Downtown Ellijay is small enough to walk in an afternoon and old enough to reward a slow look. The town was laid out in 1833 around a public square and became the Gilmer County seat on December 29, 1834. It sits where the Cartecay and Ellijay rivers meet to form the Coosawattee, which is why so much of downtown life spills toward the water.

The square

The Gilmer County Courthouse, at 1 Broad Street, anchors downtown. It stands on the site of the 1898 Hyatt Hotel building, which served as the courthouse until it was demolished in January 2008. Shops, restaurants and offices ring the square, and River Street runs off toward the river.

On Georgia Apple Festival weekends, the free Apple Arts Festival sets up downtown at the Downtown Ellijay Welcome Center, 10 Broad Street. Unlike the main festival grounds, it is pet friendly. See our 2027 festival guide.

Shopping

Downtown has a good mix of antiques, boutiques and specialty shops. Names that have been around for a while include Ellijay Antiques, Outback Antiques and Bavarian Chocolatier. Shops come and go, so the Chamber’s shop list is the best current directory. For addresses, phone numbers and hours for each antique shop, see our Ellijay antique stores guide.

Where to eat and drink

Downtown restaurants that have been local favorites include:

  • River Street Tavern, on River Street
  • The Roof, known for its views and brunch
  • Cantaberry, a longtime downtown restaurant
  • Back Porch Bistro
  • Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza

For hours, reservations and options beyond the square, see our guide to where to eat in Ellijay.

For a beer after a ride or a paddle, Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery pairs a bike shop with a taproom. For vineyards and cideries outside town, see the Sips trail guide.

Hours change seasonally and weekend waits can be long in October, so call ahead or check the downtown dining list.

Arts and history

  • Tabor House History Museum, 138 Spring Street. Run by the Gilmer County Historical Society, it is typically open from mid-March to mid-December on Thursdays, Fridays and select Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (706) 276-1861 to confirm.
  • Gilmer Arts Gallery, 207 Dalton Street, with rotating exhibits by regional artists.
  • George Link Jr. Playhouse, 135 Dalton Street, home to community theater.
  • Acoustic Blends, a music series held on third Fridays. Check Gilmer Arts for the current schedule.

Parks by the river

  • Gilmer County River Park sits on the banks of the Coosawattee, with picnic areas and room to walk.
  • Harrison Park, about 26 acres, has space for a picnic or for kids to burn off energy.

Farmers market

The Gilmer County Farmers Market has typically run on Saturday mornings in season near the courthouse area. Days, hours and location can change, so confirm locally before you plan around it.

Tips for visiting

  • Park once and walk. Downtown is compact.
  • Expect crowds on festival weekends. If you are visiting during the Georgia Apple Festival, use the shuttle lots and come downtown early or late in the day.
  • Check what’s on. Downtown hosts a Fourth of July parade, the free Apple Arts Festival in October and a holiday parade after Thanksgiving; see our Ellijay events calendar.
  • Pair it with the orchards. GA-52 East and its apple houses start just outside town.

Curious how the town got here? Read our short history of Ellijay and its apples.

Deciding between Ellijay and its neighbors? See how the North Georgia mountain towns compare.

Sources and further reading

Facts in this article were checked against these sources on October 30, 2026. Hours, fees and seasons change, so confirm before you go.