Find out firsthand why this North Georgia destination was recognized as a top art town in America
Get creative in Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via Interstate 575, with these top five art-inspired experiences.
Did you know? Blue Ridge was recognized as one of five top art towns by “Good Morning America” in 2015!
- Opening in early May, the Gartrell Gallery (733 East Main Street) is housed in a 1915 building with magnificent architecture alluding to the special treat inside. The Gallery serves as a studio home to eight local artists and showcases a variety of works for sale, in addition to offering high-quality classes and workshops designed for fun and educational art experiences for all abilities. www.GartrellGallery.com
- Save the date for the 40th annual Arts in the Park, Memorial Day weekend, May 28-29. A Southern tradition, the event features over 200 arts, crafts and food booths as well as the best in mountain crafts and fine arts, artist’s demonstrations, music and dance. Arts in the Park has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society. Admission is $5.
- The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (420 West Main Street) hosts over 35 exhibits and events each year. Classes for adults and youth are also offered. www.BlueRidgeArts.net
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Credit: Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
- Plan to visit during the Southern Appalachian Artists Guild Spring Show, May 7-11, a juried exhibit produced by The Southern Appalachian Artist Guild, featuring artisans and craftsmen from several states, including Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. www.SouthernAppalachianArtists.org
- No trip to this charming mountain town is complete without perusing the talents of artists showcased in downtown galleries like High Country, Multitudes/Fishbone Studios and Turning Leaf. Find a souvenir worthy of your artistic explorations at these can’t-miss galleries:
Hunt treasure at High Country Art and Antiques (715 East Main Street). Browse this gallery for traditional and impressionist fine art, folk art, photography, pottery, jewelry, sculptures, antiques and collectibles. www.HighCountryArt.com
Turning Leaf Fine Art Gallery owner, Sherry Darling Credit: Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
At Turning Leaf Wood Art (651 East Main Street) see works of more than 50 exclusively American artists. www.TurningLeafWoodArt.com
Top off a visit to Blue Ridge with a stop at Multitudes Gallery (801 East Main Street), owned by Michael Lacey and featuring high-end glass work, art and jewelry. Inside, also find Fishbone Studios – home to Betty Wassmer Ceramics, showcasing the original creations of this noted ceramicist. www.MultitudesGallery.com; www.FishboneGallery.com
If You Go
From lake-view with a mountain vista and room for 20 to cabins hidden away and built only for two (hot tub included!), find links to cabin rental companies at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.
