Every October, my weekends start to feel busier for some reason. I feel like I need to have at least one pumpkin in front of my house, and I want to pick apples directly from the trees instead of the grocery store.

So this year, I went apple picking and visited a pumpkin patch. After a few visits, I found that there are quite a few things to know beforehand to make the experience easier.

First, let's talk about apples. When you think of Georgia apples, the northern mountain town of Ellijay is the most famous.

It calls itself the apple capital of Georgia. U-pick orchards like Hillcrest Orchards, B.J. Reece Orchards, Red Apple Barn, and R&A Orchards are all located in this area, with Hillcrest and B.J. Reece situated along Highway 52 on the east side.

The issue is the distance. If you drive from our area to the northern Georgia mountains for a day trip, it feels like the day is just spent driving, so I recommend staying overnight.

And one important thing to know: there's no guarantee that apples will be available at the orchard until the end of the season.

Just looking at Hillcrest's information, it states that the season ends when the apples run out. There are times when the trees are bare long before the season officially ends, so the later you go, the more cautious you need to be.

So before you head out, be sure to check the orchard's website or Facebook page for the varieties available to pick that day. A quick phone call can save you a wasted trip.

According to Hillcrest's U-pick variety list, late-season apples like Granny Smith, Rome Beauty, Arkansas Black, and Mutsu are available. The tart Granny Smith is actually the best for apple pie, so I don't think going late is a bad idea.

By the way, the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay was held on the weekends of October 10-11 and 17-18 this year. By the time this article is published, it will have already ended, so be sure to mark your calendars for next year.

This year, the admission fee was $10 for ages 12 and up, and free for those under 12. Many people combine their visit with the Apple Arts Festival, which is free and takes place downtown on the same day.

Here's a tip for picking apples: don't pull them; instead, lift them slightly upward and twist, and they will come off easily.

If you pull with force, you might also pull off next year's flower buds. Since it's someone else's orchard, we should be a bit respectful.

Now, let's move on to the pumpkin patch. It's nice that you don't have to go far for pumpkins.

Steed's Dairy in Grovetown is a local favorite that opens a corn maze and pumpkin patch every fall. It's an actual dairy farm, and in previous seasons, they even had demonstrations of milking cows, which really amazes the kids.

There are also quite a few pumpkin patches run by churches. Many of them use the proceeds for missions or local service, so you can feel good about buying the same pumpkins.

However, the operating days and hours change every year. Some places are only open on weekends, and some require reservations, so it's best to check before you go.

The best way to choose a pumpkin is according to UGA Extension materials. The key is the stem.

A pumpkin with its stem still attached is less likely to rot. If you can cut it directly from the field, leave about 4-5 inches of the stem.

But don't carry it by the stem like a handle. If the stem breaks, bacteria can enter, so you should always support the pumpkin from the bottom.

I remember once I was carrying a pumpkin by the stem and accidentally broke it right in front of my car. I can't tell you how disappointing it was to see my pumpkin collapse before Halloween.

Avoid pumpkins with cracks in the skin or dents. A soft stem can be a sign of rot.

When you get home, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Even in October, it can get quite warm during the day in Georgia, and if you leave them in the sun by the front door, they will spoil quickly.

Carve them a few days before Halloween. The moment you cut into them, their lifespan decreases significantly.

Let me quickly summarize what you need to bring: sneakers that can get muddy, wet wipes, a little cash, and a box or old towel to line your trunk will be enough.

Some small farms or church patches can make card payments cumbersome, so cash can be quite handy. Keeping the pumpkins in a box prevents them from rolling around and keeps your trunk clean.

Honestly, these experiences aren't cheap. When you add the admission fee and the cost of the basket, you end up spending much more than you would at the grocery store for apples.

Still, I think of it as a small luxury for the family. The expressions on the kids' faces as they touch the dirt and reach for the trees are something you can't buy at the grocery store.

If it were me, I would plan to go apple picking for an overnight stay on the first weekend of October next year and finish up with pumpkins at a nearby farm this weekend.

Which one appeals to you more? Are you team apple picking or team pumpkin patch? It would be fun to see your votes in the comments!