Looking for a perfect fall activity? Head to an apple orchard

Pumpkin spice is nice, but apple orchards offer a fall experience that is hard to top – and many can help with that pumpkin craving too. A day on the farm can include apple picking, of course, but these days, families can make the orchard a destination trip that is a part of the season’s traditions.

Western North Carolina’s “apple tourism” is famous and it draws visitors from across the region. Make the most of your trip by planning ahead, especially if you have musts on your list, like warm doughnuts, fresh apple cider, farm attractions or that one variety of apple that you look forward to every year.

Make the most of your visit with these tips – straight from the orchards. 

Consider your harvest time

Most folks have their favorite type of apple – Fuji, Rome or Granny Smith – but before you go, research the farm you are visiting to make sure your favorites are ready to pick. Most update on social media, but you can also call ahead.

Danielle Stepp, co-owner of Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, said it is worth taking the time to think about what you and your family like best.

“At our orchard, the middle of the season is the best time to go to select from a variety of apples,” Stepp said.

This also goes for other you-pick items such as grapes, pumpkins and flowers, which some orchards and farms also offer.

Don’t forget weather

Traveling from a lower elevation? The weather might be different (and significantly cooler) at the farm. Stepp advises guests to check the weather before a visit and bring appropriate layers.

“I would also encourage guests to consider our harvest window which runs from late August through October. The weather can vary greatly from late August to October here, ranging from very hot in August to cooler and colder in late October,” Stepp says.

Fresh is best!

When buying pre-picked apples, the more recently harvested the better, but don’t judge a book by its cover. Leslie Lancaster, co-owner of Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such said, “No matter the size or shape of an apple, fresh is always going to be better tasting. Sometimes a small or not so pretty apple will win you over by the taste.”

Plan for all the activities

Many apple orchards and farms offer a wide variety of activities for the whole family. Consider the ages of your kids and check your favorite farm’s website to review activities, availability and cost.

“At Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard our most popular activity, apart from apple picking, is our corn maze,” Stepp said. “It is open seven days a week. However, other activities such as wagon rides, jump pad and apple cannons are only open on the weekends.”

“We have something for all generations whether you are picking your own apples or sitting in our rocking chairs enjoying the fresh cider donuts and beautiful views,” Lancaster of Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such said. “For families with kids, we suggest buying the activity pass, which includes the apple cannon, corn maze and the cow train.”

Consider the acreage

Many of the orchards and apple farms of Western North Carolina cover extensive acreage, so planning ahead for the activities you want to do and where you want to go first is helpful. Comfortable shoes are a must. And pack your patience: parking is at a premium on busy days and the walk from the car to your destination might be the start of your adventure. Plan to end your day with a bakery treat or slushie, if available, and some very tired kids on the drive home.

Know before you go:

Henderson County is the top apple-producing county in North Carolina and regularly ranks among the top 20 counties in the nation. Find farm listings and more at visithendersonvillenc.org/apples.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Top tips for apple season in Western North Carolina