Living in or visiting Ellijay means you're surrounded by mountain beauty—but let's be honest, sometimes you need a serious shopping fix. While Ellijay's charming downtown boutiques are perfect for unique finds, when you're hunting for designer deals, brand-name bargains, or just want to spend a day browsing hundreds of stores, it's time to hit the outlet malls.
The good news? You're positioned perfectly. Within an hour's drive of Ellijay, you have access to three major outlet shopping destinations featuring over 300 stores combined. Whether you're after high-end designer labels, athletic gear, home goods, or kids' clothes, North Georgia's outlet corridor has you covered.
I've spent plenty of Saturdays exploring all three of these outlet centers, and each one has its own vibe, strengths, and reasons to visit. Here's everything you need to know to plan your ultimate outlet shopping road trip from Ellijay.
Quick Comparison: Which Outlet Mall Should You Visit?
North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville) - 35 minutes | 140+ stores | Best for luxury/designer brands | Most comprehensive selection
The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (Woodstock) - 55 minutes | 100 stores | Newest & nicest facility | Great mid-range brands
Calhoun Outlet Marketplace - 60 minutes | 50+ stores | Smallest but convenient | Good for a quick outlet stop
North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville): The Crown Jewel
The Verdict: This is the one. If you're only going to visit one outlet mall from Ellijay, make it Dawsonville.
Distance from Ellijay: 35 minutes via GA-400 S
Address: 800 Highway 400 S, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Size: 140+ stores in an open-air village setting
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12pm-6pm
Why Dawsonville Wins
Located right off GA-400, North Georgia Premium Outlets is the closest major outlet destination to Ellijay and also happens to be the best. The outdoor "Georgian village" layout feels upscale and pleasant to walk through, with cobblestone pathways, plenty of benches, and a generally less cramped feeling than many outlet malls.
But the real draw is the store lineup. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of luxury and designer brands at outlet prices. We're talking Burberry, Versace, Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Ferragamo—brands you won't find at the other two locations.
The Luxury Brands
If you're looking to score designer pieces at outlet prices, Dawsonville delivers. The luxury section includes Armani Exchange, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Marc Jacobs, Versace, and Stuart Weitzman. These aren't your typical outlet mall offerings—this is where Atlanta's well-heeled shoppers drive to find deals on high-end fashion.
Fashion & Apparel
Beyond the luxury tier, you'll find an excellent selection of contemporary fashion brands: Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren (both adult and children's stores), Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Gap, Old Navy, Loft, Ann Taylor, Express, and American Eagle.
For specialty fashion, look for Vineyard Vines, lululemon, Lucky Brand, True Religion, White House Black Market, Chico's, Soma, Talbots, and Lacoste.
Athletic & Outdoor Gear
The athletic selection is strong: Nike Factory Store (one of the biggest draws), Under Armour Factory House, adidas Outlet, Puma, New Balance, Columbia Factory Store, The North Face, Merrell, and Carhartt. There's also a dedicated Oakley store for sunglasses and athletic eyewear.
Shoes for Days
Shoe lovers, rejoice. You'll find Clarks, Cole Haan, Johnston & Murphy, Skechers, UGG, Vans, SAS Factory Shoes, Rack Room Shoes, and brand-specific stores like HEYDUDE and Journeys. Between the athletic brands and dedicated shoe stores, you could easily spend hours just on footwear.
Kids & Baby
Families are well-served with Carter's, OshKosh B'Gosh, The Children's Place/Gymboree, Gap Kids, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, and a dedicated play area to give the kids a break between stores.
Home & Lifestyle
This is where Dawsonville really shines for home shoppers. You'll find Pottery Barn Outlet (a huge draw for furniture and decor), Williams-Sonoma Outlet, West Elm Outlet, Le Creuset, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Bath & Body Works, Yankee Candle, and Sephora for beauty products.
Accessories & More
Round out your shopping with Fossil, Movado Company Store, Pandora Outlet, Sunglass Hut (two locations), Tumi, Samsonite, Vera Bradley, Coach Outlet (handbags and leather goods), Kate Spade, Michael Kors (separate from the clothing store), and various jewelry outlets including Kay Jewelers and Zales.
Food Options
When you need to refuel, there's a food pavilion with Auntie Anne's Pretzels and several other quick-service options. Honestly, the food isn't the highlight—I usually grab something quick and keep shopping or save my appetite for one of Dawsonville's local restaurants after.
Insider Tips for Dawsonville
Arrive early on weekends—this place gets packed, especially on Saturdays. The front parking area near Polo and Michael Kors fills up fast, but there's additional parking in the back near Nike and Under Armour that's often less crowded. Wear comfortable walking shoes; the property is large and you'll log some serious steps. Download the Simon app before you go—it has the mall directory, current deals, and can help you navigate. If you're planning to hit multiple stores, bring your own shopping bags or a rolling cart. Your arms will thank you.
