Going apple picking has been on my fall bucket list for years, but I could not find an orchard close to Charleston.
Finally, I stumbled upon Blue Sky Orchards in Bluefield, and they offer u-pick Golden Delicious apples.
And when I say stumbled, I mean I made a very intentional two-hour trip south simply so I could have this fall experience.
Located at 4121 Sandlick Road, the orchard is not far from the main road, and there was a small sign pointing in the right direction. After I made that initial turn though, I wasn't quite sure where to go.
I started off on a turn to the left because I could slightly make out some trees. There aren't a ton - maybe a dozen - and it wasn't long before a gentleman met me at my car.
He said I could park right where I was and I told him I only wanted a handful of apples, and he showed me the way into the fence and let me pick in peace.
It was quite lovely, actually. The birds were chirping, and I was slowly going from tree to tree to inspect for the best apples.
Of course, the little dark spots and imperfections give the apples character. They are not commercialized and sterilized and whatnot. They're real.
Apparently the u-pick is fairly new. The farm, which was called Nappalachian Farm, had a previous owner who wanted to start a winery.
So, when the the new owners took over this summer, they had peaches, grapes, apples and blueberries fruiting. They did u-pick with the blueberries and apples this year.
Such a fun way to spend a day! Have you been?
