North Carolina Orchard Named Among The Best In The U.S.
Do you go Red Delicious first, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp? In preparation for all the apple-picking days ahead in autumn, the Daily Meal published a list of the best orchards in America, and a North Carolina location made the list.
Going to an apple orchard and grabbing the bag or bucket is a popular tradition in the fall season. Kids see how many apples they can squeeze in without spilling over, while parents wonder what the number will be that pops up on the scale.
The 20 orchards highlighted here range from coast to coast. The apples grown at each destination may slightly vary, but the joyful experience does not. Furthermore, they offer the opportunity to make an entire fall day of fun.
“Among the corn mazes, hayrides, and wine tastings, you’ll find a lingering smell of freshly baked donuts and pies and plenty more activities to fill up your day at the farm,” Daily Meal says.
The North Carolina farm that was named among the best orchards in the country is a great example of this. It also exemplifies great tradition and a history of over 50 years.
Sky Top Orchard
Located at 1193 Pinnacle Mtn Rd in Zirconia, Sky Top Orchard is a family operation. They are open 9 am to 6 pm daily. They also offer tours, field trips, and wagon rides. “You can explore the orchard on a tractor-pulled wagon or, if you feel adventurous, shoot the fruit above the lake from an apple cannon,” the Daily Meal states.
In addition, Sky Top Orchard has 22 different apple varieties. Some of them, like the Ginger Golds, are seasonal, however. The property layout offers maps of where you can find each apple type and some tips on how to pick them.
“Ideally, look for little or no bruising, but if you plan to cut apples up for recipes, don’t let a few marks stop you from selecting perfectly tasty apples that may just be a little blemished,” Sky Top states.
North Carolina Has 2 of the Most Beautiful Areas for Fall Colors in America
The fall season is a glorious time in America. From coast to coast, many different areas off beautiful fall colors in radiant reds, oranges and yellows. So, what are the most beautiful spots for fall colors in America?
Peak fall foliage season is different based on where you are located. Some areas of the U.S. see fall colors as early as September, while others peak later on, such as in October or even November. Generally speaking, areas with longer winters will have earlies fall colors, and areas with longer summers will have later fall colors. Most of America hits peak fall foliage season in the month of October. Of course, areas bordering Canada will be the first to see those colors.
If you’re wondering the science behind the fall colors, the color that the leaves become depends on a few factors. Those include the chlorophyll and weather conditions during the summer or fall. Chlorophyll is a pigment that aids in giving leaves their color. In general, big changes from the norm in precipitation, whether it’s getting way too much rain or not enough, can really impact the fall foliage season.
Also, I remember last year, the radiant colors in my area fell off the trees early. The reason was that we had a wind storm come through, so the leaves fell prematurely. I was pretty upset about it, because not only do I like to see beautiful fall colors, I also like to paint fall colors. So, my muse was gone.
That said, if you are in the mood to view fall colors this year, here are some great places to do it. Read on for 10 Beautiful spots in America for fall colors. What are your favorite areas to see fall foliage? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know.
North Carolina Has 2 of the Most Beautiful Spots for Fall Colors in America
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
