HENDERSON, N.C. -- If apple growing was considered a sport, Henderson County would be in the major leagues. Apples are big business in Henderson County, which is responsible for 65 percent of North Carolina’s entire apple production.
From late August into November, the Winesap, Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji and all of their cousins are literally dropping to the ground along Highway 64, otherwise known as "Apple Alley." Choose from a variety of U-Pick orchards just off the main drag for a day of delicious autumn joy.
Fourth-generation apple growers Pat and Leslie Lancaster, owners of Grandad’s Apple’s N’ Such in Henderson County, have maintained their 80-acre orchard and farm since 1994. Entering the grounds, it is clear this isn’t a rookie operation.
Other Apple Farms In NC
Blue Ridge Farm Direct Market Association: Buy apples directly from the grower, Hendersonville, (828) 697-2775 ext. 8, www.ncapples.com.
Odell Barnwell & Sons, LLC Farm: Roadside stand offering apples, cider, vinegar, jam, pumpkins, vegetables, and peaches. 2900 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, (828) 685-7300.
Coston Farm and Apple House: Open September to mid-December. Offers we-pick or U-pick apples, pumpkins, cider, baked goods, apple gift boxes. 3748 Chimney Rock Hwy, Hendersonville, (828) 685-8352 www.costonfarm.com.
Creasman Farms: Open July-November. U-pick apples, pumpkins, gourds and beans for picking, plus farm animals. 280 Bent Arrow Lane, Hendersonville,(828) 685-7728 or (828)699-4821, www.creasmanapples.com.
Grandad's Apples: Open August-October. We pick or U-pick apples, peaches, pumpkins, apple products, baked goods. 2951 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, (828) 685-1685 www.grandadsapples.com.
Henderson Farms: Fruits, vegetables, apples, cider and tours. 704 Tracy Grove Rd., Hendersonville, (828) 698-7416.
Justus Orchard: August to mid-November, U-pick or we-pick apples, cider, peaches, blackberries, pumpkins, local vegetables and canned goods, groups welcome. 187 Garren Rd., Hendersonville, NC (828) 685-8033 www.justusorchard.com.
Lyda Farms: Open June-November. Apples, pumpkins, fruit, vegetables and farm animals. Buses and groups welcome. 3465 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, (828) 685-3459 www.lydafarms.com.
McAbee’s Fruit Stand: Apples, produce and cider, 184 E Tracy Grove Road, Flat Rock, McMurray Road and I-26 (exit 53), (828) 693-0193.
McConnell Farms: Strawberries, asparagus, blackberries, vegetables, apples, greenhouse and nursery plants, preserves, ciders, pumpkins and crafts. Field trips and tours available. 177 Old Dana Rd., Hendersonville, (828) 692-2819.
Mountain Fresh Orchards: Open late-August to mid-November. Offers apples, cider, produce and bakery items. 2887 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, (828) 685-7606, www.mtnfreshorchards.com.
Ottanola Farm: Apple varieties include Gala, Mutsu, Fugi, Honeycrisp, Empire, Stayman, Grannysmith, Jonagold, Gingergold, Red and Golden Delicious. 3267 Ridge Road, Hendersonville, NC (828) 685-7508.
Owenby's Fruit Stand: Open end of August to first or second week in November; daily cider, specialties, pumpkins, peaches, apples, vegetables. 4517 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, (828) 691-4397 or (828)691-4397.
Piney Mountain Orchards: Roadside stand, apples, peaches, cider, specialty gifts, pumpkins, ice cream, dairy products. 3290 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, (828) 692-4800.
Sky Top Orchard: Open mid-August to Early-December, we pick or U-pick apples and peaches, pumpkins, gourds, hayrides, barnyard animals, group tours and school groups welcome. 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd., Flat Rock, (828) 692-7930, www.skytoporchard.com.
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard: Open mid-August to Early-November. 70-acre working farm and apple orchard. We pick or U-pick apples, pumpkins, wagon rides and group tours. 170 Stepp Orchard Dr., Hendersonville, (828) 685-9083, www.steppapples.com.
Wilkie's Orchard: U-Pick available September-October. Apples, jams, jellies, specialty gifts and crafts. 27 Don Wilkie Lane, Edneyville, (828) 685-8438.
