Ellijay in November: What to Expect

Situated in the heart of the North Georgia mountains just one hour north of Atlanta, Ellijay, Georgia’s natural beauty is on full display during the month of November. The crisp fall weather, incredible mountain views, and fun-filled festivals transform this mountain town into a magical November getaway each year.

Known as the Apple Capital of Georgia, November is the perfect time to take advantage of the apple season in Ellijay. Beyond apple picking, Ellijay is home to incredible wineries, a thriving Downtown square, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Come stay with us at Blue Sky Cabin Rentals and take advantage of all that Ellijay has to offer during November.

We’ve put together the ultimate guide below so you get the most out of your November trip to Ellijay.
 

November Weather in Ellijay

November brings chilly Fall weather to the North Georgia mountains. You can expect high temperatures in the 60s, with lows getting down to the 40s. There will be a mix of cloudy and sunny days, with a few rainy days mixed in during the month of November.

This weather provides the ideal conditions for exploring all that North Georgia has to offer. With cool mornings and nights and warmer days, it’s easy to get out and explore the great outdoors.
 

Best Things to Do in November

1. Go Apple Picking

Photo Credit: Body Stock

Your fall Ellijay itinerary isn’t complete without apple picking. Known as the Apple Capital of Georgia, Ellijay is surrounded by incredible apple orchards. While some orchards close at the end of October, many stay open throughout the month of November to enjoy what’s leftover from the harvest.

Hillcrest Orchards welcomes visitors throughout November for visits to their Farm Market. Here, you’ll find loads of apples, homemade baked goods, jams, and more. We recommend ordering their apple cider donuts or fried apple pies (order them hot on a crisp November day!). BJ Reece Orchards is another popular Ellijay spot. Their farm market and bakery are open year-round, so head there to warm up with delicious homemade apple cider.

2. Experience Mountain Biking

Photo Credit: Ovidiu Negrea

Not only is Ellijay the Apple Capital but it is also known as the Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia!

Surrounded by national forests and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ellijay is perfect for bikers of all experience levels. Ellijay is also home to the oldest mountain bike trail in Georgia, the River Loop Trail along the Cartecay River.

Amadahy Trail is great for beginners as it's a mostly flat loop located in the Coosawattee Wildlife Management Area. If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, head to The Cohutta Cat, which spans the North Georgia and Tennessee Appalachian mountains. This 290-mile route is known for its blend of singletrack, double track, and gravel roads.

If you’re looking for a group activity, Cartecay Bike Shop, a popular bike shop and brewery in Ellijay, leads weekly rides every Saturday for intermediate-level bikers.

3. Enjoy Wine Tasting

Photo Credit: New Africa

The North Georgia mountains are home to some incredible local wineries. From new spots to family vineyards that have been around for decades, there’s no shortage of wine tasting options near Ellijay.

Cartecay Vineyards is one of the most popular wineries, known for its award-winning wines, mountain views, and easy access to Downtown Ellijay. They have live music every weekend, making this a fun and festive outing for the whole group.

Roo Mountain Vineyards is a newer winery also located in Ellijay. Their outdoor patio offers some of the best mountain views around. In addition to their delicious wines, they serve non-alcoholic options so that everyone can enjoy their time here. They are also pet-friendly.

Finally, Chateau Meichtry is a popular vineyard in neighboring Talking Rock, offering stunning views, tours, a tasting room, and live music on the weekends.

4. Go Antique Shopping in Downtown Ellijay

Photo Credit: BearFotos

Downtown Ellijay is a quaint square full of local restaurants, unique shops, and plenty of antiques.

Main Street Antiques Mall offers two floors full of unique finds, furniture, and antique treasures. Just down the street, Misty Hollow Antiques & Collectibles also has plenty of vintage and antique home decor and gifts. Other options include Southern Flare Antiques and Interiors and Unique Ellijay. With plenty of other home stores scattered in Ellijay, you won’t run out of shopping options.

For a fun and unique way to experience Ellijay antiques, the Gilmer County Chamber puts on the Ellijay Antiques Trail, which allows you to earn points for each purchase at participating antique shops and receive a prize once you redeem those points. Being rewarded for antique shopping? Sign me up.
 

2024 November Events

1. Gilmer County Heritage Day at Harrison Park

• Dates: November 2, 2024
• Location: 257 McCutchen Street, Ellijay, GA 30540

Gilmer County Heritage Day is a free event that invites attendees to learn about the history of Gilmer County through fun, interactive experiences. This annual event will have performances, crafts, food trucks, artists, and more.

2. Ellijay Christmas Market

• Dates: November 23, 2024
• Location: 1 Broad St, Ellijay, GA, United States, Georgia

The Ellijay Farmers & Artisans Market puts on a Christmas Market each year on the weekend before Thanksgiving. The Christmas Market tends to have fewer produce vendors and more holiday shopping, from homemade items to jewelry to unique finds. It’s a great time to stop up on gifts for loved ones.
 

Packing for Your November Trip

Photo Credit: Art_Photo

With the ushering in of crisp Fall weather, you might be wondering what to pack for your November trip to Ellijay. Here are a few of our must-pack items:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Gear for your outdoor adventures (hiking shoes, biking equipment, etc.)
• Outer jacket, gloves, and scarves
• Plenty of layers
• Rain jacket and umbrella

Book Your Stay in Ellijay in November

Ellijay, Georgia, is the perfect place to plan a November getaway. The weather is crisp without being too frigid, there’s an abundance of outdoor activities, and you’ll find tons of festive gatherings just waiting for you to join in.

Whether you prefer a relaxing getaway full of wine tasting and antique shopping or an adventure-packed trip complete with mountain biking, there’s something for everyone in Ellijay. We can’t wait to host you at Blue Sky Cabin rentals and let you see for yourself how special Ellijay is in November.