Top 10 Things to Do When it Rains North Georgia

Typically, a rainy day means that you have to stay inside and do nothing all day. If you're in Georgia, though, rainy days happen all year round, so you have to get creative if you want something to do. From finding a cozy coffee shop to embracing outdoor activities, rain and all, we've got you covered.

Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor activities available in North Georgia, between Ellijay and Blue Ridge. To make it easier on you and your family, we've compiled a list of the top 10 fun things to do on a rainy day in North Georgia. Here's what we found.

Blue Ridge Paintball - Blue Ridge, Georgia

If you're a paintball enthusiast, you know that part of the game's appeal is the authentic recreation of war games. Pitting yourself and your team against your opponents can create an intense adrenaline rush that you can't get with other activities.

So, even though Blue Ridge Paintball takes place outdoors, it can be fun to run around the woods in the rain. Keep in mind that you don't want to do this when it's pouring, as no one wants to be in soaking wet clothes. However, drizzles and light showers can add another layer to the paintball experience.

Don't worry if you don't have your own equipment - this spot offers paintball rentals so that you're fully prepared to take on your opponents.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - Blue Ridge, GA

Photo Credit: Instagram @blueridgescenicrailway

There's something magical about riding a train on a rainy day, especially in a verdant paradise like North Georgia. With so much greenery around, it's hard not to appreciate nature in all its splendor. Plus, when it rains, the mist surrounding the forest adds to the appeal, creating a mysterious yet alluring atmosphere.

If you decide to ride the Scenic Railway, plan on a full day of adventure. The ride takes you through McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Each stop is about two hours long, and there is an hour train ride to get back to Blue Ridge afterward. So, if you've wanted to explore North Georgia and Tennessee a bit more, this railway is the best option.

You'll also learn about the local history of the train and the area, which dates back to 1886. The guides are friendly and are sure to make your getaway a delight.

Escape Blue Ridge - Blue Ridge, GA

These days, escape rooms have become a cornerstone of fun indoor activities. These rooms combine the excitement of solving riddles with compelling and unique backdrops. Best of all, escape rooms are suitable for the whole family, so bring the kids along and see how quickly they can solve problems.

Escape Blue Ridge has three exciting rooms available - Black Beard's Brig, the Wizard School of Magic, and a Prohibition-themed room. Each option offers distinct challenges, so you can book multiple visits and get a new experience each time.

Expedition Bigfoot - Blue Ridge, GA

Photo Credit: Via Instagram @ExpeditionBigfoot

One common rainy day activity is to browse a museum. However, instead of dragging the kids to art galleries or a natural history museum, you can bring them to a fun and quirky gallery - Expedition: Bigfoot.

Although Sasquatch is mainly known for roaming the Pacific Northwest, this museum is an immersive experience that makes you feel like you're in his backyard, not the other way around. Most of the exhibits are interactive, and you'll get to see the largest permanent foot cast in the country.

The whole experience takes about an hour to complete, and the gift shop has plenty of souvenirs to mark the occasion. Overall, this activity is a perfect accompaniment to other options on this list, like the Scenic Railway or the escape rooms.

Fannin Brewing Company - Blue Ridge, GA

Most options on our list are designed for family fun, but if you're visiting North Georgia by yourself or with your partner, you'll need some activities that skew a little older. One excellent choice is to visit the Fannin Brewing Company, which is one of several breweries in the area. However, be aware that North Georgia is home to many wineries, so you might want to check those out when the rain stops and the sun comes out.

The tasting room doesn't have any food, but you can sample a wide array of locally-sourced beers. You can also fill up a growler or get a customized mug with your mug painted on it! The tap selection changes regularly, so you'll have to come back again to see what's new.

Taste of Amish - Blue Ridge, GA

Photo Credit: Via Instagram @llineberry

Although there are no Amish communities in Northeast Georgia, you can still get a taste of their culture from this store. Everything sold at Taste of Amish is authentically made, meaning that no machinery touched it, nor are there any synthetic ingredients.
Some highlights that you can find here include:

• Roll Butter - You'll never want to go back to processed butter again!
• F.R.O.G. Jam - No, it's not made from frogs. The initials stand for fig, raspberry, orange, and ginger. The store also sells B.E.A.R. jam.
• Cheeses - Nothing compares to a nicely aged Amish cheese.
• You'll have to come to the store to see what else is in stock. Since everything is artisanally crafted, the flavors are second-to-none. No matter what kind of food you're into, the Amish likely make it the best!

Vertigo Pinball - Blue Ridge, GA

One of the best ways to spend a rainy day is by playing arcade games. However, in Blue Ridge, pinball is the game of choice at Vertigo Pinball. This spot has dozens of pinball machines, both modern and vintage. Best of all, you don't need quarters to play any of them. Instead, you just have to buy a wristband for an hour or the whole day if you like.

If you are going to be at Vertigo all day, they can take care of you with finger foods and beverages. The place sells beer and wine, too, so that everyone can have a great time while playing pinball.

Cartecay River Brewing Co. - Ellijay, Georgia

Photo Credit: Via Instagram @Cartecayriverbrewingco

While Blue Ridge has lots of indoor activities, it doesn't have a monopoly on them. Ellijay is another North Georgia town that offers lots of amenities. That said, most of what you can do in and around Ellijay is nature-related, such as going on hiking trails or exploring the national forest.

Fortunately, if you sit down and have a pint at the Cartecay River Brewing Company, you can also get a taste of the natural scenery. This taphouse sits just above the Cartecay River, so you get a view with your beer. The tasting room has over a dozen craft brews on tap, and the place gets pretty busy during Oktoberfest (a rainy time of year).

Ellijay Axes - Ellijay, GA

As with escape rooms, ax throwing bars are also having a moment right now. More and more towns are allowing visitors to sample some craft beers while practicing their ax-throwing skills. Be sure to get some practice in before downing a few pints, as the beer won't necessarily make you a better thrower.
Ellijay Axes is an excellent spot for groups, too, as each lane can accommodate up to six people. You can either reserve a lane for yourselves or walk in and join some friendly strangers.

Tank Town - Morganton, Georgia

We started this list at a paintball course, and we're ending it at a tank shooting range. If you want an epic North Georgia experience, you can't do much better than this. You can book a ride in a real tank, or you can operate a construction excavator (or do both!).

This adventure also offers family fun as long as the kids are at least seven years old. Teenagers 15 and up can even drive the tanks, making this a fantastic choice for a birthday or graduation present.

For the ultimate experience, you can even crush cars with a tank and shoot machine guns on the property.