As the temperature warms and the blossoms appear, the historic Orchard at Altapass – a non-profit heirloom apple orchard, heritage music venue, and cultural heritage center – prepares to open its doors on Saturday, May 4th, at 10 AM. There is an excitement in the air at each spring step; the earliest buds make their appearance, crews finish the Orchard’s annual pruning and climb onto tractors to ready paths, and the doors to the General Store unlock for staff as they begin unboxing new local favorites for store shelves. “We all get excited each year as we prepare for the season’s opening,” said Beth Hilton, Executive Director, “we have so many old friends we get to see, and we look forward to meeting new ones too. Our staff truly enjoys sharing the experience of this land and its heritage that we work to preserve and protect. We’re hoping for a great apple crop this year and a great season.”
Here at the Orchard, the overwintering months give us the chance to make behind-the-scenes improvements and this season has been especially fruitful
We received a donation which formed the Dorothy Masone Memorial Music Fund that will help support the Orchard’s Music Program for years to come. Our mission, as a heritage music venue, allows us to partner with local musicians to bring the traditional music of Appalachia to today’s younger generations. “We are incredibly grateful for this fund and the fact that Dorothy’s legacy and love for the Orchard’s Music Program can live on,” said Sam McKinney, Mission & Sustainability Manager. “This year we are looking forward to forty-five weekend performances and we’re adding special fundraiser concerts each month, beginning in June.”
We know visitors will also enjoy this year’s improvements to our music pavilion. First, a generous donation has allowed us to install new ceiling fans, perfect for staying cool during those summer months. Second, we’ve made room for even more dancers by moving and enlarging our dance floor. We can hardly wait to see our dancers get out there and kick up their heels! Special events begin this year’s music line up with a good old-fashioned Gospel Sing on May 26, followed by our 2nd Annual Pipes on the Parkway on June 2, celebrating the Scots-Irish heritage of our region.
Visitors will also see some exciting new items in the Orchard’s General Store as we continue to grow our partnerships with local artisans and craftsmen. With a focus on the Orchard’s mission to preserve our heritage and culture, the store allows visitors to revisit a time when items were unique and hand-crafted with care. From tasty treats like warm apple pie and homemade fudge, to jarred preserves, handmade jewelry, and signature clothing, we’re certain to have something to delight and entertain even the toughest crowd – all with a focus on keeping things local. “We’ve been intentional in building partnerships with creators and suppliers from our region so we can highlight the beauty of our heritage, while supporting the economy of our local community,” said Alicia Sillman, Retail Operations Manager. “We’re really excited to share this experience with our guests.
General Store hours this season are 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday through the month of May; then 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday-Sunday, from June through October 27. In June, the Apple Core Grill will be open each Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM, expanding to Friday through Sunday in July, and Wednesday through Sunday from August to October. 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.
