The Christmas lights have been hung, holiday sounds are filling the air and it’s that time of year when you’re checking your list to make sure everyone has a present under the tree. 

With all of the Black Friday deals and holiday sales to choose from, it can be difficult to choose the perfect gift for those in your life. After all, you want to make sure you’re giving something they’ll actually use and not just another Amazon package that gets shoved to the top of the closet. 

If you’re struggling to think of a unique gift idea for that person in your life that “has it all” it may be time to switch things up this year and give the gift of experience instead. 

When you gift someone an experience, you’re helping them create intentional moments in their life that they’ll remember versus giving an item that will likely be tossed out in a few years.

Additionally, gifting experiences allows people to do things that they likely wouldn’t have picked for themselves and most of the time people highly appreciate the opportunity to try something new or something they love doing.

At The Ridges Resort we value experiences and helping you create them with ease, so this holiday season we’re committed to helping you think outside of the present box and give the gift of experience. 🎁

Hiawassee and its surrounding areas are full of fun things to do that many people overlook, so here are a few unique ideas that you can take advantage of: 

Weekend Stay at The Ridges Resort 🛏

If you have a newly married couple, new or soon-to-be parents or someone that simply needs a relaxing getaway in your life, a weekend stay at The Ridges Resort is a great choice!

You can reserve a lakeview room that is sure to bring a relaxing experience and create lasting memories.

Hiawassee and Lake Chatuge are great places to visit all year round, so you can choose the season and make the reservation to give the people on your list something to look forward to!

Throughout the year, we offer special packages that you can take advantage of and those can be found here.

Elevated Dining Date Night at The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen 🍽

There’s nothing quite like being treated to a wonderful dining experience and one of the best places to enjoy that is at The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen located on the grounds of The Ridges Resort.

The Oaks offers an elevated menu paired with delicious cocktails that can all be enjoyed with Lake Chatuge views in the background. 

It’s the perfect excuse to get dressed up and enjoy a special date night with the one you love and a gift certificate to The Oaks is sure to put a smile on the faces of those receiving this gift!

Splash Island Stocking Stuffer 💦

If you have kids or grandkids, this gift was made for them!

Splash Island is an inflatable on-water obstacle course that provides hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. It’s the perfect way to get on the water this summer without having to rent a boat or visit the public beach.

Instead, you can spend your time with a unique adventure and athletic challenge that will make for perfect summer memories. 

All season passes for 2023 are currently 25% off, so you can grab your pass at a fraction of the price and know that your summer plans are already taken care of!

Concert Tickets 🎟

Hiawassee might be a small town, but don’t be fooled – we know how to have a good time, too!

Anderson Music Hall at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds welcomes artists and musicians of all different genres all year round to bring good times to residents and visitors alike. 

Huge artists like ZZ Top, Blake Shelton, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery and Josh Turner have all taken the stage in the past, as well as local bands and musicians to bring people together with great music. 

If you have someone in your life that enjoys live music and prefers a small venue feel, concert tickets to a show at the Anderson Music Hall is a great gift choice! Check here for all upcoming shows and events. 

Crane Creek Vineyards Wine Club Subscription 🍷

Gifting a bottle of wine is common, but gifting a wine club subscription is extraordinary! If you have a wine lover in your life, look no further than the Crane Creek Vineyards very own quarterly wine subscription.

Through this subscription, the recipient can enjoy:

  • 10% discount on wine and retail at Crane Creek
  • Complimentary tasting of up to 4 wines at the Crane Creek Tasting Room (includes tastings for yourself and up to 2 guests that you can use once per month)
  • Exclusive rewards including discounts, events and pick-up parties
  • Quarterly wine shipments in March, June, October and December
  • A complimentary Christmas gift with your December shipment
  • Access to pre-release wines
  • Priority access to the Crane Creek Cru “Magnum Hellbender” Program
  • Winemaker notes and recipes

Click here for all subscription details and to join today!

Knife Making Class 🔪

Hear us out on this one! If you have a group of guys in your life that are almost impossible to shop for, opt for a unique knife making class led by Hiawassee Native, Caleb Ledford.

You’ll walk away from a session with your very own beautiful knife made out of a railroad spike. The classes are great for individuals, couples, small groups and even corporate outings as group rates for classes are available! 

Click here to book a session or to grab your gift certificate.

At the end of the day, remember that most people don’t value more “stuff.” What they do value is quality time and joyful moments with their friends and family and giving the gift of experience helps them create that!

Here’s to giving great gifts this holiday season 🎄