Hillcrest Orchards: apples, animals and entertainment
Published: Oct 13, 2009
If Johnny Appleseed had ever visited Hillcrest Orchards in Ellijay, he might have thought it was heaven; a place where he could pick an apple, pet a calf, take a hayride – or do it all.
The family owned and operated orchards just 1-½ hours north of Atlanta are open to the public from September through November. And despite the name, Hillcrest has more to offer than just apple trees, although it’s not a bad start.
The “Apple Pickin’ Jubilee” (held on weekends in September and October, $5) is a true celebration of the season that is sure to be a big hit with the entire family.
In addition to “you-pick” apple picking, the jubilee also features pig races, honey bee demonstrations, John Deere pedal tractor derbies, wooded nature trails, cow milking, apple bobbing, corn husking, bungee jumping, hayrides, playground, and a giant slide.
But it’s the baby animal petting farm (additional $3) that probably most thrills children. Baby chicks, calves, goats, kittens, puppies and sometimes pigs wander free through the petting farm, much to the delight of children who clamor to pet, hold and feed the baby animals.
While you’re at Hillcrest, stop by the orchards’ two museums for a brief history lesson. The Farmhouse Museum offers a glimpse into life during the early 1900’s; and the Moonshine Museum displays several working stills.
Bands and dancers often perform during the jubilee, serving as an entertaining reprieve from the seemingly endless hands-on activities.
If all the walking works up your appetite for a taste of fall, head into the farm market.
Grandma’s Kitchen bakes fresh fried apple pies, homemade fudge, apple fritters, caramel apples, cider doughnuts, ice cream, chili, fries and hotdogs. Take some of the bounty home with you as well. The farm market sells apples (mix-and-match varieties), frozen apple cider, honey, popcorn, syrup, cider and gift baskets.
The orchards are open daily throughout October and November, although the activities are limited to the farm market, the petting farm and the playground.
Fieldtrips and group tour reservations can be made for $4 per person.
- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro
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