The Ellijay center is about 1 mile southwest of Downtown Ellijay and 16 miles east of Downtown Chatsworth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Below are reviews of the city of Ellijay, GA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Very nice little mountain trip!
Pleasant small town in the mountains is very scenic with a river running through it and some nice places to dine.
Ellijay is a lovely place, with lots of different things to do.
The staff were very friendly and helpful the hotel was very nice and clean and the beds very comfortable.
We love the antique shops.
Everything about Ellijay is absolutely wonderful!
The town is situated within the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Very good!
River floating with Elijay River Outfitters. The folks there were super nice and the one hour float was amazing.
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.
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.