Remembering Bill Carson
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A New Year at the Orchard at Altapass
As we step into a new year, we want to pause and say thank you. The Orchard at Altapass exists because of the people who visit, support, and care about this place. Every season brings its own rhythm, and 2025 was filled with meaningful moments made possible by a community that values history, land stewardship,
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Merry Christmas from the Orchard at Altapass
A Warm Christmas Greeting From the Orchard Wishing each of you a warm and heartfelt Merry Christmas from our Orchard to your home. As we wrap up another year on the mountain, we’re reminded once again how much this place is shaped by the people who walk its paths, enjoy its music, pick its apples,
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Why Winter Matters: How the Orchard Rests & Gets Ready for Spring
When the doors close for the season and the last apple has long been picked, it’s easy to imagine the Orchard at Altapass going completely still. But winter is actually one of the most important chapters in the life of an apple tree — and in the story of this land. The quiet months are
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A Simple Winter Simmer Pot
Bring Home the Scents of the Season: A Simple Winter Orchard Simmer Pot When the Orchard at Altapass settles into its winter rest, the land turns quiet—but the scents of the season are just getting started. If you’re missing the aroma of apples, evergreens, and those cozy mountain notes, a simmer pot is an easy,
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What to Do With Apple Scraps? Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe
Apple cider vinegar checks all the boxes: it’s probiotic-rich, it’s surprisingly easy to make, you already have the tools you need sitting in your kitchen, and it turns leftover apple scraps into something genuinely useful. Most people assume vinegar-making requires special gear or complicated steps, but the truth is far simpler. With nothing more than
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Making the Most of Apples (Past Their Prime)
We know that a day at the Orchard often leads to taking home a few more apples than planned. And while fresh-picked apples are hard to resist, sometimes a few linger longer than we expect. If you’ve found yourself with apples that look a bit soft or wrinkly, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Let’s take
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Free Mother’s Day Fudge
The History of Our Fudge For years, locals knew our handmade fudge got a special touch from a special lady, Miss Charlotte. Her recipe was amazing, and became known throughout our community as “Miss Charlotte’s Fudge.” This year, Miss Charlotte’s sister, Mary Ellen, joined us with her sister’s recipes in honor of her memory. Miss
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Directions to the Orchard
Blue Ridge Parkway Updates Over the years, most of our guests have found us as they enjoy the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Due to Hurricane Helene, the Parkway is currently under repair in many areas. Though the area that leads directly to the Orchard is open– a short stretch from Little Switzerland to Altapass Hwy–many
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March Newsletter
There is a welcome change at the Orchard this time of year. As the winter months draw to a close, the ice melts, temperatures warm, and the sing-song of birds crescendos. Spring is near. Among the Orchard staff there is a growing excitement. Our field crews have been hard at work, readying the trees and