Things to Do

Ellijay Restaurants

Some of our favorites. We recommend that you call ahead to make sure they are open, and if possible, make reservations.

  • Emily's Bar & Restaurant

    24 River St., Ellijay, GA 30540

    Higher end, good for special occasions, good drinks, live music, pets allowed on back porch.

  • Cornerstone Café

    76 Main St., Ellijay, GA 30540

    Breakfast all day, great for breakfast and lunch, family-friendly; we love it for brunch.

  • El Señor de los Raspados

    772 Maddox Dr., Ste. 102, Ellijay, GA 30540

    A special treat that is completely unique. Frozen ice with sweet cream. A treat you and the kids will love. We like the sunrisa.

  • Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza

    2 River St., Ellijay, GA 30540

    Not your normal pizza place. Great for families. A few small tables outside with table service for bringing pets along.

  • The Shack of Ellijay

    118 N. Main St., Ellijay, GA 30540

    Family-friendly, great poké bowls and bubble tea.

Blue Ridge Restaurants

Some of our favorites. We recommend that you call ahead to make sure they are open, and if possible, make reservations.

  • Black Sheep Restaurant

    480 W. Main St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513

    Large patio seating, great food, gets busy so call ahead.

  • Rum Cake Lady

    205 W. First St., Blue RIdge, GA 30513

    Best rum cake around. Great Cubans for something quick.

  • Harvest on Main

    576 E. Main St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513

    Great for families and large parties, special occasions.

  • Serenity Garden Café

    657 E. Main St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513

    Great for breakfast and lunch, cup of tea and people watching on the patio.

Our Favorite Activities

  • R&A Apple Orchards

    5505 GA - 52 East

    A favorite of ours that is open all year long. They have great BBQ sandwiches if you are looking for a quick lunch with apple slushes, and the best apple chips, too.

  • Blue Ridge Adventure Park

    2087 E. 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513

  • Cartecay River Tubing and Kayaking

    2300 GA - 52, Ellijay, GA 30536

  • Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

    241 Depot St., Blue Ridge, GA 30513

    Lots of seasonal themed trips; need to order tickets ahead of time.

  • Mountain Biking

    Ellijay is the Mountain Bike Capitol of Georgia with more than 100 miles of trails to ride!

  • Serentiy in the Mountains

    59 McKinney Rd., Blue Ridge, GA 30513

    Home to the Salt Cave, up to 12 guests in the salt cave. Great for a day at the spa as well.

  • Murphy's Wine Tour

    404-520-3452

  • Appalachian Trail Rides

    4100 Cutcane Road, Mineral Bluff, GA 30559

    Mention Vacay Awhile Rentals and get 10% off

Our Favorite Hikes

  • Tumbling Waters Trail

    34.651,-84.608, Ellijay, GA 30540

    Family-friendly, short hike with views of the waterfalls and wooden bridge adventures. During the summer months plan on stopping for a swim. We go here with our 3-, 5- and 7-year olds and they have no issues on the trail. There is a small fee to get into the park. Lots of adventure and change of scenery on this trail. It’s our families favorite.

  • Bear Creek

    241 Bear Creek Camp Rd., Ellijay, GA 30540

    Come see the 2nd largest tree in Georgia which is 0.8 miles from the parking lot. It is a Gennett Poplar measuring nearly 20 feet in circumference. The poplar was spared by Gennett Lumber Company in 1955 and left for future generations to enjoy. The full loop is 6.5 miles and crosses over several streams. It has single and double track sections for bikers. The road is a gravel mountain road to the trail. It starts as an easier trail on an old logging road to the tree and gets more difficult the further in you go.

  • Appalachian Trail Southern Terminus

    Appalachian Approach Trail, Ellijay, GA 30536

    Come to where so many hikers start or end the Appalachian Trail. A short 1 mile hike to the Terminus and view. To get to the trail you will need to travel down a gravel road. Beautiful view that is best during the winter months when the leaves are off.

  • Fall Branch Falls

    Stanley Creek Rd., Cherry Log, GA

    Hike about a 0.5 mile to the trails and then follow up to the top of the falls. Easier hike and good for kids.

  • Long Branch Trail

    199-101 Shady Falls Rd., Blue Ridge, GA

    A 2.3 mile loop that is easy for families, and dogs on leashes are allowed.

  • Stanley Gap

    This trail combines portions of the Stanley Gap and MacKaye Trails. Mountain bikers are frequent in this area. Follow the Stanley Gap Trail about a half a mile to an intersection with the Benton MacKaye. If you go left it will take you up to the ridge of the Rocky Mountain. Or, take a right and head nearly 1.2 miles downhill to Fall Branch Falls which is a 60 foot tiered waterfall. Continue to follow the Benton MacKaye for another half a mile to meet up with Rock Creek Road. At the road take a right to walk back up to the Stanley Gap parking area.

  • Amicalola Falls State Park

    418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd., Dawsonville, GA 30534

    This one will be a drive to get to but it’s worth it, in our opinion. It’s a 729 foot waterfall. There are several trails and hikes around the park. The main one going up to the waterfall has a lot of steps and takes you straight up to the top with a really rewarding overlook at the top. If you are not a hiker but want to see it, there is also a way to drive to the top by car. There are trails once at the top to continue your adventure or you can easily go back down. We have done this with our small children but plan on taking snacks and stopping on the platforms for them to take a break if you are going up the stairs.

Downtown Ellijay

Mercier Apple Orchard

Ellijay

Red Barn

Cartecay Vineyard

Want more things to do?

Check out our local Chamber of Commerce websites:

Fannin Chamber of Commerce
Gilmer Chamber of Commerce

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