North Georgia is home to one of the South’s sweetest family farms – Mercier Orchards – in business since 1943 and truly a destination of its very own! In its fourth generation, Mercier Orchards continues the family-owned-and-operated business with a successful blend of options: events on the property, the Bakery & Deli, the Market Store and the Winery. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Fannin County about 90 miles north of Atlanta (by way of I-575), Mercier Orchard views are as amazing as the culinary treats!
The farm to table movement sweeping the culinary scene across the country couldn’t be more well-noted than right here in Blue Ridge where Tim Mercier and his family offer their fruit products in a myriad of edible configurations.
Pick apples right off the tree, buy fresh cider and fried pies, taste the hard cider, experience an authentic Southern breakfast and see the orchards from the back of a tractor! This seems as attractive to kids as to adults because there’s a lot to see and do. No one gets bored and everyone eats well. That’s a win in my book!
The bakery and the candy counter are great places to stock the car with road trip snacks, so be sure and swing by. Offerings include: several flavors of fudge, candies, pies, and candy or caramel apples.
In addition, the expansive gift shop offers more than good eats with a wide variety of do-dads including mixes for cobblers, muffins and other treats as well as growlers, wine bottle lamps, coasters and much more! And, when you get home, you can still shop online at Mercier Orchards!
Mercier Orchards U-Pick season:
- April – Blossom Tours
- May – Strawberries
- June – Peaches and Cherries
- July – Blueberries and Blackberries
- August – Apples
- September – Apples
- October – Apples
Fall is busiest for the prized participant of the North Georgia Farm Trail, mostly due to the presence of apple season, but for visitors the gorgeous fall foliage is also a draw in the area.
There aren’t many wineries that grow, press, ferment and bottle their own products. At the Mercier Orchards Cidery they craft all of their hardpressed beverages, so that Georgia Grown label is authentic as they come. Try out the tasting room and take home a couple of favorites…and what a great gift!
No matter what time of year you decide to make the trip, it will be worth it…and it won’t likely be your last! Need help planning the perfect time to visit? No problem! The folks at the Fannin County Convention and Visitors Bureau can help.
Sounds fabulous – thanks for the tip – we’re planning a roadtrip shortly, and should be able to plan a stop by the Orchards. I love the idea of a Upick season – strawberries are my jam :D!
You are going to love it!
This is one thing Spain is really lacking – I’d love to see some of their products really adhere to the farm to table by allowing families to learn about agriculture, traditional techniques and then take some home!
I love an orchard visit, and this one looks fantastic! Although I prefer grapes…because then there is wine at the end 😉
They also have a winery at Merciers! Wonderful place to visit.
Actually they are in the process of trying to obtain a license to make wine so they do not have a “winery” yet, but they have hard cider and sell other folks’ wine. They have a tasting room for the cider and the wine they sell is on display in the tasting room. 🙂
This looks great! I love visiting farms and definitely am all about the farm to table movement. This place looks fantastic, thanks for sharing.
I like this blog it’s a master piece! Glad I discovered this on google.
I always love your travels and get so many road trip ideas that are wonderful ! Thanks so much!
Thanks Sandy! I’m so thankful for your readership and loyalty to us. Travel safe!