Savor the Season: North Carolina Apple Festival & Orchards Near Black Mountain
September is here and soon the leaves start to change, and cool breezes will fill the air. There’s no better way to welcome the fall season than by indulging in the sweet and crisp goodness of apples and apple picking. One of the most anticipated seasonal events in North Carolina, the Apple Festival, is a delightful celebration of this beloved fruit. A short drive from Black Mountain, in the charming town of Hendersonville, this annual festival is a must-visit for apple enthusiasts and autumn admirers alike. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through the North Carolina Apple Festival and provide you with some fantastic options for apple picking near Black Mountain, NC.
North Carolina Apple Festival: A Time-Honored Tradition
The North Carolina Apple Festival has been a cherished tradition for over seven decades, and it continues to draw thousands of visitors every year. Held annually over Labor Day weekend, the festival is a four-day extravaganza that captures the essence of autumn in the heart of North Carolina’s apple country.
Here are some highlights of what you can expect at the North Carolina Apple Festival:
- Apple-licious Treats: From apple pies to apple cider donuts, you’ll find an array of mouthwatering apple-themed treats that will tickle your taste buds.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and street entertainment throughout the festival.
- Art and Crafts: Stroll through the arts and crafts fair, where you can shop for unique handmade goods and artwork.
- Parade: Don’t miss the King Apple Parade, a vibrant procession featuring local bands, floats, and of course, plenty of apples.
- Orchard Tours: Get the chance to visit nearby apple orchards and learn about the apple-growing process firsthand.
- Contests: Join in or watch fun competitions, such as the apple recipe contest or the apple peeling contest.
Where to Go Apple Picking Near Black Mountain, NC
The Black Mountain area and the surrounding region boast several fantastic orchards where you can pick your own apples and create cherished fall memories. Here are a few options:
Sky Top Orchard: Located just a short drive from Black Mountain, Sky Top Orchard offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can pick a variety of apples, including Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji. They also have a playground, animals to feed, and fresh apple cider.
Justus Orchard: This family-owned orchard is known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious apples. They offer tractor-pulled hayrides and a delightful apple house with apple-related products.
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard: With a rich history dating back to 1967, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard offers a wide selection of apple varieties. You can also enjoy fresh apple cider and homemade apple pies.
Coston Farm and Apple House: Located in nearby Hendersonville, this farm is known for its apples, pumpkins, and farm-fresh produce. It’s a great place to enjoy a fall day with the family.
The North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville and the apple orchards near Black Mountain provide the perfect blend of tradition, family-friendly fun, and the quintessential flavors of fall. Whether you’re wandering the festival streets, savoring a warm apple cider donut, or picking apples in the crisp autumn air, these experiences will surely make your fall season unforgettable.
For more information click here for the festival brochure.
