They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Now is the time to get out into the fresh air and grab some of those delicious apples straight from the tree. North Georgia is home to Georgia’s apple orchards and fall is the perfect time to plan a visit to these farms where you will find everything apple! Name your favorite apple delight, from fried pies, apple donuts, and cider to dried apples and apple fritters; you won’t be disappointed. Farm Fresh and Family Fun!
So, head to the mountains of north Georgia and visit our Georgia Grown apple orchards today before the apples are all gone!
Aaron Family Orchards – Ellijay
Family owned and operated business since 1937! The farm market offers 18 varieties of apples, five varieties of ciders, sugar free jams, jellies and preserves and a long list of canned good with everything from pickled peaches to hot jalapeno relish as well as fried pies, baked goods and a variety of tasty agricultural products. During the off-season, please call them with questions and comments. 706-273-8456 www.aaronfamilyorchards.com
B J Reece Orchards – Ellijay
The u-pick apple season will be open every day from August 29 to October 31, 2020 (or until they are picked out). They open at 9am and close at 5pm. Check their website to see what’s ready to be picked. The bakery and market are open from July 25 until December 19, 2020. Stop by and grab one their world-famous fried pies! Farm fun activities begin August 29 and will continue until October 31, 2020. The petting farm is the only activity open daily from 9am until 5pm. Please call or visit their website for specific days and hours. 706-276-3048 www.reeceorchards.com
Hillcrest Orchards – Ellijay
Hillcrest is offering u-pick apples every day. Also, there is lots of weekday fun. i.e. petting farm, wagon rides, jumping pillows, giant slides & playgrounds, ball zone, fairy tale trail, and trike rides. As always weekends of September and October are packed with activities, entertainment, and picture spots for special fall memories. Our most popular show is the swimming pig races with chicken and duck races too. Pick your way through the only apple tree maze In Georgia. You can milk Buttercup the cow [mask required]. Ride the cow train, pedal carts, and mule drawn wagon. Play mini golf, ride the zipper swings, and visit the apple museum. A full day of fun is waiting for visitors who come to Hillcrest Orchards this fall. 706-273-3838 www.hillcrestorchards.net
Mercier Orchards – Blue Ridge
Bill and Adele Mercier began planting apple trees in 1943. Now in their 4th family generation, they are still growing for you…apples, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries…the list goes on and on! This year, they are offering “we-pick”. To make things easier they have all their delicious baked goods in easy Grab-N-Go boxes. The café at the farm is temporarily closed although they still have plenty of tasty treats in their market and bakery. They will not have tastings of products at this time, but they will continue to have friendly and knowledgeable staff available to answer and help you select items. They are offering curbside pickup as well. 706-632-3411 www.mercier-orchards.com
R and A Orchards – Ellijay
The Futch family has made the apple producing business and year-round family tradition since 1947. In 1983, the third generation entered the family orchard business when Roger and Ann’s son Andy planted his first tree for an FFA school project. Their daughter Rhonda began helping in the apple house that same year. You can order apples from their orchard to be delivered straight to your door. Or come by and visit them at their roadside market where you can purchase fresh apples, dried apples, apple butter, fresh produce, fried pies, can goods, cider, slushies and much more! They also offer farm tours and field trips. 706-273-3821 www.randaorchards.com
Red Apple Barn – Ellijay
Come and savor their fried apple pies, fritters, breads, caramel and candied apples, jams and jellies, honey and, of course, some wonderfully cold apple cider! Pick-your-own apples, wildflowers and pumpkins on weekends in September and October. Make some new memories on the farm tour as you enjoy a wagon ride or half mile hike to the apple orchards. ‘U-pick’ times are Saturdays 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday afternoons from 1-4p.m. You’ll find several picnic areas, and their unique farm playground, a walking trail, mules to feed, rock painting, plenty of picture spots and nature to enjoy around the farm…all included with your admission! 706-635-5898 www.redapplebarn.com
If you can’t get to any of the apple orchards, then check out www.GeorgiaGrown.com for a list of places around the state where you can get fresh apples at farm markets, roadside stands, etc. Fresh is always best!