Enjoy a scenic fall escape to the North Georgia Mountains, featuring a Southern lunch at The Dillard House, a stay in Blue Ridge, and a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Highlights include Mercier Orchards, Burt’s Pumpkin Patch, and the stunning Gibbs Gardens—a perfect taste of autumn.

·       The cancellation date for this tour is August 4, 2026, which is the last day to cancel and receive a refund from Capitol Tours.  Travel Insurance is available upon request to help protect your investment, subject to eligibility criteria.

·       All times listed on the itinerary are approximate.

·       Capitol Tours reserves the right to alter this itinerary if we deem it necessary for the successful completion of this tour.

·       Capitol Tours makes reasonable efforts to secure reservations for the attractions as listed, however we cannot guarantee all reservations. In the event a reservation is denied, we will work on your behalf to secure an alternative.

·       Due to public health guidelines, there may be limitations, restrictions or additional requirements at attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc. As information becomes available that may impact your tour, we will work to pass along information provided to us. We encourage you to remain flexible as requirements may change rapidly or without notice.

·       You are responsible for your health. Capitol Tours does not warrant nor guarantee protection from any communicable disease. We ask that anyone exposed to or exhibiting symptoms of an illness to stay at home. If you become ill during your tour, we may require that you be isolated from the group. Capitol Tours is not responsible for any costs associated with quarantine requirements or transportation home.

Monday, October 12

  8:00am     Gather with your fellow travelers at the Capitol Tours office on Leaphart Road as we prepare for an 8:30 AM departure to Dillard, Georgia. Excitement is in the air as we begin our journey together—sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride ahead!

11:30am     Arrive in Dillard, GA, for a true Southern classic,  lunch at the beloved The Dillard House. Famous for its family-style country cooking, this charming mountain restaurant serves generous portions of fried chicken, fresh vegetables, cornbread, and homemade desserts.

  1:00pm     After lunch, we’ll board the motorcoach and set off for Murphy, NC. Take in the breathtaking autumn colors as we wind our way through the scenic mountain landscape.

  3:00pm     Located just outside of Murphy, arrive at Field of the Woods a one-of-a-kind religious park that blends scenic mountain with its massive Ten Commandments display, dramatically laid out across the hillside in large white letters—making it one of the largest representations of its kind in the world.  Enjoy exploring the park and stop by the gift shop.

  4:30pm     Time to continue to Blue Ridge, GA.

  5:15pm     Arrive at the Hampton Inn & Suites – Blue Ridge, GA, a welcoming mountain retreat perfectly located for easy access to charming downtown Blue Ridge. Settle in and enjoy a relaxing two-night stay, where comfort and convenience meet the beauty of the North Georgia mountains.

  6:00pm     The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure—explore the area and savor dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants on your own.

Tuesday, October 13 – Breakfast is included at the  hotel

  9:00am     Take a short stroll across the road to the train depot, where our rail adventure begins. At 10:00 AM, we’ll board the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for a delightful 4-hour journey through the breathtaking North Georgia mountains. Make yourself comfortable as you enjoy the views as we wind along the picturesque countryside en route to McCaysville.

11:00am          Your layover brings you to McCaysville, a charming mountain town uniquely located on the Georgia–Tennessee state line. In fact, it shares a downtown with its sister city, Copperhill, TN.  You can literally stand with one foot in each state!  This small but vibrant town is known for its friendly atmosphere, rich Appalachian history, and picturesque riverfront setting.  Have lunch on your own at one of the many nearby restaurants, offering a variety of delicious options to suit every taste.

12:30pm     Walk back to the train depot and board the train for a scenic return journey to Blue Ridge, enjoying the mountain vistas along the way.

 2:00pm      Now back in Blue Ridge, take a few minutes drop off you purchases from the day, before we continue to nearby Mercier Orchards at 2:30pm.

  2:30pm     Autumn in North Georgia means apples — and no visit would be complete without stopping at Mercier Orchards. Browse the country store filled with fresh-baked pies, apple fritters, cider, jams, and local goods. The orchard’s rolling hills glow with fall color, creating a picture-perfect seasonal setting.

  4:30pm     Return to the hotel for free time.

  6:00pm     Have dinner tonight is at the hotel.

Wednesday, October 14 – Breakfast is included at the hotel

  8:30am     Depart from the hotel and travel south.

  9:30am     Arrive at Burt’s Pumpkin Patch, where more than twenty varieties of pumpkins are grown alongside colorful ornamental corn and winter squash. As you step into the farmyard, you’ll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pumpkin pie, breads, and pumpkin rolls—made from cherished family recipes passed down through generations.

10:15am     Time to continue to our next stop.

11:00am     Arrive at Gibbs Gardens.  Spanning 376 acres, Gibbs Gardens is one of the nation’s largest residential estate gardens, with over 300 acres of stunning landscaped grounds. Enjoy a self-guided tour through 24 ponds, 32 bridge crossings, and 19 waterfalls, along with beautifully designed garden rooms filled with diverse plantings—all set against a backdrop of vibrant fall color. Lunch is included at the on-site café.

  2:30pm     We’ve had a delightful time in the North Georgia Mountains, filled with fun experiences and fond memories. As we travel back to West Columbia, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey home.

  7:00pm     Estimated arrival at Capitol Tours.