Farms

At the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies this gorgeous farm and orchard, which is not only a working farm but also a popular wedding venue.
Besides a pick-your-own experience, Chattooga Belle Farm also offers cabin rentals, a bistro for lunch and dinner, disc golf, and an amazing variety of exotic fruits like Asian pears, figs, pawpaws, and persimmons.

2023 season-opening date: Farm store is open year-round – Check the Chattooga Belle Farm Website  for daily updates on available options.

Dogs are allowed, but not in the fruit areas or inside dining. They are allowed for outside dining and the disc golf trail.

Offers:
Restaurant serving lunch and dinner
Cabin rental
Event Venue
Disc Golf
Distillery
Pre-picked apples, table grapes, wine grapes, peaches, and more.
Farm Store

Aw Shucks Farms is located in Monroe, NC, just 20 miles from Charlotte. They offer regular hours for the public in the fall only.

Fall Season runs September 23rd through November 6th, 2022; Friday – Sunday
Fall activities are available on weekends and include food, bonfires, a pumpkin market, a corn maze, wagon rides on Saturdays and Sundays, an animal barn, a train car, a grain bin slide, hay bales to climb, and fishing on Saturday and Sunday.
Pricing: Adults are $12/ Children $10, Children under 3 are free. No animals are allowed.

Carolina Corn Fest is hosted by Aw Shucks Farm on September 17th, 2022. They also host The 13th Acre Haunt in October and Burger Fest in May.

Spring and Fall field trips are available on weekday mornings, with structured activities for $10 per student/parent.

Birthday Party Packages are also available from March to Mid September.

Apple picking is a delight at Coston Farm with the mountains as a backdrop to the orchard. Like other orchards, they also offer delicious baked goods and apples already picked for sale.

 2023 season-opening date: August 18, 2023

No pets allowed.

Offers:
U-pick apple orchard from August – October
(See their apple ripening calendar for different varieties)
Farm Store with pre-picked apples, pumpkins, and fall decor

Opens the weekend before Thanksgiving and remains open until they sell out of trees. 

Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily

This choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm offers Carolina Sapphire, Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Virginia Pine, and White Pine trees.

The farm also has farm animals and a North Pole mailbox.

Opens November 24, 2022 through December 23rd (or until sold out.) 

Hours: 9 am to dark (about 5:45 pm)

Both Choose and Cut and pre-cut trees are available. Varieties include Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Virginia Pine (limited), Carolina Blue Sapphire (limited), Carolina Blue Sapphire (limited), Eastern Red Cedar, and a few White Pines. Wreaths made onsite are also available as well as tree stands and other accessories.

Annual Pumpkin Patch: September 24 – October 31, 2022; Open 7 days per week. 

Hodges Family Farm is located just north of Charlotte’s Uptown and offers goods for purchase, an annual pumpkin patch, weddings and events, an antique tractor show (October), farm tours, and several agility competitions. They also participate in the Davidson Farmers Market.

During fall, there are barnyard animals, hay mountains to play and climb on, picnic areas, and photo opportunities.
Saturdays and Sundays have food for purchase, with weekend parking being $5.

They also offer school field trips during the fall.

Note: Pumpkins are field placed.

Shelby Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch offer fall activities including parties, an 8-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, and more. They also offer a haunted maze in October at night. There is a section of the haunted maze appropriate for younger crowds, with the rest of the maze being for older participants.

Fall Season runs September 17th – October 30, 2022, Friday through Sunday. Weekdays are reserved for large groups.

Farm admission is $13 for ages 3 +, Haunted Pass is $15 for ages 3 +
There are courtyard activities, mazes, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and over 40 other attractions to participate in.

Open 9 am – 5 pm November 19 – November 20 | November 25 – November 27  

You select the tree and they cut, bale, and tie it. You also have the option to cut yourself. Cut Fraser Firs, live Fraser Firs (for planting), and wreaths are available.

Santa visits on all of the above dates! 

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Best Family-Friendly Farms

Located in a picturesque part of Hendersonville with views of the mountains, Justus Orchard is the perfect place to go apple picking. Their apple cider donuts are also a treat not to be missed. This apple orchard in Hendersonville, NC was one of the first in the state to invite customers to not only buy apples already picked but allow visitors to go into the orchard and pick their own apples.

Open for 2023 season
Check the Justus Orchard Facebook page for current u-pick status, before heading up. 

Gala Apple Upick opening day: August 11th, 2023

Well-behaved dogs on leash allowed and owners must pick up after them.

OFFERS:
Blackberries – July thru August
Apples – Mid August thru Early November
Bakery
Apple cannon ($)
Jumping pillow ($)
Cow Train ($)
Playground

Don’t miss our Kidding Around Review of Justus Orchard for all the details!

