Cream of the Crop: Apple Houses in Gilmer County

Festivals

Autumn is here, and so is apple season in Ellijay. Known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, Ellijay plays host to thousands of people annually during the Apple Festival which is held on the 2nd and 3rd weekends in October. In addition to the Apple Festival, Ellijay also has a dozen apple houses where patrons may see and purchase a variety of things in addition to apples. Highway 52 East is home to the majority of the county’s apple houses, hence the road’s nick-name, “Apple Alley.” The drive along Hwy 52 offers a scenic vista with numerous “Kodak” moments.

Reece Apple House and Orchards is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily through Christmas. “U-Pick” is offered every day. The orchards come alive with hundreds of visitors of all ages on Saturdays and Sundays who come to enjoy the petting farm, hay and wagon rides, and the “Apple Cannon,” which is like a potato gun that shoots apples 550’ toward targets. According to Rachel Reece, the number of visitors this year has steadily increased over previous years, and people drive for an hour and a half to enjoy the festivities which will run through October 30.

At Hillcrest Orchards, in addition to “U-Pick” apples, visitors of all ages may also enjoy live entertainment, wagon rides, a petting farm and pig races. Janice says that new playgrounds have been added this year. And don’t miss a chance to milk the cow, Buttercup. The Moonshine Museum is also unique to Hillcrest. There is always a steady stream of people at the admission gate; returning visitors and new ones alike. The festivities may be enjoyed through October 30.

Aaron’s Apple House is the second oldest apple house on Highway 52, according to Beverly. You may also find jams, jellies, baked goods, fresh produce and other items. Open through December from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Hudson’s Apple House is located at 8036 Hwy. 52 East. They offer a wide variety of apples at excellent prices.

Seller’s Orchard offers a large variety of apples at great prices in addition to jams, jellies, produce and baked goods. Open daily through December from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Panorama Farm Market and Orchards is located on Hwy 515 south of Ellijay. This place is open year-round and offers baked goods, produce, ice cream, a huge selection of pumpkins and a variety of other items. Hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Penland’s Apple House is located across from Panorama on Hwy 515. In addition to apples, Penland’s specializes in growing all of their own fruit. Open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. through November.

For a change of scenery away from the busy “Apple Alley,” try driving west on Highway 282 to visit the Red Apple Barn. This family-run operation offers “U-Pick” apples and pumpkins on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October. Visitors can be dropped off in and picked up from the orchard by a mule-drawn wagon. The spectacular views from the orchard are inspiring. According to Barry, a gentleman even proposed marriage to his girlfriend while visiting the orchards a few weeks ago.
Visitors are encouraged to relax and enjoy the quiet comfort of the orchards; once you get there and behold the beauty of the surroundings, you will want to hang out for awhile. In addition to apples and pumpkins, this rustic little red barn also offers jams, jellies, ciders, baked goods and other items. Business hours are Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. through December 23rd.

I definitely enjoyed my “apple house tour” and plan to visit a few of the places again once the leaves start changing colors. A bit of advice for when you embark on the tour: Allow plenty of time, take a camera, and wear comfortable shoes so that you can enjoy your expedition.

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