Just about 2.5 hours from Greenville, SC, Blairsville is a perfect weekend escape that feels far away — without the long drive. If your idea of a perfect fall weekend involves mountain views, cozy cabins, and comfort food galore, Blairsville, Georgia is calling your name! Tucked into the North Georgia Mountains, this small town delivers big on authenticity and heart — from leaf-peeping and hikes to local shops, farms, and flavorful food.
Whether you’re chasing adventure, soaking in red-and-gold views, or simply sipping coffee on a cabin porch, Blairsville is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and breathe deep.
Friday: Small-Town Nights & Mountain Views
We kicked off our trip at Misty Mountain Lodge and Cabins, a family-run retreat in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Bill, one of the owners, gave us a warm welcome and a tour of the peaceful grounds — free-range chickens, swings by the pond, a cozy lodge for private events with four guest rooms, an open event lawn with a firepit and string lights, and a short trail leading to a gazebo overlooking a neighboring horse farm.
Our home for the weekend was the Dancing Bear Cabin:
- Three queen beds (two in the loft, one private)
- Full kitchen & fireplace
- Spacious porch for starry skies
Dinner was simple and perfect: Papa’s Pizza To Go (get the Mediterranean!) and pumpkin spice cinnamon sticks for dessert.
We ended the night at Living Water Winery and Vineyard — a laid-back spot with live music, pumpkin mules, and free arcade games for the kids. The stars were incredible, and it felt like the perfect small-town Friday night.
Saturday: Food, Festivals & Fuzzy Alpacas
We started the day with lattes at Cabin Coffee Co. and breakfast at The Sawmill Place — and WOW. This place is a local favorite for good reason:
- Delectable sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon butter
- Scrumptious banana bread French toast – my daughter is still dreaming about it
- Brisket hash that wins the hearty breakfast award
Sorghum Festival at Meeks Park
Next up: a fall festival at Meeks Park, surrounded by blazing foliage and live bluegrass. They actually make sorghum on site! We tried:
- Sorghum cookies (think gingersnap meets nutty, not too sweet)
- Roasted nuts and handmade treats
- Local vendor finds — unique goodies perfect for the home, hiking enthusiasts, and anyone looking for one-of-a-kind small-town treasures
Animal Fun at Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm
In the afternoon, we scheduled a free tour at Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm (book ahead!). The kids loved feeding alpacas, petting the rescue animals, and shopping for soft alpaca stuffies and socks in the loft store. This spot was a highlight for sure.
On the way back, we:
- Grabbed milk and eggs from 7M Family Farm
- Picked up peanut brittle and porch views at Maters Taters and More
After a cabin break, we headed downtown to shop:
- From Me to You: Elegant, cozy boutique gifts which included scented candles, jewelry and other thoughtfully curated treasures.
- Keen Creations & Co.: Playful, local charm with vintage decor, Blairsville-themed tees, unique handmade earrings, and other small-town finds.
Tip: Most shops are closed on Sundays, so get your shopping in on Saturday!
Dinner was a lively family meal at Lucky’s Taqueria and Cantina:
- Sizzling fajitas, creamy queso, and the smoky “Chupacabra” margarita
- One of our kids tackled the massive birria dip sandwich
- We wrapped up the night with gelato from Von Chocolate, and yes, it was worth every cold bite
Sunday: Waterfalls, Fog, and Fall Feels
We set alarms for sunrise and headed to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest point. The short but steep paved trail was foggy at the top, but still stunning — the misty, moody fall vibes were magical. If you prefer not to hike, a shuttle starts running at 10 a.m.
Next stop: Vogel State Park
- Easy Trahlyta Falls trail (1-mile roundtrip)
- Lakeside walk and a cozy visitor center with fireplaces
- This would also be a great spot for summer — paddleboats and cabins by the lake!
Our final stop before heading home was Helton Creek Falls, just 11 minutes away. It’s a short but root-filled hike (watch your footing), and the double waterfall is spectacular — a favorite with locals for good reason.
Our Blairsville Thoughts
Blairsville was everything we hoped for — and then some. Waterfalls, mountain trails, cozy cabins, alpacas, and plenty of good eats — all within easy reach.
For a town of under 900 people, it’s full of big heart and down-to-earth charm. We’re already planning our next trip — one weekend just wasn’t enough!
Planning a weekend trip with your family? Blairsville might be your new favorite fall tradition.
Got questions or want to share your own mountain town favorite? Let us know in the comments!
You’re heading to Georgia?
We’ve got your planning covered.
Looking for more places to spend the day with your family? Here’s our list of Day Trip Towns, just a short drive from the Upstate.
