Food & Drink

Very cozy tasting room and very knowledgeable and accommodating hosts. We did the flight tasting and they were $16 for four tastes, but they were very generous tastings. Interestingly, we like the white flight better than the reds. Most of the grapes are grown locally. All their estate wines are grown locally.
Their vineyard starts to flourish in April and that’s when it’s really beautiful there.

The Butcher & Bottle is a spectacular spot in Ellijay for an incredible meal. It’s a great date night spot with excellent food and a great wine selection.

For appetizers, we’d highly recommend the Diablo Shrimp, the B&B Meatballs , or the Tuna Stack. Honestly, you could make a meal out of just the starters!

If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, the Butcher’s Burger (really all of their burgers are great) and the Salmon BLT are standouts. For heartier entrees, their steaks and salmon are always on point. The last time I went, I tried the Pan-Fried Trout, and it was absolutely fantastic!

Dessert? The Apple Crumb Bread Pudding is SO good!

River Street Tavern is our favorite pub food spot. It’s unassuming with seriously good food and drink.

The Gettin’ Figgy With It Chicken Sandwich and the Tavern Bear Creek Burger are our standout favorites.

The Tavern has a great selection of drinks, too, with plenty of local craft beers on tap. The service is always friendly, and the whole place has a relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes you want to hang.

This is a highly recommended stop – I love this place. This is a great spot to try a bunch of Georgia wines and local beers all in one spot. The owner (Chase) is a super good guy and easy to talk to. He’ll have some great recommendations for you.

If there’s a long wait at our restaurant of choice for the evening, we’ll put our name in then come over here and have a glass of wine while we wait. We have been known to miss our table and end up staying too long here.

This one is easy to miss. It’s a southern charm, laid-back, no-frills spot with seriously good food. Chili Dog in Ellijay is the place to go. We love coming here for breakfast—it’s easily one of our favorite morning stops. A cinnamon roll is a must (any time of day). Their biscuit sandwiches are insanely good. Their chili dog is on point (obviously). Our family is hot dog snobs. Only the best for us – and these definitely qualify.

The vibe here is super casual, and the service is always fast and friendly. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before heading out to explore or just need some good old-fashioned comfort food, this spot never disappoints. If you’re in Ellijay and haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favor and stop by—you won’t regret it.

One of our favorite spots in Ellijay is The Roof. My wife and I love coming here for a date night or just to kick back and enjoy some great food and drinks. Perched right in the heart of downtown, it’s a great rooftop dining experience.

We love the Fresh Appalachian Trout and the Shrimp & Grits. It’s comfort food done right. Their mixed drinks are fantastic! Whether it’s a classic Old Fashioned or something fruity and fun, they always have something great to sip on.

If you’re visiting Ellijay or just looking for a great place to enjoy dinner and drinks, The Roof is a must-try. Just keep in mind that they don’t take reservations, so if you want a prime rooftop spot, try to get there early.

Every town needs a great pizza spot. We definitely have ours! Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza, nestled at the corner of River and Main Streets in the heart of downtown. This is our go to spot for great wood-fired pizzas (get out of here Pizza Hut).

This spot has the atmosphere (and smell) you want in a pizza place – that combined with a great staff, makes it a great spot.

The pizza to start with is the Margherita Autentico pizza. It’s the simple, standard combination of crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Spicy Calabrian pizza is great choice. The pizza is topped with Genoa salami, spicy Italian sausage, Calabrian peppers, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses, it offers a satisfying kick that’s perfectly balanced by the rich flavors.

The drink selection here is thoughtfully curated, with wines on tap and a range of craft beers, including local favorites.

Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill in downtown Blue Ridge is a must-visit. Located at the corner of Main and Depot Street, it’s been a favorite of our’s for years.

The menu offers a ton of tasty options. The Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup is a solid choice if you’re looking for exceptional, comforting food.

We also love the Sticky Ribs. It’s Rib done right

They have a great bar with a very friendly staff. We love going in and talking to the bar tenders. They always have great suggestions for cocktails if that’s your thing.

Just minutes from our cabin is Roo Mountain Vineyards. This is a must visit for all wine lovers.

As you approach the vineyard, the expansive views of protected mountains and forests set the stage for a memorable experience. The vineyard’s commitment to preserving the natural landscape is commendable, providing a gorgeous setting for the tasting.

The tasting rooms are elegantly designed, offering a comfortable setting to explore their curated selection of wines and hard ciders. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to guide guests through the tasting journey, ensuring a personalized experience.

One of the highlights of Roo Mountain Vineyards is their rooftop garden bar, aptly named “The Nest.” Here, you can enjoy their beverages while taking in panoramic mountain views.

For those interested in a more in-depth experience, Roo Mountain offers VIP winery tours. These tours provide insights into the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to fermentation and aging. It’s an educational journey that deepens appreciation for the craft behind each bottle.

They are dog-friendly, welcoming canine companions on their outdoor patios.

Heads up, families – Roo Mountain Vineyards is a 21+ facility.

Providing solutions for all Transportation needs, including local & out of town service, including airport shuttle.

Pricing

Rough pricing is as follows and is based on our cabin location (prices based on seasonality and demand – please let us know if the rates you’re provided are much different so we can update for future guests):

• Airport Shuttle (one way): $160 (up to 4 people with luggage)
• Wine Tours: $40/hr (4-hour min, tours can last anywhere from 4-6 hours. Up to 7 people)
• Rides into town (one way): $40

John’s Transportation Services
John Beirtback
(772) 607-4397

• https://g.co/kgs/7wDx11c
• https://www.facebook.com/johnstransportation

Local and long-distance Taxi service.

