The Georgia Apple Festival
The Georgia Apple Festival is held over two weekends each October at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 South Main Street, Ellijay. It is a joint venture of the Ellijay Lions Club and the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, with hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations, live music and fair food.
- 2026 dates: October 10-11 and October 17-18 (the 55th festival).
- Hours: Saturdays 9 am to 6 pm, Sundays 9 am to 5 pm.
- Admission: $10 per person; children under 12 free.
Source: georgiaapplefestival.org and Ellijay Lions Club. Check the official site for next year's dates.
Apple orchards near Ellijay
Most of the orchards line Highway 52 East, an easy and scenic drive. A few to know (listed by the Gilmer County Chamber):
- B.J. Reece Orchards (9131 Hwy 52 E): U-pick apples, bakery and farm activities, open daily in September and October.
- Hillcrest Orchards (9696 Hwy 52 E): bakery, farm market and weekend Apple Pickin' Jubilee in season.
- Panorama Orchards & Farm Market (63 Talona Mountain Rd): open year round with 20-plus apple varieties.
- Aaron Family Orchards and Mack Aaron's Apple House on Hwy 52 E: roadside apple houses.
- Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge): open year round with U-pick, bakery, market and farm winery.
Apples are harvested from late summer into fall. Varieties change week to week, so call ahead if you want a particular one.
Where to stay
River Solace, right on the Ellijay River
River Solace is a private 2-bedroom, 2-bath log cabin on the Ellijay River for up to 4 adults. Soak in the private hot tub on the deck, fish right off the porch, cook on the gas grill and eat on the covered porch, then end the night at the fire pit by the river. Dogs are welcome with no pet fee, and the TV includes the NFL package for game days.
Check open dates See the cabin
Reservations are handled by Sliding Rock Cabins.