Overview
Blairsville is a small community located in the northernmost portion of Georgia. Nestled in a piney cove surrounded by mountains and the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blairsville appears very similar to other villages in the region. The marvelous brick courthouse is surrounded by a traffic circle and town square. The square features a cafe, a very old dime store, and various other shops. It's a quaint southern mountain town.

Just south of town square is the Mountain Life Museum consisting of a very nice old frame house, a log cabin, and a variety of vintage farm buildings including a small barn and a blacksmith shop. The entire estate reflects the life of and times of the self-sufficient mountain folk that have populated these hills for generations.

Lake Nottely is local to Blairsville, and it features multiple opportunities for outdoor recreation. Just up (or down) the road from Blairsville are numerous parks and attractions. Vogel State Park is located between Blairsville and the Alpine Village of Helen. Near Helen, in Cleveland, Gold n Gem Grubbin' provides rockhounding fun and camping. Unicoi State Park is also near Helen. Driving north from Blairsville will land you in North Carolina quickly. Franklin is a lot of fun if you like rockhounding. Several Ruby and Sapphire mines are located there.

Blairsville is a nice place to visit, and the surrounding attractions make it a destination that ranks a 10.

Adventure Journal
Entry Date: September 2011
For this long Labor Day weekend, we decided to head for a cooler climate, and the Mountain Heritage Festival in Blairsville settled any indecision we might have had about where to go. We camped just over the mountain from Blairsville, near Cleveland at Gold n Gem Grubbin'. It's convenient to the area, and we really enjoy the rockhounding and gold panning opportunities they offer.

The first morning of our trip was a sunny Saturday. The top was off the Jeep, and the air was a very comfortable temperature. We swung into Vogel State Park on the way to Blairsville just to see the sites. We have stayed at Vogel just one time, and really loved it. They have a lake and beach, and lots of beautiful campsites. We have reservations for a late fall visit, and really can't wait.

When we arrived at the festival, I think we kind of came in through the back door. I'm glad we did. That is where the old log cabin and farm animals are. The kids learned how to play marbles, and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the 4H representatives and seeing/petting their animals. I think we may have a goat or two in our future.

The festival is held at the site of Blairsville's Mountain Life Museum, just south of the town square. We really enjoyed walking through the extensive exhibits of art and treasures. There was  a variety of quilts, wood work, yard art, and yummy treats scattered across the museum's lawn. Had we more money, we certainly would have left with a load of goodies.

While at the festival, we enjoyed the musical interpretations of several folk music groups, and one especially talented young man on guitar. The music was the icing on the cake because it seemed to complete the experience. The fragrance of funnel cake, boiled peanuts, and scented candles mixed with hay and farm animals induces a peaceful feeling.

After visiting every booth at the festival, and sitting through many songs, we decided to walk around town just a little. There was supposed to be an antique car show here today, but we were apparently a few hours early. We found a Hole in the Wall, and discovered it was a popular deli. We also walked through a very old 5 and 10 cent store that reminded Rebecca and me of the old dime store from our childhood.

After a hardy picnic lunch, we headed back across the mountain for our campsite. We made a little side-trip to Helton Creek Falls for a little site-seeing and water play. We sure do love this area, but have to constantly remind ourselves about the presence of bears in the area. Remember not to leave food in your vehicle, especially if it's got a soft top, or no top at all!

The Richardson Tribe

Blairsville Events and Festivals:
Blairsville is host to many popular festivals and events. The following edited list is borrowed from the Blairsville Chamber of Commerce website.

Mountain Home Show (April)
Join homebuilders, exhibitors, and suppliers, as they showcase the latest styles and trends in mountain home living. www.mountainhomeshow.com

Downtown Spring Arts & Crafts Festival (May)
An exciting outdoor event held in Downtown Blairsville. Local artists are on site to exhibit their works. www.downtownblairsville.com

Memorial Day Parade (May)
Each Memorial Day weekend, Downtown Blairsville salutes those who have served our country by enjoying a community parade. www.unioncountyhistory.org

Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games (June)
Residents and visitors look forward to the second weekend in June when Blairsville spotlights the heritage of our area. This three day event offers a Kilted Golf Classic; Ceilidh (dinner party); Pipe and Drum Bands; Athletic Competitions; Vendors; Children's Games; a Concert; and Scottish Food, Music, Dancing, and Reenactments. This is one unique festival you just can't miss! www.blairsvillescottishfestival.org

Mountain Fling (June)
Enjoy arts & crafts galore the last weekend in June. Exhibits set both indoors and out. www.mtnregartscraftsguild.org

Fourth of July Celebration (July)
Join us annually for our spectacular fireworks display! Don't forget the Boat Parade held on Lake Nottely on July 3rd.

Butternut Creek Festival (July)
Celebrate and enjoy the Arts of this Mountain Region! In mid July, exhibitors showcase Fine Arts and Crafts, Woodwork, Oils and Watercolors, Stained and Leaded Glass, Jewelry, and More. Activities also include demonstrations and live entertainment. Come join the fun! www.butternutcreekfestival.com

Green Bean Festival (July)
Celebrate the green bean and "green" living the last weekend in July with pageants, a square dance, tractor show, quilting exhibit, storytellers, crafts, "living green" demonstrations, farmers' market, and "Green Ribbon" recipe contest. www.GreenBeanFestival.com

Continued below right...

