Before I set up shop in Metro Atlanta, I spent my time growing up in the Apple Capital of Georgia, Ellijay. A beautiful town North of Atlanta up Interstate 575 (till it ends and becomes Hwy 515) Where most Atlanta residents have second homes or fa
mily that has retired here. It’s a leaf lookers dream, and you can enjoy some of the best apple picking fun with your family. The best time to go apple picking is in September. You’ll find the best varieties during this time, and it is less crowded.
October also plays host to the Georgia Apple Festival which takes place in October. A fantastic arts and crafts festival that also brings out some of the best food vendors around. This is a busy festival so plan your trip to spend all day or even the weekend. Because if you come to Ellijay to see the Apple Festival, you can’t leave without visiting the many different apple orchards. Here are a few of my favorite apple orchards that allow you to pick your own apples.
2019 APPLE FESTIVAL INFO
October 12th – 13th, October 19th – 20th
There are a lot of Apple Orchards, but these are our favorites that have the best foods, u-pick and family fun to experience.
R & A Orchards
5505 Hwy 52 East, Ellijay, GA 30536
This is one of mine and my families personal favorites. Not only do they have the best Peach orchard to go with their Apples but amazing farm-fresh vegetables. This was our stop for Apple Picking this year. Apple Picking is every weekend in September and October. Don’t leave Ellijay without stopping by R & A for their Apple Bread; it is the BEST….Mmmm!
Hillcrest Orchards
9696 HWY 52 EAST, Ellijay, GA 30536
Apple Pickin’ Jubilee Open Daily: 9:00am – 6:00pm (Sep. & Oct.) 9:00am – 5:00pm (Nov.) Admission $7.00 per person Separate $3.00 per person admission to Petting Farm Hillcrest is the one orchard that is built more towards the kids. Inside Hillcrest, you will get to milk a Cow, watch pigs race, jump on the giant pillow, see a moonshine museum, enjoy a wagon ride, walk the nature trail and slide the giant slide
B.J Reece Apple House
9131 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, Georgia 30536
U-Pick: August 30 – October 31: 9am-6pm every day including Sunday. U-Pick is open every day, and you have the following options for prices: ½ peck – $5.00 1 peck – $8.00 ½ bushel – $14.00 These are the varieties that will be available during your visit.
Red Apple Barn
3379 Tailscreek Road, Ellijay, Georgia 30540
U-Pick takes place on the weekends in September and October.
$5- Tractor Ride and Tour: Tractor ride to and from the orchard, tour of the farm, pick an apple from the orchard, a cup cold cider, and an apple cider donut. Rate for additional apples: ½ Peck – $4 ½ Peck – $6 1 Peck – $10 ½ Bushel – $16
Mercier Orchards
8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Apple U-PICK will run every Saturday and Sunday from 10-4 through October. $10 gets one customer a peck sized bag to fill with freshly picked apples and a guided tractor tour. If you’re not interested in picking, but would still love the tour the cost is $2 per person. Children 2 and under are free to ride! It’s sure to be a fun-filled weekend! The price is $10 for a peck sized bag. Check their Events page for the varieties available during your trip.