The North Georgia Mountains are the perfect place for your furry friends

I don’t know about you, but a vacation to the beautiful North Georgia Mountains without my little  furry friend, just doesn’t feel right. I would swear that my Yorkiepoo, Chanel, truly knows when we are getting ready to take a trip up to the mountains. Maybe it’s the hiking boots in the suitcase or the handmade walking sticks we purchased in Blue Ridge a few years ago or possibly the bag full of supplies to make s’mores. I couldn’t really tell you what exactly tips her off, but she definitely knows when we are heading to hills. She’ll sleep on my lap most of the way up and then suddenly as we approach the base of the mountain she perks up, pressing that little wet nose of hers on the window, her gaze fixated on the spectacular views all around us as we climb higher and higher up the mountain. As soon as we arrive, she hops out of the car and runs right up onto the deck of our cabin, sniffs all the rocking chairs, runs over to the outdoor fireplace, appears to take a peak at the hot tub, then sits for a second to  admire the spectacular view of the Rich Mountains and then bolts back us. It’s almost as if she is saying ” come on you guys, come check this place out, it’s great!”   The weekend is always a blur of activities, with plenty of wonderful hiking trails all around the Ellijay and Blue Ridge area and of course a trip to the North Georgia Mountains wouldn’t be complete without going to downtown  Blue Ridge, which is one of the most dog friendly towns I have ever been to. Before we know it, it’s time to pack up our car and head back home, Chanel honkers down for the hour and a half drive and we sadly bid the beautiful North Georgia Mountains good-bye ( but not for long, we’ll be back next weekend) .

The Stargazer

The Stargazer is one of my favorite cabins; located on the second highest privately owned peaks in the North Georgia Mountains. It has an amazing view of the Rich Mountains from every window in the cabin and the hot tub overlooks the valley and the beautiful North GA Mountains.

Have you ever taken a winter dip in a hot tub in the North Georgia Mountains?

So,what’s the big deal, it’s just a hot tub, flip the cover and get in, right…..  Well for those of you who have already experienced the task of getting into a hot tub, in the dark, with the bitter cold wind blowing and the temperature outside dipping into the 30′s, you know this is no easy task. For one, there is typically some sort of drink involved, whether it be a glass of wine, water bottle or a some hot cocoa, you’ll need a big comfy towel to stay wrapped in, foot wear to run across the freezing cold deck (which may or may not have some ice on it from the past dip in the tub) and a water temperature of at least 102 . Now, if you are lucky, you can corral one individual to suck it up and go first, they get to navigate the deck, wrestle the top off of the hot tub, check the temperature and then be a sounding board for the others to follow.  I mean why should everyone have to trip over the rocking chairs, tables, pile of firewood and other paraphernalia left outside. So, now it’s your turn, you wait until the wind sounds like it’s calmed down just a bit, you wrap your towel tightly around you, beverage in hand, make a mad dash to the edge of the hot tub, place the towel (do not drop it on the cold deck, because at some point you have to get out and put it back around you) on a chair or hook, very quickly hand your beverage to your hot tub anchor and jump in.  Ahhhhhhh, does that feel great, or what!!!  You submerge yourself into the steamy hot water all the way up to your nose,with just enough room for some air and totally relax. Can anyone think of a better way to end the day in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains !! As for getting out…..well you’re on your own there

Beautiful cabins in Georgia

A cool wind has blown into the beautiful North Georgia Mountains, maybe we’ll be lucky enough to see some of those lovely snowflakes fall upon the magnificent mountains tonight . What a feeling waking to a blanket of snow gently spread across the awe inspiring terrain of North Georgia. Fires lit, hot cocoa in hand and a warm woolly blanket large enough for two is all you’ll need to enjoy another one of the of the wonderful and break-taking events that mother nature has to offer in the North Georgia Mountains.

Valentines Day in the Georgia Mountains

Valentines Day in the North Georgia Mountains, let me paint this picture for you….. A leisurely ride through the mountains to that perfect little cabin tucked away in the woods, a warm cozy fireplace to snuggle up in front of with a nice glass of wine, the steamy hot tub overlooking the beautiful North Georgia Mountains and the lovely sounds of nature all around you. Can it get anymore romantic then that!! It’s not too late to book that wonderful weekend (or midweek) getaway with Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals and what a great surprise for that someone special in your life.

