Visit Santa's Station and his Elvesin the downtown Blue Ridge, GA Mountains!  You’ll find Santa’s Station right in the center of downtown Blue Ridge across from Depot and City Park. You can visit with Santa and enjoy a cup of hot cider and a famous fried pie from Mercier Orchards. You’ll also want to check for the special select times to join the Elves from Home Depot to build a craft too.   Santa will be there Friday, December 23rd from 2 to 7 p.m.and Saturday,  December 24th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Home Depot Workshop Friday, December 23rd from 4 to 7 p.m.and Saturday, December 24th from 4 to 7 p.m.  Ho Ho Ho and a Merry Christmas to All! 12/21/2011

  I love this time of year in the North Georgia mountains! Early Fall through December brings a wonderful feeling ofsheer delight. Beautiful changing leaves easily segway to a Christmas transformation turning our downtown Blue Ridge into a picturesque Christmas Village. It's as though you step into a Norman Rockwell painting. The atmosphere is full of Christmas cheer as our unique gift galleries and antique stores get decked out in holiday fashion.  Visitors will find festive restaurants and shops offering Christmas sales.  I encourage visitors to buy local and buy American.  Beautiful shops are filled with wonderful arts and crafts handcrafted by talented local artists. Free shuttle rides to the stores on East and West Main Streets are available on weekends. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railw... 12/06/2011

Consider Buying a Blue Ridge Mountain Cabin as an Investment Property November 4, 2011 By Gayle Barton (Edit) Did you know that it is possible to buy a second home in the north Georgia mountains and then use it as an investment property / vacation rental when you’re not there? View the virtual tour of one log cabin that is perfect for use as a vacation rental for sale or checkout the online photos and information.   *** DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE ***Priced at only $229,900   This pretty log home is located in the popular ASKA ADVENTURE AREA of Blue Ridge, GA known for its peaceful setting, pretty mountain views, fun outdoor activities and abundant wildlife. This cabin is located in a popular log home area close to town offering a mixture of rentals and second homes. The 2-story family r... 12/02/2011

Santa's not the only one making a list and checking it twice. Turns out prospective buyers may cross your home off their list if you get a little too carried away with the tinsel and holly. According to an article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, simplicity is the key for home sellers when decorating for the holidays. Save the outdoor laser light displays and rotating hot pink aluminum Christmas tree for next year. If you hope to have a contract on your house by year's end, less is more. Bah, humbug... 11/18/2011

We have been so blessed in our lives and, on this beautiful Sunday morning, I have to share one of my favorite blessings.  It may sound silly, but it’s the simple fact that Bill and I get to work together.   Every day, day-in and day-out, and we love it.    Yesterday with beautiful weather and no clients, we took the opportunity to preview a couple of homes we needed to look at as well as continue our search for a “satellite office” - an RV to park at the lake (another post indeed).  We drove past a park with this gorgeous view and, without even having to ask him to, Bill whipped around and went back because he just knew I wanted that shot!   Sorry, I’ve never been one you would consider “speechless” but I hope you enjoy the view as much as we enjoyed our day together.   Cyndi   11/06/2011

After posting the pictures of Fall Colors at Lake Blue Ridge I started experimenting with one of the pictures. Changing the effects I used and creating totally different looks.   It made me think about houses and how the one house can look different to different people.  We look at a house with “filters” and everyone has a different set of them.  One buyer may look at a house with the “filter” of needing a home large enough for their growing family. While another buyer may look at the same house with the “filter” of loving to cook and wanting a big kitchen.  Yet another may look at a house with the “filter” or wanting something that is turn-key, ready to move in and not change a thing. To each of these individuals this house will look different based on their circumstances, their wants... 10/30/2011

  Earlier this week Bill and I had an appointment to view a home.  Getting there involved 3 miles down a (fortunately) well-maintained US Forestry Service Road.  The scenery down this winding road through the forest was incredible.  If Bill had stopped for every “oohhh and ahhhh” that I wanted to photograph, we would still be there.   Amazingly, this single lane gravel road ended at a huge wrought iron subdivision gate.  After passing through we were amazed at the beautiful million dollar homes - and the million dollar views. Unfortunately, it was a overcast and not the best day for taking long range view shots. However, one can truly understand why they call these the Blue Ridge Mountains! We hope you enjoy these shots of the Fall Colors at Lake Blue Ridge Georgia.     If you have ever... 10/30/2011

