Local Area Guide for Ellijay, GA
You must spend the day in downtown Ellijay or in Blue Ridge to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, which includes a wealth of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and unique experiences like custom wine tours and live entertainment. Both towns exude a quaint and incredibly friendly atmosphere that invites visitors to park their car and take a leisurely walk around the square or town center, popping into various shops along the way.
Work up an appetite by exploring and then enjoy lunch at one of the several fantastic eateries in Ellijay, where the culinary scene offers everything from hearty BBQ and fresh seafood to sophisticated farm-to-table dishes. Don't miss out on the coffee shops either, each with its own blend of local charm and delicious brews, perfect for starting your day or getting an afternoon pick-me-up.
After savoring the local flavors, indulge in ice cream and other desserts at specialized dessert shops. For those interested in a deeper dive into the local culture, custom wine tours offer an intimate look at the region's vineyards, complemented by tastings of exquisite local wines.
The area is also a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as fishing, horseback riding, river trips, zipline tours, hiking, and golfing. Each of these activities provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Additionally, visiting local orchards and farms offers a taste of the agricultural heritage of Ellijay and its surroundings, making it a comprehensive experience that combines culinary delights, outdoor adventures, and cultural exploration.
Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely day of shopping and dining or an action-packed adventure in the great outdoors, Ellijay and Blue Ridge offer a memorable escape with something for everyone.
Shopping in Historic Downtown Ellijay
Yesterday's Decor and Hometown Florist
Make it one of your first shopping stops on River Street. The store is over 4200 sq ft with a variety of merchandise to include both new and vintage items, cabin and farmhouse furniture and decor, Shabby chic, antiques, arts and crafts. They also are the best hometown florist for all of your floral and wedding needs.
Now Open 7 Days Monday - Saturday 9-5 Sunday 11-5
56 River Street
http://www.yesterdaysdecor.com/
Best Eateries in Downtown Ellijay
The Butcher and Bottle
24 River Street
An upscale restaraunt right on Riverstreet in Downtown Ellijay. Their menu boasts Scallop Risotto, Tuna Tartare, Oysters Rockefeller (as well as raw oysters), premium cuts of steak, Pan Fried Trout, an array of salads, and much more. Live music on some weekends. See website for more details.
https://thebutcherandbottle.com/
The Roof of Ellijay
16 River Street
Indoor dining or heated outdoor seating on the roof.
New Southern rooftop kitchen and bar, inspired by the culture of our hometown in Appalachia. Eat, drink, View!
Open Wed-Thur 11-8pm Fri-Sat 11-9pm Sun 12-8pm
http://www.theroofellijay.com
The Shack of Ellijay
118 N Main St.
Dine in or take out...delicious Asian infusion.
Mon-Sat 11-7pm
https://theshackofellijay.business.site/
Cantaberry’s Restaurant
Homemade soups and sandwiches
Open 11:00-4:00
There are several outside tables for those who want to bring Fido with them. So good they opened one in
http://www.cantaberry.com
Back Porch Bistro
10 Northside Square
Sandwiches, homemade soups, desserts, and coffee
Fido is welcome to join you on the back porch!
http://www.backporchbistro.com
Abby's Frozen Yogurt
24 South Main Street, Ellijay
Open seven days a week, 12-9
678-408-1119
http://www.iloveabbys.com
Chill Out Ice Cream and Eatery
Ice cream, hot dogs, specialties.
True hometown shoppe.
40 River Street, Ellijay
(706)276-2611
https://chillouticecreamandeatery.com/
Bavarian Chocolatier & Fudge & Candy Shop
4 Northside Sqaure
Closed on Tuesday and Wednesdays
See their Facebook page for more details
River Street Tavern
40 River Street
Great burgers and specialties, craft beers and cocktails. Quirky and fun. Check out the menu and drinks of the day. Often live music. Always crowded as it's a fave with the locals and our visitors. Worth the wait. Outdoor tables so you may bring fido.
http://riverstreettavern.com/
Best Coffee Spot in Ellijay
The Ellijay Coffee Shop
Also great teas, breakfast and lunch.
http://ellijaycoffeehouse.com
Shopping for Your Pets in Ellijay and Blue Ridge
Love Dogs and Cats Too (Boutique)
“A shop for dogs and cats and the people who love them.”
706-632-8668
Site may be found on Facebook
Mountain Hounds (Pet supplies)
24 River Street
Ellijay, GA
M- Sun 12-5
Site may be found on Facebook
Something You Cannot Miss
Mountain Valley Farm and Farm Store
Dry aged grass fed beef- free range heritage pork- free range eggs- raw milk- artisinal cheeses- butter- local honey- sauces- real hand crafted ice cream- many other surprises...including farm animal area to visit the lovely creatures. Amazing for young and old and all in between. The best place to gather amazing fare to take back to your cabin. BEST STEAKS EVER! The farm family is proud of their work and well they should be. You must put a visit there at the top of your list.
