Apple season is officially upon us! July brought our first two apple varieties of the 2024 season to harvest, the Transparent (Lodi) and Early June varieties, and our first U-Pick apple tours headed into the Orchard, returning with baskets full. Seeing families make memories, as they take a step back to a slower time, always brings smiles to our staff. As our outside crews continue to manage our grounds for apple pickers, we look forward to even more memory-making opportunities as we head into August!
As more apple varieties ripen, the Apple Shed, located behind the General Store, will open to serve guests looking for fresh apples from 10 AM to 5 PM. Our inventory of picked apples, bagged in half-peck and full-peck, are ready for those who prefer to pick up and go. Looking for the U-Pick experience? Our U-Pick Apple Tours are also available from the Apple Shed, every hour, on the hour, beginning at 10 AM with the last tour heading out at 4 PM, Wednesday through Sunday.
So just what apples can you expect in August? This can vary a bit, but the Orchard expects to have Red Blaze, Ginger Gold, McIntosh, Gala, and Jona Gold. “As a small-batch heirloom Orchard, we work with many apple varieties, each ripening at their own pace,” said Beth Hilton, Executive Director. “We have a lot of experience predicting when apples will be ready, but how long they’ll be available before we sell out can be another story. Certain familiar varieties often sell out quickly, but one of my favorite things about heirloom apples is that each variety is unique in its texture and flavor profile. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new. You may find a new favorite!”
The Orchard Music Program is having a fantastic season, with a full schedule of live, traditional music supporting our nonprofit mission to preserve the history, heritage, and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our beautiful open-air pavilion, overlooking the Blue Ridge, features free performances each Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM – 4 PM with some of our region’s most talented musicians.
Aug 3: Good Ol’ Boys
Aug 4: Randy Flack
Aug 10: Slight Departure
Aug 11: Dollar Brothers
Aug 17: Split Rail Bluegrass
Aug 18: Seth & Sara
Aug 24: Rewind Goodtimz
Aug 25: Carolina Bluegrass Style
Aug 31: Ruglifters Trio
On August 9th from 6 PM – 8 PM, the Orchard will host its third evening “fun”draiser of the season, featuring long-time Orchard friend and supporter, Terry McKinney. Terry is an accomplished local musician, an extraordinary singer and songwriter, specializing in traditional country music, gospel, and more. Tickets are $15, and only available at the General Store counter on the evening of the event. “As a nonprofit, our goal this season is for the Orchard Music Program to be completely self-sufficient through our Music Sponsors,” said Sam McKinney, Orchard Mission Manager, “and we’re over halfway there. But we still need more help. Attending a fundraising concert or sponsoring a band is a great way for our Orchard friends to make a big difference, and help us continue our mission.”
The Orchard is also pleased to welcome author and local historian, Michael C. Hardy, who will join us on August 31 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM to sell and sign books. Michael was the 2010 North Carolina Historian of the Year and will be selling and signing his most recent book, Hidden History of the Toe River Valley.
And of course, don’t forget 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, located at our General Store. The store also boasts a variety of sweet and savory treats such as warm apple pie, handmade fudge, flavored popcorn, and local honey – all perfect for topping off a memorable day at the Orchard.
The Orchard at Altapass is open 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday – Sunday, through October 26. Lunch at the Apple Core Grill is available 11 AM to 4 PM Wednesday – Sunday. 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.
