Even if you can’t feel the change in the air yet, fall is fast approaching. If that puts you in mind of apple cider, pie, and apple-picking, you’re not alone! September is prime apple picking season although you can still find delicious apples into late October, when the weather really begins to change.
If you’re looking for a family adventure that doesn’t cost a lot of money and is great for all ages, now is a great time to plan a trip to an orchard or farm to pick apples.
Apple Hill Orchard
Head out of Charlotte to Morganton, a few miles off of I-40 to Apple Hill Orchard. They grow several different types of apples, so you can continue to pick apples long into the fall season. While you’re there, check out the cider mill and shop the country store. If you get hungry but want to make sure your apples survive the trip home, head to the bakery for warm, yummy treats!
Carrigan Farms
Any weekend is a good weekend to go to Carrigan Farms over in Mooresville. They’re open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost is $11 per person and includes a hayride and half a peck of apples. You’ll get to pick red and golden delicious apples. No credit cards are accepted — only cash or check.
The Orchard at Altapass
This year, the Orchard at Altapass reports a bumper crop which means there are a lot of apples waiting to be picked! They offer a wide variety of apples so you can go when the apples you love best are ready to be picked. Just check the schedule first. The orchard is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring the kids so they can enjoy the story-telling hayride, nature walks, checkers, and more!
Sky Top Orchard
Sky Top Orchard, located in Flat Rock, North Carolina, offers 22 varieties of apples to pick each apple-growing season. They’re open daily through October from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., so any day you have time is a good day to go. To time your trip to pick the apples you love best, consult their picking schedule. Bring the kids for a tractor-pulled “hay” ride (there’s no hay involved so you can enjoy it even if you have allergies) and try some tasty apple-infused treats.
Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill
Head over to York, South Carolina to the Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill for an afternoon of fun in the sun. They grow Stayman Winesap apples for picking. These are great for eating fresh or cooking with because they’re sweet with just a bit of tartness. If you want more than your standard apple-picking fun, enjoy their hard cider tastings, live music, and delicious pastries and treats made with apples. They’re open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon through apple-picking season.
Nothing says fall like the sweet taste of apples — in cider, as pie, or fresh from the tree. Enjoy this sweet and fun side of Charlotte. Get the family together for a day of fun, laughs, and memories and go apple picking this fall!