Known as Georgia’s Apple Capital, Ellijay is a serene mountain town in North Georgia. The place has a small-town charm and is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Every day spent here is bound to be filled with adventures exploring nature. It also has a rich history, knowing about which will help you acquire an even greater appreciation for the place.
From exploring local apple houses to swimming and fishing in one of the numerous lakes, Ellijay is sure to give you something to remember. Keep reading to find out some of the most interesting and exciting things to do here.
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Things to Do in Ellijay Georgia
1. Visit Apple Orchards
Come fall and Georgians are ready to savor delicious apples. Visiting apple orchards is one of the must-do activities in Ellijay. Some of the best orchards include the B.J. Reece Orchards with apples in various flavours and the Hillcrest Orchards where, besides picking apples, you can indulge in various activities. Some of these include the Apple Tree Maze and the Vortex Tunnel. Enjoy the cozy autumn ambience of these places while collecting ripe apples to enjoy afterwards.
2. Enjoy Wine at Local Wineries
Ellijay is home to several local wineries where you can sip your drink while soaking in the picturesque views. Ott Vineyards and Winery is one of the top wineries in the town that uses locally grown grapes like Seyval Blanc and Traminette. The location provides gorgeous mountain views as well.
Engelheim Vineyards is known for its ‘heavenly’ wine which you can relish amid the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where the vineyard is located. Grapes and Ladders is a pet and family-friendly vineyard with a relaxed, laid-back vibe. Visiting local wineries will surely give you a memorable experience.
3. Visit the Tabor House Museum
Tabor House Museum is the oldest standing house in Ellijay. The museum has a treasure house of photos, mementos, and historical artifacts, all reflecting various aspects of local history. The museum was once home to the Tabor family.
The place itself is built upon an 1870s Victorian-era house. It’s a historical piece in itself, with creaky floorboards and vintage trimmings. Time will fly by exploring its old-timey southern kitchen, old-fashioned children’s bedroom, and Native American history and Civil War room. The Tabor House Museum will certainly transport you back into the 19th century.
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4. Tubing and Kayaking on the River
Do you love the waters? Experience the beautiful rivers of Ellijay by booking an experience with a local tubing company. A good recommendation is the Cartecay River Experience. You can book a tube or a kayak and be shuttled to the inlet. You are then picked up at the end of the route.
A one or 3-mile route will let you enjoy the river to your heart’s content. The rolling rapids will allow you to sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of the Southern Appalachians.
5. Shop and Dine in Downtown Ellijay
Downtown Ellijay is where all the action takes place. The place looks like something from the past. The air is fresh and filled with oxygen and the people incredibly nice. Stroll more and you’ll find a range of shops that offer everything from street antiques to records and souvenirs.
The culinary scene is equally vibrant, with restaurants providing hot and fresh breakfasts to dinner with a view. The quaint atmosphere, along with the presence of food that feels like it’s made at home makes up for a truly pleasant experience.
6. Discover Local Talent Gilmer Arts Center
Gilmer Arts Center is a non-profit organization in Ellijay. It aims to enrich the cultural and creative life of Gilmer County through a range of arts programs. Here, you can watch events and performances in the literary, visual, and performing arts. The centre also hosts live music concerts, community theatre, and art exhibitions.
If you love writing, Gilmer Arts Center has a group for aspiring and local authors to unite and share ideas. The Gilmer House Playhouse, also operated by the center hosts various local and regional productions. Overall Gilmer Arts Center is the best place to discover the hidden local gems in the county.
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7. Take a Scenic Train Ride
Lose yourself in the natural landscape of the Blue Ridge as you board a trail at the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The vintage train will take you through tunnels and along the Toccoa River. You’ll pass the charming towns of McCaysville and Blue Ridge.
While on the train watch the interactive exhibits and listen to onboard narration to learn about the region’s rich heritage. The train stops at McCaysville, where you can get off to indulge in some delicious ice creams and explore specialty shops. To make your visit more fun, book a special-themed seasonal ride, such as the holiday train with Santa Claus.
8. Dine at The Roof
The Roof, a restaurant provides you with an evening’s worth of locally crafted art and rooftop vibes. The seating is generous and the diverse vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine will ensure that you fully indulge your tastebuds. As your meal concludes, enjoy a refreshing cocktail inspired by the colourful town of Ellijay.
The bar-style seating across the edge of the roof, along with a magenta sunset towering over Ellijay’s dense forestation, makes for a delightful evening. Some items worth mentioning here include The Rooftop Chicken Sandwich with house-made hot sauce and the H + F brioche bun with a side of your choice.
9. Attend the Georgia Apple Festival
The Georgia Apple Festival is one of the most anticipated occasions of the year. Held in mid-October, it hosts over 300 vendors selling an assortment of handcrafted items, art, and food. Set against the picturesque rolling hills of the region, the best part of the festival is navigating it to discover unique crafts and plotting your next apple treat. The R&A Orchards offers fun activities for the attendees. A popular one is heading over to the U-Pick orchards to collect seasonal apples.
Then, head over to the Red Apple Barn’s U-Pick pumpkin patches to enhance your autumn décor. Feel tired? Stop at Reece’s Cider Company for delicious hard cider. Walk 4 more miles and you’ll find yourself in the Roo Mountain Vineyards where you can taste their curated collection of hard cider and wines. The Georgia Apple Festival promises endless fun!
10. Visit the EXPEDITION: Bigfoot
Are you a mystery lover? EXPEDITION: Bigfoot is a must-visit for you. Explore the museum dedicated to Bigfoot, a legendary creature, and dive into the world of cryptids. The place offers an immersive experience, with exhibits featuring some of the largest permanent displays of footprint casts.
There are life-size interactive displays that are mesmerizing to look at. There’s also a Sasquatch theatre. Pick exclusive souvenirs on your way along with other unique items. This will ensure that your experience here remains alive in your memories.
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11. Attend Music Festivals
Ellijay is for music lovers. The saying holds complete truth in the light of various music festivals held here from time to time. The Annual Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival is a much-anticipated event in June featuring some of the best jazz performers in Ellijay. Besides music, the event also features the best local cuisine in North Carolina and North Georgia.
Ellijay Songwriters Festival takes place on the Memorial Day weekend. The Holla Yella music festival brings together an assortment of regional and national acts, with their unique music styles. Ellijay’s music festivals are guaranteed to give you a good time.
12. Hike and Explore the Waterfalls
Ellijay is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest. It means that there are countless hiking trails and magnificent waterfalls to discover. Choose any one of the trails, such as Long Creek Falls, Amicalola Falls, and Fall Branch Falls. All of them have scenic hikes that lead you to beautiful waterfalls.
You can bring your pet along on these hikes. Take a leisurely stroll or embark on a challenging trek, the choice is yours. These places have diverse ecosystems bustling with wildlife and native flora. It is bound to give you a reinvigorating outdoor experience.
Wrapping up
Ellijay offers a wealth of experiences in the form of places to explore and activities to enjoy. From wine tastings to hot balloon rides, hiking, and more, there’s something for everyone. A visit to this charming mountain town is undoubtedly one that’s going to be entrenched in your heart as a fond, happy memory.
