It’s fall at the Orchard at Altapass. Only two months remain in our season. Apples continue to ripen
and provide opportunities for u-picking on guided experiences or purchasing by the bag at the
Apple Shed. Trees are as full as the lineup in the Pavilion, and music takes center stage beginning
on September 2nd with Possum Creek, followed by Skiffle Creek on the 3rd; 9th and 10th—Kuhne
& McKinney and The Ruglifters respectively; 16th and 17th—The Scatterlings and Butterbeans;
23rd and 24th—Don Pedi and Randy Flack. On the 30th, welcome Greg Candel at 12:30 for an hour
of rousing musical fun in ‘Bunkum County’. And at month’s end, The Ruglifters return to the
pavilion stage. Add in the music jam every Thursday from 1-3:30, and the music lineup is complete
for another month. Always welcome. Always free. Always on the pavilion. And dancing always
encouraged.
But that’s just the music. Anticipated later in the month on Wednesday, the 27th, the Orchard
welcomes the return of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association’s evening presentation—a
regional slice of history that is engaging, entertaining, and educational. More details to follow.
The month will be busy, applely tasty, and fun with something for all ages. The music and dancing.
The grill (open Wednesday-Sunday). The views (under conservancy, never to be developed). The
games and activities (no batteries required). A “heyride” perhaps (weekends)? The camaraderie of
friends, family, and just plain folks. And, of course, the apples, all heirlooms, all delicious (U-Pick
and pre-bagged).
Located at 1025 Orchard Road near Spruce Pine at mile 328.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the
Orchard is a not-for-profit working small-batch apple orchard and educational venue. Hours are 10
to 5, Wednesday-Sunday. Family- and pet-friendly. Wheelchair accessible. Buses welcome. For
information, please visit www.altapassorchard.org.
