About Ellija
Ellijay is also recognized as the “Apple Capital of Georgia.” The town is situated in the mountains of North Georgia and is blessed with natural scenery, blending perfect outdoor adventures with small-town hospitality. Visit Ellijay if you want to enjoy apple picking during the fall season, explore the scenic trails of your hiking dreams, or get a feel for some local vineyards. Ellijay is a gorgeous location in terms of landscapes and is a lovely place for nature lovers, foodies, and relaxation in the countryside.
6 Hidden Gems in Ellijay You Need to Add to Your Itinerary
Here are some of the best places to visit in the Ellijay
1. Cartecay River Brewing Co. LLC – Brewery
Cartecay River Brewing Co. LLC in Ellijay, Georgia, is a popular microbrewery that attracts visitors and locals alike with its cozy ambiance and handcrafted beers. Quality and creativity are at the heart of the brewery’s beer styles. It continues to be open to expanding the boundaries of what a flavor inspired by nature might be in the areas it serves. Furthermore, the brewery organizes various annual events and activities because it values community.
Location:
Cartecay River Brewing Co. is at 1341 Broughton Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540. It is near the scenic Cartecay River, which provides a beautiful backdrop for a refreshing brewery experience.
Key Attractions:
- Craft Beers: Enjoy a diverse selection of house-brewed beers, including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal offerings, all brewed on-site.
- Outdoor Seating: The brewery features spacious outdoor seating areas with scenic views, perfect for relaxing with friends and family.
- Live Music and Events: Cartecay River Brewing regularly hosts live music performances, trivia nights, and food truck events, creating a lively community atmosphere.
Things to Do:
- Brewery Tours: Experience the ingredients and methods used to create their brews on a guided tour of the brewing process.
- Food Pairings: Participate in special events featuring food pairings, where local restaurants collaborate with the brewery to enhance the tasting experience.
- Community Events: Participate in seasonal events, such as the annual apple festival, where the brewery often holds special beer releases and activities.
2. Panorama Orchards & Farm Market – Farmers’ Market
Panorama Orchards & Farm Market is a destination loved by many in Ellijay, Georgia. This quaint location reveals to the visiting public glimpses of farmland heritage—fresh, locally grown produce and homemade products. The attraction found in this lovely atmosphere and appealing panoramic views make Panorama Orchards the perfect place for a family or a nature lover who seeks a taste of rural life.
Location:
Panorama Orchards & Farm Market is at 1036 E. Highway 52, Ellijay, GA 30536. Tucked up in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, the farm offers a breathtaking setting for an array of outdoor pursuits.
Key Attractions:
- Apple Picking: During the harvest season, experience the joy of picking your apples, with numerous varieties available.
- Farm Market: Visit the farm market, which features fresh produce, homemade jams, jellies, baked goods, and local crafts sourced from the surrounding area.
- Scenic Views: Take in breath-taking, all-encompassing views of the neighboring mountains and orchards, which make this a great place to rest and take pictures.
Things to Do:
- Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in fun activities like corn mazes, petting zoos, and hayrides, making it an excellent destination for families with children.
- Farm Tours: Take guided tours of the orchards to learn about apple cultivation and the farming process, enhancing your appreciation for local agriculture.
- Pick Your Produce: In addition to apples, seasonal fruits, and vegetables, such as peaches, pumpkins, and berries, are available for picking at various times.
3. The Roof Ellijay – Restaurant
The Roof Ellijay is a bustling restaurant in the heart of Ellijay, Georgia. As a restaurant on the top, it has beautiful views of the mountains. The menu includes dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal, and locally acquired ingredients. It is super popular not only among locals but also among tourists. There is good old Southern cuisine. The Roof represents a casual atmosphere and a perfect place to dine with friends or family while enjoying beautiful mountain views.
Location:
The Roof Ellijay is at 7 N Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540. Nestled in downtown Ellijay, it’s easily accessible and surrounded by other local shops and attractions.
Key Attractions:
- Rooftop Dining: The rooftop patio offers breathtaking views of the North Georgia mountains and downtown Ellijay, making it a perfect spot for sunset dining.
- Seasonal Menu: The restaurant features a diverse menu that includes Southern classics, fresh salads, gourmet burgers, and daily specials, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Craft drinks and Local Beers: Indulge in skillfully mixed drinks or pick from various regional beers to experience a true sense of the area.
Things to Do:
- Enjoy a Meal: Enjoy a meal in the comfortable interior or on the rooftop while trying out various cuisines that suit a range of palates and dietary requirements.
- Attend Events: Participate in special events and theme nights hosted by The Roof, which may include trivia, karaoke, and holiday celebrations.
- Explore Downtown Ellijay: After your meal, stroll through downtown Ellijay to explore local shops, art galleries, and other attractions.
4. River Street Tavern – Bar & Grill
River Street Tavern is a popular bar and grill in Ellijay, Georgia, known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious pub-style food. This lively establishment offers a relaxed setting for locals and visitors to unwind, enjoy good food, and socialize. River Street Tavern’s varied menu features something for everyone, including craft beers, creative drinks, and classic American fare. This makes it the ideal place for get-togethers, casual dining, or watching sports.
Location:
River Street Tavern is at 104 River St, Ellijay, GA 30540. It is easily accessible and surrounded by beautiful scenery near the picturesque Cartecay River.
Key Attractions:
- Casual Dining: Savor a menu of all-time favorites, such as salads, wings, burgers, and sandwiches, all prepared with fresh ingredients and in sizable servings.
- Craft Beers: River Street Tavern features a selection of local craft beers, providing a taste of Georgia’s vibrant brewing scene.
