Before I set up shop in Metro Atlanta I spent my time growing up in the Apple Capitol 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 family that has retired here. It’s a leaf lookers dream and you can enjoy some of the best apple picking fun with your family. October also plays host to the Georgia Apple Festival which will be October 12th-13th and 19th-20th. 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.
R & A Orchards
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! 5505 Hwy 52 East, Ellijay, GA 30536
Hillcrest Orchards
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 9696 HWY 52 EAST, Ellijay, GA 30536
B.J Reece Apple House
Open July 20 – December 20 Monday -Saturday: 8am-6pm & Sunday: 1pm-6pm U-Pick: September 1 – October 31 U-Pick is open everyday 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. (Underlined are U-Pick only)
- August 24-September 6: Gala and Red Delicious
- August 31-October 31: Golden Delicious, Red Rome Beauty & Rome Beauty
- September 15-31: Stayman Winesap
- October 15-31: Arkansas Black and Granny Smith
9131 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, Georgia 30536
Red Apple Barn
Beginning August 24:
Opening date: mid-July through December 23 | Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 12:30pm-5:30pm > $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 3379 Tailscreek Road, Ellijay, Georgia 30540
Mercier Orchards
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. 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513