East Ellijay offers several reasons to visit: festivals in May and October, a history center with a regional and national focus, and visits to a brewery and distillery. For planning, it helps to decide on your reason for visiting first. A festival ties your trip to a specific time frame; history and tastings offer different experiences and may require separate planning.
Festivals in May and October
The Georgia Apple Blossom Festival takes place in East Ellijay every year on the first weekend in May. The Georgia Apple Festival in Gilmer County has been held over two weekends in October for 55 years. In Ellijay and East Ellijay, hundreds of vendors offer handcrafted and artisan goods, along with demonstrations, live music and fair food. The two festivals therefore differ clearly by season: one weekend in May and two weekends in October. If a festival is the deciding factor for your trip, check the specific event dates before setting your travel dates.
History and tastings
The North Georgia Mountains History Center is located at 772 Maddox Dr., Suite 126, in East Ellijay. It presents regional and national history through the stories of military personnel and civilians connected to this region of Georgia. Bringing together both perspectives makes the center a cultural destination for travelers who want to consider local history in a broader national context.
The House of Applejay Distillery is located in East Ellijay. On the History & Tasting Tours, guests explore the history of liqueurs and distillation and sample selected House of Applejay creations. Advance booking is required, so plan the tour ahead as a fixed part of your itinerary.
Cartecay River Brewing Co. is a 4-barrel craft brewery in East Ellijay offering beer flights, pints and growlers to go. These options help you choose: flights are for tasting, pints are another serving option, and growlers are available to take away. The main difference is the format: Applejay combines a tour covering the history of liqueurs and distillation with tastings of selected creations; Cartecay River Brewing Co. lists beer flights, pints and growlers to go.
Riverside setting, route and local life
East Ellijay is situated on the banks of the Cartecay River and along the route of the Appalachian Foothills Parkway. This gives the town a connection both to its riverside setting and to a named route. If you are comparing destinations along the Parkway, you can consider East Ellijay as a place along its route; the Cartecay River adds a distinct landscape feature.
The townscape also includes locally operated shops alongside branches of national chains. East Ellijay's business scene therefore encompasses both local businesses and familiar brands.
Choose accommodation based on your reason for visiting
Next, consider whether events, history or tastings will be the main focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Ellijay.
View the broader travel guide: Gilmer County.
