DSF guidebook to Ellijay
Food scene
A list of local favorites.
Find them on Facebook. They are a first come/call first served. They only cook so many pizzas a day, and when they sell out they close. Between us and town on Hwy 52. 706-972-7791 Wednesday through Friday 11-2 Lunch 4-8 Dinner
Saturday 11-8
26 locals recommend
Cartecay River Pizza Company
2400 GA-52Find them on Facebook. They are a first come/call first served. They only cook so many pizzas a day, and when they sell out they close. Between us and town on Hwy 52. 706-972-7791 Wednesday through Friday 11-2 Lunch 4-8 Dinner
Saturday 11-8
Great pub in downtown Ellijay. Burgers, wings, beer, and more. Full bar, craft beers. Daily specials. Some nights have live music. Located in a historic downtown building with original brick.
139 locals recommend
River Street Tavern
40 River StGreat pub in downtown Ellijay. Burgers, wings, beer, and more. Full bar, craft beers. Daily specials. Some nights have live music. Located in a historic downtown building with original brick.
Great cajun seafood place. Not terribly expensive. Fried, grilled, blackened. We've been eating here for years and never disappointed. Located in a historic building near the old Ellijay train depot.
37 locals recommend
Cajun Depot Grill
67 Depot StGreat cajun seafood place. Not terribly expensive. Fried, grilled, blackened. We've been eating here for years and never disappointed. Located in a historic building near the old Ellijay train depot.
Great lunch place for sandwiches, salads and soups. Check out the homemade desserts in the case. Tomato basil soup is good, chicken salad, all of it. :) Located on the downtown Ellijay square. The building used to be the movie theater back in the 50's.
132 locals recommend
Cantaberry
5 S Side SquareGreat lunch place for sandwiches, salads and soups. Check out the homemade desserts in the case. Tomato basil soup is good, chicken salad, all of it. :) Located on the downtown Ellijay square. The building used to be the movie theater back in the 50's.
Great dipped ice cream in downtown Ellijay. They change some of the selections monthly.
16 locals recommend
MooBears Ice Cream & Hotdogs
40 River StGreat dipped ice cream in downtown Ellijay. They change some of the selections monthly.
Soft serve ice cream and yogurt. Multiple flavors to pick from, then add your own toppings. You pay by the size of the cup you choose. In downtown Ellijay.
37 locals recommend
Abby's Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
24 S Main StSoft serve ice cream and yogurt. Multiple flavors to pick from, then add your own toppings. You pay by the size of the cup you choose. In downtown Ellijay.
The Pink Pig is located in Cherry Log. You would go north on 515. Takes about 10 minutes to get there from the farm. BBQ is the specialty, but they also have burgers and other items like fried chicken tenders, chicken livers, grilled chicken with peppers and onions. The chicken tenders are hand breaded and some of the best you will eat. My favorite is the Sam's Special. BBQ pork sandwich on Garlic toasted texas toast. My (grown) daughter always gets the chicken tenders, great no matter how old you are. My husband is a fan of the chicken livers. Onion blossom, fried pickles, or Brunswick stew to start with. The Garlic Salad is a house special recipe, and if you like garlic it's awesome. A family business since 1967, passed from grandfather to granddaughter.
64 locals recommend
Pink Pig
824 Cherry Log StThe Pink Pig is located in Cherry Log. You would go north on 515. Takes about 10 minutes to get there from the farm. BBQ is the specialty, but they also have burgers and other items like fried chicken tenders, chicken livers, grilled chicken with peppers and onions. The chicken tenders are hand breaded and some of the best you will eat. My favorite is the Sam's Special. BBQ pork sandwich on Garlic toasted texas toast. My (grown) daughter always gets the chicken tenders, great no matter how old you are. My husband is a fan of the chicken livers. Onion blossom, fried pickles, or Brunswick stew to start with. The Garlic Salad is a house special recipe, and if you like garlic it's awesome. A family business since 1967, passed from grandfather to granddaughter.
Just a little over a mile from the farm. Send a runner for biscuits for breakfast. Philly cheesesteak for lunch is great. Call orders in for pick up for faster service 706-636-4747
Eastside Grill
3748 GA-52Just a little over a mile from the farm. Send a runner for biscuits for breakfast. Philly cheesesteak for lunch is great. Call orders in for pick up for faster service 706-636-4747
They have multiple flavors of baked and fried pies, apple bread, apple cider donuts, cider, slushies, and of course, Apples. Fresh vegetables in season. They also have a cafe area where you can get great burgers and sandwiches. Only a couple of miles from the farm. Open year round.
67 locals recommend
R & A Orchards
5505 GA-52They have multiple flavors of baked and fried pies, apple bread, apple cider donuts, cider, slushies, and of course, Apples. Fresh vegetables in season. They also have a cafe area where you can get great burgers and sandwiches. Only a couple of miles from the farm. Open year round.
