From fall foliage brilliance to tart apple tastings, barbecue to biking, this North Georgia town showcases the season
ELLIJAY, GEORGIA–AUGUST 2019–Watch summer fade into brilliant orange and golden leaves, while crisp temperatures signal a seasonal change in the destination known as “Georgia’s Apple Capital” and the state’s “Mountain Biking Capital,” Ellijay, Georgia. Touted for its outdoor gems, there is more to this gorgeous North Georgia town than the natural wonders it beholds. Pluck apples straight from the tree, savor delicious eats in the revitalized downtown, relax in accommodations ranging from riverside rooms to a mountain biker’s rustic haven, and see why it’s easy to fall in love with the trendy atmosphere that permeates this must-visit destination with a home-away-from-home vibe. Just 80 miles north of Atlanta and 65 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ellijay is easily accessible, offering an enticing mix of old-fashioned charm and modern draws.
Farm fresh
Gilmer County is Georgia’s apple country. If there is a “taste” to the North Georgia Mountains, it’s the tart, crisp bite of a locally grown apple. For generations, farmers have cultivated the land in Gilmer County to grow the most delicious apples around. Some are sold wholesale, but more are sold direct to consumers as either fruit or in one of the many delicious treats, jams, jellies or ciders available at apple houses dotting the countryside. Stop for a crisp bite at one of Ellijay’s orchards, many offering u-pick options. Save the date for the Georgia Apple Festival, October 12 -13 and 19 – 20, a highly anticipated fall event in North Georgia when thousands of visitors flock to Gilmer County to experience the family-friendly festivities spread over the second and third weekends in October.
Finger-lickin’
Satisfy a craving for barbecue at some of the state’s most finger-licking-worthy establishments. At Smokehouse Country Grill, find a hometown atmosphere ready to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner–from the Farmhand Breakfast with country ham and hash brown casserole to the Brisket Burger and Wolf Creek Barbecue Sampler. Don’t miss the Pig Hill of Fame at Poole’s Bar-B-Q, a second generation restaurant, specializing in Southern pork barbecue and ribs. Make your way to Pink Pig of Cherry Log, originally built around 1950 as a country store and grist mill and later purchased by the Holloway family in 1967. Try the pit-cooked barbecue, Bud’s Original sauce and homemade Brunswick Stew, slow-cooked in a cast iron pot. Nearby, Georgia-based Shane’s Rib Shack satisfies with slow-smoked baby back ribs, hand-chopped chicken and pork and Southern-style sides.
Unique lodging
Restore your soul at the Ellijay River House, a charming 1915 Craftsman home offering four bedrooms, a veranda and two riverside decks–not to mention a daily scrumptious Southern breakfast, ideal for fueling up before area explorations. Cabins abound in Ellijay and offer a private escape within a breathtaking setting. Check out the Whitewater Lodge, a beautiful and spacious dog-friendly cabin with custom-made wooden décor that sits in direct view of the Cartecay River. This conveniently located two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin accommodates up to six guests making it ideal for families, girlfriend getaways and bachelor parties, too. Or, choose between vintage Airstreams and a Geodesic dome with a glamping trip at Elatse’yi, a unique lodging adventure 20 minutes outside of downtown Ellijay. Sleeping arrangements dotting the 17-acre Elatse’yi can accommodate between two and 12 guests with one- to six-bedrooms spanning two cabins (four private bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms), full kitchens, gas and log fireplaces, king size beds and internet. Beyond the typical mountain getaway, the property also has an Argentine grill, fire pit, year-round porches, hiking trails, bird watching and Alpacas. This experience is best for children aged 12 and up. Take it to two wheels at Mulberry Gap, a mountain biker’s rustic haven with International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) trails outside the gate. This is the outdoor adventurers’ ultimate getaway. Unlike hotel options, this lodging option keeps the mountain bike community together all under one roof for meals and fellowship. A comfy, couch-laden barn serves as the gathering space for stick-to-your-ribs meals (think thick, Belgian waffles, sausages, cheddar grits, scrambled eggs, bottomless cups of coffee) sure to sustain even the most adventurous bikers. There are options for cabin stays and campsites as well as guided tours and shuttle rides to trail heads. For another unique Ellijay experience, located in Coosawattee River Resort, DJ Camper Vacation Rentals are fully furnished fifth wheel campers offering a plethora of accessible amenities, a unique and affordable option for a mountain getaway. Guests also have access to all amenities in Coosawattee including indoor and outdoor swimming, putt-putt golf, tennis and more. Camping is also available. To book a stay, call (321) 848-4247.
