This month marks the beginning of apple picking season and we couldn’t be more excited. We’ve rounded up a list of 7 apple orchards that are opening this month and even better, they’re all 2 hours or less from Charlotte.
1. The Orchard at Altapass
One of the most visited locations at Blue Ridge Parkway, The Historic Orchard at Altapass is where you go to pick quality heirloom apples. Take a walk through their apple forest, try some of their hot apple pie with a scoop of ice cream, check out their Apple Core Grill, and come pick your own apples Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Where: 1025 Orchard Rd, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
2. Apple Hill Orchard
We love Apple Hill Orchard for their awesome cider donuts made fresh at their bakery, as well as their other amenities. Come check out their market or their orchard, opening on April 13th. Don’t forget to reserve a pass for apple picking on their website.
Where: 2075 Pleasant Hill Ave, Morganton, NC 28655
3. Justus Orchard
Just a little over 2 hours from Charlotte is Justus Orchard, where you can pick our own apples and try fresh cider slushies and cider donuts. Yum. Bring the family to stop by the pond and feed the ducks and enjoy the other farm animals on the premises. The different apple varieties will be available at different points throughout August and September so check their website for their schedule.
Where: 187 Garren Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
4. Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill
Windy Hill is the closest farm to Charlotte, coming in around an hour, making it a prime place to go apple picking. Their Cider Bar opens August 19th but their apple picking doesn’t open until early September, with reservations. You can keep up to date with any updates via their Facebook.
Where: 1860 Black Highway, North Carolina
5. Blueberry Thrill Farm
Blueberry Thrill Farm is open now for the 2022 season and they’ll be selling apples and pumpkins starting in early September. They’re open Saturdays from 7am-12pm where you can enjoy picking your own apples, of which they have 8 varieties.
Where: 6938 EAGLESFIELD RD GIBSONVILLE, North Carolina
6. Sky Top Orchard
This orchard offers beautiful, panoramic mountaintop views, and a space to pick apples and encounter cute farm animals. Plus, they’ve got a market that sells fall-flavored jams and honeys freshly made. They’re already open and you can currently pick Honeycrisp, gala, Early Mac, and Gingergold.
Where: 1193 Pinnacle Mtn Rd Zirconia, NC 28731
7. Millstone Creek Orchards
Every Saturday in September, you can go on a fall-themed apple picking adventure. For $19.95, your ticket includes access to the U-pick orchards, fresh apple tasting, a 2.75lb bag of apples you picked, an apple cider pressing demonstration, a 4 ounce apple cider slushie, and a hayride. You can buy your tickets here.
Where: 506 Parks Crossroads Church Rd, Ramseur, NC 27316