Indigo Blue

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Fall in the foothills of South Carolina is truly a spectacular time of year. The autumn breeze greets the vibrant October hues like two friends who haven’t seen each other in a while. Maxi and I recently made a trip to four of western York County’s best fall destinations. We left Greenville on a splendid late October afternoon. Halloween was just around the corner. The anticipation of this exciting fall holiday filled the autumn air. This was our second visit to York County for Indigo Blue. We visited several places that provide good clean fun for families and groups of all ages. Our adventures took us to Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill, The Peach Tree Orchards, Kings Mountain National Military Park and Kings Mountain State Park. We had experienced both Kings Mountain parks before, but not during the time of year where hardwoods are set ablaze with a bright palette of colors. We were looking forward to our trip to one of the Upcountry’s most historical and naturally beautiful counties.

     The trip from Greenville to York consists mostly of freeway travel along Interstate 85 North. The big finale here is an eighteen mile straightaway through the country on SC Hwy. 5. The hustle and bustle of I-85 includes a splendid view of one of South Carolina’s most recognizable sites, the Gaffney Peachoid. Just before you enter the town limits of York you will see the sign to Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill on the left. Windy Hill Orchard is a family run business, founded by Fritz and Catherine Gusmer. Windy Hill is South Carolina’s only working orchard and cider mill. There are many activities at the orchard that are sure to please the whole family. Apple picking is permitted from early September through mid-October. You are welcome to pick your own apples here at Windy Hill for five dollars a bag. Other activities at Windy Hill Orchard include hay rides, educational farm tours and stories from “Johnny Appleseed”. The store at Windy Hill sells everything from apple cider to fried pies. The orchard is also known for their Apple Butter and Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce. Don’t forget to try the enticing cider doughnuts if you have a sweet tooth! Windy Hill also houses small farm animals here. We saw two tiny piglets that were absolutely adorable. Children enjoy the interaction with these residents of the orchard. The Apple Harvest Festival is held each October at Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill. This has been a York County favorite for nearly two decades. The orchard is open to the public from August through December.

     We departed Windy Hill and headed toward another favorite local orchard. This orchard is home to South Carolina’s signature fruit, the peach. The Peach Tree Orchards is located four miles north of York in the community of Filbert. This location makes you feel like you are getting away from it all. Both sides of the road reminded me why I love the rolling hills of the Carolina Piedmont. Minutes later we arrived at this revered York County landmark. The Peach Tree Orchards is everything you remember about America before cell phones and navigation systems became necessities. The Smith Family has owned this York County treasure since the 1960’s. Merwyn and Ben Smith, Jr. take great pride in their work. The staff here will charm you with a sweet drawl and Southern Hospitality. The peach orchards here span 125 acres and produce 25 different types of peaches. You are welcome to pick your own peaches when they are in season.

    The heart of the property is the place to explore the general store and ice cream parlor. They sell assorted jams, jellies and vegetables at the store. If you make your visit in October you can buy various sizes of pumpkins and gourds. On our trip we bought an attractive white “ghost” pumpkin. The ice cream parlor at The Peach Tree is a hit. Visitors young and old roam the property with smiles (and ice cream) on their faces. The varieties here include the Andes Candies Sundae, the Tangy Sherbet Float and the classic Peach Milkshake. We watched parents outside playfully chasing their kids through the hay bail maze in front of the general store. The Peach Tree truly epitomizes family fun. The sun shared its rays of light with the orange pumpkins and patchwork scarecrows on this beautiful autumn afternoon. We could have spent hours here at the Peach Tree, but it was time to head to Kings Mountain National Military Park. The Peach Tree Orchards is a stop that you don’t want to miss when passing through York County.

     The drive from FiIbert to Kings Mountain State and National Parks is breathtaking in the fall. Kings Mountain National Park looks like it belongs in the historical drama “The Patriot”. The fall scenery here is something you simply have to experience for yourself. It also benefits one to come in October for the authenticity of the battle. The “Gettysburg of the Revolution” was fought here on October 7, 1780. This was not a fight that pitted American Patriots against British Redcoats. This was a skirmish fought mostly between Patriots and Loyalists. The Tories were led by Major Patrick Ferguson, a Scottish gentleman that Redcoats and Loyalists both admired. Ferguson and Captain Abraham DePeyster would lead them into battle. This was a fight that the Continentals were well prepared for. They were led by Isaac Shelby, John Sevier, Benjamin Cleveland and James Williams, among others. Patriot forces crushed the Loyalists here in a battle that only lasted 65 minutes.

    After the Continental Army plowed through Loyalist lines time and again the Tories gave their signal of surrender. Unfortunately, bad blood from the past had reached its boiling point. Patriot forces remembered the Waxhaw Massacre of May 1780. In that gruesome battle Banastre Tarleton and his dragoons gave little mercy to Abraham Buford’s men. At first they were reluctant to take any prisoners, repeatedly shouting “Give them Tarleton’s quarter!” The battle quickly became a bloodbath. After a second attempt by the Loyalists to surrender, the Patriots finally held their fire. When the smoke cleared the tattered Continentals had found themselves victorious in the most pivotal battle our young nation had ever seen. The difference in casualties between the two armies was staggering. The Loyalists suffered 1,100 losses including those killed, wounded or captured. The most notable loss was the gallant Patrick Ferguson. Major Ferguson was shot out of the saddle, receiving between eight to twelve musket shots to the body. His corpse was found later stripped and mistreated. Patriot casualties totaled less than 100. One of the Patriots killed in the battle was a brave South Carolinian, Colonel James Williams. The Battle of Kings Mountain was a great victory in the pursuit of liberty, yet many lives were lost. Through all these trials America was squarely on the cusp of being an independent nation. Thanks should be given to those who gave their lives for causes they believed in at Kings Mountain. We gave them a salute as we headed next door to Kings Mountain State Park.

