The Ultimate Guide To Asheville and the Western North Carolina Mountains

The Online Version of the Best-selling Regional Guidebook
 

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Western North Carolina Cities & Towns
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To purchase a print of this drawing by author/artist Lee Pantas, visit Cherry Orchard Studio

   Henderson County, North Carolina, is the seventh largest apple producing county in the United States. Its main city, Hendersonville, is home to the famous North Carolina Apple Festival, held every summer. Apple orchards in the county range in size from small family backyard plantings to some over 600 acres. The most popular varieties are Rome, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fugi, and Jonagold. An average of one million mature apple trees are growing on nine thousand acres producing approximately 5 million bushels of apples per year. A drive in the country out Route 64 heading east through Edneyville towards Chimney Rock will take you past some very scenic apple orchards, as well as past roadside stands that sell fresh apples and cider. There are also a number of orchards where you may pick you own apples. Contact the Hendersonville Flat Rock Visitors Center for current listings during the apple harvesting season in late summer and early fall.

Nearby Apple Sources
While visiting the area during apple season, you might want to visit the WNC Farmer’s Market at 570 Brevard Road in South Asheville. This is by far the biggest and best “roadside stand” in the region. In the market square and tailgate section you will find a great variety of apples for sale in any quantity you wish. They are open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Another favorite source for apples in season is Hickory Nut Gap Farm. In addition to their own homegrown apples, they also sell honey, ham, and great cider. To get there take 74A east through Fairview to Hickory Nut Gap and follow the small signs. The stand is located next to historic Sherrill’s Inn. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily during apple season.

Resources
NC Department of Agriculturre & Consumer Services 1020 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699; 919-733-7887
North Carolina Apple Festival PO Box 886, Hendersonville NC 28793; 828-697-4557