Choose Toccoa House Properties as Your Wedding Venue in Blue Ridge, GA

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As a high school student at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, builder and architect Bob Marthai fell in love with the North Georgia Mountains. Years later, he returned to Helen, Georiga, with a medieval vision that included gardens, orchards, and yes, a castle. The only thing that seems to be missing is the moat.

“Alpine Helen is naturally a great fit for European-inspired castle architecture,” explains his daughter and property manager Naomi Marthai. “It is surrounded by mountains of lush forests full of waterfalls and impressive biodiversity that is hard to rival.”

His objective took 18 years to manifest, but the result feels like a European destination. Castle Uhuburg (pronounced OO-hoo-berg and German for Eagle Owl Castle) welcomes visitors and overnight guests to explore its serene mountain grounds and enjoy a peaceful getaway. Here are the best ways to spend your time while visiting this new North Georgia treasure.

Take a Tour or Learn Swordsmanship

The property is open Saturday and Sunday during mid-day. Walk the property at your own pace or opt for a guided tour that explains the architectural, philosophical, and garden elements. The highlight 60-minute guided tour departs from the red gate on the hour. A 15-minute tour of the Great Hall and atrium takes place twice per hour; gather at the back entrance of the Great Hall.

Upon arrival, a shuttle will transport you from the parking area up the mountain to the castle. Feel free to bring your own food and beverage, and don’t forget to check the weather forecast. Plan your visit to coincide with Swordsmanship workshops—included in admission—presented by the Appalachian Sword Club. It’s a hands-own chance to try this ancient artform.

Other events include Contra at the Castle, an English Country Ball, and the signature event CastleFaire, held each January. Special events require reservations.

Admire the Murals

Eight murals line the lower 1,300-foot castle wall surrounding the perimeter of the courtyard. They illustrate humanity's quest to understand life through the ages, depicting stories and ideologies from various religions and philosophies. The property plans on a total of 30 murals in the coming years.

Walk the Gardens

Two acres of manicured grounds greet you as you enter the property. Color explodes in the spring, showcasing roses, azaleas, rhododendron, mountain laurel, plus flowering fruits, while fall ushers in varying hues of the changing season as well as the garden harvest. Find peace in the Zen Garden, a traditional Japanese space for meditation, or gander at the Carnivorous Bog Garden, with Venus flytraps with jaws wide open.

Take in the Castle

A true Renaissance castle, the structure has 12 towers, one turret, and three gatehouses. The Great Hall, its central masterpiece clothed with lavender walls and ceiling and beams of white pine hewn from trees that once stood on the property, is for “celebrating the good life we have,” explains Bob. The indoor atrium provides the ‘greenhouse effect’ and is home to a variety of plants. Admire the classical statues throughout the grounds, and embrace the tranquil setting. The attention to historical detail is showcased in every room.

Stay the Night

Wake up in one of the 10 chambers tucked within the castle walls, all elegantly decorated with unique furniture, art, and décor Marthai has collected over time. Overnight stays allow guests to experience their own one-of-a-kind fairytale. Chambers host two guests while the Duchess Chamber accommodates three.

“Guests are treated to the exceptional ambiance of a Renaissance castle,” describes Naomi. “Our suites are beautifully appointed, each with its own distinct character and style, featuring ornate furnishings. A gourmet breakfast awaits each morning, which often features produce grown on-site. During their stay, guests have access to many more interior spaces not open to the public, as well as the castle towers, grounds, and gardens at any time.”

Regardless of what brings you to the castle, the Marthai family hopes the time spent at Castle Uhuburg will be reflective, rejuvenating, and inspirational.

The Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall are nothing short of spectacular. This is why so many beautiful road trips to take for fall foliage in the US are in the region.

For those who want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors underneath a canopy of fall foliage, there are incredible Blue Ridge Mountain hikes that showcase the beauty of the season. Be it two to three-hour hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway or excursions that are longer, the mountains call for outdoor enthusiasts as autumn approaches.

But, there are those who want to do leaf peeping with less exertion in Blue Ridge. That is why seeing Blue Ridge by train in Georgia this fall is a perfect option not only for them but for those who want an experience to remember as well.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is one of the most unique ways to see the Blue Ridge Mountains when they are popping with the colors of fall. This is why the train ride sells out consistently year after year.

The ability to be able to enjoy scenic small towns in Blue Ridge Mountains and their fall traditions as well as soak up the sun and the fresh mountain air are all part of what makes the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway so special and for some, a yearly fall tradition through Blue Ridge.

