The Bear Adventure

Ellijay Edition

  • Stepping into Little Apple Mercantile located at 96 N Main, in the heart of Ellijay, is like stepping into southern hospitality. This local-owned shop, corrated by Stacy Lanning, is a must stop for the soul. You’ll probably find Stacy behind the counter ready to share a laugh and a bit of inspiration. From Jams & Jellies to Tshirts & local art, you are sure to find the perfect gift or memento from the North GA Mountians while you're there!

  • If you’re looking for fun and friends, look no further than The Gumdrop Fun Shop located at 71 River Street! With wall-to-wall toys, candy, and games, this is a fun place to drop in for the whole family! Don’t miss the opportunity to mine for some treasure at their gem mining facility at the rear of the store!

  • Russle up some grub after a day of adventure at The Pink Pig, located at 824 Cherry Log Street. This family owned restaurant is sure to hit the spot with a menu full of down home cooking and famous comfort foods like, mac & cheese and banana pudding. Tell ‘em, Mama Bear sent you for a special discount!

  • Stop in and smell the flowers at Down To Earth Garden Center in downtown Ellijay! Drop by 472 North Main Street to check out their latest seasonal flowers, garden veggies, and shrubs! Don’t forget to mention The Bear Adventure for 10% off your purchase!

  • Reserve a time at The Tea Room at A Little Baked Bakery's for a twist on Afternoon Tea. You'll enjoy delicious tea sandwiches, traditional English Scones, scrumptious A Little Baked treats, and a pot of tea. Prepare to be transported back in time to a place where conversation and crumpets reigned supreme!

Bear Essentials

  • Downtown Ellijay is home to amazing eateries. Take a stroll down Main Street to discover your new fave! From the Apple Pecan Salad at Cantaberry Restaurant to Poke Bowls at The Shack, there’s something for everyone looking to experience the taste of Ellijay!

  • The Big Foot Museum is dedicated to the research and eventual discovery of Sasquash. It is such a fun place to stop and explore. Located at 1934 Hwy 515 between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, this 4000sqft complex features genuine artifacts, life-size displays, and personal encounters with what many believe to be a true “Bigfoot”! Whether you are a bigfoot believer or not, this one of a kind stop is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

  • You can spend the afternoon exploring the Gilmer Arts Gallery at 207 Dalton Street or catch one of their recent productions at 135 Dalton St. With events and classes happening regularly, Gilmer Arts is a great chance to become immersed in local art and culture!

  • Ellijay is home to the famous Apple Festival, hosted at the local fair grounds on the 2nd and 3rd weekends of October every year. Arrive early and enjoy the perfect blend of art, apples, and entertainment!

  • Nestled in the heart of rural North Georgia, Ellijay has an abundance of farms to explore! Mountain Valley Farms is a must stop to see a working farm, love on some livetock, and fill the fridge with fresh farm goods from their farm shop. If mushrooms are more your style, stop by Ellijay Mushrooms, our local mushroom farm, to try some of the best Oyster or shiitake mushrooms the Appalachias have ever seen!

Experience

  • Ellijay is the Apple Capital of Georgia for good reason! Many of the apple orchards in Gilmer Country have been family owned and operated for generations. Stop in to any of our local apple houses from August to November, pick an apple or two, and enjoy the essence of what Ellijay is all about: Family, Fun, and great Food.

  • Get back to nature by enjoying one of the amazing trail experiences the mountians of Ellijay have to offer. You can spend your afternoon on the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountian, trekking your way to a waterfall at Tumbling Waters, or hugging the giant Gennet Poplar at Bear Creek.

  • Napa Valley doesnt have anything on the rolling hills of North GA. With over 9 different vineyards to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your trip to the mountians.

  • Carter’s Lake, located to the west of downtown Ellijay, offers a day of fun for the whole family with tons of recreation options. From fishing and boating to hiking and bird-watching, this beautiful 3,200 acre lake and full service marina has everything you need for the perfect day on the water.

  • Antiques, arts, and more await you in the shops of downtown Ellijay. With street bustling with unique boutiques and charming antique stores, you’re sure to just what your looking for!

Adventure

  • Rising Sun Yoga and Wellness Center offers some of the best relaxation packages available. Whether you’re looking forward to private yoga sessions or being pampered with a luxiourious wellness treatment, you are sure to leave rejuvinated and refreshed.

  • Enjoy an evening in without sacrificing a delicious dinner by hiring your own 5 star chef! Mountain View Gourmet specializes in creating an exceptional dining experience in the comfort of your own home or rental. Chef Tram, a culinary maestro with a passion for French cuisine, has a keen eye for detail. She sources the finest ingredients, seeking out local and seasonal produce to ensure exceptional quality and freshness. Reserve a date today at mountainviewgourmet.com

  • The banks of the Coosawattee River are where memories are made and friendships are formed! Spend your day reeling in the next big catch, floating through the heart of Gilmer County, or simply enjoying the sound of the river winding its way through the hills. Take a moment to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

  • Is there a better way to end a day of family fun than with a cool sweet treat? Find a bench downtown and enjoy a cup of icecream, gelato, or sorbet from on of the local shops. Abby’s on Main Street is a family favorite!

  • Kickstart your day at one of Ellijay’s Coffee Houses. The coffee is great, but you don’t want to miss out on the Bold Breakfast Tea from Das Kaffee Haus- it’s a show stopper.

Relax

Looking for more suggestions?

Check out these categories to make sure you have everything you need during your stay!

  • Julia Krusac with Remax Town & Country lives here and loves helping people find the perfect property in North GA.

  • Ellijay offers a range of choices for a Sunday worship experience. Looking for something for the whole family? Covenant Community Church, located at 191 Harold Pritchett Road, is a great place to visit and feel right at home! First Baptist Ellijay, located in downtown Ellijay, also offers services for all ages each week. Services start at 11am.

  • Don’t miss the opportunity to capture all your mountian memories! Coneby Photography specializes in helping families capture the perfect moments! Check out her special Bear Adventure Packages HERE.

  • We hope everything goes perfectly during your time in Ellijay, but we know that accidents happen. Mainstreet Family Urgent Care is here to help!

Brought to you by:

The Bear Collective

Connecting  & Empowering local Women-led Businesses