In this festive PEP Talk episode, host Asa Jones sits down with Nohemi Reynoso of the Gilmer Chamber to chat about all the exciting holiday events happening in Ellijay this season! From twinkling lights to fun community gatherings, this episode highlights everything you need to know to make your holiday season merry and bright in Gilmer County. Tun…

This week, Caitlin Neal and Nohemi Reynoso of the Gilmer Chamber are getting into the holiday spirit as they dive into the best local Christmas celebrations happening in the community! From festive traditions to exciting events, they share all the details on what’s coming up. Tune in to hear about The Tabor House Museum’s Turn of the Century Christ…

The holiday season is officially here in Gilmer County! This week, host Asa Jones is joined by Caitlin Neal and Nohemi Reynoso with the Gilmer Chamber to give you the inside scoop on upcoming festivities! From dazzling light displays to heartwarming performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy, including: Holiday Lights of Ellijay – A walk…

This week, host Asa Jones is joined by Caitlin Neal and Nohemi Reynoso from the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce for a deep dive into the some of the best local spots to shop for your Thanksgiving feast. From sourcing the finest meats and fresh produce to discovering the perfect desserts and must-have ingredients, they share expert tips on where t…

Host Asa Jones chats with Caitlin Neal and Nohemi Reynoso from the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce about all the festive fun coming to Ellijay this holiday season! Tune in to learn about Light Up Ellijay, Holiday Lights of Ellijay, Downtown Light Nights, and the Christmas Market—four can't-miss events that will make this a magical holiday in the …

Host Asa Jones welcomes Ellijay Bacon Fest organizers Abby Prieto and Irene Witt. Ellijay Bacon Fest was created gather the community for the love of bacon and local restaurateurs while helping raise awareness and money for local charities and organizations. In 2023 the festival raised over $10,000 for local charities and collected 1,447 pounds of …

Host Asa Jones welcomes Howard Berk, Briana Nunez, and Elizabeth Starr of family-owned sustainable mushroom farm Ellijay Mushrooms to the studio to talk all the fall things—from the farm store to mushroom coffee to art, food, and more. Plus, check out the farm’s scavenger hunt and U-Pick flowers this season as well! Social Media Facebook Instagram…

This week, Downtown Welcome Center Manager Catherine Weis and Nohemi Reynoso from the Gilmer County Chamber join host Asa Jones to discuss the core details of the 2024 Georgia Apple Festival. Experience this annual festival happening two weekends in October—October 12-13 and October 19-20—kicking off with a parade on Saturday, October 12, starting …

This week, Mindy and Lee Forbes from Cress Creeks Sheep Farm and Event Center join host Asa Jones to discuss upcoming fall fun on the farm! The Forbeses also divulge the many Cress Creeks specialties, including locally-raised, farm-fresh goodies and the farm’s Airbnb. https://cresscreeksfarm.com/ https://www.facebook.com/CressCreeksFarm/ https://ww…

School is back in session in Gilmer County! This means the mornings are getting busy for parents, kids, and educators. Downtown Welcome Center Manager Catherine Weis joins host Asa Jones to talk about some of the best places for grab-and-go breakfasts. Discover new businesses and iconic restaurants in this episode. Chef In A Box URL Chef In A Box F…

Float through the details of the Cartecay River Experience in this week's episode with host Asa Jones and tubing experts Tripp and Micalah Jansen. Listen now to learn more about the well-loved Ellijay escapade and its two floating experiences: the Adventure River Experience and the Lazy River Experience. Social Media Facebook Instagram…

Don't go chasing waterfalls just yet, as this week, host Asa Jones welcomes Downtown Welcome Center Manager Catherine Weis back into the studio to talk all about waterfalls, rivers, and lakes in and around Gilmer County, including Amicalola Falls, Cartecay River Experience, and Carters Lake. Interested in checking out these waterways yourself? List…

This week, host Asa Jones welcomes Downtown Welcome Center Manager Catherine Weis back to the studio to discuss Ellijay’s family hiking trails, including Bear Creek Trail, Carters Lake, Fort Mountain State Park, and The River Loop on the Cartecay River. Listen now and get ready to explore the great outdoors. Gilmer Chamber Gilmer Chamber Facebook…

