The Orchard at Altapass

09/03/2026

Tomorrow evening, we’re gathering at the Orchard for a special night of music — and we hope you’ll join us. ❤️

Randy Flack, a longtime Orchard friend and supporter, will be joined by our own Sam McKinney for an evening of music and memories beginning at 5:30 PM.

The $10 admission goes directly toward supporting the Orchard Music Program. That program is about more than putting music on the pavilion stage. It’s one of the ways we share and preserve the music, stories, and traditions that are part of the Appalachian experience.

We’re grateful for the people who help make that possible — whether by coming to an event, bringing a friend, or simply showing up to enjoy an afternoon or evening at the Orchard.

🎶 Friday, September 4
5:30–7:30 PM
$10 at the General Store register

The General Store and Apple Core Grill will be open until 7 PM. Come spend the evening with us!

1025 Orchard Rd., Spruce Pine, NC

09/03/2026

There’s something pretty special about watching a monarch emerge from its chrysalis.

This one recently emerged in our indoor monarch habitat, where visitors have the opportunity to see this remarkable transformation up close. We also maintain a butterfly garden to provide food and habitat for monarchs and other pollinators.

Sometimes, we get to take that experience one step further. When a monarch emerges in our care, we occasionally invite a young visitor to release it back into the wild.

Before they go, we tag them. And sometimes, their journeys take them much farther than we could imagine. We’ve even had people contact us from Mexico after finding one of the monarchs that was released here at the Orchard.

Our mission includes protecting the natural features of this special place, including its pollinators and other wildlife. But preservation is also about helping people experience and understand the natural world around them—especially the young people who will one day be its stewards.

A butterfly emerging from its chrysalis may seem like a small thing. But the opportunity to witness it, learn from it, and help send it on its way can create a connection that lasts far beyond a visit to the Orchard. 🦋

09/02/2026

There’s a lot happening at the Orchard this week! 🌄 We’re open Wednesday through Sunday, and there’s plenty of time to make plans for a visit.

🎶 Friday evening: Join us at 5:30 PM for a special fundraiser featuring longtime Orchard friend and supporter Randy Flack and our own Sam McKinney. This duo's Appalachian-rooted songs and stories have been part of the Orchard experience for years, and we’re excited to share an evening of music with both of them.

🚜 Sunday: We’re bringing back our popular Children’s Music Tractor Ride at 2:30 PM! Storytelling tractor rides also continue Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 PM.

And, of course, there’s live music in the pavilion — Ruglifters on Saturday and Sound Traveler on Sunday, 2–4 PM. 🎵

Come spend some time with us this week!

General Store: Wed–Sun, 10 AM–5 PM
Apple Core Grill: Fri–Sun, 11 AM–4 PM

08/31/2026

🎶 A special tractor ride just for our younger visitors! 🚜

This Sunday at 2:30 PM, hop aboard for a Children’s Music Tractor Ride with Suzie & Gary Solomon of Southwind String Band! Enjoy music, mountain scenery, and a fun ride through the Orchard. 🎻🎶

The ride is $10 per person and includes our special FREE scoop of ice cream—your choice of a cup or cone! 🍦

And children’s music isn’t the only way to ride! Storytelling Tractor Rides are also offered, sharing the history and stories of the Orchard and our mountain community.

Visit us here for details--->>> https://altapassorchard.org/tractorrides

08/28/2026

Make plans for a day in the mountains this weekend! 🌄

Join us Saturday and Sunday for a tractor ride through the Orchard at 12:30 PM. Tickets are available at the register in the General Store.

Then stay awhile! Montana Ridge takes the pavilion stage Saturday and Southwind String Band plays Sunday, with live music from 2–4 PM. 🎶

The Apple Core Grill will also have two weekend specials to enjoy while you’re here. Come ride, eat, listen to some good music, and take in the Blue Ridge views!

General Store: 10 AM–5 PM
Apple Core Grill: 11 AM–4 PM

08/26/2026

It’s another good week to come spend some time at the Orchard! 🍎

We'll kick off some music Thursday with our Music Jam. Open to all--bring an instrument and join the fun.

Our storytelling tractor rides are rolling again Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 PM. Tickets are just $10, and the FREE scoop of ice cream promotion continues this weekend! 🍦 Come a little early to grab your ticket—the tractor departs promptly at 12:30.

Then settle in for some music: Montana Ridge will be with us Saturday, followed by Southwind String Band on Sunday. Two great ways to spend an afternoon in the mountains!

Take a look at this week’s schedule and come see us. We’ll be glad to have you!

08/22/2026

🚜 **Tractor rides are back!** And we’re kicking off the season with a little extra treat.

Join us Saturday or Sunday at **12:30 PM** for a ride through the Orchard — just $10, and this weekend your ticket includes a **one-scoop cup or cone of ice cream!** 🍦

Rides leave promptly at 12:30 PM and seating is limited, so come a bit early to purchase your ticket and grab your seat.

After your ride through the Orchard, enjoy live music in the pavilion with Terry McKinney on Saturday and Seth & Sara on Sunday, both from 2–4 PM. 🎶

And while you're here be sure to visit the Apple Core Grill, serving a turkey panini special from 11 AM–4 PM.

Come spend a summer afternoon with us! 🌄

08/22/2026

08/19/2026

There’s a lot to look forward to at the Orchard this week! 🍎

We’re kicking off our storytelling tractor rides this Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 PM. And for this weekend only, your $10 tractor ride ticket comes with FREE ice cream—your choice of a one-scoop cup or cone! 🍦

Come a little early to get your ticket, because the tractor departs promptly at 12:30.

And of course, there’s music! Terry McKinney, a longtime friend and supporter of the Orchard, joins us Saturday, followed by Seth & Sara on Sunday. Both bring a fun mix of music that’s sure to get some feet tapping.

Take a look at this week’s schedule and come spend a little time with us in the mountains. We’ll be glad to see you! ❤️