There’s more to Georgia’s Apple Capital than its famous fall harvest (though you shouldn’t skip the cider doughnuts). In Ellijay, you can browse quirky downtown shops, pick apples straight from the orchard, sip local wine with mountain views, hit the trails, or float down the Cartecay River. Here are five experiences you shouldn’t miss on your next trip to Ellijay, Georgia.
Explore Downtown Ellijay
Spend a few hours exploring the walkable downtown, where independently owned shops, restaurants, galleries, cafés, and coffee spots surround the historic square. Hunt for vintage treasures and old Georgia memorabilia across two floors at Main Street Antiques. Browse handcrafted cowhide hats, handbags, and home decor at The Cow Pelt.
Tap into the local art scene by visiting Gilmer Arts or shopping for handmade souvenirs at Artful Ellijay. Order an espresso at Hemlock Bazaar and wander while you sip. You’ll find books, vinyl records, artwork, decor, and plenty of curiosities tucked inside this Appalachian-inspired coffeehouse and shop. Visit on a weekend to catch live music in the Jazz Garden.
Save room in your camera roll for downtown Ellijay’s colorful murals. Pose with the interactive #WhatLiftsYou balloon mural on River Street, then look for the vintage-style Welcome to Ellijay Coca-Cola mural nearby. Settle in for lunch at longtime favorite Cantaberry for a classic soup and sandwich combo, or dig into a Neapolitan-style slice at Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza.
Visit an Apple Orchard
You can’t visit Ellijay without getting a taste of the fruit that earned the town its “Apple Capital” nickname. Generations of farmers have grown apples throughout Gilmer County, and several of the town’s orchards have welcomed visitors for decades. Plan your trip between late summer and fall to pick apples straight from the trees and enjoy the farms at their liveliest.
Fill a bag with your favorite varieties at B.J. Reece Orchards, a 120-acre family farm that grows more than 20 types of apples. Stick around for wagon rides, farm animals, games, and other seasonal activities. Before you leave, swing by the year-round market and bakery for local goods, Georgia-grown produce, and an apple cider doughnut or one of its famous fried pies.
For more farm fun, visit Hillcrest Orchards during its annual Apple Pickin’ Jubilee. Pick your own apples, wander through an apple-tree maze, milk a cow, play mini golf, and cheer on the pigs, goats, ducks, and chickens during the farm’s animal races. Come hungry for cider slushies, homemade fudge, apple fritters, and other freshly baked treats. Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience, or stop by on a festival weekend for live bluegrass and clogging performances.
Spend an Afternoon at a North Georgia Winery
Trade apple country for wine country at the vineyards tucked into the hills around Ellijay. Soak up sweeping mountain views at Ott Vineyards. Spread out on the lawn, catch live music, and grab a bite from rotating food trucks. Sample wines made with grapes like Traminette and Chambourcin, then switch things up with a glass of blueberry or muscadine wine.
For a more intimate tasting, head to Buckley Vineyards on the historic Henry Evans homestead along Turkey Creek. Choose from dry reds, whites, rosés, and apple wine. Learn the stories behind bottles named for people and moments connected to the property. Try the 818 Villard Blanc, named after the vineyard’s first harvest date, for notes of citrus, pear, and herbs.
Keep things casual at Grapes & Ladders Winery, where you can sip your way from dry to sweet wines at a picnic table overlooking the grassy hillside. Check the calendar for live music, open-mic nights, trivia, and other recurring events. If you plan to visit more than one winery, designate a driver before heading out on the narrow, winding roads between vineyards.
Hike Tumbling Waters Trail at Carters Lake
Stretch your legs on the Tumbling Waters Trail for a woodland hike that packs a ton of views into just over a mile. Follow the trail from the Ridgeway Day Use Area at Carters Lake through lush forests alongside Tails Creek and tumbling water that runs throughout. Plan for about an hour to complete the full hike as an early-morning adventure or between activities.
About a third of a mile in, choose either fork to continue upstream toward scenic overlooks along the creek. Pro tip: take the left fork to cross the trail’s 150-foot bridge, suspended about 30 feet above Tails Creek. Pause in the middle for a bird’s-eye view of the water and surrounding trees before continuing to the overlook.
Take in Ellijay’s mountain scenery on a short, easy hike without committing to an all-day trek. Pack water, wear comfortable shoes, and leave time to enjoy the views around Carters Lake while you’re there. You can also fish in the lake, so bring a rod if you feel like casting a line.
Get on the Cartecay River
Get out on the Cartecay River to see another side of Ellijay. Take in the North Georgia mountain scenery as you cruise past wooded banks and rocky shoals. Float the river in a tube if you feel like letting the current do the work. Sit back and relax through gentle stretches, but watch for small riffles and rapids that add a little excitement along the way.
Prefer to paddle? Explore the river by kayak for a more active adventure. Navigate a mix of calm water and Class I and II rapids, with a few more challenging spots depending on the stretch you choose. Plan to spend roughly 1.5 to three hours on the water, depending on your route and whether you’re paddling or floating.
Bring your own gear, or rent from local outfitters like Cartecay River Experience for a hassle-free setup that also includes life jackets and shuttle transportation. Check the weather and water levels before setting out for the day, since recent rainfall can change river conditions.
