20 Unusual Things To Do In Ellijay Georgia

1. Stroll Through Downtown Ellijay

Downtown Ellijay offers a visitor some fine strolling through streets with intriguing art galleries, small boutiques, and friendly eateries. With handcrafted stores, antique shops, and uniquely local products, the downtown area contains a mix of boutique shops, making sure the whole history of the town and its lively culture are at the forefront for visitors.

There are plenty of restaurants in which to enjoy local cuisine, everything from small coffee shops to Southern restaurants. Galleries featuring regional artists will impress art lovers, adding to the artistic and friendly atmosphere of the town. The best small-town charm and eclectic culture will describe downtown Ellijay.

2. Visit The Workshop To Build An Apple Pie

Take a "Build an Apple Pie" class in Ellijay, Georgia, which is also the apple capital of Georgia, for a more hands-on, immersive pie-making experience. This type of class will let you pick fresh and local apples, create the crust, and compose the perfect filling.

Professional bakers share experience in such a way that even the newest beginner is going to be able to make a pie that is gorgeous and delicious. So, it is an opportunity to learn, experience the richness of the region, and go home enriched and full of a sense of accomplishment and scrumptious homemade dessert.

3. Relax At Ellijay Coffeehouse

Ellijay Coffeehouse is one of the great spots to unwind over a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The small café, well situated in the very heart of downtown Ellijay, has a friendly atmosphere with very good service.

If you're looking for a quiet corner to read, meet some friends, or just sit down out sightseeing around town, it provides comfortable surroundings accompanied by a variety of great coffee drinks, tea, and delicious pastries. It's often a place that sources from local farmers and includes loads of specialty blends, making it a favorite among locals and visitors on most days. 

4. Visit Tabor House & Civil War Museum

One of the more interesting insights into the history of the town and its role during the Civil War came from the Tabor House & Civil War Museum, located in Ellijay, Georgia. This museum, housed in one of the oldest buildings in Ellijay, is a storehouse of artifacts, pictures, and writings on this region's history.

It also has exhibits on the daily life of troops and citizens, how the war impacted the community, and other important events that shaped the region in its history. The Tabor House adds immensely to the sense of history throughout the museum, for it is incredibly well-preserved from its origins as 19th-century architecture.

5. Explore Mountain Valley Farm

Mountain Valley Farm is a family-operated farm store from Ellijay, Georgia, in a very small rustic setting with pleasing selections of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Known for sustainable and humane farming practices, it represents one of the next-generation meat operations with a great variety of excellent meats, like grass-fed beef, pork, and poultry.

The farm store sells diversified dairy products-made livestock, including butter, cheeses, farm-fresh milk, and meats. The farm also sells handcrafted jellies and jams among other specialty products most of which are prepared from the produce grown in the property. Mountain Valley Farm offers shopping in a warm atmosphere accompanied by friendly people.

6. Enjoy A Meal At Ellijay Wood-Fired Pizza

Very much talked about in Ellijay, Georgia, is the Ellijay Wood-Fired Pizza. It is famous for its sumptuous wood-fired pizzas. That would provide a very cozy atmosphere to enjoy unique flavors of pizzas cooked over a traditional wood-fired oven. Its menu is rooted in creative and classic toppings made with fresh and fine ingredients.

From classic Margherita to creative specialty pies, there's going to be something that any pizza lover would like. And if that's not enough, they'll normally serve their pizzas with appetizers, salads, and yes, even sweet treats like desserts. That could make it a great place to have a full meal out at a restaurant.

7. Visit The Apple House

The Apple House is something you absolutely cannot miss in Ellijay, GA, especially when searching for things to do related to the famous local apple industry. This beautiful store has all kinds of treats offering apples in all their imaginable deliciousness, from fresh apple pies to cider and jams.

You'll also be treated to a huge selection of locally-made goods, such as honey, preserves, and handcrafted gifts that make this a fine place to shop for souvenirs or gifts. The country atmosphere is warm, and the scents of apples and baked goods are tempting, so The Apple House tends to be one of those nice stops during any visit to Ellijay.

8. Discover Mountain Treasures

Located in Ellijay, GA, Mountain Treasures is an overall nice local shop to just look around and find your desired treasures. The eclectic store ranges from furniture and house decorations to jewelry and other odd occurrences. Mountain Treasures is sure to have something for the seasoned collector or seeker of a special memento to take home.

It is, in itself, a very nice place being welcoming with its ambiance and friendly staff to just browse around in search of hidden treasures. Visiting Mountain Treasures is among the things to do in Ellijay, Georgia, that gives visitors a nostalgic feel for shopping and an interesting one that adds to the town's appeal.

9. Enjoy Ott Farms and Vineyard

Nestled at the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, Ott Farms and Vineyards offers a tranquil wine-tasting experience in Ellijay, GA. This family-owned vineyard is one of the loveliest settings with visitors able to enjoy panoramic views while sampling their handcrafted wines.

The tasting room bears a warm atmosphere, one setting the perfect environment for relaxation with friends or family. Guests can sample red, white, and sweet wines, all produced from grapes grown on the site. Outdoor seating is also available where one can enjoy wine while having spectacular landscape views.

10. Visit Harrison Park Ellijay

Harrison Park is a peaceful retreat and a place good for engaging in a lot of outdoor activities. This lovely park offers a quiet picnic space with ample green space and a shady spot to sit down, be comfortable, and have fun-filled moments with family or friends.

For nature lovers who would like to take a close look at nature, the place offers several trails running within this park that meander through the beautiful landscape, revealing the lush flora and fauna of this region.

It's also perfect for birdwatching or simply enjoying the peace. Of all the Ellijay, Georgia attractions, Harrison Park offers an ideal retreat for those who want to chill and connect with nature.

