To explore Blairsville properly, it’s probably best to divide it into sections. I first posted about some of the historical areas around Blairsville and about the beauty of Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak.
Another area to explore is downtown. The town is growing fast and there are plenty of new restaurants and fast-food places along Hwy 515. Hwy 515 runs west-east across the top of the state from Blue Ridge to Clayton. You’ll find the Ingles and the Walmart on the same highway. But to experience Blairsville, start at the town square.
During COVID-19, my best advice is to call ahead before you go to make sure all the places you want to visit are open while you’re there. Days and times that places are open can vary.
Hole in the Wall
We ate lunch at a Blairsville landmark. The Hole in the Wall restaurant has been serving Union County since 1931. We ate at a table on the sidewalk overlooking the Union County Courthouse on the square and dined on Fried Green Tomatoes, burgers and fish. The restaurant is also famous for serving southern breakfasts all day. All the food was wonderful.
Across the road is the Union County Courthouse. Interesting, before the Civil War began, the residents in the area were mostly pro-Union and voted against secession. Some claim that the county received its name in response to the Civil Way. However, Union County was named much earlier than the way, probably in honor of the Union Party. The Old Courthouse Museum is open to visitors. Check their website for days and times the museum is open. Entrance to the Old Courthouse Museum and the Mountain Life Museum, located nearby, is free. Donations are accepted.
Brasstown Pharmacy Drug and Gun
Sometimes in our travels, we’re attracted by an unusual name or a slogan. Both drew us to a visit to Brasstown Pharmacy Drug and Gun. Bob’s been wanting to visit there for ages, so we finally made time. On the left side of the store is the pharmacy section, and on the right side is the section that sells guns and ammunition. In the middle is a section of seasonal accessories and decorations. It is a kick.
Brasstown Pharmacy Drug and Gun is located several blocks off the Blairsville Town Square. One of the billboards we passed on the way north hawked “Refills and Reloads.” You gotta love a store with a unique point of view.
Hammer-In & Metalworking Event
Sometimes the most fun thing in exploring is finding the unexpected. For us, that was the 38th annual Hammer-In & Metalworking Event that was held at the Trackrock Campground and Stables outside of Blairsville. The event is held twice a year, in the spring and the fall, and attracts metal artists and apprentices who are willing to practice their craft before a gathered audience of people interested in the art of metalworking. Vendors display their custom work as well. The event is sponsored by the Georgia Knife Makers Guild.
During the two day event, we witnessed demonstrations of the old way to work with metal and then watched knife crafters work from small gas-run forges. Other activities included bladesmithing, hawk forging, leather crafting, and forge building. Vendors were there as well, explaining their artistic process in custom designed knives.
Probably the most fun thing for me was meeting Brad Morris and his son Jesse. Brad has worked with metal forging for years and creates custom designs. His son Jesse is already enthusiastic about the art of forging and, at thirteen years old, has spent years learning the skill.
