Fall in North Carolina and the Queen City is an amazing cornucopia of apples, pumpkins, farm tours, hayrides and more! It may not feel like fall yet but we are already anticipating cooler temps, pumpkin spice and fresh baked apple pies!
We have put together a listing of some of our favorite places to visit in the Fall in North Carolina and the Charlotte area. Some we have visited and some are definitely on our list of places to go!! Let us know your favorites!
APPLES, APPLES & PUMPKINS!!
Apple Hill Orchard is a family-owned farm near Morganton growing apples since 1955. This seasonal u-pick apple orchard also offers a cider mill, country store, tours and a bakery. Can you say apple pies and cider donuts?!? You will want to visit soon and start a new family tradition! Check website for operating hours and details.
Carrigan Farms is a family-owned and operated farm that has been growing local fruits and vegetables for over 100 years in nearby Mooresville, NC. They offer seasonal events and activities like strawberry picking, apple picking, hayrides, and a haunted trail for older kids and adults. The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is also available for swimming, events and photo shoots. Overall it’s wonderful place to visit all year-round! Check website for directions and the latest event details.
Coston Farm
is a 4th generation family owned farm and apple orchard in beautiful Hendersonville, NC. You can buy or pick your own fresh apples and pumpkins, enjoy homemade baked goods and cider and watch the “ole timey” apple grading process in the Apple House. You will feel right at home on their rocking chair front porch and shop for jams, jellies and gifts in the gift shop. You’ll also find amazing fall decorations to take home like gourds, indian corn and hay. Check the website for more details.
You don’t want to miss Grandad’s Apples N’ Such near Hendersonville! It’s one of the many apple orchards on Chimney Rock Road (aka Hwy 64) and they are a 4th generation family of apple growers. With a pumpkin patch, corn maze, country store u-pick and pre-picked apples, you will have a great time!
PS: If you have never been to Chimney Rock State Park then you will definitely want to make this a part of your trip. The climb to the stop is all stairs (the elevator is not operational at this time) but there are plenty of little stops along the way to catch your breath and take in the beautiful views. There are also other hiking trails and nature experiences.
At Justus Orchard you will find u-pick/we pick apples, blackberries and pumpkins. Family owned and operated in Hendersonville for over 100 years they offer orchard tours, bakery, cow train rides and more!
Knob Creek Orchards, Farms and Creamery started with apples and peaches and grew into offering strawberries, blackberries and homemade ice cream! Family-owned since 1958, Knob Creek Orchards is warm, friendly and lots of fun! Please check the website for directions, pricing and details.
The Lyda Family has a long history of farming in NC dating back to the 1700’s. The Lyda Farm started in this land in Hendersonville & Endeyville in the 1870’s. Today the farm is run by the 5th generation of Lyda’s and offers fruits and vegetables, apples and pumpkins and family activities like their barnyard tour. You don’t want to miss it!
Skytop Orchards sits at the top of Mt. McAlpine in Flat Rock, NC. You will go for the apples but stay for the view! Skytop Orchards offers u-pick apples, fresh apple cider & donuts, hayrides, small animal farm, playground and more! There is plenty to see and enjoy but please check the website for tips and directions.
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is also in Hendersonville, NC. The Stepp family has been growing and picking apples for 45 years. Generations of families have enjoyed picking apples & pumpkins, hayrides, navigating the corn maze, walking the nature trails and more. They even have an apple cannon for target practice! Be sure to make this one of your stops while visiting Hendersonville.
Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in York, SC is the “home of everything apples!” They offer pick your own apples, fresh apple products, fresh pressed apple cider and “award winning” hard apple cider. Check the website for tastings and other events.
Aw Shucks Farm in Monroe, NC is a little closer and a whole lot of fun! It’s a great place for field trips, parties and special events but even better to just hop in the car and take the short ride to Monroe. They have animals, a corn maze, hayrides, a kids play area, 1800’s train car, and their famous grain bin slide. They have limited hours so please check the website for details.
In case you aren’t up for a road trip, Hall Family Farm is located right here in South Charlotte on Providence Road West. It’s also a family owned farm that offers pumpkin picking, 5-acre corn maze, hayrides as well as treats like donuts, funnel cakes and ice cream. They also grow strawberries in the spring!
Don’t forget The Hunter Farm! Just south on Providence Road in Weddington, this locally owned and family-operated offers Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring crops and activities. Strawberry picking in the Spring, Pumpkin patch in the Fall, Christmas trees in the Winter and camps in the Summer. They have something all year-round! They also have a animals, hayrides and food trucks on Saturdays! Check website for details.
Wise Acre Farm is a family-owned organic strawberry and pumpkin farm in Indian Trail, NC. They are a USDA Certified Organic farm and offer corn maze, barrel train rides, wagon rides, swings and more! They even have locally sources, made-to-order Wise Pie Wood Fired Oven Pizza onsite!
Please call ahead or check the websites for changes in operating hours and activities. Also, most are farms and only operate on a cash-only basis. Some have food and facilities but check their website for additional details. And of course if you have any real estate questions or needs please let us know! debbie@bullardrealtygroup.com