Do you know a special needs child or adult who could benefit from a unique friendship? Did you know that the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center offers an Equine Therapy program only 40 minutes from the Upstate? The program works with children and adults who have autism and other physical, cognitive, and emotional disorders, giving them a beneficial activity to engage in.
We have information about their therapeutic riding program and the cost of lessons, so you can get your little one into their program as quickly as possible.
The FENCE equestrian center is just over the state line in Tryon, North Carolina, and under 40 minutes from most of Spartanburg. We have all the information you’ll need to see why the drive could make a world of difference in a child’s life.
For over fifty years, horses have been used as a source of therapy for people with disabilities. The relationship built between the rider and the horse helps those with disabilities lead fuller, more satisfying lives.
About TROT at Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
At the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE), they’ve been offering TROT for over 20 years. Therapeutic Riding of Tryon offers lessons in small classes and individual classes. Each rider is accompanied by multiple volunteers to help guide the horse and as side walkers for safety.
Classes are available for children and adults and strictly follow the standards of PATH, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. Individuals in the North Carolina counties of Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford are welcome at TROT. South Carolina counties of Spartanburg and Greenville are also welcome in the program.
Benefits of Equine Therapy
Equine-type therapy is beneficial to so many. Horses provide a non-judgmental relationship in a rider’s life. It doesn’t take much to fall in love with these horses. Some of the challenges that can be eased by the companionship gained through the classes at TROT are eating disorders, PTSD, Autism, ADD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, and more.
Equine Therapy Course Information
The weekly therapeutic riding courses utilize specially trained horses, and each rider has volunteers supporting them before and during the lesson. Typically, three volunteers are assigned to each rider to ensure their safety.
These courses are based on the needs of each student. They teach riders to do everything that goes along with riding a horse from start to finish. Each student spends hands-on time with the horse before each class, grooming and learning how to saddle the horse. After each lesson, students help remove the saddle, clean their horses, and offer treats.
Courses are about thirty minutes in length and are encouraged to be taken weekly. You can choose to join one of two riding seasons TROT offers in ten-week blocks – March and early June, and another between September and early December.
For those who are unable to ride astride a horse, TROT also offers an unmounted course. These courses include caring for the horse and learning how it communicates, basic horsemanship, and relating the horse’s behavior to humans. The unmounted courses are typically an hour long.
Pricing of TROT
TROT currently charges around $250 for a 10-lesson mounted session and around $100 for a 10-lesson unmounted session. Financial assistance in the form of a “ridership” is available for those in need who meet certain criteria.
The peaceful surroundings at FENCE only lend to the therapeutic effects that the horses have. These majestic creatures are just waiting to help people feel better. For a child or adult struggling with an emotional or physical challenge – the victory of learning to care for, and/or ride a horse is life-changing.
Check out Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC 828.859.9021 Visit the FENCE website.
Have a few hours after school but unsure how to spend them? Local teen Brylan put together this list of school night outings that are perfect for teens. Whether you have one night without homework or many free evenings, you’ll find an idea or two that just might be exactly what you need this school year!
I’m completely able to relate to the desire to get out of the house and do something, but have little to no options for reasonable activities that will have me back home and in bed so I can get a full eight hours of sleep. Believe it or not, there are indeed some fun things you can do with friends or alone on a school night.
Swing Dancing at Upstate Swing
One of my personal favorites, every Wednesday night Upstate Swing hosts a swing dancing lesson from 7 pm – 8 pm and then has a night of dancing from 8 pm – 10 pm. It’s a great way to meet more people and such a fun way to set the tone for the rest of the week! Here’s the Upstate Swing link with details.
Hit the mall
Haywood Mall closes at 9 pm, ensuring that you’ll be back at home at a reasonable time. Maybe it’s just me, but shopping helps me clear my head even if I don’t purchase anything.
Get some outdoor time at a local park
Having an hour or so of exercise in places like Cleveland Park will help you clear your mind and feel great before enduring school the next day. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs through Cleveland Park to Downtown Greenville.
Get a part-time job
If you find yourself nearly dying of boredom on a regular basis consider applying for a part-time job around town to fill up your schedule and make some extra money! See my article on part-time jobs for teens in Greenville here.
Visit a school athletic event
Check the news for the upcoming sports events and support your school! Most school calendars include athletic games so check your school, or visit another school.
