In spite of being referred to as a metropolis, Ellijay, Georgia, is really a tiny town. Although there are just over 1,700 people living there year-round, during the warmer months a large number of seasonal visitors arrive, significantly increasing the population.
A 90-minute drive from Atlanta, Ellijay's location on the edge of the Georgia Mountains has contributed to its increasing popularity as a spot for day trips and weekend getaways in addition to being a site to rent a cabin during the summer. Its location at the meeting point of the Cartecay and Ellijay Rivers makes it the perfect place for white water rafting, kayaking, river tubing, and other water sports.
With numerous routes leading to Ellijay's increasing status as the "Mountain Biking capital of Georgia," the surrounding hills have also proven to be a major magnet for mountain bikers. Fall is a fantastic time to go hiking or enjoy a lovely country drive since these same hills burst into a stunning display of color. For the yearly Georgia Apple Festival in October, large crowds descended in droves.
You'll never run out of fantastic locations to explore at any time of year when you combine this with a choice of entertaining cultural and entertainment offerings. Using our list of enjoyable activities in Ellijay, Georgia, you may focus your search.
1. Travel to Georgia during Apple Festival
The Georgia Apple Festival has honored Ellijay's significance as one of the state's top agricultural regions ever since it was founded in 1971. In fact, as you travel along Highway 52 towards the city, you will see innumerable orchards, both large and small, that offer related produce. Because of this, Ellijay is referred to be the "Apple Capital of Georgia."
The Georgia Apple Festival, which takes place over two weekends in October at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, showcases over 300 artists and crafters, a vintage car show, live entertainment, apple-themed food options, as well as live music and entertainment. Watching the big march through Ellijay is one of the highlights of the festivities.
The festival is also a perfect justification for driving around and taking in the nearby scenery. Numerous orchards themselves provide enjoyable festival activities, such as fruit picking and wagon rides.
It's important to keep in mind, though, that the roads around Ellijay might become backed up during the festival due to the 20,000 visitors every day that come from all over the state and from other countries. There is limited parking, therefore patience is needed. Utilizing the "parking by donation" alternatives provided at nearby schools and other attractions is a smart idea.
2. Take a Romantic Getaway in Ellijay's Downtown
Even though going to Ellijay during the apple festival can be a lot of fun, it's often much less crowded throughout the week and during the shoulder seasons. These times are ideal for exploring more of the charming downtown Ellijay's many wonderful attractions.
Ellijay has maintained its original red-brick storefronts, which are now home to chic clothing boutiques, art galleries, and home furnishing shops, despite its prominence as a tourist destination. Also worth checking out are some fantastic eateries, such as Emily's Restaurant for lunch or dinner and the Ellijay Coffeehouse for its mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches.
Visit-worthy attractions can also be found here. These comprise Tabor House and Civil War Museum's intriguing historical exhibitions, the Gilmer Arts Playhouse, and the Gilmer Arts Center's collections of local artists' work.
Visit the Downtown Welcome Center to learn more about sightseeing and retail opportunities. Spend some time walking to Ellijay Cemetery up the hill for stunning views of the city.
Booking a night or two at Ellijay River House Bed & Breakfast is the best option for those looking to make a romantic weekend getaway of it. This elegant red-brick bed and breakfast is only a short stroll from the town center and offers opulent accommodations, delectable handcrafted bedtime treats, and what is quite possibly the best breakfast in Georgia. Spend some time admiring the picturesque gardens with their views of the river and stop by the vibrant "bottle house," a special building that's popular for engagement parties and wedding celebrations.
3. R&A Orchards and Apple Alley in Ellijay
Ellijay's apple industry is so significant that there are currently 11 orchards and farms within the city. Because of their conspicuous welcome signs and product stands along the highways heading into Ellijay, State Highway 52 in the area is known as "Apple Alley."
The most well-known of these is R&A Orchards, a family-run business that was founded in the 1940s. R&A has more than 60 acres of apple orchards, and during apple picking season, it offers enjoyable family outings that may include tractor rides and lunches. Even if apple harvesting season isn't your thing, their sizable store serves regional produce all year long, including their renowned fried fruit pies.
Other orchards worth visiting include B.J. Reece Orchards, which also provides a corn maze and pony rides, Red Apple Barn, which has been in operation since 1927 and serves mouthwatering homemade apple fritters, and Hillcrest Orchards, which features a petting farm.
4. Tabor House and Civil War Museum & Gilmer County Historical Society
Historic Tabor House is a short distance from the grand Gilmer County Courthouse. This former residence, which is the oldest in Ellijay and is now a fascinating Civil War Museum run by the Gilmer County Historical Society, was constructed in the 1870s and has been preserved largely as it would have appeared at the time.
Displays on the human history of Gilmer County, including the time prior to the 1838 Indian removals, and Cherokee heritage are highlights of a visit. A sizable collection of antiquities and military relics is also present. Self-guided tours offer a wealth of information about the museum's displays, and guided tours are offered by knowledgeable neighborhood volunteers.
