Tucked away in the North Georgia Mountains, Ellijay boasts bright fall colors, a favorite outdoor recreation, and the fine tradition of raising apples. Sometimes referred to as the “Apple Capital of Georgia,” Ellijay welcomes visitors with a variety of exciting things to see and do, ranging from outdoor adventure to downtown Ellijay. Several thousand people visit this town each year during their famous festivals, mainly because of the Georgia Apple Festival, which features local handcrafts and customs of apple cultivation in the area.
Things to Do in Ellijay Ga
Outdoor Activities
Ellijay is a big city for outdoorsmen. From small to large, there are plenty of activities that celebrate nature and the adventurous spirit.
Hiking: Hike through the surrounding mountains; enjoy some of the most stunning vistas in town, especially during autumn.
Fishing: Enjoy the great fishing on the Ellijay River or nearby lakes.
Apple Picking: Take part in one of the country’s top apple-picking destinations. Among local orchards, B.J. Reece Orchard is a great way to spend a day.
Water Sports: Coosawattee River Resort offers tubing and fishing, while Ellijay River Outfitters offers kayaking and tubing trips on the Ellijay River.
Things to Do in Ellijay, GA
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Explore Downtown Ellijay | Stroll through charming shops, restaurants, and historic sites. |
| Visit East Ellijay | Discover unique shops, local markets, and cozy eateries. |
| Enjoy Outdoor Recreation | Hiking, fishing, and exploring the scenic mountain landscapes. |
| Attend Local Festivals | Experience seasonal events like the Georgia Apple Festival. |
| Go Apple Picking | Visit local orchards for a fun-filled day of apple picking. |
| Discover Local Art | Explore galleries showcasing works by regional artists. |
| Try Southern Cuisine | Savor traditional Southern dishes at local restaurants. |
Ellijay’s Best Kept Secrets
Though the city of Ellijay, GA, is principally known for its apple orchards and outdoor activities, some fantastic places in the surrounding area don’t get as much press yet are worth visiting. Only partially surrounding Ellijay, the Chattahoochee National Forest holds more secret hiking trails with tranquil waterfalls. Nature lovers in search of a secluded swimming hole or a quiet place to sit and bird-watch can revel in the mountain air.
Things to Do in Ellijay Ga
Attractions in Ellijay
Ellijay, GA, is a destination known for its vibrant autumn festivals, spectacular natural beauty, and family-friendly recreation.
Fall Festivals
Georgia Apple Festival: Held every October at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, with over 300 sellers, handmade arts and crafts, and tasty foods made from apples.
Fall Arts in the Park: Amusement rides, food, and live performances within view in Blue Ridge, GA.
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival: One of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast,” to be held in Hiawassee, GA.
Scenic Beauty
The surrounding Georgia mountains are something to see, and fall makes their foliage brilliant colors. You can tour one of several local orchards and enjoy the scenic landscaping that makes Ellijay a photographer’s dreamland.
Top Things to Do in Ellijay, GA
| Activity | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Explore Ellijay, GA | Discover scenic views and rich history. |
| Top Things to Do | Hiking, apple picking, and exploring downtown. |
| Ellijay Vacation Cabins | Rent cabins for a cozy mountain retreat. |
| Attractions in Ellijay | Visit vineyards, orchards, and local parks. |
Family-Friendly Options
Fun things to do in Ellijay for families with kids and adults alike include
- Family-friendly activities at the apple orchards
- Parks and playgrounds
- Events and festivals, depending on the season
- Farm tours
Things to Do in Ellijay, Georgia
Tour Downtown Ellijay: Enjoy an afternoon walking the quaint streets, browsing unique shops, and dining at great local restaurants.
Visit East Ellijay: East Ellijay offers more dining options and shopping just a mile from Ellijay’s downtown.
Get Outdoors: Go hiking, fishing, and enjoy water activities in this beautiful natural area.
