Calvin remembers the day well. His truck was parked in the driveway, the motor still ticking as it cooled. He took a look around the cabin, walked the few yards to the river’s edge, breathed in a lungful of the cool spring air coming off the Toccoa, then told the real estate agent that he’d not be looking at any of the other properties she had lined up for that afternoon.

“Man, I just knew it was the right one,” he remembers. “I was looking for a place where I could chill out, do some fly fishing, spend a lazy weekend on the river — this was perfect.”

So perfect, in fact, that he’s looking forward to spending his retirement at Riversong.

Before writing these descriptions, I like to have a chat with the property owners so I could see these homes through their eyes, and convey the feel-good emotions they experience to you, the future guest. Calvin didn’t disappoint.

As expected with a gorgeous property right on the water, a lot of what he shared was related to his love of the Toccoa River (you may have noticed that I have mentioned water or river no fewer than nine times, so far). The joys of walking out the door and into the water; or simply watching it lazily flow by on a sunny afternoon, mesmerizing in a way only a moving river can be. Having a long soak in the hot tub on the deck, then running and jumping into the cool depths (“If you’re going the other way,” Calvin warns with a chuckle, “you best clean up real good.”)

But much of Riversong’s magic is behind the wood and stone that comprise the cabin, itself. Roomy and open, the lounge area is the perfect setting for conversation, laughter, and games — or some TV and reading as the fire crackles. There is also a smaller chilling area in the loft.

The beautiful kitchen is outfitted with everything you may need — shiny appliances to good knives, and all — from feasts to midnight snacks. And the central island/bar will quickly become a gathering point for your family or friend group.

No cost was spared on the beautiful furniture, inside and out: craftsman porch swings to live edge handmade beds, you’ll sit, rock, or recline in rustic comfort. One thing that is not rustic is the super-fancy newfangled hot tub. Jeeze, Louise, it’s more technologically advanced than my first iPod (younger guests: look it up).

All the beds and bedrooms are lovely, no doubt about it, but I highly recommend you call dibs on the Master as soon as you arrive. The bathroom alone, with its huge soaking tub and Persian rugs, is reason enough, but getting out of the king bed first thing in the morning and going out on the private screened in veranda (naked, potentially?) for some river-gazing quiet time? Priceless.

So call a family meeting (or just book it — heck, you got a credit card!), talk to your college buddies, call those cousins you never get to spend time with, and come on up to North Georgia. Regardless of your taste in music, you’ll love Riversong, I’m sure of it.


Pro Tips & Local Wisdom

Take a picturesque train ride along the Toccoa River on the Blue Ridge Railway, with stops in McCaysville and Copperhill for shopping and dining (extra festive during winter months!)
Pick yourself up by the bootstraps (or those newfangled hiking sneakers) and explore nearby Woody Gap and Preachers Rock, two gorgeous spots on the Appalachian Trail
Enjoy home-cooked meals and desserts at the Hole in The Wall in Blairsville — serving up all day breakfast and world-class pies since 1931
Go boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the pristine waters of Lake Blue Ridge, or catch some rays and r&r at one of the scenic lakeside beaches
Need for speed, adrenaline, and tire-squealing hairpins? Buckle up or put your helmet on, and hit the winding Wolf Pen Gap Road, a favorite of drivers and motorcyclists — drive responsibly and don’t go too fast to check out the breathtaking views!
Stock up on fresh produce, local honey, and artisanal goods at charming Sunrise Grocery in Blairsville
Get happy at Grumpy Old Men Brewing in downtown Blue Ridge
Have a taste, glass, or bottle at one of the local wineries. Our faves? Wolf Mountain, Serenberry Vineyards, and Crane Creek Vineyards

The Small Print

The Sounds of Silence: please limit outdoor use of speakers and other amplified sound equipment to 8:00 am through 10:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday; and 8:00 am through 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday
We’ve prepared a starter kit for your arrival (5 trash bags under kitchen sink, 1 roll of paper towels per kitchen, 3 rolls of t.p. per bathroom, small bars of body soap) — please anticipate any needs beyond that, and stock up in town or bring from home
Suds and beans can be very personal choices: please bring your own laundry detergent and coffee
You’ll find an ample supply of dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap
Need us? We got you, 7 days a week, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, just give us a buzz and we’ll be there in a jiff to help you with any unforeseen detail


From our entire team, a big thank-you for choosing SVR — and booking so much more than a rental property. With nearly 10,000 stays and half as many glowing reviews, our guests agree.

Born and bred here in Georgia, we ensure our clients feel the warmth of our southern hospitality and have unforgettable stays in beautiful homes — in one of the prettiest landscapes the country has to offer.

We love North Georgia — and we love sharing her with you. In each of our cabins you’ll find an “Experience the Mountains” manual full of suggestions about local attractions such as hikes and sightseeing, as well as our favorite restaurants in town.

Want to connect with us about anything from the layout of the property to our favorite local IPA? Give us a shout. Someone on our team of locals (possibly me, even) will be happy to chat with you, answer any questions, and help you book your next dream mountain vacation.

We can’t wait to see you soon in our neck of the woods (and mountains, and lakes, and so much more).


Eight Nearby Activities:

1. Fishing: Cast a line in the Toccoa River or nearby lakes for a relaxing day of fishing.

2. Kayaking: Explore the river’s scenic beauty from the water with a kayaking adventure.

3. Tubing: Drift down the river on a tube, soaking up the sun and enjoying the cool water.

4. Hiking: Discover stunning trails, including those in Vogel State Park, the Appalachian Trail, and the Benton MacKaye Trail.

5. Wildlife Watching: Observe the diverse wildlife in the area, including deer, birds, and other native species.

6. Biking: Enjoy scenic routes on a mountain bike through lush forests and rolling hills.

7. Visit Winterfield Park: Spend time at this lovely park for picnicking, walking, and enjoying nature.

8. Cross the Swinging Bridge: Experience the thrill of crossing the swinging bridge, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.