Apples and Pigeons
G and I drove down to Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia. I loved that place.
Upon our arrival, we were floored by the view. We’d spent the morning dodging thunderheads and rain, and the skyline was beautiful.
We were corralled onto the trailer and carted into the orchard. All ages and backgrounds were present, all eager to taste the apples.
Apples everywhere, fresh and ready to be picked. Throughout my childhood visiting orchards around Lake Michigan, I had never seen an apple orchard with a yield like this. Every tree was heavy with fresh fruit.
I pulled the most beautiful apple from the tree I stood beside and rubbed it against my shoulder. Shining the apple removes its protective layer and leaves it vulnerable. This is only to be done just before eating. I sank my teeth into the sharp skin of the Crimson Crisp apple. Mild, sweet, and botanical, like flowers. It was not overly sweet like a Honey Crisp. This was a more mature apple.
This is the original apple house, purchased and opened in 1943.
The apples can appear to wear a white, dusty coating. This is their bloom, a protective coating.
G picked most of our apples for us. She has a great eye.
An incredibly large and well-maintained orchard.
Upon our arrival back to the main building, we saw a boy standing with his cage full of pigeons. When I asked to photograph him, his father introduced himself as David and explained that he and his family raise pigeons and release them here every now and then. It is good for the orchard, he said.
David’s son brings the first pigeon to G.
G released the first of many pigeons.
Nearby, the petting zoo boomed with popularity as children respectfully learned to approach and handle farm animals.
Within the petting zoo, a small pen containing puppies, piglets, and rabbits. A sign nearby read “Please pet anything but the dogs”.
G and I tried some of their house-made ciders. Holy smokes, we took a whole case home.
The main building was a gold mine of apple products and baked goods (usually containing apple products). I got myself an apple fritter, my favorite pastry. I got G a pumpkin cheesecake fried pie.
This was the best apple fritter I’ve ever had in my life. We sat outside overlooking the orchard and ate our respective treats together.
Mercier Orchards is an incredible site, and if you ever find yourself passing through Blue Ridge, I encourage you to try it out for yourself. Through rain and heat, I’ll be back for more apples. Until next time, Georgia.