Panorama Orchards & Farm Market — Attraction in Talking Rock

I love to go to Panorama Orchards, take a small church group there every year. We roam around the big store for about an hour, buy apples and candy and ice cream. So let me talk you about my day! A lady from our group was excited to find kudzu jelly, apparently made from the flower nectar of the pesky plant. To celebrate, I ordered a bowl of butter pecan ice cream. The nice lady who served me said was no need to order a double-scoop, that the single serving was plenty and also a bargain. Goodness but she was right! She informed me the ice cream was store made, pointed to a fellow worker who helps with the process. And she told she lives in Cartecay, wherever that may be? It was such a pleasant conversation.

So later I stopped by to purchase some dark chocolate orange peel candy. Amazing is all I can say! I asked if I was required to get a minimal amount? She said no, just kept adding to the scales until I said stop. Next I walked over to the apples. I read descriptions above the apple varieties, chose the golden delicious- sweet and crunchy, and I already knew to be my favorite.

I went through the checkout line rather quickly. A little lady in the other line needed $3 to finish paying for her purchase, two shoppers quickly pitched in to help her out. I waited outside next to the row of carts, waiting for the rest of our group. A young man, a store worker, walked over to collect the discarded buggies. He was polite and conversational just like the rest of the friendly worker.

So we all gathered into the van to head back home. Several swapped apples so all could have a variety. I bragged about the ice cream happily consumed. It was a great time for all our group. Panorama is a great place. Please,...

IT is an amazing store. There is so much to experience. It took me back to my childhood of old fashioned candies, soft peppermint sticks, fried pies, homemade ice cream, pickled peaches, puzzles, Jack stones, a harmonica, Bit O'Honet candies, taffy, handmade shawls and so much more. It is worth the drive and I am sure we will return. I forgot to tell you about the fudge (every kind you can imagine and some you have never heard of). Don't forget the main thing is the apples. You name it. They have it in every size. The older gentleman is so kind and patient. He personally took us around to show us all the cool stuff. I didn't mention the old-fashioned candy and bubblegum cigarettes and cigars for kids and the candy necklace. It was a different time back then, and I see how that may have been interpreted now, but as kids, you felt grown. For the record, I have never smoked. We spent about $100 easily. The only downside was me bringing my own bag the second time I went into the store. The cashier refused to put my items into my reusable cloth grocery bag. I instead of the plastic bag. I use them everywhere. She didn't even look up. She never smiled or greeted us the first or second time of coming. The cashier next to her even acknowledged that we returned to get more stuff. I had to go back. I decided I could not return to Atlanta without the different popcorn, amish butter, sauces, more candy, and fried peanuts. In case you are wondering, I fully recommend this store. Just don't get in the line of the lady with long black hair. She's pretty by face but needs a customer service...

I want to preface my review with a clarification:

this spot has a huge retail section that includes jellies, jams, pepper jelly, honeys, syrups, pasta, pasta sauces, vinegars, pickles……etc (5 stars) if you want a friendly face to help you, or a cool tourist experience, you won’t find it here (1 star)

Averaging them out and you get my rating of 3 stars.

Looking through Yelp I saw a lot of good reviews and the shear size of it seemed like a treasure hunters paradise. We went in hoping to get some fried pies, honey and pepper jelly and we walked out with a lot more than that. The selection was massive and everything was well marked, but I had some questions and there was no one ask and when I did find someone, they made me feel like a bother more than customer. So come here if you want to shop, but not if you are looking for a fun experience.

Some items we bought: Fried Blueberry Pie - I love blueberry, but it was not a favorite of mine. Fried Cherry Pie - better choice, well liked Fried Peach Pie - another one that sounded good but did not deliver. Pepper Jelly - really good and a ton of flavors Honey - OUTSTANDING selection, different types blueberry, pear and more), with honeycomb and without, round bottles, square bottles, some with cool imprints on the bottles. Maple Syrup - most maple is really thin, this one was really thick and not as flavorful as...