Harvest time is here again, and with it comes some of our favorite annual traditions: stocking up on crisp fruits and seasonal vegetables, fresh-cut blooms, and of course, all things pumpkin.
Whether you’re shopping at your local market or taking a day trip to one of the region’s destination farms to pick your own produce, we’ve created your cheat sheet for celebrating the best of fall flavor and florals in the South. Pull on a cozy flannel, load up the car, and make the most of the autumnal season.
Apples
On the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains throughout Virginia and North Carolina, the climate is ideal for apple trees—and there are plenty to pick from. For instance, less than an hour’s drive north of Roanoke, the century-old Gross’ Orchard in Bedford welcomes apple aficionados every fall to delight in the mountain-grown varieties for which the region is famous, like Golden Delicious, Stayman, and Winesap—just to name a few.
Further south, near the Pisgah National Forest—a drivable day trip from Knoxville, Tennessee, Charlotte, or Asheville, North Carolina—The Orchard at Altapass promises the chance to taste heirloom apples the way nature intended. Here, the fruit is more than just a healthful snack or delicious ingredient for baked goods; it’s a history and science lesson. Check the calendar for enlightening and entertaining activities designed to preserve Southern Appalachian history, heritage, and culture—from pollinator gardens and natural habitats to live music and dancing.
Meanwhile, the circa-1967, family-owned and operated Sky Top Orchards in Flat Rock, North Carolina, sits atop Mount McAlpin, about 40 minutes from Asheville by car, and well worth the drive for the 3,000-foot views—plus the bounty the elevation produces. Beginning in September, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Fuji, Mutsu, Cortland, Ida Red, and more varieties are all ripe for the taking. Or, plan a trip in October if you prefer varieties such as Ambrosia, Arkansas Black, Blushing Gold, Cosmic Crisp, EverCrisp, Gold Rush, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Rome, and Stayman Winesap. Pre-picked apples are also available at the fruit stand, and guests can stay updated with the latest offerings via social media.
See our fried apples recipe here.
Leafy Greens
When it comes to getting the full health benefit from your green vegetables, eating what’s locally in season can maximize how many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you actually consume. Luckily for Southerners, there is no shortage of hearty greens to choose from during your next grocery haul, including arugula, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, collards, spinach, and turnips.
Pumpkins & Squash
When the calendar flips to October, Atlanta’s famed road traffic turns away from the city and toward North Georgia, where cabin retreats, mountain air, and pumpkin patches abound. Favorite destinations like Alto’s Jaemor Farms, Dawsonville’s Burt’s Pumpkin Farm, and Milton’s Scottsdale Farms—just to name a few—have attracted generations of families who come for the scenic views as much as they do the pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and shades. After carving your jack-o’-lantern, save the seeds to roast for a crunchy snack or an ingredient to mix into salads, pesto sauces, or baked goods. And while pumpkins are by far the most popular, they aren’t the only autumnal squash in season on offer. Acorn, butternut, and spaghetti are also just a few of the dozens of healthful veggies that make for beautiful, fall decor as much as they do a hearty soup.
Sweet Potatoes
There’s a good reason that Thanksgiving tables across the South typically include bright-orange sweet potato soufflés and pies. While this starchy root vegetable can be harvested as early as August and until the first frost, their flavor is most delicious in late fall, when the starches have turned sugary sweet. According to the American Diabetes Association, opt for medium-sized potatoes that feel heavy in your hand and avoid those with bruises or spots. Store your potatoes in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard for up to a week, rather than a cold refrigerator, which makes them too firm to cook properly. Best of all, baked sweet potatoes are often enjoyed with two more in-season Southern-grown delicacies: pecans and sorghum.
Dahlias
When the heat of Southern summers finally begins to subside, dahlias—which also blossom in springtime’s modern temps—come alive again. In October, look for these sunset-hued, pinwheel-like flowers with long, sturdy stems at farmers’ markets, florists’ departments, and u-pick farms, such as Hope Flower Farm and Winery, located on 25 lush acres in Virginia’s Loudoun County. The brainchild of esteemed floral designer Holly Heider Chapple, the picturesque property regularly hosts events and offers educational workshops. On select dates, guests can sip hard cider bottled onsite from local apples and cut their own blooms—priced per stem or by the bundle. Tip: Harvesting at just the right time helps cut stems last longer in a vase.
Find more Southern recipe inspiration here.
