Chamber brochure of Ellijay

Ellijays
of North Georgia
Gilmer County
Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 505
Ellijay, GA 30540
The
ExploreTheMountains.com
The Ellijays
of North Georgia
2. Get Out Explore the
outdoors and recreational
opportunities
By air: Hartsfield-Jackson
International Airport in
Atlanta is the closest
available commercial
airport. If flying privately,
Gilmer County Airport
is a general aviation
airport with a 3500 foot
runway and a modern
FBO facility.
Getting Here
By auto: The Ellijays
are easily accessible by
I-575 N coming out of
Atlanta and are located
only 80 miles north of
Midtown. If traveling
South on I-75 from
Chattanooga, we are
an easy drive over GA.
State Hwy. 76 or 52E.
14. Shop Local Hunt
treasures, home furnishings,
antiques and more
16. Explore Main Street
USA Historic downtown
Ellijay is a great destination
for history buffs, collectors,
and more
Already Here
Visit one of our welcome centers:
696 First Avenue,
East Ellijay M-F 9a to 5p
706.635.7400
8. Locally Grown Learn
where your food comes from
while exploring farms,
markets, and vineyards
92 Sand Street, Ellijay
Th-Sa 9a to 5p, Su 1p to 5p
info@gilmerchamber.com
www.explorethemountains.com
facebook.com theellijays
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.
18. Let Us Entertain
You Let your artistic side
show or enjoy the artistic
fruits of others
20. Get a Good
Night’s Sleep Lodging
options range from primitive
camping to luxury cabins and
everything in between
23. Eat Like a Local
Explore the many dining
options where the locals like
to go
24. Fairs and Festivals
Abound Every day is special
here, but you may want to plan
your trip during one of our
many special events
From gentle natural progression
to Class III rapids, our waterways are accessible by people of
varying skill levels.
Get Out
Amicalola Falls State Park
The Ellijays are the perfect base camp for
exploring the great outdoors. Whether your version
of adventure is a lazy day on the lake, a gentle
walk along the river or something a bit more
adventurous like mountain biking or hiking into
the wilderness you will find just the adventure
to keep you coming back for more.
Carter’s Lake
3200 acre reservoir in
the southwestern corner of the county
offering a beautiful
undeveloped shoreline
and great fishing.
Activities and facilities include US Army
Corps of Engineers
Visitor’s Center, full
service marina, boat
ramps, day use areas, hiking, biking, camping, boat-in
camping, picnicking, and hunting. 706.334.2248
sam.usace.army.mil/carters
829 acre park highlighted by the
tallest cascading waterfall in the
Southest with hotel, restaurant,
conference center, cabins, and
camping. Activities include
ranger programs, hiking, waterfall photography, picnicking,
fishing, and geocaching.
706.265.4703 www.gastateparks.org
Did You Know:
More than 400´ deep at the dam, Carters Lake
is the deepest lake in Georgia.
Cartecay, Ellijay, and
Coosawattee Rivers
It’s easy to see why the
Cherokee called this the
“land of many waters”
with three rivers and
multiple creeks flowing
through the county.
The Cartecay, Ellijay, and
Coosawattee Rivers offer
a scenic backdrop for
canoeing, kayaking,
floating, and fishing.
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Fort Mountain State Park
3712 acre park centered around a mysterious 855 foot
long 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
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Appalachian Trail With its
southern terminus on top of
Springer Mountain in the
northeastern part of the county,
the AT is one of the world’s
best known hiking trails.
Traveling over 2100 miles to
Mt. Katahdin, Maine, the AT
is easily accessible in Georgia
for shorter section hikes.
www.nps.gov/appa
Benton MacKaye Trail Also beginning on Springer Mountain,
the Benton MacKaye is a mainly wilderness trail with
few amenities stretching westward for roughly 300 miles
through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Several
sections are
easily accessed
throughout the
area for day and
overnight hikes.
www.bmta.org
Cohutta Wilderness & Chattahoochee National
Forest With thousands of acres of protected forest
and wilderness, recreational opportunities abound in
the Cohuttas and the national forest. For the outdoor
enthusiast who likes a walk on the wild side, the
wilderness areas and national forest offer opportunities
for hunting, fishing, camping, biking, and much more.
www.fs.fed.us/conf
Whitepath Golf Course
Whitepath Golf Course was
designed by world-renowned
architect Rocky Roquemore.