706-889-0999
grassfedga.com
Open 10-6
Please tell them Dragonfly Cabin Rentals sent you!
Wine and Entertainment
Chateau Meichtry
1862 Orchard Lane
Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 11-6 Sun 12:30-5:30
706-502-1608
Enjoy great wines in the tasting room or outside overlooking the beautiful scenery. Live music is often found on weekends. Amazing tasting choices and incredible owners.
http://chateaumeichtry.com/
Buckley Vineyards Farm and Winery
708 Henry Evans Road
Ellijay, GA 30536
(706)972-2080
Call or see their website for more info.
https://www.buckleyvineyards.com/
Engelheim Vineyards
127 Lakeview Road
"Experience a Taste of Heaven"
Thursday-Monday 12:30-6:00 pm
706-635-WINE (9463)
https://engelheim.com
Cartecay Vineyards
Open Thurs. through Mondays @ 11:00
Relax on the chimney patio with a delicious glass of wine grown on the premises.
http://www.cartecayvineyards.com/
Custom Wine Tours at Ellijay Excursions
Ellijay Excursions
Leave the driving to the experts for custom wine tours. Ben and staff will help you plan an amazing day to suit your every need. Memories will be made with no worries about driving! Click on the link above to contact and begin planning your amazing adventure!
Guest books excursion- 706-972-7401 Tell them Dragonfly Dreams sent you!
BBQ
Biguns BBQ- (Our Fave)
362 Carns Mill Rd.
Talking Rock, GA (Between Jasper and Ellijay)
http://www.bigunsbbq.com
The Pink Pig
Open since 1967 Th-S 11:00-9:00
http://www.pinkpigcherrylog.com
FRESH Seafood
Jolly
We buy their fresh shrimp and oysters and grill them at the cabin.
2414 E. 1st. Street
Blue Ridge 30513
Open Wed-Sat only 11-2:30 4-8PM
Site may be found on Facebook
ADVENTURE
Back Woods Fishing Guide
Full time guide service on Carters Lake and Lake Sidney Lanier.
Offers half and full day trips; for private parties, family outings, or corporate business trips.
770-265-9677
email: [email protected]
http://backwoodsfishingguide.com
Appalachian Trail Rides, S&T Stables, LLC
Mention Dragonfly Dreams Cabin Rentals and receive 10% discount!
Trail rides, abundant wildlife, customized trips. Highest rated stables in the area.
Their menu of custom rides are amazing! They even offer pony rides and proposal rides!
706-374-0362
http://appalachiantrailrides.com
Cartecay Bike Shop
This shop is the go to spot for mountain biking enthusiasts. From gear, to trail ride suggestion, these are the experts to turn to here at the mountain biking capital! We have cabins available near the best trails as well.
https://www.cartecaybikes.com/
The Lily Pad Village
Located eight miles outside of Blue Ridge, the whole family will love to spend an hour or a day gem mining, mini golf, fishing, hiking, or bring a picnic.
http://lillypadvillage.com/
Cartecay River Experience
Tube or kayak down the Cartecay River, rent tubes/kayaks, and transportation.
1554 Lower Cartecay Rd.
706-531-4746
http://www.cartecayriverexperience.com
Zipline Canopy
You can also book rafting trips on their website.
800-251-4800
Call for directions.
Expedition: Bigfoot!
1934 Hwy 515
Cherry Log, GA
706-946-2601
http://www.expeditionbigfoot.com
Cherry Log, GA
706-946-2601
Hiking, Picnicking, and Nature
Amicalola
This is a must see at the beginning of the
Appalacian Trail
http://www.gastateparks.org/lodges/amicalola/
https://gastateparks.org/FortMountain
Hiking Trails
Find a comprehensive list of hiking trails at
www.georgiatrails.com/city/Ellijay
Golfing
Whitepath Golf Club
A FAMILY MUST
Take the
To
Lovely views along the
Make reservations @
GO TO AN OLD-FASHIONED DRIVE IN
Swan Drive-In Theatre
706-632-5235
Brasstown Bald
Located near Blairsville, GA at 4,784 feet above sea level this must see is the highest peak in the state of GA. The view that you see here is a scene that will stay with you for the rest of your life. You can see four seperate states with the naked eye Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In the fall the vivid colors will paint a memory for you and your family to look back on forever. For more information visit https://www.exploregeorgia.org
IF IT’S FALL, IT’S TIME TO VISIT THE APPLE HOUSES!
Visit all the apple houses that reside up and down Hwy 52 in Ellijay. Our favorite apple houses on 52 are…
BJ Reece Apple House
Hillcrest Orchards
R & A Orchards
Also visit a fabulous apple house in
Merciers Apple Orchard
Great shops, goodies, and tours, year round.
706-632-3411
FALL IS THE TIME TO ALSO VISIT
Burt’s Farm
Open Sept. 1-Nov. 10
Pumpkin Picking
Hayrides
5 Burt’s Farm Rd. Dawsonville
706-265-3701
https://www.burtspumpkinfarmgeorgia.com/