A Cozy Fall Weekend in North Georgia with Kids
One of the places our family returns to year after year is the North Georgia mountains. We’ve visited in every season, but fall is my very favorite. I love the changing leaves (Floridian here!), the cozy mountain vibes, and, if you time it right, quieter towns outside of the busy season.
Some years we’ve gone in late October, others in November (right before Thanksgiving). Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, preschoolers, or elementary-aged kids, here are two itineraries full of cozy fall favorites in our favorite North Georgia mountain towns.
Option 1: The Classic October Weekend
Choose this weekend if you’re looking for apple picking (without the September crowds!) and beautiful fall foliage.
Friday: Arrival + Settling In
After a long drive, our main stop on arrival is the grocery store. (We love the new Publix in Jasper!)
For dinner, I keep it simple. I pack pasta and a jar of sauce in the car, then pick up frozen meatballs and broccoli once we arrive. It’s an easy first meal, and lets us settle in for the night.
Looking for a cozy dinner out instead? Head to Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza. They don’t take reservations, but do have a waitlist system!
Saturday: Apples + Family Time
Apple Picking
Our favorite place to pick apples is B.J. Reece Orchards!
If B.J. Reece isn’t the right fit for your family, R&A Orchards in Ellijay and Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge are also popular choices. Check out each orchard’s fall offerings (as many have extras beyond apple picking!) and location to “pick” the one that’s best for your family!
Visit Ellijay
Afterwards, head to the Ellijay area for lunch. A few favorite options are:
- Poole’s BBQ – a classic local spot with lots of pigs and good BBQ
- The Roof – one of my favorite restaurants with a stunning view of Ellijay and the surrounding mountains (the trout dish is my favorite!)
Then grab a coffee at Hemlock Bazaar and browse the book selection before taking a stroll through town.
If you have extra time (or you’re planning a longer stay!), check out my guide to the best small towns in North Georgia with kids.
A Cozy Cabin Evening
Don’t feel like you have to schedule every moment of your weekend! Some of our favorite memories happen back at the cabin. Carve pumpkins on the porch, make smores or hot chocolate, cuddle up with a blanket, and read some favorite fall books.
Sometimes the quiet evenings end up being everyone’s favorite part of the trip.
Sunday: Fall Hike + Picnic
Make your favorite fall breakfast at the cabin, then prepare for a winding drive up the mountain!
Fort Mountain State Park
One of our favorite family hikes in North Georgia is the Stone Tower Loop. At just over 1.5 miles, we’ve hiked it with kids ages 3-6 more than once! The trail combines beautiful mountain views (if you’re not fogged in!) with a historic stone fire tower that kids love.
Planning to hike it? I’ve put together a detailed guide with parking information, the state park pass, bathrooms, trail conditions, and everything you’ll see along the way in my post on Getting Outdoors in North Georgia with Toddlers.
Option 2: Cozy November Weekend
Choose this weekend if you’re after a few cozy stops, brunch, and fall movie nights in the mountains. A little drizzly rain just adds to the vibe! We used the few days before Thanksgiving as a quick visit, and honestly it was one of my favorites.
Friday: Arrival + Holiday Crafting
After unpacking, have a simple dinner in. I also like to bring easy Christmas crafts (like the sets from Mondo Llama at Target!) for the kids to do while we get settled in.
Saturday: Slow Morning + Cider Tasting
Spend the morning around the cabin. The goal? Drink coffee at a lesiurely pace while the kids play!
Reece’s Cider Co.
After a slow morning at the cabin, head to Reece’s Cider Co. for a late lunch or afternoon snack.
We love ordering a cider flight for each adult, and then ordering a can or two of (nonalcoholic) cider for the kids! It’s the perfect place to sit and enjoy time as a family.
We’ve played a few card games, brought restaurant games, and even surprised them with new coloring books!
Tip: Outside food is welcome! We’ve packed our own snack to enjoy with our cider. There are also food trucks that rotate, but the offerings aren’t always the kids’ favorite. It’s worth checking before you go!
Fall Movie Night
We aren’t big on screen time in our house, so turning one night into a full fall movie night felt extra special!
My favorite mom move? I used all of our leftover Halloween candy to build a charcuterie board. The kids thought it was the best surprise of the weekend.
Sunday: Cozy Brunch + Farm Stop
Brunch at Woodbridge Inn
If you’re looking for a classic, nostalgic brunch, head to Woodbridge Inn in Jasper. The food was wonderful, the setting was cozy, and there were kid-friendly options on the menu. Be sure to make a reservation! It’s a local favorite.
Mountain Valley Farm
A perennial favorite (no matter the season!) – Mountain Valley Farm. The kids love visiting the animals, and the adults love picking up some local meat and canned goods. (Just don’t try this one in heavy rain – the road is gravel/dirt.)
Looking for other ideas?
Here are a few of the things we’ve done in the past that you can swap in based on the weather, timing, and the age of your kids!
1.) Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: Stunning as the leaves are changing, this half-day excursion on a historic train is a favorite for kids of all ages. Main tip? Be sure to book your tickets ASAP!
2) Tractor Ride at Hillcrest Orchards: If it’s past apple picking season, Hillcrest was a much slower-paced day for little ones. We rode the tractor, walked through their storybook area, and watched pig racing. Not a top choice for me, but it was great for when our kids were tiny!
3) Choose another small town to stroll. Ball Ground is one of my favorites to grab a coffee (at Barrel House Coffee Co.) and take a walk through town!
4) Trick-or-Treat in Ellijay: If you happen to be in the area for Halloween, Ellijay does small-town trick-or-treating at its finest. The church downtown has festival games and is truly the perfect spot to walk around with toddlers!
Our Family’s Fall Favorites
Apple Orchard
B.J. Reece Orchards
Coffee Shop
mountain mama in Blue Ridge
HikE
Stone Tower Loop
Small Town
Ball Ground
Cabin Tradition
family card games
dinner
The Roof, Ellijay
Unique Stop
Mountain Valley Farm
Must-Do
a cozy family movie night
Final Thoughts
Whether you visit during apple season in October or wait for a quieter weekend in November, the North Georgia mountains are one of our family’s favorite fall traditions.
We’ve learned over the years that the magic isn’t found in packing every day with activities. It’s sipping coffee while the kids play outside, lingering over brunch, reading one more fall book together, or ending the night around the fire with s’mores.
If you’re planning your own fall North Georgia getaway, I hope one of these itineraries helps you create a few cozy traditions of your own.
