One of the great joys of this business, in addition to the building and interior design of our cabins, is creating an environment that is pleasing to all the senses, and there are several shops in Blue Ridge which accommodate our discriminating tastes. Gary and I believe that the heart of the home is in the kitchen and since we love to entertain as much as we do, we have included a few of our favorite shops in Blue Ridge that help to enhance the art of hospitality. We hope you find these shops as inviting and invaluable as we do.
For the OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST we have also included our favorite guides and activities. When reserving your cabin be sure to mention the following activities in which you are interested, and we will help direct you.
Whether it's a massage at your cabin, a lovely dinner prepared at your cabin, a day or two of canoe/kayak instruction and adventure, or a day of fly-fishing on our private streams and the Toccoa River, we will help to ensure that you have the vacation of your dreams!
Enchanted Mountain Trout and Gourmet Meats
706-374-5971
Tues-Wed-Thurs - 9am-6pm
Fri-Sat - 9am-7pm
Otherwise known as "Butcher Tom's", this is the best place we have found for fresh rainbow trout and applewood smoked trout (unless you catch your own!), all natural steroid-free/hormone-free beef, pork, poultry, in addition to shrimp, salmon, talapia, lobster tails, crab cakes, yellow fin tuna, and breaded oysters, just to name a few. Butcher Tom has USDA Choice hand-cut steaks, and with every steak purchase you get a free baked potato! Our favorite is the filet-mignon cut about an inch and three quarters thick (cowboy steaks)! We also love the rainbow trout filet with the Apple Dill and Rosemary Glaze - pan-fried in olive oil and butter. We also like to get the shrimp for the BarBQ grill and wrap them in applewood smoked bacon.
Tom's gourmet shop carries DeCecco pasta, a fresh deli, gourmet sauces and cheeses. For large groups Tom can custom prepare BarBQ ribs, brisket, chicken, baked beans, and you can come pick it all up fresh for your family gathering. For Thanksgiving you can also order a natural fresh turkey or smoked turkey for your holdiay feast. For our household it's a weekly ritual to stop in and see Tom and the gang and choose our weekly menu. Sometimes we go in almost daily and get whatever we are going to have for dinner that night. They also carry hor d'vouers such as smoked trout dip, gourmet crackers, cheeses, kalamata olives.
Directions: From Hwy 515 go through Blue Ridge heading towards Blairsville. Turn RIGHT on Hwy 60. At the T in the road turn LEFT continuing on Hwy 60. Follow this road past the elementary school and into the small town of Morganton. Enchanted Mountain Meats will be on your right - small shop with a red tin roof.
Out of the Blue Gourmet Living
706-258-2750
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 10am to 5pm
Friday & Saturday - 10am to 6pm, Sunday - 1pm to 5pm
Closed Wednesdays
This is a fantastic Kitchen Gourmet shop on Main Street in Blue Ridge, and our friend, Sarah, is the owner. The very moment you walk in the door you feel as though you have walked into Sarah's kitchen ~ full of lively conversation, good cheer, and laughter. If you want a great bottle of wine at a great price, this is the place. Out of the Blue carries a large selection of fine wines and beers that are perfect for any occasion. Sarah carries beautiful table linens, unique kitchen accessories, outdoor furniture, gourmet foods, exotic spices, cheeses, and home accessories from Italy and France as well as cooking demonstrations and classes. Every Saturday and Sunday they have gourmet food tastings in their fully equipped gourmet kitchen - so stand around the kitchen island and share in some great food, conversation, and laughter! Sarah has a wonderful gift of hospitality in that you feel like she is an old dear friend ~ her shop is so warm and inviting. So be sure to step into her shop and have a great time!
