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The spring storms really did a number on this year’s apple harvest. I learned this because if your friend groups are anything like mine, the group chats started asking promptly on Sept. 1, “Who’s down for apple picking?” and ever since, the question has been: “Where?”
Jackson’s Orchard (Bowling Green, Ky.)
This orchard has the most interactive opportunities, including a mandatory $5 hayride to the premises for the apple picking, corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pony rides, children’s playground, and face painting. (Heads up: These cost a few dollars each and are mostly cash only.)
But the apples themselves are admittedly “dinged up,” according to the orchard. The blemishes came from a hail storm back in May, but the fruit is still edible.
In response, the orchard is giving two options:
- Pick the apples as usual for half-price and take them home to enjoy.
- Enjoy the experience of picking them at no charge, but contribute your picked fruits to the apple cider bin to be juiced down later.
Apple picking is happening every Saturday and Sunday through October, but you can find more about specific times here.
Shade Tree Farm & Orchard (Adams, Tenn.)
This Tennessee orchard also experienced a lesser crop in 2024, writing on their website: “We did not have a large crop of apples this year, but you are welcome to come try your luck picking – no reservation needed.”
Either way, they do have apples available to purchase in the store, as well as apple cider slushies and apple cider donuts. The orchard is open Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day now through October.
Morning Glory Orchard (Nolensville, Tenn.)
This is NOT a you-pick farm, but it does offer tours through the orchard ($5 for self-guided in late October, or $25 for a taste and see tour incorporating a sample of food and drinks, including your choice of slush, whenever in the season). The orchard offers picnic options (starting at $115 for two people) with charcuterie, slushes, fresh fruit and bug spray. A similar girls night out option (starting at $135) includes hard cider. And there’s even a high tea in the trees (starting at $115).
You can find the full calendar of events here.
Breeden’s Orchard (Mount Juliet, Tenn.)
This is another orchard for those who want the apple eating experience without the work.
You do NOT pick your apples here, but you can get fresh apple cider donuts, slushes, mead and bags of fruit to take home. The full list of events, including yoga and storytime for the kiddos, is on their website.
Pratt’s Orchard (Lebanon, Tenn.)
According to its Facebook page, the orchard closed its peach season in July and has not reopened to the public during apple season.
But you can find their apple cider donuts at Buckeye Corner Farm‘s market the last couple weeks. So keep an eye on their Facebook if the baked good variety is what you’re really seeking.
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