A curated cabin is ideal for a multigenerational mountain trip!
I clutch my steaming cup of coffee and cuddle under the fleece blanket, hiding my feet from the first cold snap of fall. Looking out above the tree line to the Blue Ridge Mountains, I understand why this home is named Bella Vista. The 180-degree view is absolutely stunning.
My quiet moment is quickly interrupted as all three of my kids come running out to join me on the outdoor sofa, filling me in on all the fun games—ping-pong, foosball and an arcade console—in the basement and the hot tub and pool on the downstairs sundeck. It seems everyone is happy.
I love renting a property in the mountains. When the home isn’t mine, I don’t feel the need to always be working on a project. As my family has grown through marriage and children, it gets harder and harder to find a place that truly has something for everyone. On this recent getaway to Blue Ridge, Georgia, I had my family of five, in-laws and a brother- in-law along to celebrate my father-in-law’s 83rd birthday. I’m happy to say, Bella Vista and Blue Ridge proved to be the perfect place for all. Set on 3 acres 10 minutes from downtown, the home offers four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms all decorated in a modern mountain aesthetic with clean lines and natural materials. I didn’t plan to do too much cooking, but the kitchen was a chef’s dream with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances.
The spacious master and another king bedroom are on the main floor. The bottom level includes a bunk room that could sleep up to 10 and another suite with two queens. The floor plan creates a strategic separation between rambunctious kids and the adults looking for quiet. I did make several trips downstairs to challenge my son to ping-pong, access the hot tub and unwind in the dry sauna. The home also boasts two fireplaces and a fire pit ideal for making s’mores.
Over the weekend, we took some time away from the home to shop in downtown Blue Ridge and let the kids burn off energy at its playgrounds. For lunch, we headed to the Boat Dock Bar & Grill at Lake Blue Ridge Marina and ate fish and chips, burgers and barbecue sandwiches while overlooking the water and admiring the cute dogs lounging on the restaurant’s deck. Post lunch, we walked the docks to the marina store for a popsicle, eyeing all the plush pontoon boat rentals. My kids begged us to rent a boat next time we visit. Maybe I’ll let them do that with my husband, while I stay back at the cabin, sit on the deck and just take in the views.
BELLA VISTA
bellavistablueridge.com
BLUE RIDGE BOUND: 3 QUICK FAMILY STOPS
Mercier Orchards: An 8-minute drive from downtown, this fourth-generation, 300- acre orchard offers u-pick fruits during the fall and summer, catch-and-release fishing and tractor tours. Regardless of the season, its bakery is a must-stop for warm fried pies and fresh-made apple donuts. mercier-orchards.com
The Lilly Pad Village: Situated in Blue Ridge’s Aska Adventure Area, this pit stop will keep the kids busy with gem mining, mini-golf and nearby hiking trails. There is also a country store selling ice cream, snacks and beverages, as well as various picnic and relaxation areas throughout the property. lillypadvillage.com
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: This historic railway traces its roots back to 1886. Today, it tours passengers along the Toccoa River and through the Appalachian countryside. Kick off your adventure at the depot in downtown Blue Ridge and choose either a 4-hour or 2-hour nonstop scenic loop tour. The longer trip includes a 1-hour train ride out, a 2-hour layover at the state line between McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee and a 1-hour return ride. Seasonally themed rides are also available throughout the year. brscenic.com
