Since it’s inception in 1835, Blairsville in Union County, Georgia has always been a little off the beaten path, Located in the Northern, top center of the state of Georgia, this county is home to the highest point in the state, Brasstown Bald at 4,784 feet in elevation and boasts over 97,000 square miles of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The residents here enjoy both the scenery and the altitude (without the attitude)!

The town of Blairsville has been the county seat of Union County since 1835 and was named after, Francis Blair, a Washington D.C. newspaper editor. Fantastic restaurants and charming antique shops line the streets of Blairsville, but there is more to the town then that. Blairsville is also home to the North Georgia Technical College, a 5 .5 million dollar under graduate facility with courses in everything from computer technology, to health careers and hotel management. Union General Hospital is a 45 inpatient room facility that has grown to be one of the most modern and progressive hospitals in the state. From 24 emergency services to a Cancer Treatment Center and a Dialysis Clinic, this medical facility was voted Georgia’s Rural Hospital of the Year in 2001. The Union County Courthouse Museum located in the 100 year old brick Courthouse building showcases the everyday items and local history of the rugged settlers who took on this mountain terrain over 150 years ago.

Locals and visitors alike look forward to the Fall Sorghum Festival held in Blairsville. This event held the last three weekends in October celebrates the local harvest with a parade, car show, festivals and a local favorite, the biscuit and syrup eating contest!

Blairsville is a strong second home market, but as in much of the rest of the North Georgia Mountains, folks come for the weekend and stay for a lifetime!

Contributed by: Tom Oprandi & Associates