If you’re getting sick of going to Burt’s Pumpkin Patch, we are too. Enhance your seasonal activities this fall by visiting one of the nearby apple orchards. Whether you’re there for the apple cider, sweet treats, or the vibes, there’s something for everyone. Recent interviews with students reveal that many may not even know these exist.
“I’ve heard of the ones in Ellijay but besides that I don’t know of any,” said Christian Weston, sophomore finance major.
“I have heard of them being nice around here but never really gone to one,” said Aurora Walderich, sophomore nursing major.
“I haven’t heard of any. My roommate lives in Ellijay, so I hear from her that they are nice, but besides that, I don’t really hear about them,” said Kelsey Doty, junior kinesiology major.
Now, it’s time to change that.
R & A Orchards
Located in Ellijay, Georgia, R&A Orchards is a family-owned business spanning over 140 acres, offering a variety of apples, peaches and other seasonal fruits. In addition to pick-your-own apples, the orchard has a market that sells fresh produce, baked goods and jams. If you’re hungry, you can also enjoy a homemade meal at their farm-to-table café.
“Went with a group of friends the cheapest option we did the apple picking and did the flower baskets for the day trip it was actually really fun we got apple cider and went to the gift shop thought it was enjoyable,” said Shelby Connelly, senior biology major.
B.J. Reece Orchards
B.J. Reece Orchards, also located in Ellijay, has a lot more to offer than just apple picking. You can enjoy ziplining, visit a petting farm, go on pony rides or try the corn maze for a fun-filled day. They also have a wide variety of apples and a market with homemade goods, but it’s really known for all the different activities available.
“It was so hot, so we didn’t pick apples but we went across the street to the apple cider place and listened to live music we went into the store and got a cute hat,” said Mary Kellen Beck, senior psychology major.
“I liked how close it was to UNG. It was crowded, a lot of people, dogs and families. I left with some good apple preserves,” said Everett Haselden, senior elementary and special education.
Mercier Orchards
Located in Blue Ridge, Georgia, Mercier is one of the largest and oldest orchards in the state. You can pick your own apples here, along with strawberries, blueberries and peaches at different times of the year. The orchard is also famous for its hard cider and wine tasting room. In addition, they have a large market with baked goods, fresh cider, local products and farm-t0-table meals in their café.
“Went to Mercier Orchards with my boyfriend. The store inside was huge, really beautiful a whole bakery section everything apple I didn’t know half of the things existed. Apple donuts and the mini apple pies it was really good,” said Claire Mills, senior graphic design major.
“We got there and did our own tour so we walked up and down the Christmas tree area and walked over to pick them and picked out as many as we wanted and went back inside you can caramelize them and put chocolate and nuts on them and weigh them take them home,” said Myles Jones, senior business major.
Other Seasonal Options
For those not interested in apple orchards, there are a few other options.
“Go to all the pumpkin patches,” said Mary Drayke, freshman nursing major.
“I’ve been wanting to go to Jumping Goats Coffee with friends to see the fall leaves and experience something cozy,” said Lailee Holloway, freshman psychology major.
“My roommates and I go trout fishing. We go early in the morning from like 7 a.m. t0 11 a.m. It’s pretty relaxing and you can catch different type of species. Go out there and catch a rare species if you can from time to time, but it usually never happens,” said Jones.
“I like going hiking. It’s fun to go to Preacher’s Rock,” Jessica Diaz, sophomore nursing major.