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See The Blue Ridge Mountains In Georgia This Fall With The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

The best way to see the Blue Ridge Mountains this fall is to take the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The train route that runs between Marietta, Georgia and McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee offers passengers the opportunity to take in the fall foliage in the area without having to hike through it.

Instead, climate-controlled cars for those who want steady temperatures or an open-air car to enjoy the mountain air are how passengers do their leaf peeping in the foothills.

While on the ride, passengers have the option to get up and walk around as the train moves along the track at 15 miles per hour. There are snacks and drinks for purchase while watching the scenery go by.

The fall tours begin September 19 and run through November 5, just in time for the leaves to begin to turn in Blue Ridge.

Before the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway came into existence, the first trains that came through Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas began in 1886.

By the time the Blue Ridge Depot was built in 1905, the rail line was known as the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. It was here that supplies and passengers were transported on the train to get to surrounding cities and towns.

In 1951, the last passenger train departed Blue Ridge Depot. Cargo trains continued to run through the area. This, however, ended as well in 1987. It would not be until 1998 that trains would again run on the rail line, thanks to volunteers from Blue Ridge.

The train was named Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a passenger liner that took trips to and from McCaysville, Georgia for pleasure.

Today, 150,000 passengers take the train annually. The excursion by train was so successful that Blue Ridge Scenic Railway was purchased by Patriot Rail in 2015. The Florida-based company still owns the rail line today.

Scenic Stops On The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Despite being purchased by an out-of-state company, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway continues to run the route that has made the train line so popular over the last two and a half decades.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway takes passengers on a 26-mile tour from the mountain village of Blue Ridge to McCaysville as well as Copperhill, Tennessee.

During the four-hour round-trip ride, passengers will be riding along the Toccoa River as they make their way through the Appalachian foothills and scenic meadowlands in the valley.

While this ride is spectacular any time of year it is taken, during the fall, the mountains are filled with the colors of fall. The canopies of trees are filled with a variety of red, oranges, and yellows, all signaling the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

This is why fall has become a particularly popular season for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, given that so many in the area want to enjoy leaf peeping in a unique way.

Not only is the trip relaxing, but there are small towns to explore at leisure before taking the scenic train ride back to Blue Ridge.

Best Time To Take The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway This Fall

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Tour begins in September and runs through November. While fall foliage will be seen on any of these tours, those passengers who want to see the foliage at its peak will have about one week in October to do so.

Blue Ridge is in northeastern Georgia. While the time varies slightly every year as to when peak fall foliage will be seen, by and large, the timeframe is late October.

For 2024, serious leaf peepers will want to take the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway between October 21 and 23 to see the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows when they are at their brightest and boldest.

The Fall Foliage Tour tickets are slightly more expensive than tickets at other times of year, given that it is one of the most popular times for Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

There are also two different tour lengths to enjoy by passengers, depending on how much time they want to spend in McCaysville and Copperhill.

Just like with the other tours, there are options to ride in for an open-air coach, a closed coach, or a premier car. For those who have the time, it is recommended to take the longer tour to soak up the small town fun in fall.

Those who have even longer to enjoy after the train ride are welcomed back to Blue Ridge to enjoy all the town has to offer, including live music, outdoor activities, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and shopping all in the crisp air and beautiful foliage that personifies fall in mountain communities like Blue Ridge.

BOONE, N.C. (AP) — Freddie Pell helps lift a vintage wooden chair off the sidewalk and back inside his art gallery. It’s starting to rain in downtown Boone, and he doesn’t want it to get soaked — again.

Inside, vast muddy puddles spread across the room as workers use mops to push the water out the door. A thin dark line on the wall — about a foot up from the floor — shows how high the water rose when Tropical Storm Helene came barreling through on Friday, Pell said.

“Luckily, most of our art is on the wall,” Pell said Monday, gesturing to the vibrant paintings and prints crafted by local artists.

In the days after Helene razed much of western North Carolina, some store owners in downtown Boone have a lot of cleanup to do and don’t know if they’ll see much business at all for the foreseeable future — a critical problem for a town of about 19,000 people that relies on tourism, especially in the fall.

Like many towns that dot the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone sees flocks of visitors eager to witness the cascade of vivid colors from the changing autumn leaves starting in October. Many also come to cheer on various sports teams at Appalachian State University. The rush of tourists brings millions of dollars to the town, as well as the state.

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But Helene’s devastation throws that all into question.

Across Watauga County, where Boone is located, many residents have no power or cell service. Several roads are washed out, leaving people trapped or forced to find another way out. Emergency service personnel worked nonstop to rescue people.