Completed in 1987, Whitepath
is snuggled in the majestic
North Georgia mountains and offers breathtaking scenery
from elevated tees overlooking lush fairways and mediumsized greens. A new clubhouse and grill were completed
and opened in late 2010. 706.276.3080
Did You Know:
In September 2012, Ellijay-Gilmer
County was designated an Appalachian
Trail Community.
Lake Conasauga A beautiful,
remote 19-acre spring-fed lake
resting near Grassy Mountain
is the highest lake and campground in Georgia. Activities
include camping, hiking,
swimming, wildlife watching,
and fishing. Open Seasonally.
706.695.6736 www.fs.usda.gov
Bear Creek Trail One of the
area’s most popular multi-use
trails, Bear Creek is an easy
1.5 mile (or more) scenic hike
to the Gennett Poplar, the state
record Tulip Poplar tree.
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Did You Know:
On March 11, 2008, the
Georgia General Assembly
designated Gilmer County
the Mountain Biking
Capital of Georgia.
Pedal Faster
Cartecay Bike Shop, 131 N. Main St.
706.635.2453, www.cartecaybikes.com
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Ellijay Mountain Bike Association,
www.ellijaymountainbike.org
Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-a-Way,
400 Mulberry Gap Road, 706.698.2865,
www.mulberrygap.com
Saddle Up
Adventure 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
Put on Your
Hiking Boots
Fort Mountain Stables, 548 Cliff Mine Rd./Chatsworth.
706.517.4906, www.fortmountainstables.net
North Georgia Mountain
Outfitters, 583 Highland
Crossing, Suite 230/East
Ellijay. 706.698.4453,
www.hikenorthgeorgia.com
Gilmer County Saddle Club, 1727 S. Main St.,
www.gilmercountysaddleclub.com
Get Wet
Boogie Rivers Tubing
Company, tube rentals,
kayaks, canoes and event
facility. 706.635.8823,
www.boogierivers.com
Area Adventures
Blue 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
Carter’s Lake Marina
& Resort, full service
marina & boat rentals.
706.276.4891
www.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. Open
Seasonally. 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 Line
Noontootla Creek Farms, 706.838.0585, www.ncfga.com
Reelem In Guide Service, 706.273.0764,
www.reeleminguideservice.com
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Take a Drive Down
Apple Alley
Grown Locally
Long before “organic and natural” became marketing
buzzwords, Gilmer Countians were enjoying the
fruits of their labor with locally grown produce,
vegetables, and meats. Today visitors are also
enjoying those efforts. Combining the two largest
industries in Georgia, agriculture and tourism,
agritourism provides opportunities for city dwellers
and those wishing to return to their roots to enjoy
farm to table meals, local wines, and delicious
treats straight from the
orchard or the field.
Picturesque rolling hills and
pastureland make highway
52E out of Ellijay a beautiful
drive any time of the year.
In spring you will see the
blooming of the apple blossoms, the year’s first sign of
a new crop. In the fall you
will find the hillside ablaze
in color. The majority of the
county’s apple houses are
along this stretch, thus the
name “Apple Alley”—
allowing you to visit several
houses, each with their own signature treat. Everyone has
their favorite—which one is yours?
Did You Know:
It’s All About
the Apple
If there is a “taste” to the
North Georgia mountains,
it has to be the tart, crisp
bite of a locally grown
apple. You may think
peaches when you think
Georgia, but here we
speak the language of the
apple. For generations,
farmers have cultivated
the land to grow the most
delicious apples around.
Dozens of varieties are
harvested late summer
into early winter. Some
are sold wholesale but most are sold direct to consumers
as either fruit or in one of the many delectable treats,
jams, or jellies available at one of the many apple houses
dotting the countryside.
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John W. Clayton is credited with introducing
the first apples to Gilmer County in 1903.
Over a hundred years later, Georgia’s Apple
Capital produces over 250,000 bushels of
apples annually in over 30 varieties.
R&A Orchards
One of several
multi-generational
farms, R&A is open
year around and
offers seasonal
fruits and produce
throughout the year.
