Fall is finally here—even though it might not be it in the air. Gotta love that Southern humidity.
While our weekends have been busy with football, tailgating, and spending time with family and friends, we’ve been sure to schedule time in the great outdoors to do one of the most fall-centric activities: apple picking.
After all, we need apples for Eating With Erica’s Hot Apple Cider and Elisabeth and Butter’s Glazed Apple Pie Bars! Thankfully, the South is ripe (pun completely intended) with apple orchards to visit this season.
So clear a day on your calendar within the next week or two, and head to your nearest one.
Not sure where to go? Below, we rounded up five of the best places to go apple picking in the South—in no particular order. Happy pickin’!
Mercier Orchards: Blue Ridge, Georgia
Twelve apple varieties are available at Mercier Orchards in October, so finding the right apples for making a pie, homemade cider, or just a healthy, delicious snack will be a cinch.
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Gross Orchard: Bedford, Virginia
Just a short 10-minute drive from historic downtown Bedford lies Gross Orchard, a family-run orchard since before 1900. After you’re done stuffing your sturdy paper apple bag, pop inside and grab a jar or two of their famous homemade jam.
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Sky Top Orchard: Flat Rock, North Carolina
If the beautiful scenes in Flat Rock don’t sell you, the apple house, pumpkin house, or apple cider doughnuts just might do the trick. Sky Top is open during the week, too, so if you’re not a fan of lines or crowds, Monday through Friday is the ideal time for you to visit.
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Carter Mountain Orchard: Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville is not only home to several wineries, it’s also home to one of the most beautiful apple orchards in the state of Virginia. Carter Mountain Orchard, which is run by several generations of the Chiles family, boasts unbeatable views, delectable fruit, and fresh doughnuts every single day. A must-visit if you’re in the neighborhood.
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Reed Valley Orchard: Paris, Kentucky
In little less than an hour you can make it from Draper James Lexington to Reed Valley Orchard in Paris, Kentucky. Here, you’ll find over 3,000 apple trees (nine different varieties are available this month). They even host their family Country Harvest Trail Days each Saturday in October.
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