Spare Time Entertainment
This arcade/bowling alley/laser tag/escape room haven is super fun for students! Grab some friends and visit! Keep in mind that you have to book an escape room ahead of time.
Go Climbing
There are several places in Greenville where you can harness up and go indoor rock climbing. It’s a great way to get your body moving so you can get a good night’s sleep or focus on homework. Some gyms even offer high school student climb nights. Check out these indoor climbing gyms near Greenville.
While the options for school night activities are few and far between, there are some reasonable mid-week activities that will help you get your mind off school for just long enough to feel refreshed and like you have a life outside of school and homework. If you find a night of freedom, take a step back from the chaos and enjoy an evening without stress. You never know when you’ll get another one.
🧭Explore the best family-friendly hiking trails near Greenville, SC with this comprehensive Upstate SC hiking guide, featuring top hikes by location, age group, and interests like waterfalls, swimming holes, and scenic mountain views.
Looking for a great hike to enjoy with your family near Greenville, SC? Check out our Guide to Hiking in the Upstate! You’re sure to find a new hike to try that’s just right for your family. This is your new go-to guide for hiking in Upstate, SC.
Thompson Family Farms in Campobello, SC offers pick-your-own Upick pumpkins and sunflowers in the fall. Count us in! Thompson Family Farms has a huge pumpkin patch, sunflowers, and a beautiful cut-flower garden each fall. We adore this farm because it is well-maintained, it is run efficiently, the view of Hogback Mountain is perfect for photos with my kids, and everything we have picked has been high quality.
Fall at the Farm: Read on for Upick Flowers, Sunflowers, Pumpkins, & More in September/October
Fall is Here: Fall at the Farm at Thompson Family Farms
Watch! Our Fall Visit to Thompson Family Farm
About Fall at Thompson Family Farm
As the fall season begins, so does the time of year to head down to the pumpkin patch to pick some pumpkins for decorating your home for fall and Halloween. Thompson Family Farms will open their UPick cut flowers on September 13th, 2025. You can pick dahlias, zinnias, and walk through the huge sunflower fields. Pumpkins to come! There will be over 10 varieties of pumpkin to choose from, which is more than I even knew existed. The farm will also have pre-picked and organized pumpkins near the farm stand if you aren’t too keen on picking yours yourself.
While at the farm, you can enjoy a u-pick sunflower field, a pumpkin patch, lawn games, a u-pick cut flower garden ($25 per cup to fill with flowers), a selection of fall crops, and lots of photo opportunities! So, grab your sunscreen and closed-toed shoes (it’s a little bumpy out there in the fields) and head on down to the pumpkin patch at the farm.
Lawn Games at Thompson Farms!
U-Pick Pumpkins
Pumpkins will be priced by size and variety. The farm will have a limited number of wagons to help lug your pumpkins to the car, but they do recommend bringing a wagon if you want to have one out in the fields.
Pumpkins in the field are precut from the vine to ensure that underripe pumpkins are not picked. Any pumpkin still on the vine is not ready to pick, so please do not pull on their stems!
There will also be prepicked pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds, and other seasonal items for sale.
See the Sunflower Fields
Sunflowers
If you love sunflowers (it is hard not to), then Thompson Family Farms has an experience for you! You can mosey through fields of gorgeous sunflowers, and take some gorgeous photos!
The sunflower fields are located in Campobello, SC, right past the Greenville County line into Spartanburg County off of Highway 11. The patch is huge, and overlooks Hogback Mountain, making for spectacular views. There are also several varieties, so you can create an array of yellows and orange colors for your bouquet!
The sunflower fields at Thompson Family Farms
Sunflower Photo Ops: More Than Just the Flowers!
There is not much needed to get some amazing photos, but Thompson Family Farms has created some special areas to get those Pinterest-worthy shots. There is a pallet-style photo backdrop surrounded by sunflowers, a fun “face in the hole” sunflower wall, and even some adorable bamboo bean pole teepees near the entrance that make for some adorable photos.
There are also rows and rows of blooming sunflowers to use as the backdrop of your photos.
Photo-Op at the Farm!