Visit during the
spring for a wagon
ride through the
orchards while the
apple blossoms are
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blooming or for pick your own strawberries. Summer
brings fresh from the farm vegetables and of course fall
brings apples! 5505 Hwy 52E, 706.273.3821
www.randaorchards.com
Day, the farmer’s market is a great place to
visit with old friends
and to make new ones
while picking up the
freshest vegetables from
Panorama Farm Market Open year around, Panorama
offers fresh baked goods, jam, jellies, produce, and of
course apples. 63 Talona Spur (just off Hwy 515),
706.276.3813 www.panoramaorchards.com
the
garden, some wonderful baked goods, native plants, and
local crafts. Located just off the roundabout in down-
Lo Di
June Apple
Detroits Red
Ozark Golden
Gala
Jonagold
Red Delicious
June 6
June 30
August 1
August 15
August 15
August 15
September 1
Golden Delicious
Stayman Winesap
Rome Beauty
Mutsu
Braburn
Black
Criterion
September 1
September 10
September 15
September 15
September 15
October 1
October 1
Granny Smith
Limbertwig
Yates
Fuji
Pink Lady
October 1
October 20
October 20
October 1
November 1
Apple Houses Open Seasonally
B.J. Reece Apple House, 9131 Hwy. 52E. 706.276.3048
www.reeceorchards.com
town Ellijay, the Farmer’s Market is conveniently located
in the parking lot of the Gilmer County Courthouse.
Hillcrest Orchards, 966 Hwy. 52E. 706.273.3838
www.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, 3379
Tails Creek Rd (Hwy.
282W). 706.635.5898
www.redapplebarn.com
Be sure to pick up the
annual “Apple House”
brochure for more information and hours of operation for all houses.
Gilmer County Farmer’s
Market Open every
Saturday morning from
Memorial Day to Labor
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Mountain Valley Farms A working dairy farm, this
beautiful valley has been in the Wright family since 1840.
In 2009, the Wrights decided to open Mountain Valley
Farms, selling grass fed beef and grain feed pork direct to
market. Open Friday through Sunday, the Farm Store
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offers various cuts of meat, unpasteurized milk for pets,
and most importantly an opportunity to know just where
your food comes from. 2026 Homer Wright Rd, Ellijay.
706.889.0999 www.grassfedgeorgia.com
Did You Know:
Mountain Valley Farms has been continuously
owned and operated by the Wright family
since 1840.
Celebrate the
Harvest
Georgia Apple
Festival Arts &
Crafts Show
Celebrating 40 years in
2011, the Georgia
Apple Festival has
grown from humble
beginnings to be one of the largest and most wellattended festivals in Georgia. Celebrating fall and the
apple harvest, the Apple Festival features handmade,
handcrafted arts and crafts, live entertainment, delicious
treats from fried oreos to gyros, and all things apple.
The Apple Festival is held the 2nd and 3rd full
weekends in October. 706.635.7400
www.georgiaapplefestival.org.
Apple Pickin’ Jubilee Hillcrest Orchards comes alive
every weekend mid-September through October for a
down home good time. Watch the pigs race, check out
the Moonshine museum, clap along to the bluegrass,
milk a cow, and get lost in the orchard while picking
your own bag of delicious, crispy goodness.
706.273.3838 www.hillcrestorchards.net
U-Pick B.J. Reece, Red Apple Barn, R&A Orchards,
Cartecay Vineyards
Officially opened in the summer
of 2011, Cartecay Vineyards is
Gilmer County’s first entry into
the increasingly successful
North Georgia wine industry.
Cartecay Vineyards first production crop was harvested and
bottled in 2011 and is now
available at their beautiful
restored tasting room. Named
for the original homesteaders,
Nealey Barn Tasting Room and
the surrounding grounds can
also be rented as an events
facility. 5704 Clear Creek Rd,
Ellijay. 706.698.9463
www.cartecayvineyards.com
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and Hillcrest Orchards open their fields to visitors
during the fall for U-pick. Hop on the wagon on a crisp,
cool fall day and pick out your prized apples. Whether
you are planning to eat them fresh, bake them, or
preserve them, you will be proud to brag on these
souvenirs. And be sure to shoot the apple cannon at
B.J. Reece Apple House!
Did You Know:
The Southern Appalachians in North Georgia
are ideal for growing wine grapes. The
elevation, the soil and the climate combine
to produce wine grapes of the highest quality
and subsequently, fine wines.
