Is there anything cozier than to be in the Blue Ridge Mountains during the winter holidays? All the towns are twinkling with lights. The Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is all dressed up, too. My family and I just got back from a pre-Thanksgiving weekend at the resort. Even then, we could see how much effort goes into making this destination a blissful holiday experience.

Trivia: How many Christmas trees are at the resort? We saw them being decorated, and it’s not just in the main foyer by the fireplace!

Because we had so much fun – hiking and horseback riding – and we’re grateful that we didn’t have to cook or clean the kitchen, we shared with our neighbors some of the Christmas activities being planned. They’re considering a weekend at Brasstown Valley Resort like we did. Say “hi” to the Smith-Allman family if you meet them in December! Here is what we shared with them:

Breakfast with Santa in the Dining Room
On Saturday, December 16, the Jolly Big Man will be at the resort to greet kids just before Christmas. The buffet is delicious and is open from 8:45 to 10:45 am. Reservations for breakfast with Santa are required and can be reserved by calling 706-379-4617 or online.

Christmas Day Buffet in the Dining Room
You’ll be so glad a fulfilling and delicious buffet is prepared for you and your family. Imagine oysters on the half shell, a carving station, and desserts from chocolate mousse to building your own ice cream sundae.
Seating is from Noon to 5 pm. Call 706-379-4617 for reservations or reserve online.

Hint: It’s popular with locals, too, so reserve your spaces soon.

New Year’s Eve Gala
On this highly celebrated last day of the calendar year, you can bet that Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is ringing in the New Year. We learned it’s a Masquerade New Year’s Eve Gala, with an open bar, a gourmet buffet dinner, music and dancing, and balloon drop at midnight. Dress is formal; no tie required and ages 21 and up. Overnight stay packages and party only packages are available. Learn more.

Outside of the merry resort, the towns of Hiawassee and Young Harris are shimmering with holiday lights and decorations. Check out:

Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is transformed into a spectacular light show with special Christmas music, arts and crafts vendors, holiday foods and hot chocolate, and Santa himself! The Christmas festivities run Thursday to Saturday evenings from 6-9 pm; and nightly December 14 to 23. Learn more.

Give the Gift of Luxury!
While we were at the resort in November, I purchased gift certificates for clients of our law firm. Here are three we recommend:

• • Equani Spa
    Give the gift of a spa session or healing therapy session. Check out the range of body treatments, facials, and soothing massages. The spa incorporates intricate Native American-inspired décor and rich, natural timber furnishings that lend a luxurious experience. Call 706-379-2336 to purchase the gift certificate.

• • Brasstown Stables
    It’s for everyone – resort guest or not – and a gift certificate can cover a custom excursion, hayride, or catered picnic ride. Call 706-379-2050.

• • Golf Course
    Gift a round of golf at the Denis Griffiths-designed 18-hole championship golf course. It’s a Scottish links-style layout and the views are sublime as the course naturally follows the contours of the hills and land. Call 706-379-9900.

Here’s how you can book your stay. May your visit be as rewarding as ours was before Thanksgiving. From neighbor to neighbor, you deserve a special getaway. Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah!
By Charlene T.