Ellijay comes from an Itsate Creek word elasi, which means “Descendants of the Foothill People.” These people were the original inhabitants of the land, which was also briefly occupied by Cherokee people before European settlers arrived in the 1790s. Little is known about Ellijay's early history. However, it must have been a prosperous town because it became Gilmer County's government seat in 1858, just two years after the new county was formed from portions of Cherokee and Union Counties.
Modern-day Ellijay is home to a population of just over 1,600. That gives it a tight-knit community feel that many city dwellers have never experienced. Discover old-fashioned Southern hospitality with picturesque surrounds on your next getaway in Ellijay.
When should you visit Ellijay, GA?
The Georgia Apple Festival, held on the second and third weekends of October, is the highlight of Ellijay's social calendar. It's an exciting time that attracts many visitors from Georgia and other states to Ellijay. If you're interested in apples, there's no better time to visit, even if the accommodation costs a little more! The weather is also pleasant at this time of the year, hovering around the low to mid-70s.
For comparable weather without the crowds, visit Ellijay during spring. Mid-March to late May is arguably the best time to visit Ellijay. The flowers bloom and temperatures sit in the mid-60s to high 70s, depending on when you visit.
Families often visit Ellijay during summer when school is out. Ellijay doesn't get as hot as many U.S. cities, with average summer temperatures sitting around the mid- to high 80s. However, high humidity can make summer days seem much warmer. Increased tourist numbers also see accommodation prices rising.
While snow is rare in Ellijay, the town still tends to slow down during winter. You can find some bargain prices during January and February, but most visitors would prefer waiting until the weather warms.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Ellijay, GA:
Ellijay by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Ellijay, GA. You can use these illustrations to determine the best time period to make a reservation in Ellijay throughout the year.
What are the luxury hotels in Ellijay, GA?
4 Star Average Prices: $111.00
Hotels around Ellijay also cater to travelers who enjoy the finer things in life. Indulge yourself at the following luxury hotels.
Woodbridge Inn, roughly 12 miles away in nearby Jasper, has a rich history dating back to 1880, when it welcomed guests visiting the area by stagecoach. Its rooms have a nostalgic charm with antique furniture and plush bedding. Large windows help you take advantage of views of the inn's grounds and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Your room rate includes a lavish continental breakfast. The on-site restaurant is one of Jasper's most celebrated. It proudly serves dishes made with local ingredients, including thick cut strip steaks and pecan crusted Blue Ridge ocean trout.
Country Inn & Suites Blue Ridge is a little over 15 miles away, but this beautiful hotel in scenic Blue Ridge is worth the drive. It has just 68 guest rooms, so you never feel like just a number. The rooms are beautiful, with premium beds, granite-decorated bathrooms, and mountain lodge style decor and furnishings. For the ultimate indulgence, book a king jacuzzi suite. If the hot tub doesn't do the job, soothe your muscles with an in-room massage. Bacon, eggs, and waffles are just some of the delicious items you'll find on the complimentary Your Morning Breakfast buffet.
What are the low-cost hotels in Ellijay, GA?
3 Star Average Prices: $143.06
Enjoying an Ellijay getaway doesn't always mean spending a lot of money. The following low-cost hotels help you spend time in Georgia on a budget.
Budget Inn of Ellijay is a boutique hotel that prides itself on low room rates. While the rooms aren't especially new, Budget Inn claims they're the largest and cleanest motel rooms in the city. All come with comfortable king or queen beds, fridges, microwaves, and televisions showing HBO and other quality channels. For a little treat, why not choose the jacuzzi suite? Budget Inn helps your dollar go further with free wireless internet, local telephone calls, parking, and coffee available each morning.
The pet-friendly Stratford Motor Inn East Ellijay is another boutique offering with retro charm. Again, its rooms aren't flashy. However, they're comfortable and spacious, with sitting areas and 25-inch color TVs with cable remotes. The room rate includes a generous continental breakfast each morning, the perfect way to start your day. Visit during summer to make the most of the Stratford Motor Inn's outdoor swimming pool.
