The

Ellijaysof North Georgia

The

Ellijaysof North Georgia

ExploreTheMountains.com

GilmerCounty

Chamber

ofCom

merce

POBox505

Ellijay,G

A30540

Getting HereBy auto: The Ellijaysare easily accessible byI-575 N coming out ofAtlanta and are locatedonly 80 miles north ofMidtown. If travelingSouth on I-75 fromChattanooga, we arean easy drive over GA.State Hwy. 76 or 52E.

By air: Hartsfield-JacksonInternational Airport inAtlanta is the closestavailable commercialairport. If flying privately,Gilmer County Airportis a general aviationairport with a 3500 footrunway and a modernFBO facility.

Already HereVisit one of our welcome centers:

696 First Avenue,East Ellijay M-F 9a to 5p

92 Sand Street, EllijayTh-Sa 9a to 5p, Su 1p to 5p

info@gilmerchamber.comwww.explorethemountains.com

706.635.7400

Photos graciously provided by the following:Appalachian Country Magazine; John Crawford; Travis Crouch;Dirt Rag Magazine; Cal Duke Publishing; James Harmon;Stacey Lanning; Rick Lucas; Julie Zagarola

All businesses confirmed open as of printing, October 2012.Reproduction of any part of this visitor’s guide expressly prohibited.

2. Get Out Explore theoutdoors and recreationalopportunities

8. Locally Grown Learnwhere your food comes fromwhile exploring farms,markets, and vineyards

14. Shop Local Hunttreasures, home furnishings,antiques and more

16.Explore Main StreetUSA Historic downtownEllijay is a great destinationfor history buffs, collectors,and more

18. Let Us EntertainYou Let your artistic sideshow or enjoy the artisticfruits of others

20. Get a GoodNight’s Sleep Lodgingoptions range from primitivecamping to luxury cabins andeverything in between

23. Eat Like a LocalExplore the many diningoptions where the locals liketo go

24. Fairs and FestivalsAbound Every day is specialhere, but you may want to planyour trip during one of ourmany special events

The Ellijaysof North Georgia

facebook.com theellijays

The Ellijays are the perfect base camp forexploring the great outdoors. Whether your versionof adventure is a lazy day on the lake, a gentlewalk along the river or something a bit moreadventurous like mountain biking or hiking intothe wilderness you will find just the adventureto keep you coming back for more.

Carter’s Lake3200 acre reservoir inthe southwestern cor-ner of the countyoffering a beautifulundeveloped shorelineand great fishing.Activities and facili-ties include US ArmyCorps of EngineersVisitor’s Center, fullservice marina, boat

ramps, day use areas, hiking, biking, camping, boat-incamping, picnicking, and hunting. 706.334.2248sam.usace.army.mil/carters

Cartecay, Ellijay, andCoosawattee RiversIt’s easy to see why theCherokee called this the“land of many waters”with three rivers andmultiple creeks flowingthrough the county.The Cartecay, Ellijay, andCoosawattee Rivers offera scenic backdrop forcanoeing, kayaking,floating, and fishing.

Get Out

From gentle natural progressionto Class III rapids, our water-ways are accessible by people ofvarying skill levels.

Amicalola Falls State Park829 acre park highlighted by thetallest cascading waterfall in theSouthest with hotel, restaurant,conference center, cabins, andcamping. Activities includeranger programs, hiking, water-fall photography, picnicking,fishing, and geocaching.706.265.4703 www.gastateparks.org

Fort Mountain State Park3712 acre park centered around a mysterious 855 footlong wall thought to have been built by early Indians.Activities and facilities include cottages, camping(RV to backcountry), swimming, hiking, biking, fishing,boat rental, horseback riding, and geocaching.706.422.1932 www.gastateparks.com

P e r f e c t l y P r e s e r v e d03E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

Did You Know:

More than 400´ deep at the dam, Carters Lakeis the deepest lake in Georgia.

