At the Orchard at Altapass – a non-profit heirloom apple orchard, heritage music venue, and cultural heritage center – the month of May was about new beginnings. There was excitement in the air as the blossoms of spring turned to green, the weather warmed and the General Store opened its doors. We scooped free ice cream and offered a wide array of tasty treats to sample as a welcome to our season’s first guests. “It has been so wonderful to see many of our local friends return to support our May opening this year,” noted Beth Hilton, Executive Director, “and we’re even more excited as the month of June approaches. That is when things really begin to come alive at the Orchard with music, dancing, and our ever popular “hey”rides.”
Since May was all about new beginnings, June is all about livening things up, and this year’s Live Music at the Orchard program is certain to do just that. Our 2nd Annual Pipes on the Parkway celebration takes place June 2nd from 12 PM – 4 PM and recognizes the Scots-Irish heritage in Western North Carolina. We also have a fantastic line up of our region’s most talented musicians that we look forward to welcoming to our pavilion stage. Our returning Orchard friends can expect a bigger dance floor, new ceiling fans, and music that is sure to get their feet moving. The program includes live traditional music of the Blue Ridge every Saturday and Sunday, from 2 PM to 4 PM, beginning June 8th. Entrance to Live Music at the Orchard is free unless otherwise indicated.
June 8: Carolina Bluegrass Style
June 9: The Rewind Goodtimz Band
June 15: Janet Wiseman & Mountain Lights
June 16: JAM Kids (12:30 – 1:30 PM) Buffalo Cove (2 – 4 PM)
June 22: Dollar Brothers
June 23: Randy Flack
June 29: Split Rail Bluegrass
Music lovers from around the region will also want to join us for Terry & Friends, a special evening of “fun”draising in support of the Orchard Music Program taking place on June 28 from 6 PM – 8 PM. Terry McKinney is a long-time Orchard friend, supporter, and well-known local musician and we’re excited to welcome Terry to the Orchard’s pavilion stage. The Orchard Music Program offers live, traditional music in support of our nonprofit mission to preserve the history, heritage and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our hope is to educate the public about the Appalachian experience so that these important traditions may be carried forward with future generations. Tickets to the event are $15 and will be available at the General Store on the evening of the event.
The Orchard is also pleased to announce a special visit from author Hugh Willard, author of Finding Beauty in the Gray: Stories and Verse From the Third Age. Hugh will be joining us on June 22 at 11 AM to sign books, and at 2 PM will read Bill Carson’s story from the book in the pavilion.
Here at the Orchard, it’s all about sharing a moment with friends and family, and the return of our ever-popular “hey”rides are sure to create a memorable experience for all. Come learn about our region’s history and culture while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge. Rides are scheduled each Saturday and Sunday beginning June 8th at 2:30. Tickets are available the day of the ride at the General Store for just $10 per person.
Whether you visit the Orchard for the music or a “hey”ride, be sure to visit the Apple Core Grill and try our infamous Jumbo Barbeque Sandwich. The Grill opens June 1st; and will be open 11 AM – 4 PM each Saturday and Sunday in June, with expanded hours later in the season.
And of course, don’t forget to wrap up your visit with a warm slice of apple pie – topped with ice cream of course – and a big piece of handmade fudge for the road, all available at our General Store. Be sure to stop by to see our selection of unique and hand-crafted local items including ceramics, jewelry, toys, and more, all with a focus on the beauty of our regional heritage and culture.
Hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday-Sunday, through October 26. Come and see us, prepared to enjoy the people, music, art, and natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information about the Orchard at Altapass, please visit altapassorchard.org; for updates, “like” our Facebook page or “follow” us on Instagram. And to stay in the loop, be sure to request our monthly e-newsletter by contacting marketing@altapassorchard.org.
