An Autumn Trip to the Mountains of North Georgia

Alex and I enjoyed our North Georgia mountain trip so much last year that we had to go again. Despite all our other amazing travels this summer, I had really been looking forward to this trip, and it did not disappoint! Our first stop was Mountain Valley Farm, which we discovered last year. We visited the animals and stocked up on delicious grass-fed meat as well as butter and ice cream. Our friends Tom and Lucy joined us that night. (You might remember them from when I photographed their gorgeous wedding. That's right, brides and grooms: beware of hiring me for your wedding--you may end up on vacation with me. ;))

Mountain Valley Farms (Uninvented Colors Photography)

The next day was deemed "Apple Day!" We stopped by Mercier Orchards for some hot cider to put us in the mood, then headed further off the beaten path to B. J. Reece Orchards to explore and pick our own apples!

Apple Picking at BJ Reece Orchards (Uninvented Colors Photography)
Green and red apples in orchard (Uninvented Colors Photography)
Photo Op at BJ Reece Orchards
apple orchard (Uninvented Colors Photography)

So much fun! After wandering around the adorable town of Elijay, we were ready to enjoy our fabulous cabin for the evening.

Welcome to the Cabin sign and firewood (Uninvented Colors Photography)
autumn leaves and road (Uninvented Colors Photography)
autumn leaves in the woods (Uninvented Colors Photography)
Pinecrest Cabin in Blue Ridge Georgia (Uninvented Colors Photography)

While the guys were grilling, Lucy and I put some of our apples to good use in sangria and in this bourbon apple cake. It was very tasty, and MUCH easier to make than the apple pie Alex and I did last year. 

bourbon apple cake (Uninvented Colors Photography)

The next day we explored downtown Blue Ridge and then made our way toward Helen. I am so glad we stopped at this beautiful lookout on the way.

North Georgia Mountains (Uninvented Colors Photography)
North Georgia Mountains (Uninvented Colors Photography)

We enjoyed a gorgeous hike and yummy picnic at Ana Ruby Falls.

Ana Ruby Falls (Uninvented Colors Photography)
Woods in North Georgia (Uninvented Colors Photography)
autumn trees in North Georgia (Uninvented Colors Photography)
Autumn Leaves (Uninvented Colors Photography)

The next morning I did something very out of character: I woke up earlier than everyone else. I am not a morning person, but when I opened my eyes to see the fog on the mountains in the dreamy morning light, I knew I had to grab my beloved 100mm lens and go play. 

yellow autumn leaves (Uninvented Colors Photography)
fall leaves (Uninvented Colors Photography)
autumn morning at log cabin in mountains (Uninvented Colors Photography)
North Georgia Mountains (Uninvented Colors Photography)

Alone on this beautiful morning, I felt so thankful for God's amazing creation. 

North Georgia Mountains (Uninvented Colors Photography)

And that was just the beginning. After breakfast, we headed to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. It was a STEEP hike, but so worth it for all the terrific fall color.

colorful fall leaves (Uninvented Colors Photography)
colorful fall leaves (Uninvented Colors Photography)
berries and bokeh (Uninvented Colors Photography)

And the views from the top were stunning! 

Georgia Mountain View (Uninvented Colors Photography)

Before heading back to our cabin for one last night, we enjoyed some wine (and more lovely scenery) at Cartecay VIneyards

Cartecay Vineyards wine glass (Uninvented Colors Photography)
Cartecay Vineyards wine bottle chandelier (Uninvented Colors Photography)
Cartecay Vineyards (Uninvented Colors Photography)

I feel thoroughly satisfied with my annual dose of autumnal color (and s'mores.) Until next time, Georgia!