Friday Evening: Arrival & Downtown Exploration

4:00 PM - Check Into Your Cabin

Start your weekend by checking into one of Ellijay's many mountain cabins. We recommend booking with Blue Sky Cabin Rentals or Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals for a creek-side retreat with a hot tub. Most cabins have 4 PM check-in, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the mountain views before heading out.

💡 Insider Tip: Book a cabin with a hot tub and firepit. You'll appreciate both after a day of hiking, and nothing beats stargazing from a hot tub in the mountains.

6:00 PM - Dinner at Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza

Head downtown for dinner at Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza (Cartecay River Pizza Company). This beloved local spot serves smoky, crisp wood-fired pizzas in a beautifully renovated 19th-century building. Try the Pomodoro (elevated Margherita) or the earthy shiitake-truffle pie. Pair it with a craft beer on tap and don't skip the wood-fired French onion soup.

Location: Downtown Ellijay in a historic timber industry building
Why locals love it: Authentic wood-fired flavor, historic atmosphere, and consistently excellent quality

7:30 PM - Stroll Downtown Ellijay

After dinner, take a leisurely walk through downtown Ellijay. Browse unique shops like the Hemlock Bazaar (coffee shop that sells books, records, and local art), peek into Das Kaffee Haus to see the iconic Coca-Cola mural perfect for photos, and walk along the boardwalk beside the Ellijay River. If it's a Tuesday during the warmer months, you might catch free live music at River Park.

9:00 PM - Return to Cabin

Head back to your cabin, light the firepit, pour a glass of wine, and soak in the peaceful mountain evening. This is what Ellijay is all about—slowing down and enjoying nature.

Saturday: Apple Picking, Waterfalls & Wine Tasting

8:00 AM - Breakfast at Cornerstone Cafe

Start your day at Cornerstone Cafe on Main Street. This family-owned local favorite serves filling Southern breakfasts including the popular spinach feta omelet, country fried steak with home fries, and homemade biscuits. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with locals chatting over coffee—a true community gathering spot.

Best Time to Visit Apple Orchards

Peak Season: September - October (especially during Georgia Apple Festival weekends)

Early Season: August (limited varieties, fewer crowds)

Late Season: November (reduced selection, best prices)

Pro Tip: Arrive at orchards by 10 AM on weekends during peak season to beat crowds and get the best apple selection.

10:00 AM - Apple Picking at B.J. Reece Orchards

Drive to B.J. Reece Orchards, one of Ellijay's premier apple destinations spanning over 200 acres with 30+ apple varieties. The U-Pick experience runs September through October. Handpick your favorite apples right from the trees, then head to their famous bakery to watch signature fried pies being made from scratch. Don't leave without trying an apple cider slushie.

After picking apples, cross the street to visit Reece's Cider Company for a flight of award-winning hard apple ciders. It's the perfect mid-morning treat!

Location: 2640 Old Hwy 5 N
Must-try: Fresh-made fried apple pies and apple cider slushies
Time needed: 2-3 hours

1:00 PM - Lunch at La Catrina Tacos & Margaritas

Head back downtown for authentic Mexican cuisine at La Catrina. This family-owned restaurant brings vibrant flavors to Ellijay. Order the famous birria tacos, savory steak street tacos, or the popular "Catrina Bowl" layered with meat, rice, beans, queso, and pico de gallo. Pair it with their signature Black Diamond margarita (hibiscus-infused) or the zingy Cucumber Jalapeño margarita.

💡 Insider Tip: Kids eat free on Wednesdays at La Catrina. If you're traveling with family, plan your weekend trip to include a Wednesday!

2:30 PM - Hike to Amicalola Falls

Drive 30 minutes to Amicalola Falls State Park, home to Georgia's tallest waterfall at 729 feet. Take the Base of Falls Trail—a short but strenuous 1-mile hike featuring nearly 200 stairs to reach the spectacular base of the falls. The views are absolutely worth the climb, and you'll get an excellent workout in the process.

Difficulty: Moderate (lots of stairs!)
Time needed: 1.5 hours round trip
Pro tip: Wear good hiking shoes—stairs can be slippery near the waterfall

5:00 PM - Wine Tasting at Grapes and Ladders

After your hike, unwind with wine tasting at Grapes and Ladders Winery. This beautiful, family-friendly vineyard offers a variety of wines for adults and refreshing wine slushies (adults) and grape slushies (kids). Sample wines on the barn deck, then take your favorites to the patio to enjoy live music on weekends. The relaxed atmosphere and stunning mountain scenery make this a perfect late-afternoon stop.

