AVLtoday intern Jordan Puckett is an Asheville native, recent University of Tennessee graduate + lover of all things outdoors, brews + eats.
There’s an autumn crisp in the air, which means it’s time for another kind of crisp – apples. And apple pies, apple cider, apple brews, apple donuts, apple sauce, apple cobbler… yum. 🙌
So with apple season in its prime, try spending a day picking apples at these local mountain orchards to satisfy all your fall cravings. Bonus: Pick up your seasonal pumpkins at many orchards.
🍎Coston Farm, 3748 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville | ⏰Mon–Sun: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pick your own apples or buy your pre-picked locally grown apples, pumpkins, gourds, hay, indian corn + more. Visit the bakery for all your apple goodies (apple breads, cookies, apple pies) or the gift shop for additional fall treats + souvenirs. COVID-19: CDC safety guidelines recommended.
🍎Creasman Farms, 280 Bent Arrow Ln., Hendersonville | ⏰Sun: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday Fundays are open this year to pick 16 different varieties of fresh apples. If you’re craving their apples from Wednesday to Sunday, you can visit the various farmers markets they attend. While you’re there, enjoy hot cider, cider slushies + Momma C’s baked goods. COVID-19: CDC safety guidelines recommended.
🍎Grandad’s Apples, 2951 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville | ⏰Mon–Sun: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
With over 30 varieties of apples, Grandad’s offers pick your own or pre-picked fresh apples. Visit the Country Store and Bakery at Grandad’s Barn to buy extra produce and homemade goodies (apple cider doughnuts, apple ice cream + more). And before you leave, stop by the five-acre pumpkin patch and take your pick between baby pumpkins and extra large ones to decorate, bake, or carve. COVID-19: CDC safety guidelines recommended.
🍎Jeter Mountain Farm, 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd., Hendersonville | ⏰Sat: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun: 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
With over 23 varieties of apples available in their U-Pick orchards, you can snag some peaches, blueberries + pumpkins as they become ripe through the harvest season. Fresh cider, a farm market, wagon rides + a brand new hard cider taproom in partnership with Flat Rock Cider Company will be available for your enjoyment. Bonus: One blend in the taproom will be made from only Jeter Mountain Farm apples. COVID-19: CDC safety guidelines recommended.
🍎Justus Orchard, 187 Garren Rd., Hendersonville |⏰ Mon–Fri: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat–Sun: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Choose between U Pick or We Pick (pre-picked) apples, blackberries + pumpkins. Spend the day exploring the orchard’s 18+ apple varieties, taking a ride on the Cow Train, visiting the Apple House for jams, or stopping by the bakery for homemade goodies (fried apple pies, apple cider donuts, apple cider, apple bread + more). COVID-19: Social distancing + CDC regulations required.
🍎The Orchard at Altapass, 1025 Orchard Rd., Spruce Pine | ⏰Wed–Sun: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
More than just an orchard, this historic location on the crest of the Blue Ridge Parkway atop the Eastern Continental divide has been part of a prime travel route for centuries. Today this on-profit works to preserve history + protect the land while still sharing its apples. COVID-19: Social distancing + CDC regulations required.
🍎Sky Top Orchard, 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd., Flat Rock |⏰Mon–Sun: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Pick between 22 varieties of apples as you spend your day walking around the orchard, visiting the farm, exploring the bamboo forest + enjoying their famous cider doughnuts. And if you want to make a day of it, hang out in Flat Rock, and check out places such as the Carl Sandburg House or Flat Rock Village Bakery. Protip: Use 3403 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock when putting into the GPS. COVID-19: Masks + social distancing required, visit on weekdays if able to keep weekend crowds down.
🍎Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, 170 Stepp Orchard Dr., Hendersonville | ⏰Mon–Sat: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
With 21 different varieties, pick between ¼ peck or bushel of fresh apples (or buy pre-picked). There’s free admission to the farm + dogs are welcomed so stay and enjoy a picnic after picking. Bonus: Pick your own pumpkin patch is now open. COVID-19: Masks + social distancing required.
Apple picking is one of many activities still on my fall to-do list this year. With fall festivals + the fan favorite Apple Festival being cancelled we all might be shifting traditions, but apple picking (and pumpkin picking) is still a total #MustDo.
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