Good Morning Darlings!

What do you envision when you think of rolling mountains, green grass, bubbling brooks and big comfy rocking chairs?

Tucked into the verdant hills of Blairsville, Georgia, in the Appalachian Mountains, is the very place I just described. The twist? This scrumptious lodge, The Lodge at Copperhead, is a hot destination for bikers. No, not bicycles, Bikers, with a capital B. Motorcycles, Harleys, Hot Wheels.

What were Eric and I doing there? This lodge is the perfect mountain getaway for anyone, not just motorcycle enthusiasts.

Two hours is the drive time from Atlanta and it’s a straight shot up 75 to 575. Easy peasy. We checked into our cozy room and were greeted with a lovely bottle of Carmenere – my favorite red! Then we popped over to Erika & Charles’ place for a late night snack of ahi tuna and steamed shrimp that really hit the spot. We all stayed up visiting until the wee hours and then it was back to the lodge. I couldn’t wait for morning to see it in the daylight.

Picture this first thing in the morning:

This was the view from our room. This bubbling brook was just outside our door. To the left, the huge pool and swanky hot tub.

Above the pool area is a stage and a grassy sloped hill for enjoying concerts. It is also a great place to relax with a book.

The Lodge has several different accommodations which Michelle has decorated in assorted themes. There’s even a Marilyn Monroe Room! Cool! You could always opt to stay in one of the many cottages on the property for extra privacy.

Is all this exploring making you hungry? Me, too! Pop into the restaurant for some of the best food I have enjoyed outside of the Ritz-Carlton. The restaurant’s slogan is “The Home of Comfort Food With Attitude.” Well, I didn’t see any attitude, but I sure loved Chef Tom Jones’ cuisine. I ordered the Southern Benedict and Eric chose the Southern Breakfast. Eric’s breakfast came with a cathead biscuit that was bigger than my fist. The fried potatoes? Perfection. Crispy outside and tender on the inside. Eric declared them “a miracle.” I declared them the yummiest biscuits and potatoes ever!

Sated and happy, Eric and I took to the front porch to gawk at the awesome array of motorcycles and enjoy the scenery from our roomy rocking chairs.

After enjoying the bike show, and the arts festival that was happening in the lobby of the lodge, we struck out on our own to check out the town of Blue Ridge, GA, home of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. There are so many shops and restaurants in this precious little mountain village. We stopped and sipped a couple of beers at the Black Bear Bier Garten while watching the Auburn game. Blue Ridge has a boodle of places to eat lunch, ice cream and pick up some fudge for the drive home.

Back at the lodge we saddled up to the bar and let Sarai take care of all our adult beverage needs. Go up and meet her, she is a peach and makes a mean shot. What kind of shot? What kind do you want? Sarai can make it.

I changed for dinner and we met Michelle & Anthony, Erika & Charles, Brad & Lori in the bar for dinner. What was Chef Jones cooking up? I ordered the grit balls and the fried chicken salad while Eric went with the grilled grouper and green beans. It was all fantastic. This is truly a foodie destination. Chef Jones’ honed his craft in New Orleans, the food capital of the United States, and it shows.

The Lodge at Copperhead has something going on at all times. Do you love karaoke? Friday night is for you. Nights come alive with Texas Hold Em, Live Music, Concerts, and Fireworks, depending on the season.

Sorry, bikers, I think I just spilled your special hideaway secret. Somehow I think they will be happy to share the space.

Make your reservations now to see the Autumn colors!

The Lodge At Copperhead
171 Copperhead Parkway
Blairsville, Georgia 30512
706-835-7433
http://www.thelodgeatcopperhead.com

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Steppenwolf – Born To Be Wild