I take autumn very seriously. Every year (usually in October when the leaves are starting to change color), my husband and I make a pilgrimage to the apple orchards in Ellijay, Georgia. I started going to Ellijay with my family when I was in high school. After more than 10 years of making the trek to the mountains, I definitely have my favorite, must-have items from each orchard.
If you’re heading to Ellijay to visit the apple orchards this fall, I have some core items that I would highly recommend grabbing. There are a TON of orchards in Ellijay, but after many years, I’ve whittled down my favorite spots to stop to R&A, BJ Reece, Hillcrest and Panorama. A special tradition of mine is getting an apple cider slushy at every orchard. I get it as soon as I arrive to have something to sip on while I shop around, and by the time we get to the next orchard I’m ready for the next one!
You will find many repeat items at the orchards. But over the years I’ve found which spot has the best of the best (or sometimes which has a better price). I always love trying new things, but for the purpose of this list, I’m going to share our true favorites. (For example, we’ve tried tons of dressings and rubs, but haven’t loved them enough to buy again the next year) So let’s get into it.
R&A ORCHARDS
R&A may be the smallest of the spots I recommend to stop at in Ellijay, but it’s not one to miss. Besides Hillcrest, R&A is where I pick up a gallon of apple cider, and most recently, it’s also been the spot where I stock up on pumpkins and gourds for decor at home. They also have some cute spots to get a family photo outside.
My Must-Haves at R&A
- Apple slushy
- Dried apples
- Cider
- Package of apple cider doughnuts
- Slice of pie with some ice cream (or take home the whole thing)
- Pumpkins and gourds
B.J. REECE ORCHARDS
B.J. Reece is the spot in Ellijay to go if you have kids… which is probably why my husband and I have started skipping going to this orchard. As much as I really like this orchard (and their cider in particular), I just don’t love the crowds. Many times you’ll need to park across the street because their parking lot is full. They’ve definitely been working on their family angle for the past couple of years, and if you have younger kids, I would highly recommend stopping here.
My Must-Haves at B.J Reece
- Apple slushy
- Cider
- Fried pie
- Pumpkins
HILLCREST ORCHARDS
Hillcrest has a special place in my heart. Shopping wise, I think I always end up getting the most from Hillcrest and Panorama. If you have teens (or your younger ones may get overwhelmed at the crowd at B.J. Reece), Hillcrest is amazing. This is the orchard that I typically will buy my apples from, and I always get 2 gallons of cider. For some autumn inspired recipes, check out this page.
Pro tip: Pour a small amount of cider out and then place in the freezer. (You pour a tiny bit out so it can easily expand and not explode) When you’re ready to enjoy at any point in the year, remove and place in the refrigerator to thaw
My Must-Haves at Hillcrest
- Apple slushy
- Cider
- Apple fritters
- Apples
- Sourwood honey
- Grits
- Mulled cider spices
PANORAMA ORCHARDS & FARM MARKET
I always stop at Panorama last — this one is a bit out of the way (the others are all on the same road), and although we typically pass this one on our way to other other orchards, I always end with Panorama. Why? Because Panorama has so much stuff. It’s the perfect end to a trip to Ellijay because if you visited the other orchards and maybe didn’t get something you wish you had, chances are that Panorama has it.
Note: Panorama is across from Penland’s Apple House — we tend to skip Penland’s unless my husband hasn’t gotten any boiled peanuts. I’ve personally found that Penland’s is more expensive.
My Must-Haves at Panorama
- Apple slushy
- Maple syrup
- Sourwood honey (if Hillcrest is out)
- Huckleberry jelly — Huckleberry is a favorite for my husband since he’s from Montana, and it’s hard to find huckleberry in the south
- Champagne dill mustard — We are OBSESSED with this! It’s perfect for meat and cheese boards
- Fudge / chocolate-covered goodies
- Muscadine cider
