When fall rolls around in Georgia, families start craving crisp air, colorful leaves, and maybe a cup of hot apple cider. Lucky for us, Georgia’s apple capital is nestled in the North Georgia mountains in Ellijay, GA, and is about a 90-minute drive from Atlanta. Eliijay is not just known for its apples, but also a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, along with several wineries to explore.
If you’re planning a trip to the Apple Capital, here’s a list of must-dos for families that will make your day extra special, whether you make it a day trip or rent a cozy cabin for the weekend.
1. Go Apple Picking
Apple-picking season runs from September through October, and Ellijay is home to many great apple orchards. You can check out our Where to Go Apple Picking guide for several places in and around Ellijay. Many of these orchards offer playgrounds, petting zoos, hayrides, and other fun activities, which make it super family-friendly.
2. Wander the Georgia Apple Festival
The Georgia Apple Festival has been a tradition since 1971, and it’s grown into one of the region’s most beloved fall events. Families can stroll through rows of local vendors offering handmade crafts, home decor, and unique gifts. The kids will love the live entertainment, fair-style food, and of course…apple everything! The Georgia Apple Festival is Oct. 11th-12th and 18th-19th and is held at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds.
3. Shop Local & Support Artisans
Not only can you shop at the Georgia Apple Festival for handmade crafts, home decor, and unique gifts, but Ellijay also has a cute little downtown that has many shops that you can support. Make sure you walk around and explore downtown, and be sure to stop in the GumDrop Fun Shop store with the kids. They have a wide selection of toys, candy, board games, and even gem mining!
4. Treat Yourself to All Things Apple
From the stores at the apple orchards to the Georgia Apple festival, make sure you don’t leave without indulging in apple cider, donuts, pies, nachos, and fritters. Everything we ate was so good, but I definitely recommend getting apple butter, apple donuts, and candy apples to bring back home.
5. Visit a Family-Friendly Winery
Sample local wines at various vineyards. Make sure that if you have the kids, you check out family-friendly wineries such as Cartecay Vineyards, Engelheim Vineyards, and Ott Vineyards & Winery. Most have live music and food trucks on the weekends, so be sure to check their event schedules.
6. Visit Fort Mountain State Park and Carters Lake
Have an outdoor adventure and explore trails, hike, fish, and soak up the mountain views. Tumbling Waters Nature Trail is just over 1 mile, includes a scenic bridge, creek views, and cascades.
The trip to Ellijay is almost as good as the destination. In October, the winding mountain roads are framed by colorful fall foliage. If your family is looking for a fall tradition that feels festive, wholesome, and not too far from home, Georgia’s Apple Capital is a must!