Appalachian Trail With itssouthern terminus on top ofSpringer Mountain in thenortheastern part of the county,the AT is one of the world’sbest known hiking trails.Traveling over 2100 miles toMt. Katahdin, Maine, the ATis easily accessible in Georgiafor shorter section hikes.www.nps.gov/appa

BentonMacKaye TrailAlso beginning on SpringerMountain,the Benton MacKaye is a mainly wilderness trail withfew amenities stretching westward for roughly 300 milesthrough Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Severalsections areeasily accessedthroughout thearea for day andovernight hikes.www.bmta.org

Lake Conasauga A beautiful,remote 19-acre spring-fed lakeresting near Grassy Mountainis the highest lake and camp-ground in Georgia. Activitiesinclude camping, hiking,swimming, wildlife watching,and fishing. Open Seasonally.706.695.6736 www.fs.usda.gov

Bear Creek Trail One of thearea’s most popular multi-usetrails, Bear Creek is an easy1.5 mile (or more) scenic hiketo the Gennett Poplar, the staterecord Tulip Poplar tree.

Cohutta Wilderness & Chattahoochee NationalForest With thousands of acres of protected forestand wilderness, recreational opportunities abound inthe Cohuttas and the national forest. For the outdoorenthusiast who likes a walk on the wild side, thewilderness areas and national forest offer opportunitiesfor hunting, fishing, camping, biking, and much more.www.fs.fed.us/conf

Whitepath Golf CourseWhitepath Golf Course wasdesigned by world-renownedarchitect Rocky Roquemore.Completed in 1987, Whitepathis snuggled in the majesticNorth Georgia mountains and offers breathtaking sceneryfrom elevated tees overlooking lush fairways and medium-sized greens. A new clubhouse and grill were completedand opened in late 2010. 706.276.3080

Pedal FasterCartecay Bike Shop, 131 N. Main St.706.635.2453, www.cartecaybikes.com

P e r f e c t l y P r e s e r v e d05E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

Did You Know:

In September 2012, Ellijay-GilmerCounty was designated an AppalachianTrail Community.

Did You Know:

On March 11, 2008, theGeorgia General Assemblydesignated Gilmer Countythe Mountain BikingCapital of Georgia.

Ellijay Mountain Bike Association,www.ellijaymountainbike.org

Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-a-Way,400 Mulberry Gap Road, 706.698.2865,www.mulberrygap.com

Put on YourHiking BootsNorth Georgia MountainOutfitters, 583 HighlandCrossing, Suite 230/EastEllijay. 706.698.4453,www.hikenorthgeorgia.com

Get WetBoogie Rivers TubingCompany, tube rentals,kayaks, canoes and eventfacility. 706.635.8823,www.boogierivers.com

Carter’s Lake Marina& Resort, full servicemarina & boat rentals.706.276.4891www.carterslake.com

Cartecay River Experience,kayak & tube rentals. 706.889.1108,www.cartecayriverexperience.com

Coosawattee Tubing Company, tube rentals.706.635.1609, www.eaglemountaingeneralstore.com

Gilmer County Public Pool, Old Hwy. 5 South. OpenSeasonally. Small admission charge. 706.635.7700

Harris Branch Beach at Carter’s Lake, Hwy. 382W.Open Seasonally. Small admission charge.

Surf Blue Ridge, stand up paddling.706.889.8747, www.surfblueridge-sup.com

Wet A LineNoontootla Creek Farms, 706.838.0585, www.ncfga.com

Reelem In Guide Service, 706.273.0764,www.reeleminguideservice.com

P e r f e c t l y P r e s e r v e d07E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

Saddle UpAdventure Trail Rides, 933 Cashes Valley Rd.Cherry Log. 706.258.2276, www.adventuretrailrides.com

Cherokee Valley Ranch, 909 Upper Salem Church Rd.Jasper. 706.692.9277, www.cherokeevalleyranch.com

Fort Mountain Stables, 548 Cliff Mine Rd./Chatsworth.706.517.4906, www.fortmountainstables.net

