Looking for a fall family day trip with cider donuts, live music, and a little something for everyone? Windy Hill Orchard and Cidery in York, SC might be just what your crew needs. We visited on a recent Saturday afternoon and had a delicious, music-filled afternoon — even though apple picking was done for the season.
Windy Hill opened for the 2026 season on August 13th, 2026! U-pick typically runs from early September through mid-October and is by reservation only — the rest of the farm is open all season, no reservation needed.
Here’s what you can expect and why you might want to plan a visit soon.
Watch! Our Trip to Windy Hill Orchard
What You’ll Find at Windy Hill Orchard This Fall
Here’s what we loved:
- Fresh cider donuts (yes, warm ones!) and hand pies — we may or may not have shared… very little.
- Cider slushies for the kids and a hard cider flight for the grown-ups.
- Live music with a great crowd — families, babies, toddlers, teens.
- A farm stand packed with goodies: bottled cider, pre-picked apples, whole pies, jams, and other local treats.
- A $3 hayride pulled by a tractor — it’s a simple loop around the farm and a fun way to take in the orchard.
- A small pumpkin patch and play area for younger kids.
It was a little crowded when we arrived mid-afternoon (Saturdays in October are popular!), but the lines moved quickly, and folks were happy to share tables. It felt relaxed and community-friendly — like the best kind of weekend outing. And those donuts were SO worth it.
Thinking About a Visit?
Windy Hill Orchard opened for the 2026 season on August 13th, 2026. If you’re hoping to do U-pick apples, reservations are required and are posted on the orchard’s Pick Your Own page — the orchard says U-pick typically runs from early September through mid-October. U-Pick dates are highly dependent on available crop and weather! For 2026, the orchard says extreme heat and drought earlier in the year mean U-pick is limited to Fridays in October, with pre-picked apples available at the Farm Stand.
That said, a visit is totally worth it without picking. If you can’t get a reservation to pick, or you decide to head out too late in the season, don’t worry about it. Donuts and cider and live music made for a perfect laidback afternoon.
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Planning Tip: Windy Hill recommends visiting on Saturdays in November if you want to avoid the bigger October crowds. And as a bonus — fire pits are added around the farm in November, making it extra cozy for those cooler days!
Know Before You Go: Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery
- Location: Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery is at 1860 Black Highway, York, SC 29745 — about 5 miles west of York on Highway 5 — and under an hour from Charlotte, NC.
- Season: Open each fall from mid-August until late December. The 2026 season opened August 13th.
- Admission: No fee to visit the Farm Stand or Cider Bar during regular hours; activities like hayrides and U-pick are priced separately.
- Ages: All ages — the orchard says it has plenty to offer for both kids and adults.
- Farm Stand Hours: Open Thursday–Sunday during the fall season. Hours change as the season goes on, so check the Hours & Directions page before you go.
- Cider Bar Hours: Generally open Friday–Sunday, but always check their calendar first.
- Special Events: Keep an eye on the Windy Hill website for updates — they host fun seasonal days like Pumpkin Donut Day and Apple Butter Day, plus live music on most weekends in October and November.
- Food & Drink: You’ll find plenty of snacks like donuts, pies, slushies, and cider at the farm stand and cider bar. If your crew wants something more meal-like, picnic lunches are welcome! We saw everything from brown bag sandwiches to full cheese boards. (We grabbed lunch beforehand and saved room for dessert.)
- Restrooms: Portable toilets on-site. No changing tables that we saw.
- Stroller Access: The main areas are grassy and gravel — doable with a stroller, but maybe bring the all-terrain one if you have it.
Parking at Windy Hill
On those busier October Saturdays, Windy Hill’s parking does fill up, but there are a couple of things to know. There is a second parking area beyond the first driveway; just follow the parking signs. You’ll also see that many people are parked along the roadways, too. We actually enjoyed parking in that second lot because our walk to the cider bar and farm stand was along a roped-off walkway of the orchard. While the orchard wasn’t open for picking, it was still nice to walk by the trees.
Windy Hill Orchard FAQ
When is Windy Hill Orchard open?
Windy Hill is open each fall from mid-August until late December. The 2026 season opened August 13th. The Farm Stand is open Thursday–Sunday and the Cider Bar is open Friday–Sunday during the fall season. Hours change as the season goes on, so check the Windy Hill calendar before you go.
Do you need a reservation to visit Windy Hill?
Only for apple picking. The orchard says U-pick is by online reservation only, and reservations are not required to visit the Farm Stand, Cider Bar, or any other area of the farm.
Is there an admission fee?
No. According to Windy Hill, there’s no fee to visit the Farm Stand or Cider Bar during regular business hours. You only pay for what you buy and the activities you choose.
Can we bring a picnic?
Yes! The orchard’s FAQ says to feel free to pack a picnic lunch.
We had such a fun time at Windy Hill — donuts, music, and a relaxed fall day with family and friends. Even without U-pick, there’s still a ton to enjoy. And yes, we’re already planning a return visit for those pumpkin donuts.
Windy Hill Orchard
1860 Black Highway, York, SC 29745
(803) 684-0690
Have you been to Windy Hill? Drop us a comment and tell us what your family loved most!
Want to see more apple orchards near Charlotte, NC?
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