Hours and Pricing for Fall at the Farm
Thompson Family Farms will open for the fall season on September 13th, 2025. They will open through the end of October for u-pick pumpkins, the sunflower field, flower u-pick, Indian corn, and gourds. They will also have additional seasonal items for sale. For updates, including weather changes and sell-out date, check out their Facebook page (Thompson Family Farms Facebook page).
Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm.
Prices: Admission is free, pumpkins are priced by weight
Cut Flower Garden – $25 per Cup
Create your own bouquet of zinnias, dahlias, sunflowers, and more. For $25, you’ll receive a cup to keep, scissors to borrow, and access to stroll and pick from our Cut Flower Garden and Sunflower Field.
Guidelines:
Check in at the farm stand to pay and pick up your cup. One cup admits your group; individuals only need their own if taking home a separate arrangement.
Only touch the flowers you plan to pick.
Stay on pathways.
Picking Flowers at Thompson Farms!
Things to Know Before You Go U-Pick Pumpkins and Sunflowers
The Thompson Family Farms pumpkin and sunflower fields are located at 13830 SC-11, Campobello, SC.
There is a graveled parking area right when you enter the farm to park at.
Be sure to bring sunscreen or a UV umbrella; the farm is mostly unshaded.
Wear closed-toe shoes or boots to protect your kids and your feet from ants, sticks, etc.
The fields are pretty bumpy, so strollers are not recommended. We recommend bringing a carrier if you have smaller children, as the ground has dips and holes that are hard for little feet to navigate.
The farm does have porta-potties if you need to use the restroom.
Bring water! It gets hot out there in the fields.
There are honeybees enjoying some of the flowers, so be careful when picking your flowers to avoid getting stung.
Bring your own food for weekday picnics, though they do have food trucks on occasion (check Facebook for special days)
Fall is just about here and you’re probably hunting the perfect activity to celebrate the season. Local mom Kristina loves Justus Orchard and is telling us why this is one fall road trip you’re going to make into your new family tradition. After all, Justus Orchard offers tons of fun activities for the kids and tasty treats too!
There are lots of great reasons to visit Justus Orchard in the gorgeous mountains of Hendersonville this fall: the apples are delicious, the scenery is peaceful and picturesque, the family who runs the business is very kind and have been running the orchard for four generations, and the apple cider donuts and slushies are delicious. I don’t even like donuts but put one of those in front of me and I’m not going to say no.
Justus Orchards is open every weekend for U-pick through mid-November. They have their delicious apple slushies, apple fritters, apple donuts, fried apple pies, and fruits and vegetables. They also have something new this year: an Apple Cider Float with Apple Crisp Crumbles on top! Yummy!
Their big playground is also open, plus all the farm activities like the cow train and a jumping pillow. They also have a beautiful tap room, another jumping pillow, and more additions to the play area.
I first went to Justus many years ago, only a few months after I first moved to the Upstate. Word was that if you wanted to go apple picking, go to Justus – so I took my then 3-year-old and newborn and went to get me some apples. It’s been one of my family’s favorite apple orchards ever since.
New play area 2024
Easy Apple Picking
I think one of the more fun aspects of actually apple picking are the awesome wagons the orchard has where you can put your kids, uh, apples I mean. It makes it easier to cart everything around.
They also have a map for you to find your favorite apple varieties and have those giant sticks with a little cage at the top so you can grab apples from high in the trees. Their Facebook page and their apple ripening calendar are updated with the latest apple varieties that are in season, which makes it helpful for timing your visit.
The orchard also sells tons of just-picked apples so don’t feel you need to do all the hard work alone or with the little ones, who may tire out before you can fill up your basket. I also thought the pricing for the number of apples was very reasonable and inexpensive. Just have a bunch of good apple recipes for when you get home!
Mid-summer, the orchard opens for blackberry picking. They also have available blueberries, some apples, peaches, and of course, their delicious items from the bakery.
Kid-Friendly Activities at Justus Orchard
Justus Orchard seeks to make the experience of apple picking a memorable one for the whole family. They have two jumping pillows, a huge playground, a picnic area, cow train, and even apple canons.
Playground at the orchard
Justus Orchard has two jumping pillows plus two huge ball-throwing contraptions and corn hole. The views at the orchard are insanely gorgeous and the space is so inviting. There are places to sit and watch your kids or play with them and enjoy the orchard.
All kids activities and barn visits to the animals are $5/person, except the playground, which is free.