Gilmer County Saddle Club, 1727 S. Main St.,www.gilmercountysaddleclub.com

Area AdventuresBlue Ridge Canopy Adventure, 1408 Appalachian Hwy.Blue Ridge. 706.946.1010,www.blueridgecanopyadventure.com

Ocoee Adventure Center, South Benton,TN.888.723.8622, www.ocoeeadventurecenter.com

Rolling Thunder River Co., Bryson City, NC.800.408.7238, www.rollingthunderriverco.com

Take a Drive DownApple Alley

Picturesque rolling hills andpastureland make highway52E out of Ellijay a beautifuldrive any time of the year.In spring you will see theblooming of the apple blos-soms, the year’s first sign ofa new crop. In the fall youwill find the hillside ablazein color. The majority of thecounty’s apple houses arealong this stretch, thus thename “Apple Alley”—allowing you to visit severalhouses, each with their own signature treat. Everyone hastheir favorite—which one is yours?

R&A OrchardsOne of severalmulti-generationalfarms, R&A is openyear around andoffers seasonalfruits and producethroughout the year.Visit during thespring for a wagonride through theorchards while theapple blossoms are

Grown Locally

Long before “organic and natural” became marketingbuzzwords, Gilmer Countians were enjoying thefruits of their labor with locally grown produce,vegetables, and meats. Today visitors are alsoenjoying those efforts. Combining the two largestindustries in Georgia, agriculture and tourism,agritourism provides opportunities for city dwellersand those wishing to return to their roots to enjoyfarm to table meals, local wines, and delicious

treats straight from theorchard or the field.

It’s All Aboutthe Apple

If there is a “taste” to theNorth Georgia mountains,it has to be the tart, crispbite of a locally grownapple. You may thinkpeaches when you thinkGeorgia, but here wespeak the language of theapple. For generations,farmers have cultivatedthe land to grow the mostdelicious apples around.Dozens of varieties areharvested late summerinto early winter. Some

are sold wholesale but most are sold direct to consumersas either fruit or in one of the many delectable treats,jams, or jellies available at one of the many apple housesdotting the countryside.

Did You Know:

John W. Clayton is credited with introducingthe first apples to Gilmer County in 1903.Over a hundred years later, Georgia’s AppleCapital produces over 250,000 bushels ofapples annually in over 30 varieties.

P e r f e c t l y P r e s e r v e d09E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

P e r f e c t l y P r e s e r v e d11E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

Apple Houses Open SeasonallyB.J. Reece Apple House, 9131 Hwy. 52E. 706.276.3048www.reeceorchards.com

Hillcrest Orchards, 966 Hwy. 52E. 706.273.3838www.hillcrestorchards.net

Penland Apple House, 7678 Tails Creek Rd(Hwy. 282W). 706.635.5100

Penland Apple House, 41 Talona Spur (Hwy. 515).706.635.5110

Red Apple Barn, 3379Tails Creek Rd (Hwy.282W). 706.635.5898www.redapplebarn.com

Be sure to pick up theannual “Apple House”brochure for more infor-mation and hours of oper-ation for all houses.

Gilmer County Farmer’sMarket Open everySaturday morning fromMemorial Day to Labor

June Apple

June 30

Red Delicious

September 1

Jonagold

August 15

Gala

August 15

Ozark Golden

August 15

Detroits Red

August 1

Lo Di

June 6

Criterion

October 1

Black

October 1

Braburn

September 15

Mutsu

September 15

Rome Beauty

September 15

Stayman Winesap

September 10

Golden Delicious

September 1

Pink Lady

November 1

Fuji

October 1

Yates

October 20

Limbertwig

October 20

Granny Smith

October 1

Panorama Farm Market Open year around, Panoramaoffers fresh baked goods, jam, jellies, produce, and ofcourse apples. 63 Talona Spur (just off Hwy 515),706.276.3813 www.panoramaorchards.com

blooming or for pick your own strawberries. Summerbrings fresh from the farm vegetables and of course fallbrings apples! 5505 Hwy 52E, 706.273.3821www.randaorchards.com