You can cut your own Christmas tree down at Moss Tree Farm in Cashiers, NC.

2022 Opening Hours:

Hours of operation are subject to change. Only trees that have ribbons on them are being sold. They sell Fraser Firs.

Check their Facebook page for updates on hours and availability of trees and wreaths. You can also preorder your tree or wreaths for choose and cut!

This choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm is located in Pickens County offers a variety of trees to choose from: Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, White Pines, and Thuja Green Giant. They also offer pre-cut Fraser Firs and handmade wreaths. The farm has a playground area that includes a large playhouse, see-saw, and a fun tunnel with Santa Sleigh & Reindeers.

Hours of operation are Sunday through Friday 1 – 6pm and ​​Saturday 9 am – 6 pm.
In previous years, the farm has opened the weekend before Thanksgiving. 2022 Dates are TBA.
They usually sell out at the beginning of December, so check their website for updates before heading out.

Twisted Apple is an organic farm and retail outlet. They generally do not offer u-pick, but it is one of very few places to purchase local organic apples. They do offer baked goods and a variety of apples to purchase.
Check their Facebook page for updates.

2023 Opening date: August 19, 2023; no u-pick for 2023

Dogs allowed but not in the bakery.

Offers:
Organically and conventionally grown apples
Baked goods
Apple beverages
Retail farm products.

Jeter Mountain Farm is the result of more than 150 years of farming history in the Hunsader family. Located on 411 acres near Hendersonville and Brevard, this farm offers Choose N’ Cut Christmas Trees, plus u-pick includes berries, peaches, pumpkins, grapes, and over 20 varieties of apples. Be sure to check the Jeter Mountain Farm Harvest Calendar to see what’s ready for picking. Important to note for the tractor enthusiasts in your family, orchards are accessed via tractor ride!

2023 season: Get updates for availability on their Facebook page.

• Open weekends 10-5 as of July 2023 for u-pick berries.
• Apple U-pick Begins August 12, 2023.
• Pumpkins will be available in early October, 2023.

Pets are not allowed at the u-pick orchards, inside the market, inside the tap room, coffee shop, and wagons. 

Offers:

U-pick Apples & other fruits according to season
Market with pre-picked apples, apple cider, apple cider donuts, and other goods
Hard Cider Tap Room
1813 Smokehouse
Covered play area

Don’t miss our Kidding Around Review of Jeter Mountain Farm!

Opens November 27th, 2022 and remains open until December 25. 

Hours: Monday – Friday noon  6 pm, Saturday 9 am – 6 pm, Sunday 1- 6 pm

Choose & Cut Carolina Sapphire, Leyland Cypress. Pre-Cut Fraser Firs also available.

Activities: Shop with unique ornaments and other gifts, and play area for the kids with a zip line.

Apple Hill Orchard opened for u-pick apples and flowers August 12th, 2023

They are open 9 am-6 pm Monday-Saturday

• bakery
• farm market
• To pick, purchase a Picking Pass, and you will also need to pay for the apples you pick by container size ($3 per person picking pass- Ages 2 and under are free)

2022 Season opens November 19th, 2022

Beck’s Christmas Tree Farm offers a variety of choose-and-cut as well as pre-cut trees including Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, Naylor Blue, Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, and Murray Cypress. They may have a few Fraser Fir available, but it is not confirmed.

Fresh wreaths and tree stands are also available.

Opens September 17 for Fall Season

Wise Acres is a USDA organic produce farm that offers U pick strawberries in mid-April to early June, Sunflowers from June to July, and U pick Pumpkins from mid-September to mid-November.

On location is Wise Pie Pizza to purchase food and drinks.

They offer wagon rides, a barrel train for ages 12 and under, climbing and swinging structures, farm animals to meet, and locally made products for purchase.

Lineberger’s Farm is located in Dallas, NC, just 30 minutes from Charlotte. The farm offers U pick, a farm store, and a seasonal pumpkin patch.

Fall season begins in mid-September. 
Admission is free, with tickets purchasable for activities, including wagon rides for $6.50, duck and chicken feeding for $0.50, and more. Pumpkins are not u pick, but they do offer a free pumpkin with the purchase of a wagon ride. Pumpkins can be purchased in their store.

U pick seasons: strawberries (mid-April – June), blackberries (June – July), sunflowers (July & October), muscadines (September – October), and greens (September – October).

Bush N Vine Farm is located in York, SC, just 40 minutes South of Charlotte. The farm is over 150 years old and focuses on producing fresh produce. They offer U pick produce as well as pre-packed produce for purchase.

Fall Season runs the late September to the end of October.
Fall activities include u pick pumpkins, food for purchase, wagon rides, observation bee hive, hiking, and more.

