Mercier Orchards | Atlanta

Mercier Orchards is a renowned family-owned apple orchard and agritourism destination located in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Established in 1943 by Bill and Adele Mercier, it has grown into one of the Southeast’s most popular farms, spanning over 300 acres. It remains a fourth-generation family business and is also veteran-operated, combining deep-rooted agricultural tradition with modern visitor experiences.

Location and Setting

The orchard is situated just outside the charming mountain town of Blue Ridge, Georgia, nestled in the Appalachian foothills. This scenic location provides an ideal environment for growing a wide variety of apples and other fruits, while also attracting visitors looking for a relaxing and educational farm experience amid beautiful natural surroundings.

Agricultural Offerings and U-Pick Experiences

Mercier Orchards is well known for its diverse agricultural production, especially apples, but also including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and seasonal vegetables. Visitors have the unique opportunity to participate in U-Pick events, where they can harvest fresh fruit themselves, creating an engaging and memorable connection to the farming process.

Apples: With over 50 varieties of apples grown on-site, Mercier Orchards offers U-Pick apple seasons from late summer through fall. Guests can stroll through the orchard rows and select apples straight from the trees. The orchard provides all necessary containers and expert advice on picking.

Strawberries: Available in late spring, the strawberry U-Pick season runs typically from March through May, with specific hours accommodating weekend and weekday visitors. This hands-on experience is popular among families and groups.

Blueberries, Blackberries, and Peaches: These summer fruits are also available for U-Pick during their respective harvest seasons, generally mid-summer through early fall. Availability varies yearly depending on weather and crop yield.

Vegetables: Occasionally, the orchard offers U-Pick opportunities for seasonal vegetables, allowing guests to pick fresh produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash during the summer months.

The U-Pick events provide not only fresh, flavorful produce but also an immersive experience that educates visitors about seasonal growing cycles and sustainable farming practices.

Market, Bakery, and Candy Kitchen

In addition to the fresh fruit fields, Mercier Orchards operates a large on-site market and bakery, which have become destinations in their own right.

Market: The market sells freshly picked fruits and vegetables, as well as farm-made jams, jellies, preserves, and other gourmet products like apple butter. It offers a wide selection of locally produced goods, giving visitors a chance to bring home authentic farm flavors.

Bakery: Famous for its fried apple pies—a regional specialty—the bakery also produces apple cider donuts, muffins, fritters, breads, and other baked goods. These items are freshly made on-site daily, often using orchard-grown ingredients.

Candy Kitchen: For those with a sweet tooth, the candy kitchen offers a variety of treats including caramel apples, fudge, brittle, glazed nuts, gelato, sorbet, and apple cider slushies. This area is popular with families and children, especially during holiday seasons.

Winery and Hard Cider Tasting Room

Mercier Orchards distinguishes itself as the only apple orchard in Georgia to grow, press, ferment, and can its own hard cider. This farm winery offers visitors a tasting room where they can sample a variety of hard ciders crafted from their apples as well as fruit wines made from strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries grown on the farm.

This tasting room experience enhances the agritourism appeal by connecting visitors with the full farm-to-bottle process, showcasing the orchard’s innovation in combining traditional farming with artisanal beverage production.

Farm Experiences and Activities

Mercier Orchards goes beyond just fruit picking by providing a range of outdoor and educational activities designed to entertain and inform visitors of all ages.

Tractor Tours: Seasonal tractor-drawn tours give guests a guided ride through the orchard’s extensive grounds. These tours offer insights into the farm’s history, growing techniques, and sustainable agriculture practices, as well as beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Fishing: The orchard has a stocked pond available for catch-and-release fishing during regular business hours. It is stocked with bass, bream, and carp, offering a peaceful recreational option for families and anglers.

Bus and School Tours: Educational tours tailored for groups, schools, and clubs provide in-depth information about the orchard’s operations, history, and the lifecycle of fruit crops. These tours promote agricultural literacy and awareness of local farming heritage.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Mercier Orchards hosts a variety of seasonal events that draw visitors year-round, adding special programming to the agritourism experience.

Blossom Tours (Spring): Guided tours during the springtime when fruit trees are in full bloom celebrate the renewal of the growing season with spectacular floral displays.

Customer Appreciation Day (February): An annual event recognizing loyal customers with special activities, giveaways, and discounts.

Santa at the Farm (December): A family-friendly holiday event featuring Santa Claus visits, festive decorations, seasonal treats, and holiday-themed activities, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

These events highlight the orchard’s connection to its community and enhance the visitor experience beyond regular farm activities.

Visitor Information

Mercier Orchards is open to visitors primarily from early spring through late fall, with extended hours on weekends. It closes on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter. The orchard provides ample parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and accessibility accommodations to ensure a comfortable visit.

The address is 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, Georgia, with regular operating hours Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Friday through Sunday from 8 AM to 5:30 PM.

Summary

Mercier Orchards offers a comprehensive and authentic agritourism experience in the Blue Ridge region, combining fruit picking, gourmet foods, farm tours, and special events within a picturesque mountain setting. It serves as a vibrant hub where visitors can connect with agriculture, savor fresh and locally made products, enjoy outdoor activities, and participate in seasonal celebrations. This blend of heritage, hospitality, and hands-on engagement makes Mercier Orchards a premier destination for families, food lovers, and travelers seeking a meaningful rural experience.