YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Just over a year after a hailstorm wiped out nearly all of their apple crop, the owners of Windy Hill Orchard are celebrating a much sweeter season.
On April 20, 2024, co-owner Matthew Gusmer says a massive storm that rolled through the area left the orchard nearly destroyed.
“In about 20 minutes, we lost probably about 80-90% of our apple crop,” Gusmer explained.
With most of the fruit gone and thousands of dollars in losses, the team had to get creative to keep the business running.
“We started the hayrides earlier and had our pumpkin patch just to bring people out to the farm,” Gusmer said. “Obviously, can’t replace the apple crop though – but every little thing we do helps.”
This year, things look very different. After months of replanting and care, Windy Hill’s trees are once again full of ripe fruit.
“This year we’re excited to have some good fruit back on the trees,” Gusmer said. “As you get higher up in the trees, you see more of the color starting to form.”
Visitors say they’re happy to see the orchard thriving again.
“I’ve been coming out here since I was little, and I used to like riding the tractor,” said Ella Burns, a frequent visitor. “It was kind of sad [last year], but it’s fun to see all of the apples and get to pick it.”
Now, the farm stand is stocked with fresh apples, homemade cider, and local products.
Windy Hill Orchard will stay open through Christmas, giving families plenty of time to enjoy hayrides, apple picking, and other activities before the season ends.
Contact Anna King at aking2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