2 Star Average Prices: $131.95
What are the best discounts in Ellijay, GA?
Several popular hotels in Ellijay extend discounts to selected travelers. Present your valid identification at the check-in desk to secure your special discounted rate.
Comfort Inn & Suites Ellijay offers discounted rates to AAA and CAA auto club members, seniors and AARP members, government and military personnel, and guests in large traveling groups needing 10 or more rooms. The rooms are clean and modern, with flat-screen TVs, microwave ovens, fridges, and coffee makers for your early morning cup of joe. Pet-friendly rooms are available on request for a nightly surcharge. Wi-Fi is free, along with the hot breakfast served each morning. Don't worry about overindulging. You can work off those vacation pounds in the indoor heated pool or fitness center.
Best Western Mountain View Inn, conveniently located in East Ellijay, has special prices for AAA and CAA auto club members, seniors and AARP members, and government and military personnel. The rooms have either a pair of queens or a single king-sized bed, along with flat-screen TVs, hair dryers, and coffee makers. Some even have jetted hot tubs and mountain views. There's also a common hot tub for all guests and an indoor pool. After a good night's sleep, linger over the complimentary hot breakfast. The pancake machine is always popular with young guests.
What are the best value options in Ellijay, GA?
The following hotels always offer travelers great value. Free services and great customer care help your money go further at these Ellijay accommodation providers.
You should sleep well at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jasper, which has pillowtop beds in every room. While you're unwinding, catch up with your favorite shows on the wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. A compact business center makes taking care of pressing work matters easy. The complimentary breakfast buffet is small, but it has enough options for most guests. There's no fitness center on-site, but guests enjoy free access to the gym across the street. The Microtel Inn & Suites also offers all guests free car parking, high-speed Wi-Fi, and tea, coffee, and juice throughout the day and night.
Given its name, it's unsurprising that Americas Best Value Inn Blue Ridge also offers great value. It all starts with the Kids Stay Free policy, which helps families save on their vacations. Pet-friendly, nonsmoking, and smoking rooms are available for the convenience of guests. Each one features a 32-inch flat-panel TV showing ESPN and other quality channels, comfortable beds, and plenty of space for unwinding. Daily continental breakfast, Wi-Fi throughout the property, and coffee in the lobby are all free. Visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day to access the outdoor pool.
How can you have fun outside in Ellijay, GA?
Ellijay is a natural playground with mountains, waterways, and outdoor trails all close at hand. Visit during warm weather for some real fun outdoors.
Carters Lake is the best place to be in warm weather. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shore or get on the water in a boat. Carters Lake also attracts anglers fishing for trout, catfish, and spotted bass. The beach at Harris Branch is a popular summer swimming spot.
For a little more adventure on the water, try kayaking or tubing on the Ellijay, Cartecay, or Coosawattee Rivers. Local tour companies run kayaking and tubing adventure experiences and offer watercraft, including Coosawattee River Tubing Company and Cartecay River Experience.
Ellijay is an Appalachian Trail Community, so pack your walking shoes and enjoy a hike in this picturesque small town. The Gilmer Chamber and Welcome Center has information on popular hiking paths, including Emery Creek Falls Trail and the Springer Mountain Loop. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you set off because you'll want to snap photos of the stunning scenery you see along the way.
Since Ellijay is part of the Apple Capital of Georgia, it'd be a shame not to try some of the tasty local fruit. You can pick some fresh from the tree at the orchards on Highway 52 East, dubbed Apple Alley. R&A Orchards, B.J. Reece Orchards, and Hillcrest Orchards all welcome guests for apple picking from late August to late October.
For a relaxing vacation in a small town that's big on charm and natural wonders, it's hard to bypass Ellijay. Accommodation is limited though, so make sure you book yours well before your stay.
