In order to get pumpkins around here, one usually hits a grocery store or one of the churches. However, I have been trying to find alternative ways to find our pumpkins to support the local farmers and make it a special trip. So I began researching orchards and farms in the area. I was a bit surprised to find that many of them charge an admission fee. Fortunately, I found one that did not.

Sky Top Orchards is about a 30 minute drive south of us in Flat Rock. It was a very gorgeous drive. We also discovered why this orchard is called Sky Top, it sits right on the top of a mountain. Usually that causes problems for me and my fear of heights but this one didn’t feel like I was particularly at the top.

Upon arriving, I inquired with an employee on how exactly things worked. He showed us a map with the available apples that we could pick. I had not planned on picking apples but at $1.25 a lb I figured why not? We usually pay around $1.66 a lb at the grocery store! We grabbed a bucket and headed to the marked areas on our maps. We came in late in the season so there wasn’t much we could pick from. I want to go back next September when we can get a good variety and make lots of apple butter.

We filled our basket up very quickly with some Pink Ladies and Granny Smiths. Fortunately we have some Red Delicious here at the house so that I can make some apple butter overnight (I do mine in the crockpot).  We really enjoyed ourselves in the orchards and picking apples. We then went back to the building to pick out a pumpkin. At 50 cents a pound, I spent more than I would at the grocery store. But really, it was worth it.

Next year I want to throw in a Hayride. At $2 per person, it would be well worth it!

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