Our thoughts are with all who have been impacted by the coronavirus.
As part of our concern and enduring commitment to the health and safety of our employees, visitors, and surrounding communities, we have decided to postpone our opening until June 1. All performances and events scheduled for May have been canceled. All efforts will be made to reschedule at a later date.
The status of the remainder of the season? The answer can only be “we don’t know.” We are taking it one day at a time, continuing with both optimism and vigilance. We hope that the doors of the red barn will open later this spring, but this global crisis is evolving exponentially. For now, please keep us on your calendar, your trip to the Orchard open, and your spirit encouraged.
We will post the latest information about our events on Facebook and our website. Please continue to follow state guidelines for safety. Be well. Keep dancing. And remember, the online store is still open for business. Thank you.
Welcome to the Orchard at Altapass, one of the most visited locations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. For the last quarter century, we have diligently worked to "save the good stuff"—the regional traditions, culture, and the land on which all was built. We're accomplishing that by propagating the best 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. Bring your dancing shoes. There's room on the floor for all. And your walking shoes. You don't want to leave without a walk through the apple "forest." Bring your appetites for the apple pie alamode and Apple Core Grill delights. 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.
Eighteen North Carolina heirloom apple trees are being planted in a designated location at the Orchard. They represent the O’s commitment to “Save the good stuff” by keeping it local. We are offering these trees for adoption. The cost is $100.
Here’s how it works. When you purchase a share, you'll be able to help prune, harvest, or just volunteer to assist the field crew in their orchard work (their schedule). Or do nothing at all! And each share will allow you one peck of apples from the orchard each season while the trees are growing or from your own tree when they start bearing fruit. You’ll receive an adoption certificate, and adopters will be recognized in the mini-orchard. Fill out the Adoption Inquiry or email for more information. Adoptions are limited!
Here’s how it works. When you purchase a share, you'll be able to help prune, harvest, or just volunteer to assist the field crew in their orchard work (their schedule). Or do nothing at all! And each share will allow you one peck of apples from the orchard each season while the trees are growing or from your own tree when they start bearing fruit. You’ll receive an adoption certificate, and adopters will be recognized in the mini-orchard. Fill out the Adoption Inquiry or email for more information. Adoptions are limited!
APPLES
GENERAL STORE
APPLE CORE GRILL
FOR KIDS
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, why 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.
PreserveProtectEducateLocal Weather
While you're visiting us, take a beautiful and relaxing hike through our many Orchard Trails and unwind!
Altapass Foundation Sponsors & Partners