This week, host Asa Jones welcomes Downtown Welcome Center Manager Catherine Weis back to the studio. Listen now to learn about Gilmer County’s summer harvest at Aaron Family Orchards, Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, and Ellijay Mushrooms, all where you can pick flowers, blueberries, and more. Aarons Family Orchards: “Come hang out with us when you’re…

Fourth of July is coming up! Host Asa Jones welcomes Caitlin Neal from the Gilmer County Chamber and Pam Burns from Gilmer Arts Playhouse to discuss the upcoming Fourth of July festival and parade. Applications to participate in the parade will be open until July 1 at 5:00 p.m. Participants can pick up a physical application at the Gilmer Arts Gall…

Host Asa Jones welcomes Caitlin Neal and Nohemi Reynoso from the Gilmer County Chamber to discuss the ongoing Ellijay Treats Trail. The Treats Trail is Ellijay's way to find the best orchards, bakeries, and other sweet food in town. This episode will delve into the newly introduced mobile pass along with what it takes to put together a trail, desti…

This week’s PEP Talk episode features Bobby McNeill, owner of Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery in Talking Rock. Bobby and host Asa Jones chat about the Ellijay Songwriters Festival as it continues through Sunday, June 2, and how Chateau Meichtry will keep the music going throughout the summer! The chateau’s annual summer concert series w…

PEP Talk host Asa Jones welcomes singer-songwriter Crystal Henson to the studio to chat about the Ellijay Songwriters Festival, happening now through June 2 at venues throughout Gilmer County. A native of nearby Woodstock, Crystal performs an eclectic blend of tunes from the 80s and 90s along with original acoustic songs. See her perform live at Ca…

Gilmer's got it going on! Dive into three major upcoming events in this week’s episode with Downtown Welcome Center Manager Catherine Weis, Gilmer Chamber President and CEO Jennifer Grimmer, and host Asa Jones. The Ellijay Mushrooms Fungi 5K is this Saturday morning, May 18, followed by the Ellijay Songwriters Festival kicking off May 20 and contin…

This special episode of the Pick Ellijay Podcast is a part of the Ellijay Songwriters Fest Press Conference. Ray Green of Ray Dog Productions gives details about the festival this year including performance locations, new additions, and opening night at the Gilmer Arts Playhouse. Tickets for the opening night at the Playhouse are Click here to secu…

Stop, shop, and browse at the Ellijay Farmers and Artisans Market, opening this weekend! Host Asa Jones welcomes Downtown Welcome Center Catherine Weis back to the studio to discuss the seasonal market—open every Saturday, May through September, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.—and what to expect, including fresh foods, local goods, live music, and more.…

This week’s PEP Talk episode takes a dive into the new Gilmer Visitors Guide with Downtown Welcome Center Manager Catherine Weis, Gilmer Chamber Marketing Director Caitlin Neal, and host Asa Jones. The Gilmer Visitors Guide covers everything from Ellijay's apple business to mountainside getaways to local favorites. Gilmer's got it goin' on! Gilmer …

This week's episode includes a discussion between Caitlin Neal, Catherine Weis, and host Asa Jones about the upcoming Georgia Mountain Needle Arts Festival, happening April 26-28 at the Gilmer County Civic Center. The festival will feature plenty of vendors and special classes, open to knitters of all skill levels. Give them a follow on Georgia Mou…

This week's episode of PEP Talk dives deeper into Gilmer County Restaurant Week, happening May 13 through 18. Catherine Weis, Caitlin Neal, and host Asa Jones discuss Restaurant Week voting, which is now open on the Gilmer Chamber website. Categories include Best Burger, Best Date Night, Best Breakfast, and more!…

This week, host Asa Jones welcomes Robert Ferguson, president and CEO of the Georgia Mountain Trails Partnership, to the studio. Get the scoop on the 2024 Georgia Mountain Trail Fest, coming soon on Saturday, April 20. From hikers, mountain bikers, kayakers, and trail runners to equestrians, campers, Jeep and RV enthusiasts — everyone is welcome! T…