My favorite activities in the North Georgia Mountains

Awwwww… the North Georgia Mountains, a wonderland of events and activities for the entire family or for that romantic couples getaway. Having enjoyed both options over the past dozen years, I’ll follow up this post with couples activities and focus on family fun in this one. My kids were very active, so we were always looking for great mountain hiking trails and there is definitely an abundance of them in North Georgia. Amicalola was always a favorite (possibly because there was restaurant and gift shop at the top), Tallulah Gorge is challenging, but great fun for the kids, especially when they can get wet at the bottom of the Gorge. Stanley Gap Creek is a nice loop, off of Aska road in Blue Ridge, Georgia.  There is plenty to explore along the trail and a mild to moderate terrain so even the really young hikers can make it all the way around. Another great North Georgia trail is Lake Conesauga, it’s a 19-acre spring-fed lake near Grassy Mountain and is the highest lake and campground in Georgia. Well worth the time it took to get there.  We also loved to four-wheel and we each had our own, so we’d pack a lunch and plenty of water and explore in the woods for hours. Our place was up on Double Knob off of Boardtown Road in Ellijay and we would ride into the adjacent woods to find some of the most spectacular views of the North Georgia Mountain, hidden waterfalls and creeks as well as old abandoned cabins and cemeteries from the turn of the century.  Of course there are fishing opportunities everywhere in Ellijay and Blue Ridge, with trout fishing being in the “world-class” category up here in North Georgia, you never knew when your were going to pull the big out one on your little fishing pole, the kids had a blast!! I can’t forget to mention the Apple Farms, with Mercier’s in Blue Ridge being our personal favorite. You could go out into the orchard and “pick your own” or just wonder through the enormous and ever expanding store/restaurant where they sell hot apple pies(and every other flavor from blueberry to cherry to chocolate covered, cream filled). There are free samples of the apples, cider, popcorn and many other specialities that they sell through out the store, for your nibbling pleasure. As well as a small seasonal farmers market to the left of Merciers where you can to pick up some local fruit and veggies, to lessen the guilt of eating all those pies and candy covered apples that you’ve just consumed. I’ll end with the Swan Drive-In theatre in Blue Ridge, it’s an old tyme movie set up , where you drive in and put the speaker in the window and then get to watch one of the present day new releases, great fun for the whole family and if you’re lucky enough, the kids will fall asleep in the backseat and you can start that “romantic” couples evening, with a stolen few smooches in the front seat :) . Well if I haven’t convinced you yet to come on up and visit the beautiful North Georgia Mountains, I don’t know what will. Maybe mentioning the spectular luxury cabins that you can stay in at Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals. They all have great views of those North Georgia Mountain or are situated on lakes, rivers or creeks, hot tubs, fireplaces, Internet and of course pet friendly. For more ideas on activities in North Ga, check out our activities page.

Blue Ridge GA in the top 12 places to retire

http://blueridgecountry.com/blue-ridge-living/12-retirement-friendly-retreats.html

Charlottesville, VA’s car-free mall area is ideal for casual shopping.

There’s much more to these locations than a great place to put your feet up after retirement. Each offers its own enticing attractions, activities and geographic gems that help retirees make the most of their work-free days.

Asheville, N.C. Often called the Paris of the South, the city impresses retirees and second-home owners alike with stunning architecture, an ever-expanding arts community, quality health care and a bustling downtown. Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn are major draws, as are recreational activities such as hiking, biking and golf, and seven major festivals that attract 300,000 people each year. Life-long learners enjoy programs at the N.C. Center for Creative Retirement at the University of North Carolina-Asheville.

Berea, KY Thanks to more than 40 artists who open their studios to the public for demonstrations, year-round art- and craft-related workshops at the Kentucky Artisan Center and a variety of craft shops in the area, Berea is known as the folk arts and crafts capital of Kentucky. Both residents and visitors enjoy browsing the galleries and antique shops, and indulging in food from local dining spots. Also notable: Berea College consistently ranks high among U.S. colleges; hiking is abundant at Anglin Falls and Berea College Forest.

Blue Ridge, GA It’s a small town that has it all. The area has been dubbed the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia thanks to places such as the Toccoa River. Other popular outdoor adventures include horseback riding, hiking, golf, whitewater rafting and boating. Downtown Blue Ridge bustles with folks visiting the top-notch art galleries and specialty shops, dining at local restaurants or listening to live music. Snowfall here is often minimal, and the area sees more sunny days than the U.S. national average.

Boone-Blowing Rock, N.C. With temperatures averaging only around 77 degrees in July, it’s no wonder these closely connected communities have a comfort index about 25 percent higher than the entire U.S. Fly fishing, hiking, rafting, canoeing and golfing are superb. Arts and culture abound thanks to Appalachian State’s Appalachian Summer Festival, Blue Ridge Community Theater in Boone and The Blowing Rock Stage Company. Other notable attractions: Tweetsie Railroad and the Blowing Rock.

