Let’s be honest, there is no shortage of scenic small towns to visit in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. However, when travelers think of U.S. vineyards, the default is typically California and, specifically, the hustle and bustle of the Napa Valley.
This Californian region is a haven for wine aficionados who descend upon Napa’s array of world-renowned vineyards. However, there are also plenty of amazing towns in the southeast of the United States with equally excellent wineries to visit.
One such town lies in the Georgia mountains and seamlessly blends the Napa Valley vibes with the scenery and outdoorsy beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it the ultimate weekend getaway destination. So where is it, and what can you do there?
Ellijay, Georgia, Is The Quaint Wine-Filled Blue Ridge Town You Need To Visit
Located in the north Georgia mountains in the foothills of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains is the small city of Ellijay, GA. Known as the Apple Capital of Georgia, this place is truly one of the most underrated towns to visit in Georgia.
About Ellijay, Georgia
Population
1,938
Nearest Airport
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
Nickname
Apple Capital of Georgia
Due to its location, Ellijay is one of those scenic Blue Ridge Mountain towns that come alive in the fall months, with plenty of autumn foliage, Apple Festivals, grape harvests, and temperate hikes around the surrounding mountain trails.
This small city is on the doorstep of some of Georgia’s most beloved natural spaces, including the Rich Mountain Wilderness, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Fort Mountain State Park, and more. Not only does this make the Ellijay area a beautiful place to spend a couple of days, but it also opens up possibilities for hiking, cycling, and camping in the summer and fall months.
Ellijay, Georgia, GA, USACredit: Dreamstime
Of course, you can’t have Napa comparisons without wineries and vineyards, of which Ellijay has its fair share. While it’s not on the scale of Napa Valley, there are more than enough vineyards to keep you busy for a long weekend in this gorgeous part of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia.
What To See And Do In Ellijay, Georgia
There are plenty of amazing things to see and do around this town, which is easily among northern Georgia’s many little towns brimming with southern hospitality.
Of course, being a mountain town, hiking, biking, and camping are all popular activities, particularly in the spring, summer, and early fall. There are a series of great trails around Ellijay and nearby trailheads, and you can even find stunning waterfalls in full flow outside summer.
If you’re looking for those Napa vibes mentioned, you need to hit up Ellijay’s vineyards and wineries. Some popular options include:
Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery
Cartecay Vineyards
Buckley Vineyards
Engelheim Vineyards
Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery
Roo Mountain Vineyards
There are plenty of other options to choose from, and jumping on a local wine tour is going to be the best way to experience the most wineries in the shortest amount of time. It also means you don’t have to appoint a designated driver.
As the Apple Capital of Georgia, it’s also well worth visiting some of the many orchards to see how cider is made and tasting some of the award-winning “fruits” of their labors – pun fully intended.
How To Get To Ellijay, Georgia
Town square in Ellijay, Georgia, GA, USACredit: Dreamstime
While Ellijay seems remote, Atlanta is only a 90-minute drive away. This makes it a reasonable road trip destination up through the beautiful northern Georgia countryside. As Ellijay is located in the mountains, public transportation is somewhat limited here. You need to have a car here, whether that’s driving up from Atlanta or hiring a car at the airport.
The nearest airport is in Chattanooga, over the border in Tennessee. From there, it’s about an hour and 20 minutes to drive to Ellijay. Again, no public transport to speak of. Chattanooga is a fairly decent regional airport with routes all around the country, but primarily on the eastern side.
Two chairs by a river in Ellijay, GeorgiaCredit: Shutterstock
If you’re coming from the west or from overseas, your best bet is to fly to Atlanta instead. This is a major airport as it’s the hub for Delta Air Lines. Most Delta flights connect through this airport, so it’s huge, and there are plenty of rental car options directly from the airport. It also makes it easy to return to when you’re on your way home.
Try to time your trip with the Georgia Apple Festival, held in Ellijay in October, as the city really comes alive during this time. Just be sure to book your accommodation in advance.
So, if you’re looking for Blue Ridge beauty and Napa wine vibes in the Southeast, head to Ellijay, Georgia. The Apple Capital of Georgia definitely has a claim to the state’s wine capital, too.