Host Asa Jones welcomes back Gilmer Chamber President Jennifer Grimmer and Downtown Welcome Center Manager Catherine Weis to discuss the upcoming Ellijay Restaurant Week, a celebration of local dining happening from May 13-18. Plus, the Gilmer Chamber is dishing out People's Choice Awards for local businesses. Tune in for all things Ellijay restaur…

In this episode Gilmer Chamber President & CEO Jennifer Grimmer and host Asa Jones welcome Catherine Weis, the new Downtown Welcome Center Manager. Catherine discusses some new ideas for the welcome center and what the year might hold. Afterwards Jennifer reviews exciting accomplishments for Pick Ellijay from 2023 and upcoming developments for 2024…

Asa and Ron welcome Linda Lancaster, representing Friends of Harrison Park, to discuss the upcoming Sasquatch Strut on April 27 and to talk about the Friends of Harrison Park's progress and accomplishments. The goal of the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit is to provide a place for friends and families to gather without spending too much money. Through upcoming…

This week, the PEP Talk podcast crew welcomes Dondi Fontenot, co-owner of Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery on North Main Street in Ellijay. Asa, Ron, and Dondi discuss the newest addition to the shop: the brew room, serving small-batch craft beers, including ales, IPAs, pilsners, wheats, and seltzers made in-house. With over 45 years of experience in the…

This week hosts Asa and Ron welcome Benjamin Grimmer of Ellijay Excursions, Patrick Hagler of A Grape View Tours, and Noble Zuschlag of North Georgia Wine Trips to discuss the ins and outs of guided vineyard touring and what you can expect when booking one of these convenient touring services in the beautiful wine country of Ellijay and North Georg…

This week, Asa and Ron welcome returning guests Annette Cavallaro from Ellijay's Little Italian and Matt Bond from The Roof to discuss their restaurants and featured dishes. Ellijay's Little Italian is an authentic storefront and features calzones, stromboli, pastas, and more. If you're looking for a hearty Southern restaurant, head to The Roof for…

Your favorite Gilmer restaurants are teaming up this week—and on this podcast—to celebrate Mardi Gras in Ellijay. The Butcher & Bottle, River Street Tavern, Ellijay's Little Italian, The Roof, Boardwalk Pizza & Pub, and Cajun Depot Grill are all collaborating on Mardi Gras themed specials, cocktails, and merch. This week we are joined by special gu…

The Ellijay Songwriters Festival is coming up and Ray Green with Ray Dog Productions joins Ron and Asa with all the details. This year, the festival will last two weeks, from May 20 through June 2, with special performances throughout the festival, a VIP Songwriter Welcome Reception, Memorial Day Celebration, 5K Run, Golf Tournament, Car Show, wine…

This week on the Pick Ellijay podcast, Asa and Ron welcome Bobby McNeill, owner of Chateau Meichtry Vineyard and Winery in Talking Rock. Listen for details on Chateau Meichtry’s upcoming 2024 entertainment line-up. Plus, learn about the popular varieties of wines you can get at Chateau Meichtry. FACEBOOK…

This episode features host Asa Jones in conversation with tourism director Ron Cheslock about the new and improved Sips Trail, now featuring the mobile pass, just in time for Wine About Winter in February. Make plans to escape to Ellijay this Groundhog Day weekend to indulge in a delightful array of events, one-of-a-kind experiences, and, of course…

In this episode, host Asa Jones and tourism director Ron Cheslock welcome Allen Earhart, operations manager of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, to discuss the newly renovated nature center at Carters Lake, now with interactive displays and virtual reality activities. Through the new activities developed in partnership with Kennesaw State …

Happy New Year everyone! In this episode tourism director Ron Cheslock and host Asa Jones take a look back at some of the events discussed on the podcast during 2023. Ron and Asa also take a look at the tourism grants given out. Plus, enjoy a sneak peek at some of the businesses being featured on the Pick Ellijay PEP Talk in 2024.…