Day, the farmer’s mar-ket is a great place tovisit with old friendsand to make new oneswhile picking up thefreshest vegetables fromthe

garden, some wonderful baked goods, native plants, andlocal crafts. Located just off the roundabout in down-

Mountain Valley Farms A working dairy farm, thisbeautiful valley has been in the Wright family since 1840.In 2009, the Wrights decided to open Mountain ValleyFarms, selling grass fed beef and grain feed pork direct tomarket. Open Friday through Sunday, the Farm Store

town Ellijay, the Farmer’s Market is conveniently locatedin the parking lot of the Gilmer County Courthouse.

P e r f e c t l y P r e s e r v e d13E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

Did You Know:

The Southern Appalachians in North Georgiaare ideal for growing wine grapes. Theelevation, the soil and the climate combineto produce wine grapes of the highest qualityand subsequently, fine wines.

Celebrate theHarvest

Georgia AppleFestival Arts &Crafts ShowCelebrating 40 years in2011, the GeorgiaApple Festival hasgrown from humblebeginnings to be one of the largest and most well-attended festivals in Georgia. Celebrating fall and theapple harvest, the Apple Festival features handmade,handcrafted arts and crafts, live entertainment, delicioustreats from fried oreos to gyros, and all things apple.The Apple Festival is held the 2nd and 3rd fullweekends in October. 706.635.7400www.georgiaapplefestival.org.

Apple Pickin’ Jubilee Hillcrest Orchards comes aliveevery weekend mid-September through October for adown home good time. Watch the pigs race, check outthe Moonshine museum, clap along to the bluegrass,milk a cow, and get lost in the orchard while pickingyour own bag of delicious, crispy goodness.706.273.3838 www.hillcrestorchards.net

U-Pick B.J. Reece, Red Apple Barn, R&A Orchards,and Hillcrest Orchards open their fields to visitorsduring the fall for U-pick. Hop on the wagon on a crisp,cool fall day and pick out your prized apples. Whetheryou are planning to eat them fresh, bake them, orpreserve them, you will be proud to brag on thesesouvenirs. And be sure to shoot the apple cannon atB.J. Reece Apple House!

Cartecay VineyardsOfficially opened in the summerof 2011, Cartecay Vineyards isGilmer County’s first entry intothe increasingly successfulNorth Georgia wine industry.Cartecay Vineyards first produc-tion crop was harvested andbottled in 2011 and is nowavailable at their beautifulrestored tasting room. Namedfor the original homesteaders,Nealey Barn Tasting Room andthe surrounding grounds canalso be rented as an eventsfacility. 5704 Clear Creek Rd,Ellijay. 706.698.9463www.cartecayvineyards.com

offers various cuts of meat, unpasteurized milk for pets,and most importantly an opportunity to know just whereyour food comes from. 2026 Homer Wright Rd, Ellijay.706.889.0999 www.grassfedgeorgia.com

Did You Know:

Mountain Valley Farms has been continuouslyowned and operated by the Wright familysince 1840.

Shop Local

Whether you are looking to decorate your newcabin, add to your favorite collection, or find thatperfect gift—we’ve got a shop for you.

Be sure to pick up the latest shopping guide at theChamber or downtown welcome center. And you canalways visit www.explorethemountains.com for themost up to date list.

P e r f e c t l y P r e s e r v e d15E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

Are you lookingfor a new piecefor your cabin orfor your homeback in the city?We have severalhome furnishingstores that willhave just whatyou need.

Did you wear out thosehiking boots on the trail?Visit a local outfitterto pick some new onesup, to get a great mapof the area trails, or forprovisions you mightneed on the trail.

Maybe you are looking tocreate your own master-piece or pick up suppliesfor one you are creating athome. Whether it is jewelry,quilting, pottery, sewing,or more—we’ve got theshop for you.