    Kings Mountain State Park is one of South Carolina’s oldest state parks. This park, known for its deep woods and rugged hills, was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Carolina residents have enjoyed this rustic state park for many years. Kings Mountain has many attractions that keep visitors of all ages entertained. The most memorable attraction at the park is the Living History Farm. This farm is a splendid reproduction of an early 19th Century Carolina Piedmont Farm. Here you will find buildings that authenticate rural life from past generations. Some of these buildings include a cotton gin, blacksmith shop and a barn. A late October afternoon spent here is pure bliss. The grass here is emerald green. The mountains present a lovely background to this old standby. The animals here don’t seem to mind visitors at all. We thoroughly enjoyed petting the old barn cats. One particular tabby cat seemed to pose for Maxi as her picture was taken. The horses came right up to the fence so we could get a closer look at them. Being from the city, I was in awe of this laid back atmosphere and way of life. The living history farm was closing for the day so we made our way to the car. We said our goodbyes to all the animals in hopes of seeing them in years to come.

    There are many other activities that make Kings Mountain State Park popular for Upcountry South Carolinians. Avid fishermen will enjoy wetting a hook on the parks two lakes. Lake York encompasses approximately 65 acres, while Lake Crawford’s size is only a fraction of its counterpart. Some of the fish you may catch here include bass, bream, crappie and catfish. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the many miles of trails at KMSP for walking and horseback riding. The park features a 1.5 mile nature trail for the casual stroll, while the more experienced hiker will enjoy the park’s sixteen mile loop. There are rustic group cabins at Camp Cherokee and Camp York. Both camps can accommodate over 100 people. The camps are equipped with a mess hall and clean bathhouse. Tent and RV Camping are also permitted at the park. Reservations can be made by phone or by the parks website. Private boats are not allowed at either lake, but small non-motorized fishing boats can be rented for $20. Pedal boats and canoes can be rented on a seasonal basis at Lake Crawford. Picnic areas and shelters allow for families to get together for reunions or birthdays. Another interesting activity at the park is the annual fall festival. This reflection on the past is held at the Living History Farm in mid-October. Historical interpreters demonstrate 19th Century crafts and trades, while vendors and hayrides keep children’s attention spans buzzing for hours. Standing tall like the forest that surrounds her borders, Kings Mountain State Park has given a lifetime of smiles to all that experience her rugged charm. We enjoyed everything she had to offer at every turn. I hope she continues to share her beauty with us for many years to come.

    We left Kings Mountain State Park as the autumn sun began its descent. Stray leaves began to fall from the trees as we drove down the lonely road that exited the park. It was a day that exceeded our lofty expectations. Thoreau and Frost would have enjoyed this day immensely. We began our trek down I-85 on our way back to Greenville. I thought to myself, this is what fall is all about. This is a yearly pilgrimage that any family would thoroughly enjoy. This is South Carolina.

To see photos of our trip to Kings Mountain National Military Park, The Peach Tree Orchards and Windy Hill Orchard please click on the York County gallery HERE

To see photos of our trip to Kings Mountain State Park please click HERE

For more information on Windy Hill Orchard please visit their web site at www.windyhillorchard.com, or call them directly at (803) 684-0690

For more information on The Peach Tree Orchards please visit their website at www.thepeachtreeorchards.com, or call them directly at (803) 684-9996.

For more information on Kings Mountain National Military Park please visit their website at www.nps.gov/kimo/, or call them directly at (864) 936-7921.

For more information on Kings Mountain State Park please visit their website at www.southcarolinaparks.com or call them directly at (803) 222-3209.

Admission to Kings Mountain SP- Adults- $2.00      SC Seniors- $1.25      Kids 15 & Under-FREE

INDIGO BLUE NOTES: John Crockett, father of Davey Crockett, fought for the Patriot side in the Battle of Kings Mountain. Colonel James Williams of Laurens County, mortally wounded at the Battle of King’s Mountain, was given the rank of Brigadier General by Governor John Rutledge. An interesting fact I found on the National Parks website tells you how Patriots and Loyalists told each other apart in the battle. “The Patriots wore white paper in their hats, the Loyalists used a pine sprig in their hats.” Lastly, all Americans should thank Patrick Ferguson for his ethical behavior as a soldier. Before the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, Ferguson and his sharp shooters were scouting Patriot lines when they spotted a French Officer and a Continental Army Officer. The Continental Officer happened to be General George Washington.  Though Ferguson did not know the identity of Washington, he and his men could have killed the “Father of our Country” with ease. Ferguson stuck to his code of ethics, vowing not to shoot an enemy officer in the back. Without the leadership of George Washington, American History would be missing its most vital link.