Sojourn to the North Georgia Mountains in Ellijay
Ellijay, the Apple Capital of Georgia, draws thousands of visitors each fall, but the appeal of this small northwest Georgia mountain town extends well beyond harvest season. Families can look forward to year-round fun at the area’s many popular outdoor destinations.
Ellijay’s name purportedly derives from a Cherokee word meaning “many waters,” and the town is a jumping-off point for trips to nearby waterfalls as well as outings on rivers and Carters Lake’s shimmering waters. Mountain biking is big here, too. A popular pick is the Bear Creek Trail, which winds past the 100-foot-tall Gennett poplar, reputedly Georgia’s second-largest tree.
Places to Eat
The Shack of Ellijay serves a selection of bubble teas, from peach-coconut to cotton candy, and an Asian-fusion menu featuring poke and noodle bowls. For excellent coffee and pastries served surrounded by books, visit Mountain Town Coffee at Hemlock Bazaar, nestled in a restored 1940s building. End the day back in town at The Roof, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of downtown Ellijay and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Where to Stay
Glamping, anyone? Bed down in a geodesic dome or Airstream trailer at North Georgia Glamping, a nature-loving lodging destination.
Looking for homelike amenities surrounded by nature? You’ll be well served by Blue Sky Cabin Rentals, Talona Ridge RV Resort, and Dragonfly Dreams Luxury Cabin Rentals.
Things to Do
Visit the new Ellijay River location of Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery, a cyclist’s dream boasting its very own suds. Then, head to woodsy Mulberry Gap, an adventure base camp boasting singletrack, gravel, and road routes.
Just 4 miles from downtown Ellijay is Roo Mountain Vineyards, where you can sip fragrant reds and hard ciders after a long day at play. There are nearly 10 wineries within 30 minutes of Ellijay, among them Cartecay and Engelheim vineyards. More of a fine-spirits lover? Head to Ellijay’s new House of Applejay distillery for artisanal cocktails infused with local liqueurs in flavors like winter cherry and juniper.
For those who come for the apples, pick your own or grab a bag (and a cider donut) at one of a number of nearby apple houses, including R & A Orchards and Hillcrest Orchards.
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