Treasures abound inour local antique mallsand shops. Wind yourway through the aislesof booths filled withantiques and collectablesof all shapes and sizes.

Shop Local

ExploreMain Street

P e r f e c t l y P r e s e r v e d17E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

For over 150 years, downtown Ellijay has beena center of commerce. This Better Hometowncommunity continues to thrive today as a varietyof shops and restaurants continue to open aroundthe historic town center.

Parking

Restrooms

Welcome Center

The Tabor House Tearoom, a farm-to-table dining experience, is openThursday through Saturday forlunch and Sunday for brunch.Enjoy lunch in the historic TaborHouse (c.1870) before enjoyinga tour of the Gilmer CountyHistorical Society museum and theCivil War Museum.706.276.1861.138 Spring St., Ellijay.

Four distinct but moderateseasons beckon visitors to strollthrough downtown year round.

Let UsEntertain You

P e r f e c t l y P r e s e r v e d19E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

Something about the crisp mountain air brings outthe creative side in all of us. Whether you want tocreate that masterpiece yourself or you simplywant to marvel at the masterpiece of others ourlocal artisans are sure to please.

Be sure to visit our calendar of events atwww.explorethemountains.com to check out all thehappenings during your visit.

“There is music in thesehills” A great live musicculture is growing through-out the area and you justnever know who might beplaying in one of our localeateries or entertainingunder the stars. ThreeRivers Music Jam, Ellijay

Under the Stars and other music series bring greattalent throughout the year.

Bluegrass at it’s Best!Visiting the 2nd Thursdayof each month? Then joinus at the Gilmer SeniorCenter, 11 Gilmer St, indowntown Ellijay for a freeperformance of some of theworld’s best bluegrassmusic. You will hear a liveperformance from a visitingband and then the real funbegins with an acoustic setfrom whoever shows up tojam that evening.www.northgabluegrass.com

Gilmer Arts & HeritageAssociation offers an everchanging exhibit area showcasinglocal, regional, and nationally tal-ented artists in many disciplines.To bring out the artist in all of us,

they also offer numerous classes throughout the year frombasket weaving, painting, to stained glass and pottery.207 Dalton St, Ellijay. 706.635.5605 www.gilmerarts.org

Apple Mountain Playhouse brings live communitytheater to Gilmer County with several productions eachyear. 260 McCutchen St, Ellijay. 706.502.4292www.applemountainartcenter.com

The Martyn Houseis not just a glampingparadise, but it is hometo two amazing artists,JoAnn Antonelli andRick Lucas. Throughtheir own creativeendeavors they havecreated a place for artists, writers, and those justwishing to connect. They often offer classes, artisticweekends, and they are always open to those wantingto visit their studios. Additionally, they offer quarterlyfarm to table dinners celebrating the culinary arts.706.635.4759 www.themartynhouse.com

Several local businesses cater to thecreative side with all you will need tocreate your own lasting memory.Check out their class schedules!

Jumping Mouse Beads52 North Main St, Ellijay. 706.276.1215www.jumpingmousebeads.com

Strings & Sticks Yarn Shoppe449 Industrial Blvd #165, Ellijay. 706.698.5648

Quilt Shop on the Square 44 North Main St., Ellijay.706.635.1135 www.quiltshoponthesquare.com

Whistletree Pottery Paint Your Own Pottery Shop10 North Main St, Ellijay. 706.698.1223www.whistletreepottery.com

Get a GoodNight’s Sleep

Falling Waters Mountain Lodge706/889-3881www.fallingwatersmtlodge.com

The Hearthstone Bed & Breakfast706/695-0920www.thehearthstonelodge.com

The Martyn House706/635-4759www.themartynhouse.com

Mulberry Gap Mountain BikeGet-A-Way706/698-2865www.mulberrygap.com

The Overlook Inn706/517-8810www.theoverlookinn.com

Whitepath Lodge706/276-7199www.whitepathlodge.com

Hotels

Best Western-Mountain View Inn706/515-1500www.bwmountainviewinn.com

Budget Inn706/635-5311www.budgetinnellijay.com

Ellijay Inn 706/635-4615

Stratford Inn706/276-1080www.ellijayga.com/stratfordinn

P e r f e c t l y P r e s e r v e d21E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

