If you’re searching for the best Things to do in Elijay, Georgia, you’re in the right place. Locals spell it “Ellijay,” but whether you type Elijay or Ellijay, the heart of Apple Country is the same: mountain views, lazy rivers, small-town charm, and year-round adventures that keep residents and visitors coming back. I’m Charles H Shockey at Charles H Shockey, and I help buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the Ellijay market with the same on-the-ground knowledge I use to plan my weekend hikes, winery stops, and downtown dinners. Consider this your carefully curated, deeply local guide—plus insider tips that only a local agent sees day in and day out.
Downtown Ellijay: Small-Town Charm With Big Personality
Start your exploration on the historic downtown square, where walkable streets connect boutiques, galleries, and locally-loved eateries.
- Ellijay Coffeehouse: A community hub for breakfast sandwiches, espresso, and relaxed conversations before a day on the trails or river.
- River Street Tavern: A go-to for craft beer, burgers, and friendly service just off the square—ideal for casual evenings.
- The Roof Ellijay: A popular rooftop spot with scenic views of the town and nearby ridgelines, perfect for a sunset cocktail.
- Cantaberry: Known for comforting soups, sandwiches, and fresh salads—great for lunch during a shopping day.
Stroll through boutiques and antique shops for Appalachian crafts, mountain décor, and gifts you won’t find elsewhere. Don’t miss the murals and seasonal decorations that light up downtown throughout the year; they’re part of what makes a simple walk one of the most pleasant Things to do in Elijay, Georgia.
Local tip from Charles: Parking is easiest if you arrive before lunch on weekends during peak seasons (spring festivals and fall apple season). If the square is busy, try side-street parking and enjoy the short walk in.
Apple Country Adventures: U-Pick, Donuts, and Farm Markets
Ellijay is Georgia’s Apple Capital, and our orchards deliver far more than apple picking. From late August through October, the rolling hills east of town along State Route 52—known locally as “Apple Alley”—come alive.
- B.J. Reece Orchards: U-pick apples, a bustling farm market, petting farm, and seasonal attractions like apple cannons and a small zipline. The apple cider donuts are a must.
- Hillcrest Orchards: A family favorite with pig races, a petting farm, bakery treats, and farm demonstrations. It feels like a small festival whenever you visit in fall.
- R & A Orchards and Panorama Orchards: Excellent markets for apples, jams, fried pies, and local produce; both are great stops for take-home treats.
- Red Apple Barn: A beloved spot for hayrides, u-pick, pumpkins in season, and photo-ready farm views.
Insider tip: Saturdays in October are the busiest. For lighter crowds, try Fridays or Sunday mornings. And if you’re buying a home or cabin nearby, proximity to Apple Alley boosts your appeal for fall vacation rentals—something I walk my investor clients through every season.
Vineyards, Cider, and Mountain Views
Ellijay’s cooler mountain air and rolling slopes make it wine country, too.
- Cartecay Vineyards: One of the area’s originals, with a relaxed tasting room and live music on many weekends.
- Engelheim Vineyards: Award-winning wines crafted with passion; the German heritage and meticulous approach show in every pour.
- Ellijay River Vineyards and Buckley Vineyards: Scenic settings with river or ridge views that pair beautifully with a lazy afternoon.
- Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard & Winery: Just a short drive south of town; a favorite for mountain-view tastings.
- Reece’s Cider Co.: Hard cider crafted from local apples—crisp, refreshing, and thoroughly Ellijay.
Local tip from Charles: Many vineyards are pet-friendly outdoors and host food trucks or live music. If you’re scouting homes, I’ll show you surrounding neighborhoods that offer easy access without sacrificing privacy.
Rivers and Lakes: Tubing, Kayaking, Fishing, and More
Water defines Ellijay’s rhythm. The Ellijay River and Cartecay River meet here to form the Coosawattee, and Carters Lake is just a short drive away.
- Tubing and Kayaking on the Cartecay and Coosawattee Rivers: Late spring through early fall is prime time. The Cartecay offers fun shoals for paddlers; the Coosawattee tends to be gentler and family-friendly in many sections. Water levels vary, so plan with local outfitters and watch for weather changes.
- Carters Lake: Georgia’s deepest lake, famous for clean water, dramatic shorelines, and excellent fishing. Try for spotted and striped bass, or launch a kayak for a peaceful paddle. Trails and day-use areas make it easy to mix hiking with time on the water.
Local tip from Charles: Always check current flow and lake conditions. For property shoppers, riverfront homes are a premium category—whether you prefer the quiet Ellijay River or Coosawattee access in a community setting, I’ll help you balance privacy, floodplain considerations, and rental demand.
Hiking, Biking, and Waterfalls
A mountain town wouldn’t be complete without trails—and Ellijay exceeds expectations.
- Amicalola Falls State Park: About 30 minutes south, this 729-foot waterfall is among the tallest east of the Mississippi. Climb the stairs alongside the falls or take the easier approach trails; either way, the views are unforgettable.
- Springer Mountain: The southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. You can day-hike to the summit for bragging rights and sweeping views.
- Bear Creek Trail to the Gennett Poplar: A local favorite for hiking and mountain biking, featuring a towering old-growth poplar tree and a rolling, scenic loop.
- Rich Mountain Wilderness: Rugged, less-traveled trails for hikers who crave solitude and a genuine North Georgia forest experience.
