Discovering NC Agriculture is a year-long series focusing on twelve N.C. grown, raised, caught, and made commodities. Tune in each month to see how an N.C. commodity is grown, harvested, packed for consumer use and more. Learn nutritional value, find fun recipes to try, hear from local chefs who use that product, and other unique commodity facts throughout the series. We look forward to helping you better understand some of our N.C. commodities and how they impact your everyday lives!
Apple season brings many delicious treats and fun family adventures into play at farms across our state, including Sky Top Orchard in Zirconia. From their u-pick operation to family-friendly events and activities, Sky Top Orchard is a great place to enjoy apple season this fall!
In the 1960’s, Everette Butler purchased the land the orchard now sits on after moving his family from Florida to the N.C. mountains. “My grandfather, Everette, used to bring his children, including my dad, David, to the N.C. mountains for summer camp each year,” said Margaret Butler. “After falling in love with the area, he decided to move his family here and start the apple orchard.” In 1967, the Butler family planted their first apple trees on the property, which encompassed nearly 70 acres. “Apple trees were always a passion for my grandfather,” Margaret said. “In turn, it became a passion for my father, David, as well, which eventually led him to take over the farm.” Today, David and Lindsey Butler own and operate over 120 acres of land at Sky Top Orchard, with over 65 of those acres belonging to the apple orchard. Margaret recently moved back to the farm to work alongside her parents. “I’ve loved this orchard ever since I was a little girl,” she said. “Even though I went off on my own for a while, the farm always called to me, begging me to come home.”
The Butler family raises 25 varieties of apples at the orchard each fall, including Honey Crisp, Candy Crisp, Pink Lady, and Cameo. In addition to apples, they grow yellow free-stone peaches, Asian pears, sour cherries, and concord grapes. “Although all of our apples are delicious, the Honey Crisp are without a doubt our best seller,” Margaret said. “People come from all overlooking for the Honey Crisp variety, or a variation of it.” In 1980, the family started offering U-Pick Apples alongside their pre-picked buckets, which ultimately opened the door for the thriving agritourism business they have today.
From mid-July through December 1st, Sky Top Orchard offers a variety of events for families and friends to enjoy together on the farm. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. after the fall time change, the orchard provides a peaceful and nostalgic atmosphere to make lasting memories on the farm. “Our desire is to have people come and enjoy a full day on the farm, which is why we offer pick-your-own produce, a hayride around the orchard, an apple cannon, a bee train for kids, an animal barn, gem mining and so much more,” Margaret said. For families participating in the pick-your-own apples, the Butler family allows you to start wherever you like in the orchard and enjoy! “We want our customers to get the full experience on the farm, so we don’t drop them off at a specific location,” she said. “We do, however, give them tips for picking the best apples, including (1) looking for apples near the outside of the tree limbs first, (2) picking apples with a deep, bright color, and (3) lifting the apple up off the branch instead of tugging it down.” All activities at Sky Top Orchard are a la carte, so groups can choose which activities they would like to participate in.
In addition to their fun farm activities, Sky Top Orchard is also well-known for their apple treats available at their Farm Market on-site. “My dad, David, has been making apple cider since the farm opened, so he knows the exact blend needed to make each batch delicious,” Margaret said. “We offer hot and frozen apple cider, hard cider, and slushies.” Apple cider is also used to make their famous Apple Cider Donuts daily during the fall season! “Everyone always asks us what the secret is to making our donuts, and I honestly tell them it’s the cider,” Margaret said. “My mom and dad created the recipe for these donuts around the apple cider, and that shows in each batch made.” Apple Cider Donuts are made daily during the fall agritourism season and feature a cinnamon sugar glaze on top. They can be purchased individually, by half dozen, or by the dozen. The Farm Market also offers fresh produce, jams, jellies, apple butter, pies, honey and more!
Although they are in their mid-seventies, David and Lindsey can be found at the orchard every day. “They still love to farm and help around the orchard,” Margaret said. “My dad continues to make apple cider and donuts, alongside my mom, as well as help in the fields and with the agritourism activities. It’s an honor to work alongside them and learn all that they do to make this place a continual success.” Be sure to visit Sky Top Orchard this fall to create lasting memories with your friends and family. According to Margaret, “agritourism teaches invaluable lessons about the food chain, farm life, agriculture, etc., so take the opportunity to immerse yourself and create core memories on the farm.” We are so proud of all that they are doing to further our state’s agriculture industry and can’t wait to see where the future continues to take them!
