Autumn: Get Out and Enjoy the Air and Apples!

Autumn is quickly approaching, and it's the perfect season to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and celebrate the apple. The apple, you question? Yes, the apple. The North Georgia Mountains come alive in the fall with apple season, which makes travel to the mountains a perfect excursion. Add some sunshine to your cheeks, wind in your sails, and happiness around you with a visit to The Georgia Apple Festival.

So, why does Georgia celebrate apples anyway? In the early 1900’s cotton was a large part of Georgia’s economy, but by the 1920’s the boll weevil beetle arrived and practically ruined the cotton industry. Apple orchards saved the day for Georgia, and Gilmer County, by bolstering the economy. In the early 1970’s, Georgia started celebrating the apple for saving the local economy during the hard times created by the loss of the cotton crops.

The 2012 Apple Festival is held in Ellijay, Georgia on the Lions Club Fairgrounds on the weekend of October 13 - 14 as well as the weekend of October 20 - 21. Each festival day starts at 9am with free parking and $5.00 admission (children under 10 free). The festival features 300 unique and distinct vendors ranging from Arts & Crafts to Food to Apple Growers to a Children’s Section to Community Service. The antique car show is featured on October 13th at the Civic Center, and the Apple Festival Parade is on October 20th at 10am.

Accommodations for the 2012 Apple Festival are offered by The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort. Stay within minutes from the festival and in a beautiful mountain resort. The gated resort has rates cheaper than a hotel or motel with one, two, and three bedroom units starting at $85 per night. Select from charming cabins, spacious villas, and river A-frame units, some of which feature hot tubs, lofts, river views, and mountain scenery.

The resort features amenities for The Villas' guest of ages & interests to enjoy. What a perfect way to relax and unwind while visiting the apple festival! The perks include six breath-taking river parks, a state-of-the art fitness facility, an Junior Olympic indoor heated pool, sunning decks, tennis courts, river-side picnicking pavilions & camping with fire pits, fully stocked fishing pond, playgrounds, miniature golf, The Coosawattee Library, a dog park, and so much more! The General Store is also available for breakfast and lunch with its quaint and rustic charm.

Come on out to Ellijay, Georgia this October and stay at The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort. Enjoy the resort with all its amenities as well as its close proximity to the Apple Festival. Take a break from everyday life and refresh your mind, body, and spirit with a trip to the mountains.