PEP Talk welcomes Jessica Carmichael and Sari Saroukos of The Falls at Blue Ridge and Picture Perfect Cabins to talk about amenities you can enjoy, including horseback riding, ATV riding, a fine dining chef catering to your needs, and more. From family fun cabins featuring a bowling alley to the most picturesque backdrops for the perfect wedding, T…

Gerald Hodge of Appalachia Georgia Friends of the Bears joins us for this week's episode to discuss everything you need to know for hibernation season. We cover the hibernation process, ​cubs born during hibernation, ​humans' effects on bears, and more unique stories about black bears in the Southern Appalachian region. The mission of Appalachia Ge…

This week we welcome Damon Gabriel of Artful Ellijay and Davis Lacey of Ellijay Cigar Lounge back to the studio. Damon discusses Artful Ellijay’s recent “Best of Georgia” Home & Garden Shopping award from Georgia Business Journal, plus, how he and his team plan to celebrate the prestigious win. Damon also gives us a sneak peek of what’s in store fo…

In this week’s Pick Ellijay podcast, we welcome Pam Burns, executive director of the Gilmer Arts Playhouse in downtown Ellijay. The Playhouse hosts the return of perennial favorite Atlanta Pops Orchestra on Sunday, December 10, as the orchestra continues its seventy-five year legacy of enriching communities throughout the southeast with live perfor…

We’ve selected some of your favorite clips and episodes for this look back at 2023—featuring Wyatt Espalin, Robin & Afton Salmon of Surrender Hill, Danny Myrick, Abbey Prieto, Irene Witt, Adina Elfaituri, Christine Cleberg, and Lynn Robey.Von Tri-State Communications, Inc.

This week, PEP Talk welcomes Gilmer County University of Georgia Extension Office County Extension Coordinator Nancy Adams and 4-H Youth Development Agent Joshua Aaron to discuss Georgia 4-H Youth Council field trips, services offered by the UGA Extension Office, and the office’s plans to hire an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent.…

This week’s episode of Pick Ellijay welcomes Paul King with 29 North Wine and Art in downtown Ellijay, a new tasting room and art studio which opened its doors in October. The unique space, a canvas for creativity, invites visitors to explore the artistry of Georgia wine and local artists as each glass and each painting tells a story. 29 North cele…

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Ellijay! Beau Lowman with BEAU-tiful Creations returns to the studio to talk all about Light Up Ellijay and the 2023 Christmas Parade. On Friday, November 24, Light Up Ellijay features photos with Santa, a 25-foot inflatable gingerbread house for children, and more from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the Square …

In this week’s Pick Ellijay podcast episode, Howard Berk with Ellijay Mushrooms stops by to discuss different types of mushrooms, the growth process, and where you can find delicious mushrooms from Ellijay Mushrooms. Visit online at EllijayMushrooms.com or Facebook.com/EllijayMushrooms.Von Tri-State Communications, Inc.

This week the Pick Ellijay podcast welcomes Cherry Log’s Brett Cantrell with Country Financial. Brett is a Gilmer Chamber board member as well as a local musician. Hear all about his musical career and what he enjoys about performing in Gilmer County.Von Tri-State Communications, Inc.

In this episode of PEP Talk, we welcome guest Ashley McGowan, director of weddings and events at The Falls at Blue Ridge, a new wedding venue and event space in Ellijay. Nestled on 700 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Falls at Blue Ridge is a stunning wedding and event venue offering breathtaking views, gorgeous indoor and outdoor areas, rust…

It’s Apple Fest! This week we bring Jennifer Grimmer, President and CEO of the Gilmer Chamber, to discuss the Georgia Apple Festival. The festival lasts for two exciting and fun-filled weekends of the 14–15 and the 21–22, with many more events every weekend in October.Von Tri-State Communications, Inc.

Roo Mountain Vineyards is the newest winery on the block! With 6 acres of vines on nearly 250 acres of beautiful land, Roo Mountain Vineyards offers roughly 20 varieties of wine and a good selection of ciders. Join Host Asa Jones as he converses with Robert Loomis, the head winemaker, and Michelle Raffaelle, the owner of Roo Mountain Vineyards. Enj…