Houston Nestie Headed to N. Georgia

Borski2B

Hi all! I live in Houston/Galveston and my husband and I just booked a trip to stay in a cabin in Ellijay the week after Christmas. We want to take one day to go to Atlanta and see the aquarium. Any other tips/hints in the Ellijay/Blue Ridge area while we're there?

Also, anyone have experience with the mountain area around Ellijay and whether or not we have a very good chance of snow that week? We wouldn't mind a dusting of snow, but obviously living on the Gulf Coast, our cars are not snow-tire equipped or anything. Didn't look like we should get much according to historical data I could find online, but I didn't know if that would be accurate for the mountains or not. 

Thanks!

Meinschatz11

Snow is highly unlikely in Dec.  Much more likely Jan-March, but even then it's only about a 2% chance!  You'll be fine. 

Keep in mind that your drive to the aquarium will be about 1.5 hours.  You'll want to make sure you plan for your drive time that day.  While you're at the aquarium, you can walk across the street to Centennial Olympic Park.  It will be decked out for the holidays.  

My absolute favorite BBQ is Colonel Poole's in East Ellijay.  Ask anyone and they can direct you to the "Pig Hill of Fame."  If you're into the outdoors, you'll be really close to Ammicalola Falls.  

Have fun!

Sadlebred

Yep, you probably won't get any snow that week although it will probably be pretty cold.

There are lots of good hiking trails around. There are some antique shops in downtown Ellijay and Blue Ridge.

I love this place if it's open that week. Their apple bread with icing is to die for:

http://www.mercier-orchards.com/default.aspx (Google maps has the location of the retail store. They sell much more than just apples and are open most weeks of the year.)

B

WifeDeAngel

Sadlebred:

Yep, you probably won't get any snow that week although it will probably be pretty cold.

There are lots of good hiking trails around. There are some antique shops in downtown Ellijay and Blue Ridge.

I love this place if it's open that week. Their apple bread with icing is to die for:

http://www.mercier-orchards.com/default.aspx (Google maps has the location of the retail store. They sell much more than just apples and are open most weeks of the year.)

B

We went there just last weekend! I can vouch for their delicious baked/fried goodies. IIRC, the sign on their door said they were closed on holidays, but should be open during the week.

Have fun!

Borski2B

Thank you all so much for your tips! I'm even more excited about our trip now than I was before - I didn't think that was possible. I think I'm putting ALL of these places on my "to-do" list

MrsD2006

We bought a cabin in Ellijay a few months ago, so I'm still learning the area. We haven't been yet, but have heard great things about this place:

Cantaberra Restaurant,51 River St, Ellijay, GA 30540 (706) 636-4663

Also this place is pretty well known: 

The Pink Pig, 824 Cherry Log Street, Cherry Log, Georgia 30522

In Blue Ridge, we really like the Blue Ridge Brewery. It's right off the main street by the train depot. I really want to take the train ride, but haven't gotten to it yet:

http://brscenic.com/

Mercier Orchard is actually in Blue Ridge, we have been there and it's really neat.

Here's a good list of things to do in the area and restaurants:

http://www.slidingrockcabins.com/ellijay-local-activities.htm

 

 

jle625

Last time we went to Serenity in The Mountains spa and it was AMAZING! They were featured in the Rachel Ray magazine and I bartered with the husband for a full package in exchange for and RC truck weekend at the Ocoee.