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Shop Local
Treasures abound in
our local antique malls
and shops. Wind your
way through the aisles
of booths filled with
antiques and collectables
of all shapes and sizes.
Whether you are looking to decorate your new
cabin, add to your favorite collection, or find that
perfect gift—we’ve got a shop for you.
Be sure to pick up the latest shopping guide at the
Chamber or downtown welcome center. And you can
always visit www.explorethemountains.com for the
most up to date list.
Did you wear out those
hiking boots on the trail?
Visit a local outfitter
to pick some new ones
up, to get a great map
of the area trails, or for
provisions you might
need on the trail.
Are you looking
for a new piece
for your cabin or
for your home
back in the city?
We have several
home furnishing
stores that will
have just what
you need.
E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m
Maybe you are looking to
create your own masterpiece or pick up supplies
for one you are creating at
home. Whether it is jewelry,
quilting, pottery, sewing,
or more—we’ve got the
shop for you.
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Explore
Main Street
For over 150 years, downtown Ellijay has been
a center of commerce. This Better Hometown
community continues to thrive today as a variety
of shops and restaurants continue to open around
the historic town center.
Welcome Center
Parking
Restrooms
Four distinct but moderate
seasons beckon visitors to stroll
through downtown year round.
The Tabor House Tearoom, a farmto-table dining experience, is open
Thursday through Saturday for
lunch and Sunday for brunch.
Enjoy lunch in the historic Tabor
House (c.1870) before enjoying
a tour of the Gilmer County
Historical Society museum and the
Civil War Museum.
706.276.1861.
138 Spring St., Ellijay.
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Let Us
Entertain You
Something about the crisp mountain air brings out
the creative side in all of us. Whether you want to
create that masterpiece yourself or you simply
want to marvel at the masterpiece of others our
local artisans are sure to please.
Be sure to visit our calendar of events at
www.explorethemountains.com to check out all the
happenings during your visit.
“There is music in these
hills” A great live music
culture is growing throughout the area and you just
never know who might be
playing in one of our local
eateries or entertaining
under the stars. Three
Rivers Music Jam, Ellijay
Under the Stars and other music series bring great
talent throughout the year.
Bluegrass at it’s Best!
Visiting the 2nd Thursday
of each month? Then join
us at the Gilmer Senior
Center, 11 Gilmer St, in
downtown Ellijay for a free
performance of some of the
world’s best bluegrass
music. You will hear a live
performance from a visiting
band and then the real fun
begins with an acoustic set
from whoever shows up to
jam that evening.
www.northgabluegrass.com
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Gilmer Arts & Heritage
Association offers an ever
changing exhibit area showcasing
local, regional, and nationally talented artists in many disciplines.
To bring out the artist in all of us,
they also offer numerous classes throughout the year from
basket weaving, painting, to stained glass and pottery.
207 Dalton St, Ellijay. 706.635.5605 www.gilmerarts.org
Apple Mountain Playhouse brings live community
theater to Gilmer County with several productions each
year. 260 McCutchen St, Ellijay. 706.502.4292
www.applemountainartcenter.com
The Martyn House
is not just a glamping
paradise, but it is home
to two amazing artists,
JoAnn Antonelli and
Rick Lucas. Through
their own creative
endeavors they have
created a place for artists, writers, and those just
wishing to connect. They often offer classes, artistic
weekends, and they are always open to those wanting
to visit their studios. Additionally, they offer quarterly
farm to table dinners celebrating the culinary arts.
706.635.4759 www.themartynhouse.com
Several local businesses cater to the
creative side with all you will need to
create your own lasting memory.
Check out their class schedules!
