Our Local Fall Playbook - Blairsville Edition
Where in the North Georgia mountains is there an authentic, uncrowded feel with views and vibe? We tell them to spend a weekend in Union County. Framed by the peaks of Brasstown Bald and the waterfalls of Vogel State Park, Blairsville is our favorite autumn retreat.
Morning Coffee on the Square & Local Markets
Before heading anywhere in the morning, our first stop is always Cabin Coffee Co. right on the historic town square (44 Town Square). You’ll feel like a local the second you walk through the door—the warm wood cabin feel, friendly baristas, freshly roasted beans, and warm cinnamon rolls make it the perfect spot to start an autumn morning.
From there, our Saturday routine continues at the Union County Farmers Market on Old Smokey Road. Running every Tuesday and Saturday morning from 7:00 AM–1:00 PM through October, over 80 regional growers and artisans set up shop with sorghum syrup, mountain honey, fresh harvest produce, and handcrafted pottery. If you want a fun morning activity that will have your whole group laughing, sign up for Goat Yoga at Rhatigan Farms on Town Creek School Road (Sunday mornings: September 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 10:00 AM)—the friendly baby goats bouncing on your yoga mat make for the best photos of the season.
Bluegrass, Classic Cars, and Pioneer Traditions Blairsville's autumn calendar is packed with community festivals and live performances:
The Dailey & Vincent Music Fest: September 17–19 at the Union County Schools Fine Arts Center (926 Panther Overlook), featuring premier bluegrass, country, and gospel headliners.
The Fine Colombians - Steely Dan Tribute: Saturday, September 12 at the Union County Schools Fine Arts Center.
Pioneer Days: Friday and Saturday, September 25–26 at the Union County Historical Society’s 1861 Mountain Life Museum, featuring traditional blacksmithing, quilt-making, and Appalachian folk arts.
The NE Georgia Mustang Club's 53rd Annual Mustang Car Show: Saturday, September 26 on the historic Blairsville Square.
Acoustic Sunset Fall Series: Thursday evenings (September 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM) at the Union County Community Center.
Lucky Dog Trivia Night at Lucky's Taqueria: Thursday evenings (September 3, 10, and 17 from 7:00 PM–9:00 PM) on Blue Ridge Street, alongside Monday evening live acoustic sessions (September 7, 14, 21, and 28).
Grape Stomps & Vineyard Porches When we want an afternoon of wine tasting in the hills, Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa on Paradise Road is our go-to. We love taking out-of-town guests to their annual Grape Stomp Fest on Saturday, September 5. You can also sign up for their behind-the-scenes VIP Wine Tour & Tastings on Fridays and Saturdays throughout September, enjoy discounted flights during Service and Shield Thursdays (September 3, 10, 17, and 24), or catch Live Music Saturdays every weekend afternoon. If you're looking for a quiet mountain hillside, take the short scenic drive to Odom Springs Vineyards on Odom Road to enjoy estate-grown wines right on the deck.
Mountain Moonshine & House Brews
In the heart of downtown Blairsville, stop by Grandaddy Mimm's Distilling Co. & Brewery on Wellborn Street. They use authentic moonshine recipes passed down from Appalachian bootlegger Jack McClure, but they also brew house-crafted beers on tap, host community mixers, and feature live music on their indoor stage every Friday and Saturday night.
A Quick Jaunt to Hiawassee: Lakeside Dining, Brews & Big Fall Concerts
Just a quick, scenic 20-minute drive east from Blairsville brings you to neighboring Towns County and the lakeside town of Hiawassee, which is packed with fall flavor:
The Historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds: Situated along Lake Chatuge, this venue is legendary in autumn. Their major Georgia Mountain Fall Festival runs across two long weekends (October 9–11 and October 15–17) and brings incredible live shows to Anderson Music Hall. Fall headliners include country icons like The Bellamy Brothers & Exile (Oct 9), The Isaacs (Oct 11), The Malpass Brothers (Oct 15), bluegrass sensation Molly Tuttle (Oct 16), and country queen Tanya Tucker (Oct 17).
Osteria da Ferraro: If you are a fan of Ferraro’s Italian or Kuroi Koi in Blue Ridge, you already know the culinary vision of restaurateur Igor. His new spot right on North Main Street in Hiawassee brings authentic Italian dining, handmade pastas, and elevated dishes to the lake.
Hiawassee Brew: On South Main Street, this taproom pours fresh mountain craft beer, but do not sleep on their food menu—it is absolute fire! From hot honey bacon and bone marrow loaded fries to fried chicken-and-pickle quesadillas and street corn, it’s one of the most creative taproom menus in the mountains.
Need a Place to Stay? After a day on the hiking trails, browsing the farmers market, or exploring the surrounding valleys, having a private cabin to come home to makes all the difference. Our visiting friends always turn to PMI North GA Mountains and Escape to Blue Ridge for reliable, well-kept cabins overlooking the high ridges.