KZ Cabin Rentals706/698-4445www.kzcabins.com

Lonesome Paws Cabin Rental706/276-1408www.lonesomepaws.com

Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals888-875-5669www.morningbreezecabinrentals.com

Mountain High Living, LLC706/632-3609www.rentgeorgiacabins.com

Mountain Laurel Cabin Rentals706/635-6314www.mountainlaurelcabinrentals.com

Mountain Memories Cabins706/698-6867www.mountainmemoriescabins.com

Mountain Resort Cabin Rentals706/276-2116www.mountainresortcabinrentals.com

Mountain Top Cabin Rentals706/258-6220www.mountaintopcabinrentals.com

CabinsBearadise 386/736-4919

Bears in the Parkwww.bearsinthepark.com

Blue Sky Cabin Rentals LLC706/636-2226www.blueskyrentals.com

Cartecay River House770/867-5224www.ngacabinrentalsontheriver.com

Carters Lake Marina & Resort706/276-4891www.carterslake.com

Cherry Log Mountain Retreat904/687-3866www.photoshow.com/members/1coburn/all

Coosawattee River ResortAssociation,Inc706/276-1060www.crra.biz

Far Far Away Cabin Rental706/502-3582www.farfarawaycabinrental.com

Guest House on the Coosawattee877/685-6478www.awcabins.com

Hawthorne 706/636-5895www.slidingrockcabins.com

Hidden Key Properties706/255-5644 or 770/715-9818www.hiddenkeyproperties.com

Inspiration Point706/698-4445www.kzcabins.com

Just a Step Away770/936-0001www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/20591.html

Romantic River Retreats706/636-4636www.romanticriverretreats.com

Sliding Rock Properties706/636-5895www.slidingrockcabins.com

StressBuster Cabin Rentals & Mgmt.Service 706/635-3952www.stressbuster-vacationrentals.com

Valhalla Cabin Rentals404/314-8454www.valhallacabin.com

Wilderness View Cabins/The Overlook Inn 706/517-8810www.wildernessviewcabins.com

Bed and Breakfasts,retreats, and lodgesBear Rock Ridge Bed and Breakfast706/273-6222www.bearrockridge.com

Chamomile Cottages Country Retreat404/909-9303www.georgiacountryretreat.com

P e r f e c t l y P r e s e r v e d23E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

Eat Like a LocalYour taste buds will thank you when you visit oneof our local eateries. From country cooking to BBQ,to the best soup and salad and more, you won’tbe disappointed.

For a complete list of allof our local eateries, visitwww.explorethemountains.comor stop by one of our welcomecenters for an up to date list.

CampingUS Corps of Engineers camping at Carter’s Lake877/444-6777www.sam.usace.army.mil/carters/

Lake Conasauga Camping 706/695-6736

Amicalola State Park800/864-7275www.gastateparks.org/amicalolafalls

Fort Mountain State Park800/864-7275www.gastateparks.org/fortmountain

Plum Nelly Campground706/698-7586www.plumnellycampground.com

Fairsand FestivalsAbound

E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m

Each season comes with its own celebration inour mountain community. Festivals, fairs, andcelebrations are a great time to visit.

2nd and 3rdweekends inOctoberSat 9:am - 6:pmSun 9:am - 5:pm

2nd Saturday in OctoberAntique Car Show

3rd Saturday in OctoberDowntown Parade

www.GeorgiaAppleFestival.org

GeorgiaAppleFestival!Arts&Craft Show

County Fair, August

ScarecrowInvasion, October

Taste of Ellijay, May

Independence Day Parade, July

You will find all the latesthappenings at our always upto date calendar of events atwww.explorethemountains.com

Vendor info: call706-636-4500