An Apple (Fritter) A Day in Blue Ridge

Tis the season, and my Facebook feed is chock full of kiddos decked in their cutest plaids, apples in hand. October is the perfect month for apple picking, and where better to apple pick than in North Georgia. While Ellijay has the most apple orchards, Blue Ridge is home to the largest orchard in Georgia. I felt like I was at the Disney of apple orchards last weekend, yearning for a fast pass to skip the long lines for the tractor ride that brings you smack dab in the middle of the orchard.Upon arrival, the friendly staff provides a brief orientation before you take a quick hike toward the varietals that pique your interest. Signs prominently situated at the ends of each row of trees guide you to sweet Ambrosias and crispy Fujis among other varietals (10,000 exist in the world). Prepare for serious shoulder aches upon conclusion of this field trip, as your Little Foodies will certainly want to hop on your shoulders to reach the juiciest apples that are beyond their reach. A large bag will set you back ten bucks.

Prepare for the madness that awaits you inside the store once you’ve completed your picking. Cold apple cider cooled us off and fried apple hand pies among a large variety, hit the spot. Much of the bakery case was sold out soon after lunchtime. Save room, however, for your ride back to the city. A stop at Pat-a-Cake Bakery in Ellijay for their apple fritters and apple cake is a must. We avoided a return trip on our way out of town out of sheer guilt of downing a dozen our first night of vacation after the Little Foodies were in bed. We regretted not buying more. The bakery is worth the 2-hour drive in of itself.