In the early 20th century, cotton was king in Gilmer County – just as it was in so many parts of the state. But, thanks to the boll weevil, the area is today known as the “Apple Capital of Georgia.”
The county, which is located about 80 miles north of Atlanta and home to 18 apple orchards, produces 600,000 bushels of apples every year. In celebration of its heritage, the area holds the Georgia Apple Festival every October.
The festival is complete with everything one would expect – from inflatable festival toys to arts and crafts to funnel cakes. Of course, there are also a number of apple delicacies, ranging from apple dumplings to fried apple pies.
This year’s Georgia Apple Festival – the 39th annual festival – will be held Oct. 9-10 and Oct. 16-17. Admission to the festival is $5; children under 10 years old are free.
An antique car show is slated for the festival’s first Saturday. A parade is scheduled for the festival’s second Saturday.
For more information, visit www.georgiaapplefestival.org.
