Things to do in Ellijay in October

Dated events, next first

Apple season

• The Georgia Department of Agriculture says Georgia's apple season can run from July through December. Georgia Department of Agriculture press release (Sept. 1, 2026), Georgia Grown Apple Season
• The Gilmer Chamber says the county is home to 8 orchards that harvest more than 22 apple varieties from June to November. Gilmer County Chamber, Fall: Apple Orchards
• Explore Georgia says most of Gilmer County's apple orchards are spread along the valley of State Highway 52, a route it lists as Apple Orchard Alley. Explore Georgia, Apple Orchard Alley
• Hillcrest Orchards, at 9696 Highway 52 East, holds its Apple Pickin' Jubilee on weekends from Sept. 5 to Nov. 1, 2026. Admission is $22 per person for walking age and up. Hillcrest Orchards, Weekends

The orchards page lists the apple houses nearest the fairgrounds with their published hours.

In town

• The restored 1870 Tabor House holds the Gilmer County History Museum, with exhibits on Cherokee, Civil War and mountain history. The city lists admission as free. City of Ellijay, Historic Preservation
• The Gilmer Downtown Welcome Center is at 10 Broad Street, Ellijay, GA 30540, phone (706) 635-7401. It is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gilmer County Chamber, Contact
• Ellijay sits where the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers join to form the Coosawattee River. City of Ellijay, Historic Ellijay
• The Gilmer Chamber and Welcome Center office is at 696 First Avenue, East Ellijay, GA 30540, phone (706) 635-7400. It is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gilmer County Chamber, Contact

• Downtown Ellijay Square and Gilmer County Courthouse

  historic town square

  1 Broad St, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Ellijay's 1833 town plan laid out twenty town lots, streets and a public square, and the town was incorporated as the Gilmer County seat in 1834. The City of Ellijay's history page says the old courthouse was later removed from the center of the square and a park created on its site, and that a new courthouse built to resemble the old one now anchors a downtown of shops, antiques stores, art galleries and restaurants.

  Source: City of Ellijay, checked 2026-10-19

• Downtown Ellijay Welcome Center

  visitor center

  10 Broad St, Ellijay, GA 30540

  The Gilmer County Chamber's downtown welcome center, where visitors can pick up area maps and brochures. The apple sign on its front lawn is a well-known photo stop, per the Chamber.

  Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun not published

  Source: Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, checked 2026-10-19

• Gilmer Chamber & Welcome Center

  visitor center and chamber of commerce

  696 First Ave, East Ellijay, GA 30540

  Main office of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, which also serves as a welcome center and publishes the county's visitors guide.

  Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat–Sun not published

  Source: Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, checked 2026-10-19

• Apple Arts Festival

  festival (arts and crafts)

  10 Broad St, Ellijay, GA 30540

  A free downtown festival of handmade art, crafts and food vendors in the parking area behind the Downtown Ellijay Welcome Center, held on the same dates and times as the Georgia Apple Festival. The Gilmer County Chamber describes it as free to attend, pet-friendly and accessible.

  Source: Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, checked 2026-10-19

• Harrison Park

  city park

  257 McCutchen St, Ellijay, GA 30540

  A 25.94-acre City of Ellijay park on the former Pinson family farm, with a circa-1940 barn and corn crib; the city dedicates it to the memory and honor of Gilmer County residents who served in the U.S. armed forces. The Gilmer County Chamber describes it as a short walk from downtown.

  Source: City of Ellijay, checked 2026-10-19

• Gilmer County River Park

  county park

  1561 S Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540

  A Gilmer County park along the Coosawattee River with playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts and walking trails, according to the Gilmer County Chamber, which calls the trails perfect for dogs. Gilmer County Parks & Recreation lists its office at the same address.

  Source: Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, checked 2026-10-19

• Tabor House History Museum

  history museum

  138 Spring St, Ellijay, GA 30540

  The Gilmer County Historical Society's museum, one block off the square in the restored 1870 Tabor House, covers Cherokee, Civil War and mountain living history. Admission is free; donations and memberships support the displays.

  Thu–Sat 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Mon–Wed, Sun not published

  Source: Gilmer County Historical Society, checked 2026-10-19

Places to eat

• Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza

  wood-fired pizza

  2 River Street, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Neapolitan-style pizza from a wood-fired oven, plus salads and Italian dishes, at the corner of River Street and Main Street on the downtown square. Its site says it opened in November 2018.

  Mon–Thu 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m.

  Source: Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• La Catrina Tacos & Margaritas

  Mexican restaurant

  101 S Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Mexican restaurant in downtown Ellijay serving tacos and other street-style dishes along with margaritas.

  Mon–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

  Source: La Catrina Tacos & Margaritas (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• Mountain View Artisanal

  gourmet market and charcuterie shop

  9 S Side Square, Suite A, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Shop on the courthouse square selling custom charcuterie boards, cheeses, local farm foods, prepared meals and pantry staples.

  Mon–Sat 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun noon–5 p.m.

  Source: Mountain View Artisanal (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• Mr. P's Takeout Food

  takeout breakfast and lunch

  295 N Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Takeout restaurant on North Main Street with online ordering. Its site says biscuits are made every morning.

