When the weather begins to cool off in the Southeast it means the best season of the year is fast approaching. Apple picking, a favorite fall pastime, actually begins in early September in western North Carolina. And, no apple tastes better than the ones you pick yourself - fresh off the tree. This autumn/fall activity is definitely one to have on your family bucket list. In this episode I sit down with Farmer Mike Stepp, a third generation apple farmer, who owns Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard, a beautiful 105 acre farm in a country setting on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. Mike has a passion for growing apples and he enjoys sharing the farm with the many visitors every year. With the help of his family (wife, daughter's, son-in-law, and grandchildren) they've added pick your own pumpkins, grapes, and sunflowers. Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard has been Harvesting Family Memories For Generations.
Apple Ripening Schedule
** Henderson County leads North Carolina in apple production and is 7th nationwide **
Spend the Day at the Farm!
Apple Cider Donuts
Pumpkins & Jack O’Lanterns
5-Acre Corn Maze
Apple Cannon (Weekends Only)
Jump Pad (Weekends Only)
Weekend Wagon Rides
U-Pick Grapes
Pick Your Own Sunflowers and Zinnias
Covered Picnic Area
Bring Your Camera & Take Some Pictures
Educational Nature Trail