- Live Music and Events: The tavern hosts live music performances, karaoke nights, and special events, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
Things to Do:
- Participate in Trivia Nights: Join in on trivia or game nights, which are popular among locals and offer a fun way to challenge your knowledge.
- Explore the Surroundings: After your visit, take a leisurely walk along the Cartecay River or explore nearby attractions in downtown Ellijay.
- Plan Special Events: Consider hosting private parties or celebrations at River Street Tavern, where they can accommodate groups for special occasions.
5. Red Apple Barn – Orchard
Red Apple Barn is a famous family-owned orchard for its exquisite apple orchard beauties and the warmness at this destination. It provides an experiential life out of farms, with apple picking, home-baked goodies, and panoramic sceneries. Due to its emphasis on quality and tradition, it is an excellent chance for families and friends to spend a lot of time outside and try to appreciate the goodness of nature during the harvest season.
Location:
Red Apple Barn is at 3379 East, Hwy 52, Ellijay, GA 30536. Nestled in the stunning North Georgia mountains, it is easily accessible and offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Key Attractions:
- Apple Picking: During the harvest season, visitors can pick their apples, choosing from various delicious varieties, including popular favorites and unique heirloom varieties.
- Farm Market: The on-site farm market features a selection of homemade goods, including apple cider, jams, jellies, and baked treats, allowing guests to take home a taste of the farm.
- Scenery: Take in the stunning views of the orchard and the mountains in the background, ideal for taking unforgettable pictures year-round.
Things to Do:
- Visit During Festivals: Attend special events like apple festivals and harvest celebrations, which feature live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
- Enjoy Seasonal Produce: Besides apples, visitors can enjoy other seasonal fruits and vegetables available for picking, depending on the time of year.
- Relax in Nature: Take time to stroll through the orchard, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax and take in the serene beauty of the surroundings.
6. Amicalola Falls State Park – State park
Amicalola Falls State Park is a beautiful natural haven in the North Georgia mountains. The park includes one of the largest waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and long hiking trails. Amicalola Falls is the highest cascading waterfall in the US Southeast. Various outdoor activities allow individuals to appreciate the beauty of nature. It is a favorite haunt for adventure seekers and persons seeking seclusion in the great outdoors in a peaceful place.
Key Attractions:
- Amicalola Falls: The park’s namesake, Amicalola Falls, boasts a spectacular 729-foot waterfall that visitors can view from several observation points and hiking trails.
- Hiking Trails: The park offers over 12 miles of hiking trails, including the challenging approach trail to the Appalachian Trail. These trails give hikers stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
- Visitor Center: The park’s visitor center features exhibits about the local ecology, history, and the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest, as well as a gift shop and restrooms.
Things to Do:
- Waterfall Viewing: Use multiple viewing platforms to capture stunning photographs of the falls and their vibrant natural surroundings.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic at designated picnic areas with tables and grills, perfect for family gatherings amidst the beautiful scenery.
- Wildlife Watching: The park’s lush landscape is home to various wildlife species, including deer, birds, and small mammals.
Culinary Delights
Ellijay, Georgia, is known for its charming small-town atmosphere and culinary delights reflecting the region’s agricultural richness. Here are some must-try culinary experiences and local flavors:
- Apple Cider Donuts: Freshly made apple cider donuts are a local favorite, often available at orchards like B.J. Reece Orchards and Red Apple Barn. These sweet, spiced treats are perfect for a fall outing.
- Peach Cobbler: Ellijay is famous for its juicy peaches, and a warm slice of homemade peach cobbler is a must-have dessert that showcases the delicious local fruit.
- Barbecue Ribs: Many local restaurants serve tender, smoked ribs slathered in rich barbecue sauce, embodying the traditional Southern BBQ experience.
- Country Fried Steak: A Southern classic, country fried steak served with creamy gravy is a hearty dish in many local diners and restaurants.
- Homemade Jams and Jellies: Locally produced jams and jellies made from seasonal fruits like apples, peaches, and blackberries can be found at farmer’s markets and orchards.
- Fresh Apple Pie: A slice of fresh apple pie, made with apples harvested nearby, is the traditional dessert in Ellijay. It’s traditionally served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Fried Catfish: This Southern delicacy, usually served with sides like coleslaw and cornbread, is famous at local fish fry spots.
Events and Festivals
Ellijay, Georgia, is known for its vibrant events and festivals celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage, local culture, and community spirit. Here are some of the notable events and festivals held in Ellijay throughout the year:
- Apple Festival: In October, this iconic festival celebrates the apple harvest with various activities, including arts and crafts vendors, live music, apple-themed foods, and plenty of apple-picking opportunities at local orchards.
- Mountain Harvest Kitchen: This annual event features culinary demonstrations, tastings, and workshops on local ingredients and Southern cuisine. It usually takes place in the fall and attracts food enthusiasts from near and far.
- Georgia Apple Blossom Festival: This celebration honors the splendor of spring and apple blossoms and usually takes place in April. It includes a parade, artisan booths, and kid-friendly events highlighting the neighborhood.
- Pumpkin Patch and Fall Fest: In the fall, local farms like Hillcrest Orchards host pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and various seasonal family activities, including hayrides and petting zoos.
- Ellijay Farmers Market: This weekly market, which runs from spring through fall, showcases local produce, crafts, and homemade goods and provides a platform for local farmers and artisans to connect with the community.
- 4th of July Celebration: Families and locals alike will enjoy the Independence Day celebrations in Ellijay, which feature a parade, live music, food vendors, and an impressive fireworks display.
- Ellijay Beer and Wine Festival: This festival, typically held in the fall, features tastings from local breweries and wineries, food vendors, and live entertainment, celebrating the region’s craft beverage scene.
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