I think we have just stumbled upon one of the best orchards in North Carolina. I have heard alot of great things about Grandad’s Apples and went to confirm the rumors of awesomeness. I can confidently say all the hype is real. Take just one bite of their apple cider donuts and all doubts will melt away like the soft cinnamon dough in your mouth. We spent an afternoon taking in everything there is to do on the farm and it was the perfect way to experience a fall day trip.

The first thing we did was head to the kid’s area. With an inviting large haystack, how could you say no? Our girls challenged themselves by jumping off the tallest hay bale while we found our way to a hay maze. This brain teaser kept us busy as we tried to figure out this fascinating farm puzzle. I eventually got it, but I have to admit it took me a long time, so no shame if it takes you a while too. The pumpkins particularly caught my attention not just for their iconic orange color but also for the wide variety offered.

When we travel to a new place, we do our best to soak in every opportunity we can, so we buy tickets for every attraction they have on the farm. The first up was a classic fall pastime, the corn maze. Apparently, we are much better at corn mazes than we are at hay mazes because we made quick work of this fielded conundrum. Next up was the cow train. This adorable ride takes kids (and adults) in painted cow drums towed behind a tractor on a tour around the farm. Each cow is even named, which makes it even more enduring. 

The cow train was a long ride, so we enjoyed the shade under a massive weeping willow tree by the pond while we waited. This was also right next to our next activity which was the apple cannon. This powerful tool shoots apples at an alarming speed towards a billboard in the water. A loud bang ripples through the orchard when we hit the sign as we watched the exploding remains of that apple fly through the air in every direction. Nothing like a little wanton destruction to get the blood pumping. 

Don’t fresh off-the-tree apples taste better than most apples? I certainly think so and when it comes to fall traditions my absolute favorite is to go apple picking. At Grandad’s Apples, we went deeper into the orchard to get to the succulent fruits and it felt like an exciting journey to get there. We pursued the rows of trees to find the biggest and best low-hanging fruit (Pun intended). I thought this would have been my favorite part of the day until we visited the bakery…

If you do only one thing at Granddad’s Apples make sure you visit the bakery and maybe get one of everything, seriously, it is all that good. I recently discovered the pleasure of apple fried pies (I know what kind of southern I am if I haven't tried a fried pie by now, but I rectified it!), and that was my choice at the bakery. My wife chose apple pie ice cream, and I have never tasted anything so delicious! The apple cider donuts were slightly crispy on the outside and super soft and spongy on the inside. I had to channel master-level self-control not to eat the entire dozen. They even had apple cider slushies. I have never heard of such an epic combination, but it works brilliantly. Everything found in the bakery was worth the trip alone!

I think we have found a new favorite orchard to visit and this will now be a tradition for us each year. If you haven’t visited Grandad’s Apples then you owe it to yourself to indulge all of your senses at this incredible farm. Pick up some cute pixie pumpkins for home decor and bite into an apple cider donut; trust me, you won’t regret it.

Looking for one of the best orchards in North Carolina? Grandad’s Apples is the place for you. To learn more about the farm, please visit the Grandad’s Apples website. 

It’s fall y’all, so it is the perfect time to go on a road trip to find some of the best fall foliage in North Carolina.