Attend Festivals: Vibrant community spirit abounds when attending festivals such as the Georgia Apple Festival. Go Apple Picking: Take in one of the many orchards for a quintessential experience in Ellijay. Discover Local Art: A few galleries and boutiques show off the works of local artisans in everything from paintings to unique jewelry pieces. Try Local Cuisine: Delicious Southern fare and apple-inspired dishes served at restaurants around town.
Outdoor Adventures in Ellijay, GA
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Explore numerous trails with breathtaking mountain views. |
| Fishing | Enjoy trout fishing in the clear rivers and streams. |
| Apple Picking | Visit orchards and pick fresh apples during harvest season. |
Dining and Shopping
Ellijay’s culinary landscape presents a mouthwatering smorgasbord of options, reflecting the flavor of the locals and true Southern hospitality.
Dining Options
Cantaberry Cafe: Thinks hearty sandwiches and fresh soups and salads.
River Street Tavern: Offers big portions of, friendly atmosphere
The Rooftop restaurant offers burgers, seafood, signature cocktails, and fantastic views.
The Butcher and Bottle: Showcasing butchery cuts and seafood dishes
Kaffee Haus on the Square: Favorite Downtown Ellijay for Coffee Lovers
Shopping Experience
Downtown Ellijay: charming boutiques and antique stores.
Ellijay Marketplace: This is a hot spot for local products and handmade crafts.
Ellijay Wood Crafts: Stop by and see these original, handcrafted wooden pieces made locally.
Jewelry Boutiques: You will also find some unique pieces in the boutiques created from the local landscape and culture.
Antique Stores: The price is very reasonable for antiques and vintage items.
Farmers Market: This is one of the most popular places to visit from late August through October during apple season.
Artisans Galore: Ellijay, Georgia
Beyond its natural beauty, Ellijay, Georgia, has grown to be a hotbed of craft foods and beverages. Its emerging craft cider industry gives testament to the region’s apple-growing heritage through unique flavor profiles featuring North Georgia apples. Farm-to-table restaurants have, meanwhile, taken the lead in showcasing Ellijay’s agricultural produce in culinary dishes that blend Old South flavors with modern gastronomy.
Accommodations
Being an important tourist destination, Ellijay has various accommodation options; they all vary from modest to luxurious.
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Cabin Rentals
Getaway to Owl Town: The Cabin has a sleeping capacity for 10 guests. Ceilings are vaulted, and there are decks with exterior access.
Modern Riverfront Cabin: Amenities listed include a hot tub, fire pit, and pool table.
Serene Retreat: A renovated cabin that sleeps 12, with a hot tub and game room.
Best Ellijay Cabin Experiences: Dozens of vacation cabins in the area offer panoramic views with modern conveniences.
Amazing Ellijay Cabin Vacations
For those looking forward to a real mountain experience, cabin rentals in Ellijay are so much more. Many cabins in this area come with something special—a private treehouse-like lodging, sometimes with breathtaking panoramic mountain views; a rustic cabin including an outdoor kitchen and fire pit for stargazing. Some of the homes have mini-golf courses, private hiking trails on site, or anything else that can be imagined to make your stay in an Ellijay cabin an adventure itself.
Ellijay Vacation Cabins
| Cabin | Ellijay vacation cabin |
|---|---|
| Owl Town Retreat | Spacious cabin with stunning views of the mountains. |
Motels
Budget Inn Ellijay: Comfortable rooms, conveniently located. Pet accommodation is available.
Ellijay Inn: The inn is smoke-free. It is situated rather near Ellijay’s downtown.
Alternative Accommodation
Harvest Branch Lodge: This lodge can accommodate up to 14 guests and has mountain views.
Eagle View Lodge: Close to a private waterfall
Lakeview Lodge: Using rustic charm with modern conveniences
Transportation
Of course, when downtown Ellijay is your concern, most of the attractions are rather easy to navigate by walking. If one intends to explore the further reaches, it would be a good idea to rent a car so that one can enjoy the natural scenery and outdoor activities more fully in its surroundings.
