Agriculture

Agri-tourism in Rabun County

• Gillespie Growers: Locally grown fresh produce is sold wholesale and retail from May 1st through October 31st. They specialize in strawberries, tomatoes, corn, cabbage, squash, potatoes, and peppers (grown in Rabun County), and also carry peaches from South Carolina and sweet Vidalia onions. Pumpkins are available in the fall. Located at 4622 North Hwy 441 in Rabun Gap, they are set back from the road, but are easily visible. There is plenty of parking and buses are welcome.
• Osage Farms: Located on Hwy 441 North in Rabun Gap just north of Gillespie Growers, Osage Farms has "pick-your-own" strawberries and tomatoes, as well as local strawberries, cabbage, squash, tomatoes, corn, and shelled peas and beans. They also feature heirloom tomatoes, beans and squash, and a variety of pumpkins are available in season. Osage Farms is open 7 days a week from May 1st through Halloween, and post approximate dates that the crops will come in. In winter, they have a "choose and cut" Christmas tree operation. Parking is plentiful and buses are welcome.
• Hillside Orchard Farms: Located at the intersection of Historic 441 and Worley Creek Road in Lakemont, Hillside has a country store with over 500 home-style products made at their modern processing plant, including homemade, jams, jellies, butters, preserves, relishes pickles, hot sauces, syrups, fruit ciders, and salad dressings. Fall apples, pumpkins and gourds, and "pick your own" spring blackberries are also available. During September and October weekends, you can enjoy apple grading and sorghum cooking. They also have a corn maze that the whole family will enjoy. Hillside Orchard Farms is open year round.
• Apples & Blueberries at Tiger Mountain Orchards: Located on Bethel Road in Tiger, Bob Massee grew up in the apple business and has over a dozen varieties of Tiger grown apples available at his packing shed from September 1st until they sell out. In addition, he has "pick your own" blackberries, raspberries and table grapes during the season.
• Blueberries at the Ezzard's: Located just outside the town of Tiger and two miles south of Clayton on Old Hwy 441, across the street from Tiger Mountain Vineyards, John Ezzard has "pick your own" blueberries with an 'on your honor' payment box.
• Tiger Mountain Vineyards: Located on the Georgia Wine Highway, which begins on Hwy 441 at the Georgia/North Carolina State Line. The Georgia Wine Highway travels south n Hwy 441 to Clayton where it turns left on Hwy 76 West to Hiawassee. Tiger Mountain is open Fridays and Saturdays with seasonal hours and features wine tastings, tours, and events.
• Persimmon Creek Vineyards: Located at 81 Vineyard Lane in Clayton, Persimmon Creek is truly a botanical gem that was established in the fall of 2000. Hours of operation are Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. or by appointment.
• Homegrown Market: Local farmers who sell homegrown produce every Saturday morning during the season in downtown Clayton. Offerings vary according to the season but include fresh flowers, free range eggs, herbs, greens, squash, heirloom tomatoes, corn and more.