Georgia is renowned for its exceptionally flavorsome fruit, none more than its coveted peaches and blueberries. Found here since the 1500s, among rural producers, renowned chefs, and family-owned businesses, true indulgences of sweet southern heaven lie considered throughout the peach and blueberry landscape.
Georgia is an incredible food destination, with a versatile range of crops that inspire everyone from renowned chefs to rural producers. Peaches and peanuts are two of its best-known offerings, but the state is home to so much more – providing endless culinary possibilities for all sorts of food lovers.
A Century-Long Tradition of Growing and Packing Peaches
The delicious Georgia peach is a staple of the South, with its history stretching back to the late 1500s. Each summer, the orchards in Fort Valley and Musella come alive with activity as Lane Southern Orchards and Dickey Farms continue their century-long tradition of growing and packing peaches. At Lawson Peach Shed in Morven, visitors can find a variety of unique products featuring luscious fruit, such as peach ice cream and peach soap. With an abundance of quality produce, it’s no surprise that Georgia peaches are renowned for their flavor and freshness.
Byne Blueberry Farms
Georgia boasts an abundance of blueberries, including those grown at Byne Blueberry Farms in Waynesboro. 100-percent organic and three times the production of peaches, these berries are ripe for the picking. Appalachian Kitchens & Winery in Blairsville elevates breakfast with their wine-infused blueberry jam and invites visitors to explore the beauty of the Northeast Georgia Mountains, the starting point of the Appalachian Trail. Ga100 percent Southern Baked Pie Company is a family-owned bakery that prides itself on sourcing blueberries from local growers and organic bushes that have been flourishing for over 25 years.
A Visit to Mark’s Melon Patch in Sasser
Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia is proud to offer visitors the finest quality of watermelons during the summer months. As the watermelon capital of the world, Cordele is bustling with activities as the famous melon crop is harvested and shipped nationwide. No visit to this city would be complete without a stop at Mark’s Melon Patch in Sasser, where guests can select from fresh, locally grown watermelons as well as other great Georgia produce.
Picking Fruit at B.J. Reece Orchards
Fall brings delight to Ellijay, Georgia – the heart of apple country. The Highway 52 East is lined with eight stops on Apple Orchard Alley, offering a plethora of options for apple lovers to fill their bushel baskets with fresh apples, as well as ciders, butters, turnovers, and mouth-watering apple pies. B.J. Reece Orchards in Ellijay is the perfect spot for a fall day outing and picking fruit!
Expng Georgia’s Peanut Culture
Georgia is renowned for its superior peanut production, boasting the nation’s highest yields. Visitors to the town of Plains can get a glimpse into the life of President Jimmy Carter, who famously grew up on a peanut farm and was honored with a 13-foot-tall large peanut statue. In Tifton, visitors can purchase peanuts from the Georgia Peanut Commission. Those looking to experience some truly unique flavors can also find delicious small-batch peanut butter made of non-GMO peanuts and sea salt at Atlanta-based Georgia Grinders. Last but not least, no trip to Helen is complete without indulging in boiled peanuts from Fred’s Famous Peanuts, which has been serving up this iconic snack for nearly 30 years.
Pecan Farms and Processing Houses
Pecan Farms:
• Little Duck Farms in Ray City
• Ellis Brothers Pecans in Vienna
Processing Houses:
• Ellis Brothers Pecans in Vienna
Tasty Treats:
• Dovetail restaurant in Macon’s Cracked Pie dessert with Georgia pecans and salted caramel ice cream
Georgia is renowned for its pecans, and rightfully so! Little Duck Farms in Ray City is a third-generation family farm that offers tours to show visitors how pecans are picked and processed. Ellis Brothers Pecans in Vienna is an exemplary processing house and store with something to offer everyone. Finally, Dovetail restaurant in Macon has a delicious Cracked Pie dessert made with Georgia pecans and topped with homemade salted caramel ice cream – worth trying!
Exploring the Clinch County Honey Trail
In Clinch County, Georgia, 22,000 beehives are celebrated with a soft hum in the air. The Clinch County Honey Trail connects seven locations that offer a variety of delicious local honey. Bruce’s Nut-N-Honey Farm is one stop on the trail and is known for its Gallberry honey – an aromatic version extracted from a Gallberry bush with skillful precision. Oprah-endorsed Savannah Bee Company is another notable purveyor that offers more than just honey; from body-care items to candles, visitors can sample several varieties at their tasting bar before taking bottles home.
Explore the Unicoi Wine Trail
Experience the finest wines the Northeast Georgia Mountains have to offer with a visit to Habersham Vineyards & Winery in Helen, Georgia. Sample some of the region’s most exquisite varietals from Crane Creek Vineyards, situated at the foot of the majestic Brasstown Bald. Follow the Unicoi Wine Trail and discover all six of North Georgia’s renowned wineries, a journey through the Appalachian mountains that is sure to delight even the most experienced wine connoisseur.
Experience the Flavorful Bounty of Georgia
Vidalia onions are renowned around the world for their sweet flavor. The town of Vidalia, which gives its name to the onion, is a must-visit destination when exploring local delicacies. Tour the Vidalia Onion Museum and stroll through the picturesque downtown with its unique stores and eateries. During the season, many area chefs and restaurants proudly feature fresh Vidalia onions on their menus.
Georgia is home to an abundance of farm-fresh ingredients, and its culinary landscape is bursting with creative talent. With so much variety and skill, it’s no surprise that food lovers flock to the state to experience its flavorful bounty.
Georgia has deservedly earned its reputation as a premier food destination. From the Georgia peach to blueberries, the state is home to an abundance of quality ingredients ripe for culinary creativity. Whether you’re looking for unique products featuring the famous peach, locally sourced blueberry jam, bites from innovative eateries, or fresh-from-the-orchard produce, this southernmost state will satisfy all food cravings. Damning evidence indeed that Georgia is indeed a foodie paradise.
