Discover Ellijay, Georgia: Apple Orchards, Vineyards, Bigfoot Lore & Southern Charm
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome to Ellijay
Stay:
Comfort Inn & Suites
234 Highland Pkwy, East Ellijay, GA, 30540
Check in and get settled in the beautiful mountain town of Ellijay, Georgia—famous for its apple orchards and charming small-town vibe.
OR
The Lodge at Walnut Grove
568 Tails Creek Church Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540
Property features rustic elegance, nature trails, and outdoor amenities.
Guide: Heidi George
OR
Down to Earth Garden Center (Airbnb)
472 N Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540
Tour a whimsical garden shop and Airbnb that blends gardening, home décor, and cozy lodging.
Guide: Phoebe Cook
Day 2 – Apple Country Adventures
Red Apple Barn
3379 Tails Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540
Explore a family-run orchard with deep local roots. Enjoy a scenic farm tour, learn about apple growing, and visit their farm market. Red Apple Barn is a family-owned orchard and farm market located in Ellijay, Georgia, offering a variety of seasonal activities and products. Visitors can enjoy U-pick apples, pumpkins, and flowers, along with tractor rides to the orchard, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The farm market features homemade apple pies, fritters, cider, jams, jellies, honey, and more. The barn has been a staple in the community since 1927, providing a fun and educational experience for all ages. The farm is open from late August through December, with operating hours of Monday–Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Guide: Barry Pritchett, Owner
Penland’s 282
7678 Tails Creek Road (Hwy. 282), Ellijay, GA 30540
Visit this iconic roadside market known for farm-fresh produce, local goods, and a behind-the-scenes look at their apple grading system. Penland Orchards & Farm Market, a fifth-generation family-owned business established in 1936, is a seasonal farm market in Ellijay, Georgia, offering a wide selection of fresh, locally grown produce and homemade goods. The market features over 30 varieties of apples, peaches, and nectarines, along with seasonal vegetables, fresh cider, jams, jellies, apple butter, fried pies, apple fritters, and pork skins. Operating daily from mid-May through November, the market has two locations: 41 Talona Mountain Road and 7678 Tails Creek Road, both open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and taste the difference of farm-fresh, Georgia Grown products.
Guide: John Penland
The Lodge at Walnut Grove
568 Tails Creek Church Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540
Property tour featuring rustic elegance, nature trails, and outdoor amenities. Walnut Grove is a private 265-acre mountain retreat in Ellijay, Georgia, designed for exclusive group gatherings such as corporate retreats, weddings, and special events. The property features two main accommodations: The Lodge, an 8,500-square-foot estate with 11 bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, fitness center, and multiple outdoor amenities; and The Cider Mill, a serene 20-acre woodland retreat along Tails Creek, accommodating up to six guests. Guests can enjoy various activities including hiking, fishing, disc golf, bocce ball, and guided fly fishing, along with indoor amenities like a poker table and board games. The venue offers customizable catering options and provides a private, all-inclusive experience for its visitors.
Guide: Heidi George
Day 3 – Farms, Wine, Gardens & Bikes
Start: Depart Comfort Inn & Suites
Cress Creeks Farm
4708 Boardtown Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540
A scenic morning tour with a corn maze, farm animals, and a taste of rural Georgia life. Cress Creeks Farm is a sustainable sheep farm and event center located in Ellijay, Georgia, offering a variety of family-friendly experiences and high-quality local products. Visitors can enjoy seasonal attractions like the fall corn maze, tractor hayrides, and opportunities to meet and feed the farm's sheep. The farm also hosts live music events, farm-to-table dinners, and seasonal celebrations such as Easter egg hunts. For accommodations, guests can book the FarmHouse, a pet-friendly lodging option featuring three king bedrooms and modern amenities. The on-site farm store sells fresh lamb, USDA beef and pork, raw A2 dairy milk, eggs, and homemade treats like okra chips. Cress Creeks Farm is committed to sustainable farming practices, raising Katahdin and Dorper sheep on pasture without hormones or unnecessary antibiotics, and offers USDA-certified lamb cuts in spring and fall.
Guide: Mindy Forbes
Roo Mountain Vineyards
1497 Old Flat Branch Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540
Enjoy a vineyard tour, wine tasting, and a gourmet menu at The Nest. Roo Mountain Vineyards is an adults-only winery situated just four miles from downtown Ellijay, Georgia, offering a serene retreat in the Blue Ridge foothills. The vineyard features a 12,000-square-foot winery, rooftop garden bar, and scenic tasting rooms, serving a curated selection of wines and hard ciders crafted on-site. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining at The Nest, participate in exclusive experiences like VIP winery tours and cabana rentals, and attend live music events. With breathtaking mountain views and a commitment to sustainability, Roo Mountain Vineyards provides a luxurious yet inviting destination for wine enthusiasts.
Guide: Michelle Rafale
Lunch On-Site at Roo Mountain Vineyards
Roo Mountain Vineyards in Ellijay, Georgia, offers two distinct dining experiences that complement its scenic views and curated wines.
The Nest, located on the rooftop patio, provides an al fresco setting ideal for midday relaxation. The menu features gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, and charcuterie boards, all crafted by the Executive Chef. Diners can enjoy dishes like the Turken Sandwich, which includes smoked turkey breast, cheddar, roasted garlic and truffle crème fraîche, avocado, and arugula. The Nest is open on weekends, weather permitting, and also hosts special dining events throughout the year.
The Roost, the vineyard's main tasting room, offers a cozy indoor environment where guests can sample a variety of wines and ciders. While primarily focused on tastings, The Roost also provides a seasonal menu that includes light fare to accompany the beverages.
Both venues are exclusively for guests aged 21 and over, ensuring a serene and adult-friendly atmosphere.
