How long should I spend at Carver's Orchard?

Plan on 1-2 hours minimum - that includes your meal plus time to browse the market and walk the orchard. If there's a wait, add extra time, but the porch swings make it pleasant.

Is Carver's Orchard good for kids?

Absolutely! Kids love the orchard, the porch swings while waiting, and the servers often offer little snacks. The market has caramel apples and candy that'll keep them happy too.

Is there parking at Carver's Orchard?

Yes, but it's limited and fills up fast on busy days. We've had to park along the road during peak fall weekends, so arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit.

When is apple picking season at Carver's Orchard?

Fall is peak season for u-pick apples, typically September through October. With 126 varieties, different apples ripen at different times throughout the season.

What's the best food to order at Carver's Orchard?

The chicken and dumplings are what we always get - they're famous for a reason. The grilled pork chops and fried chicken with homemade mashed potatoes are also top choices.

Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant

Duration

1-2 hours (longer with wait times on busy days)

Best For

Families with kids who love farm experiences • Couples seeking scenic mountain dining • Apple lovers and fall foliage enthusiasts

Pro Tip

Call ahead to put your name on the waiting list, then browse the market and walk the orchard while you wait - it makes the time fly by.

About Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant

Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant combines authentic mountain dining with a working apple orchard, creating one of Cosby's most distinctive food destinations. Set on 70 acres with 40,000 apple trees, this family-owned establishment serves up hearty portions of Southern comfort food with orchard views from every table.

The restaurant's signature chicken and dumplings draw locals and tourists alike, served alongside crispy fried apples and real mashed potatoes. Every meal includes drinks and dessert in the price, making it an excellent value for families. The portions are generous enough that many guests take leftovers home.

Weekend visitors should plan for wait times up to an hour, especially during peak lunch hours and autumn apple season. The covered porch offers comfortable swings where kids can play while parents enjoy the orchard scenery during the wait.

Before or after your meal, browse the market section for fresh-picked apples, homemade apple butter, and seasonal produce. Fall visitors can participate in apple picking, though availability depends on the season and weather conditions.

Operating Thursday through Sunday, Carver's requires some advance planning. Most visitors spend about two hours here between dining and exploring the grounds. The restaurant's location in Cosby puts it slightly off the main tourist path, which helps maintain its authentic local atmosphere.

Pro tip: If you're visiting during apple season (typically September-October), arrive early and bring a cooler for taking home fresh apples and preserves. The market's apple products make popular gifts and souvenirs that actually taste like the mountains.

Last updated: February 21, 2026 • Based on 3,655 reviews

Amenities & Features

Apple fritters that reviewers call 'the star of the show' and cake donuts with apple butterHome-style comfort food including chicken and dumplings, fried pork chops with apples, and surprisingly excellent chicken tendersOn-site produce market and candy shop with wide variety of apples to browseReasonable prices and fair portions for the quality

Don't Miss

70-Acre Apple Orchard

Walking through 40,000 apple trees with 126 different varieties is pretty magical, especially in fall. The views from the dining room windows overlook the orchard, and during harvest season you can pick your own apples.

Famous Chicken and Dumplings

This is what everyone raves about, and honestly, we get it every single time. The dumplings are fluffy, the chicken is tender, and it comes with those addictive fried apples and homemade mashed potatoes.

Country Store and Market

The attached market is packed with homemade apple butter, jams, caramel apples, and fresh produce. We always grab a few jars of apple butter and whatever seasonal treats they have available.

Porch Swing Waiting Area

Even the wait is part of the charm here. The front porch has swings where families hang out while waiting for tables, and it's actually pretty relaxing with the mountain views.

Seasonal U-Pick Apples

Fall brings the best experience when you can wander the orchard and pick your own apples. With so many varieties, you'll find types you've never heard of before.

Homemade Apple Desserts

The fried apple hand pies and apple fritters are incredible, though they often sell out on busy days. Everything's made fresh, and dessert comes included with your meal.

Know Before You Go

Parking is limited - arrive early or be ready to park along the road
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the orchard paths
They accept both cash and cards
Fall weekends get extremely busy - weekdays are much calmer
The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with handicap parking available

Opening Hours

MondayClosed

TuesdayClosed

WednesdayClosed

Thursday11 AM to 5 PM

Friday11 AM to 5 PM

Saturday11 AM to 5 PM

Sunday11 AM to 5 PM

Best Times to Visit Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant

For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.

🔥Buzzing

Friday & Saturday evenings

☀️Relaxed

Early dinner 4PM - 5:30PM

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant?

They're closed Monday through Wednesday. Thursday through Saturday they're open 11 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday 8 AM to 5 PM. The orchard itself is open year-round, but restaurant hours are seasonal.

How much does Carver's Orchard cost?

There's no admission fee for the orchard or market. Restaurant meals run about $$ range and include drinks and dessert with your entree, making it a solid value for the quality and portions.

Do I need reservations for Carver's Orchard?

They don't take traditional reservations, but you can call ahead to get on the waiting list. We highly recommend this, especially on weekends when waits can exceed an hour.