11. Explore Reece Heritage Farm

The Reece Heritage Farm – A view into the history and culture of the Appalachian region. This is a farm museum immortalizing the heritage of the Appalachian people and their life's way. Take a walking tour through period structures with artifacts and exhibits displaying customary crafts, daily living, and farming practices.

The farm features some exceptional scenic views of the surrounding countryside, along with hiking trails and lovely gardens. Take guided tours and learn more about the history of the area to hear stories about local people, a famous farmer, and poet Byron Herbert Reece, after whom the farm is named.

12. Visit Gibbs Garden

Gibbs Gardens is one of the favorite garden spots for gardeners and nature aficionados. These beautifully landscaped 300-plus acres feature seasonal flower displays and varied plant collections. It is known to feature its daffodil display in spring, which, with millions of blooms, creates a sea of yellow.

Other highlights would be colorful azaleas, rhododendrons, and soothing water features. Gibbs Gardens offers a peaceful retreat to nature with just the right combination of beauty in horticulture and the serenity of landscapes, making it well worth the trip from Ellijay or farther.

13. The Cartecay River Experience

Of the many things to do in Ellijay, GA, one of the most popular outdoor enthusiasts is a visit to the Cartecay River Experience. From tubing and kayaking to fishing, this beautiful river offers multiple ways to enjoy a little recreation. Its smooth current and crystal-clear waters make for a lovely and very pleasurable time spent on the water, whether for the beginner or seasoned adventurer.

Tubing is a good way to beat the heat on a summer day, while kayaking provides much more action and a close-up view of the natural surroundings along this river. Fishing for trout and other freshwater species is also excellent on the Cartecay River.

14. Visit Ellijay River Vineyards

Ellijay River Vineyards offers a lovely wine-tasting experience in a beautiful riverside setting in Ellijay, GA. With this being an intimate vineyard offering relaxed and friendly service, one will feel very comfortable with the surroundings and sample wines produced locally.

The vineyard, with its riverbank location, makes it picture-perfect, providing a very serene atmosphere to enjoy a glass of wine while soaking in the surrounding views. Ellijay River Vineyards offers a full portfolio of wine styles for every taste bud's desire. Their warm, friendly staff are always more than willing to assist with questions regarding the winemaking process and the unique features of their wines.

15. Hike To Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Falls State Park is one of the most beautiful places found with a very tall waterfall in the whole state, thus making it a very good place to be for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. There is a 729-foot cascade within the park, and different trails lead into the falls, therefore suiting all types of hikers.

The views are magnificent and well worth the work required to either take the more challenging, shorter trek to the top or the easier way around the bottom of the falls. Beyond the actual waterfall itself, this park offers activities such as fishing and picnicking, with great bird viewing. 

16. Visit Panorama Orchards

Panorama Orchids is a favorite farm market among those who enjoy fresh apples and delicious homemade treats alike. This family-owned orchard offers various apple varieties great for eating fresh or using in many recipes. The market will feature an abundance of very tasty apple pies, jams, and jellies, among other apple products made with the freshest ingredients.

Panorama Orchards offers an assortment of fresh local produce, freshly baked goods, and specialty products sure to be a great stop-by to sample the flavors of Ellijay. The warm atmosphere and friendly service combined with quality products make places like Panorama Orchards an absolute must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

17. Visit R&A Orchards

R&A Orchards is a lively location with much more to offer than apple picking. Besides the nice apple-picking experience, visitors could take a tour of this orchard's friendly farm market and cafe. The farm market offers fresh produce grown locally with seasonal fruits and vegetables along with fresh bakery products, handmade jams, and jellies.

It provides comfort by way of scrumptious meals and sweets, made from local and fresh ingredients. Be it shopping for unique farm products or having a delicious meal and indulging in a slice of apple pie, R&A Orchards gives you a whole and delightful experience reflecting the agricultural richness of Ellijay.

18. Enjoy Georgia Apple Festival

Georgia Apple Festival is a colorful annual festival celebrated in the month of October. This festival is focused on showcasing the rich apple heritage of Ellijay. This eventful and full-of-creativity festival brings locals and visitors together for a weekend of fun. There is so much going on at the event, from a diversity of activities to a variety of attractions.

Foodies will delight in scrumptious apple-themed goodies like fresh apple pies, cider, and so much more. Live music, dance performances, and family-friendly activities make this festival entertainment great for all ages. The Georgia Apple Festival is the perfect way to get a feel of the local culture, sample flavors of the harvest, and experience the community spirit of Ellijay.

19. Enjoy Cartecay Vineyards

Cartecay Vineyards boasts some of the most beautiful wine tastings in the rolling North Georgia Mountains. Offering a lovely setting, this vineyard provides you with a quiet atmosphere to enjoy a wide variety of wines that are handcrafted locally. The wine selection offered by this tasting room includes both red and white wines, as well as specialty wines.

You can enjoy your surroundings with great views, and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. They have very friendly staff who are pretty knowledgeable about the wines. They are more than willing to share their insights, so Cartecay Vineyards is a nice location where wine lovers can combine enjoying great wines with beautiful scenery.

20. Apple Picking

Apple picking is among the best things to do while visiting Ellijay, with its abundance of apples. You can visit some local orchards, such as B.J. Reece Orchards or Hillcrest Orchards, during the apple-picking season for this activity. These orchards offer a rocking, interactive way of savoring the fresh, crisp apples for which Ellijay is so well known.

In addition to apple picking, most of the activities include a hayride, farm tour, and apple-headed treats that sum up the great experience in store for families and every visitor. The enjoyment of harvesting your apples amidst the scenic beauty of the orchards is an added attraction to the visit.