September is peak apple season in the Carolinas and is a great time to pack up the kids for a day trip to a pick-your-own apple orchard.
Last September, my family visited Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock, NC for our first apple picking experience. We had a blast wandering among the apple trees, loading our wagon full of ripe apples. We came home with 20 pounds of apples, including several varieties we had never tried before. We also enjoyed apple cider slushies and doughnuts as a treat at the orchard. We had so much fun and plan to make apple picking an annual fall tradition. Our kids can’t wait to make a trip to the orchard this year.
There are many pick-your-own apple orchards to choose from in the Carolinas. Here are just a few ideas for where to go enjoy some apple picking fun with your family. Have fun!
- Sky Top Orchard
Flat Rock, NC
www.skytoporchard.com
Apple picking season at Sky Top Orchard begins in August and runs through October. The farm offers 22 varieties of apples. Check the orchard’s website for a ripening schedule to find out when your favorite varieties are available for picking. The orchard also features a playground, animal farm, bamboo forest, picnic area and farm stand where you can find treats such as apple cider, jams, jellies, caramel apples and apple cider doughnuts. The orchard is open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. August through October.
- Carrigan Farms
Mooresville, NC
www.carriganfarms.com
Apple picking season at Carrigan Farms begins on September 6. The cost is $10 per person and includes a half peck bag of pick-your-own apples. Starting September 10, hayrides to the orchard will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays during September. Red and golden delicious varieties are available for picking. The farm accepts cash or check only.
- Apple Hill Orchard
Morganton, NC
www.applehillorchard.com
Apple picking season at Apple Hill Orchard begins in August and runs through early November. The orchard offers 14 varieties of apples. Check the orchard’s harvest calendar for availability of your favorite varieties. The orchard also features a cider mill, bakery and country store where you can purchase cider, preserves, jams and apple related items. August through October, the orchard is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sunday.
