Early fall is for apple picking and Wheeler’s Orchard is the only local orchard near Chattanooga where you can pick your own apples.
Did you know that most apple varieties are ready for picking in early September? There are just a couple weeks left to get out and enjoy apple picking for yourself at Wheeler’s Orchard. And if you miss out on the apple picking fun, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of apples for sale, apple products, and other fun to enjoy here. Keep reading to learn more about this Tennessee apple picking orchard.
What Is Wheeler’s Orchard?
Wheeler’s Orchard was born in the late 1970s when Wade Wheeler bought the 50-acre farm on Fredonia Mountain. He moved his wife and nine children from Chattanooga to the farm. The land had an old apple orchard that the family decided to restore and plant new apple trees in.
Today the orchard is managed by Wade’s children and grandchildren. They still have the original orchard, although this is changing (keep reading to learn more), a vineyard full of a variety of grapes, a plant nursery, and a shop where you’ll find apple products such as their raw apple ciders and juices.
Wheeler’s Orchard has always been dedicated to being a sustainable farm. That is, they are careful to care for the plants, ground, animals, and people by not using harsh chemicals and keeping their processes as organic as possible.
Why Perfectly Imperfect Apples Are Best
Since Wheeler’s Orchard cultivates their produce with natural processes, their apples are not picture perfect. Some apples have bumps and spots while others attract small insects who take a bite or two. But these blemishes do not make these apples inedible. Quite the contrary, these apples are better than anything you can buy in the store. Although the store-bought apples are presentation ready, they are not as healthy as these naturally grown apples. Wheeler’s apples aren’t loaded with chemicals or covered in wax to be shiny. They are purely natural, the way God intended. So, if you’re looking for a healthy, good for you, tasty, all-natural apple, Wheeler’s Orchard is the place for you.
What’s Happening to the Original Apple Orchard?
Currently Wheeler’s Orchard is transitioning from the old orchard across the street where the trees are dying out from old age. Instead of replacing the trees on this property, they are developing a new orchard nearby the store. This new orchard will be larger but will take about five years to fully grow and be open to the public for apple picking.
Is Apple Picking Still Available?
During this transition, apple picking is still available on Saturdays only. However, it is not at this same orchard. You must first go to Wheeler’s Orchard to pay and pick out any other goodies you want to take home. They will give you a bag for picking, either half a peck or a whole peck, whichever you choose. Then you’ll get directions to the picking orchard. It’s about a twenty-minute drive north of Wheeler’s Orchard, but it’s a beautiful scenic drive through the countryside.
Once you arrive, be sure to drive down the dirt and gravel driveway into the orchard behind the house. There you’ll find a place to park and be greeted by the people working at this location. Listen carefully to their instructions about what to pick and what not to pick. Apples come in different varieties that are ripe at different times of the year. So even though an apple may look ripe, if it’s one that’s not ready until October, you will not be wanting to pick it.
When is Apple Picking Season?
This year, there’s only a week or two left for apple picking. Most of the trees in this orchard are ready in September so they have been mostly picked already. Before you make plans to visit for apple picking, double check by calling the shop to see if this activity is still available. You can find their hours and phone number on their website.
Why Should I Visit Wheeler’s Orchard?
Even if apple picking season is over, there’s still apples available for purchase at the shop as well as other locally made products. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the property. Walk through the flower garden where you’ll see butterflies and beautiful flowers. Check out the plant nursery and find a new plant to take home. Visit the farm animals and feed them old apple scraps. There are still activities to enjoy on a lovely fall day here on Fredonia Mountain.
Come earlier in the year to enjoy blueberries and grapes, July through August. About mid-August the apples start coming in. So, I would say late August is the best time to visit Wheeler’s Orchard and get the most out of your visit. Of course, call beforehand to make sure they have what you’re looking for available.
Tips for Apple Picking at Wheeler’s Orchard
The current orchard for picking at has European hornets. But don’t let these huge bugs scare you. Although they look fierce, they are not aggressive. In fact, the family told me that they’ve been picking from this orchard for years and have never been attacked by them. The only thing you need to be careful of is if they are eating an apple, which is common. They may be on the backside of the apple that you can’t see. So carefully turn the apple around before picking it to make sure it’s bug-free.
Despite what you may think, Wheeler’s Orchard’s busiest hours are right when they open in the morning. So, if you want to avoid the crowds, go in the early afternoon instead. Again, please call before you go to make sure there is still apple picking available. Or if you’re looking for specific apple types, they’ll be able to tell you if they have them available on tree, in store, or both.
On the Way Back to Chattanooga
On your drive back to town, stop by the Cookie Jar Cafe for a post-apple picking dinner. This homestyle, southern comfort food is the perfect way to end your day. I got the grilled meatloaf with pinto beans and turnip greens, and it was delicious. Adam also enjoyed his Saturday special of pork barbeque with mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and green beans.
When you’re done eating go and check out the rest of the property behind the restaurant. They have animals and playgrounds for the kids.
Grab a cupcake (or four) for the road. We decided to get the butter pecan cupcake and it was amazing! We stopped at the Highway 111 Overlook and enjoyed the sunset with our dessert before heading back home. This was the perfect ending to a fun, fall day in the countryside.
Closing Thoughts
Wheeler’s Orchard has always been a family business and now it is growing into something even bigger and better. I will share new additions and updates with you here over the years as things evolve. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.
Be sure to watch the video where Adam gets to pick apples for the first time, and we get to try the Cookie Jar Cafe for the first time. A lot of firsts in this video to inspire you to get out and try them too.
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve visited Wheeler’s Orchard before or if you’ve been apple picking. I’d love to know your thoughts! Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt.