Two-wheeled thrills
Autumn is an ideal time to pedal some of the country’s most gorgeous and challenging mountain biking trails. More than 100 miles of single-track trails have earned Gilmer County the official designation as “Georgia’s Mountain Biking Capital.” Local mountains offer nationally recognized mountain biking trails with everything from easy cross-country to technical downhills. Ellijay is also home to the oldest mountain biking trail in the state, River Loop. Mountain Bike Action Magazine called it “…a trail you won’t forget.” Other popular trails include a large section of the Pinhoti Trail, Bear Creek, Mountaintown Creek, Windy Gap and many more. These scenic paths are maintained year-round by a large group of volunteers. Pick up trail maps, rent bikes, join group rides and chat with knowledgeable staff at Cartecay Bike Shop in downtown Ellijay. Just 12 miles from downtown Ellijay in the heart of the Cohutta Wilderness you’ll find Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-A-Way, a rustic haven for mountain bike enthusiasts.
Conquer the hills
View fall foliage up close. Take a break from biking and go trekking with the whole family. From beginning hikes to those for more advanced path-explorers, Gilmer County has a trail to suit every outdoor desire. This Appalachian Trail community is home to over a dozen beautiful tree-lined and waterfront trails. Take the family to the Trout Adventure Trail. This “do it yourself” hike is a learning experience for kids of all ages and leads hikers through the legendary trails of the Chattahoochee National Forest in North Georgia. It offers individual hikers and families the opportunity to hike, learn and earn a free decorative commemorative patch. Or, explore the trails at Fort Mountain State Park where a short footpath leads to the Cool Springs Overlook with a view of the Cohutta Wilderness area. Paths vary from less than a mile to more than eight miles in length. Other options include the Big Acorn Trail that begins at Carters Lake Visitor Center and is nearby another Carters Lake option: Tumbling Waters Nature Trail. At Fort Mountain State Park, try the Old Fort Trail, ideal for photo ops, or the Lake Loop Trail, with scenic views of the lake. Get your steps in at Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast, marked by a steep slope and stairs (604 stairs, to be exact), that rewards hikers with a view.
Out on the town
Ellijay’s downtown area offers more than 30 shops showcasing homemade soaps, antiques, art and hand-crafted items. Quaint boutiques feature the latest trends in fashion and home goods. Try olive oil or wine tastings at Mountain Treasures or Cartecay Wine & Craft, where you can also find an assortment of Georgia craft beers. From Outback Antiques to Misty Hollow Antiques to Antiques on North Main, and more, finding hidden treasure in Ellijay is as easy as perusing the myriad local shops. Find a virtual treasure map, here. Plan to enjoy a tasty meal at any of more than 10 restaurants in Downtown Ellijay. Savor pizza on the boardwalk, visit the top craft beer bar in the state–River Street Tavern, or indulge with a delicious treat at an ice cream shop. Quell hunger pangs at Cantaberry Restaurant, now with a scenic corner location offering outdoor seating and live music. In fact, throughout downtown Ellijay, hear live music from various eateries on the square most nights of the week. Don’t forget to grab the perfect latte at your local living room, Ellijay Coffeehouse or start the day with a tasty brunch at Cornerstone Cafe. Catch a performance at the new George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse with plays, concerts, acoustic blends and other events happening almost every weekend.
If you go The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains originate in Gilmer County and rental cabins of all sizes dot the countryside, each unique and offering peaceful surroundings. Whether you’re looking for a night under the stars at one of the area’s many campsites, a hotel room or a charming bed and breakfast, Ellijay, Georgia, can accommodate every overnight need.