This, my friends, is a Junkin’ Journey long in the making. You see, we’ve been traveling to Blue Ridge, GA for the past 10 years…falling in love with the town and area a little bit more with each visit. It’s been a family destination for a long time and there are so many things to do in Blue Ridge. And one of them happens to be shopping in Blue Ridge, GA – specifically at antique malls, vintage shops, and thrift stores!
The North Georgia mountains are stunningly gorgeous- and it just so happens that Blue Ridge is a hotbed of secondhand shopping, whether you’re looking for antiques, vintage treasures, or thrift store wares. Another bonus?
The newest member of our family (in the form of a Cabin!) is located here!
But, first, take a trip with me around town to my favorite shopping destinations…
Shopping in Blue Ridge, GA
You may not think of Blue Ridge, GA as being the kind of town where an Upcycling / Functional Art shop would flourish, but Ain’t What It Used to Be is exactly that! Filled of one-of-a-kind pieces, the owner prides himself on knowing that nothing in his shop is mass produced overseas.
Lots of upcycled decor pieces, quaint vintage finds, and just unusual art and decor, make sure you head straight to this place when you’re in downtown Blue Ridge, GA.
Whenever we’re in Blue Ridge, I make a point to swing by Three Monkeys- it’s definitely a favorite of mine! It offers a great mix of primitives and farmhouse style antiques, and current teaches several classes on furniture painting and the like.
Storehouse Ministries Thrift is one of the largest thrift stores I’ve ever been in! Not only is it located near the cabin, but it has a terrific selection of housewares- which is obviously ideal for a repurposer like me.
On top of that, there was a LOT of vintage mixed in with their housewares, which made for a fun scavenger hunt with wonderful rewards to be found.
Humane Society of Blue Ridge Thrift Store
By now you know that I am a heat-seeking thrifting missile when it comes to animal welfare charity shops- and Blue Ridge, GA offers not one, but two of them! This one is located just outside of the downtown area and offers a nice mix of clothing, housewares, and furniture.
For whatever reason, most of my treasures through the years have come from the corner display behind the cash wrap.
This shop is located in downtown Blue Ridge, GA – and bonus, it’s housed inside a cute older home! I just love shops like that- with their hardwood floors and individual rooms full of treasures. And this shop does NOT disappoint- heavy on housewares, I hemmed and hawed over quite a few pieces.
And while I wasn’t in the market for any, I spied a nice selection of ladies’ handbags and boots that looked tempting, as well.
April’s Attic is actually located a touch outside of Blue Ridge, GA, but just by a mile or two. And it’s a darling shop filled with primitive home decor / country home decor, and a wonderfully nostalgic collection of vintage and antiques.
It’s the kind of shop you do a couple of laps around because you’ll definitely miss something on your first pass!
Another shop located just outside of Blue Ridge, GA is Smith Station Antiques which is located in Cherry Log, GA. Unfortunately, I stopped by on a day it was closed…but it was worth it just to take in the view of all of their glorious junk!
And while I wasn’t able to snap any good photos, I hit another thrift shop, Empty Stocking Thrift Store, which provided me numerous treasures and pieces for upcoming projects. It also offered one of the larger clothing selections, too, if that’s on your junkin’ list.
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See any shops in Blue Ridge, GA that tickle your fancy? If you decide to visit, let me know and I can provide other recommendations…including where to stay!
After a long day of antiquing (or fishing…or hiking…or apple picking) in the North Georgia Mountains, the cabin is like a big, warm hug that welcomes you home. I’ve already got a few new cabin-themed projects in mind that you’ll see in the coming weeks and months.
We’ll be hitting the road again soon enough for our next Junkin’ Journey- I hope you’ve enjoyed Blue Ridge, as it holds a special place in my heart! But as always, where shall we go to next?
Explore on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Blue Ridge is just up the road from me but I’ve never gone thrifting there but after reading about your adventures there I will be going soon. Your in-laws cabin is gorgeous.
I had no idea, Sharon- such a pretty area! And yes, Blue Ridge is worth the drive for some thrifting! 😀
I always appreciate your scouting out areas that are also fairly near to where we live. Anywhere that takes us 3 to 5 hours away from home is a vacation to us!
Glad I do not live near there as would be broke. Love the cabin, such a big one!
Thanks, Rose!
Splendiferous is a really neat this-N-that store in town too, and the owner is just as interesting and friendly as the store, I recommend it to everyone
Ooooh, thanks, Robbii!! I wasn’t aware of that one but will look it up next time I’m in town. 🙂
I live right down the way from Blue Ridge, in Ellijay, Ga. I spend many a day junkin my way from here to there, and then out to McCaysville… Next time you are in the area, give me a heads up, maybe we can meet for lunch!
Nice!! It’s such a wonderful area- are there shops in McCaysville? I saw a thrift shop or two but nothing else. Maybe I’m missing something?!
How can I find out more about renting the cabin
Hi, Shelia! If you go to this page, click on “Instant Quote” which will give you all the rental info you need! https://www.cabin-rentals-of-georgia.com/cabin/blue-ridge/down-the-river
Such a great junking journey! My husband and I are staying in Blairsville and we met friends in Blue Ridge today! We loved it. My favorite was the Storehouse! Thanks for sharing, Sadie!!!
Yay!!! I’m so glad y’all had such a great time. 🙂
I, too, love these shops!! Unfortunately, I probably won’t go back to Three Monkeys though…there is a stong cigarette smell in the store and it has seeped into their merchandise?
UGH, that’s awful- I don’t recall that when I visited but that would turn me off of a shop right quick, too! 🙁
I am so excited about visting Blue Ridge, GA. I am a subscriber & always learn so much from your articles. I wish that more young people could see the beauty in vintage items and antiques. I am in my seventies and have always loved older things. Thanks for all you do. You are such an inspiration.
You are so very kind, Debra! I hope you love Blue Ridge- though this blog post is a few years old now and I haven’t checked that all these stores are still open or not. My fingers are crossed that most of them are!