One of our favorite orchards in North Carolina has just announced the beginning of their 2022 season, and we can smell the cinnamon and pumpkin spice already. Fall has always been synonymous with rich and crisp flavors: apples, pumpkins, cinnamon, and caramel thanks to those ingredients being either, in season, or complimentary to what’s in season, and we think that’s a big draw to the autumn hype we’re seeing. Admit it, you’re stoked for fall, and ready for this heat to end. Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill was so stoked they decided to open their 2022 season mid-August.
One of the oldest orchard in NC, dating back all the way to 1930, the family has been growing apples here since 1955. They’ve got 3 distinct segments of their orchard: market, bakery, and the orchard itself. The farmhouse style building offers a market where you can buy fresh and seasonal produce, artisan goods like jams, and cider made fresh from their apples. Their bakery, directly attached to their market, sells freshly baked breads and pastries and this is where their popular cider doughnuts are made. Their orchard has over 22 varieties of apples with 18 available for U-Pick.
On August 6th, they announced via their Instagram, “We’re excited to announce the opening dates for our 2022 season!” On August 11th their Farm Market opened, on August 12th their Bakery opened, and on August 13th they opened up to let guests start picking their own apples for the season “Our Market will open with Gingergold, Premier Honeycrisp, and Gala apples! We’ll have our cider, APPLE CIDER DONUTS, jams, jellies, and other gifts and goodies available as well!”
In order to head into the orchard to pick your own apples you’ll need to purchase a Picking Pass for $3 that grants you access to the orchard where you can pick apples (gala are some of the apples available) and even flowers.
Upon arrival, you’ll get your pass and be given the rundown on etiquette and availability by staff before heading into the orchard. Head to their website to purchase your passes in advance.
The Market and Bakery are expected to be open until Christmas Eve and the pick-your-own should be open until early to mid November. Happy picking!