Bristol, TN The official birthplace of country music sits on the Tennessee/Virginia border, offering affordable cost of living, big-city conveniences in a smaller atmosphere and, of course, lots of live music. Bristol also provides recreational activities such as boating and fishing on nearby lakes, golfing and exploring caverns. Big draws: NASCAR races at the Bristol Motor Speedway and performances at the Paramount Center for the Arts.

Charlottesville, VA Historically speaking, Charlottesville overflows with places to enjoy year-round, including Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Michie Tavern and the University of Virginia Rotunda. The city’s health system consistently ranks among the nation’s best and weather is mild most seasons. Shoppers laud the car-free mall area filled with cosmopolitan shops, while art and culture buffs frequent the Ash Lawn Opera Festival, The Virginia Film Festival, the Community Symphony Orchestra performances and shows by The Virginia Players.

Hikers laud the access to numerous trails and scenic mountains in Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, TN A moderate climate  enhances Chattanoogans’ access to outlets for fishing, hiking and kayaking. The city’s downtown and waterfront received a major facelift – beginning in the early ‘80s – making it the cultural, social and economic center of the region. Attractions include the eight-mile Riverwalk, Hunter Museum of American Art, Tennessee Aquarium and The Tivoli theater.

Clemson, S.C. Situated in the upcountry, this small town of about 12,000 residents draws retirees for its temperate climate in the summer and minimal snowfall in the winter. But that’s not all. Clemson offers water recreation such as sailing and fishing on Lake Hartwell, hiking in the nearby mountains and sporting events to support at Clemson University, which also provides entertainment open to the public, as well as noncredit classes for seniors.

At warm weather’s switch, golfers hit the links available in the Deep Creek Lake area of Garret County, Md.

Garrett County, MD For nature lovers, Garrett County presents a variety of ways to spend time outdoors. Wisp Resort in Deep Creek Lake is the place-to-be for winter recreation. The lake itself beckons residents and visitors to boat, fish or swim during warmer months. Arts and culture are alive in Grantsville, where Spruce Forest Artisan Village showcases resident artists. In the small town of Oakland, residents laud the charm of local dining and shopping options.

Lewisburg, WV Quaint Lewisburg, with a population under 25,000, has an art scene that is larger than life. Carnegie Hall boasts live performances and art exhibits while the Greenbrier Valley Theatre features year-round theatrical productions, concerts and other events. Ample outdoor activities include hiking, biking, fishing and caving. Temperatures are mild, but heavy snow is possible during the winter.

Mentone, AL High atop Lookout Mountain, this charming community in DeKalb County is the ideal starting point for exploring nearby mountains, canyons and caves. And Mentone sits just eight miles from DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon National Preserve. In town, residents are proud of the numerous antique and craft stores, as well as the Rhododendron Festival and Colorfest, both annual events.

Roanoke, VA Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke sits amid beautiful scenery and plenty of outlets for reveling in nature – mountain trails and miles of greenways to walk or bike. Retirees are drawn to the appealing cost of living and two top-notch healthcare systems. Art galleries dot the downtown area, as do the Taubman Museum of Art, restaurants and a busy farmers market. Roanoke also is a short drive from Smith Mountain Lake, where 500 miles of shoreline offer water activities galore.

How I fell in love with the North Georgia Mountains

The North Georgia Mountains are so near and dear to my heart . The first time that I traveled to the region it was in the fall and the foliage was literally on fire. We staying in a small rustic cabin at a camp ground near Amicalola Falls, it had a few bunk beds, a fireplace and a picnic table to eat on. There were no decorations, no fancy curtains or deer heads on the wall, just a few log walls separating us from the beautiful mountain setting outside. My children were very young, 2 and 6 ,they roasted marshmallows in the outdoor fire-pit,we collected different color leaves and they stuck their feet in the nearby creek. The next day, we took them hiking, saw a beautiful waterfall and then to pick out pumpkins and a hayride at Burt’s Pumpkin patch.It was a perfect weekend and I knew then that one day soon, we would own our little piece of heaven in these magnificent mountains of  North Georgia.  To be continued…….

Check out our Yelp Cabin Rental page

We have just created a profile on Yelp so our clients can leave reviews.   Please take a look and leave us a review if you’d like.  We really want to be the best cabin rental service in Ga!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/morning-breeze-cabin-rentals-ellijay-2

Planning to vacation in North Ga?

There is no place better to vacation than the beautiful North Georgia Mountains.  Every season has something to offer from crisp cool nights with the hopes of seeing some snow in the winter, the mountains coming alive again with new bloom and wildlife in the spring, activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, tubing and rafting in the summer and finally taking in the amazing changes as the foilage releases its magnificent colors in the fall. Come and join us at Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals to experience all of the seasons in one of our luxury cabin rentals.  We will help make sure that your vacation in North Ga is something you’ll never forget

Happy New Year

We wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year for Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals!! Come join us in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains during the blistery winter months for January and February. There is nothing better then soaking in the hot tub with your cup of morning brew and watching the sun come up over the mountains or being wrapped up in a big woolly blanket in front of the outdoor fireplace, gazing at the melting sunset on the distance horizon. So, pack your bags and we’ll be looking forward to seeing ya real soon in our winter wonderland in the Blue Ridge, Mountains of Georgia.