Jumping Mouse Beads
52 North Main St, Ellijay. 706.276.1215
www.jumpingmousebeads.com
Strings & Sticks Yarn Shoppe
449 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 Shop
10 North Main St, Ellijay. 706.698.1223
www.whistletreepottery.com
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Get a Good
Night’s Sleep
Cabins
Bearadise 386/736-4919
Bears in the Park
www.bearsinthepark.com
Blue Sky Cabin Rentals LLC
706/636-2226
www.blueskyrentals.com
Cartecay River House
770/867-5224
www.ngacabinrentalsontheriver.com
Carters Lake Marina & Resort
706/276-4891
www.carterslake.com
Cherry Log Mountain Retreat
904/687-3866
www.photoshow.com/members/1cobur
n/all
Coosawattee River Resort
Association,Inc
706/276-1060
www.crra.biz
Far Far Away Cabin Rental
706/502-3582
www.farfarawaycabinrental.com
KZ Cabin Rentals
706/698-4445
www.kzcabins.com
Romantic River Retreats
706/636-4636
www.romanticriverretreats.com
Falling Waters Mountain Lodge
706/889-3881
www.fallingwatersmtlodge.com
Lonesome Paws Cabin Rental
706/276-1408
www.lonesomepaws.com
Sliding Rock Properties
706/636-5895
www.slidingrockcabins.com
The Hearthstone Bed & Breakfast
706/695-0920
www.thehearthstonelodge.com
Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals
888-875-5669
www.morningbreezecabinrentals.com
StressBuster Cabin Rentals & Mgmt.
Service 706/635-3952
www.stressbuster-vacationrentals.com
Mountain High Living, LLC
706/632-3609
www.rentgeorgiacabins.com
Valhalla Cabin Rentals
404/314-8454
www.valhallacabin.com
Mountain Laurel Cabin Rentals
706/635-6314
www.mountainlaurelcabinrentals.com
Wilderness View Cabins/
The Overlook Inn 706/517-8810
www.wildernessviewcabins.com
Mountain Memories Cabins
706/698-6867
www.mountainmemoriescabins.com
Bed and Breakfasts,
retreats, and lodges
Mountain Resort Cabin Rentals
706/276-2116
www.mountainresortcabinrentals.com
Bear Rock Ridge Bed and Breakfast
706/273-6222
www.bearrockridge.com
Mountain Top Cabin Rentals
706/258-6220
www.mountaintopcabinrentals.com
Chamomile Cottages Country Retreat
404/909-9303
www.georgiacountryretreat.com
Guest House on the Coosawattee
877/685-6478
www.awcabins.com
The Martyn House
706/635-4759
www.themartynhouse.com
Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike
Get-A-Way
706/698-2865
www.mulberrygap.com
The Overlook Inn
706/517-8810
www.theoverlookinn.com
Whitepath Lodge
706/276-7199
www.whitepathlodge.com
Hotels
Best Western-Mountain View Inn
706/515-1500
www.bwmountainviewinn.com
Budget Inn
706/635-5311
www.budgetinnellijay.com
Hawthorne 706/636-5895
www.slidingrockcabins.com
Ellijay Inn 706/635-4615
Hidden Key Properties
706/255-5644 or 770/715-9818
www.hiddenkeyproperties.com
Stratford Inn
706/276-1080
www.ellijayga.com/stratfordinn
Inspiration Point
706/698-4445
www.kzcabins.com
Just a Step Away
770/936-0001
www.vacationrentals.com/
vacation-rentals/20591.html
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Camping
US Corps of Engineers camping at Carter’s Lake
877/444-6777
www.sam.usace.army.mil/carters/
Lake Conasauga Camping 706/695-6736
Amicalola State Park
800/864-7275
www.gastateparks.org/amicalolafalls
Fort Mountain State Park
800/864-7275
www.gastateparks.org/fortmountain
Plum Nelly Campground
706/698-7586
www.plumnellycampground.com
Eat Like a Local
Your taste buds will thank you when you visit one
of our local eateries. From country cooking to BBQ,
to the best soup and salad and more, you won’t
be disappointed.
For a complete list of all
of our local eateries, visit
www.explorethemountains.com
or stop by one of our welcome
centers for an up to date list.
E x p l o r e T h e M o u n t a i n s . c o m
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Fairs
and Festivals
Abound
Each season comes with its own celebration in
our mountain community. Festivals, fairs, and
celebrations are a great time to visit.
Scarecrow
Invasion, October
You will find all the latest
happenings at our always up
to date calendar of events at
www.explorethemountains.com
Georgia
Apple
Festival!
Arts & Craft Show
2nd and 3rd
weekends in
October
Sat 9:am - 6:pm
Sun 9:am - 5:pm
2nd Saturday in October
Antique Car Show
3rd Saturday in October
Downtown Parade
County Fair, August
www.GeorgiaAppleFestival.org
Vendor info: call
706-636-4500
Independence Day Parade, July
Taste of Ellijay, May
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