It’s Apple Season!
It may be hard to believe, but apple season is upon us. Towards the end of August, apple season kicks off with Galas and Honey Crisps and lasts until the end of October or early November with Pink Lady apples and Arkansas Black apples. Here’s a round-up of five Hendersonville orchards to visit:
- Sky Top Orchard (http://www.skytoporchard.com/)
At the top of Pinnacle Mountain is Sky Top Orchard, which boasts beautiful panoramic views of the mountain. This orchard is truly a family favorite because it offers a playground, tractor rides, and U-Pick apples. If you prefer to not pick your own apples, their store offers bagged varieties from the orchard as well as apple cider, apple pie, and other apple themed goodies. Additionally, they have a donut stand serving their famous apple cider donuts. Masks are required while visiting the store, but they are not required in the orchard or the playground. This orchard is open 7 days a week from 9 am-6 pm.
- Grandad’s Apples (https://www.grandadsapples.com/)
Grandad’s Apples is another family favorite in Hendersonville. This orchard offers visitors both apple orchards and pumpkin picking. On the weekends, they offer tractor rides, an apple cannon, and a corn maze. Unfortunately, the jumping pillow will not be operating this year due to social distancing guidelines. In their barn, they have bagged apples, apple baked goods, and apple butter. Grandad’s is open 7 days a week from 8 am-5 pm.
- Jeter Mountain Farm (https://www.jetermountain.com/sustainability)
Jeter Mountain Farm has been a family owned farm since 1813, and it’s the largest U-Pick orchard in Hendersonville. It not only offers apples but also pumpkins, peaches, and grapes. They also have a fully functional apple cider tasting room with varieties ranging from original cider to pineapple flavored. They also have a children’s playground and tractor rides through the orchard. Keep in mind that this orchard is only open on the weekends when planning your visit.
- Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard (https://steppapples.com/)
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is family owned and operated and boasts 38 acres of orchards. At this farm, you will find apples, tractor rides, and pumpkin picking. Additionally, they offer U-Pick Sunflowers and Zinnias- something that sets them apart from other orchards in the area. In their barn, you can buy fresh donuts- both apple cider and pumpkin- to enjoy while you take in the beautiful scenery. Keep in mind that tractor rides, the apple cannon, and the corn maze are only available on the weekends. Stepp’s is open Monday-Saturday from 9 am-6 pm and Sunday from 10 am-3pm.
- Justus Orchard (https://justusorchard.com/)
Rounding out our list is another Hendersonville family favorite, Justus Orchard. This orchard has been operated by the Justus family for four generations and offers visitors U-Pick apples, tractor rides, a Cow Train, and more. In their barn store, you will find apples straight from the orchard, apple cider, apple donuts, and other baked apple treats. Kids will love taking a walk to see the farm animals and playing on their beautiful playground. Justus Orchard is open 7 days a week from 8:30 am-6:00pm.
