Fall mountain adventures: Apple picking in Hendersonville, NC

There's nothing like a fall weekend in the mountains. Last October, we rented a house in Montreat, NC, with two of my sisters and their families. This year, we stayed at the new, woodsy, mountainside home of my Asheville sister. One highlight of the weekend—besides my brother-in-law's amazing Indian cooking—was apple picking. We chose Stepp's Hillside Orchard in Hendersonville, NC, because it sounded low-key and offered a mountain view. And it delivered. (As did the apple cider donuts we picked up at a farm stand down the road.)

The clouds hung low and rain pounded the windshield as we drove to the orchard. But while we unloaded the car, the rain stopped, the clouds began to disperse and the mountains emerged. In an instant, it became a perfect fall day—damp and cool and filled with vibrant colors.

The girls were in heaven racing through the rows of trees to find different types of apples. They'd each pick an apple, take one bite and throw it in the basket. You've got to test the goods before buying, right?

Did I mention the orchard grows grapes, too? They were quite popular with the littles.

Traveling with your family over the holidays? Click here to read my tips for flying with young kids. Click here for more adventure ideas.