On the highway that snakes up toward downtown Boone, downed trees precariously lie upside down on the mountainside along the road. In some places, power lines sag under them like a slingshot.

Once on King Street — the main road that slices through downtown Boone — the sidewalks’ dull muddy sheen is a reminder of the rushing murky waters that engulfed the street as the storm plowed through.

Some people roam the sidewalk, curious about what businesses they can enter. Many were still closed Monday, and it’s unclear when they’ll reopen.

Businesses take time to recover — then worry what’s next

The back door of Melanie’s, a brunch spot on King Street, floods during a normal downpour, co-owner Paul Tuttle said. After seeing the “apocalyptic” damage from Helene, Tuttle expected the worst when he ventured to town on Saturday.

He walked in to find the building — which dates back to the early 1900s — largely unscathed. A mat Tuttle propped up against the door to seal it had surprisingly stopped water from seeping in, he said.

The restaurant reopened on Sunday, but he wasn’t concerned about making money just then. Despite having no internet and operating under a boil water advisory, Tuttle said he wanted to stay open for storm victims in need of a hot meal.

That doesn’t mean he isn’t nervous about what the coming weeks will bring for the cafe. Tuttle is already having conversations with his business partner on what to expect. Most of the restaurant’s profit is made between July and October — with October being the second-best month for business, he said.

“I don’t know if anyone wants to come up here if they were normally coming to look at one of the prettiest places in the whole country, and now they’re coming to look at devastation,” Tuttle said.

Some are noticing warning signs that could spell trouble for tourism in Boone and surrounding mountain towns.

Kurt Kaunath, 60, rode out the storm with his wife in their camper overlooking Watauga Lake in Tennessee. They had no cell service, and at one point, he said he was worried the winds would topple the camper into the lake — but the couple made it out safely.

When they returned to his home in the outskirts of Blowing Rock — about 8 miles (13 kilometers) south of Boone — on Sunday, there was still no power. His job as a part-time paramedic in downtown Boone has become a refuge — giving him access to running water and air conditioning.

But Kaunath said there’s been “cancellation after cancellation” for an Airbnb he owns in the area. It was almost fully booked for October before the storm hit, he said.

“That’s when all these businesses make their money, and that’s when all the people are here supporting the hotels and all the infrastructure that’s here,” he said. “And that’s not going to happen.”

October is the busiest time of year for Lililu on King, a clothing boutique in downtown Boone that was undamaged, manager Kim Greene said. The store didn’t have internet access to run their cash register on Monday, so Greene spent her time packing up sale items to donate to storm victims with employee Sarah Jackson.

But there’s still a lot of uncertainty about when they can reopen — and if they’ll have enough employees to run the shop.

‘I don’t know where we go from here’

Some shops like Lililu on King mainly employ students from Appalachian State University, which canceled classes until at least Friday. With students heading home, store owners will have to manage without them for now.

“It’s down to the two of us,” Greene said, mustering a smile before adding, “if we do open back up, and we can do that when we’re able.”

The university, which has more than 20,000 students, seemed largely empty Monday. The university’s arena, Holmes Convocation Center, has been converted into a Red Cross emergency shelter with donations piling up outside the entrance. Some students who lived in off-campus apartments don’t have housing after flooding.

Aidan Mullane, a 19-year-old ASU sophomore, is doubtful classes will resume at all this semester. He received an email Monday from a professor who said their house experienced “significant damage” and would limit their ability to respond to students. Mullane said his professor is one of many facing the same problem.

“I don’t know where we go from here,” Mullane said. “If professors can’t live here, what do you do?”

Update: Helene reached Category 1 hurricane status just before noon on Wednesday as the storm approached the shores of Florida’s Panhandle. That part of the state could see a Category 3 storm by Thursday.

A Flood Watch has been issued for all of North Georgia and surrounding areas through Friday afternoon, as the region could see a total of 8-15 inches (with the highest amounts expected in Rabun, Towns, White and Habersham counties). The Blue Ridge Mountains in particular could see extreme flash flooding.

In addition to “extreme flooding,” the National Weather service is warning of wind gusts of 40-50 mph (or above 60 mph in some areas) Thursday and Friday as Helene moves inland. The North Georgia region is expected to feel the peak of the storm early Friday morning between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Habersham County spokesperson Rob Moore said county officials have continued to plan for Hurricane Helene as it approaches. County officials throughout the region have urged residents to shelter in place as the storm moves in Thursday evening.

