Apple season has officially arrived!
With an abundance of apple varieties throughout the fall, this time of year is perfect for both locals and visitors to indulge in one of nature’s sweetest treats. From fresh-picked apples to delicious creations like apple cider, doughnuts, and slushies, autumn wouldn’t be complete without enjoying these seasonal delights. Whether you’re picking apples straight from the tree or savoring them in all their forms, Rumbling Bald is the perfect place to experience apple season to its fullest.
Here are a few of our top spots and tips to enhance your apple-picking adventure:
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville is the place to be for classic farm fun and an authentic taste of autumn. This family-friendly farm offers acres of apple varieties ready for picking, along with a five-acre corn maze, a jump pad, apple cannons, wagon rides, and more. You can explore the orchards yourself with a you-pick experience or opt for pre-harvested apples that are available for purchase. Be sure to treat yourself to one of their famous apple cider doughnuts, made fresh daily—an indulgence that’s as much a part of the experience as the apples themselves.
Grandad’s Apples
Just a short drive away is Grandad’s Apples, a family-owned orchard that’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its vast selection of apples, Grandad’s also features a corn maze and bakery brimming with fall treats, along with a cow train and apple cannon (both open only on weekends). Their apple cider doughnuts, ice cream sammich, and Mountain Glacier are a must-try. While the orchard can be bustling on weekends, a pro tip is to visit during the week or arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Apple Picking Tips
To fully embrace the season, take a stroll through the rows of apple trees and hunt for the perfect bushel. Here are some tips to make the most of your apple-picking adventure:
- Choose Wisely: A ripe apple should come off the branch with a gentle twist and pull. If it requires force, it might not be ready yet.
- Mind Your Step: Be cautious as you walk; fallen apples can make the ground unstable and attract bees.
- Know Your Favorites: Apples ripen at different times. Check the orchard’s harvest schedule to ensure your favorite varieties are available during your visit.
- Apple Storage: To keep your apples fresh, store them in airtight plastic bags, such as Ziploc-style bags, and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Place the sealed bags in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. Avoid washing the apples until you’re ready to use them, as moisture can cause them to spoil faster. Keep in mind that some apple varieties store better than others, so check the type for the best results.
Experience Fall at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure
Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure serves as the perfect hub for fall excursions in Western North Carolina. Its stunning location and endless activities make it the ideal destination for enjoying apple season and beyond. Choose from a range of vacation rentals, whether you’re looking for a cozy condo for two or a spacious mountain home for a larger group. While you’re here, indulge in our on-site amenities, including quality dining, two professional golf courses, a spa and salon, lake activities, and private beach access.
Whether you’re here to enjoy apple picking or simply soak in the beauty of fall, Rumbling Bald offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Don’t miss the chance to experience apple season in one of North Carolina’s most picturesque settings.
ABOUT RUMBLING BALD
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Lure and embraced by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald offers a secluded haven that remains easily accessible from several metropolitan areas. Whether you’re coming from Charlotte, Asheville, or Raleigh, North Carolina, Knoxville or Nashville, Tennessee, or Greenville or Spartanburg, South Carolina, our retreat is a mere one to five hours away. The enchanting property boasts two distinct 18-hole golf courses: the W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and the Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley.
With 120+ vacation rental homes, condos, and studios, Rumbling Bald caters to groups of varying sizes, providing captivating views of both the golf courses and the mountains. After a round of golf, unwind at Legends on the Lake — a casual dining spot nestled along the serene shores of Lake Lure. or at The Gardens Restaurant — an elevated casual dining experience overlooking the championship greens of our Bald Mountain Golf Course. Additionally, a limited number of lots are available for those looking to build their dream getaway homes or explore existing home re-sales.
Beyond golf, Rumbling Bald offers a plethora of amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours and rentals, tennis, pickleball, a full-service Spa & Salon, and hiking trails. Families can relax by the Trout Stream Pool or enjoy the Lazy River, meandering through the outdoor pool area where guests unwind under fan-cooled covered seating. Rumbling Bald stands as the perfect base camp for those eager to explore the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Our most cherished assets lie in the natural wonders that envelop us, providing a canvas to craft lasting memories, find tranquility, and foster connections. Disconnect to reconnect here at Rumbling Bald. Whether you’re most at home wandering the trails amid the Blue Ridge Mountains, floating or fishing the serene waters of Lake Lure, or challenging yourself on one of our championship golf courses, there’s something for everyone to discover here. Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure — close to home, far from it all.
For more information, visit www.rumblingbald.com or contact us at 828.694.3000.
