Have you visited Grandad’s Apples? Fall is just around the corner and your family might be hunting for the perfect apple orchard! We checked out Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such and had so much fun. You’ll find activities for kids at Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such, beautiful views and, of course, apples.
Opening date for the 2022 season is July 29, 2022. Check the orchard’s facebook page for updates about varieties available for u-pick.
For more places to pick apples this fall read our Guide to U-Pick Apple Orchards.
Hendersonville, North Carolina is known for its delicious apples and it’s easy to see why on the drive up to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such. There are a handful of orchards within a few-mile radius and several farm stands all selling the delicious fruit. On my quest to find the perfect apple picking experience, I headed on over to Grandad’s, which I heard was pretty awesome.
They didn’t disappoint.
The Orchard at Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such
Stepping out of the car at the orchard, there is an immediate sense of fresh air tinted with that fruity scent of apples. The mountains loom in the distance at the orchard and the cornfields run as far as the eye can see.
Cider Donuts and More at the Bakery
Moving into the bakery and country store part of Grandad’s is a whole other level of apple goodness. Cinnamon and sugar dominate the senses and running to the nearest register to buy an apple cider donut becomes the most important task ever. The owners of Grandad’s were smart because guests have to go through the bakery in order to enter the orchard – quick thinking right there.
The line for the bakery starts at the front of the store. Just look for the bakery signs. Don’t be too annoyed if you find a long line of folks waiting to purchase baked goods. The line goes pretty quickly and its worth it.
The bakery sells everything from cider donuts and pies to cups of cider and coffee.
Farm Store at Grandad’s
On the other side of the building you’ll find the cashier for the farm store and this is also where you’ll prepay to pick your own apples. The store has local honey and jams to buy, fall and apple home decor, as well as apple peelers and even special baking things designed to make it easy to bake apples.
Pick your own apples at Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such
When you apple pick at Grandad’s [Offering U-Pick as available—check Grandad’s Facebook page for updates], you prepay for your apples and then head out into the orchard to do the actual apple picking. The staff will let guests know which apples are ready to be picked and tell you where to go in the orchard. They have little wheelbarrows to use, which makes it easy to load up. If you can’t fill your bag in the orchard, you can easily fill it up with the pre-picked apples back at the store.
Kid-Friendly Activities at Grandad’s
Besides apple picking, Grandad’s has a huge five-acre corn maze and a cow train. They are all $5 each per person and open on weekends only. (Note that the playground has been removed and the animals rehomed.)
And they even have an awesome apple canon to shoot apples from into a pond – or try to hit a cutout of Bigfoot! It’s $5/person for a handful of apples and even if you don’t do it but watch, it’s really fun.
When I went, I packed a lunch for all of us and after apple picking, we ate on the picnic tables overlooking the orchards out towards the mountains. It was just gorgeous. You’ll find a few more tables down by the pond under a spectacular weeping willow tree.
Stay at Grandad’s
New in 2023 is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage right on the apple orchard that sleeps up to six people that guests can rent out. Pets are allowed. Not only is the cottage on a beautiful piece of land but it’s very close to hiking, waterfalls, breweries, and downtown Hendersonville.
Plan a visit to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such
Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such
2951 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC
828.685.1685
Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Check out their Facebook page for frequent updates on the types of apples they have ready and any changes to their schedule.
Do your kids love to go apple picking?
Hendersonville, NC
There are so many amazing things to do in Hendersonville. If you’re headed up to pick apples, don’t miss out on more family fun, especially Team Ecco Aquarium and the FREE Apple Valley Model Railroad.