Why the Georgia Apple Festival is a Must-Visit Event in Ellijay

There’s something special about fall in Ellijay, Georgia. Every October, the town fills with the scent of apples, the sound of live music, and the warmth of Southern hospitality at the Georgia Apple Festival. Nestled in the North Georgia mountains among the best apple orchards in Georgia, this event is a perfect blend of small-town charm and festive spirit!

The Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay offers a little bit of everything for everyone: handmade crafts, delicious food, live entertainment, and access to some of the best apple orchards in Georgia. Families love the variety of activities, from pony rides to local cider tastings, while visitors of all ages can explore the local vendors, sample seasonal treats, and take in the beauty of the region. It’s a great way to spend a weekend and an easy trip for anyone in the Atlanta or Chattanooga areas!

What to Expect at the Georgia Apple Festival

The Georgia Apple Festival is held on the second and third weekends of October (October 12-13 and 19-20 in 2024), transforming the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds into a vibrant celebration of all things autumn. This apple festival in Ellijay serves to highlight the town’s status as the Apple Capital of Georgia. The town is surrounded by some of the finest apple orchards in Georgia, making it a great destination for apple enthusiasts (like me and you)!

Perhaps you’ll take home a whole bushel of apples from the festival or a local apple orchard in Georgia. Image courtesy of Explore Georgia.

Families will find plenty to keep kids entertained, with activities like pony rides, rock climbing, and train rides. Meanwhile, adults can explore local cider tastings and live entertainment, capturing the perfect balance between family-friendly fun and local culture. Whether you’re visiting with the whole family or coming for a weekend escape, this festival has something for everyone.

First time visitors should take heed of the following tips to make their trip to the Georgia Apple Festival a great one

Parking fills up fast, so plan to arrive close to the open of the festival (9am) or later in the afternoon (2-3pm)
Bring cash with you as many vendors won’t take cards and it can help keep you on budget during your visit
The grounds are accessible, so pretty much everyone will be able to enjoy a comfortable visit
There is a ticket price of $10 for those over the age of 12, so keep that in mind.
Plan to spend 3-4 hours at the festival to enjoy everything it has to offer!

Festival Highlights: Craft Vendors, Apple Treats, and Special Events

There is a treasure trove of unique experiences to find at the Georgia Apple Festival. That’s especially true if you love local crafts and delicious apple treats. You’ll find more than 300 vendors selling handmade goods, from pottery and woodwork to jewelry and home décor. Each stall tells a story, with artisans eager to share their craft, making it easy to find that perfect keepsake. It is an awesome way to support local small businesses before the busy holiday season kicks into full swing.

See Craftsmen at work during the festival. Image Courtesy of the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce.

Of course, no visit to this apple festival in Ellijay is complete without indulging in the festival’s iconic apple treats. Savor the taste of freshly baked apple pies, caramel apples, and warm apple cider that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). Vendors offer everything from classic Southern dishes to inventive apple-inspired snacks, so you’re sure to find something to delight your taste buds.

The apple treats are absolutely killer! Image courtesy of Gilmer Chamber of Commerce.

For those looking for a little extra excitement, the festival hosts special events each weekend. Vintage car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Apple Classic Auto Show, featuring classic cars from across the region. If you’re a runner, lace up your sneakers and join the Apple Festival 5K for a scenic race through the heart of Ellijay. Both of these events occur on the opening Saturday.

If you haven’t gotten your fill at the Georgia Apple Festival itself and want to enjoy charming Ellijay, then there is even more to enjoy downtown. Apple Arts in downtown Ellijay is a satellite event with additional vendors and a laid-back, pet-friendly vibe. I love the quaint little downtown, and I’m sure you will too!

My Experience at the 2024 Georgia Apple Festival

Exploring Around Ellijay: Apple Orchards in Georgia and Other Local Attractions

A visit to the Georgia Apple Festival wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the local orchards that make Ellijay famous. Known as Georgia’s apple capital, the town is surrounded by family-owned orchards that open their gates for tours, apple picking, and cider tastings during the fall. Places like B.J. Reece Orchards, R&A Orchards, and Red Apple Barn let you pick your own apples straight from the tree, making for a fun, hands-on experience for all ages. It’s a great way to take home a little piece of Ellijay, especially if you love fresh, crisp apples.

Nothing is quite like picking an apple straight from the tree. As fresh as you can get! Image courtesy of Explore Georgia.

At many orchards, you’ll also find farm markets with homemade goods like apple butter, jams, and pies, along with fresh-pressed cider. Some even offer fun farm activities such as corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin patches, turning a simple orchard visit into a full day of family fun. Be sure to check each orchard’s calendar, as some events are only available on weekends.

Beyond the orchards, nature lovers will find plenty to do around Ellijay. One must-see destination is Amicalola Falls State Park, where you can hike to the stunning 729-foot waterfall, which is one of the best waterfalls in North Georgia. If you’ve got the time then take on one of the many trails of varying difficulty, or just enjoy a picnic surrounded by fall colors. It’s a perfect spot for families and adventurers alike.

If you get up early, you can catch an amazing sunrise over Amicalola Falls before heading to the apple festival in Ellijay.

Final Thoughts on the Georgia Apple Festival

The Georgia Apple Festival captures everything that makes fall special: crisp apples, lively entertainment, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From exploring local orchards to shopping local crafts and eating delicious treats, it’s a celebration that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re coming for a weekend getaway or just a day of fun, get ready to experience the best of fall at the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay!

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