I’m mostly a city girl. I like hustle and bustle. I like neon billboards. I like smog.

Okay. Maybe I don’t like smog, but I’m certainly not opposed to air you can sink your teeth into.

Even so, every once in a while, I do yearn for a slow-down, and when I do, one of my favorite places to go is Blue Ridge, GA.

This quaint little mountain town, nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, has got everything anybody needs for a good relaxing vacation getaway. Crisp mountain air. Scenic orchards aplenty. Bear-proof trashcans.

But the thing I go to Blue Ridge for is Mona Lisa’s Dessert House. It’s the crowning jewel in any visit to this cozy mountain hamlet.

The dessert house, conveniently located in the heart of the downtown Blue Ridge shopping district, is a magical little sit-down restaurant space that boasts a lovely assortment of inventive and decadent desserts, including a to-die-for banana pudding and a light and airy strawberry shortcake as well a catalogue of equally inventive and delectable cocktails that perfectly complement the romantic atmosphere of Mona Lisa’s.

Of course, the true appeal of Mona Lisa’s is how scrumptious everything is, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that their desserts, taste aside, are beautifully plated works of art. The banana pudding, for instance, is served in a martini glass with a heaping mound of homemade whipped cream and a delicate sugar garnish. The strawberry shortcake is plated with a spoon of strawberry jam with extra jam schmears on the plate for good measure. The attention to detail is truly impressive.

Mona Lisa’s is extra magical at Christmas when they frost their windows and put up their tree.

If you plan to stop in at Mona Lisa’s, be sure to make a reservation. This sweet spot fills up fast!