Apple Pickin’ and More in Ellijay, Georgia
North Georgia Sunset | Image by James Lewis
Fall is my favorite time of year in the North Georgia Mountains. But it’s not just for the cooler temperatures and color changes of the foliage, although that is part of it. The main reason is Apple season! And in my opinion there is no better place to experience this time of year than Ellijay—Georgia’s Apple Capital.
U-Pick Half Peck | Image by James Lewis
We bought a cabin close by a few years ago. We wanted an escape that was a manageable commute from Atlanta but felt light years away. And that is precisely what Ellijay is. A departure from the stress and grind of the nine-to-five, or in our case the five-to-nine. But you don’t have to be a part-time resident to take it all in. Depending on your driving distance you can either make it a day trip or a weekend getaway.
The Orchards
Reece’s Cider Company | Image by James Lewis
The orchards are open from September through November, but apple picking is only available in September and October. Accordingly, this is when you will experience significantly more traffic and larger crowds. Whether you are making a day trip or staying nearby, my best advice is to arrive early. The primary orchards in the area are Hillcrest Orchards and B.J. Reece Orchards. Doors open at 9am, but we like to be in the parking lot 15 minutes beforehand. Not so much to avoid the larger crowds (which peak in the afternoon), but rather to avoid traffic. Both farms are located on HWY 52 and are less than one mile apart. So, there is only one way in and out. Plus it is a two-lane highway which creates an unfortunate bottleneck as the day goes on. The queue to enter the parking lots can grow quite long in the late morning into the early afternoon. Hence, arrive early. Once you are inside there is plenty of space to spread out. In addition to “u-pick apples,” there are activities for all ages including wagon rides, cow trains, pig races, cow milking, pony rides, corn mazes, giant slides, jumping pillows, petting zoos, and rubber duck races to name a few. Admission on the weekends to, “do it all” runs about $25 per person (children under 2 are free at B.J. Reece Orchards). The “u-pick” bags are purchased separately and range from $10 for a half peck up to $40 for a half bushel. The varieties available for apple picking include Rome Beauty, Delicious, Gold Rush, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and more.
Each location also has a market and bakery at the main entrance with several products for sale including ciders, slushies, jams, butters, preserves, fritters, pies, donuts, honeys, syrups, sauces, and of course apples.
An additional venue of note is Reece’s Cider Company, which is directly across the highway from the orchard. A few key points about this little slice of heaven. First, it is open year-round as opposed to seasonally. There is a covered outdoor event space with live music and food truck(s) scheduled on their calendar of events. They offer 16 varieties of hard cider which are available for purchase in flights (four 5-oz pours), pints or growlers (the growlers are refillable at a discount). Finally, unlike either orchard it is completely pet friendly. You can bring the pups and the kids and play cornhole while you sip, or just kick it with your spouse, spice, bestie(s), motorcycle riding buddies, you get the idea.
Downtown Ellijay
Historic Downtown Ellijay is situated nine miles west of the orchards and offers an assortment of dining options which vary by their days and hours of operation. After a morning of ‘pickin,’ we typically head over here for a late lunch.
Open Seven Days a Week
River Street Tavern has a strong hole-in-the-wall locals vibe to it. This is my go-to spot for casual pub fare (think cold beer and hot wings). But I don’t want to sell it short. They have a full bar including locally sourced beers/wines and a full menu with appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and kids plates. Doors open at 11am and close at 10pm (11pm on Friday and Saturday). If you are into fried pickles like me, try the pickle fries which are cut like French fries and served with a ranch dipping sauce.
Our children’s hands down favorite is Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza located right on the square at the corner of River and Main Streets. Patrons can order authentic old-world pizzas prepared in a wood fired brick oven starting at 11:30am. The menu also features small plates like meatball parma and pancetta wrapped wings as well as entrée salads and a full bar. Wood Fired is open until 8pm Monday to Thursday, 9pm Friday and Saturday, and 7pm on Sunday.
Open Wednesday to Sunday
The Roof, as the name suggests, is a rooftop Southern kitchen and bar. This setting has the best views of the downtown area and provides indoor/outdoor seating, outdoor heaters/misters/shade, and pet friendly (outdoor) dining. Lunch and dinner are served from 11:30am to 9pm (noon on Sunday). The house-made hot sauce on the fried chicken sandwich has a distinct kick that pairs well with a shaken strawberry & thyme margarita. If you are feeling adventurous, try the fried bologna sliders with an order of the boiled peanuts.
The Butcher and Bottle Old Fashioned by K. Leigh Knox | Image by James Lewis
Our preferred local haunt for date night (or date day) is The Butcher and Bottle. Don’t be fooled by the rocks that they got, they have the best Old Fashioned on the block. Suffice it to say their craft cocktail game is on point (especially during Sunday brunch). My favorite appetizers are the Raw Oysters and Tuna Tartare. The steaks are real but so are the signature Pan Fried Trout and Meat Loaf plates. If you enjoy playing music and singalongs head upstairs from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesdays for Open Mic Night. I have dropped a little Johnny Cash there once or twice. If you would rather observe than participate, talented aspiring local musicians and stand-up comedians are featured on Fridays and Saturdays. Just check the website calendar or Facebook page to see who is playing.
Around the time we purchased our cabin, my friend Wes shared a song with me by Warren Zeiders called, “Outskirts of Heaven” in which the singer describes the place where he wants to live after he passes away. The chorus goes like this:
“Lord, when I die, I wanna live on the outskirts of heaven.
Where there’s dirt roads for miles, and hay in the fields, and fish in the river.
Where there’s dogwood trees, and honeybees, and blue skies, and green grass forever.
So, Lord when I die, I wanna live on the outskirts of heaven.”
And that is where my mind goes when I think of Ellijay.
A place with apple trees, honeybees, blue skies and green grass forever. Who knows, maybe that will be my next song attempt at open mic night. In the meantime, you can likely catch our crew at the apple orchards.