Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1184230
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9 M A C O N M A G A Z I N E . C O M 1 2 3 2 CHOOSE A PLACE TO CALL HOME ELATSE'YI: Make a wish beneath the stars with an unconventional stay at Elatse'yi, a 17-acre mountain retreat and goat farm with vintage Airstreams and a geodosic dome. Outdoor tubs, treetop cocktail tables, friendly farm animals and gracious hosts make this an unforgettable getaway. northgeorgiaglamping.com MULBERRY GAP MOUNTAIN BIKE GET-A-WAY: Just 12 miles from downtown, find the rustic haven for mountain bike enthusiasts in the Cohutta Wilderness. Enjoy the cozy cabins, tent and RV sites, hot tubs, vast selection of craft beer and home cooked meals after a long day in the saddle. mulberrygap.com DRAGONFLY DREAMS: Luxury cabins with upscale amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, fire pits and magnificent mountain views offer a private escape within a breathtaking setting. dragonflycabinrentals.com 3 GRAB YOUR PICK AND START GRINNING Gilmer Arts presents Acoustic Blends, free open mic events hosted at the George Link Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse in downtown Ellijay. These monthly jam sessions are open to all musicians who want to play on stage, play along in the front row, or for those who just want to have a good time. Donations benefit the local non-profit. gilmerarts.com/ acoustic-blends 4 GO OFFLINE AND INTO THE WATER Ellijay's name is derived from an Indian term meaning "many waters." Tube or kayak the Ellijay River, Cartecay River or the Coosawattee River. Rent a pontoon with 14 friends and cruise 65 miles of shoreline or take a scenic waterfall hike on Carter's Lake. Cartecay River Experience, Kayak & Tube Rentals, 706-531-4746; Coosawattee Tubing Company, 706-635-1609; Ellijay River Outfitters, 706-889-8697 5 PEDAL A MOUNTAIN BIKE PATH Pedal some of the states's most gorgeous and challenging mountain biking trails. More than 100 miles of single-track trails have earned Gilmer County the official designation as "Georgia's Mountain Biking Capital." Local mountains offer nationally recognized mountain biking trails with everything from easy cross-country to technical downhills. Ellijay is also home to the oldest mountain biking trail in the state, River Loop. Pick up trail maps, rent bikes, join group rides and chat with knowledgeable staff at Cartecay Bike Shop in downtown Ellijay. 123 North Main St., Ellijay