Welcome to The Historic Orchard at Altapass ~ Saving The Good Stuff ~ Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Orchard is Open

Wednesday-Sunday

June-October

10 to 5

Covid-19 Update

Even though all indications point to a healthier, COVID-free summer, we all still want to be on the safe side of the pandemic and want the same for everyone with whom we come in contact. We encourage social interaction. Masks are no longer required but strongly urge visitors inside the barn to wear them. Sanitizer will be available at the store entrance and exit.

Live music is coming back on the Olin Hefner Pavilion. And we are thrilled. The need for social distancing on the pavilion has been relaxed, allowing DANCING to return. We are hoping to bring back the "heyrides" in late June. (General maintenance including new tires needs to happen first.) It will motor on down the road at 11 AM and 1 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. We look forward to a great 2021 with lots of activities, adventures, and apples.

Welcome to the Orchard at Altapass, one of the most visited locations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. For over a quarter-century, we have diligently worked to "save the good stuff"—the regional traditions, culture, and the land on which all was built. We accomplish that by propagating the best heirloom apples possible (with the least amount of chemicals) and hosting activities for all ages that educate and entertain.

We invite you to come for a visit. You don't want to leave without a walk through the apple "forest." Bring your appetites for the hot apple pie alamode with hand-scooped ice cream. Pick your own apples or purchase them in our General Store (in season). Return to a simpler time for an hour or an afternoon at the family- (and pet-) friendly Orchard At Altapass.

We are "over the apple trees with this exciting news!
Read all about it "Bringing Back the Music"

You miss it. We need it.

Help us move into the future by remembering the past.

APPLES

Varieties

U-PICK

U-Pick ~ mid July

GENERAL STORE

In the Red Barn

MUSIC ~ MUSIC

In the Pavilion

Music In The Pavilion

2:30 to 4:30
All Welcome ~ All Free

June 19 ~ Buffalo Cove
June 20 ~ Sound Traveler
June 26 ~ David Wiseman
June 27 ~ Homegrown

July 3 ~ Seth & Sara
July 4 ~ Town & Country
July 10 ~ Don Pedi
July 11 ~ Ruglifters Trio
July 18 ~ Down the Road
July 24 ~ Soundz so Fine
July 25 ~ Good Ol' Boys
July 31 ~ Eric + Addie

ORCHARD FOUNDATION

Bill and Judy Carson and Kit Carson-Trubey founded the Orchard at Altapass in 1994. Please listen to Bill as he relates how it came to be and why it's important. Take a bite into the Orchard—just an appetizer for the whole pie.

SAVING THE GOOD STUFF

In 2011, TED Talks asked Bill Carson to tell his story—how he became involved with apples, traditional music, and the preservation of a culture and heritage of the Altapass region along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Our Mission

The mission of the Altapass Foundation, Inc. is to preserve the history, heritage and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains; protect the underlying orchard land with its apples, wetlands, butterflies, and other natural features; and educate the public about the Appalachian experience.

Altapass Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public non-profit and depends on the generosity of donors to fund programs that support this mission. Click here for information about becoming a member or to make a special donation.