For my family, fall is all about family traditions. In addition to our newest ritual (check out my last post) one of our other favorites is to go apple picking at Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia. We just started doing this last year, but we had so much fun that we decided to add it to our already huge list of things to do during fall.
If you live in Georgia or are ever driving through during the fall season, here are 8 reasons why you and your family ABSOLUTELY MUST go apple picking at Mercier Orchards.
1. Incredible view
Mercier Orchards is Georgia’s largest apple orchard. They are nestled in the North Georgia mountains and offer about 300 acres of breathtaking land!
2. U-pick
There’s just something about picking your own apple off a tree that’s exciting! Mercier Orchards offers u-pick to their visitors on Saturdays & Sundays! They have a tractor wagon ride that takes you to the u-pick site. While on the ride, the tour guide will give you some background on the orchard and tell you the rules (basically respect the orchard). Once you get to the u-pick site you’re free to pick as many apples as you can fit into your bag & taste as many as you want along the way! Once you’re done the tractor picks you back up and takes you to the main site.
Note: You do not bring your own bag or basket for apple picking. Before you get on the tractor ride, you have the option to purchase an apple picking bag in three different sizes (small, medium, large).
3. Apple-licious
They literally have apple everything. Who knew you could make so many things using an apple? Apple wine, apple butter, apple pie, apple bread, apple wine, apple donuts, apple candy, apple cider, apple wine, apple honey, apple muffins… did I mention they have apple wine?
4. Wait… Did I mention wine?!
They have wine that is made and bottled from the fruit grown on the orchard which is super neat! They also offer wine tastings for just $6. Enough said.
5. It’s fun for the whole family!
In addition to the orchard, they also have a sit-down restaurant, gift shop, toy store, petting zoo, bakery and a tasting room for local wines and hard ciders. It’s such a fun place for all ages!
6. Slushies better than Sonic!
Their slushies are amazing and so refreshing. They have four flavors: strawberry, apple, peach, and muscadine (my favorite). You can even sample them all before you make your purchase.
7. Exercise
Who knew picking apples could be a workout? Since the orchard is in the mountains the ground is far from flat. Plus, the weight of your apple bag can get pretty heavy! Be prepared to put those glutes and biceps to work!
8. Memories
Making memories with my family is so important to me. Mercier Orchards is a wonderful way to bond with your children and make memories that will last you a lifetime. Autumn had a great time tasting all the different apples (her favorite fruit) and Roman loved being outside and getting to explore! I know as they get older this will be a fall tradition they will look forward to, and will hopefully pass on to their children.
If you’re thinking about visiting Mercier Orchards during their apple u-pick season… don’t think, just DO IT! While the actual orchard is open year round, u-pick is only open on the weekends until the end of September! For more information, you can check out their events page HERE and their FAQ page HERE.
If you’re not in Georgia, you can find a list of other apple picking farms HERE. No matter where you decide to go apple picking, the experience will be fun regardless. I mean what’s not to LOVE about fresh fruit and spending your day outdoors with your family? So pack up the kids, make the trip and GO! You and your family won’t regret it.
Want to see more of our family fall traditions? Fall is my favorite season and I will be highlighting as many experiences as I can through blog posts and my Instagram account! I can’t wait until my kids are older, and will be able to look at all the things we did together as a family. Be sure to subscribe to my email list below so you never miss a post & give me a follow on Instagram!
While I love going apple-picking, it’s definitely the stuff in the store that gets me! Wine, wine and more wine!