Our Local Fall Playbook - Ellijay Edition

Every year when late summer fades and that crisp morning breeze rolls through the pines, friends and family start asking the exact same question: “We’re we heading up to Ellijay, what should we do?” As Georgia’s official Apple Capital, this town is where we kick off the season every autumn, and we’ve spent years picking our favorite stops to make the most of every visit.

Orchards, Fried Pies, and Live Music If you have out-of-town visitors, our first recommendation is always BJ Reece Orchards on Highway 52 East. They are open for U-Pick daily through late October (Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM–6:00 PM). Beyond picking bags of fresh apples right off the tree, our family loves hanging out on their grounds for warm fried pies, fresh-pressed cider, and weekend live music.

Whenever friends with young children visit, we take them over to Hillcrest Orchards on Old Highway 52 for their weekend Apple Pickin’ Jubilee festivals (running daily starting September 1 and continuing through October). The pig races, wagon rides, and petting farm keep everyone entertained for hours. If you want exceptional bakery treats, our family swears by R & A Orchards on Highway 52 East—their peach and apple fried pies are legendary, and their weekend U-Pick farm tours run September 12–13, 19–20, 26–27, and October 3–4 from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

If you prefer a charming hillside orchard, Red Apple Barn on Tail Creek Road offers U-Pick on weekends from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, where you can ride a tractor to the orchard and pick up fresh cider donuts. If you want a fun detour for the kids, take them to Cress Creeks Farm on Tails Creek Road for their Corn Maze & Baby Lamb Tours (running 10:00 AM–4:00 PM on select dates like September 25, 28, 29, and October 1–2).

Harvest Festivals & Town Happenings If you love great food, time your visit for the 5th Annual Ellijay Bacon Fest on Sunday, September 27 from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at the Gilmer County Fairgrounds. Local chefs serve incredible bacon-themed dishes alongside live bands. Later in the season, the headline event of the year is the 55th Annual Georgia Apple Festival held at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds (1729 South Main Street). Running across two full weekends—October 10–11 and October 17–18 (Saturdays 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Sundays 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)—it brings over 300 juried craft vendors, blacksmith demonstrations, fair food, and live entertainment to town.

Vineyard Sunsets & Rooftop Views

Ellijay’s wine scene is incredible, but our favorite spot to take out-of-towners is Roo Mountain Vineyards on Roo Mountain Road. Relaxing on their rooftop tasting deck with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge foothills feels completely elevated. If you're visiting in mid-September, book a table for their Harvest Dinner in the Vines (September 18 and 19 at 5:30 PM), or stop by for their Haunted Barrel Room tastings running on weekends in October. They also have a selection of local brews for those not into wine.

For open-air shows, we love bringing lawn chairs to the outdoor concert lawn at Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard & Winery on Orchard Lane—they are hosting a double-header tribute to the Steve Miller Band and the Doobie Brothers on Friday, September 18 from 6:30 PM–9:30 PM. You can also catch the beloved Sunset Concert at Fainting Goat Vineyards on Burnt Mountain Road on Friday, September 11 (5:30 PM–8:30 PM), or drop in for Thursday Open Mic Nights at Grapes and Ladders Vineyards on Progress Road (September 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 5:00 PM–8:00 PM).

Riverfront Breweries & Taproom Fun When we want a cold local brew by the water, we head right down the road to Cartecay River Brewing & Kitchen on Mulkey Road. You can sip craft ales while sitting next to the Cartecay River, and their Wednesday night SINGO music bingo (September 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM) is always a rowdy, fun evening with friends.

Need a Place to Stay?

Whenever out-of-town guests ask where to stay, we always point them toward PMI North GA Mountains and Escape to Blue Ridge. Both teams have fantastic reputations with our visitors and manage spotless cabins throughout Gilmer County featuring hot tubs, stone fireplaces, and sunset porches that make it hard to leave on Sunday.