It’s a tradition more than half a century old, steeped in family and tucked away in the North Georgia Mountains. If you’re lucky enough to discover the secret that is Mercier Orchards, a family-owned and -operated primarily apple orchard, the must-see Blue Ridge, Georgia, attraction will reward your senses with bushels of apples, strawberries and other produce, fresh pressed cider, warm fried pies – but, most importantly, memories. Started back in 1943 by Bill & Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards is now celebrating 69 years of fruitful harvests. Beyond apples, their onsite store serves up a variety of farm toys, pet items, kitchen paraphernalia, home decor and a meat and cheese shop. Gather the family for a u-pick experience and fill your baskets with fresh-from-the-tree apples or other seasonal produce. Year-round events like Easter Bunny and Cake Pop Baking Class, October’s Dark Harvest Haunted Tractor Tour, and Fly a Kite day keep visitors engaged throughout the seasons in family-friendly, down-home fun that spans the generations. Open: Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.