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.
If you want to add on other activities in Hendersonville for your day trip, try the free train museum, the Carl Sandburg home, the Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens, or the Team ECCO aquarium.
Looking for more apple orchards? Here are the best U-pick apple orchards near the Upstate.
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.
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.
In 2024, Justus Orchard added another jumping pillow 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.
NOTE: The jumping pillows are open Friday-Sunday, but the apple cannon and cow train are only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
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.
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
Visit the Justus Orchard website.
Visit the Justus Orchard Facebook page.
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.