  Visit Coldwell Banker High Country's Booth 11 on Saturday and Sunday. Drawing for two $50.00 gift cards.  Winners will be notified on Monday.  Visit Donna at 3pm on Saturday and 10am on Sunday. The North Georgia market is a very opportunistic market for buyers and sellers. Let me help you find affordable land and cabin packages and super buys for lake, river and creek front homes.Visit: www.move2northgeorgia.net   When do you think you will be making your next real estate move? Call, Text or email Donna Today ! 706-633-0644 direct EMAIL DONNA    10/13/2011

Harvest On Main in Blue Ridge, GA offers the glow from the lodge atmosphere, a setting perfect for casual dining. Here you’ll find a lodge setting right in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge with a roaring fireplace, open kitchen and southern hospitality. You might even be fortunate enough to be there one evening when a special musical guest is performing.   And of course you’ll find creative and wonderful ly prepared dishes as Harvest On Main showcases local, sustainable products and regional artisan flavors. Creative American Cuisine with a Southern Twang and a Staff that’s knowledgeable and friendly.   Make sure to stop by Harvest On Main for a delightful dining experience. Located at 576 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Call for reservations 706.946.6164  Harvestonmain@gmail.c... 07/20/2011

North Georgia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Real Estate, July 4th Holiday Celebrations, Festivals & Events Lots of July 4th happenings in Blue Ridge this weekend! The parade in downtown Blue Ridge was this morning and was so much fun! Small towns really know how to celebrate. Lots of great fun for family and friends and doesn't end here. See the list of events going on all weekend long and throughout July! Have a safe and happy July 4th ! Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - Rail excursions at 11am daily from the Depot in downtown Blue Ridge, closed on Wednesday. Early evening trains on Saturdays. Call 877-413-8724 or book online at www.brscenic.com Mercier Orchards - U pick events in season, wagon rides and bakery classes for the kids. Fresh fruit in season and more. Open 7am to 8pm. Call 7... 07/02/2011

   Today many of us in the Coldwell Banker High Country office in Murphy, NC headed down to Blue Ridge, GA for the Northeast Georgia Board of Realtors Annual Membership Meeting. This months meeting was a Picnic in the downtown Blue Ridge City Park. There couldn't have been a better location for the Coldwell Banker High Country Blue Ridge office to attend since they just walked down the block.    We had hot dogs, coleslaw, baked beans and homemade potato chips catered by The Whistle Stop Grill. They even had veggie burgers, which Carol truly appreciated. It was a little windy and chilly but the grill was keeping a lot of us warm. Great entertainment with singer Michael Kennedy and DJ Lori Pluger and lots of prizes given away. Coldwell Banker High Country donated a Kindle for the grand dr... 05/17/2011

North Georgia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Bumblee's Cafe in Blue Ridge, Local Dining, Restaurants Beach Party Weekend April 1st - 2nd – 3rd at BumbleBee’s Cafe RIBS – Chicken -  Seafood - pork - burgers - dogs - soups – salads - and above all ………fun!!!     FEATURED LISTINGS Donna YatesAssociate Broker, GRI706-633-0644 Mobile My Fax Toll Free: 866-859-5454North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountainswww.move2northgeorgia.netwww.blueridgemountains.activerain.com EMAIL DONNA Coldwell Banker High Country Realty 706-632-7311   The North Georgia market is a very opportunistic market for buyers and sellers. Here you will find affordable land and cabin packages and super buys for lake, river and creek front homes. When do you think you will be making your next real estate move? Call Donna Today ! 706-633-0644   03/28/2011

North Georgia Mountains, Blue Ridge Theater, Around the Mountains with Donna Around the Mountains with DonnaCHECK IT OUT The Blue Ridge Community Theater"you won't stop laughing"CAUGHT IN THE NET by Ray Cooney Blue Ridge, GA Fri ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT ! Feb 11/11 Sun Mar 6/11www.BlueRidgeCommunityTheater.com SHOW TIMES and TICKET INFORMATION Feb. 25-27 and March 4-6Friday & Saturday 7:30PM Sunday Matinee 2:00PM Reservations recommended. Call 706- 632-9223 BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE! The North Georgia real estate market is a very opportunisitc market for buyers and sellers. I help buyers establish their purchasing power, understand tax advantages, financing alternatives and investment aspects of homeownership. I help sellers in the sale and marketing of their home. I am your MLS listings exper... 02/25/2011