Ingles Grocery
To include a general grocery store seems a little unnecessary, since all our guests make this stop before their vacation begins. But I felt it worth a mention because we are impressed with the ever-expanding Organics section in this store. If your desire is to eat organically then Ingles is your best stop. They offer organically-grown produce and dairy products, as well as wheat-free, gluten-free flours, pastas, and cereal products, in addition to organic soups, broths, and canned vegetables. They also have sprouted bread products (Ezekial breads), which we love. They have a decent wine and beer selection (which is always expanding), as well as a video rental/purchase department. Ingles is located on Hwy 515 as you go through Blue Ridge in a strip center.
Simply Southern Meal Services
Kelli Tankersley
706-633-6870
kellitankersley@hotmail.com
Whether you live in the area or are just visiting, I can help turn ordinary meals into something extraordinary!
You will no longer find yourself driving around town in search of a nice restaurant!
Hectic schedules make cooking a chore, and who has the time? I come to your home or rental cabin to prepare a delicious meal your loved one will savor. The shopping, cooking, and cleaning is all taken care of! All you have to do is relax!
The following is a menu of items to choose from for your Simply Southern service. I combine tastes indicative of the South with flavors from around the globe to create dishes your family and friends will savor! Only the freshest ingredients are used when preparing these meals. I use organic eggs and produce, and the meat, poultry and fish are bought from local merchants. The prices listed are for individual entrees which include salad, bread, and non-alcoholic beverages. Appetizers and desserts are additional family style prepared meal prices differ and may vary according to the number of people being served.
I will arrive one hour prior to serving dinner/brunch to allow for proper preparation of the meal. Therefore, directions to your rental as well as contact numbers and menu selections should be e-mailed the day of booking your service. If you choose an accompaniment such as wine or champagne, flowers, or chocolate there is an additional fee.
ENTREES
(Includes choice of salad, bread, and non-alcoholic beverage. Appetizers and desserts are additional.)
Putting on the Ritz - A juicy and tender 7 oz. filet mignon seared to perfection and seasoned with Italian herbs and olive oil. Served with rice pilaf and sauteed green beans. $80.00
Simply Souther Supper - Panko encrusted chicken tenderloins gently fired to golden brown and served with a three cheese macaroni. $65.00
The Other White Meat - Pork chops rubbed with herbs and grilled, then finished in the oven to ensure tenderness. Served with creamy orzo pasta and buttery corn on the cob garnished with parmesan cheese and parsley. $70.00
Fresh Catch - Heart-healthy salmon steak baked and brushed with my own special teriyaki sauce and served with sesame snow peas and rice. $70.00
FAMILY STYLE DINNERS
(Can be prepared in your home and refrigerated or placed in the oven prior to your arrival. Serves six and includes an 8 piece bread basket, family portion of garden salad, and non-alcoholic beverages for six).
Lucy's Lasagna - Traditional noodles rolled and stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese, lean ground sirloin, and homemade tomato sauce. Layered with mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, this comfort food classic is sure to satisfy your hunger! $300.00
Rigatoni Porto Fino - Perfectly prepared al dente pasta combined with pesto and homemade tomato sauce. A simple, yet elegant taste! $275.00
Juanita's Spicy Fajitas - This Tex-Mex version will have your taste buds poppin'! Choose chicken, steak, shrimp, or a combination of the three. Served with warm flour tortillas, black beans, Spanish rice, salsa, and your choice of fixings such as sour cream, guacamole, and/or a variety of shredded cheeses.
Chicken - $225.00
Shrimp - $235.00
Steak - $245.00
Combo of three - $280.00
This meal does not include salad or bread basket
APPETIZERS
Jumbo shrimp cocktail served with an eye-opening horseradish sauce. $10.00
Crunchy tortilla chips served with Cowboy Caviar. $8.00
Prosciutto-wrapped fruit. $8.00
Tartine (French-style bread lightly toasted and topped with tomato slices, goat cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil). $9.00
SALADS
The Wedge - a crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with crumbled cheese, bacon, tomatoes, chives, and rich buttermilk ranch dressing.
