Head to the Mountains

Orchards Await

By Guy Smith

September brings Labor Day, football, an occasional break in the sweltering central South Carolina weather, and loads of free community concerts and events. It also means that the mountains begin to call those that listen.

One of the joys of living in Lexington County is the ability to be at the beach or on a mountain within a matter of a few hours. Either direction brings beauty and a welcome diversion, but September in the mountains means it is apple time! My wife and I have, for years, planned a fall trip (or two) to the South Carolina upstate or the mountains of Western North Carolina. We plan time to sightsee, dine, shop for antiques that we do not need, attend a play at Flat Rock Playhouse, and buy bags of delicious apples.

Every year we frantically check the orchard websites to find out when our favorite varieties are available, hope that we can find a good play during the same ripening window, buy tickets, make a hotel reservation, and head up I-26. On the way we have a low key competition to see who spots a mountain first (Little Mountain in Newberry County does not count). Occasionally, but only briefly, we take a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway (my wife gets carsick even quicker than I do).

It is not a fancy or extravagant getaway, but it is what we do. The play is always entertaining and interesting for all ages (support live theatre wherever you are). We always find something to buy at an antique shop, despite the fact that we are running out of space to put things. Last year in Hendersonville, I found a pottery jug from Jugtown Pottery in Seabrook, North Carolina. I knew the value better than the seller for once and I got a real steal. I think I got it for about ten dollars less than its value. Small victories matter.

The apples, apple fritters, apple cider, and apple donuts are always delicious. I favor Evercrisp and Gala, but it’s all a matter of taste. One of my best buddies likes rock hard Arkansas Blacks. As with everything else in life, everyone has a right to be wrong.

So, as the temperature begins to drop, and you begin to think that there must be somewhere with a real fall season, load up the car and head to the hills. Make it a day, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay. Keep the agenda simple and take in the sights, tastes, and aromas.

If you drive far enough up, you can begin to see the leaves changing. If you like to hike or camp, you have hundreds of options. If you want to get as high as you can east of the Rockies, head to Mt. Mitchell. If you take a child, or better yet a grandchild, you can pick your own apples.

Whatever you do, make it a point to slow down. The mountains aren’t going anywhere. They have been there for eternity. If you miss something, you can head back next fall.

We might see you there!