The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (Woodstock): The New Kid
The Verdict: Newest facility, great if you're already heading toward Atlanta or want a slightly different store mix.
Distance from Ellijay: 55 minutes via I-575 S
Address: 915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188
Size: 100 stores
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm
Why Woodstock Has Its Charms
Opened in 2013, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta is the newest of the three centers, and it shows. The facility is clean, well-maintained, and has a more modern feel than its competitors. The outdoor layout is attractive with good landscaping, and the whole place just feels a bit fresher.
The store selection skews more mid-range than Dawsonville's luxury offerings, which actually makes it perfect for practical, everyday shopping. You won't find Gucci or Prada here, but you'll find plenty of brands you actually wear regularly.
The Store Lineup
Woodstock offers solid coverage of popular brands: Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, Nike, Under Armour, Columbia Sportswear, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH (a big draw), Cole Haan, Vineyard Vines, and Banana Republic Factory.
For athletic and casual wear, you'll find The North Face, adidas, Puma, New Balance, Skechers, Famous Footwear, Journeys, and Vans. The athletic selection is strong—not quite as extensive as Dawsonville, but definitely respectable.
Other notable stores include Gap Outlet, Old Navy, J.Crew Factory, Express Factory Outlet, American Eagle, Children's Place, Carter's, Bath & Body Works, Yankee Candle, Cosmetics Company Store, Jared (jewelry outlet), and Kay Jewelers Outlet.
What Makes Woodstock Different
The vibe here is a bit more suburban and family-oriented. You'll see more strollers and families than you might at Dawsonville. The store selection reflects this—lots of practical brands for everyday life rather than special-occasion luxury shopping.
One advantage: if you're planning to combine outlet shopping with other errands or activities in the greater Atlanta metro area, Woodstock's location off I-575 makes it easy to add to a day trip. The town of Woodstock itself has grown into a nice destination with good restaurants and breweries.
Food & Amenities
There's a Johnny Rockets and several other dining options. The food selection is better than Dawsonville's, though still typical outlet mall fare. Parking is plentiful and free, with designated spots for expectant mothers and veterans.
Insider Tips for Woodstock
Since this is the newest facility, the stores tend to be a bit larger and less crowded than equivalent stores at older outlet malls. Go on a weekday if possible—weekends can get busy but rarely feel as packed as Dawsonville on a Saturday. The Saks OFF 5TH is a highlight; it's worth hitting first thing since they get new merchandise regularly and the good stuff goes fast.
Calhoun Outlet Marketplace: The I-75 Convenience Stop
The Verdict: Smallest selection, but perfect if you're passing through on I-75 or want a quick outlet fix.
Distance from Ellijay: 60 minutes via GA-515 S and I-575 S to I-75 N
Address: 455 Belwood Road SE, Calhoun, GA 30701
Size: 50+ stores
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm
The I-75 Outlet Experience
Let's be real: Calhoun Outlet Marketplace is the smallest and least exciting of the three options. It's located right off I-75 at Exit 312, which makes it super convenient if you're road-tripping north toward Chattanooga or south toward Atlanta. But as a destination unto itself? It's a bit underwhelming compared to Dawsonville or Woodstock.
That said, if you're already passing through or you only need to hit a few specific stores, Calhoun can save you the extra drive to Dawsonville. The outdoor center is easy to navigate precisely because it's smaller—you can cover the whole thing in an hour or two.
What You'll Find
Calhoun covers the basics: Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Coach, American Eagle Outfitters, Gap Outlet, Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, Ann Taylor, and Carter's. You'll also find Famous Footwear, Levi's, Rack Room Shoes, and Van Heusen.
For home goods, there's a Bass Pro Shop adjacent to the outlets (technically separate but convenient), and the outlet center itself has some home and kitchen stores, though nothing like the selection at Dawsonville.
The Java Junction Advantage
One genuinely nice touch: Java Junction, a local coffee shop inside the outlet center, serves good coffee drinks and hand-dipped ice cream. It's a cut above the usual outlet mall food court offerings and makes for a pleasant break between stores.
When Calhoun Makes Sense
Choose Calhoun if you're already driving I-75 for other reasons, if you only need to hit a few specific stores (Nike, Coach, and Polo are the anchors), or if you want to combine outlet shopping with a visit to the Bass Pro Shop. It's also a good option if you have young kids and want a shorter, less overwhelming shopping trip.
Insider Tips for Calhoun
The center is 45 minutes south of Chattanooga, so if you're making a day trip to Chattanooga from Ellijay, you could easily stop at Calhoun on the way. Store selection has shrunk somewhat in recent years, so call ahead if you're making the drive specifically for a particular brand. Use this as a quick-hit outlet stop rather than planning an all-day shopping excursion.