- Pinhoti Trail access nearby: A regional epic for long-distance hikers and serious mountain bikers; Ellijay sits in a sweet spot for connecting to multiple trail systems.
Local tip from Charles: Some Forest Service roads require high clearance or all-wheel drive, especially after rain. I advise new residents on vehicle considerations if they’re eyeing homes on gravel or mountain roads—an important quality-of-life detail many out-of-town buyers overlook.
Family-Friendly Parks and Rainy-Day Plans
When you want to keep it mellow—or the weather shifts—Ellijay still delivers.
- Harrison Park: A peaceful riverside park just a quick walk from downtown with boardwalks and birdwatching. Perfect for a picnic after lunch on the square.
- Gilmer County River Park: Walking trails, river views, open fields, and play areas for kids. A convenient stop any day of the week.
- Tabor House & Civil War Museum: A small but meaningful peek into local history inside one of Ellijay’s oldest homes.
- Gilmer Arts: Look for exhibits, classes, and performances. The Playhouse hosts live shows and community events throughout the year.
Local tip from Charles: Rainy days are ideal for antique hunting downtown, a leisurely tasting at a vineyard, or stocking up on pantry treats at our farm markets. If you’re shopping for a cabin, I’ll help you identify homes with game rooms, covered decks, and hot tubs—amenities that keep guests busy whatever the weather.
Festivals and Seasonal Events You Shouldn’t Miss
Ellijay’s calendar is full, but a few events define our year.
- Georgia Apple Festival (October): Two big weekends of artisan crafts, live music, food vendors, and a downtown parade. It’s the can’t-miss fall celebration that draws visitors from across the Southeast.
- Apple Blossom Festival (Spring): A lighter, breezy kickoff to orchard season with local vendors, arts, and family activities.
- Taste of Ellijay (Late Spring): Downtown restaurants and food makers showcase their best—a perfect introduction to the local culinary scene.
- Light Up Ellijay (Holiday Season): The square sparkles with lights, festive music, and small-town cheer.
Local tip from Charles: If your goal is short-term rental ownership, these festivals are your revenue drivers. I help investors map nightly rate strategies and marketing calendars to align with peak seasons, then advise on the features guests book most here: paved access, strong Wi-Fi, outdoor fire pits, hot tubs, and easy drives to downtown or apple country.
Where to Eat and Drink: A Few Local Favorites
Ellijay’s food scene is deliciously down-to-earth, with menus built for hikers, families, and wine country days.
- Poole’s Bar-B-Q (East Ellijay): A legend for smoky pulled pork, tangy sauce, and picnic-table vibes.
- Cajun Depot Grill: Cajun comfort food in the mountains—gumbo, po’boys, and friendly service.
- Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza: Hand-tossed pies and a lively atmosphere after a day on the trails.
- The Shack of Ellijay: Bold flavors and creative Asian-fusion dishes that locals love.
- Desserts: From orchard bakeries to downtown sweets, save room for apple pie, fried pies, or cider donuts depending on the season.
As a local agent, I also keep a running list of new openings and hidden gems for clients—because half the fun of living here is discovering your own go-to spots.
Sample Weekend Itinerary for Things to do in Elijay, Georgia
Day 1:
- Morning: Coffee and breakfast at Ellijay Coffeehouse; stroll the square and shops.
- Late Morning: Head to B.J. Reece or Hillcrest for orchard fun and bakery treats.
- Afternoon: Tasting at Cartecay Vineyards or Engelheim Vineyards; relax with live music if it’s a weekend.
- Evening: Sunset drinks at The Roof Ellijay, then dinner at River Street Tavern or Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza.
Day 2:
- Morning: Hike the Bear Creek Trail to see the Gennett Poplar or drive to Amicalola Falls for a stair-climb adventure.
- Afternoon: Cool down with tubing on the Coosawattee or a lakeside picnic at Carters Lake.
- Evening: Cap it with barbecue at Poole’s or a casual Cajun dinner at Cajun Depot Grill.
This two-day plan hits the signature experiences while leaving time to simply breathe the mountain air—exactly how Ellijay is meant to be enjoyed.
Thinking About Buying, Selling, or Investing Here? Work With a Local Pro
As your lifelong agent at Charles H Shockey, I do more than open doors—I bring the nuance that turns good decisions into great ones:
- Neighborhood-by-neighborhood insight: From quiet river bends to ridge-top views and downtown-adjacent homes, I’ll help you match lifestyle with location.
- Investment strategy and income modeling: If you’re eyeing a short-term rental, I’ll walk you through seasonality, revenue projections, and the amenities guests prioritize in Ellijay.
- Practical mountain-home guidance: Road access and maintenance, water systems, septic considerations, wildfire awareness, and storm preparedness—details that matter up here.
- Vendor network: Inspectors, cleaners, contractors, landscapers, and property managers I trust—so your purchase and ownership are seamless.
- Negotiation and timing: I watch the market daily, including off-market opportunities and seasonal slowdowns that favor buyers.
Whether you’re planning a weekend of Things to do in Elijay, Georgia or you’re ready to make a move, I’m here to help you experience the best of Apple Country, one local insight at a time. When you’re ready to talk real estate—primary home, mountain cabin, riverfront retreat, or investment—reach out to Charles H Shockey at Charles H Shockey. Your next chapter in Ellijay starts with a conversation.
