THINGS TO DO
Things to Do on the Property
You don’t need to leave the property to have an unforgettable stay. Whether you are enjoying the fall leaves, relaxing in the summer air, or staying inside by the fire on a cozy winter night, The Grounding Lodge has everything you need to keep the whole family entertained.
​Game Room and Outdoor Activities
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Game room with pool table, air hockey, multi-cade arcade game, axe-throwing, card table, and bar area
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Outdoor wellness and recovery area
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Covered outdoor living space with dining table, TV, and fireplace
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Firepit with Adirondack seating for s’mores and stories
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Ping pong and cornhole games
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Private on-property walking trail leading to a peaceful creek setting
Explore Blue Ridge & the Aska Adventure Area
Highlights:
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Hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking in the Aska Adventure Area
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Benton MacKaye Trail
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Scenic Railway
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Gem mining
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Mercier Orchards
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Wineries and breweries
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Boutique shopping and coffee shops
Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Reset
Perfect for: A quick recharge or overnight escape
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Arrive and settle in — unpack, breathe, and take in the mountain views
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Light movement or stretching in the outdoor gym
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Infrared sauna session to unwind from travel
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Family dinner at the cabin or a short drive into downtown Blue Ridge
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Evening around the firepit with s’mores, stories, and stargazing
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Wind down with a hot tub soak before bed
2-Day Weekend Escape
Perfect for: Couples, families, or two-family trips
Day 1
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Arrival and cabin tour
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Outdoor wellness session (sauna, cold plunge, or hot tub)
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Dinner together at the cabin or at a local favorite
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Game night in the basement arcade or movie night
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Like hitting the “reset” button on your nervous system.
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Day 2
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Morning coffee on the deck
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Hike in the Aska Adventure Area or Benton MacKaye Trail
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Lunch in downtown Blue Ridge
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Afternoon recovery: gym + sauna + hot tub
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Evening by the firepit or under the covered outdoor living space
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The ideal balance of adventure and restoration.
3-Day Family Stay
Perfect for: Multi-generation families or longer weekends
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Day 1
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Arrival, unpack, and settle in
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Light movement in the outdoor gym
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Dinner together on the patio and relaxed evening
Day 2
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Morning hike or river activity nearby
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Lunch in Blue Ridge
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Afternoon downtime in the basement game room
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Wellness session: sauna, cold plunge, and/or hot tub
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Family dinner and firepit night
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Day 3
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Explore the private walking trail down to the creek or go for a short hike at the nearby Benton MacKaye Trail
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Casual breakfast and final soak, sauna session, or movement session
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Pack up slowly and enjoy a calm departure
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A relaxed pace that gives everyone space to reconnect.
5-Day Deep Reset
Perfect for: Families, multi-generation stays, and guests who want to slow down and truly experience the region
Day 1 — Arrival & Grounding
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Arrive, unpack, and settle into the cabin
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Light movement or stretching in the outdoor gym
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Infrared sauna session to unwind from travel
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Family dinner at the cabin
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Evening by the firepit with s’mores and stargazing
Day 2 — Aska Adventure & Wellness
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Morning coffee on the deck
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Hiking, biking, or river time in the Aska Adventure Area
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Lunch back at the cabin or in downtown Blue Ridge
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Afternoon recovery: sauna, cold plunge, or hot tub
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Game night in the basement arcade or movie night
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Day3 — Downtown Blue Ridge & Ellijay
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Slow morning and breakfast at the cabin
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Explore downtown Blue Ridge:
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Scenic Railway
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Boutique shopping
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Coffee shops and lunch
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Afternoon drive to Ellijay (approx. 30 minutes): Known for apple orchards, charming downtown, and relaxed mountain vibe
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Return to the cabin for dinner and a quiet evening
Day 4 — Day Trip Exploration
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Option 1: Blairsville (approx. 40 minutes) Mountain views, Lake Nottely, Brasstown Bald access
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Option 2: McCaysville / Copperhill (GA/TN) (approx. 20 minutes) Walk across the state line Riverside dining and small-town charm
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Option 3: Helen (approx. 1.5 hours) Alpine-style village, tubing, and family-friendly attractions Return mid-afternoon Wellness session and final firepit evening
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Day 5 — Creek Trail & Departure
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Morning walk on the private trail down to the creek
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Light stretch or final sauna session
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Pack slowly and enjoy a calm final day and departure
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Invigorating yet relaxing – a true, deep reset trip.
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Bonus: Stuff for the Kids!
Gem Mining
A classic Blue Ridge activity and a must-do for kids of all ages
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Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
A relaxing and memorable train ride through the mountains
Mercier Orchards
Seasonal fruit picking, treats, and wide-open space to explore
River Activities
Tubing and gentle kayaking options nearby (seasonal)
Short, Family-Friendly Hikes
Many nearby trails are perfect for little legs and first-time hikers
Dining Recommendations
Upscale Dining Top Picks
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Grace Prime Steakhouse — Elevated steaks and seafood with a polished atmosphere
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Black Sheep Restaurant — Creative Southern-inspired cuisine in a cozy, refined setting
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Harvest on Main — Farm-to-table dishes highlighting local ingredients and seasonal menus
Casual & Family-Friendly
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Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill — Local favorite with comfort food and a relaxed vibe
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Fightingtown Tavern — Great burgers, sandwiches, and a laidback atmosphere
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Southern Charm Restaurant — Classic Southern comfort food, welcoming and unfussy