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.Av 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.Av 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.Av 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.Av 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…

In the latest episode of Pick Ellijay, Gerald Hodge, CEO of Appalachia Georgia Friends of the Bears, joins us to promote black bear awareness, including bear behaviors to understand and how human-bear conflicts can occur. Get your bearings on how to coexist with black bears in this educational episode.…

In this week’s episode of PEP Talk, guest Lee Delk, co-owner of Ott Vineyards & Winery, discusses the vineyard’s exciting events coming up this harvest season. On Tuesday nights, visit Ott Vineyards & Winery for Open Mic Nights from 5-8 p.m., and beginning October 12, join them for wine and food pairings on the second Thursday of each month. Plus, …

Michelle Kellogg is back with exciting information about Coosawattee River Resort. You'll also learn more about the Pickin' Concert Series. Here's a sneak peek: September 9 Gregg Erwin and 200 Proof September 23 Chequered Blue Trunk R Treat is coming in October! The Cider Social Dance is coming in November!…

Gilmer and neighboring counties are cultivating award-winning grapes for boutique wineries across North Georgia. Cartecay Vineyards is no exception. Larry Lykins, the owner of Cartecay Vineyards, explains what it is like to farm grapes. Larry also explains the difference between grapes grown for boutique wineries and large market wines. Crush Festi…

What goes best with BACON?? EVERYTHING!!! Abbey Prieto and Irene Witt tell all about the upcoming Ellijay Bacon Festival. Attendees will find several different bacon products and vendors, including a spicy bacon eating contest. The festival is a one-day event. All proceeds go towards the Gilmer Food Pantry. Ellijay Bacon Festival Sunday, September …

Get ready for the highly anticipated Ellijay Stampede Rodeo! Join Asa Jones as he learns about the event from Grant Parker with Twisted Horn Rodeo. Labor Day weekend will bring loads of lassos, buckets of bucking broncos, and fabulous food. You'll also find lots of vendors at the event. Don't miss this event! Ellijay Stamede Rodeo September 2–3, 20…

Adina Elfauituri, the organizer of Food Truck Tuesdays and Ellijay Up In Smoke, is this week's featured guest. Food Truck Tuesday is the first Tuesday of each month through November. Grab your friends, family, and neighbors, then boogie on over to River Park from 5:00–8:00 p.m. Ellijay Up In Smoke is a soon-to-be-famous BBQ taste and competition. F…

This week we bring on Chris Cleberg and Lynn Robey, organizers of the Ellijay Farmers & Artisans Market. The Ellijay Farmers & Artisans Market has nearly 100 vendors offering produce, meat and poultry, and crafts, running every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. now through September 30. Visit the market at 1 Broad Street, Ellijay, GA, United St…

This week we bring back the information specialist, Joe Sewell, to discuss fishing in Carters Lake and surrounding rivers. In addition, Ron and Asa discuss the upcoming Back to School Bash.Av Tri-State Communications, Inc.

Have you ever wanted to make wine? Like, real wine from the vines to the bottle to the tasting room? Well, you’re living in the right community. Gilmer IS wine country! Cindi Jackson of Grapes and Ladders Vineyards and Winery talks about the fact it’s time for the harvest, and this local vineyard needs volunteers to help bring in the grapes. What a…

Asa Jones highlights some of the most exciting PEP Talks so far. Enjoy this "Best of..." and let us know which were your favorite podcasts thus far. Asa@WLJAradio.comAv Tri-State Communications, Inc.

Join Jennifer Grimmer and Caitlin Neal as they discuss the new Sips, Sweets, and Antiques trails in beautiful Ellijay.Av Tri-State Communications, Inc.

Joe Sewell is a Gilmer County information specialist and a travel counselor. Listen in as Joe discusses Gilmer County's many attractions, including apple orchards, hiking trails, and water activities.Av Tri-State Communications, Inc.

Michelle Kellogg with the Coosawattee River Resort shares information about the upcoming Pickin’ Concert Series, Summer School Bash, and the Trick-or-Treat event coming this fall. https://www.mycrra.com/announcementsAv Tri-State Communications, Inc.

In 1996, Georgia established a state-wide chapter of the Trail of Tears Association, ten years after the country identified the official trail, which began in Chattanooga and stretched to the west. This definition of the Trail of Tears failed to include Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia. In 2006, the Trail of Tears Association was able to correc…

Danny Myrick is one of the many songwriters who will be featured at the Ellijay Songwriters Festival this Memorial Day weekend. Danny has written hit songs for artists like Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, and Craig Morgan. This podcast features Danny Myrick’s original song “I Love This Life.” Ellijay Songwriters Festival 2023 May 25–28, 2023 The festival…