Fannin County Chamber of Commerce : A message for visitors and part-time residents

Community, News May 5, 2020 , by Natalie Kissel

Blue Ridge, Ga. – With Blue Ridge and the rest of the State of Georgia slowly reopening, the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce released advice for visitors and part-time residents.

The Chamber states that vacation rentals in the area were closed for 5 weeks during Georgia’s statewide Shelter in Place Order. Governor Brian Kemp’s order expired on April 30, 2020, and was only extended for the medically fragile who remain under Shelter in Place until June 12.

“According to the 2010 census there were 4,000 vacation homes in Fannin County, and the 2020 census will most likely show at least 4,500,” the Chamber said in a public release, noting that Fannin County’s largest portion of visitors are not from vacation rentals but from part-time residents or those who own second homes in the area.

With people ready to make their way back to the beautiful mountains of North Georgia, the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce released the following advice to those coming to the area:

Blue Ridge Welcomes You Back

We are so happy to be welcoming visitors and part time residents back to Blue Ridge and the Copper Basin. Spring in the mountains is good for the soul, and a recovery getaway can help you restore balance, refresh yourself and clear your mind. It’s nature’s remedy for the quarantine blues.

But although Georgia’s Governor has reopened the state, here are some things you need to know. Measures are still in place to help discourage the spread of Covid-19, and the health and well being of our visitors and residents are top priority. Social distancing is still very much in place in Blue Ridge, and we encourage you to wear a mask in public places for your own safety and as a courtesy to others. Following are some basic things you need to know before you come back to Blue Ridge for a recovery getaway.

Groceries and Supplies

It is a good idea for you to bring your own groceries and supplies to be sure you have what you need for your second home or vacation rental. The availability of meat, poultry and fresh vegetables is sometimes hit or miss. Also bring your own cleaning and sanitizing supplies, hand sanitizer, face masks and paper products.

Restaurants and Shops

Governor Kemp allowed the reopening of most businesses on May 1, but many restaurants and shops are still closed. We will update the listings below of restaurants, shops and attractions daily, but a good practice is to call before you go. Even if they are not open for inside dining, some restaurants are offering carry out options and other special services. The restaurant list is long, so be sure to scroll to the bottom to find shops and attractions.

Local Attractions

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway will not be in operation until June 1. Some other local attractions, like Mercier Orchards, horseback riding, kayak and canoe rentals, guided fishing and others are perfect for social distancing in the great outdoors. Georgia State Parks are open. Currently all of the Chattahoochee National Forest trailheads, recreation areas and waterfalls remain closed, as is the Ocoee Whitewater Center.

When you come back to Blue Ridge, you find yourself. Even though things are not quite normal, the magic of Blue Ridge is still the same. You can get away completely … again.