Explore Ellijay

Ellijay may be a small mountain town, but its dining scene delivers big on flavor and local personality. The apple orchards that define this region show up on menus in wonderful ways — from warm fried apple pies and fresh-pressed cider at B.J. Reece Orchards’ bakery to the hard ciders crafted just across the road at Reece’s Cider Company. For a sit-down meal, The Roof Restaurant serves upscale Southern favorites with sweeping rooftop views of the North Georgia mountains — one of the most memorable dining spots in the region. Back Porch Bistro in downtown is a local favorite for relaxed, flavorful meals, while The Shack of Ellijay surprises visitors with Asian fusion and poke bowls in the heart of the mountains. For the best cup of coffee in town, the Ellijay Coffeehouse is a beloved gathering spot with fresh pastries, local art, and a cozy vibe that keeps people coming back. And before heading out to explore the wineries, don’t miss stocking up at Mountain Valley Farm Store, a local gem stocked with locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie, and unique ice cream flavors.

Ellijay’s mountain setting and agricultural heritage make it a wonderfully rich place to deepen your connection to the land, local history, and the arts. The Tabor House & Civil War Museum, housed in a Victorian-era home in downtown Ellijay, brings North Georgia’s complex history to life through period artifacts and exhibits. The Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association offers a full arts academy with classes for all ages — from painting and jewelry making to music instruction — making creativity genuinely accessible to residents and visitors alike. For those drawn to the natural world, the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest is its own classroom, with ranger-led programs, wildlife corridors, and ecosystems that range from rushing rivers to high-elevation ridgelines. The Ellijay Farmers Market, running Saturdays from May through September, is a living lesson in North Georgia’s agricultural tradition — a great place to meet the growers and makers behind the region’s bounty. 

Ellijay’s event calendar is anchored by one of the most beloved fall festivals in the entire Southeast — the Georgia Apple Festival, held across two back-to-back weekends each October and now in its 55th year. What started as a small arts and crafts show in 1971 has grown into a massive four-day celebration drawing roughly 55,000 visitors to the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, with over 300 vendors offering handmade crafts, live music, on-site demonstrations, fried apple pies, apple fritters, and every apple-related delight imaginable. Opening weekend kicks off with the beloved downtown parade and a classic car show. Beyond the Apple Festival, Ellijay keeps the calendar full: spring brings the Ellijay Songwriters Festival, celebrating original music in an intimate mountain setting, while summer offers a free concert series at local wineries and the weekly Farmers Market on Saturdays. The Georgia Mountain Warbird Weekend draws aviation enthusiasts each year, and Wine About Winter is a popular cold-weather event that celebrates Ellijay’s growing winery scene with tastings and community warmth.