Except for the pumpkin, no other produce looks, tastes and feels like fall than a fresh apple. A bad one, mealy and dull, is a whole other animal than its complex, fresh and locally grown ideal. With Georgia’s crop at the peak of harvest, the yearly window for the perfect apple is wide open right now.

Virtually all of the state’s supply comes from Ellijay and its surrounding areas. For the best of the season, a lovely fall drive up to the hills of Ga. 52, also known as Apple Alley, where orchards abound, will bring the region’s best apples to the table. You can also find Ellijay apples at a few farmers markets around town, at Whole Foods and Harry’s, and some orchards provide online shopping. Don’t be leery about buying in volume. Many apples will keep for up to six months.

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Andy Sharp /AJC File

It’s apple harvesting time in north Georgia. Time to enjoy apples such as these Rome Beauties.

Apple guide
Need to tell a Fuji from a Rome Beauty? Browse pictures and descriptions of a few varieties you're most likely in north Georgia, with suggestions from Janice Hale, owner of Hillcrest Orchards in Ellijay.

Events
• Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay

Apple recipes
• Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
• Pork Tenderloin With Warm Apple and Cabbage Slaw
• Apple Crisp
• Quick Apple Tarts
• Crockpot Caramel Apples
• Grandma's Apple Butter
• Grandma's Apple Pie
• Search or browse recipes
• AJC Food & Drink

A few places to buy, near and far:

Atlanta State Farmers Market

Fresh apples from North and South Carolina will be available at several retail vendors at this enormous farmers market, established in 1959. At what is billed as the “world’s largest roadside fruit and vegetable stand,” which takes up 150 acres, only one farmer will be selling Georgia-grown apples. Look for David Watts at Shed 15, selling Arkansas Blacks, Fujis and several other varieties brought in fresh from Ellijay’s R&A Orchards. Buy up to 50 apples for as little as $10. Smaller quantities are also sold. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week. Arrive early. Vendors tend to leave as soon as they sell out. 16 Forest Parkway, Forest Park.

Whole Foods and Harry’s Farmers Markets

Area Whole Foods and Harry’s locations carry Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, Mutsu, Rome, Golden Delicious and apple cider from Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, as well as several regionally grown varieties from the Carolinas.

APPLE ORCHARDS OF ELLIJAY

Many mom-and-pop stands are cropping up along Ga. 52. These are among the well-known orchards, many of which offer much more than apples:

• B.J. Reece Apple House — Pick your own apples from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day through October and into November, if the crops hold out. Up for picking: Red and Golden Delicious, Empire, Gala, Stayman Winesap, Mutsu Golden, Jonagold, Rome Beauty and Fuji. On weekends, fire apples at targets through the orchard’s apple cannon, hear live bluegrass or explore the petting zoo. Buy specialty items, including 12 kinds of fried pies, jams, jellies, preserves, ciders, homemade fruit breads or enjoy a muscadine slushie. 9131 Ga. 52 East, Ellijay. 706-276-3048, www.reeceorchards.com.

• Hillcrest Orchards — Pick-your-own season has ended, but several varieties, along with pies, fresh apple-cherry cider and many more items are available to buy. Experience clogging, the moonshine museum, pig races, wagon rides and a petting farm every weekend. 9696 Ga. 52 East, Ellijay. 706-273-3838, www.hillcrestorchards.net.

• Panorama Orchards — Established in the 1920s, this orchard offers 20 varieties of apples throughout the season. Fried pies and apple brandy cakes are specialties of the house. 63 Talona Spur, Ellijay. 706-276-3813, www.panoramaorchards.com.

• R&A Orchards — Order apples and homemade treats online or visit this orchard, open all year, for apples and other fruits and vegetables. 5505 Ga. 52, East Ellijay. 706-273-3821, randaorchards.com.

• Red Apple Barn — With 7 acres of apple trees, this is the smallest orchard in the area and doesn’t host entertainment or pick-your-own. It has a strong customer following for its several varieties of apples as well as honey, sorghum, jams, jellies, candied apples and five types of cider. 3379 Tails Creek Road, Ellijay. 706-635-5898, www.redapplebarn.com.