Moore said that “any shelters opened in the county generally are managed by a third party, such as the American Red Cross or similar agency.”

The American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia doesn’t have shelters in place yet, according to Executive Director Patti Duckworth, though that could change as the storm progresses.

Duckworth encourages the public to download the American Red Cross emergency app for real-time weather alerts, shelter locations and live updates on resources available in the area.

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Severe weather is expected to hit Georgia Thursday and continue into Friday as the southeastern U.S. braces for Helene. This fast-moving tropical storm is set to intensify and make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast in the next 48 hours as a Category 3 hurricane.

On Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency for all 159 counties, authorizing Georgia’s Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to assemble response teams and resources throughout the state.

MORE Helene expected to bring significant impacts to North Georgia

What to expect in North Georgia

In North Georgia, Helene is forecast to bring heavy rain throughout the day on Thursday and hurricane-force winds through the early morning hours and into Friday afternoon.

GEMA officials expect wind speeds between 30 and 40 mph, with the possibility of isolated stronger gusts. They also expect 4 to 8 inches of rain (with higher totals of 8 to 12 inches possible in the North Georgia mountains) and widespread power outages from downed trees and power lines throughout every region of the state.

Heavy rains could start as soon as Wednesday afternoon in some areas.

As Helene approaches, state officials urge Georgians to avoid travel and shelter in secure locations—basements and other enclosed areas—during the storm.

Regional response

North Georgia counties continue to monitor the storm in preparation for its potential impact. On Tuesday, White County Emergency Management (WCEMA) “partially activated” its Emergency Operations Center.

“We are closely monitoring the potential for heavy rain, flooding and strong winds as Tropical Storm Helene approaches,” WCEMA Division Chief Don Strength said. “These conditions could lead to localized flooding and downed trees, which may cause road closures and power outages.”

To the southwest, Hall County aims to ready all emergency management department staff as Helene moves into the region.

“The current track of the potential storm takes the center to our west, which puts Hall County in an area of the storm that is ripe for spin-up tornadoes that will have little or no warning if they occur,” Emergency Management Director Zachary Brackett said Tuesday. “Citizens should have a safe location in the lowest level of their home that is centralized and away from windows in the event that these occur.”

Road hazards are widely expected. In preparation, Habersham County placed its Road Department employees on call through Sunday, Sept. 29.

“Crew leaders are taking vehicles home with chainsaws and barricades,” said Habersham County Public Works Director Jerry Baggett. “All heavy equipment needed for debris removal has been serviced and is ready as needed.”

Baggett is asking the public to limit travel as much as possible during the storm. He reminds drivers not to cross flooded roadways, while county EMS director Jeff Adams reminds the public not to approach downed trees since they could be covering up downed utility lines.

“We appreciate the citizens of Habersham County and urge you to please think ‘safety first’ when traveling for the next few days,” Baggett said.

‘Prepare now,’ officials urge

“We’re urging residents to prepare now, (to) have an emergency kit, plan for sheltering in place and stay informed through our updates as the situation develops,” encouraged Strength.

Habersham County E-911/Emergency Management Agency Director Lynn Smith echoed that sentiment.

“Please don’t wait to make sure you have what you need in your home in case you are unable to leave for a few days,” she said. “If you can go to the store today to stock up on water, batteries, food, diapers, and any other items you might need, that would be preferable.”

If the storm arrives as predicted, Smith cautions there will be areas first responders may not be able to reach immediately. Those on home oxygen should have spare tanks ready to use if the power is out for several days. Prescriptions should also be filled and accessible.

Flood risk

Another potential threat tied to TS Helene is flooding. Officials with Banks and Jackson counties urge you to plan ahead.

“Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding,” a statement from Banks County’s EMS/Fire Chief Steve Nichols said. “Evacuate immediately if you are told to do so. If you cannot evacuate, take refuge in a designated storm shelter or interior room for high winds.”

In case of flooding, Nichols advised, “Go to the highest level of the building” if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic.

“You may become trapped by rising flood water. Have a plan (and) consider your family’s unique needs, including anyone who needs medicine or medical equipment,” he said.

Like neighboring counties, Rabun County emergency management officials are tracking the storm’s trajectory and severity.

“Rabun County Office of Emergency Management is monitoring weather information from the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg and sharing that with the public safety agencies in Rabun County, as well as the board of education,” EMA director Brian Panell said.

Now Habersham is also closely monitoring the storm. Check back here for continuing updates.

Now Habersham reporters Nora Almazan and Jerry Neace contributed to this article