Located walking distance from the downtown square. Good food, large portions. Not a huge place, so gets filled up during peak times.
42 locals recommend
La Catrina Tacos&Margaritas
101 S Main StLocated walking distance from the downtown square. Good food, large portions. Not a huge place, so gets filled up during peak times.
Charlie's Italian Restaurant
15 Westcross StreetGreat Italian food. Locally owned.
Neighborhoods
East Ellijay is where you find the chain stores and restaurants.
Also the movie theater, Mountain Cinemas, right next to Walmart.
Stores: Ingles, Walmart, Lowes, Beall's, Dollar Tree, HIbbetts, Shoe Show, Gamestop.
Restaurants: Longhorn, Ruby Tuesday, Shane's BBQ, Chicfila, Wendy's, Zaxby's, Captain D's, Dominos, Taco Bell, Burger King, McDonalds, Waffle House, IHop, Krystal's
East Ellijay
East Ellijay is where you find the chain stores and restaurants.
Also the movie theater, Mountain Cinemas, right next to Walmart.
Stores: Ingles, Walmart, Lowes, Beall's, Dollar Tree, HIbbetts, Shoe Show, Gamestop.
Restaurants: Longhorn, Ruby Tuesday, Shane's BBQ, Chicfila, Wendy's, Zaxby's, Captain D's, Dominos, Taco Bell, Burger King, McDonalds, Waffle House, IHop, Krystal's
Downtown Ellijay has restaurants, boutiques, antique stores. It's a great place to stroll around and shop through the stores and then have lunch or supper. Several of the restaurants also have outdoor spaces.
https://www.atlantamagazine.com/travel/beyond-apples-familiar-favorites-and-new-adventures-in-downtown-ellijay/
192 locals recommend
Ellijay
Downtown Ellijay has restaurants, boutiques, antique stores. It's a great place to stroll around and shop through the stores and then have lunch or supper. Several of the restaurants also have outdoor spaces.
https://www.atlantamagazine.com/travel/beyond-apples-familiar-favorites-and-new-adventures-in-downtown-ellijay/
Local Wineries
This is a list of some of Ellijay's local wineries. They all have their own charm and live entertainment on certain days.
Less than 10 miles from the farm.
You will turn right on Hwy 52 East, then in about 4 miles turn right onto Clear Creek Rd, it will be a mile on the left.
(there is a bridge out on Lower Cartecay so don't use any directions that include that road)
150 locals recommend
Cartecay Vineyards
5704 Clear Creek RdLess than 10 miles from the farm.
You will turn right on Hwy 52 East, then in about 4 miles turn right onto Clear Creek Rd, it will be a mile on the left.
(there is a bridge out on Lower Cartecay so don't use any directions that include that road)
Only about 15 minutes from the cabin.
You will turn right on Hwy 52 East, then in about 4 miles turn right onto Clear Creek Rd, then a left on Homer Wright, bear right onto Orchard Lane.
**there is a bridge out on Lower Cartecay so don't use any directions that include that road
**Blackberry Mountain is a gated subdivision, so don't follow the directions that would use Blackberry Mtn Road
167 locals recommend
Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery
1862 Orchard LnOnly about 15 minutes from the cabin.
You will turn right on Hwy 52 East, then in about 4 miles turn right onto Clear Creek Rd, then a left on Homer Wright, bear right onto Orchard Lane.
**there is a bridge out on Lower Cartecay so don't use any directions that include that road
**Blackberry Mountain is a gated subdivision, so don't follow the directions that would use Blackberry Mtn Road
A little less than 15 minutes from the cabin.
You will turn right on Hwy 52 East, then in about 4 miles turn right onto Clear Creek Rd, then a right on Henry Evans.
**there is a bridge out on Lower Cartecay so don't use any directions that include that road
**Blackberry Mountain is a gated subdivision, so don't follow the directions that would use Blackberry Mtn Road
102 locals recommend
Ott Farms and Vineyard
230 Henry Evans RdA little less than 15 minutes from the cabin.
You will turn right on Hwy 52 East, then in about 4 miles turn right onto Clear Creek Rd, then a right on Henry Evans.
**there is a bridge out on Lower Cartecay so don't use any directions that include that road
**Blackberry Mountain is a gated subdivision, so don't follow the directions that would use Blackberry Mtn Road
Entertainment
Mountain Cinemas
312 Highland PkwyEight screen movie theater in East Ellijay. Reclining seats.
Quiet walking trail close to the downtown Ellijay square. The downtown merchants sponsor events are special weekends. Harrison Park Ellijay is their Facebook page to check for upcoming events
17 locals recommend
Harrison Park Ellijay
McCutchen StreetQuiet walking trail close to the downtown Ellijay square. The downtown merchants sponsor events are special weekends. Harrison Park Ellijay is their Facebook page to check for upcoming events
Fun place for the myths and legends lovers.
