From Pumpkins to Apple Pies: A Cargo Van Guide to Georgia’s 2025 Harvest Festivals

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Fall in Georgia: Festival Season in Full Color

Autumn in Georgia isn’t just about cooler weather and changing leaves—it’s about gathering. From September through November, small towns and parks turn into destinations for apples, pumpkins, crafts, and community celebrations. Many visitors leave with far more than they planned: crates of apples, oversized pumpkins, hand-built furniture, and rustic décor. That’s where a cargo van moves from convenience to necessity—giving you space, organization, and peace of mind as you bring your seasonal treasures home.

Ellijay Apple Festival 2025: Crisp Air & Crates of Apples

The Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay runs on two weekends—October 11–12 and October 18–19, 2025—at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds (1729 S. Main St.). Hours are 9:00 AM–6:00 PM on Saturdays and 9:00 AM–5:00 PM on Sundays. Expect more than 300 vendors, orchard treats, live music, and artisan furniture set against golden mountain foliage.

A few baskets can quickly become stacked crates of apples and jars of preserves. Trying to wedge them into a sedan risks bruised fruit and sticky spills. A cargo van lets you stack neatly and transport everything in one clean, organized load.

Apple Hauling Tips

Before heading to Ellijay, prep your van with moving blankets to line the floor and storage bins for loose jars or small crafts. Load heavier crates at the base and lighter ones on top to keep cargo balanced and prevent crushed apples on winding mountain roads.

Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival 2025: Lanterns & Family Fun

Closer to Atlanta, the Pumpkin Festival: Play by Day, Glow by Night runs Fridays–Sundays from September 13 through November 2, 2025. The Summit Skyride typically opens at 10:00 AM; festival attractions begin around 2:00 PM, with Glow by Night festivities continuing into the evening (often to about 10:00 PM).

Shoppers often leave with oversized pumpkins, decorative hay bundles, and artisan décor. A cargo van lets you choose that perfect giant pumpkin or delicate craft piece without worrying it will crack in a cramped backseat.

Pumpkin Transport Tricks

Pumpkins roll—sometimes with surprising force. Use ratchet straps to anchor large pumpkins or wooden décor to the van’s cargo points. Add blankets or cardboard between pieces to cushion painted gourds and fragile decorations.

Two Festivals, Two Strategies

Festival Packing Essentials

• Stackable bins for apples, jars, and crafts.
• Ratchet straps for pumpkins and bulky furniture.
• Moving blankets to line the cargo area and protect fragile items.
• A dolly or hand truck for hauling crates across festival grounds.
• Gloves and tie-downs for handling hay or heavy loads.
• A cooler for cider, cheese, or other perishables.

Why Rent a Cargo Van for Festival Season?

You could drive your own car, but consider the trade-offs. Cargo vans offer:

• Space: Room for crates, hay bales, and furniture.
• Protection: Enclosed cargo keeps purchases safe from weather.
• Convenience: One trip—no need to strap items to your roof.
• Cleanliness: Keep sticky cider and hay out of your daily driver.

Plan Your 2025 Harvest Adventure

With the Apple Festival in mid-October and the Pumpkin Festival running from mid-September to early November, you have plenty of weekends to plan. A cargo van ensures you can focus on picking the best fruit, selecting standout décor, and enjoying time with family—instead of worrying about fit and protection.

Bring home every crate of apples, every glowing pumpkin, and every handcrafted piece with ease. Equip your van with moving kits, bins, and straps, and make this fall your smoothest harvest season yet.