Located at the junction of the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers around 1.5 hours north of Atlanta, the small town of Ellijay is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although considered a quiet mountain spot, Ellijay has a lively downtown area, with antique stores and outfitters where visitors come to gear up for adventures on the Appalachian Trail. It’s not uncommon to hear live music drifting out of one of the restaurants or bars.

While Ellijay’s historic downtown has much to offer, the town’s surroundings make it a popular place to visit. Georgia may be known for its juicy peaches, but Ellijay is celebrated for delicious apples, earning it the nickname Apple Capital of Georgia. In spring, the orchards are covered in apple blossoms, while fall offers many U-Pick opportunities, where you can wander through the rows of trees to choose the sweetest fruit. The calm flowing waters of the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers are popular for tubing and relaxing dips, while the Blue Ridge Mountains are a renowned hiking and biking destination, with miles of trails leading through the mature wooded areas up steep inclines to spectacular viewpoints.

Due to its slight elevation, the climate in Ellijay is generally mild compared to the weather in other Southern cities. Summers are warm without getting extremely hot, and winters tend to be cool rather than freezing. Although the weather tends to be fairly comfortable year-round, late spring and early fall are excellent times to stay at cabins in Ellijay, Georgia. Not only is the climate pleasant enough to explore the miles of hiking and biking trails, it is also a popular time for events and festivals in the area — like the Georgia Apple Festival, which is Ellijay’s largest annual event. During this popular October celebration of the fall season and the apple harvest, you’ll find live entertainment; apple pies, dumplings, and doughnuts; handmade crafts and gifts; and a parade.

Tabor House Museum

Located in an 1870s house, the oldest in historic downtown Ellijay, this building is now a volunteer-run museum showcasing a collection of artifacts and photographs from life in northern Georgia through the years, including an insight into local Cherokee history, as well as an extensive Civil War library.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Just 25 minutes southeast of town lies Amicalola Falls State Park, best known for its 729-foot waterfall, the largest in Georgia. Hiking trails of varying difficulty lead to the top of the cascading falls and fan out across the 829-acre park, where you may spot white-tailed deer among dusky-pink mountain laurel.

Gilmer Arts Center

In downtown Ellijay, the Gilmer Arts Center showcases a variety of local art alongside music, dance, and art classes. You can learn to make jewelry, get the basics of sculpting, and enjoy live entertainment, from musical performances to a murder mystery dinner theater.