A Taste of North Georgia: Orchard Hopping & Speakeasy Sips Near Your Cabin

Morning: Fresh Air & Apple Orchards

Start your day with a peaceful drive through the rolling foothills of North Georgia to visit a local orchard. Mercier Orchards — a fourth-generation family-run orchard and market just outside Blue Ridge — offers U-pick apples when in season, plus a bakery filled with cider doughnuts, fried pies, jams, and their own hard cider tasting room (mercier-orchards.com). Locals also rave about R & A Orchards in Ellijay, another family farm offering U-pick fruit and classic fried pies (forms.agr.georgia.gov). Both are lovely in fall, but worth visiting year-round for their market selections.

Midday: A Design Stop & Olive Oil Tastings

Head back into Ellijay for something a little different—Artful Ellijay is a beautifully curated home lifestyle boutique offering décor, gifts, and design services from a family- and veteran-owned team (artfulellijay.com). The showroom is perfect for browsing unique home accents or picking up a keepsake from your mountain escape.

Just a few minutes farther is the Ellijay location of Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company. This tasting room invites you to sample premium extra-virgin olive oils, infused oils, and aged balsamic vinegars—always a fun, flavorful stop (blueridgeoliveoil.com).

Afternoon: Stroll Downtown & Hidden Speakeasy

Ellijay’s downtown is charming and compact—ideal for a lazy afternoon stroll. Pop into local boutiques, antique shops, or grab a coffee and soak in the small-town vibe.

As evening approaches, treat yourself to a unique experience at The Door, Ellijay’s first speakeasy. Tucked behind a discreet entrance, it’s known for creative cocktails, a moody atmosphere, and friendly service. Favorites include house-seasoned Georgia peanuts and cocktails like The Tommy Gun or Lavender Babyface (maps.apple.com).

Why This Makes a Great Day Trip from the Cabin

• Just minutes from your mountain retreat, you’ll go from forest views to orchard rows and back into town—all without long drives.
• You’ll enjoy a mix of outdoor activity, local flavor, and unique shopping—perfect for couples or small families looking to unwind.
• From hot cider and doughnuts to olive oil tastings and handcrafted cocktails, it’s a day that blends rustic charm with upscale comfort—just like your cabin.

Travel Tips

• If visiting in fall (late September through November), call ahead to check U-pick availability at Mercier and R & A Orchards—those seasons fill up fast.
• The Door can get busy on weekends—arrive early or be prepared for a short wait.
• Artful Ellijay and the olive oil tasting room close earlier in the evening, so plan those stops before late afternoon.

Wrap up your day by returning to Hairy Coo Hideaway—sink into the hot tub under stars or curl up in the reading nook with a warm drink, knowing you’ve tasted a slice of North Georgia’s best.