How John Lavin Brought New Life to the Blue Ridge Inn
For John Lavin, the road to becoming an innkeeper wasn’t a straight line—it was an adventure. From a childhood spent in Louisiana and Tennessee to chasing an acting career in New York and Los Angeles, and eventually settling in the Appalachian Mountains, his journey is a story in itself, beautifully written through the grit and grace that led him here.
John has poured his passion for history, hospitality, and storytelling into creating a one-of-a-kind guest experience in a refurbished 135-year-old Victorian home, which is now a beautiful bed and breakfast with plenty of space for a variety of weekend getaways. The latest episode of the Southern Character Podcast with James Lewis captures his fascinating career path, the inspirations that led him to hospitality, and why Blue Ridge, Georgia, is the perfect backdrop for his next chapter.
Growing Up Southern
John had a diverse childhood, living in Lafayette, LA for the first 10 years of his life and then moving to the Chattanooga, TN area for his adolescence. Lafayette is heavily Cajun with about 98% of the population identifying as Catholic. John attended the Our Lady of Fatima School in Louisiana and graduated from Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, and now considers his upbringing evenly split between two distinct, solid cultural influences.
John later moved to Birmingham, AL, to attend Birmingham Southern, a now-closed Methodist college, majoring in history with a French minor and even studying for a semester at the Sarbonne in Paris. John believes that this diverse educational experience across these three cities and his interest in history ultimately inspired and led him to open the Blue Ridge Inn B&B.
From Aspiring Actor to Storyteller Behind the Scenes
Fresh out of Birmingham-Southern College, John moved to New York during the early 2000s, waiting tables while auditioning for acting roles. He landed a few soap opera gigs and performed in an off-Broadway play called Cowboys, but ultimately, stage acting didn’t feel like the right fit.
Looking for a new opportunity, he packed up and moved to Los Angeles, where he quickly discovered a love for production and editing. Instead of being in front of the camera, he started working behind the scenes—creating pilots for reality shows, producing over 100 concept reels, and traveling around the world to package projects for major networks. His love of historic homes led him to develop Restored, a show focused on reviving old properties, which ran for multiple seasons on the DIY Network, which is now Magnolia.
John also worked on the documentary Hollywood to Dollywood, a film following twin brothers on a road trip to meet their idol, Dolly Parton. The film was special enough to earn the rights to 15 of Dolly’s songs, a rare honor that reflected her appreciation for the project.
A Return to the South and a New Career Path
Like many Southerners who leave home in their early years, he eventually felt the pull to return. In 2015, he moved to New Orleans, where he worked for the Solomon Group, a production company known for its large-scale events, including halftime shows, museum installations, and iconic New Orleans celebrations.
During the pandemic, John had found an unexpected passion—curating experiences for others. He started filming TikToks about New Orleans history and architecture while biking through the city’s empty streets, gaining a dedicated following. His interest in hospitality deepened when he invested in two Airbnbs walkable to the Quarter, restoring a double-shotgun home from the 1890s.
That experience and some environmental problems with flooding planted the seed for his next big move: purchasing the bed and breakfast in Blue Ridge, GA now known as the Blue Ridge Inn.
Honoring the History of the Blue Ridge Inn
Blue Ridge is a small mountain town in North Georgia that can swell to nearly 40,000 people during busy seasons. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and just 90 minutes from Atlanta and Chattanooga, the town has become a growing destination for visitors looking for a peaceful escape. John took over the Inn in October 2021, right in the middle of the peak season, and got to work.
The house was originally built by railroad man Sylvester Long, who lived there until 1900. It then passed to the Kincaid family, who owned it for nearly a century before converting it into a bed and breakfast in 1995. John’s spent the past few years modernizing the guest experience and curating the perfect weekend escape for his guests.
Running an inn comes with challenges—there’s always something in need of repair in a 135-year-old home—but John has embraced the project with his whole heart. From curating the decor at Porch & Parlor, a gift shop where nearly everything is for sale, to providing high-quality recommendations for places to go around Blue Ridge, John has crafted a true mountain escape from everyday life.
Staying at the Blue Ridge Inn
The Inn features nine beautifully appointed rooms, including four suites. The Lodge suite, a spacious 900-square-foot retreat, offers a full kitchen and private patio, making it ideal for groups or families. Another standout is the Appalachian room, which was once the original owner’s suite and has since been redesigned by a local design team, who also opened a bookstore nearby called The Copper Fox Bookstore, which also includes a Mountain Mamas Coffee outpost.
In the spirit of true hospitality, each morning, guests are treated to a two-course breakfast featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, setting the tone for a day of exploration - sometimes even cooked by John himself!
John has built a strong connection with his guests, frequently surveying them on their favorite places to eat and visit, keeping a current list of recommendations for things to do and places to eat, drink, or socialize. A few from the list are:
Fly Fishing North Georgia – Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, guided fishing trips on the Toccoa River offer a peaceful escape.
Tubing and Whitewater Rafting – The Ocoee River is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush.
Local Restaurants – Guests rave about The General Ledger, Grace Prime Steakhouse, and the no-frills yet delicious Cuban fare at The Rum Cake Lady.
Craft Breweries and Wineries – Tipping Point Brewery and Grumpy Old Man Brewing are among the must-visit spots for a local brew.
Evening Fun – For those looking to extend the night, The Blue Coyote karaoke bar is a lively spot for entertainment.
A Story of Passion and Purpose
For John Lavin, running the Blue Ridge Inn isn’t just a business—it’s the culmination of years spent searching for a path that blends history, hospitality, and storytelling. Whether he’s whipping up breakfast, recommending the best places to hike, or simply chatting with guests about the Inn’s history, his passion for curating meaningful experiences shines through, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most fulfilling destinations.
Hear the full story on the latest episode of Southern Character Podcast—available now!