Hours: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 6 pm (pumpkin patch closes at 5 pm)

U Pick Seasons: strawberries (mid-April through May), blueberries (May through July), blackberries, (June through late July), peaches (summer), flowers (June through October), and pumpkins (mid-September through October 31st).

Bush N Vine participates in the Ag and Art Tour that occurs annually throughout SC.

Primarily known for their incredible peaches, Fishers Orchard also grows apples that are available for picking in the fall (call for exact dates).

No U-Pick in 2023.

Offers:
U-pick peaches in summer
U-pick apples in October
Produce, vegetables, and pumpkins throughout the year

With over 20 different varieties of apples, you are bound to find a favorite at Grandad’s Apples N’ Such. They also have a bakery on-site that sells pies, donuts, caramel apples, and cider. Activities for kids include a corn maze, cow train, and a huge pumpkin patch where kids are bound to find their ideal pumpkin.

 2023 season-opening date: August 11, 2023

Due to the late frost, the apple crop is limited at Grandad’s. They let us know u-pick is TBD but apples will be available in the farm store.

All pets must be leashed and picked up after while visiting.

Offers:

Offering U-Pick Apples as available**—check Grandad’s Facebook page for updates,  there may or may not be U-Pick in 2023**
Pumpkin Patch (late September – October)
Farm Store and bakery
Corn Maze ($)
Cow Train ($)
Apple Cannons ($)

Check out our fun fall day at Grandad’s in our Kidding Around Review!

The owners of the Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill got their start 20 years ago when they wanted to create the perfect apple cider (they apparently succeeded). Their main apple variety is the Stayman Winesapp and u-pick opens up in late August. The orchard asks that everyone 2 years of age and older have their own pre-purchased bag before heading into the orchard. They also have weekend events that include live music.

 2023 season-opening date: August 17, 2023

Offers:
U-pick Apples
Farm Store with baked apple goods
Hard Cider Tastings
Cider donuts
Apple cider slushies

Open 50 years, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard are experts on organizing their orchard for u-pick. They begin their family fun and farm activities in mid-August and invite you to bring a lunch and spend the day at the orchard.

Open August 18, 2023. Check their Facebook page for up-to-date info on what’s available for picking.

Offers:
U-pick Apples
Grapes
Sunflowers
Farm Store
Picnic Space
Corn Maze ($)
Jump Pads (on weekends) ($)
Apple Cannon (on weekends) ($)

Patterson Farm is located just north of Charlotte in Mt. Ulla, NC. The farm offers educational tours, a produce market, seasonal events, and more.

Fall Season begins September 24th, 2022 through November 5th, 2022

Fall activities include a barnyard, playground, corn maize, hayrides, train rides, pumpkin patch visits, and more.

Hours: Monday – Friday : 12 – 6 pm; Saturday – Sunday : 9 – 5 pm
Admission: Monday – Friday : $13 per person; Saturday – Sunday : $15 per person
Pumpkins are sold separately from the admission price. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

Open Thanksgiving Day, November 24 – 27. 

In years past, this farm sold out of trees in early December, so please check with the farm before heading out. At May-Lan, you can cut your own tree or choose a pre-cut tree. Currently, there are not dates for December on their calendar.

General store offers hot chocolate, cider, marshmallow roasting (weather permitting) and other treats. As well as wreaths, garland, bows and more.

Offers:
Christmas Tree Farm
Farm Animals

Located in beautiful Hendersonville with views of the mountains, Pilot Mountain Pears is the only dedicated Asian pear orchard in the area. They have more than 5,000 Asian pear trees and will open in 2023 for their third u-pick season.

Opens for 2023 season August 25, 2023
Check the Pilot Mountain Pears Facebook page for current u-pick status, before heading up. 

Asian Pears Upick opening day: August 25th, 2023

No pets allowed.

Offers:
Asian pears – Late August – Early October
Bakery
Picnic area

Millstone Creek Orchards is open daily for u-pick with lots of themed weekends throughout the fall with activities.

• bakery
• hayrides
• pumpkin patch in the fall
• u-pick pecans in November
• live music
• animal visits

No pets allowed.

Red Wolf Farm is located north of Charlotte in Maiden, NC. They offer special events, field trips, weekend pumpkin patch activities in October, and more.

Fall season for 2022 begins October 1st, 2022. Opened Saturday and Sunday until October 30th.

Fall activities include a corn maze, hayride, a kids corn maze, large play structures for kids, corn “swimming”, inflatables, pumpkin bowling, concessions for purchase, and more.

Hours: 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday; school field trips all other days of October.

Admission: $8.00 per person, children 2 and under are free

2022 Season begins November 23rd, 2022 (by reservation only)

Closed on Thanksgiving.
Hours: Trees are limited in 2022. Make a reservation for a tree in advance. A reservation cost of $50 will be applied to the tree you choose. Open November 23, 25, 26, 27, December 3rd, and 4th.
Hours are from 9 am to 4 pm.

