Blue Ridge Real Estate

What a treat! After a short but sweet office caravan on Wednesday, a group of us decided on the new spot for lunch- the Blue Ridge Brewery, located downtown Blue Ridge next to the old Post Office on Mountain Street. My wife had lunch there a few weeks ago and said it was wonderful. Six in our group; walked in with about a 3 minute wait while they rearranged a few tables for us (later to find out that a 15 minute wait should be expected). We thought there would be a local beer brand on the bar but seeing none, Coach Harbin ordered a Bud Light Wheat, I had a Harpoon Indian Pale Ale, and the rest ordered water and soft drinks. All beer was on tap and they looked to have about 7 or 8 taps available. My IPA was delicious. The building was once the old Blue Ridge Post Office, and is the size of a small pub- probably seats about 30 in dining room and 10 in the bar. Soft music was playing the background, but our group was telling old real estate stories and laughing at jokes that it was hard to describe what was playing.
Menu items ranged from $6 to $10 and had several salads, soups, and sandwiches. Not a large selection, but plenty for this style of eatery and everyone selected in quick fashion. I ordered the burger and was most pleased- cooked to order with crumpled blue cheese. I posted on my Facebook status that Sue’s Cafeteria will have a run for their money on their "Best Burger In Town" claim – I’ve had several comments agreeing. I think we should suggest a cook-off! A couple in our group ordered the tuna special and, although none dared to taste the hummus, seem to enjoy their meal. Salads around the table looked good, too. There was plenty of food on each plate. Of course, our collective eyes wandered across the room at the waitress delivering dessert. We all ordered the brownie, but they only had one left. After everyone else opted for an sliced apple and caramel-type dessert, I personally sacrificed and took the last brownie. No regrets. To wrap up a great outing, Joe Ray from Suntrust Mortgage picked up our tab- what a great friend!

It’s almost time! Whatever your personal feelings on a store like Wal-Mart moving into Blairsville, it’s hard to deny the immediate and positive economic impact of a big store opening. I’ve heard through the a friend at North Georgia Technical College that hiring is complete and they are just finishing the last touches of the move-in. They’ve already made Google Maps
Although I know of several small businesses who are not looking forward to another Big Box Store in North Georgia, I believe this community will fully support Wal-Mart with weekly visits. And the local civic organizations will gladly accept the help Wal-Mart provides when the time comes to buy toys and back-to-school-items for underprivileged children. The location will promote additional commercial growth on the west side of town, and property values with immediate access “should” increase over time. Wal-Mart needs approximately 300 workers to staff this location- we all agree that this is a great time for new employment opportunities. And for the harshest of local critics, I think the name of the main highway on which the Wal-Mart is located should settle some arguments – APD (Appalachian Developmental Highway).
If anyone knows of the opening date- please post!