i know that the draws here are orchard fresh peaches in the summer and pecks and bushells of fresh apples in the fall but there is so much more inside. gift shop offers many hot sauces, ciders, nuts and nic nacks from aprons to hats. the meat market has incredible smoked bacon, delicious steaks, smoked trout many wonderful dips and along with some more exotic varieties of meats and fowl fine smoked cheese too. at the apple or peach tasting stand in the back they will cut and let you taste a sampling of a variety of just picked peaches or apples and you are sure to pack some out the front door with you too. free popcorn is available here too. in the bakery fresh breads, muffins, pasties and cookies are available along with hand packed ice creams. they have enough to decorate 20 cabins tastfully here too. so much more than an orchard! they are good at too having been in business 50 years or more. we always enjoy dropping by to see whats new and stock up on old reliables every visit.

Don't let the name fool you, Mercier's is so much more than an orchard. It is practically a local institution. Yes, they do have acres of apples as far as the eye can see as well as more apple varieties than most people are even aware of. They also have a popular u-pick event in September every year. The real surprise are the numerous offerings beyond the apples. Mercier's has a full blown bakery set up creating fresh fritters, breads, cookies, pies, chocolates, muffins, scones and the best fried pies you have ever eaten. The fried pies come in about a dozen varieties (peach is our favorite) and have received accolades from Southern Living. We never leave town without a few for the road trip home. In addition to the bakery and yummy ice cream, Mercier's also has a simple but delicious deli selection. I highly recommend the pecan chicken salad as well as the pimento cheese. They provide a nice little area with a fireplace for you to sit and snack.

Once your belly is full, you can do some shopping. Mercier's has expanded their selection quite a bit in the last few years and there is practically something for everyone. Besides the apples and tons of apple related products, they have a great gourmet food selection. Local honey and jellies, gourmet mixes, smoked trout, Tillamook cheddar, salsas and hot sauces just to name a very few. The selction is very broad and we have enjoyed everything we have purchased. They also have a nice gift selection with everything from cabin decor and florals to books on the area, items for cooking enthusiasts and for bird lovers. It's a nice unique selection, not a lot of cheesy touristy junk.

Unlike many local orchards, Mercier's is open year round with the exception of the typical holidays. Apples are available in any quantity and they provide shipping. Don't miss out on this Blue Ridge favorite.