Times change and the way it was two years ago, might not apply now. Maybe is time to "test the field" again.
Consider staying open late at least one night a week, for example on Saturdays nights. Make it known so that people are aware. I'm sure that the local newspaper will support this effort and advertise it.
Currently, locals don't go downtown since they know shops are closed. Tourists probably go, then find shops closed and end up going someplace else. I heard a local tell a tourist recently: "Go to Ellijay if you want to shop or eat out late". The issue as I see it is that it’s widely known that downtown is a sleeper after 5 pm, just because this is the way it has been for years. Maybe it's time to change this perception, at least during the busy season.
I believe it is worth the try.
I was the one that mentioned "Retail 101" on a previous posting. It was not meant to be a "smart remark" and if it came that way, I apologize. However, I have seen time after time that people get into the retail or the restaurant business, then realize they don't like the hours. This should not be a surprise factor. Retail businesses cannot run successfully on office hours. We want our locals businesses to succeed. We want our locals and tourist to support these businesses. These comments are meant to assist, not to criticize. Blue Ridge has a lot to offer and we should take advantage of this.

As a comsumer I think that if the businesses would start being open on Sat nights the customers would come. Might take a little while for the news to get out, but they will come. A good coffee house/book store that is open late on a Sat night downtown would be sweet.

Someone mentioned on another thread about Blue Ridge hosting a "Night Out on Blue Ridge" once a month or bi-monthly. I can tell you I have seen a few small towns throughout the southeast do this and it really helps getting the word out how great a downtown area can be. I would propose a "Jazz on Main " event monthly especially spring through fall. Some cities in Fla and Carolinas have really helped boost their image and economy with little events like this. Parameters would be set so only businesses in downtown could participate.

ex: Only restaurants in downtown area would set out beer,wine,food tables etc...

Local Jazz, Rock, Blues etc.. in the park

Get the train involved so schedule coincides with hours of event.




I can tell you I own a mobile appliance repair company and 75% of my clients are cabin rental businesses. They are all pretty busy with rentals but I must say when I head out to a cabin to fix a dishwasher or dryer I always make a point to ask the renters where they are going to dinner or are they going to downtown. I get a 90% response rate of nothing was open when we were here last year or so and so is closed I heard or businesses just close when they want and we don't want to drive all that way and take a chance. They book their cabin and stop at Ingles and load up so they can just relax in the hot tub and not worry about the restaurants or shops being closed! Simple little events like I speak of and of course a cold beer can change that. For those against the alcohol just grab a Coke and enjoy the jazz. I hope the BRBA moves forward on some of these things.

And yes Zoolie a great lil coffee house/bookstore would be nice.

My son would be all over this. He has two bands that I feel would do well up here if given a venue to perform!
Newberry Jam and Smokey's Farmland Band