NOTE: The jumping pillows are open Friday-Sunday, but the apple cannon and cow train are only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Jumping pillows
During the fall, there are a series of events on weekends, which you can learn about by watching their Facebook page.
Picking (and eating) the apples are a fun activity for children and there is lots of open space for them to run around before driving back home.
New Tap Room
Also new in 2024 is the tap room at Justus Orchard. They have locally made hard cider and beer in a totally enclosed standalone building. They have tables and chairs set up and they offer flights of cider, which is awesome.
Tap Room
The new tap room also has a covered patio right next to the big play area so you can sit and chill out drinking your hard cider while watching your kids get their energy out.
New Indoor Bathrooms
Everyone can rejoice at the new addition of indoor bathrooms at the orchard! The bathrooms are located near the entrance to the kids play area and tap room.
Apple Cider Donuts, Slushies, Pies & BBQ at Just Orchard
The Bakery House at the orchard sells all kinds of delectable apple goodies that you’ll want to try while you are there. They have, among other things, fried apple pies, apple slushies, caramel apples, apple fritters, apple pies, and even coffee.
They also sell apple peelers and contraptions to core an apple.
On weekends, a BBQ food truck sets up shop at the orchard so if you forget to pack a lunch, you can always chow down on some slow-cooked pork while taking in the mountain air.
Take your family to Justus Orchard
Always call ahead before you go just to make sure no extraneous things happened that affected their hours or apples. Be ready to start an awesome family tradition at Justus Orchard!
Justus Orchard Website 187 Garren Road, Hendersonville, NC Open daily, 9 am – 5 pm 828.974.1232
Have you ever taken your kids apple picking at Justus Orchard?
If you’re headed up to Hendersonville, don’t miss our huge guide to Hendersonville, NC. It’s full of things to do, where to eat, and lots of free fun ideas.
If you are looking for cheap fall activities, Greenville, SC has a couple that can include your entire family without going over budget! Spending time together doesn’t have to mean spending lots of money. To help you out, our Kidding Around Greenville team has come up with some amazingly cheap fall outings that you can enjoy.
These outings are all $25 or under in admission fees for a family of 4 and all of these suggestions are outings that are particularly great in the fall. Some of these ideas are even completely free!
Inside: A local mom takes a boat ride on the highest Lake East of the Mississippi River at Lake Glenville, NC, and shares all the best tips to plan a trip there!
You can explore Lake Glenville, the highest elevation lake in the Eastern US, in Jackson County, North Carolina by boat with Lake Glenville Scenic Waterfall Cruises. We did the beautiful boat tour and will tell you all you need to know to enjoy the scenic lake.
Thanks to Jackson County, North Carolina for hosting us and providing the opportunity to take the boat tour.
There’s something really special about mountain lakes. Maybe it’s that crisp mountain air, the ancient hills that loom in the distance, that clear water – whatever it is, that’s where I want to be. So when I had the opportunity to take a boat tour with Captain Mark and his scenic boat cruise on Lake Glenville – the only boat tour company that operates on the lake – I was all in. We got to see waterfalls, a bald eagle nest, and enjoy the beauty of the lake. Plus, it’s only a short drive from Cashiers, so you can add it to your itinerary when visiting the area.
If you adore fall, you may be planning a visit to a local farm with activities your whole family will love. One of our favorite farms is Denver Downs Farm, which offers a six acre corn maze, jumping pillows, zip lines, and much more. We have all the details of the activities they offer this season! The 2025 season begins September 26, 2025 – November 9th, 2025.
Thank you to Denver Downs Farm for sponsoring this article.
As summer gives way to fall and the weather turns a little cooler, I can’t hide my excitement for my absolute favorite time of year. I love sweater weather, boots, and the leaves changing to vibrant yellows and reds. But most of all, I look forward to this time of year more than ever because there is just so much to do that every weekend becomes an adventure.
One particular place that I cannot wait to mark on my calendar during fall is trekking to Denver Downs Farm in Anderson. If you’ve never been, read on because you’ll want to plan your visit just as much as I do.
About Denver Downs Farm
Denver Downs is currently a 250-acre agri-tourism farm, which means they are a working farm but invite people who are interested in learning about the farm. It also means they host really cool events like their annual Fall Festival, which features their nationally-recognized pumpkin patch, corn maze, live music, bonfires, pig races, and Pie Eating Contests.
