint one of a kind antique shops, restaurants, and cafes inviting you out for a day of exploring.

Here is a sampling of some of the attractions and activities hidden within peaks and valleys of these peaceful mountains.

• Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
  This 3 1/2 hour, 26 mile round trip winds along the beautiful Toccoa River in vintage climate-controlled or open-air railcars. The relaxing ride starts at the historic depot, built in 1905 in downtown Blue Ridge, then stops for a layover in the quaint sister towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN where visitors have time to eat lunch, shop for unique crafts & antiques and explore the area. The Scenic Railway departs from the old depot in downtown Blue Ridge
• Kangaroo Conservation Center
  Known as “Georgia’s Aussie Adventure”, this conservation center in Dawsonville, GA is the largest kangaroo exhibit outside of Australia.
• Rock City
  Rock City, located atop Lookout Mountain just six miles from downtown Chattanooga, TN is considered a marvel of nature, and features massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species and breathtaking panoramic views, including the famed “See Seven States” view of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
• Tallulah Gorge State Park
  One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Hikers welcome.
• Vogel State Park
  One of Georgia’s oldest and most popular state parks, Vogel is located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Blairsville, GA. Choose from a variety of hiking trails, including the popular four-mile Bear Hair Gap loop and Coosa Backcountry Trail, a challenging 13 mile trail. Cottages, campsites and backpacking sites provide a range of overnight accommodations.
• Ocoee Whitewater Center (home to the 1996 summer whitewater Olympics)
  Directions to The Ocoee Whitewater Center From Blue Ridge, take GA 5 north to McCaysville, then turn left on Tennessee Highway 68. In Ducktown, take U. S. 64 west to the Ocoee Whitewater Center on the left.
• Mercier Orchards
  For 50 years, the Mercier family has been welcoming visitors to taste the fruits of the mountains with almost 20 varieties of apples. You can even pick your own.
• The Chattahoochee National Forest
  The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests have 37 developed recreation areas, 200 picnic sites, 6 swim beaches and 530 miles of trails. There are more than 500 wildlife and fish species in the forest.
• Lake Blue Ridge
  The crystal clear waters of Lake Blue Ridge make it one of Georgia's most picturesque mountain lakes. The 3,290-acre lake and surrounding area is host to over 90 national forest campsites, several boat ramps, a full-service marina and public swimming and picnic areas. 80 percent of the shoreline on Lake Blue Ridge is in the Chattahoochee National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service.
• Golf
  There are several golf courses within minutes of the resort including, Brasstown Valley Resort, Butternut Creek Golf Course -Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the North Georgia Mountains and featuring 6,536 yards of dramatic fairways, Butternut Creek Golf Course is one of the area’s finest public golf courses., Copper Basin Golf Club, , Cherokee Hills Golf, Whitepath Golf Course -This 18-hole course at the White Path Golf Course facility in Ellijay, Georgia, features 6,139 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 68.6; the slope rating is 126.& Country Club and The Ridges at Mountain Harbor.
• Arts & Entertainment
  Art and culture flourish in the mountains of north central Georgia. Arts fairs, gallery tours, exhibits, receptions, festivals, classes, concerts and plays are always available for your enjoyment.
• Dining
  Savoring traditional Appalachian food is a part of mountain life here. Famous for the local mountain trout, which is caught right here. Whether dining along the Toccoa River or kicking it up in the 50’s style malt shop, or elbow deep in barbeque ribs, country ham, fried chicken, eating is part of the fun here.
• Shopping
  One can spend hours or days snooping through shops and antique malls throughout the area. Blue Ridge's Main Street is filled with unique specialty shops, galleries and eateries from one end to the other.

Just a short drive away is North Carolina and Tennessee, both with their own individual gems to be discovered.Whether you come to the mountains to seek refuge from the everyday grind, are an avid adventurer, or just simply enjoy the some of the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet, around every bend in these mountains lays a discovery that will heighten the senses, enlighten the soul, and rejuvenate the mind.

For detailed information on events, dining, trail maps, scenic drives, activities, and so much more visit the most comprehensive collection of area information at blueridgehighlander.com. This site is used by locals, visitors, and folks wanting to learn more about this lands rich heritage and all it has to offer.