Signature experience: Wine slushies—refreshing and delicious!
Family-friendly: Yes! Kids can enjoy grape slushies
Live music: Weekends

7:30 PM - Dinner at The Roof Ellijay

End your Saturday with dinner at The Roof Ellijay, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of downtown and the North Georgia mountains. Start with their standout Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes with house-made buttermilk dressing. For mains, try the Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese, Shrimp Cakes, or the famous Roof Burger. During Cocktail Hour, don't miss creative drinks like the Sprig and Berry or Mountain Margarita. Time your reservation for sunset—the views are spectacular.

9:30 PM - Cabin Time

Return to your cabin for s'mores by the firepit and a soak in the hot tub under the stars. This is mountain living at its finest.

Sunday: Carters Lake & Farewell Brunch

9:00 AM - Explore Carters Lake

Start Sunday at Carters Lake, the deepest lake east of the Mississippi River at over 450 feet deep. With 62 miles of pristine, undeveloped shoreline, this stunning mountain lake is perfect for a peaceful morning. Options include:

  • Easy hike: Tumbling Waters Nature Trail (1-mile roundtrip with cascading creek views and a towering wooden bridge)
  • Lake access: Visit one of the public boat ramps or swimming areas
  • Scenic drive: Drive around the lake for breathtaking mountain and water views

The clean air, calm waters, and lack of development make Carters Lake feel like a hidden secret—even though it's been here all along.

💡 Insider Tip: For the best photos, visit the dam overlook area. The engineering of this massive structure combined with mountain views creates a dramatic backdrop.

11:30 AM - Brunch at Cantaberry Restaurant

Before heading home, stop at Cantaberry Restaurant in historic downtown for their famous "Simple, Homemade…Good" approach. Specializing in homemade soups, gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and delicious desserts at reasonable prices, Cantaberry is a local favorite. Try their signature Tomato Basil soup, Chicken and Wild Rice soup, or the Fried Chicken Sandwich. Don't skip the sweet potato fries!

1:00 PM - Last Stop: Apple House Shopping

On your way out of town, stop at one of the many apple houses along Highway 52 East. Load up on fresh apples, homemade apple butter, apple cider, fried pies, and apple cider donuts to take home. These make perfect souvenirs and gifts—and a delicious reminder of your Ellijay weekend.

Planning Your Perfect Ellijay Weekend

When to Visit

Peak Season (September-October): Apple picking at its finest, Georgia Apple Festival, perfect fall weather, and beautiful autumn colors. Book accommodations 3-6 months in advance!

Summer (June-August): Ideal for water activities at Carters Lake, less crowded orchards, and enjoying outdoor dining at wineries.

Spring (April-May): Apple blossoms bloom, pleasant temperatures for hiking, and the Apple Blossom Festival.

Winter (December-March): Cozy cabin weather, Wine About Winter events, fewer crowds, and peaceful mountain solitude.

What to Pack

  • Hiking shoes: Essential for waterfall trails and orchard walking
  • Layers: Mountain weather changes quickly—bring a jacket even in summer
  • Cooler: For transporting fresh apples and keeping wine purchases cold
  • Camera: You'll want to capture the mountain views, waterfalls, and downtown charm
  • Swimsuit: For cabin hot tubs or lake swimming

Budget Breakdown

Cabin rental: $150-300/night
Meals: $30-50 per person per day
Apple picking: ~$20 for a peck of apples
Wine tasting: $10-15 per person
State park entry: $5 parking fee
Total estimated cost for 2 people: $500-700 for the weekend

Final Tips for an Amazing Weekend

This 48-hour itinerary gives you the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, local food experiences, and relaxation that makes Ellijay special. But don't feel locked into this schedule—part of Ellijay's charm is its laid-back mountain pace. Sleep in if you want. Spend an extra hour on the cabin porch with coffee. Add an extra winery or skip the hike in favor of more apple picking. The mountains will still be here, and the apple cider will still be cold.

The real secret to a perfect Ellijay weekend? Slow down, talk to locals, and let the mountains work their magic. You'll leave refreshed, inspired, and already planning your return trip.