The holiday season is now officially underway with the traditional tree lightings, and Christmas parades completed, now the true race to accomplishing all the Christmas shopping is on! Whether you are vacationing in the Blue Ridge mountains this holiday season or call the mountains your home, shopping local has never been more important. Below are some excellent places to shop for your friends and family that are not only local establishments but a commodity in the surrounding areas of the Blue Ridge mountains.
Of course, the meaning for the holiday spirit is different for everyone but overall, I believe we can all agree that it is the season of giving. In the midst of giving to others, I encourage you to give to local businesses. The surrounding areas of the Georgia mountains are full of local businesses for you to shop and explore this holiday season.
Helen Georgia - Shop in a Timeless German Village
First area on the list of excellent shopping experiences is the town of Helen Georgia! Spend the day in Helen with endless local shopping excellent snacks and restaurants, with activities along the way for your shopping posse to enjoy!
Stop into the exquisite Bavarian Clockworks store for beautifully hand crafted black forest wood Cukoo clocks! Or wander into the chocolate and candy factories along the strip that will draw you in with the scents of fresh and sweet delights. Enjoy the holiday season with a number of different Christmas stores that are along the cobble walkways. You will surely find a little something for everyone on your list at the countless stores in Helen.
After a day spent wandering this beautiful town and shopping for that special something for that special someone, take a break and enjoy the cuisine! Whether you are looking for traditional foods at Hofbrauhaus Restaurant And G.I. Germany Pub or my personal favorite the Troll Tavern with outdoor seating right beside the river Helen will leave you satisfied.
Blairsville GA - Christmas Shopping On The Square
This small town just a short distance from Blue Ridge has a whole square of local businesses. Start your shopping off with some coffee! There is plenty to choose from my personal favorites are Abide Coffee, and Cabin Coffee. Then start out on your shopping adventures. The Blairsville square has it all.
Looking for clothes? Shop at Carter & Cash Clothing Co. or if you're feeling thrifty, shop clothes for a good cause at the local Safe Pet Project Thrift Store. Shop for the perfect gifts and décor at a handful of shops in downtown that have beautiful pieces and unique handcrafted décor. These shops include but are not limited to, Keens Creations & Co. the Blairsville Pickers Barn, and The Farmers Daughter.
Don't forget, a day of shopping requires excellent dining for you and your friends! The square has food varying from diner style, Hole In The Wall GA classic homemade Italian food at Sicily's or Mexican cuisine at Lucky's.
Blue Ridge GA - Downtown Shopping in the Historic Strip
Shop locally in downtown Blue Ridge. Listen to the train pulling into town as it chugs down the tracks, enjoy the smells of elegant cuisine and premiere sweets. Shop 'till you drop at these local businesses. Find shops like, Pezrock, Out of the Blue, Blue Ridge Knife Company, and Mercier Orchards.
Wander about and find gifts for your loved ones or gifts for yourself! No judgement here! These amazing local shops have everything you need! Eat at local favorite restaurants like The Roe, Harvest On Main, and The Black Sheep,
Shopping local this holiday season is important not only for our community but for these small business owners! Be apart of bringing the Christmas spirit to local businesses in the surrounding areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.