Helene Recovery: McDowell County Travel and Safety Updates

Back to Food

Historic Orchard at Altapass

THE ORCHARD

The Historic Orchard at Altapass is a non-profit heirloom apple orchard, heritage music venue, and education center with a mission to preserve the history, heritage, and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is open seasonally, May through October, and offers a variety of memory-making activities, sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.

APPLES

During the harvest season, over 35 heirloom apple varieties are available, with some varieties being available as early as mid-July, and others ripening into late October. Each variety offers something special through unique textures and complex flavor profiles. Whether you’d like to take home some bagged apples or have the full u-picking experience, fresh apples are available behind our General Store (the big red barn) in our Apple shed.

MUSIC AND FUN

The orchard offers free live music each weekend from June through October in a beautiful outdoor pavilion overlooking the Blue Ridge. Enjoy traditional mountain music, dance a bit, play a game on the back deck, and take a stroll down to the Apple Core Grill for a Jumbo BBQ Sandwich. Be sure to check our events page for details.

GENERAL STORE

Our General Store, located in the big red barn, partners with regional artisans and craftsmen to offer a curated selection of local items. There you’ll find everything from tasty treats like warm apple pie and handmade fudge to jarred preserves, jewelry, books, ceramics, and signature clothing.

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

In keeping with its mission to educate the public about the Appalachian experience, the Orchard offers a variety of educational experiences. Visit the model train exhibit with a replica of the Orchard land, stop by our indoor Monarch butterfly exhibit, and search for the queen bee in our honeybee apiary.

STAY IN TOUCH

For business hours and the latest updates, visit our website, or follow us on social media.

orchard altapass blue ridge traveler