Celebrate New Years in the North GA Mountains

What better way to ring in the New Year, then to be in the beautiful North GA Mountains! Clean fresh air, picture perfect scenery and the sounds of nature all around you. Why not join us in our “little slice of heaven” this December 31st where we quietly and gently move forward into the New Year….2012

A Night in the North Georgia Mountains

The wind was gently blowing through the trees in the North Georgia Mountains, while the brillant embers of the fire blazed in the outdoor firepit. Steam rose off the inviting hot tub as the full moon illuminated the expansive Georgia Mountains that surrounded the quaint little cabin. Inside the smell of fresh pine mixed with the remnants of a day long fire overwhelmed the senses and reminded us of simplier times. No Internet, no cell phones, no rat race, just simple pleasures such as sitting in a rocking chair or laying in a hammocks gazing up at a ceiling of stars in the North Georgia Mountains.

Winter Safety in the Mountains

Most people like to simply stay in the cabin rentals when it’s cold out, but we know that some of you are going to head out to enjoy all the mountains have to offer when your stay at Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals.  Prepreparation and the right attitude are important for keeping yourself safe if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors in the North Ga Mountains this winter.

1) Check the Ga Mountains weather report: There are plenty of ways to check the incoming weather via smart phones, or tv, or even the internet that’s already installed in each of the north ga cabin rentals.  Make sure you take a quick second to check some weather resource because the mountains really block the view of incoming cells and storms.  It can go from clear to dangerous in just a few minutes around our cabin rentals.

2) Clothing and equipment: Make sure you have the proper clothing to keep you warm and free of moisture. Go ahead and plan for sudden deteriorations in the weather. Conditions are usually going to worsen as you climb higher and higher.  A cheap GPS can be a real disaster preventer when you’re spending time in the Georgia Mountains. Remember to check your GPS batteries and take a spare set.

3) Route planning: Make sure you plan your route carefully beforehand.  Avoid dangerous or high risk areas because the clay and shale soil can be almost unpassable on steep, wet surfaces. Leave details of your intended route with a person at the cabin rental and give them clear instructions on how to respond if you’re . Don’t forget that your route will take a lot longer to complete than it would in warmer weather.

4) Sustenance: Make sure to take plenty of healthy food and high energy snacks with you. Take a thermos for a warm drink. You will be burning much more energy in the cold than in the warm summer months. Eat regularly and drink often before you get thirsty. Just staying warm takes an awful lot of energy! Make absolutely positive that you are very well hydrated before you leave initially and try to eat a good breakfast.

5) Be on the lookout: Be aware of any bad signs in the weather conditions. Take smart precautions to avoid areas that can be entered but not exited from. Look out for slippery ground because this is where the majority of accidents take place. Unnecessary risks are just that, unnecessary.  There are lots of bears in the Niorth Ga Mountains, they’re relatively safe and they’re more afraid of you than vice versa, but keep your eyes open nonetheless.

6) First Aid: Take a small first aid kit with you and acquire the skills to know how to use it. At least a wrap

7) Emergencies: Pack an emergency whistle. Blowing six one second blows of the whistle is an well known distress signal!  Don’t rely on your mobile phone to get help. There are many areas that you cannot get a signal.

A perfect morning in the mountains.

The morning mist on the mountains, the smell of fresh coffee drifting through the cabin as you lounge in an over-sized rocker taking in the many wonders of nature in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Cold Water Creek is open the 24th and 25th of December

Cute and cozy rustic cabin tucked away in the woods directly on the creek. One King bed and a twin in the loft, Hot tub and screened in porch. It’s a gem, don’t miss out on spending the holiday’s in the mountains. Pet friendly.

Additional details about the cabin can be found on the Cold Water Creek description.

Pretty Funny

Why leaves change color in the fall.

If you’re renting one of our North Georgia Cabins this fall, you’re in for a real treat.  The leaves are beginning to turn already and it’s going to be a beautiful year for foliage.  We get asked all the time by our cabin renters, “What makes the leaves actually change color?”  Well, here’s why leaves change color in the fall.
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Welcome to our new Blog!

Hello Everyone,  we would love to hear from each and every one of you about your visit to the beautiful North GA Mountains and your experience with Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals. Please include details about the cabin you stayed in, the activities you did and the businesses you frequented while in North Georgia.