Mercier Orchards
One of the great things about the Ocoee River area is the abundance of unique experiences that are available everywhere! One of those is Mercier Orchards, just a short drive from the Ocoee Adventure Center outpost. A family owned and operated orchard, now in its fourth generation, it is one of the top tourist attractions in the North Georgia mountains! Mercier’s offers bushels of apples, fresh from the surrounding orchard, along with bottles of fresh cider, jams, jellies, sweets fresh from the bakery, and other gourmet treats.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper
You can even sit down to breakfast, lunch or dinner there! Their homemade chicken salad is delicious, and it goes without saying that the fried apple pies are a must!
Georgia Grown
Hardpressed Beverages are available year round at Mercier Orchards. They are currently the only apple orchard in the state of Georgia that can say they grow, press, ferment and bottle their own product. Find your favorite by asking for a taste of any of their offerings! Mercier’s sells premium products proudly labeled as Georgia Grown! Come in, enjoy a round of tasting, and you’ll be “hard pressed” not to buy a bottle or two! Don’t forget to pick up some for your friends and family.
History
Started back in 1943 by Bill & Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards is now celebrating 75 years of fruitful harvest! The combination of their U-PICK events, Bakery & Market Cafe, Market Store, and now the Farm Winery makes Mercier’s a great choice for a trip with friends or with the family! Spend your time experiencing what makes Mercier’s unique! They are constantly improving their products and their store to give you the best experience that they can possibly offer.
Present
Mercer’s is currently growing strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, plums, nectarines, and apples! Their wide variety of locally grown produce is second to none. It is always nice to support this thriving local business!
Family Fun!
Many families make a trip to “the apple store” a yearly tradition. Growing up an hour away, my siblings and I were constantly asking our parents if it was time to visit “the apple store.” It was an event we looked forward to every year! And while there have been lots of changes and improvements to the Orchards over the years, it always makes me a little nostalgic every time I walk in those doors and breathe in all those amazing smells. Mercier’s definitely makes for some sweet family memories! Join them for their many U-pick and other family events beginning in the spring and start your own yearly tradition of Ocoee rafting and Mercier’s!
Ocoee River Rafting
Mercier Orchards is the perfect ending to day of Ocoee River rafting! Ask your guide or a member of our staff to recommend their favorite Mercier’s treat!
Directions to Mercier Orchards from Ocoee Adventure Center:
- Turn left or east onto Highway 64 out of the OAC outpost.
- Merge right onto Highway 68 in about 2.3 miles.
- Follow Hwy 68 into Copperhill/McCaysville about 3.5 miles.
- At the 3-way stop, turn left onto GA Hwy 5.
- Follow Highway 5 for about 8.6 miles and MO will be on your right.
They have also recently opened a new restaurant location in downtown Blue Ridge!
It’s your one stop shop for EVERYTHING APPLES and so much more!
