A Post-Thanksgiving Retreat to Blue Ridge, GA: Relaxation, Food, and Friendship
After the Thanksgiving festivities, my wife and I had the incredible privilege of being invited by our close friends to join them on a well-deserved getaway to Blue Ridge, Georgia. The trip, centered around amazing food, beautiful scenery, and wonderful company, was a perfect way to unwind and recharge. Staying at the stunning Sacred Summit Airbnb, we shared laughs, great meals, and unforgettable memories that made us feel so grateful to have been included.
Day 1: Arrival and a Late Lunch at Ferraro's Kitchen
The adventure began with a fantastic late lunch at Ferraro's Kitchen (322 W Main St #2A, Blue Ridge, GA), a hidden gem we stumbled upon by chance. None of us had planned this dining experience, but it turned out to be a delightful surprise! Known for its elevated dining experience, Ferraro's set the tone for the weekend with an unforgettable meal. From the handmade pastas to the perfectly crafted dishes, every bite was a revelation, and the meal felt like an unexpected celebration of being together. I would be remiss not to mention how incredibly grateful we were to have Sebastian (from Miami) as our professional waiter, who expertly guided us through the meal and made it a truly memorable journey.
The Sacred Summit: Our Home Away from Home
Arriving at the Sacred Summit Airbnb, we were blown away by how thoughtfully this place had been chosen. Our close friends had been gifted this incredible retreat for the week by their generous friends, and we were fortunate enough to be invited along. This private, two-story modern mountain home had everything we could have hoped for and more:
Plenty of Space: Four cozy bedrooms, a mix of king and queen beds, giving everyone a comfortable retreat.
Entertainment Galore: A pool table, arcade games, a dartboard with vintage-style darts, and even a vinyl record player kept us entertained all weekend.
Warm and Welcoming: Fireplaces in every room and on the decks created the perfect ambiance for sharing stories and winding down together.
Spectacular Views: Expansive decks overlooking the valley offered stunning sunrises we all enjoyed.
A Foodie’s Dream Kitchen: The well-equipped kitchen allowed us to come together to prepare and enjoy delicious meals as a team.
Days 2 & 3: Cooking, Relaxation, and Exploring Town
One of the highlights of this trip was how much time we spent just enjoying the Sacred Summit and each other's company. Cooking meals together in the incredible kitchen was an experience that brought us closer, as we shared recipes, and laughed and enjoyed the time together.
When we did venture out, our stops were perfectly curated by our thoughtful friends.
Lunch at The Pasta Market
At The Pasta Market (11 Mountain St), we shared a charcuterie board, olives, flatbread, and a couple of glasses of wine. This small, charming market with a few restaurant-style tables in the back felt intimate and local—a reflection of how well our friends knew our love for good food and hidden gems.
Dinner at Grace Steakhouse
Dinner at Grace Steakhouse was unforgettable. The modern, romantic vibe made it feel like a special occasion, and the wet and dry-aged steaks were cooked to perfection. A highlight of the evening was the knife presentation: the server brought out a box resembling a dueling pistols case, only to reveal an elegant selection of steak knives. For dessert, I opted for the Smoke Show Old Fashioned, a double-smoked cocktail finished with Grand Marnier—a luxurious and fitting finale to a great meal.
The Spot Gym & Fitness: A Warm Welcome and Great Workouts
While we were in Blue Ridge, we didn’t let the opportunity to stay active slip by. We joined The Spot Gym & Fitness for a three-day membership, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Located at 140 Progress Cir, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.
From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel right at home. The owner was exceptionally welcoming and took the time to show us around, explaining how everything in the gym was designed to help members achieve their fitness goals. It was clear that a lot of care and attention went into creating a great space for the community. The gym itself was well-maintained, with a variety of equipment and a friendly atmosphere.
One of the surprises was the protein shakes they offered, which were absolutely delicious. After a solid workout, they were the perfect post-exercise treat, refreshing and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a place to keep up with your routine or just want to squeeze in a workout during your travels, The Spot Gym & Fitness is definitely worth a visit.
Food Shopping at Ingles Markets: A Hidden Gem
During our stay, we discovered Ingles Markets, a grocery store less than 8 miles from our Airbnb. We were so glad we found this place after our initial stop at Walmart, and it quickly became our go-to for all our food shopping needs.
The store was clean, well-organized, and stocked with everything we needed—from fresh produce to specialty items. Ingles had an impressive selection of high-quality food that made our cooking experience at the Airbnb even more enjoyable. It was evident that the store took pride in offering fresh and locally sourced products. We appreciated how easy it was to find exactly what we were looking for, and the friendly staff made the experience even more pleasant.
Cherishing Simple Moments
Though there were many activities available in Blue Ridge—like a scenic historic train ride, zip-lining, skeet shooting, or renting a boat on the lake—we found ourselves so content at the Airbnb that we skipped most of them. However, we did make a short trip to Lake Blue Ridge Marina, where we met friendly birdwatchers who shared their discoveries with us while we admired the view from the observation deck.
How to Get to Blue Ridge, GA
For our trip to Blue Ridge, we flew into Knoxville Airport. Renting a car is a must, as the drive to Blue Ridge is a scenic, one-lane mountain route that offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The drive itself was a peaceful journey through the mountains, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
When it was time to head home, we flew out of Chattanooga, TN, which was just a 1.5-hour drive from Blue Ridge. The route was equally stunning, taking us through picturesque mountain scenery, with views of lakes, dams, and other natural landmarks.
On our last day, we rented a one-way car from Enterprise Rental Car in Blue Ridge to get to the airport, as our friends were staying an extra day. The convenience of having a rental agency right in town made the transition smooth and hassle-free.
Grateful for Good Friends and Great Memories
This trip was a beautiful reminder of the importance of good friends and shared experiences. My wife and I felt so lucky to have been invited to join such thoughtful and wonderful people on this adventure. The laughter, the conversations, the meals we shared—it all made this more than just a vacation. It was a celebration of friendship and the joy of being surrounded by people who make life richer.
If you’re looking for the perfect mountain escape with loved ones, Blue Ridge, GA, and the Sacred Summit Airbnb are a match made in heaven. Have you had a trip where the company made it truly unforgettable? Share your story in the comments on your Facebook by copying the link for this page, adding it to your Facebook post followed by your comments.