Other Destinations:
 Up
Amicalola Falls State Park
Beaches of South Walton.
Berry College
Big Kahunas
Biltmore House
Blairsville, Georgia
Callaway Gardens
Cataloochee Ski Area
Cave Spring
Cedar Creek Park
Charlestown State Park
Chattahoochee Bend State Park
Chattanooga Zoo
Chehaw Park
Cherry Hill Park
Chester Frost Park
Chieftains Museum
Choccolocco Mountain Off Road Park
Cloudland Canyon
Cloudmont Ski and Golf
Consolidated Gold Mine
Cohutta Wilderness
Cumberland Island
Dauset Trails
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
Desoto State Park
Doll Mountain Campground
Dollywood
Dunnaway Gap
Enota Mountain Retreat
Etowah Indian Mounds
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Florala State Park
Franklin D Roosevelt State Park
Fort Mountain State Park
Georgia Mountain Fairground
Georgia Veterans State Park
Gold n Gem Grubbin'
Helen Georgia
Hillcrest Orchards
James H Floyd State park
James Island Park
Jellystone Park- Cave City, KY
John Tanner Park
Lake Allatoona
Lake Sidney Lanier
Lake Winnepesaukah
Little River Canyon Center
Live Oak Landing
Lula Lake Land Trust
Mammoth Cave National Park
McIntosh Reserve
McKinney Campground
Moto Mountain Powersports
New Echota - Cherokee Capitol
Noccalula Falls Park details and pictures
Old Stone Fort Archaeology State Park
Pine Moutain RV
Red Top Mountain State Park
Ridge Ferry Park
Rocky Mountain Recreation Area
Rock Town - Pigeon Mountain
Rome GA
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Silver Springs
Stone Mountain Park
Tanglewood Farm
Tannehill State Park
Tellus Science Museum
The Southern Museum
Topsail Hill Preserve
Townsend KOA
Townsend Tennessee
Twinbrook Resort
Up The Creek RV Camp - Park Details - Pictures
US Space and Rocket Center - Details and Pictures
Vogel State Park
Wild Animal Safari
World of Coke
Zoo Atlanta - Details and Pictures
Blairsville has so many events, we can't start to list them all.
Blairsville's latest festivals and events!

Features

 Rating (1-10)

Description
Official Website 9 The Blairsville Chamber of Commerce has a very informative website. I like it! MORE PICTURES PLEASE!
Events in Blairsville

9.5

 I dare you to find a town with more festivals than Blairsville. It seems like there's a festival every other week. That's a good thing because I can't think of a better place. Click here for a list of events in Blairsville.   The only reason I didn't give this category a 10 is because of the "porta potties." Please Invest in some nice public restrooms and keep them clean.
Places to camp near Blairsville and the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 10 There are several campgrounds, motels, cabins, and lodges in the area. We sometimes camp at Enota Mountain Retreat, and sometimes Vogel State Park. Enota has full hookups, and Vogel is one of the most beautiful (and popular) parks in the state.
Hiking/Mountain Biking 10 Hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible in the adjoining Chattahoochee National Forest, and of course, the legendary Appalachian Trail passes very nearby.
Fishing 10  Lake Nottely is practically in Blairsville, and many local mountain streams and rivers are stocked with trout.
Local Attractions

10

 Mountain Heritage Museum, Lake Nottely, Vogel State Park, Helen, Unicoi State Park, Gold N Gem Grubbin, Brasstown Bald (highest point in GA), Enota Mountain Retreat, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee, Murphy, Franklin, NC (ruby mining), and much more.
*Note: We rate only the amenities we have personally reviewed.

No financial consideration or favor has been received for listing in PB&J Adventures' website. We are in no way affiliated with this facility or any other facility we review. Any paid advertising seen on this site was arranged after the destination was reviewed. You can trust the reviews to be unbiased.

September 2011

Blairsville Events and Festivals continued:
Mountain Heritage Festival (September)
Collections of fine mountain-made products are available at this spectacular event during Labor Day weekend. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the manifestations of the handiwork of local craftsmen and craftswomen. www.unioncountyhistory.org

Bluegrass Festival (September)
Bluegrass Music comes alive in Downtown Blairsville! Visitors will enjoy a talented line-up of musical entertainment in addition to many other activities. It all happens the last weekend of September. www.unioncountyhistory.org

Indian Summer Festival (October)
For a truly fantastic experience, plan to attend the Indian Summer Festival the first weekend in October in Suches, Georgia. Activities include a Craft Show, 10K Run, Country Square Dance, Weaponry Demonstration, Auction, Play performed by Elementary Students, and Much More! www.suches.com/festival.htm

Sorghum Festival (October)
Blairsville's longest running festival celebrates the ancient art of cooking sweet syrup from Sorghum Cane. Visitors enjoy sorghum syrup making demonstrations in addition to contests such as "Biskit" Eatin', Pole Climbin', Log Sawin', Rock Throwin', and Horseshoe Throwin'. Join us the 2nd & 3rd weekends in October. www.sorghumfestivalblairsville.com

Mistletoe Market & Sugar Plum Tearoom (November)
Enjoy the spirit of the holiday season by attending this annual event the 3rd weekend in November which is sure to delight. Homemade soups, sandwiches, and goodies are available while you browse the arts and crafts items on display. www.mtnregartscraftsguild.org

Holiday on the Square & Christmas Parade (December)
The first Saturday in December signals the gathering of residents and visitors to Downtown Blairsville for our Annual Christmas Parade and Holiday activities. Christmas Concerts are also preformed throughout the month at the Historic Courthouse. www.unioncountyhistory.org