September is National Apple Month
Many Ardenwoods residents enjoy Western North Carolina’s abundant produce. And with September being National Apple Month it’s a great time to explore all the regions many orchards just an easy drive away in beautiful Henderson County and other spots in WNC. Whether you are looking for a few apples for a pie, some delicious cider, or want to get your hands dirty picking your own bushel, National Apple Month is a great time to get in touch with your inner Johnny Appleseed. Here are a few of our favorite spots to visit this time of year.
This is a great place to pick your own apples with family or friends. This is one of the orchards that Gerber Foods trusts to grow apples for its baby food, so you know the quality is great. Varieties include Gala, Early Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Jonagold ripening at various times throughout the season. You can pick your own and then head to the Apple House for fresh cider, baked goods, and apple-themed gifts.
Located in Spruce Pine, NC, this nonprofit heirloom apple orchard is open to the public from Wednesday-Sunday and features live music, hayrides, a butterfly garden, restaurant and rotating varieties for you to pick — an historic spot worth the drive.
This Hendersonville orchard boasts over 25 different varieties of apples with a rotating calendar of what’s ripe and ready, in addition to peaches, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, sunflowers and pumpkins in season. They even offer hard cider from apples pressed on-site. The orchard and tasting room are open Thursday-Sunday.
If you’re looking for a way to get outdoors, enjoy the late summer weather and find great local produce look no further than the region’s pick-your-own orchards and farms. It’s a great way to experience some of WNC rich farming and cultural heritage. Plus partaking in the region’s local apple crop, as the old adage goes, just might keep the doctor away.