Pricing

Rough pricing is as follows and is based on our cabin location (prices based on seasonality and demand – please let us know if the rates you’re provided are much different so we can update for future guests):

• Airport Shuttle (one way): $160 (up to 4 people with luggage)
• Wine Tours: $40/hr (4-hour min, tours can last anywhere from 4-6 hours. Up to 7 people)
• Rides into town (one way): $40

Cartecay Cab

Ryals Cheek
(706) 889-5180
[email protected]

https://www.yelp.com/biz/cartecay-cab-ellijay-2

The Bear Creek Trail is about a 25-minute drive from the cabin and offers a beautiful hike through lush, moss-covered forests. This moderate to hard hike is just over six miles long and guides adventurers along the serene banks of Bear Creek, across gentle stream crossings, and up to a nearby summit that presents panoramic views of the surrounding valley. ​

A highlight of the trail is the Gennett Poplar, the second-largest living tree in Georgia. And for those seeking a shorter hike, a two-mile round trip to the Gennett Poplar offers a family-friendly option without compromising on the scenic beauty.

The Cartecay River Loop Trail is a 3.4-mile loop about 22 minutes away. This moderately challenging trail offers a diverse experience, winding through open fields, dense forests, and along the picturesque Cartecay River. On this hike, you’ll encounter varying terrains, including a couple of moderately steep sections and creek crossings, making it an engaging adventure for those seeking a bit of challenge. A couple of notes here, though…

1. A land access permit is required to utilize this Wildlife Management Area. You can’t buy them there – they must be purchased ahead of time. There are two options to get a permit: a Georgia fishing/hunting license or a Land Access Permit. A fishing license costs $15 annually or $5 for one day. Land Access Permits cost $30 for a year (no short-term available). If you plan to hike any of the 80+ WMAs that require a permit/license in the state, then the annual fishing license is the most cost-effective option. Licenses can be purchased at these locations or online.
2. It’s easy to find yourself on the wrong trail here! From the parking area, you will walk around a “Road Closed” gate. Follow the gravel road until it forks – stay left at the fork. The trail will lead you through an open field and eventually down to the river. 

Tumbling Waters Trail is a scenic one-mile loop about 25 minutes away. This is a family-friendly hike that offers beautiful views of cascading waterfalls along Tails Creek and a wooden bridge overlooking Carters Lake. The trail meanders through lush forests filled with ferns and pines, providing a serene nature experience. Its easy-to-moderate difficulty level makes it perfect for hikers of all ages. ​

One of our favorite hikes in the area is the Amicalola Falls via East Ridge Loop Trail, located in Amicalola Falls State Park. This 2.2-mile loop offers a moderately challenging trek that rewards hikers with stunning views of Georgia’s tallest waterfall, cascading over 729 feet.

Starting at the Visitor Center, the trail ascends through a series of switchbacks, providing glimpses of the surrounding hardwood forest. As you climb, the sound of rushing water grows louder, hinting at the breathtaking sight ahead. Upon reaching the base of the falls, you’re greeted with a mesmerizing view of the water tumbling down the rocky cliff face.

The trail then leads you up a series of stairs—over 600 steps in total—that run alongside the falls. While the climb can be strenuous, the frequent overlooks make it worthwhile, offering panoramic vistas of the cascading water and the lush valley below. For those who prefer a less steep ascent, the East Ridge Trail provides an alternative route to the top, featuring a more gradual incline.

At the summit, a bridge spans the crest of the falls, presenting an opportunity to marvel at the expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a perfect spot to pause, catch your breath, and soak in the natural beauty. The descent follows the East Ridge Trail, which winds gently back down to the Visitor Center, completing the loop.

This hike is particularly popular during the fall months when the foliage transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. However, each season offers its own unique charm, making it a trail worth revisiting throughout the year.

Before setting out, it’s advisable to check the weather conditions, as parts of the trail can become slippery after rainfall. Also, be prepared for a workout—the combination of elevation gain and numerous steps can be demanding, but the views are undoubtedly worth the effort.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic day trip, the Amicalola Falls via East Ridge Loop Trail provides a memorable adventure that showcases some of Georgia’s most spectacular natural scenery.

This hike is just 20-25 mins away. It’s definitely a longer day hike (6.2-mile out-and-back trail) and offers a moderately challenging adventure that rewards hikers with the sight of two stunning waterfalls.

The trail begins near Holly Creek and meanders through a lush forest, following the banks of Emery Creek. Along the way, you’ll encounter approximately 20 creek crossings, so be prepared to get your feet wet. These crossings add a fun and refreshing element to the hike, especially during warmer months.

As you progress, the sound of rushing water becomes more prominent, leading you to the first of the two main waterfalls. This lower falls cascades beautifully over a series of rock ledges, creating a serene spot to rest and take in the scenery. Continuing further, the trail leads to the upper falls, which boasts a more dramatic drop and a tranquil pool at its base. Both falls offer picturesque settings that make the trek worthwhile.

The trail is well-marked with green blazes, but due to the numerous creek crossings and some rugged terrain, it’s essential to stay attentive to the path. Waterproof footwear is recommended, and trekking poles can be helpful for stability during creek crossings. Also, keep in mind that parking at the trailhead is limited, so arriving early is a good idea, especially on weekends.