131 locals recommend
EXPEDITION:BIGFOOT! The Sasquatch Museum
1934 GA-515Fun place for the myths and legends lovers.
They offer tubing down the river with tube rentals and drop-off/pick-up service. Located between the cabin and town.
82 locals recommend
Cartecay River Experience, llc
2400 GA-52They offer tubing down the river with tube rentals and drop-off/pick-up service. Located between the cabin and town.
Sightseeing
Outdoor activities such as hikes and parks.
Tallest waterfall in Georgia. Only twenty minutes from the farm. You can walk all the way from the bottom of the falls to the top, via walkways and a lot of stairs. It's a great hike. You can also drive up to different levels and they have handicap accessible paths with great views of the falls. They have picnic areas if you want to pack a lunch.
106 locals recommend
Amicalola Falls State Park
418 Amicalola Falls State Park RoadTallest waterfall in Georgia. Only twenty minutes from the farm. You can walk all the way from the bottom of the falls to the top, via walkways and a lot of stairs. It's a great hike. You can also drive up to different levels and they have handicap accessible paths with great views of the falls. They have picnic areas if you want to pack a lunch.
Located about 30 minutes from the farm. Views are awesome. Road to get there is curvy, but a state maintained hwy. Hwy 52 West.
Biking — 27 miles of trails
Educational Programs
Fishing
Geocaching
Hiking — 25+ miles of trails
Horseback Riding — 25+ miles of trails, stables
Miniature Golf (fee) — seasonal
Paddling
Swimming
Jon Boat, Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboard, Aquacycle & Pedal Boat Rental — seasonal
64 locals recommend
Fort Mountain State Park
181 Fort Mountain State Park RdLocated about 30 minutes from the farm. Views are awesome. Road to get there is curvy, but a state maintained hwy. Hwy 52 West.
Biking — 27 miles of trails
Educational Programs
Fishing
Geocaching
Hiking — 25+ miles of trails
Horseback Riding — 25+ miles of trails, stables
Miniature Golf (fee) — seasonal
Paddling
Swimming
Jon Boat, Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboard, Aquacycle & Pedal Boat Rental — seasonal
This is the trail to 'The Big Poplar'. This is the Gennett Poplar, which is the second largest tree in Georgia.
This short hike only climbs 200 feet over less than a mile. The only difficulty is a couple creek crossings, but you can rock hop your way across most of the time. Easy trail, even for young children.
42 locals recommend
Bear Creek Trail
241 Bear Creek Camp RdThis is the trail to 'The Big Poplar'. This is the Gennett Poplar, which is the second largest tree in Georgia.
This short hike only climbs 200 feet over less than a mile. The only difficulty is a couple creek crossings, but you can rock hop your way across most of the time. Easy trail, even for young children.
This is about a half mile hike one way that takes you to a nice spot on Clear Creek that is great for picnicking, playing in the water, fishing. There is a section of rapids that if you take your own tube you can put in at the top and go down and keep repeating. Kids and adults both love it.
From Ingles/McDonalds intersection in East Ellijay: Go up the hill behind Ingles out Yukon Rd. In 3.7 miles turn left onto Clear Creek Rd (there is a turning lane here). In 1.7 miles turn left onto Blackberry Mountain Rd. The public parking will be approximately .8 miles on your left. Address is 867 Blackberry Mtn. Road. Do not put this address in from the cabin or it will try to take you through a gated community.
Clear Creek
This is about a half mile hike one way that takes you to a nice spot on Clear Creek that is great for picnicking, playing in the water, fishing. There is a section of rapids that if you take your own tube you can put in at the top and go down and keep repeating. Kids and adults both love it.
From Ingles/McDonalds intersection in East Ellijay: Go up the hill behind Ingles out Yukon Rd. In 3.7 miles turn left onto Clear Creek Rd (there is a turning lane here). In 1.7 miles turn left onto Blackberry Mountain Rd. The public parking will be approximately .8 miles on your left. Address is 867 Blackberry Mtn. Road. Do not put this address in from the cabin or it will try to take you through a gated community.
City advice
Useful phrases
The cabin is located 'out Cartecay'.....
Hwy 52 East is locally known as Cartecay. So people will say things like, 'Go out Cartecay about 4 miles to the apple house.'
Hwy 52 West is better known as Chatsworth Hwy. This is how you go 'over the mountain' to Chatsworth and Dalton. This is also how you get to Ft. Mountain State Park.
Hwy 515 is is also 'the 4 lane'. This is how you will get to the major shopping areas.
Getting around
Nearest Store
There is a Dollar General just down the road from the farm. You will go back out to Hwy 52 and go right. It will be about a mile and a half on your left.
Don't miss
Great article of places to visit downtown
https://www.atlantamagazine.com/travel/beyond-apples-familiar-favorites-and-new-adventures-in-downtown-ellijay/