Georgia Apple Blossom Festival: An Event Guide
Springtime in North Georgia is simply magical. With warm, sunny days, fields of wildflowers, and fun festivals in charming mountain towns, there is so much to do and see during your Ellijay cabin getaway.
One of the most special events is the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival, a celebration of the eponymous fruit located in East Ellijay. Gilmer County is considered the “Apple Capitol” of Georgia, with over 22 varieties harvested from June through November.
Those looking for a family-friendly event with art, music, food, and more will be happy to visit Ellijay in May! Here is your guide to the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival!
About the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival
Photo Credit: Georgia Apple Blossom Festival
Welcome to Ellijay, the historic seat of Gilmer County! Ellijay is known for having numerous apple orchards producing some of the most delicious apples you’ve ever had. Ellijay orchard tours may be available depending on the season, allowing you to pick your own apples or try some of their mouthwatering handmade treats.
In the spring, Ellijay celebrates the blooming of the apple trees with the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival. It is the perfect event for those enjoying a springtime cabin getaway in North Georgia!
What to Expect
The Georgia Apple Blossom Festival is an annual North Georgia event that celebrates spring and offers delicious food, beautiful art and crafts, and plenty of family fun. Unsurprisingly, the festival’s theme revolves around apples and the beautiful spring blossoms that adorn the local apple trees.
The festival focuses on the local art, music, and crafts that make North Georgia so special. Visit over 70 vendors offering handmade products that are the perfect souvenir for your North Georgia vacation.
The Georgia Apple Blossom Festival is family-friendly, and plenty of activities keep kids of all ages entertained, including a children’s play area and a climbing wall. The Georgia Apple Festival is pet-friendly, and leashed dogs are also welcome to attend.
There is no cost for admission to the festival, and many of the activities are also free of charge. In addition, you won’t go away hungry. You can expect numerous local vendors who will be selling your expected apple-themed treats alongside other local dishes and ready-to-eat goods.
Pro Tip: Bring your furry friend! This festival is one of the many great activities in North Georgia, where pets are welcome!
Festival Location
The Georgia Apple Blossom Festival is a juried event that takes place in the charming city of Ellijay, just a two-hour day trip from Atlanta. A much-anticipated event since its inception in 1971, it generally occurs at the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce this year.
This North Georgia mountain town is beloved for its stunning location, endless outdoor recreation opportunities, numerous vineyards, and excellent cuisine. Those vacationing in a cabin in the Ellijay or Blue Ridge area will find that a day exploring everything Ellijay offers is well spent.
You can find plenty of free and metered parking along Craig Street outside of the Chamber and throughout Historic Downtown Ellijay.
2023 Georgia Apple Blossom Festival
Photo Credit: Georgia Apple Blossom Festival
- Website: georgiaappleblossomfestival.com
- Address: 696 1st Avenue, East Ellijay, GA
- Dates: May 6th to May 7th, 2023
- Hours: 9.00 am - 5:00 pm (Saturday), 9.00 am - 4:00 pm (Sunday)
You can expect the 2023 Georgia Apple Blossom Festival to have a variety of hand-selected vendors onsite, including local artists, food trucks, and live music.
There will be face painting, bounce houses, and even rock climbing for the kids! The event is pet friendly as well, so bring your fur babies along.
This year will feature the festival’s first car show! The inaugural Apple Blossom Auto Show will take place on May 6th from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm.
Other Ellijay Activities
Ellijay may be known for its apples and apple-related festivals and activities, but there are so many things to do in the North Georgia area. Fill your vacation itinerary with some of these fabulous options.
Hiking
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Photo Credit: Dudarev Mikhail
The mountains of North Georgia are a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Numerous trailheads in the Ellijay area offer fun hikes for all experience levels.
One of the most popular hikes is the Cartecay River Loop, a scenic 3.4-mile loop in the nearby Rich Mountain Wildlife area. For an easy walk in the town of Ellijay, consider the 1.1-mile Harrison Park Loop.
For an unforgettable adventure, consider a hike on the famous Appalachian Trail. The 10-mile Springer Mountain via the Appalachian Trail route outside of Ellijay is a great way to experience part of this beloved long-distance trail.
Spring is a great season for hiking in North Georgia as the days are beginning to warm up. You can enjoy sunny weather without the high heat and humidity that summer brings, and the blossoming trees and wildflowers add to the beautiful scenery.
Mountain Biking
Photo Credit: Daxiao Productions
Not only known for its apples, but Ellijay is also widely regarded as one of the best destinations in Georgia for mountain biking. It is even called the mountain biking capital of Georgia!
One of the best biking trails in the state is the Bear Creek Mountain trail just north of Ellijay. This 10-mile out-and-back trail through the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains is a perfect intermediate-level track.
For a more advanced adventure, check out the Mountaintown Creek segment of the Pinhoti trail in Ellijay. This 5-mile technical route has numerous water crossings as you follow an old logging road downhill.
If you didn’t bring your own biking equipment, you will be relieved to know that there are numerous outdoor outfitters in Ellijay and surrounding areas where you can rent whatever you need.
River Activities
Photo Credit: DitchGyrl via Flickr CC2.0
With a prime location along the Cartecay River, Ellijay is a fantastic destination for water sports. Even in spring, when it isn’t warm enough for a swim in the river, plenty of water activities keep you entertained.
The fishing opportunities on the Cartecay are fantastic, and you can catch bream, bass, and even trout (catch and release only). Contact an outfitter or fishing guide for permit information and guided fishing trips.
Kayaking down the Cartecay is a popular activity. Visit a local outfitter to rent all the necessary equipment and enjoy a fun float down the scenic river.
Vineyards
Photo Credit: cartecayvineyards
Apples aren’t the only thing that grows beautifully in Ellijay; grapes grown in this region produce some fantastic, award-winning wines. Spend a day visiting some of the many vineyards in Ellijay and surrounding towns to get a taste of these yummy beverages.
Cartecay Vineyards offers tastings at their scenic farm just outside downtown Ellijay, or head over to Engelheim Vineyards for a traditional German vineyard experience. Some other stunning vineyards in the area include Ellijay River Vineyard, Chateau Meichtry, Grapes & Ladders, and Ott Farms and Vineyard. Wherever you go, you are sure to have a lovely time sipping delicious wines with an unforgettable mountain view.
Dining
Ellijay has a fantastic food scene, with a wide variety of restaurants offering up exceptional meals. While you will undoubtedly find delicious food options at the Apple Blossom Festival, plenty of local restaurants are a must-try during your North Georgia vacation.
From traditional Southern fare using local products to mouthwatering cuisine from all over the world, your biggest struggle with eating in Ellijay will be deciding which restaurant to start at.
Some local favorites include the down-to-earth Back Porch Bistro, serving a variety of soup and sandwiches, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and the beloved Emily’s Bar and Restaurant, known for its fantastic brunch.
Celebrate All Things Apples in Ellijay
Don’t miss the exciting Georgia Apple Blossom Festival in Ellijay while on your spring getaway in North Georgia. This annual event is the perfect excuse to book your Blue Sky Cabin Rental!