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May 05, 2024

North Carolina Is Home To One Of America's Best Apple Orchards

Believe it or not, cooler weather really is on its way and that means it will soon be time for all sorts of fun fall activities in North Carolina. Have you ever visited any of our state’s apple

Believe it or not, cooler weather really is on its way and that means it will soon be time for all sorts of fun fall activities in North Carolina. Have you ever visited any of our state’s apple orchards? Many couples and families reserve at least one weekend every autumn for a trip to an orchard where they can pick their own apples. You don’t have to drive very far from Charlotte to start seeing “U-Pick” signs.

According to Study Finds, Americans’ favorite thing about fall is the leaves changing colors, but picking apples picking isn’t far behind. In fact, we rank to apple picking even higher than the pumpkin spice trend that seems to take over our lives every year. Sorry, Starbucks. Before the temperature starts to drop, you can plan an apple picking excursion that’s outside the box. Or bushel.

The folks at Study Finds put together a list of the best apple orchards in the U.S. where you can pick your own apples. One of the top five is right here in North Carolina. These places offer more than just manual labor. Fall is also the time to get cider and doughnuts. So let’s see where you and your crew can enjoy a day of fresh country air and harvesting your own produce.

This New England gem offers so much to see, do, and taste. In addition to apple picking, you can enjoy hayrides, scarecrow-making, pie-eating contests, and bluegrass music. Applecrest Farm Orchards is also a great place to shop for local produce and plants. And their creamery has delicious homemade ice cream.

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You can buy over 20 varieties of apples, 11 that you can pick yourself from late July to mid-November, while overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and valley below. Pre-picked pumpkins and gourds are available beginning in mid-September. Just minutes from downtown Charlottesville and Monticello, Carter Mountain Orchard also offers local cider and wine for your sampling pleasure.

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Located less than two hours west of Charlotte, Sky Top Orchard was started by a father and his son in the 1960s. The farms sits on over 100 acres of Mount McAlpine and offers more than 22 varieties of apples that you can pick from August through October. They even have Asian pears. You’ll enjoy the views, while your kids will love the hayrides and bee train rides

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Founded in 1899 about thirty miles outside of Providence, Jaswell’s Farm is a fourth-generation, family-owned operation. They offer corn in the summer, as well as a variety of pick-your-own-apples in the fall. As part of their tradition, Jaswell’s invites visitors to select one extra apple to enjoy on their ride home.

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Study Finds’ choice for Best Apple Orchard is another one in the Southeast. In addition to apples, this fourth-generation, family and veteran-owned farm also features a winery with hard cider tastings, fresh baked goods, tractor tours, and fishing ponds. It’s celebrating 80 years in business this year, and their U-Pick season runs from August through October. Click here to reveal the “top pick.”