I am really a newbie in Blue Ridge - it has only been three years since I started calling this area home - but I have seen some major changes in those three years, especially during the past twelve months or so. Three years ago - alas a few months ago - downtown was deserted after 5:00 p.m. Stores were very seasonal and there were not many great restaurants to speak of. This is changed now, and changed for the better! It is hard to find a good parking spot nowadays; stores are open later and great restaurants are popping up all over the place. The reason? First: much better leadership in the City Secondly: (would you believe?) wine and beer! Yes, we do have a pouring license now, which brings better restaurants which bring more tourists who will love this area and decide to buy a part o... 01/20/2011

It seems that the market is improving (at least the North Georgia market is) and my phone is beginning to ring again, which is a positive sign :-). The North Georgia (Blue Ridge) market AND demographics are changing at a very steady space. Most of my clients already own a home in the Mountains, and are thinking of making the move, and leave the hectic - nobody should have to endure - city life. Their cabins served nothing else but a weekend getaway to this point -  size, comfort, lifestyle were not a major issue as we all like to 'rough' it when going fishing or engaging in outdoor activities. Living here full time is a different story. So how much is really feasible to spend on an addition and where is that fine line between the remodeling and exchanging the property to something more ... 01/20/2011

I have had many Realtor friends and business associates in the past, and I do have them now. In fact, many times we were able to exchange leads and help each other in the closing of a deal. I have four different types of customers: The ones who own property in this area and are either planning on adding on / enlarging their home for their changed lifestyle The customers who have had vacant property for years and have finally decided to build on it o that they can make the move and get away from their hectic city lives. The ones who are looking for vacant land so that they can build for above reasons. The ones who are buying a home, but would like to make some changes - to make it fit their family, personality and needs. The latter two normally involve Realtors. Having a customer who is ... 11/23/2010

  From October 16, 2010 Southern Appalachian Artist Guild / National Juried Show To November 13, 2010 Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association   From November 04, 2010 NunSensation / Hilarious Comedy To December 05, 2010 Blue Ridge Community Theater   From November 05, 2010 HemlockFest To November 07, 2010 Starbridge Farm     November 05, 2010 Culinary Arts Event     The Martyn House     November 06, 2010 Veterans Day Parade / Blue Ridge     Downtown Historic District of Blue Ridge     November 07, 2010 Studio Tour and Open House     The Martyn House     November 20, 2010 Holiday Art Show Opening Reception     Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association   From November 20, 2010 Holiday Art Show and Sale To December 23, 2010 Blue Ridge Art Association   From November 22, 2010 Festival of Trees To... 11/04/2010

Autumn has finally arrived in the North Georgia mountains. Chilly mornings and cool, sunny days are welcome after the extended warm and dry summer-like weather we've had this year. I was beginning to wonder if I'd be wearing Christmas t-shirts this year instead of Christmas sweaters. The North Georgia mountains are primarily a second-home market, so cabins may go largely unused during the heart of the winter months. As we dig our jackets, scarves and hats out in preparation for the cold months ahead, it is important to remember that our cabins need to be properly 'dressed' for the season too. Nothing's worse than arriving at your cabin in anticipation of a relaxing weekend, only to open the door to watery destruction caused by "Atlanta Pipe" because when you were up at the cabin last ti... 10/29/2010

This past weekend saw Blue Ridge bursting at the seams with fall events and visitors. The 'chamber of commerce' perfect weather cooperated, with temperatures in the low 70's and a cloudless cobalt blue sky that provided the perfect backdrop for autumn's vivid reds and golds.One of the weekend's big draws was the Blue Ridge Harvest Festival, held at the old State Farmers Market. Arts and crafts were the centerpiece of the festival, and there were items to choose from to suit almost any taste, from hand-turned wood bowls to hand-crafted quilts to home-made jams and preserves. There was also a large section of locally-grown produce and all kinds of scrumptious food to nosh on, from kettle corn to bar-b-cue. The Harvest Festival was the perfect event in the perfect weather in the perfect pl... 10/27/2010

North Georgia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Bumble Bee's Cafe, Blue Ridge Georgia   I noticed a new cafe not too long ago and have been wanting to stop in and sample the food!  Today, the weather is pure perfection in the mountains and it's just one of those wonderful Fall days that makes you want to be outdoors.  As I rode around the mountainside, I decided now would be a good time to buzzzzz on into Bumble Bee's Cafe and I'm very happy that I did.  I'm reminded of Georgia Tech with their colorful yellow and black decor although I know they are the yellow jackets and I'm talking about Bumble Bees!  Of course, I mentioned that to a staff member there and he said they are being told that a lot.  (C'mon dawgs, don't let this stop you from going on in to a nice cafe with excellent food!)  I actua... 10/02/2010