This fall we checked something off for the princesses and myself, apple picking! We headed to Grandads Orchard in Hendersonville, NC and loved every minute. We visited quite late in the season, but there were still fun and apples to be had. First, make sure you stop in and purchase apple picking bags and a corn maze ticket for everyone. This also gives you access to the play area and giant bounce pillow. The bouncing was closed due to covid. Next, buy some cider in a fun souvenir cup and visit the clean public restrooms before you walk through the market to a beautiful setting and enjoy all that Grandads has to offer.
There were crates and crates and more of apples. You can purchase by the bag if you don’t want to pick your own. This market space was crowded but would be accessible for most people with impairments.
The views were stunning! Bring a lunch and eat at one of the many picnic tables
We waited until we had done the corn maze (I lost!) to pick apples.
The corn maze was challenging, but not too challenging, even for this tired queen who got left behind by everyone else. They are far more competitive with a bunch more energy. Each princess took a knight for protection.
Be sure your phone or camera battery is charged up. There are tons of places meant for taking pictures!
Now, after a maze run and photo pops, we headed for apple picking. They have several varieties and the rows are labeled. I do not know my apples very well so we just picked whatever was left on trees. There are fruit picking poles available all over. Another visitor who was leaving handed us her pole and we were off! Truly, I’m not sure if the princesses or the knights were more excited about getting the apples off the trees.
After we filled our two purchased apple bags, we decided we had worked hard enough for snacks, so we headed back over to the market area to wait in line to purchase the most glorious hot apple donuts you will ever put into your mouth and apple cider slushees. Y’all! This combination is probably served in Heaven. It is worth the wait! There are also many other apple goodies available (like cookies!), but seriously, eat the donut! Plan on at least 2-3 per person, because they are that good.
Truly, this is a gem in the area. I can’t wait to go back without covid. I didn’t even mention the goats, the bossy donkey, and the little train that wasn’t running that day. This was an easy, fun, family day. For more information, check out their website or social media. https://www.grandadsapples.com/ Happy picking!
Rebekah Faith and Family 