The farm was started as a cotton farm in the late 1800s and then transitioned to a dairy farm. It was successful, with a milking herd of over 300 Holstein cows at one point, but then the dairy cows were sold in the mid-90s and the farm transitioned to row crops, produce, and beef cattle farming. Mrs. Garrison started giving tours of the farm back when the farm was a dairy farm in the 1960s, around 2001 a corn maze was planted and that launched their next venture into seasonal agriculture tourism!
The Corn Maze at Denver Downs
The first time I heard about Denver Downs was when I was told that the largest corn maze in the Southeast part of the United States was at this farm. Growing up in New Jersey, we didn’t exactly have enormous corn fields to run through, so I was immediately intrigued. Plus, I really wanted to imagine some big-time baseball stars coming out of cornfields (thank you “Field of Dreams”).
Although I’ve yet to see Babe Ruth make an appearance, the corn maze is enormous with 6 acres of corn stalks and paths. It’s also really easy to get lost in, which is certainly half the entertainment – as long as you are willing to let a toddler lead the way.
The Garrison Family, who have owned and operated the farm since 1869, make the corn maze a lot of fun by putting up checkpoints throughout, where maze-goers can use their smartphones to scan the numbers and track their time. We were in the maze for about 15 minutes and only came across one number. If you don’t have kids, have at it.
When you walk into the farm, at first glance it doesn’t look huge. You think you can almost see all of the activities with a quick scan but wow, you are mistaken. There is so much to do, at least a day’s worth of fun. I’ve gotten smarter each time I go and pack more food and water because we stay all day long, literally five to eight hours at least. And we still don’t even get to all of the activities they have.
There is a giant open barn full of hay with rope swings where kids can swing and then jump into the hay. Raise your hand if you want to be the adult in line with the kids? Yes, that was me too and it was a blast.
The list of activities is long including:
zip line
massive mega mountain tube slide
giant tricycles
pig derby
ropes course
sensory sandboxes
two giant jumping pillows
corn hole
tractor tire playground
gem mining
petting zoo
barnyard activities
human foosball
mini-farm house perfect for little kids to play in
swings made from tires that look like horses
spider web climb
arcade that consists of areas where you can test your basketball, baseball and football throwing skills
On the educational side, there are exhibits of crops and signs about how the crops are grown, and how the maze is made.
In addition to more than 35 barnyard activities, they also have a big pumpkin patch, bonfire pits, farm animals, live music, tons of carnival food options, kettle corn, and funnel cake.
Awesome Tube Slide & Jumping Pillows
The farm has expanded every year to add more activities and my favorite expansion so far was in 2022 with the addition of the mega slide.
Denver Downs will again have its massive mega slide, Slide Mountain! I got to try it out and oh my gosh, it was awesome! You can go as fast as 35 mph and there’s even a bridge above to watch people slide down. This is easily one of the most popular activities at the farm.
The expanded jumping pillow area is surrounded by a fence & includes two giant jumping pillows. It’s huge. The pillows are for older and younger kids, which I think is pretty smart, as long I can still go and jump because yup, I’m a big kid at heart.
Pumpkin Light Maze
In 2023, the farm added a new Pumpkin Lights Trail, complete with a pumpkin princess carriage. There is a singing pumpkin light show, carved pumpkin displays, giant candy corn, giant spider webs, and a trail that guests can walk through for a neat experience. It’s right next to the pumpkin patch (of course). It also has lights at night so you can select a pumpkin in the evening if you missed out during the daylight.
You’ll also love it during the day as there are several places to take fun photos and even sit inside the pumpkin carriage. Bring your crown!
11 Reasons to Visit Denver Downs Farm: Parent Review
11: Enjoy being a kid with your kids.
All of the barnyard activities – the jumping pillows, slides, rock walls, games, swinging from ropes – bring out the kid in me. Denver Downs is a place I can just play with my kids. And it’s a lot of fun for all of us!
10: It’s an opportunity to support a local farm.
Denver Downs is a family-run farm that first opened in the late 1800s. By supporting the farm, you are extending that heritage in our region and are able to be a part of history.
9: There are often baby animals, including my favorite: baby goats.
