The first people to live in the Ellijay area were the Cherokee. Depending on who you ask, the name "Ellijay" comes from the Cherokee language and means "new ground" or "green place." Others refute this story saying that the first people were from the Itsate Creek tribe, and the town's name means "offspring from foothills" in their language. This community has always had strong agricultural roots, and it's easy to see why the city's nickname is "The Apple Capital of Georgia" as farmers grow more than 600,000 bushels annually. Treat yourself to an apple dessert at The Shack at Ellijay, Cantaberry, or River Street Tavern and find out for yourself. You can pick apples to take home with you at many nearby orchards, including Mercier Orchards, B.J. Reece Orchards, or Hillcrest Orchards.
Ellijay is the county seat of Gilmer County, which state legislators created in 1832. While a few people moved to town after the completion of the Marietta and Northern Georgia Railroad in 1884, this mountain community saw a more significant influx of people after the Zell Miller Mountain Parkway reached the town in 1991.
Over 65% of the land in Gilmer County is public land, and you'll want to explore some of it. Much of it is part of the Cherokee National Forest. You may want to plan a picnic to enjoy at beautiful locations near Elijay, but first pick up a bottle of wine from local wineries like Ellijay River Vineyards, Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard & Winery, or Ott Farms and Vineyard. You'll also want to spend time playing on Carters Lake, the deepest reservoir east of the Mississippi River.
Georgia Apple Festival Arts & Crafts Show – Come hungry for apples to this October festival at the Lions Club Fairgrounds and in the downtown area. You'll love the live music, crafts, and car show.
St. Patrick's Day – Join the local humane society for a dog show, parade, and food at this downtown event.
Plein Air Art Festival – Watch local artists create artwork at various venues around the county. Then, join the fun as an auctioneer sells the items to the highest bidder during a dinner.
Spring Wine Highway Week – Join wineries across northeast Georgia, including those in Ellijay, for this wine week festivity held at various wineries.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Ellijay, GA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Ellijay?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Ellijay from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Ellijay?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.