It’s official – summer is upon us! Beautiful spring apple blossoms have disappeared, making way for the start of the season’s harvest of heirloom apples. As temperatures rise, so does the excitement at the Orchard. June began our Live Music at the Orchard concert series, reuniting us with old friends enjoying afternoons of music and dance, often topped off with big scoops of ice cream from the General Store. Families lined up for the return of our ever-popular “hey”rides, and guests were greeted with the mouth-watering smell of BBQ as our Apple Core Grill reopened its doors to hungry visitors.
The 4th of July will be a special time of celebration at the Orchard. We’re excited to welcome The Dollar Brothers back to the pavilion stage for a special performance, from 2 PM – 4 PM. The Apple Core Grill will also be open for the 4th, 11 AM – 4 PM. Be sure to come hungry, we’re offering a delicious Carolina Hot Dog Lunch Special–a Nathan’s all-beef jumbo hot dog topped with mustard or tiger sauce, chili, slaw & onions, with your choice of side and a drink–for just $10. This special will be available all weekend long, July 4 – 7.
As July gets into full swing, the Orchard’s outside crews are preparing our grounds for apple pickers, big and small, to stroll through the Orchard for a fresh delicious bite. So when are we expecting the first of this season’s harvest to be ready? “There are a few varieties of apples that are getting very close to being ready,” announced Sam McKinney, Mission Manager, “the Lodi Transparents, Early Junes, and Red Blaze are all expected mid to late July.” As apples ripen, the Apple Shed, located behind the General Store, will open stocked with pre-bagged apples. U-pick tours will also be available at the Apple Shed, on the hour from 10 AM – 4 PM, Wednesday through Sunday.
We have a fantastic lineup of some of our region’s most talented musicians that we look forward to welcoming to the pavilion stage. Live Music at the Orchard includes live traditional music of the Blue Ridge every Saturday and Sunday, from 2 PM to 4 PM. Concerts are free unless otherwise indicated.
July 4: 4th of July Celebration with The Dollar Brothers
July 6: Boone Trail Band
July 7: Rudy’s Rhythm & Revue
July 13: Stuart, Spence, Shebish
July 14: Terry & Val
July 20: Good Ol’ Boys
July 21: Sound Traveler
July 27: Rock Creek Ramblers
July 28: William Ritte
On July 19, the Orchard will host its second evening “fun”draiser concert of the season, with music by Newfound Gap, a young, old-time string band from Leicester, North Carolina. Siblings Bayla, Sylvie, and Judah Davis have played music since the age of 6 and are intent on continuing their lifelong love of traditional music. Tickets are $15 and will only be available that evening, in the General Store. Children under 15 are admitted free. Proceeds from this special evening will be used to support the Orchard’s ongoing music program.
The Orchard is also pleased to welcome author Tonja Smith, who will join us on July 27 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM to sell and sign books. This talented children’s author has created “The Painted Series,” a vibrant, illustrated series of children’s books designed to encourage children to discover and embrace the world around them, without fear.
Come learn about our region’s history and culture while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge. “Hey”rides are scheduled each Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 and tickets are available the day of the ride at the General Store for just $10 per person.
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 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 – 4 PM Friday-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.
