Blue Ridge | Maria Sims Group Blog

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 / by Maria Sims

First Friday in Downtown Canton, GA: A Monthly Celebration of Community and Fun

There’s something magical about the first Friday of every month in Downtown Canton, GA—the streets come alive with music, food, shopping, and a vibrant community spirit. First Fridays is a beloved tradition that brings locals and visitors together for an evening of fun, entertainment, and small-town charm.

What Is First Friday?

Inspired by the Explore Canton GA event page (see here), First Friday is a free, family-friendly event held on the first Friday of each month from 6 PM to 9 PM (hours may vary seasonally). Downtown Canton transforms into a lively hub with:
1. Live music from local bands and performers
2. Food trucks & restaurant specials (perfect for dinner out!)
3. Local vendors & artisans selling handmade goods
4. Kid-friendly activities like face painting and games
5. Special themes (seasonal events, holiday celebrations, and more)
Why You Should Go
Support Local B. ...

georgia, local, canton, home, seasonal, events, real estate, summer, outdoor, food, woodstock, north georgia, entertainment, jasper, kids, blue ridge, ellijay, renovations, restaurants, fall, ball ground, buying, decor, homeownership, staging, festivals, upgrades, budget, farmers markets, home ownership, nightlife, parks, pros and cons, selling, brunch, pool, porch decor, recipes, tiny homes, waleska

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 / by Maria Sims

Beyond Cleaning: The Smart Seller's Guide to Staging That Actually Works

Selling your home can be stressful, but home staging is one of the most effective ways to attract buyers, increase offers, and speed up the sale. Whether you're a homeowner or a real estate agent, understanding the power of staging can make all the difference.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale by enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. This involves:

Decluttering & depersonalizing (so buyers can envision themselves living there)

Furniture arrangement & decor updates (to highlight the home’s best features)

Minor repairs & cosmetic upgrades (like fresh paint or updated lighting)

Neutralizing bold colors & styles (to appeal to a broader audience)

Why Home Staging Matters
Statistics show that staged homes sell faster and for higher prices than unstaged ones. Here’s why:
Creates a Strong First Impression – Buyers decide within seconds? ...

georgia, local, canton, home, seasonal, events, real estate, summer, outdoor, food, woodstock, north georgia, entertainment, jasper, kids, blue ridge, renovations, decor, homeownership, staging, upgrades, budget, home ownership, nightlife, parks, selling

Thursday, May 29, 2025 / by Maria Sims

Visit these North Georgia Farmers Markets for Local Produce

In Georgia, as Summer begins to heat up, the local farmers markets and produce stands will be full of fresh produce from local farms and gardens. Living in North Georgia offers residents the opportunity to own property where they can grow fresh produce, and local markets are available to those who would like to purchase locally sourced items.

Blue Ridge
Downtown Market Blue Ridge
Every Saturday June - November 9:00am - 1:00pm
787 Summit Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513
This market located in Downtown Blue Ridge is a community maker's market for artists, crafters, and hobby farmers. Produce varies by week. For current vendors, weather related updates and other information, visit their Facebook page.
North Georgia Farmers Market
Every Saturday April - December 9:00am - 12:00pm
Located at 83 Dunbarton Farm Rd in Blue Ridge
This market located in Blue Ridge offers locally grown mushrooms and other fresh produce, eggs, handcrafted gifts, and more. For more information on this market,. ...

georgia, local, canton, seasonal, events, summer, outdoor, food, woodstock, north georgia, entertainment, jasper, blue ridge, ellijay, festivals, farmers markets

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 / by Maria Sims

Celebrate Fall Y'all: Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patch Fun in North Georgia

Hey y'all! Fall has finally graced us with its sweet presence, and there's no better way to soak up this glorious season than with some good old-fashioned apple picking and pumpkin patch adventures. North Georgia is famous for its stunning fall foliage and charming farms. Here's your guide to the best apple and pumpkin spots that'll have you feeling all the fall vibes!
Apple Picking Adventures
Nothing tastes better than a crisp, juicy apple picked fresh off the tree. North Georgia’s apple orchards are the perfect places to make some sweet memories with family and friends. From sipping fresh cider to munching on apple fritters, you’ll be in autumn heaven!
Mercier Orchards, Blue Ridge: Mercier Orchards has been serving up apple goodness since 1943. Their U-pick events are a must-do, with a wide variety of apples to choose from like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady. Don’t forget to swing by the market for their famous fried pies and fresh-pressed cider. It's so good!
. ...

georgia, local, outdoor, seasonal, events, kids, blue ridge, ellijay, fall, festivals

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 / by Maria Sims

Homes in North Georgia With Breathtaking Fall Mountain Views

As summer turns into fall, owning a home with amazing views of the mountains is a top perk of living in the North Georgia. Check out these homes with porches and views that will have you enjoying the scenery year round.

1205 Cherry Lake Drive
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
2 Bed | 2 Bath $534,900
Picture your morning spent cozied up in a chair on your back deck overlooking miles of mountain views while the sunrise paints the trees in beautiful colors and then imagine enjoying your private hot tub soaking a long day of adventures away while watching the sunlight fade over the layers of mountain scenery into a beautiful star-twinkling sky. If you have dreamed of a home or vacation spot like that, welcome to Misty Mountain Ridge. This cozy 2 bedroom 2 bath cabin will meet all your needs for the perfect mountain home or getaway spot. A true log cabin with metal roof, custom firepit area, spacious screened-in front porch, open rear deck, and lower hot tub deck provide plenty of spaces to take ; ...

georgia, home, real estate, north georgia, outdoor, seasonal, blue ridge, ellijay, jasper, homeownership, fall

Blue Ridge | Maria Sims Group Blog

First Friday in Downtown Canton, GA: A Monthly Celebration of Community and Fun

Beyond Cleaning: The Smart Seller's Guide to Staging That Actually Works

Visit these North Georgia Farmers Markets for Local Produce

Celebrate Fall Y'all: Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patch Fun in North Georgia

Homes in North Georgia With Breathtaking Fall Mountain Views

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Blue Ridge | Maria Sims Group Blog

First Friday in Downtown Canton, GA: A Monthly Celebration of Community and Fun

Beyond Cleaning: The Smart Seller's Guide to Staging That Actually Works

Visit these North Georgia Farmers Markets for Local Produce

Celebrate Fall Y'all: Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patch Fun in North Georgia

Homes in North Georgia With Breathtaking Fall Mountain Views

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Popular Tags

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