FAQs about hotels in Ellijay
How much does a cheap hotel in Ellijay cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Ellijay can be as cheap as $131.95 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Ellijay cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Ellijay has been $143.06 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Ellijay cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Ellijay has been $111.00 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city of Ellijay
Below are reviews of the city of Ellijay, GA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"The Apple Barns and Festival"
Score
4.0 / 5
Sheila A., from 18-Oct-2026
"
What my wife and I are Fisherman/Fisherwoman"
Score
4.0 / 5
What did we like about the city of Ellijay?
It's very similar to any small town tourist area. We aren't really those type of people...
What my wife and I are? Fisherman/Fisherwoman!
Carter's Lake, Blue Ridge Lake and the surrounding creeks Offer some of the best fishing in northern Georgia! Do your research on the guides in the area and book a charter for your first trip to this amazing fishery.
Edward L., from 13-Jul-2026
"We liked walking around downtown"
Score
5.0 / 5
James G., from 17-Jun-2026
"Very quaint clean food very good"
Score
5.0 / 5
Kathy W., from 27-Mar-2026
"Loved the historic district and the restaurants"
Score
5.0 / 5
Debbie T., from 13-Nov-2025
"Quaint And Shops"
Score
5.0 / 5
It is a quaint little town, although we didn't get a chance to do any sightseeing, we did get into the historic town and visited several of the shops there. We were particularly impressed with Mikes Ellijay Restaurant. Great homecooked meals at reasonable prices. They had chicken livers on the menu that were to die for!
Steven G., from 13-Nov-2025
"Loved it!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Loved it!
Bonnie W., from 28-Oct-2025
"Great opportunity to shop antique Stores"
Score
4.0 / 5
Jonathan M., from 20-Oct-2025
"Conveniently located to Blue Ridge"
Score
5.0 / 5
Ferdinand F., from 10-Sep-2025
"I like everything about Ellijay!"
Score
4.0 / 5
James S., from 01-Sep-2025
"OK"
Score
4.0 / 5
Ok
Phyllis R., from 01-Sep-2025
"Great Restaurants Nearby!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Ellijay has great restaurants in walking distance from the hotel which is awesome.
Jonathan H., from 22-Mar-2025
"Very nice little mountain trip!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very nice little mountain trip!
Ken S., from 04-Oct-2023
"Beautiful Mountain Town"
Score
4.0 / 5
Pleasant small town in the mountains is very scenic with a river running through it and some nice places to dine.
Gary T., from 01-Jul-2023
"Lovely Place"
Score
4.0 / 5
Ellijay is a lovely place, with lots of different things to do.
Ellen E., from 09-May-2023
"The staff were very friendly and helpful the hotel was very nice and clean and the beds very comfort"
Score
4.0 / 5
The staff were very friendly and helpful the hotel was very nice and clean and the beds very comfortable.
Louis M., from 19-Mar-2023
"Antique Shops"
Score
5.0 / 5
We love the antique shops.
Jennifer P., from 03-Feb-2023
"Everything about Ellijay is absolutely wonderful!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything about Ellijay is absolutely wonderful!
Timothy A., from 25-Oct-2022
"Blue Ridge Mountains"
Score
4.0 / 5
The town is situated within the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Charles C., from 18-Oct-2022
"Very Good!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very good!
Helen C., from 12-Aug-2022
"River Floating With Elijay River Outfitters!"
Score
4.0 / 5
River floating with Elijay River Outfitters. The folks there were super nice and the one hour float was amazing.
Wendy D., from 18-Jul-2022
"Loved the beautiful views and the wineries!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We used Murphy's Winery Transport to take us to the local wineries and had a great time. People in Ellijay were so friendly and loved the beautiful views.
Raylene L., from 31-Mar-2022
"Beautiful Views & Wineries"
Score
4.0 / 5
We used Murphy's Winery Transport to take us to the local wineries and had a great time. People in Ellijay were so friendly and loved the beautiful views.
Raylene L., from 13-Feb-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Ellijay, GA shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 23 reviews