If you’re looking for a fantastic way to celebrate fall, nothing beats going apple-picking. Not only can you go out with your favorite people and make some timeless memories, but you also get some delicious treats. Whether you’re the type of person who likes eating them straight from the branches or prefer waiting until later to transform them into endless desserts, fresh apples are truly the best fall food. Here are two of my favorite places around Charlotte for apple picking<span data-preserver-spaces=”true”>.
Embrace Fall With Some Incredible Charlotte Apple Picking
Windy Hill Orchard
Windy Hill Orchard is a farm that was started by Fritz and Catherine Gusmer. In 1978, Fritz’s mother gifted him a wooden apple cider press for Christmas. He and his family spent hours making fresh apple cider and began to chat about finding the perfect apple cider donut. Around this time, Fritz was thinking of ways where he could work closer to his family. Together, they decided to open an apple orchard so they could make the donuts of their dreams.
While you can buy Windy Hill hard ciders in restaurants and stores, nothing compares to a visit to the farm. You can try out the apple cider donuts the family worked so hard to perfect or try the drinks that inspired the orchard in the first place. Their orchards also offer a U-Pick option to let you find some beautiful Charlotte Stayman Winesap apples ready for picking. Because of limited availability, you will have to make a reservation before your visit. Throughout the fall, you can also check out live music, book a hayride, make some apple cider, and attend a hard cider tasting. You can find the farm at 1860 Black Highway in York.
Carrigan Farms
Carrigan Farms is nearly as old as the state itself. The farms were settled in the 1700s by Scot-Irish immigrants and later moved to the Mooresville area. In 1975, the farm began focusing on growing vegetables such as strawberries, asparagus, and apples. Today, the area continues to be operated by fifth-generation descendants of the original Carrigan family.
The views from the farm are so gorgeous that many couples around the area have chosen the property for their wedding. On top of hosting ceremonies, the farm invites people to come and pick the crops themselves. Their Charlotte apple-picking season is short. But they pack it full of activities. You’ll ride a tractor down to the orchards before getting to search for the best produce. While you’re there, you can grab some apple cider and buy decorations such as hay bales, corn stalks, and colorful gourds. You can visit at 1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy in Mooresville.
Charlotte Apple Picking
With apple picking, you can have the very best fall has to offer. Check out these two spots so you can have an unforgettable day with Charlotte Apple Picking!
If you’re looking for another way to make memories this season, why not book a photo session? I’m a Charlotte-based family photographer, and I love working with clients to plan thrilling, gorgeous sessions. I love creating a comfortable atmosphere so you can have beautifully authentic images. If you’ve been considering booking a session for your family, I would love to chat so you can decide if I’m the photographer for you. Contact me today to get the conversation started!
