Visiting Blairsville in Union County, Georgia

By: Peter Hayes
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:26
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Union County lies on the northeast border of Georgia. The county is crossed by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area also includes the Chattahoochee National Forest. Union County was created in 1832 after a treaty was signed with the Cherokee Indians.

The climate in the Union County area has four very distinct seasons. The average temperature is 69.3 degrees and there is an average of 52.8 inches of rain per year. The annual rainfall is greater than that in London, England or Seattle, Washington! There is around 3 inches of snow annually.

The county seat of Union County is Blairsville with a population of 700. This town has a rich history and was incorporated in 1835. Gold prospecting played its part in the development of the town. Today Blairsville is known for its friendliness, clean air, scenery, low crime rate, and bustling economy. This hold appeal to both tourists and to new residents coming to the area.

One famous landmark in Blairsville is the historic courthouse which was originally built in 1899 and restored by the Union County Historical Society. It includes a public museum of historical artifacts.

Near Blairsville is the highest mountain in Georgia is Brasstown Bald. There are facilities including a picnic area and an observation tower.

Lake Nottely, is a large lake located near Blairsville. It is renowned for boating, fishing and jet skiing.

Vogel State Park is 11 miles from Blairsville and incorporates and area of 233 acres. The park is centered on Lake Trahlyta and includes many trails which go around the lake and in the woods. The lake features a swimming beach, boat rentals and fishing as well as miniature golf. The area includes cabins and campsites. In September the park hosts the Mountain Music Festival. There is access to the Appalachian Trail from the park. The Appalachian Trail crosses Union County giving hikers an opportunity to view the Chattahoochee National Forest.

There is a bluegrass festival held in Blairsville in September hosted by the Union County Historical Society.

During October is the Sorghum Festival. This festival celebrates Blairsville’s heritage and culture. The event includes parades, car shows, biscuit eating contests, square dancing, pole climbing, and baccur spittin.’

The Blairsville area in Union County Georgia is famous for Sorghum Syrup. This syrup is known to be one of the best in the world. In October the sugar cane is cut and striped producing the syrup. People travel from all over get biscuits with the fresh Sorghum syrup at the Sorghum Festival.

Meeks Recreation Park provides a variety of facilities including a swimming pool, bathhouse, ball fields, batting cages, as well as a playground and picnic area. There is easy access from the park to Butternut Creek with its paths and trails.

Union County is rich in Indian history. The Creek and Cherokee Indians had a famous battle near Blairsville, at the location now known as Slaughter Gap.

Blairsville in Union County, Georgia offers a laid back lifestyle. In fact it was rated among the "top ten places for retirement" in a Wall Street Journal article from 1994. The low cost of living and the excellent quality of life are reasons that people are relocating to the area. This is expected to continue in the years ahead.

Copyright 2006 Peter Hayes

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