Getting to Ellijay
Ellijay is accessible by car, with US-76 W being the most direct route from Downtown Blue Ridge. For other locations, visitors should rely on GPS to get the shortest directions.
Arts and Culture
The city has an active art environment, with various galleries displaying work by local artists. The Gilmer Arts Association maintains a schedule of regular exhibitions and also stages numerous cultural events in Ellijay throughout the year.
Cultural Events in Ellijay
While most associate Ellijay with outdoor activities, it also has quite an active cultural scene. The Gilmer Arts Playhouse produces plays throughout the year, displaying local talent and running the gamut from classical to modern. In the summertime, the town square hosts free outdoor concerts with locals playing everything from traditional Appalachian tunes to modern genres.
Unique Ellijay Records
incredible ellijay cabin: Ellijay has some unique records and designations:
Apple Capital of Georgia: identified by its expansive apple orchards and annual productions.
Home of the Georgia Apple Festival: this serves as one of the biggest apple festivals in the Southeast.
Gateway to the Appalachian Trail: allows hikers of this famous trail to start their journeys.
Conclusion
Ellijay, GA, stands for a combination of nature, outdoor activities, culture, and a small-town feel. Whether one looks forward to active entertainment, pleasant food, or just a quiet escape into the arms of nature, Ellijay has opened its arms to guests and given them a big playground for enjoying their time and taking rest.
Things to Do in Ellijay GA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the best things to do in Ellijay, GA?
A1: Some of the more popular activities to do around Ellijay include:
- Local orchard apple picking
- Hiking in the surrounding mountains
- Shops and restaurants in downtown Ellijay
- Georgia Apple Festival
- Fishing or tubing in the Ellijay River
- Visits to local wineries and cideries
- Taking in the beautiful scenery on a drive—especially during the fall foliage season
Q2: Does Ellijay have vacation cabins?
A2: Yes, Ellijay has several vacation cabins, including but not limited to:
- Owl Town Retreat
- Modern Riverfront Cabin
- Serene Retreat
- Many other cabins with hot tubs, game rooms, and mountainous views
Q3: For what is the Roof Ellijay restaurant known?
A3: Roof is one of the most favorite rooftop restaurants in the city of Ellijay and is famous for:
- Scenic views of the surroundings
- Menu featuring burgers and seafood
- Signature cocktails
- Casual dining in open-air
Q4: What about adults’ things to do in Ellijay?
A4: Of course! Adults can go on:
- Wine tasting at local vineyards
- Golfing: several courses nearby
- Art Galleries and Boutiques
- Fine Dining
- Spa treatments at local resorts
- Outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking
Q5: What is Ellijay known for?
A5: Ellijay’s Hot Spots include the:
- Shops and restaurants of downtown Ellijay
- Local apple orchards, one being B.J. Reece Orchard
- The gallery of the Gilmer Arts Association
- Ellijay River Outfitters for water activities
- Many state parks with hiking trails are available
- Annual Georgia Apple Festival
Q6: Best visiting time in Ellijay?
A6: Ellijay is indeed a lovely place throughout the year, but fall—September to November—is the peak season due to the apple harvest season, due to the fall foliage, and thirdly because of the Georgia Apple Festival. Spring and summer months provide the best times for outdoor activities, while winters have their charm as a cozy mountain retreat.
Q7: Where is Ellijay about Atlanta?
A7: Compared to Atlanta, Ellijay is located about 80 miles north, which can take about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your traffic conditions.
Q8: Are there any unique shopping experiences available in Ellijay?
A8: Yes, unique shopping that can be expected to be enjoyed in Ellijay includes:
- Antique shops carrying items from times past
- Handmade craft shops from local artisans
- The Ellijay Marketplace for buying local items
- Boutiques having one-of-a-kind jewelry
- Farmer’s markets are especially busy during the apple season of the year.
Note: All specific attractions, events, and hours of operation mentioned can be further verified by accessing a local website or calling the Ellijay Welcome Center.