Apple Picking - The Ultimate Fall Pastime, with Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard

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