Embrace the quintessential fall tradition and discover Where To Go Apple Picking Nearby in the beautiful state of Georgia! There’s nothing quite like biting into a crisp, juicy apple that you’ve just plucked straight from the tree. It’s an experience that perfectly encapsulates the flavors and joys of autumn.
Plan a delightful outing to one of these exceptional orchards for an authentic taste of fall, combined with a wealth of family-friendly activities. Before you head out, be sure to check the orchards’ websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information and to ensure you’re fully prepared for a fantastic visit.
B.J. Reece Orchards: Family Fun in Ellijay
Nestled in the breathtaking North Georgia mountains, B.J. Reece Orchards offers stunning scenery alongside a memorable apple picking experience. This family-owned and operated orchard, running since the early 1960s, welcomes visitors to their u-pick apple farm from late August through the end of October.
Spanning 120 acres, B.J. Reece Orchards cultivates 20 diverse apple varieties, ensuring a wide selection in their market and for you to pick straight from the branches during the season. Among their popular offerings are the sweet and crisp Honeycrisp and the classic Red Delicious apples. For those wanting to bring the whole family, including their furry members, you’ll be pleased to know the orchards are pet-friendly. And don’t leave without trying their renowned fried apple pies – a truly delectable treat!
Weekends at B.J. Reece Orchards are packed with farm-style entertainment. Engage in playful competition with apple cannons, enjoy scenic wagon rides offering insightful farm tours, meet adorable animals at the petting farm, try your hand at cow milking, bounce on the jumping pillow, take a fun cow train ride, cheer on the excitement of pig races, or enjoy gentle pony rides and a thrilling farm slide. These activities run every Saturday and Sunday while the apple orchards are open for picking. Even during the week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, the farm slide, corn box, duck races, and petting farm are available for enjoyment.
The Folk Collaborative: Appalachian Charm in McCaysville
Experience the charm of an old-fashioned apple orchard at The Folk Collaborative, an Appalachian family-owned and -operated gem situated on a picturesque North Georgia hillside. Here, you can enjoy u-pick apples, relaxing tractor rides, and savor delicious fried pies. Their mercantile store also features a variety of locally grown goods and fresh vegetables.
Throughout the fall season, The Folk Collaborative enriches the visitor experience with unique offerings such as rejuvenating yoga classes amidst the orchard and delightful outdoor movie nights under the stars. Located conveniently less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Blue Ridge and very close to the Georgia-Tennessee border, it’s perfectly positioned for a day trip. While you’re in the area, make sure to visit downtown McCaysville and capture a fun photo right on the state line.
Hillcrest Orchards and Farms: Jubilee and Joy in Ellijay
For a long-standing tradition of apple picking and family fun, visit Hillcrest Orchards and Farms. Family-owned and operated since 1946, Hillcrest has been cultivating apples and creating joyful experiences for generations. Their annual Apple Pickin’ Jubilee, a highlight of September and October weekends, features lively clogger performances and live music, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a carnival. Apple picking is available every day during this period, ensuring everyone has a chance to partake in the harvest.
Beyond u-pick apples, Hillcrest offers a plethora of activities to entertain all ages. Witness the excitement of pig racing with swimming pigs, navigate the fun apple tree maze, hop aboard cow train rides, explore multiple playgrounds, jump high on the jumping pillow, race around on pedal carts, or take a relaxing wagon ride through the scenic orchard. Don’t forget to browse their market for fresh produce and other delightful goodies, and stop by the grill for a satisfying lunch. A must-try before you leave are the bakery’s famous fresh apple fritters – an irresistible treat!
Mercier Orchards: Blue Ridge Delights and Wine
Mercier Orchards stands out with its diverse offerings, growing not only a wide array of apple varieties but also blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and more. Combining you-pick apple events with a fantastic bakery, deli, market, and even a farm winery, Mercier Orchards is truly worth the drive.
For visitors aged 21 and over, Mercier offers an extra treat: their seasonal wines and hard apple ciders are exceptionally crafted and flavorful! Notably, Mercier was among the first apple orchards in Georgia to grow, press, ferment, and bottle its own alcoholic beverages. Sample a variety in their tasting room or relax on their dog-friendly deck with a glass in hand, then take home your favorite bottles to extend the enjoyment.
R & A Orchards: Family Tradition Since 1947 in Ellijay
R & A Orchards, a family business rooted in tradition, has been growing since the first trees were planted in 1947. Today, R & A Orchards encompasses approximately 160 acres of fruits and vegetables, offering a rich agricultural experience. Before or after your apple picking adventure, be sure to stop by the R&A Market for a delicious lunch. On weekends in September and October, R & A Orchards offers engaging farm tours, tractor rides, opportunities to pick your own flowers, and of course, apple picking.
Red Apple Barn: Weekend Fun and Treats in Ellijay
Plan a memorable family visit to the Red Apple Barn, located near Ellijay in the scenic North Georgia mountains, open on weekends starting in late August. Your admission fee unlocks a host of activities including a tractor ride to the orchard, a freshly picked apple, a refreshing cup of apple cider, a warm apple cider doughnut, three beautiful flowers, rock and pumpkin painting, fun games, access to picnic areas, and a playground for children. Inside the farm store, you simply must indulge in their homemade apple pies, fritters, bread, caramel and candied apples, jams and jellies, local honey, and of course, more apple cider. For those visiting later in the season, the pumpkin patch opens in mid-September, adding another layer of fall fun.
Recipe to Make with Your Apples: Apple, Cranberry and Pecan Galette
Apple, Cranberry and Pecan Galette
This easy-to-make and elegant free-formed tart, also known as a French Galette, yields 8 servings.
INGREDIENTS
Pastry Dough:
- 1-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 7 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 large egg, beaten + 1 tablespoon water
Filling:
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 4-5 medium apples, like Honey Crisp, Gala, and Granny Smith, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- Sift together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- Add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and stir until the mixture comes together into a loose ball.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a disc.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. This pie dough can also be made up to two days ahead, tightly wrapped and refrigerated.
- In a large bowl, combine the apples and brown sugar; set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the dried cranberries and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until cranberries are plump and tender.
- Remove from heat, cool slightly, and drain; reserving ¼ cup of the liquid.
- Mix the cooked cranberries to the apple mixture along with the reserved liquid.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and allow to temper for 10 minutes.
- Remove plastic wrap and roll out on lightly floured parchment paper, into a 12-inch round disc.
- Brush excess flour from dough and parchment paper and transfer to a baking sheet.
- Spoon apple mixture into the center of the tart round and fold dough edges up around the fruit mixture. You should have a 6-inch circle of fruit showing at the top of the tart.
- Brush dough with the beaten egg mixture, sprinkle with sugar, and Bake for 30 minutes, or until the fruit mixture is bubbling and crust is golden brown.
- Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and chopped pecans.
Recipe From Field Peas to Foie Gras: Southern Recipes with a French Accent by Jennifer Hill Booker, © 2014 Jennifer Hill Booker, used by permission of the publisher, Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.
