TIPS FOR PICKING: When picking, an apple’s skin should be shiny, not dull.  A dull apple won’t be crisp and tasty. Also, make sure the apple is firm and free of bruises and punctures.

TIPS FOR STORING: When storing, keep apples at about 32 degrees Fahrenheit.  They won’t stay crisp on the counter top for long.

TIPS FOR PREPARING: Protect cut apples from oxidation by dipping them into a solution of one part citrus juice and three parts water.

 

 

COSTON FARM | 3748 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville | 828-685-8352 | Picking Schedule HERE

“Enjoy a memorable pick-your-own-experience at Coston Farm with the NC mountains as a back drop. Pets are not permitted in the Pick Your Own apple orchard or the Apple House.”

2023 SEASON: Aug 18th to End of October

HOURS: Mon-Sat 8:30am-5:00pm, CLOSED on Sundays

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CREASMAN FARMS | 280 Bent Arrow Lane, Hendersonville | 828-685-7728 | Picking Schedule HERE

“Sunday only from the Sunday after Labor Day until November or until the u pick block is picked out. We are not an entertainment farm, a true working farm.”

2023 SEASON: Sept 10th-October 30th

HOURS: Sundays Only, 1:00pm-5:00pm

 

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GRANDAD’S APPLES N’ SUCH | 2951 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville | 828-685-1685 | Picking Schedule HERE

“Select pre-picked apples fresh off the trees daily from our bins inside the store or venture out in the orchard to pick for yourself. Inside our barn you will find our bakery with plenty of new apple goodies! Try our apple cider doughnuts or have some apple ice cream! You can find delicious apple pies, carmel apples, fresh cider (made here) and cider slushies! Say hi to our goat! … just one of the barnyard friends you can meet at Grandad’s.

2023 SEASON: Aug 11th until Thanksgiving

HOURS: Daily, 8:00am-6:00pm (including holidays)

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JUSTUS ORCHARD | 187 Garden Rd, Hendersonville | 828-243-2420 | Picking Schedule HERE

“At Justus Orchard, you can buy your apples already pre-picked or you can pick your own apples.  Whether you choose to U Pick or We Pick NC Apples, you can sample, mix and match to make sure go home with your favorite apples for eating or cooking. Join us and see all that’s new this season! First, we have a brand new play ground for the kids while Mom and Dad drink ice cold apple cider eat apple cider donuts! Try our brand new apple cannons and see if you can hit the targets! We will have You Pick and We Pick apples, homemade fried apple pies, cider and apple cider donuts, the jumping pillow and the cow train will all be running full steam ahead! We look forward to seeing you for another GREAT season! We are pet friendly as long as your fury friend is on a leash!”

2023 SEASON: Aug 11th – Early November

HOURS: Daily, 9:00am-5:00pm

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LAUGHING WATERS AND HICKORY NUT FOREST | 3963 Gerton Hwy (US 74A), Gerton | 828-774-9838

“We have an heirloom orchard with 75 old-time apple trees. There are three varieties of apples, plus a small vineyard of heirloom grapes. We have increased the variety of fruit trees by planting cherry, plum, pear, peach, citrus and almond trees. Every fall we hold our annual apple u-pick day. First, we invite members of the larger community to harvest. Then the Gleaners come and gather apples to the food banks. Finally, people come and pick up the ground apples for their animals.  It’s a win-win for everyone.”” ORGANIC

2023 SEASON: (Annual U-Pick Day TBD)

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LONG BRANCH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER | 278 Boyd Cove Rd, Leicester, 28748 | Picking Schedule HERE

Over 72 old-time varieties for picking, eating fresh, baking, drying, winter keeping and cidering! Classes on grafting heirloom apples are offered.

2019 SEASON: Late July –

HOURS: By Appointment Only

COST: Donation based

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THE ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS | 1025 Orchard Rd, Spruce Pine, NC | 828-765-9531 | Picking Schedule HERE

“You may purchase apples by picking them yourself or ones already packaged in the store. If you choose to pick the in-season apples, purchase a bag at the store and go out the orchard to see the different types of apples and even give them a taste before you choose! We supply picking poles so you can get to ones in the higher branches.

2019 SEASON: July 12th – Oct 8th

HOURS: Wed-Sun, 10:00am-5:00pm

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SKY TOP ORCHARD | 828-692-7930 | Picking Schedule HERE

“In addition to a long list of apple varieties, visit Sky Top Orchard and you’ll enjoy panoramic mountain views, orchard ponds with ducks and geese, a barnyard area with sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, peacocks and more, a bamboo forest to explore, lots of picnic areas and, of course, a mountaintop of fragrant apple and fruit trees.” NEW FOR 2019: Like in years past, you prepay for apples and get a basket to venture into the Orchard for U-Pick. Previously, if you were picking Asian pears and apples, we asked you to separate those out and charged different prices for pears and apples. This year, we’re keeping it simple so pick what you like and don’t worry about keeping apples and pears separate.

2019 SEASON: Aug 2nd – Nov 14th

HOURS: Daily, 9:00am-6:00pm

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STEPP’S HILLCREST ORCHARD | 170 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville | 828-685-9083 | Picking Schedule HERE

Pick your own NC apples from over 20 varieties! Ride a wagon through the orchard on weekends, navigate the challenging 5-acre corn maze, shoot apples at targets with an apple cannon on weekends, stroll through 40 acres of orchard, meander through acres of pick your own pumpkins, bring a picnic lunch, walk the educational nature trail, chat with Farmer Stepp, meet three generations of the Stepp family, and view farm machinery!

2019 SEASON: Aug 14th – Oct 31st

HOURS: Mon-Thurs 8:00am-5:30pm, Fri & Sat 8:00am-6:00pm, and Sun 10:00am-6:00pm