Native Cherokee’s gave the name Ellijay (which means “New Ground for Planting) to the site where the Cartecay and Ellijay rivers converge; hundreds of years later, it continues to be a place where new and old residents alike can plant dreams of a new home or life in the North Georgia mountains. Located only an hour from Atlanta, GA and nearly as close to Chattanooga, TN, this thriving community hosts a world of differing housing options from rustic cabins and elegant second homes to Lakeside properties and acreage listings.

Known across the state as the “Apple Capital of GA”, Ellijay in Gilmer County, supplies the country with more than 600,000 bushels of apples a year. The second and third week in October the county becomes a gathering spot for thousands who converge to enjoy the Annual Georgia Apple Festival with parades, crafts, food and fun. The picturesque downtown brick streets fill with visitors who take advantage of the variety of restaurants, eateries, shops and galleries- enough to satisfy the fussiest weekend guest.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love that Gilmer County has recently been called the mountain biking center for Georgia with numerous trails attracting beginners and professionals alike. White Path Golf Course is a beautifully landscaped and accomplished 18-hole golf course with elevated tees and the most beautiful mountain scenery ever! Hikers will love the numerous paths and trails at area parks such as the Fort Mountain State Park or Amicalola Falls State Park, all less then twenty miles from town. Check out the fishing on the Coosawattee River off Highway 5 and bring the kids as there is a great park and picnic area available; or fish Carters Lake stocked with Walleye and both Hybrid and Striped Bass!

Gilmer County is home to medical facilities including the North Georgia Medical Center which operates a 50 bed hospital and includes a 100 bed nursing home. The medical center boasts a clinic offering services in Cardiology, Podiatry and Gastroenterology. Personnel trained in basic medical and advanced life support skills are provided by the Emergency Management Agency that provides emergency ambulance services.

Ellijay, GA with its mild climate and incredible scenery may be only an hour from Atlanta, but to those of us who love the area’s natural beauty and its gracious local inhabitants...it is a world away.

Contributed by: Tom Oprandi & Associates