Planning Your Outlet Shopping Day Trip from Ellijay
Best Day and Time to Go
Weekday mornings are your friend. If you can swing a Tuesday or Wednesday morning trip, you'll have the stores practically to yourself. Friday mornings are also good. Saturdays are the busiest—expect crowds, especially at Dawsonville. Sundays can be decent, though hours are shorter. Avoid holiday weekends unless you enjoy combat shopping.
Seasonal Strategy
January and July are clearance months—outlet stores mark down their already-discounted merchandise to make room for new seasonal inventory. This is when you find the truly ridiculous deals (think 70% off already-outlet prices). Late August/early September is great for fall clothing before the demand kicks in. Late November through December for holiday gifts, but brace yourself for crowds.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes (seriously, you'll walk miles), reusable shopping bags or a rolling cart, water bottle, phone charger, and a cooler in the car if you're planning to buy perishables at any point. Dress in layers—you'll be going in and out of air-conditioned stores into Georgia heat or cold depending on the season.
Budget Reality Check
Just because it's an outlet doesn't mean it's cheap. Yes, you're getting 25-65% off retail, but designer brands at outlet prices can still add up fast. Set a budget before you go and stick to it. Pro tip: leave your credit cards in the car and only carry the cash you plan to spend. It's surprisingly effective.
Combine with Other Activities
Dawsonville is close to several North Georgia wineries—you could easily do outlets in the morning and wine tasting in the afternoon. Dawsonville is also home to the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame if you're into NASCAR history. Woodstock has a cute downtown area with good restaurants and breweries. Calhoun is near the Etowah Indian Mounds historic site and has decent BBQ restaurants if you want to make a day of it.
The Outlet Reality Check: What You Should Know
Not Everything Is Made for Retail
Here's the thing most people don't realize: many "outlet" items were never in regular retail stores. Brands manufacture separate product lines specifically for outlets, often with lower quality materials or construction. That doesn't mean they're bad—just that they're not necessarily last season's retail merchandise at a discount. Look for the store codes on tags; if it says "Factory" or has specific outlet-only product codes, it was made for outlets.
Compare Prices Before You Buy
Just because a store is in an outlet mall doesn't guarantee the lowest price. I've seen items at outlet stores that were the same price or even higher than similar items at regular retailers on sale. Download the store apps for major brands before you go, so you can quickly price-check.
Know Your Return Policies
Outlet stores often have stricter return policies than their retail counterparts. Some are final sale only, others charge restocking fees. Always check the policy before buying, especially on big-ticket items.
The Savings Are Real (Sometimes)
Don't let my reality checks scare you off—you absolutely can find legitimate deals, especially on basics, athletic wear, home goods, and seasonal items. I've scored incredible finds at all three locations. Just shop with your eyes open and don't assume "outlet" automatically means "best price."
My Personal Rankings by Shopping Goal
Best Overall Experience: North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville) - No contest. Biggest selection, best brands, closest to Ellijay.
Best for Designer/Luxury: North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville) - Only place you'll find Gucci, Burberry, Versace, etc.
Best for Families: The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (Woodstock) - Newer, cleaner, good kids' stores, less overwhelming.
Best for Athletic Gear: North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville) - Most comprehensive selection of Nike, Under Armour, adidas, etc.
Best for Home Goods: North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville) - Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, West Elm outlets.
Best for a Quick Trip: Calhoun Outlet Marketplace - Smallest, easiest to navigate quickly.
Best Parking: The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (Woodstock) - Newest facility, most parking, least crowded.
Best Food Options: The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (Woodstock) - Better restaurant selection than the others.
The Bottom Line
Living in Ellijay gives you excellent access to North Georgia's outlet shopping corridor. For most people, most of the time, North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville is the clear winner—closest drive, biggest selection, best brands. Make the 35-minute trip, arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and plan to spend at least 3-4 hours to really cover the ground.
Save Woodstock for when you want a slightly different store mix or you're already heading toward metro Atlanta for other reasons. Skip Calhoun unless you're passing right by on I-75 or you only need to hit a few specific stores.
The best strategy? Start with Dawsonville and make it a semi-regular thing—maybe once a season or when you have specific shopping needs. You'll quickly figure out which stores consistently have good deals and which ones aren't worth your time.
Happy shopping! And when you get home to Ellijay with all those shopping bags, you'll appreciate the mountain peace and quiet even more. At least until the next time the shopping bug bites.
Plan Your Perfect North Georgia Day Trip
Looking for more things to do in North Georgia? Check out our complete guides to Ellijay wineries, hiking trails, restaurants, and weekend itineraries.
