FUN IN APPLE SEASON

The cooler weather means it’s apple time in North Georgia, and Ellijay is ground zero. Here are some pomtastic activities for apple fanciers.

The Georgia Apple Festival. Festivities include a parade, auto show, arts and crafts. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 18. $5; children under 10 are free. Parking donations benefit local civic groups. Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 S. Main St., Ellijay. 706636-4500, www.georgiaapplefestival.org/ B.J. Reece Orchards. You-pick season continues through Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. $2 admission; children 2 and under free; $5 ticket includes cow milking and pig races. You-pick prices: $7 half-peck bag, $11 peck bag, $18 a half-bushel. 9131 Ga. 52 East, Ellijay. 706-276-3048, reeceorchards.com R&A Orchards. Pick-your-own apple season continues through Nov. 1. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Free admission. $8 and $14 bags. Market open 9 a.m.6 p.m. daily. 5505 Ga. 52 East, Ellijay. 706-273-3821, randaorchards.com Hillcrest Orchards. Apple Pickin’Jubilee is every Saturday and Sunday in October, with pick-your-own apples, live country music, pig races, cow milking, wagon rides, pony rides, bungee jumping and other activities. $10. Call for pick-your-own prices. Ga. 52 E., Ellijay; 706-2733838, www.hillcrestorchards.net Red Apple Barn at Little Bend Orchard. Wagon rides, cornhole, horseshoes and pick your own apples weekends through October. $4 quarter peck, $6 half peck, $10 peck. Pick-your-own pumpkins daily. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5:30 p.m. Sundays. 3379 Tailscreek Road, Ellijay; 706-635-5898 or 706-635-7674, www.redapplebarn.com/

Now in its 44th year, the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay honors tree-ripened mountain apples throughout two weekends. CONTRIBUTED BY GEORGIA APPLE FESTIVAL