Getting a jump on fall...

September 1st has arrived and although the temperatures don't make it feel like fall we are ready to embrace this next season. We got up early on Saturday morning and headed into the mountains of NC (about 45 minutes away) to Sky Top Orchards for some apple picking. We were told by some of Tom's co workers that this is prime apples picking time, especially our favorite variety, the McIntosh.  We wound our way up a twisty and winding road to the top of the mountain. The view during the drive was beautiful. Our ears popped as we drove closer and closer. This orchard sits on top of a mountain in Flat Rock, NC. We arrived right at 9am when the orchard opened and we were not disappointed.The temperatures were cool with a beautiful breeze, a nice change from the humid 90 degree temperatures at home. We unloaded from the car, got our orchard map and plunked 2 kiddies into the wagon. 

 

We grabbed an empty bushel and headed out into the orchard.

The terrain was a little tricky for our littlest walker and our less than four wheel drive capable wagon. We all got a work out this morning! Poor Will, wanted to walk around so badly, but the whole orchard was very hilly, the ground was still wet with dew and there were whole and slippery, mushed apples everywhere. He was slipping and sliding, tumbling down a little hill after rolling on one apple and landing on his face on another. He is a very independent little guy and did not like being held. He would ride in the wagon for short stretches, but took this time to throw all the apples we had picked out onto the ground. Will loved getting to pull the apples from the trees branches and he laughed and giggled every time one "popped" off the branch. 

Getting ready to toss that one out. 

Jack loved the orchard too. Prior to leaving he asked me if Michael would be meeting us at the orchard. Michael, his cousin, is who we have always gone apple picking with. He was very sad to learn that it would JUST be us this time and still doesn't understand how far away RI is. Once at the orchard, he had fun running up the rows, picking apples from the trees and "cleaning up" after Will when he would throw the apples out of the wagon. As we headed back toward the farm stand we spotted, what I later identified using Google as a RAT SNAKE. A HUGE black snake coiled up and slithering on top of a shed and then slipping inside through a hole in the side. 

On top of the world! 

Working hard to pull the wagon up the hill

Both smiling and sort of looking at me...quite the rarity. 

Brotherly love?

 At the end of our picking, we paid and loaded up the car. There was still so much to do and see here. We ended up meeting up with Tom's boss and his family, The Tierney's, who have made coming here a family outing for many years. We chatted while the boys played on a huge playground. Meanwhile, Tom stood in line for the other thing this place is known for....APPLE CIDER DONUTS! You can watch them being made while you wait in line and then there are many tables to sit at to enjoy them. Tom brought 2 dozen to the table and we called the boys to join us! The warm, soft, sticky and sweet donuts were a perfect end to our time at Sky Top. There were plenty to share with The Tierney's and we all left with some to take home!

We spent 2 hours at the orchard and farm and still left some things to do for next time. There are farm animals you can feed, a bamboo forest to explore and there will be more donuts! We are excited to have found and enjoyed the morning at Sky Top and look forward to returning soon. 

Once we got home and washed all of our apples we started planning what to do with them. At the end of the weekend, I had made an apple crisp and apple sauce, both delicious! I am planning to make some apple chips and maybe some apple cinnamon oatmeal too. I love watching Jack and Will attack an apple too. The only time Jack will eat the skin is if he is holding the whole apple. Will ate right through to the seeds. An added bonus-our house has smelled amazing too!