  Mon–Tue 6 a.m.–2 p.m.; Wed–Fri 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat 7 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sun not published

  Source: Mr. P's Takeout Food (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• Col. Poole's Bar-B-Q

  barbecue

  164 Craig Street, East Ellijay, GA 30540

  Barbecue restaurant in East Ellijay. Its site says all sauces and sides are made in-house and it smokes humanely raised, small-farm meats.

  Source: Col. Poole's Bar-B-Q (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• River Street Tavern

  tavern (burgers and wings)

  40 River Street, Suite B, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Bar and grill in a historic brick building downtown serving burgers, wings, sandwiches and salads. Its site says it has 21 taps of local and craft beer and has operated since 2014.

  Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

  Source: River Street Tavern (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• The Butcher and Bottle Ellijay

  steakhouse

  24 River St, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Steakhouse on River Street, one of several Butcher and Bottle locations; its site describes it as family owned. Brunch is served on Sundays only.

  Mon–Thu 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 3 p.m.–9 p.m.

  Source: The Butcher and Bottle Ellijay (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• The Roof Ellijay

  rooftop Southern restaurant and bar

  16 River Street, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Rooftop restaurant and bar serving Southern food and cocktails, with indoor and outdoor seating and an elevator. Its site says no reservations; walk-ins only.

  Mon–Tue closed; Wed–Thu 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sun noon–9 p.m.

  Source: The Roof Ellijay (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• The Shack of Ellijay

  Asian fusion

  118 N Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Asian fusion restaurant downtown serving poke bowls, noodle bowls and wraps, with online ordering.

  Source: The Shack of Ellijay (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• El Rey Cantina

  Mexican restaurant

  945 Maddox Drive, East Ellijay, GA 30540

  Mexican restaurant and bar. Its site says it has served Ellijay since 1989 and lists a 3–5 pm happy hour.

  Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

  Source: El Rey Cantina (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• Pueblo Cantina

  Mexican restaurant

  35 Highland Crossing S, Ellijay, GA 30536

  Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurant in the Highland Crossing area of East Ellijay. Its site says it opened in 1995.

  Mon–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

  Source: Pueblo Cantina (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• Arlowe's Bakehouse

  bakery

  765 Maddox Dr, East Ellijay, GA 30540

  Bakery specializing in sourdough breads, pastries and desserts.

  Tue–Sat 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; Mon, Sun not published

  Source: Arlowe's Bakehouse (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• High Mountain Bread

  bakery

  91 Highland Dr, Suite 113, East Ellijay, GA 30540

  Bakery making naturally fermented sourdough, croissants and pastries. Its site says it is in the Highlands Crossing Shopping Plaza next to Lowe's.

  Mon closed; Tue–Sat 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun closed

  Source: High Mountain Bread (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• Pizza King

  pizza

  200 Old Orchard Square, East Ellijay, GA 30540

  Pizza restaurant in East Ellijay with pizza, sandwiches, salads and desserts for dine-in, takeout or delivery. Its site advertises a 2-for-1 pizza deal.

  Mon–Sun 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

  Source: Pizza King (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• The Chili Dog

  hot dogs

  962 Industrial Blvd, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Chili dog restaurant that also offers catering and mobile concessions.

  Source: The Chili Dog (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• A Little Baked Bakery

  bakery

  128 North Main Street, Suite A, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Downtown bakery selling pastries, pies, cakes and seasonal treats; preorders are taken online with 48 hours' lead time.

  Mon–Wed 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Thu–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

  Source: A Little Baked Bakery (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• Abby's Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

  ice cream and frozen yogurt

  24 S. Main St., Ste. E, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Downtown shop with soft-serve frozen yogurt, hand-dipped ice cream, Italian ice and sorbet, sold by cup size rather than by weight.

  Mon–Sun noon–9 p.m.

  Source: Abby's Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• The Juicery and Relax Station

  juice bar

  765 Maddox Dr, Ste 1B, East Ellijay, GA 30540

  Juice bar in East Ellijay that also serves bowls, with online ordering.

  Mon closed; Tue–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun closed

  Source: The Juicery and Relax Station (official site), checked 2026-10-19

• Buckley Downtown Table & Vine

  restaurant and wine bar

  29 North Ave, Ellijay, GA 30540

  Downtown restaurant and wine bar run by Buckley Vineyards, serving entrées, sandwiches and shareables with the vineyard's wines, cider and beer.

  Mon 11:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Tue–Wed closed; Thu–Sun 11:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

  Source: Buckley Vineyards (official site), checked 2026-10-19

Coming up after October

• The Ellijay Lions Club holds a free Halloween trick-or-treat at the Lions Club fairgrounds on Oct. 31, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. The club calls it its 7th annual event and says about 1,500 children come each year. Gilmer County Chamber events calendar, Trick or Treat with Ellijay Lions Club
• The second annual Merry Mountain Town Festival takes place in downtown Ellijay on Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Chamber says more details are coming. Gilmer County Chamber events calendar, 2026 Merry Mountain Town Festival

Questions

Dates, rules and hours can change. The organizers have the final word: Georgia Apple Festival (official site)