BLUE RIDGE, Ga. - GeorgiaChron -- There will be magic in the mountains of north Georgia the week of July 1^st when Black Bear Antiques and Interiors officially opens its doors to the public. The 21,000-square-foot antique mall is located at 4177 East 1^st Street in Blue Ridge. Just look for the 14-foot-tall, 500-pound bronze bear standing outside. He's inviting folks to come on in and browse.

Black Bear Antiques is not a new business. It was a prime destination in nearby Ellijay for tourists and shoppers seeking quality antiques and collectibles for 15 years, but when the opportunity arose to snap up the anchor tenant spot in a perfectly located strip center in Blue Ridge, The Ahlers Group (the Atlanta-based firm that owns Black Bear Antiques) pounced.

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"We had occupied our Ellijay location since 2008, when we first opened Black Bear Antiques," said Kris Triplett, Director of Retail Operations for The Ahlers Group. "We were proud to serve the Ellijay community, but we just felt that now was the right time to freshen things up in beautiful Blue Ridge. Also, it's larger than our previous location, so we can spread out a bit."

The new facility will serve as the new home for 80 dealers, offering locally sourced and locally made goods, interiors and cabin décor, woodworking and crafts, antiques, collectibles and more. "The merchandise is in a wide variety," Mr. Triplett said, "so whether you're a seasoned collector, a design enthusiast, or a curious explorer, there's something for everyone."

Black Bear Antiques will be conveniently located right off GA-515, a two-minute drive from downtown Blue Ridge and a block off of Main Street.  It's also a 5-to-7-minute drive from Lake Blue Ridge. The bronze bear, weighing more than 500 pounds, previously stood outside the Ellijay location and has made the move to Blue Ridge. The Ellijay store is closed.

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There is dealer space available at Black Bear Antiques, but on a limited basis. The most common booth space is 8 feet by 12 feet (96 square feet), but there is also a 9 foot by 14 foot booth (126 square feet) and an 8 foot by 24 foot booth (192 square feet).

For more information about Black Bear Antiques and The Ahlers Group, people can visit online at www.blackbearantiques.com, send an email to blackbearantqs@yahoo.com, or call 706-635-2327.