Apples have been grown continuously at Apple Hill Orchard since 1930. The original orchard was purchased by Harley Prewitt, Sr. in 1955 and has been owned and operated by the Prewitt family for more than a half century. With 22 acres of trees producing 7 varieties of peaches, 2 varieties of nectarines and 15 varieties of apples from mid August through Christmas Eve, folks can visit the bucolic Burke County orchard for fresh grown apples, tasty ciders, and apple-flavored treats baked on site.
Fifteen types of apples grace the orchard's trees each year. That list begins with Ginger Golds in late July and ends with Limbertwigs in late October. Available in between are Gala, Arlet, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Red Rome, Cameo, Stayman Winesap, Fuji, Goldrush, Granny Smith and Pink Lady. The owners listen to what people are asking for and have added a few varieties over the years. The apples range in price from 70 cents to $1.25 a pound, depending on the total weight.
In addition to picking apples, visitors can arrange educational tours during the week or enjoy wagon rides on Saturdays. Education tours must be pre-arranged for any week day morning; in the afternoon, tours are available to be pre-scheduled for church, civic, or other groups. There is a fee for the tours which are by reservation only except for the Saturday Wagon Tours. On Saturdays the rides depart every 45 minutes from 10:15am to 3:30pm on a first come, first saved basis for a small fee.
No apples from Apple Hill go to wholesale packing houses. The majority are brought by visitors, while some are used to make apple cider at the cider mill to supply the Country Store and several other orchards. The apples are also used in fried apple pies, whole pies, apple cakes, wonderful cookies and breads made on-site and sold at The Country Store. The apple cider donuts are unlike any you have ever tasted before.
We encourage you to visit and share our family tradition. We hope that it will become a family tradition for you, too!
Apple Hill Orchard is located in Morganton at 2075 Pleasant Hill Avenue. Hours are Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm throughout the season which runs mid-August to Christmas Eve. There is no admission fee, just a small charge for the wagon ride. For more information, visit applehillorchard.com or call 828-437-1224.