The Southwestern - Romaine lettuce combined with black beans, corn, grape tomatoes, pepper jack cheese, and fried tortilla stips, drizzled with chipotle ranch dressing.
The Southern Sophisticate - Peppery arugula tossed with dried cranberries, thinly sliced almonds, and tangy goat cheese. Topped with my own red wine vinaigrette.
BREAD SELECTIONS
Pesto or buttery crescents
Dinner yeast rolls
Garlic bread sticks
BRUNCH
(Includes juice, water, or soft drink. Coffee may be provided for an additional $7 per pot. Please specify decaf or regular when ordering. I can also provide breakfast tea bags for an additional $5).
The Smoothie Bar - A frozen concoction consisting of your favorite seasonal fruit, frozen yogurt, and other add-ins such as chocolate syrup, honey, or peanut butter if you choose. I bring everything, including the smoothie machine! $60.00
A Smart Start - Freshly made granola with seasonal berries, honey, and low-fat organic yogurt. $45.00
The Southern Sampler - A hearty breakfast including 2 scrambled eggs with cheese, cinnamon raisin toast with apple butter, and thick cut applewood bacon. $55.00
Flapjack Feast - Stack of buttermilk or banana yogurt pancakes dusted with confectioner's sugar and served with sliced fruit and warm maple syrup. $50.00
Add Canadian bacon for just $5 more.
Brunch is offered at 10:00a and 12:30p. Saturday and Sunday.
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant
One of the best restaurants in Fannin County!
Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday
4:30 - 9:00 PM
Friday and Saturday • 4:30 - 9:30 PM
Closed
Monday and Tuesday
Mountain Retreat Massage
By Joseph, Lorraine and Staff
Massage therapists and Nurses
706-698-5700
7 Days a Week
Very, very Deep Sports Massage
Light Swedish Pamperin Massage or Combo Customized Light and Deep
Cabin Calls 7 Days 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
House Calls, Office Calls or come to our Peaceful Professional Cottage-like Office
Couples Massage and Hot Stone always available
CANOE AND KAYAK VENTURES
A program of Adventure Outreach Ministries, Inc.
Enjoy your very own personal guide as you explore the sparkling waters of the Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge in the North Georgia Mountains
Start a lifetime of memories this season in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whitewater kayaking and canoeing are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while choosing your level of adventure. You can start kayaking or canoeing at almost any age - your progress is limited only by your adventurous spirit! We provide all the canoe and kayak equipment - all you have to bring is your enthusiasm and adventuresome spirit!
Our paddling instruction and rental programs are designed to provide quality coaching and direction to the novice who wants to begin to enjoy the sport of paddling. Instructional clinics range from one- to two-days which will cover paddle strokes, proper technique (such as getting in and getting out of your kayak, for example), and how to roll. This initial instruction can take place on the still waters of Lake Blue Ridge, then application of these techniques occurs on the Toccoa River for a great ride!
If fishing is your passion, we also offer our popular Float and Fish activity, which are fully-guided or semi-guided canoe trips along the lower and upper Toccoa River.
Come and check out our various kayak clinics and programs for the entire family. If your family is looking for some great outdoor fun on the beautiful waters of the North Georgia Mountains then our Family Kayak Clinic is the ticket! This clinic allows each family member to learn at their own pace, while enjoying eachother's company and support on the Toccoa River.
Available in June and July is Kids Day Camp (Ages 12 and up). These day camps are designed to allow the parent/guardian to drop off and pick up their child at a designated site where they will learn the basics of river kayaking.
All kayak and canoe equipment will be provided for your water adventure. All kayak instruction is given by an ACA Certified Instructor. Registration on kayak and canoe instructional clinics must be made in advance. All kayak Kids Day Camp must register two weeks prior to scheduled camp.
We are located on Aska Road at the Toccoa River Outpost.
For Reservations or more Information call:
706-455-7972
or
706-455-7973
See you on the River!