5. Check out the Gilmer Arts Center's local artists
The thriving arts scene in Ellijay supports regional craftspeople and artists in a wide range of artistic undertakings. The group's excellent gallery space, which is located in the city center, regularly hosts exhibitions of artwork by regional, local, as well as international artists. It is open all year long and provides studio space, workshops, kid exhibits, and educational activities.
Magical forest in Ellijay, Georgia,USA! 🤗❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/Pzc9y9x3GX
— Jorgelina (@vergolisabe) April 30, 2022
The group organizes a number of significant art exhibitions and occasions all year long. The "Plein Air" event, which takes place in May during the height of spring, is one of the most well-liked. It draws painters from all over the world who capture the region's beautiful surroundings on canvas. The three-day event concludes with a joyful auction reception when these pieces are then put up for sale.
A juried art event that took place around the same time is among the other activities, and in August, the group's members mounted their own exhibition. There is also a strong representation of other artistic fields, such as photography, fabric art, and visual arts.
6. Ride a mountain bike
In addition to being famous for its apples, Ellijay is also renowned as Georgia's mountain riding center. With more than 100 miles of trails and bikeable dirt roads, Ellijay's location amid the foothills of the Georgia Mountains, a portion of the Appalachian Mountain range, ensures that there is no shortage of fun to be had on two wheels, whether you're an experienced pro or just out for the views.
Along with the routes, a ton of related businesses have appeared to serve the mountain biking community. The Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Getaway, which provides comfortable cabins and camping amenities for those wanting to make a weekend of it, is a good option for anyone seeking a wholly immersed experience. There are also bike-related events and competitions hosted nearby, such as the enjoyable "Bikepacking Summit," a three-day gathering that is becoming more and more well-liked by both professional and novice riders.
Do you need to rent a bike? The Cartecay Bike Shop in Ellijay's downtown area provides rentals, a huge assortment of bicycle accessories, and lots of helpful tips about the bicycling trails nearby.
There are many wonderful spots to walk for hikers as well. Unquestionably, Ellijay's location at the end of the well-known Appalachian Trail and the 355-mile Pinhoti Trail, which also permits riding, are highlights.
7.George Link Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse
Another outstanding building run by the Gilmer Arts organization is the George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse. The venue, which is housed in a restored 1940s building on Dalton Street in the heart of the city, acts as a gathering place for a diverse range of performing artists from the area and outside.
https://utravelo.com/en/activities-in-athens-georgia
The Arts Community Theatre and the Gilmer Arts Players, two regional theater companies, use the space, which was inaugurated in 2017, to stage a range of theatrical and musical productions all year long. Here, live music concerts as well as choir and other musical acts are routinely held.
Workshops and regular educational events are also provided.
8. Drive scenically to Eagle Mountain.
A journey to Eagle Mountain, which is not far from Ellijay, is a fantastic diversion. This charming neighborhood of seasonal vacation houses and mountain rental cabins has one of Georgia's most relaxing country drives.
With its guarded entrance, Eagle Mountain Drive winds its way up off Highway 382 and initially gives the impression that you are entering a state park. However, the gate is there more to ensure that you drive safely and act appropriately on the road. Start your exploration of Eagle Mountain at Build an Ark Animal Rescue, you might think. This animal sanctuary, which is especially entertaining for kids, not only saves sick and injured animals but also teaches young people about animal care through a variety of feeding experiences.
You can return to your starting location on Highway 382 by continuing on the curvy, dual-lane Eagle Mountain Drive all the way to Lemmon Lane. There are many beautiful locations to stop at along the journey, such as parks and picnic sites beside rivers. Here, the Ellijay River is a highly well-liked location for tubing and kayaking.
also take it gently. There is an abundance of wildlife in the area, including many deer, some of whom are not at all bothered by vehicle traffic.
9. Plan a Fall Color Tour and Stay in an Ellijay Mountain Cabin
Renting a comfortable cabin in the woods is one of the greatest ways to get to know the Georgia Mountains that surround Ellijay. It's a particularly unforgettable experience when the area's stunning fall foliage is in bloom.
You'll find lots of locations to stop and take pictures, whether you drive up to Eagle Mountain or into the nearby, equally gorgeous town of Blue Ridge. Make your way to Fort Mountain State Park and trek to the top for even more dramatic views of the area's vibrant fall foliage; the sights from here are truly mesmerizing.
Although there are countless privately owned cabins that may be rented through rental companies, there are many benefits to arranging a weekend break (or longer!) at a family-run cabin resort. Gingershack Farms is among the finest. Ginger Shack's collection of brand-new, comfortable cabins, which are located on an actual farm property that spans the bubbling Turkey Creek, provide a tranquil haven that's ideal for use as a base for mountain biking, scenic drives, or simply lounging by a fire pit at the foot of a mountain.