If there are baby goats anywhere, you should go. Or baby animals. They make anyone smile.
8: The music is fantastic.
Music at entertainment venues for families is sometimes just background noise. That’s not the case at Denver Downs. The solo acts throughout the weekend and Saturday night live bands are awesome. You’ll want to hang out and listen by the bonfires.
7: The pig derby is adorable.
Being from the north, I didn’t know pig racing was a thing until I went to Denver Downs. And now I’m the one in the front row cheering on the little guys as they race to get their treats.
6: Go through the corn maze and check off a national bucket list item.
The Denver Downs six-acre corn maze has received national accolades and landed on the USA Today’s 10 Best Readers Choice list seven times! And this year, they are listed in the top 10 Best Pumpkin Patches! It’s the only farm in the state to make theses lists.
5: The fresh squeezed lemonade, Cider Slushies and kettle corn are super tasty.
If you’re going to get lemonade, make sure it’s fresh-squeezed because it’s totally worth it. Plus the Apple Cider Slushies and the kettle corn are delicious. They’ve also got several adult beverages (think Fall Frose!).
4: Adults have just as much fun as kids.
Denver Downs isn’t just for kids – all the barnyard activities can be enjoyed by adults, too. You bet I’ve raced around on the little tricycles and swung on the ropes in the barn and ridden the zipline.
3: You can leave and come back all day and evening.
Many places don’t allow guests to leave and come back, essentially forcing them to purchase not-so-cheap eats at the location. While the farm has reasonable food for purchase, they allow guests to leave and come back the same day. You can bring a picnic for the parking area, or visit one of the many local restaurants and return back to the farm. We usually tailgate out in the parking lot for lunch before heading back in for round two of fun.
2: With over 35 activities and entertainment, the ticket prices include a lot for one price.
Some families will look at the ticket price per person and say that’s not cheap. However, for the number of available activities, it’s reasonable! Other farms and events, like carnivals, you pay individually for each attraction like $5 for a hayride, another $5 for the jumping pillow, $3 for the swing ride and so on. And that’s just for one time on each activity.
At Denver Downs, the ticket price covers all activities PLUS you can do them as many times as you like! The entertainment schedule is packed with live music, pig races, lighted pumpkin trail lights show, and the candy cannon, which you won’t want to miss!
1: It’s one of the best places in the area to make lasting family memories.
Like I said at the beginning of this list, my family makes going to Denver Downs a priority every fall and we look forward to it all year long because we just have so much fun together. It’s quality time that is so precious in today’s busy world, which is just priceless.
Planning Your Visit to Denver Downs
Denver Downs Fall Festival, which includes the corn maze, pumpkin patch, and plenty of family-friendly activities, is open from September 26th to November 9th, 2025, Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays.
2025 All Day Admission is $26.95 per person online plus tax. Flash sale tickets are $19.95 (Pre-sale tickets are 15% off through 9/25). There is also a modest online purchasing fee of less than $2, and credit card fee. Children aged 2 and under are free.
Though it may seem pricey at first glance, the tickets are well worth the cost. You get a stamp on your hand, which allows you to leave and reenter the same day. The ticket price includes all the attractions except concessions, pumpkins, and pick-your-own flowers are extra.
Things to Know: Tips from Parents Visiting Denver Downs
Pets on leash are allowed but expect to pay about $10 per pet for them to enter.
There are port-a-potty bathrooms as well as an enclosed nursing station and changing table area.
My family goes and makes a day out of it. Food selections include barbecue plates, hot dogs, all beef cheeseburgers, and tacos. Special Festival Treats include of course: Fresh Popped Kettle Corn, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Funnel Cakes, S’mores, Cotton Candy, Apple Cider Slushies, Fall Frose, and more.
Bring water (water bottles allowed), sunscreen, and snacks since it can still be quite warm that time of year. With all the running around and playing, it does get exhausting. My preschool-age daughter actually fell asleep on one of the tire horse swings the first time we went.
Admission includes activities like:
Finding your way through the 6-acre corn maze
Jumbo Jumping Pillow
Cow Train
Animal Races
Little Farmer’s Corral
Climbing Wall
Giant Slide
Zip Line
Tug-0h-war
Dodge Ball
Farmin Foosball
Straw Barn Play Area
Corn Boxes
Spider Web Climb
Mini-Maze
Giant Tricycles
Bonfires & Live Music
For more information, visit www.denverdownsfarm.com or head straight there: 1515 Denver Road, Anderson!
