October is the time of year to select a pumpkin and carve into a scary Jack-O-Lantern to ward off evil spirits on Halloween, make delicious pumpkin pies – or visit an orchard, pick apples and pick up that tart and tangy fall beverage apple cider. On the Grand Strand we are fortunate enough to have Indigo Farms for pumpkins, apples and other produce but if you would like to visit an actual apple orchard, a few are listed below that would make a great overnight trip.
Indigo Farms, Hwy. 57 (4 miles east of Hwy. 9), Little River 843-399-6902
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Don’t miss Farm Heritage Day on October 6 and Pumpkin Day on October 20. On Pumpkin Day you will find pumpkin painting, a pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin (on Saturday mornings), pig races, a hay maze, hay rides, old farm games, music and even a hog calling contest! Capture the beauty of the night with after dark hay rides (available by reservation). For those with a sweet tooth, the bakery has released its new pumpkin roll available during October and November. There is also lots of produce, along with fall flowers, apple cider, fresh grape juice available at the on-site market. Be sure to visit the barnyard and see the live animals. Great family fun!
http://www.indigofarmsmarket.com/
Blue Haven Orchards, 12508 Long Creek Hwy, Long Creek 864-647-2855
Blue Haven Orchards has been growing apples since the early 1900’s and “pick your own” apples. They operate a packing house and a roadside market and press their own cider. Reminds me of a mill near my hometown up in Central New York State. Blue Haven also offers four flavors of cider slush including free samples! A wide variety of jams and jellies, pickled vegetables, local honey, sorgum syrup and local vegetables are available when in season. BHO is approximately six hours from the Grand Strand.
Chattooga Belle Farm, 454 Damascus Church Road, Long Creek 864-647-9768
Chattooga Belle Farm is a 138 acre “pick-your-own” farm in the shadow of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains – and is known for their yummy apple relish. Apple syrup and dutch apple preserves are some new products CBF has to tempt your taste buds. At the Farm you will find orchards and vineyards with apples, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, muscadines and grapes. The muscadine wine, made from their own grapes, is full of antioxidants and other beneficial properties. It has been shown to be 40% healthier than red wine. Last year it sold out fast and they say this year’s batch is even better! There is also a general store with a fantastic assortment of South Carolina made items. CBF is approximately six hours from the Grand Strand.
http://www.chattoogabellefarm.com/
Bryson’s Apple Orchard, 1011 Chattooga Ridge Rd., Mountain Rest 864-647-9427
Bryson’s also presses their own cider and has free samples. “Pick your own” apples are available through mid October. More than 14 varieties of apples can be found at the Orchard. They also have a large selection of jams, jellies, canned goods, along with honey from their bees, sorgum syrup and local vegetables when in season. BAO is approximately five and a half hours from the Grand Strand.
http://www.brysonsappleorchard.com/
Take advantage of the season and check out some of these fabulous fun Fall favorites!