Down to Earth Garden Center
472 N Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540
Tour a whimsical garden shop and Airbnb that blends gardening, home décor, and cozy lodging. Down to Earth Garden Center, located at 472 North Main Street in Ellijay, Georgia, is a locally owned boutique offering a tranquil shopping experience filled with vibrant flowers, herbs, trees, and pollinator-friendly plants. Beyond traditional gardening supplies, the center features pesticide-free vegetable plants, decorative planters, home décor, and specialty gifts, making it a welcoming destination for both seasoned gardeners and casual visitors seeking to add a touch of nature to their spaces.
Guide: Phoebe Cook
Cartecay Bike Shop
493 North Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540
Explore local mountain biking culture with a look at the pump track and trail systems. Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery in Ellijay, Georgia, is a unique destination combining a full-service bicycle shop with an on-site microbrewery, offering bike sales, rentals, expert repairs, group rides, and handcrafted beers brewed in-house. Located at 493 North Main Street, it serves as a hub for cycling enthusiasts, providing access to over 50 local trails, a five-acre backyard bike park, and mountain bike classes for all skill levels. The shop is dog-friendly and features indoor and outdoor seating, making it a welcoming spot for riders and families to relax post-ride. Open Wednesday through Sunday, Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery is a community-focused haven for both biking and craft beer aficionados.
Guide: Dondi Fontenot
Watch Pump Track in Action
Day 4 – Bigfoot, BBQ & Bourbon
Start: Depart Comfort Inn & Suites
Expedition Bigfoot Museum
1934 GA-515, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Explore this quirky museum dedicated to Sasquatch lore and local legends. Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum in Cherry Log, Georgia, is a 4,000-square-foot attraction featuring the nation's largest permanent display of Bigfoot artifacts, including life-size exhibits, footprint casts, sighting maps, and the world's only Bigfoot Research and Tech Vehicle. Founded in 2016 by researchers David and Malinda Bakara, the museum offers interactive exhibits like listening stations with alleged Bigfoot sounds, a Sasquatch Theater, and a reference library, providing an immersive experience for believers and skeptics alike. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM), admission is $9 for adults and teens, $6 for children aged 5–12, and free for children under 5 and active military personnel with ID. The museum is located at 1934 Highway 515, Cherry Log, GA 30522.
Guide: Dave Bakara
The Pink Pig in Cherry Log (Lunch)
824 Cherry Log St, Cherry Log, GA 30522
Taste legendary Brunswick stew and Southern BBQ at this family-run icon. The Pink Pig in Cherry Log, Georgia, is a family-owned Southern barbecue restaurant founded in 1967 by Bud Holloway, known for its pit-cooked meats, Bud’s Original sauce, and signature dishes like Brunswick stew, garlic salad, and homemade cobblers. Now run by Bud’s granddaughter Samantha and her husband Jacob, the restaurant blends rich history with rustic charm, featuring antiques and memorabilia in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Open Thursday through Saturday, it’s a beloved stop for locals and travelers alike, offering hearty portions, gluten-free options, and a nostalgic dining experience in the North Georgia mountains.
Guide: Sam Callihan
House of Applejay Distillery
67 Fowler Street Bldg B, East Ellijay, GA 30540
Tour a craft distillery and sample small-batch apple spirits, including their unique “Bear Barrels.” House of Applejay is a women-owned craft distillery located in East Ellijay, Georgia, at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Established in 2022 by a mother-daughter duo, the distillery blends European liqueur-making traditions with modern American innovation to create small-batch spirits using natural ingredients and pure Appalachian water. Their signature product, "Applejay from Ellijay," is an apple liqueur that pays homage to the region's rich apple-growing heritage. Other offerings include Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, Mt. Grassy Knob Sweet Grass Flavored Vodka, Mt. Wildcat Juniper Liqueur, and the award-winning Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur, which earned a Double Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings, explore the distillery's Bear Barrel outdoor seating, and participate in events like the Three Summits Challenge, which encourages exploration of local trails named after their spirits.
Guide: Caroline Porsiel
Downtown Walking Tour
The Shack of Ellijay
118 North Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540
Wrap up your trip with a walk through historic downtown Ellijay. The Shack of Ellijay is a vibrant Asian fusion restaurant located at 118 North Main Street in downtown Ellijay, Georgia. Known for its fresh and flavorful dishes, the menu features a variety of options including poke bowls, noodle bowls, wraps, and more, all crafted with high-quality ingredients. Beyond dine-in services, The Shack offers catering for events and provides easy online ordering for pickup or delivery, making it a convenient choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Guide: Abbey Prieto, Owner of The Shack of Ellijay
Ellijay Tapz Pizza and Tapas Bar
25 N Church St, Ellijay, GA 30540
Ellijay Tapz Pizza and Tapas Bar, located at 25 N Church St in downtown Ellijay, Georgia, is the town's first tapas bar and pizzeria, offering a diverse menu that includes small plates like smoked salmon carpaccio and beef asado, artisan flatbreads, hand-tossed pizzas, and entrees such as wood-fired salmon and rack of lamb. The restaurant caters to various dietary preferences with vegan cheese, gluten-free crusts, and vegan flatbread options. With a cozy atmosphere, dual entrances from Main and Church Streets, and services like catering and online ordering, Ellijay Tapz provides a welcoming dining experience for both locals and visitors.
Guide: Abbey Prieto
A Little Baked Bakery
128 N Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540
A Little Baked Bakery, located at 128 North Main Street in Historic Downtown Ellijay, Georgia, offers a delightful array of handcrafted baked goods, including pecan bars, Kentucky butter cake, and churro cupcakes. Their charming tearoom provides a cozy setting for afternoon tea, private parties, and special events. With a reputation for quality and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a must-visit destination for dessert enthusiasts.
