By Karon Warren
As the weather turns cool and the leaves change colors, many folks head to the North Georgia Mountains for fall fun. As the Apple Capital of Georgia, Ellijay welcomes many visitors coming to pick their own apples right in the orchards. A longtime resident of Ellijay, I’m often asked which apple house is the best. My response is always the same: What type of experience do you want? With eight orchards to choose from, you’ll find a variety of activities to enjoy during your visit.
For instance, at B.J. Reece Orchards, not only can you pick apples but you also can take a wagon ride, shoot an apple cannon or ride on a human hamster wheel. You can also take a pony ride, visit the petting farm or milk a cow. Inside the market, you’ll find fresh-baked fried pies and doughnuts, plus seasonal vegetables, canned goods and fresh apple cider. “[Picking apples is] a great thing to do in the fall,” said Rachel Reece, co-owner of B.J. Reece Orchards. “It really gets you into the fall spirit with all the fall vibes.”
Right up the road, Hillcrest Orchards also offers a wide selection of family-friendly activities beyond apple picking. These include wagon rides, mini golf, swimming pig races, live music and clogging. With so much to offer, these two orchards attract very large crowds, so plan accordingly for your visit.
Several orchards offer u-pick events as well as some additional activities, but not as many as B.J. Reece Orchards and Hillcrest Orchards. At R & A Orchards, you can pick both apples and zinnias, take a wagon ride or ride a cow train. In the market you’ll find seasonal vegetables, canned goods, fried pies and ice cream. There’s also a cafe serving up hamburgers, sandwiches, homemade chicken and dumplings, Brunswick stew and more for lunch. Fall is a wonderful time to visit, said Jennifer Futch, co-owner of R&A Orchards. “You can get outside and show your kids where the apples grow on trees,” she said.
Both Red Apple Barn and Aaron Family Orchards also offer activities beyond apple picking, such as u-pick flowers, wagon rides, petting farms and well-stocked markets. Of course, if you’re limited on time, you can grab a bag of apples at all of the apple houses and be on your way. Panorama Orchards & Farm Market, Mack Aaron’s Apple House and Penland Orchards & Farm Market all feature fresh-picked apples, baked goods, jams and more. These draw crowds as well, but typically not as large as those orchards with farm activities.
As you prepare to visit Ellijay to pick apples, check the website and social media pages for each apple house to see their hours of operation, daily activities and a list of apple varieties currently available. A great starting point to learn about Ellijay’s apple orchards is the Gilmer Chamber’s website. This is the best way to maximize your time in the Apple Capital of Georgia and ensure you take home all the delicious goodies you want.