Prices: $79 – $209 depending on the height of the tree

Activities: Santa will be on-site November 23, 25, 26, 27, and December 3rd. 

Riverbend Farm is located in Midland, NC, a short drive East of Charlotte. They are only open in October for field trips, fall activities, and a pumpkin patch.

Fall season begins in October. They are open 7 days a week, afternoons and weekends.
Monday- Friday hours: 3:30 pm to 6 pm
Saturday- 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday- 1 pm to 6 pm

Fall activities offered include several unique slides, lots of photo opportunities, a farm-themed playground, a picnic area, an animal barn, wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, and more. Pumpkins are $0.50 per lb and are field placed.
Admission is $6.00 for ages 2 and older. 

2022 Season opens on November 19th, 2022

Frasier Firs will be available starting November 20th.
They offer pre-cut Frasier Firs, as well as a variety of choose-and-cut trees.

Hours: Thursday, Friday, and Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
Saturday, open 9 am to 6 pm

2022 season opens on November 19th.

Trees, wreaths, and garlands are available for purchase.

Choose & Cut and Pre-Cut trees available. Varieties include Blue Ice, Virginia Pine, Carolina Sapphire, Eastern Red Cedar, Fraser Fir, White Pine, and Leyland Cypress.

Hall Family Farm is a 4th generation farm located in Lancaster, SC just south of Charlotte. The farm offers birthday and group parties, Hall’s Kitchen dining, Fall season events, Spring season events, school tours, and more.

Fall Season: 7-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch ($0.70 cent per pound), hay ride, activities for kids, pedal go-karts, and more. There is no admission fee. There is a corn maze ($10.00 per person ages 3 and up), as well as a kids corn maze ($2.99 per person ages 3 and up). Tent with bonfire rentals are also available starting at $75.00 for 4 hours.

Spring Season: Pre-picked and U-pick strawberries, musical hayride, kids activities, and food/ drink for purchase. Hayrides are $3.50 for ages 3 and older (all ages allowed). They also have gem mining and a kids playground.

Just a few miles from the Chattooga River, Bryson’s Apple Orchard is also close to gorgeous waterfalls and many of the hiking places that KAG has recommended (so maybe hiking and apple donuts one day this fall?). The Long Creek area, according to their website, is one of the “largest apple producing areas east of the Mississippi River.”

 2023 season-opening date: July 28, 2023 for apples at the stand; no u-pick apples this year but they will have prepicked apples available.

Offers:
Prepicked apples
Asian pears (Asian pear crop ruined by a late frost in 2021) 
fresh peaches 

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Outdoor Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Farms

A KAG reader favorite, Sky Top Orchard offers mountain views, ponds with ducks and geese, farm animals, play structures, and apple and fruit trees. Don’t miss the amazing apple cider donuts. Last year there were some concerns about Sky Top getting too crowded so maybe try to go during the week if you prefer smaller crowds.

2023 season-opening date: Sky Top WILL HAVE U-Pick in 2023.

• Open weekends as of end of July for donuts, wagon rides, and farm store apples, follow their Facebook page for updates. 
• Apple Upick Begins August 3rd, 2023

Dogs on leash allowed but not in the fruit stand.

Offers:
U-pick apples
Farm Store with Cider donuts
Farm animals
Wagon Rides
Playground
Gold Rush Gem Mine 

Don’t miss our Kidding Around Review of Sky Top Orchard

Blueberry Thrill Farm offers U-Pick blackberries, blueberries, and tomatoes. They also sell peaches and other produce with occasional u-pick. Visit them select Saturdays in the fall for apples, pumpkins, and muscadines. Dates TBD.

The best way to see what Blueberry Thrill Farm is currently offering is to check the Blueberry Thrill Farm Facebook page.

Carrigan Farms is a 5th generation farm that specializes in produce, educational tours, special events, and swim parties. Advanced registration is required for U pick seasons.

Fall pumpkin picking begins October 1st, 2022 – October 31st, 2022and includes a hay ride, petting zoo, and a u-pick pumpkin from the patch. The cost is $14 per person.
They also offer a Haunted Trail in October.

Apple picking begins September 6, 2022, through September 25th, 2022, and includes a hay ride, petting zoo, and a half peck bag for picking apples. The cost is $14 per person.

Strawberry picking begins in late April.

Sunflowers bloom in September.

Carrigan farms offers swimming throughout the summer in the quarry. Reservations must be made ahead of time. You can read our Kidding Around review on the quarry.

Knob Creek Orchards offers homemade ice cream and lots of local produce, including apples.

• No U-pick
• Produce grown on the farm
• Homemade ice cream