Check out our KA Guide to Fall, with over 30 fun places to go and things to do this season near Greenville, SC!
Stepp’s Orchard is a family-owned orchard in Hendersonville, NC. They have u-pick apples, lots of fun family activities on weekends, and pretty amazing cider and pumpkin donuts.
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is the very first u-pick apple orchard in Henderson County and has been in operation for more than 50 years. They know what they’re doing, and we had to go check it out for ourselves. Honestly, I went for the pumpkin donuts. I love apple cider donuts, but pumpkin? Yes, please!
One thing that stood out to me immediately was just how super nice and helpful everyone at the orchard was. They have u-pick apples, pre-picked apples, a big store that sells homemade soap, t-shirts, and honey, a bakery, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a jumping pillow, an apple cannon, and a wagon ride. Some of these activities are only available on weekends, which I’ll tell you about in this review.
Sky Top Orchard has been welcoming the public since 1980 and helping families make core memories for generations. Here’s why we love them and what to expect when you visit this beautiful and fun orchard!
Sky Top Apple Barn
Watch! Things to Do at Sky Top
Experience Sky Top Orchard
The first apple trees were planted at Sky Top in 1967 and the family opened for u-pick apples to the public in 1980 – that’s a lot of time for families to make those core memories together. And that’s what so many families have done for decades.
Sky Top is more than an apple orchard to Greenville natives: it’s a place that they hold near and dear because it’s where they have memories of growing up – and it’s where they want to make those same memories with their own kids.
That’s one of the big reasons why this orchard is so unique. The orchard is truly a family-run business and even those people who aren’t family by blood, they are family by time. Some of the employees we met have worked for the orchard for the past 25 years! And they still come back year after year, which I think says a lot about the culture at Sky Top.
The orchard has more than 100 acres of apple trees, grapes, and peach trees. They offer u-pick apples and peaches starting in mid-August and run through November. They are open daily and all their activities are open, even during the week.
Things to do at Sky Top Orchard
All of these activities are open seven days a week during the season.
Pick Apples
Of course, you’ll want to pick apples while at Sky Top! They offer almost two dozen different kinds of apples, including Gala, Honeycrisp, Candy Crisp, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Cortland, and Mutsu. They have both pre-picked apples and bags that you can buy to go to the orchard and pick your own. The biggest bag they offer will hold between 15-20 pounds of apples and is $30. Prepay at the barn or in the orchard and then go picking! If you have a certain variety you are waiting on, visit their website to see which apples are currently available.
Apple Cannon
If I could stay in one place in the orchard all day long, it would be at the apple cannon. There’s something about shooting apples at targets that is both relaxing and exhilarating. I don’t even know why it’s so fun but it is and you should definitely do it. My daughters and I absolutely loved trying to hit the targets and smash the apples. At the end of the day, the goats are released to the field where all the shot apples are at for dinner so it’s a win-win. The cost is $7 for 8 apples.
Sky Top Apple Cannon
Playground
The big playground has houses to play in, slides, and giant apples to hide in. Most of it all fenced in as well, which is awesome for parents trying to herd their kids. The play area is free to visit.
Bee Train
The bee train is adorable and kids love riding around in it and they all just look so cute and happy. The suggested age to ride is 3+. The ride is $4/person.
Bamboo Forest
I didn’t really expect a bamboo forest at an apple orchard but there it was so I checked it out. It’s fun to run around and hide amongst the super tall bamboo trees (are they called trees?). The forest is free to visit and located next to the barn and gem mine.
Gem Mining
If the kids want to sort through some dirt and sand to find gems, they can certainly do that at Sky Top. And perhaps even cooler is that there’s a history of actual Zircon mining near Sky Top, which you can read about here. The cost of gem mining is based on bucket size.
Hayride
Take a hayride around the orchard and soak up the views of the mountains against the apple trees. It’s gorgeous! The ride lasts about 10-15 minutes and cost $3/person.
Observation Tower
We loved the views from the three-story observation deck at Sky Top. You can see all the gorgeous mountain views plus get a great shot of the orchard from the top. It’s free to climb and near the back parking area.
