Family Fun in Ellijay, GA: A 5-Day Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Ellijay, GA

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Hut

Start your day with delicious pancakes and fresh coffee at this cozy local favorite.
Located just off the main road into Ellijay.
USD20, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Hillcrest Orchards

Engage in fruit picking or enjoy a hayride while taking in the beautiful orchard scenery.
10-minute drive from The Coffee Hut.
USD40 (family of four), 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Grumpy Old Man

Savor delicious burgers and homemade fries in a laid-back, family-friendly environment.
5-minute drive from Hillcrest Orchards.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Downtown Ellijay

Stroll the charming streets, visiting local shops and boutiques, perfect for family souvenir hunting.
5-minute drive to downtown.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Grassy Mountain Trail

Take a family-friendly hike with stunning views of the mountains, suitable for all ages.
15-minute drive from Downtown Ellijay.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Pour House

Enjoy a hearty meal featuring grilled steaks and seafood — a perfect way to end your first day.
10-minute drive back to downtown.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

Ellijay, GA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Benches Cafe

Enjoy a Southern-style breakfast with biscuits and gravy to fuel the day's adventures.
Located a 5-minute drive from your accommodation.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Canoeing at Carters Lake

Rent a canoe and explore the picturesque landscapes of Georgia's largest reservoir.
30-minute drive to Carters Lake.
USD50 (rental), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Picnic Lunch by the Lake

Pack a picnic or grab takeout from local deli and enjoy lunch by the water.
Near the canoeing area.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Hiking at Fort Mountain State Park

Explore trails that feature stunning mountain views and an ancient stone wall.
20-minute drive from Carters Lake.
USD20 (parking fee), 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Cucina Moderna

Indulge in delicious Italian cuisine with options for everyone in the family.
25-minute drive back to Ellijay.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge, GA

8:30 AM

Breakfast at The Dinning Room

Start the day off right with homemade breakfast classics in a cozy setting.
Take a 30-minute drive to Blue Ridge.
USD40, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Take a scenic train ride through the mountains, perfect for family bonding and picturesque views.
Short drive to the railway station.
USD100 (family of four), 4 hours including train ride and exploration time.

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Harvest on Main

Enjoy a farm-to-table meal featuring local ingredients and family favorites.
Head back into downtown Blue Ridge.
USD60, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Mercier Orchards

Spend the afternoon as a family picking apples, enjoying cider, and exploring the farm market.
10-minute drive from Harvest on Main.
USD40 (for apple picking), 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Venti

End your day with delicious pizza that caters to all taste preferences.
Within a 10-minute drive from Mercier Orchards.
USD50, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Return to Ellijay

Drive back to Ellijay to relax and prepare for the next day's adventures.
30-minute drive back.
Free, 30 minutes
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Day 4: Culture & History

Ellijay, GA

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Country Corner

Fill up on hearty southern breakfast options in this beloved local diner.
Located in downtown Ellijay.
USD30, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Gilmer County History Museum

Explore the local history through engaging exhibits perfect for the whole family.
Just a 5-minute walk.
USD20 (family of four), 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Subway Station

Quick and easy sandwich lunch before heading out to your next activity.
5-minute walk from the museum.
USD30, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Apple Picking at R & A Orchards

Enjoy a fun time apple picking, a classic family-friendly activity in fall.
20-minute drive from downtown.
USD40 (family of four), 2 hours

4:00 PM

Mason Jar Made

Participate in a family art workshop where you can create personalized mason jars to take home.
10-minute drive from the orchard.
USD60 (for a family of four), 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Big Pie In The Sky

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a fun pizza meal and a great dessert offering.
15-minute drive back to Ellijay.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 5: Relaxation & Departure

Ellijay, GA

8:30 AM

Breakfast at The Olive Tree

Wind down with a healthy breakfast featuring smoothies and fresh baked goods.
A short drive from your accommodation.
USD35, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore the Nature Trails at Chattahoochee National Forest

Discover scenic views and family-friendly trails perfect for a morning stroll before heading home.
30-minute drive from Ellijay.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Long Mountain Outfitters

Enjoy a casual meal with the family featuring sandwiches and local beers for the adults.
20-minute drive back towards Ellijay.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Pack Up and Departure

Say goodbye to Ellijay while packing up beautiful memories from your family adventure.
Return to your accommodation to check out.
Free, 1 hour
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