Randolph Co. farm provides you-pick, fall experience for the family
Temperatures might still be scorching in central North Carolina, but fall activities are beginning to pop up in the area.
While you might think that pick-your-own fruit applies mostly to strawberries or blueberries, a Randolph County farm brings fall flair to the activity.
In September, you can sign up for an Apple Pickin' Adventure at Millstone Creek Orchards, located at 506 Parks Crossroads Church Road in Ramseur.
Pick-your-own apples is offered by the orchard every Saturday in September. Reservations are required since the apple crop is limited.
On the orchard's website, you can sign up for the time slot that works in 30-minute increments from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
When you arrive at the farm, you'll be greeted by friendly workers excited to share the orchard with you. After a quick explanation about the farm, you'll climb on a tractor for a hayride down to the orchards.
The type of apple you will go home with depends on what is ripe that day. The varieties offered at the farm are Honeycrisp, Cortland, Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Red Fuji, Aztec Fuji, Pink Lady, Arkansas Black and Gold Rush.
Once you get to the orchards, you can take as much time as you would like to fill up the quarter peck bag provided. In order to have enough apples for everyone, you can only fill up the bag provided. But, if you want to bring home more apples, there's plenty available in the Apple Barn at the orchard.
After filling up your bag, orchard employees will take you to see the other items being grown including peaches, blackberries and pumpkins.
Pick-your-own apples costs $21.45 per person after tax, and includes a free apple cider slushie to drink.
The adventure doesn't end there — you will also get a apple cider pressing demonstration. Kids that still need to burn off energy can enjoy the Kiddie Korral playground. Meanwhile, adults can relax near the water listening to live music or pick up a wide variety of apple-centric items from the Apple Barn.
If you aren't able to attend the pick-your-own adventure in September, the farm also offers an Apple Orchard Adventure on select Sundays in September. The adventure includes a hayride, apple tasting, slushie and pre-picked bag of apples.
Apples aren't the only pick-your-own item the farm offers in the fall. Pumpkin picking is available every weekend in October and pecans are available to be picked in November.
