A Tale of Two Orchards: Wheeler & Mercier
Is there anything more quintessentially fall than a trip to an apple orchard? Crisp air, the scent of cider, rows of trees heavy with apples—orchards are where the season truly comes alive. Whether you're craving a rustic, small-town afternoon or an all-out autumn festival, there's an orchard experience to fit your mood.
Wheeler Orchard & Vineyard – A Slice of Simplicity
Just outside of Nashville in Dunlap, Tennessee, Wheeler Orchard & Vineyard feels like stepping onto a family farm from a storybook. On the day we visited, the orchard buzzed with the laughter of a preschool field trip. Children picked flowers from the garden, played parachute games behind the red barn, and ended their visit with fresh-pressed cider.
Across the road, an orchard stretches across the hillside, where twisted apple trees stand like old friends. Inside the barn, shelves brim with farm-fresh delights: jars of homemade jam, tangy vinegars, handpicked grapes, and, of course, crisp apples. Wheeler's is the kind of place where you can slow down, sip something sweet, and be reminded that small-town charm is alive and well.
Mercier Orchards – Autumn on a Grand Scale
If Wheeler's is intimate, Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia is an autumn extravaganza. Perched along Highway 5, this sprawling orchard welcomes you with sweeping views of apple-dotted hills. A short walk up the hill leads to the bustling main building, where the options seem endless.
Here, you can sample apples by the bag or bushel, and then wander into the bakery for hot fried pies, doughnuts, and fresh-baked treats. Love cider? Mercier's hard cidery and winery feature tastings that highlight the orchard's bounty. Their shelves are lined with everything apple-inspired—perfect for stocking your pantry or finding unique gifts.
Mercier's is more than an orchard; it's a destination. You'll find tractor rides, seasonal festivals, and a variety of U-pick opportunities throughout the year. It's the kind of place you could spend an entire afternoon and still feel like you didn't see it all.
Picking Your Perfect Orchard
Both Wheeler and Mercier offer U-pick apple days, so be sure to check their websites for details before heading out. Whether you're after a rustic afternoon of simple pleasures or a full-blown fall celebration, these two orchards prove there's no wrong way to experience apple season.
