Harvest Time in Apple Valley
Just east of Hendersonville, North Carolina, is a fertile valley that is the fourth largest apple growing district in the United States. Over thirty varieties are grow here, and for a month at the end of summer, growers are busy gathering the bounty from their orchards. Because of a certified micro-climate area known as the Isothermal Belt, winters are shorter, and late season hard freezes are rare here.
Everywhere, large apple crates are filled to overflowing with every color apple you can imagine.
Trees are still heavy with juicy fruit waiting for their chance to head for market…
These apples have a little more ripening to do before their time comes..
Goldenrod and Red Bush tell you that autumn is not far away.
Behind Grandad’s Apple House, weekend visitors marvel at the view across orchards and corn fields. Hendersonville hosts its annual Apple Festival every Labor Day weekend, and thousands turn out to sample the sweet fruit.
Of course, I had to bring some of these delectable fruits home to enjoy, along with a large jug of homemade Apple Cider.
The sweet smell alone was worth the visit.
Living in The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina- A Blog 
Thanks Vann……I must say I love the pictures and I also love apples……..just beautiful and it is hard to believe it’s harvest time! Thanks for sharing.Patsy
I bet the air smelled wonderful. Good pictures! Diane’s daughter is getting married. Last weekend I went to a darling bridal shower in Lake Forest. The hostess was a friend of hers from high school and had been the youngest bank CFO in Chicago. But here is the interesting part. Her very good looking husband, the cardiologist, is a Helms from NC. He said his family is from Monroe. He did genetic testing and is 100. English. I could see a family resemblance in that he had dark eyes and great hair A really nice guy, who put up with a lot of ladies. Your distant cousin????
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I remember our stay with you and the market by the side of the road. I made lots of “apple stuff” from the ones we bought that day. Do you have a favorite? I like cutting them up and eating with a small schmear of “cookie butter” or almond butter. Protein, fiber and antioxidants all in one yummy bite.
I can’t wait to go get some.
Don
Beautiful photos as always!! I just love your creative eye : )
Thank you so much Tipper. It comes from my heart. Vann
Very much enjoyed your pictures. Thanks! Ruth B., Broadview Heights, Ohio
Thank you, Ruth… Vann
Vann,
You’re one of the best photographers that’s been on Tipper’s blog. I’ve sent my two girls many of the nice scenes on your Blog. And welcome to North Carolina! …Ken
Thank you Ken, for those kind words. I have been smitten by these Mountains, and I can’t seem to get enough… Vann
Reblogged this on Living in The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina- A Blog and commented:
What a way to start Autumn, and the apples are so delicious.