Featured Partners

Sunburst Trout Farms

Sunburst Trout Farms started as Cashiers Valley Trout Farm in 1948 by Dick Jennings on his grandfather’s land. It was the first commercial trout farm in the south supplying trout to anglers and sportsmen. They pivoted to supplying trout to seafood markets in the 60s and by the 80s had changed their name to Sunburst Trout Company with the addition of his daughter and her husband to the company. In 2001, Dick Jennings was inducted into the WNC Agriculture Hall of Fame for his dedication and innovation to the industry. A third generation joined the family business and by 2011, they had become Sunburst Trout Farms which is still going strong. They have their own store in Waynesville, NC and have their farm at Lake Logan open to visitors for education and transparency.

Sunburst trout are grown in the Shining Rock wilderness in the Pisgah National Forest. They have double the water flow and volume from the stream than is normal, and they cultivate fewer fish per cycle to maintain a high standard. The trout take about 18-24 months to grow. This is slower than average but results in a milder, more delicate flavor. The trout are brought to their new processing center about three times a week, kept in recirculating tanks for a short time and then harvested and processed in about an hour for any orders at the farm.

Sunburst Farms is concerned with maintaining the quality of their environment and have several processes in place to maintain a good stewardship at their farm. They monitor and utilize holding ponds for their water, feed their fish low phosphorus formulated feed, and compost anything not used. If you’re looking for an ethically-sourced, low-impact fish with a good taste then Sunburst Trout should be your top-choice every time.

Ellijay Mushrooms

Ellijay Mushrooms is a family-owned sustainable mushroom farm located in Ellijay. They started in 2018 and are operating five greenhouses and two oyster mushroom houses and still growing. The farm is passionate about sustainability, community and stewardship.

Engelheim Vineyards

We are located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Ellijay, Georgia. Our focus is to grow outstanding grapes to produce the highest quality of wine. Our German style winery offers a large variety of vinifera wines, made from our 15 acres of estate-grown grapes. We give all glory to God for our farm and the people who make it a home.

Our owner Gary Engel is a third-generation American farmer. His grandfather moved to South Alabama to grow citrus in 1912. Unfortunately, citrus was an unreliable crop in this region as the winter frost would damage the crop periodically forcing them to replant. The family later moved into the potato farming business.

During WWII, the family farm supplied our country with much needed food to support the war effort. Gary’s parents, Ed and Eva Engel later planted rows of pecan trees and added several farm animals to the operation.

After serving 27 years in the Army, Colonel Engel knew he wanted to retire to the mountains and return to his farming roots. In 2007, Gary and Jan Engel decided to purchase the land that is now known as Engelheim (German for ‘Angel Home’). The Engel family planted their first vines in 2009 and harvested their first vintage in 2011. In 2014, they opened their bavarian-style tasting room and began serving our wonderful guests.

Small Batch Garden

At Small Batch Garden, we believe that people should have choices in how they think, eat, feel and especially how they heal. Our handmade products are simple, well-made & beautiful. And they work, too. Give them a try and you’ll know how we’ve been helping folks just like you take care of themselves since 2012.

We are a family run, woman owned & community focused company offering DEET free bug spray and nourishing salves crafted with love. Find us at the Ellijay Farmers & Artisans Market on Saturdays in beautiful Downtown Ellijay from May through the first of October, or at the Georgia Mountain Trail Fest in April, the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival in May & Apple Arts on the Square in October.

Take Care of Yourself with Small Batch Garden

North Georgia Meat Company

North Georgia Meat Company is a processing plant in Ellijay, Georgia specializing in locally sourced beef, pork, poultry and custom cuts.

They took over from the Waldreps in December 2022 and kept the same practices that made Waldrep’s a local staple while adding new ideas and products to their line. The current owners of North Georgia Meat Company have over twenty years of experience in meat processing and are eager to grow and provide quality meat for their community.

Everwilder Farm

Everwilder Farms specializes in forest gardening. Caleb does plant walks, garden tours, primitive skill lessons and apothecary picks on his land in Ellijay, Ga. “Conveniently located in the middle of nowhere” almost directly in the middle Blue Ridge, Ellijay and Dahlonega, Caleb is acting as a steward of his land promoting native plants in both their importance and utility. If you’re interested in learning more about the beauty of North Georgia, book online and enjoy a long walk in the woods.

Caleb is providing us with some of the products and produce he makes on his farm including witch hazel diy kits and jerusalem artichokes.

Marshland Seafood

Marshland Seafood specializes in wild caught Georgia shrimp. The couple catches shrimp off the coast of Georgia near Brunswick off their boat the Flying Cloud. They also bring in Royal Reds seasonally from two sources: Cape Canaveral and Argentina. The family-run company is passionate about shrimp, and Ashley and her husband, Timmy, told us several stories of what its like running an operation like this. Try their shrimp, you won’t regret it.

Logan Turnpike Mill

Logan Turnpike Mill is located in Blairsville, GA off of the Nottely River. Owned by George and Cecelia Holland, Logan Turnpike Mill produces flours, meals and by-products of a variety of grains including wheat, corn, buckwheat and rye. They purchased the mill in 1986 from George and Becky Rogers and went around to local and statewide fairs to demonstrate corn grinding. They have an antique Williams grist mill circa 1916 and a 1926 Fairbanks Morse hit-n-miss engine mounted on a buckboard wagon with iron wheels. They are passionate about sharing the better taste and nutrition of freshly ground grains. Logan Turnpike Mill does not use preservatives in their products and grind weekly. Try their products and enjoy the full flavor of their grits, meals and flours.

Smoky Mountain Produce

Smoky Mountain Produce is nestled in a fertile, spring-fed valley in the North Georgia Smoky Mountains. They are producing quality vegetables through organic and natural growing practices. They grow garlic, cherry tomatoes, microgreens, hydroponic lettuces and arugula as well as other seasonal fare. Steve and Becky are an extremely nice couple that are constantly looking at new ideas and new concepts to explore.