55Things 8 | ACTIVITIES DIRECTIONSGA.COM you Gotta Do! #1 Ride the Rails (Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, brscenic.com) — Enjoy the stunning views on a fall foliage ride, or hop on the Pumpkin Express and pick your own pumpkin. The holidays are not complete without a visit with Old Saint Nick on the Santa Express. And there’s no better way to ring in the new year than with the festive New Year’s Eve ride. These popular rides fill up ’s quickly, so plan ahead to Let reserve your spot! Go! #2 Paint for fun (Kiln & Crafts, 11 Mountain St. #F) — You can get all kinds of creative at this downtown paintyour own studio. No reservation is necessary — just walk right in to the bright and welcoming studio, where you can relax and explore your creative side. Paint your own pottery or canvas masterpiece, create a handmade craft, or join a painting or crafting class. #3 Sink Putts, Grab Gems (Cohutta Cove Mini Golf, cohutta coveminigolf.com | The Lilly Pad Village, lillypadvillage.com) — Open late every night, Cohutta Cove features a classic 18-hole mini-golf layout — plus a covered gem mining station to pan out of the weather. The Lilly Pad Village course is a more challenging 9-hole on mountain terrain, but you may play as many rounds as you wish for one low price. Covered gem mining and pond fishing are also available. #4 Get in the spirit (Downtown Blue Ridge, lightup blueridge.info) — Enjoy small-town Christmas shopping at its best on Blue Friday — a more relaxed version of Black Friday. Stores and restaurants open early and close late. Then return Saturday for Light Up Blue Ridge, complete with a parade, musical entertainment, gingerbread village, lighting of the Great Tree and, of course, a visit from Santa! #5 Chill, carve & taste (Fire & Ice Chili Cook-Off, Feb. 17, facebook.com/fireandicechili cookoff) — Taste test incredible chili as local and regional chefs compete for the title of best chili maker. As you stroll the event, enjoy the amazing ice sculptures commissioned by local businesses. Ice carving demonstrations and live music add to the fun. Fire & Ice Chili Cook-Off Festival Kiln & Crafts
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