Animal Barn
Sky Top has an unusual animal at the barn: a peacocks. Several of them actually. They are so pretty! You can purchase animal feed ($3) if you want to feed the ducks, peacocks, bunnies, or turkey.
What to Eat at Sky Top
Sky Top Orchard has added some tasty treats this year and have plans to add even more to the menu.
Sparkling cider and pizza
Apple Cider Donuts
No surprise here but the orchard churns out some pretty amazing apple cider donuts. They are absolutely delicious and hot and sweet and soft and all the good things that you would imagine a cider donut to be. Get a dozen. Or several.
Apple Pies
Sky Top makes full apple pies and crisps and also individual baked apple hand pies. Everything is made from scratch. They also bake from-scratch apple bread and cookies, including a GF Snickerdoodle Cookie.
Pizza
New in 2025 is Pie in the Sky Pizza shop at the orchard. The pizza is made at the orchard and they offer a cheese or pepperoni pizza. Karolyn has worked at the apple orchard for 18 years and she is the one who stretches out your pizza and makes the magic happen in the kitchen and just loves to serve guests. She’s loving the new pizza parlor! As a pizza snob myself, this pizza was pretty good. It was nice and cheesy and filling. Yum.
Apple Cider Doughnut Float
Also new in 2025 is the Apple Cider Doughnut Float, a cider slushie with soft service ice cream. This is absolutely delicious and is topped with a donut. Your eyes will eat this creation first as it’s so pretty. And it does not disappoint – absolutely a must-try at Sky Top.
Sky Top Apple Cider Slushie
Sparkling Cider
Yet another 2025 product is the sparkling cider made at Sky Top. I’m not a huge fan of sparkling water or soda but this….this I could drink every day. I don’t know what it was that made me want to have it all the time but it was darn good. The flavor is exactly like the apple cider sold at the orchard and the bubbles aren’t overpowering.
Farmers Market
The small farmers market inside the barn has some awesome items for sale: local honey right from the bees at the orchard, jams, and jellies. They also have pottery from local makers that is gorgeous and comes with apple recipes.
Field Trips & Private Events
Sky Top is the perfect spot for a fun field trip! The orchard also does a great job accommodating large groups with hayride tours, apple picking, and educational programs which teach kiddos everything they could want to know about how apples grow through the seasons. Their field trips are geared for ages 3-10 but they can certainly tailor the educational components to be suitable for middle and high schoolers. They can accommodate groups as large as 300!
And if you’re looking for a unique corporate event or something as delightful as a baby shower, Sky Top can host you and your group. They have a beautiful barn with plenty of seating and a stage for a covered space plus you’ve got the whole orchard to roam. Just contact them directly to arrange your event.
Accessibility & Crowds
Sky Top has massively improved their accessibility and crowd control. They have a brand new paved path that goes from the big barn at the entrance all the way down to the apple cannon. This makes managing a stroller or wheelchair a thousand times easier.
Making cider donuts
And while crowds can be an issue at any apple orchard during the fall season, Sky Top has spread out their space where you can purchase pre-paid bags at more than just one location. The pizza place and cider slushie spot are further apart and overflow parking are at multiple areas, just follow the signs.
Tips for visiting Sky Top
Be sure to check out Sky Top’s FAQs for tips before you visit.
They accept credit cards! While the donut shop still takes cash, as does the orchard, you can pay for everything with your credit card.
Weekdays are ideal for visiting Sky Top. Fall weekends can get really busy but the orchard is spread out so you may only have to wait a bit for their donuts (which is worth it).
Wear sneakers or other walking shoes that are okay to get dirty.
Sky Top has real bathrooms and a space to change a baby’s diaper in the family restroom. Yay!
Apple varieties are planted in accordance of when they are in season. They plant the earliest apples closest to the entrance and it progresses further away as the season goes on. In other words, the later in the season you visit the orchard, the further you will need to plan on walking to pick apples.
Pets on leash are allowed at the orchard but not inside the barn.
Visiting Sky Top Orchard
Here is their picking schedule (which lists available varieties). All the activities at the orchard are available seven days a week, not just weekends.
Sky Top Orchard is open seven days a week from 9 am – 6 pm starting September 1. From mid-August to August 31, they are open daily 9 am – 5 pm.
