Ellijay, Georgia is a small town located in the North Georgia Mountains that offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Known for its breathtaking views of the Appalachian foothills, friendly locals, and delicious southern cuisine, Ellijay is located north of Atlanta; if you’re looking for a weekend RV or camping getaway, Ellijay is worth considering! We came to the area primarily for the apples, but we found so much more that we decided to dedicate an entire guide on things to do in the area for families.
Hiking in Ellijay Georgia
One of the best ways to enjoy the fall foliage and a favorite pastime of RV’ers (and us too!) is to go for a hike. The North Georgia Mountains around Ellijay, Georgia are a great place to go hiking any time of year, but they are especially beautiful in the fall. There are plenty of trails to choose from, and they range from easy to difficult and include something for everyone. You can find easy trails for beginners or difficult trails for experienced hikers. Whether it’s a stroll or a strenuous hike up a mountain, Ellijay has something for everyone. There are many trails and parks to explore and we think Ellijay is the perfect place for your next outdoor adventure.
Amicalola Falls State Park
If you’re looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to visit in the Ellijay area, be sure to check out Amicalola Falls State Park. This park is home to the tallest waterfall in the state, and it’s definitely worth a visit! We hiked up to the viewing area of the falls which was an uphill hike all the way from the base near the visitor center. The trip was about 2.5 miles round trip is moderately strenuous and included about 800 steps. You could continue your hike further to the top, but we had other things on our agenda for the day and decided to stop after viewing the falls. There are plenty of other hiking trails to choose from, and you can even camp overnight in the park. We didn’t stay in the state park, but the campground was busy when we were there. Maybe on our next trip we’ll check that out and write a review.
The Georgia Apple Festival
The Georgia Apple Festival is a yearly event that takes place in Ellijay, Georgia, and is known for its delicious food and family activities, and is one of the town’s most popular attractions. The festival celebrates the apple harvest, which is a big part of the local economy and features food stalls, craft vendors, and of course, lots of apples-themed food! There are apple pie eating contests, live music, and much more! If you’re looking for a fun fall activity, the Georgia Apple Festival is worth checking out. The festival is one of the reasons we decided to take the RV to the Ellijay area and we had a great time.
Apple Picking in Ellijay Georgia
Speaking of apples, if you’re looking for more family fun things to do in Ellijay Georgia in the fall, go apple picking! There are several orchards in the area that offer pick-your-own apples with tons of other things like cannons, kids’ slides and so much more. If you are also planning on visiting one of the apple festival weekends, go to the orchards and don’t rely on getting apples at the festival. There was only one orchard selling its fruit at the festival, which was hard to believe! We visited a couple of orchards and country stores on this trip and were glad that we did.
No matter your age, apple picking is a great way to enjoy the autumn weather and get some fresh air. Plus, you can’t beat the taste of fresh apples straight from the tree!
Wineries
We can’t forget about the wine! The North Georgia Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful wineries in the country. Ellijay, Georgia is the perfect environment for growing wine grapes due to its temperate climate and soil quality. Ellijay’s North Georgia Mountains provide plenty of unique microclimates, allowing wineries to grow different varietals on different slopes of Ellijay’s mountainsides. Ellijay’s soil composition provides adequate drainage as well as important minerals and nutrients needed to produce high-quality wines. Whether you are a fan of red or white wines or both, you can find exceptional wines that have been crafted with great care by passionate vintners.
Some of the best wineries in the area include:
Cartecay Vineyards
If you’re looking for a fun day trip, or even an afternoon out, be sure to visit Cartecay Vineyards in Ellijay, Georgia. This vineyard is located in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains and is known for its delicious wine. The vineyard has a beautiful setting, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and offers wine tastings and tours. You can also purchase wine by bottle or case to take home with you. The staff at Cartecay Vineyards is friendly and knowledgeable, and they will help you find the perfect wine for your taste. If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing day out, be sure to visit Cartecay Vineyards in Ellijay, Georgia!
Ellijay River Vineyards
If you’re looking for a winery with a more intimate setting, Ellijay River Vineyards is a great choice. This vineyard is located on a beautiful piece of property on the Ellijay River, and they offer tastings every day from 11am-5pm. They also have a gift shop on site, so be sure to pick up some souvenirs while you’re there!
The Scenery of Ellijay Georgia
After you’ve made your wine stop, why not enjoy the scenery? The North Georgia Mountains are a beautiful place to take a scenic drive any time of year, but they are especially stunning in the fall. There are plenty of winding roads that offer great views of the fall foliage. Make sure you take your time and enjoy the scenery; there’s no hurry! The North Georgia Mountains are the perfect place to relax and take it all in. You’ll be able to see mountains, rivers, and forests all at once, and the colors are simply amazing. So if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, or you just want to experience the beauty of the North Georgia Mountains, be sure to take a scenic drive through them!
Dining in Ellijay Georgia
If you’re looking for a delicious way to spend a weekend day, be sure to indulge in some of Ellijay’s delicious food. There are plenty of great restaurants in the area, and they serve up some of the best Southern cuisines you’ll ever taste.
Southern Cuisine
Be sure to try the fried chicken, the pulled pork, and the peach cobbler. You won’t be disappointed! And if you’re looking for a drink, be sure to order a sweet tea. It’s the perfect way to complete your Southern meal.
Casual Dining in Ellijay Georgia
There are many great restaurants in Ellijay, GA, but some of our favorites include Mikes Ellijay Restaurant, Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza Company and River Street Tavern. Mikes Ellijay Restaurant is a country restaurant that serves delicious home-cooked food, and Ellijay Pizza Company is a local favorite for pizza and Italian food. River Street Tavern is a typical tavern with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that features everything from burgers to salads and chicken dishes. There is plenty of beer including bottles, cans, and drafts.
Downtown Ellijay
Downtown Ellijay, Georgia is a charming and vibrant community that offers visitors plenty of opportunities to explore, shop and dine. Ellijay’s downtown district is filled with unique shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as plenty of galleries featuring local artists. There are also several festivals and events happening throughout the year including the aforementioned Georgia Apple Festival, the Ellijay 4th of July Parade and the Ellijay Fall Festival.
Shopping in Ellijay
If you’re looking for a great place to do some shopping, Ellijay is the perfect place to visit. There are several great shops in the area, and they offer a wide variety of items for sale. Be sure to check out the local art galleries, where you can find unique pieces of art made by local artists. You can also find some great deals at the local thrift stores, and there are several antique shops in Ellijay where you can find vintage treasures. So if you’re looking for a fun day of shopping, be sure to visit Ellijay! You’ll find something for everyone in this charming mountain town.
Our Take
Ellijay, Georgia is a beautiful destination for any traveler looking to experience the charm of small-town life and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re interested in visiting vineyards or taking a scenic drive through winding roads surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage, Ellijay has something for everyone. Be sure to try some delicious Southern cuisine at one of Ellijay’s many restaurants before browsing local art galleries and antique shops. Last but not least, don’t forget to check out our Talona Ridge RV Resort review – it’s an ideal spot to stay while exploring Ellijay! So if you’re planning your next getaway, be sure to add Ellijay Georgia to your list. You will be glad you did!
