Fun Fact: In days past wealthy SC residents would flock to Flat Rock NC in the summertime. Therefore Flat Rock is known as “Little Charleston of the Mountains”.
I’ve been to Flat Rock more times than I can count and I’ve never heard this but I’m also not wealthy or from SC so there ya go. Here’s to learning something new every day!
Flat Rock is…
~3 hours west of Charlotte
~45 min south of Asheville
~1 hour north of Greenville SC
The post office has been in existence since 1829. Flat Rock is now home to roughly 3500 residents.
Flat Rock is an easy day trip for us, which is why it’s been a prime destination for several school field trips over the years.
Jump Ahead…
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Sky Top Orchard
The approach road to sky top has never been my favorite, it’s 4 miles of winding curves but the payoff is worth it. Views, apples, & doughnuts!
Sky Top Orchard makes for a great family-friendly adventure for every one in your group. One group visiting had CUSTOM apple-picking group shirts made for thier adventure. That’s a bit much for me, but who am I to talk?! I’ve been part of group T-shirts for more things than I care to admit. I looked over at my husband and reminded him that things could always be worse!
Things to Do
Doughnuts
This should be the first place you visit at Sky Top. Just FYI…CASH ONLY! The line is always long but moves pretty quickly. If you are wondering whether you should get a dozen or half, get the dozen! I could not believe my family of four devoured them. These are those warm, made fresh, mountain apple doughnuts, if you’ve never tried them you are missing out.
Store
You can’t have a snack without a drink. Therefore head inside for cider made your way…slushie, cold, or hot. If you are here to pig out like we were then grab a pie and caramel apple when you pay. If you are not one to carry much cash then make sure you purchase vouchers for the apple cannon, bee train, hay ride, and U-pick at checkout.
U-Pick
Once you check out head to the u pick line. It’s always fun to hand-pick your own apples. Check the website to see what is currently pickable. Grab a wagon and head on your way. If this isn’t your style, bagged apples are available by the bushels and the pecks in the store.
On one visit, I was so excited to hand pick the most unique apple I’d ever seen, as I was jumping back on the wagon a worker quickly informed me it was a “no-no” that I had picked a pear! Yup, I’m incompetent, but what else is new?
Playground
As you head out from under the barn you will see there are plenty of picnic benches to enjoy your apple-themed snacks and drinks. If you need more than a snack visit Top Dogs, located beside the playground.
If you have little ones this is a great time to let them play and swing on the tiny playgrounds. My kids are too old for them now, I had no idea then that those were the easy days!
Hay Ride
Is it even a farm if you don’t take a hay ride? As you exit the barn, towards the parking lots you will see the line. Jump on and enjoy a bumpy cruise around the apple orchard.
Bee Train
If you’re looking for something a little different try the bee train. It’s for all ages, my youngest didn’t want to go alone so I jumped in. It was very dusty but I was pleasantly surprised by how comfy it was. The bees are crafted from plastic barrels. I’ve ridden a farm train made of metal barrels and let me tell you…You feel EVERY.SINGLE.BUMP.
Gem Mine
As you head thru the apple trees towards the lake you will come up on the cutest little gem mine. Remember to grab your vouchers in the main barn. Cash Only!
Apple Cannon
As you continue down the path you will run into the BEST PART of the whole farm! This was worth every dollar, I mainly just watched my kids’ blast apples into the targets and it was fun!
Animal Barn
Don’t leave without checking out all the cute little animals. Fat little billy goats, swans, peacocks, and more!
Make sure you enjoy the Sky Top views before jumping back into your car. That’s one of the best parts of this orchard.
Our next destination was the Carl Sandburg House. On the way, you will travel through the quaint little town of Flat Rock. If you didn’t overstuff on apple doughnuts this is a great place to pull in for lunch.
Hubba Hubba Smokehouse
If you come on a beautiful day like us, stop here for BBQ in an outdoor setting. Prepare your mind for crowds because I can promise you everyone will have the same idea as you.
Campfire Grill
Right next door, is this little restaurant that specializes in wood-fired food. Have you tried the smores skillets yet?!
The Wrinkled Egg
This sounds like an amazing breakfast spot, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not and I know I can’t be the only one who thinks that when they hear the name. Despite the initial disappointment, this little shop is worth a browse. Perfect place to kill time while you wait on a table.
Carl Sandburg Home
Just minutes down the road is this Historical Site. Who is Carl Sandburg you ask? Good question. As my tween begrudgingly hiked towards the house she informed me that no one knew or cared who Carl Sandburg was. Well, she was right about one thing, I had no idea who he was but this is why we came. To LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY.
Carl has received 3 Pulitzer Prizes, 2 for poetry & 1 for being Abraham Lincolns Biographer. When she wins Final Jeporday one day she can thank me for dragging her here!
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, NC 28731
Parking
- Main Parking: Limited and due to the bridge being out convenient to where the shuttle picks you up. With the detour, it is a .5-mile walk to the house. Make sure you grab a picture with official park sign located at the road.
- Flat Rock Playhouse: Perfect if you are visiting before noon, be careful because they don’t mind towing you.
- Hikers Parking(1928 Little River Road): This is still .4 miles from the house down a gravel drive.
- Behind Flat Rock Village Offices(110 Village Center Drive): 5-10 minute walk to Main Parking.
Restrooms
As you walk towards the house there are restrooms conveniently located near the Main Parking Lot. Miraculously I did not need to use them, but those of you with tiny bladders will appreciate this. As you head down the trail make sure you grab your unigrid & trails map.
Getting to the House
Hiking to the house is a great option if you’re able. If I would have thought it thru we would have taken the shuttle. My youngest was miserable and complaining the whole time. She hates to hike and said I tricked her into it! Oops!
Tour the House
If you want to see the interior of the house with your own eyes then its best to reserve tickets weeks in advanced. Only about 18 tickets are available each day.
Self-Guided Tour
If tickets are unavailable there is still plenty to do, including an audio tour. Play the narration available online at each numbered stop on the grounds. Also available online is a virtual tour.
Visitors Center
Located under the front steps of the house. The VC is small and holds a souvenir shop, a small desk that invites everyone to “write just like Carl”, and a cancellation station. As I approaced the desk the ranger asked if I was a “Master Stamper”, if so she would pull out the extra stamps. I wouldn’t say I was a master but I sure do strive to be, bring on the extra stamps!!
If you want to know what my tween really thinks just zoom into her letter
At each park I collect a picture with the official sign ✅, a unigrid✅, the cancellation for my National Parks Passport Book✅, check out the visitors center✅, and we do an activity. In this case we did an unplanned hike to the house and we explored the grounds✅.
My youngest likes to play ‘find Waldo’ in our official signs family photos.
Other Notable Stops
- A short video is available on loop in garage
- Small museum inside the Goat House
- Grab a brush on your way in to see the goats
- Look for Abe(of course this is his name), the resident cat. He is super sweet and loves for you to pet him.
North Carolina has so much to offer, it’s no surprise more and more people are moving here everyday. Whether you’re just here for the day or you’re planning on staying a while I hope you enjoy your time here. Hopefully this posts helps you plan you’re next great adventure.
So until next time…Keep Adventuring! 💜
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